Derek didn't understand.

Until he realized what Marcus meant.

Derek always became predictable when he was confident.

CHAPTER 8 — THE LESSON BEHIND THE CHAMPION'S SKILLS

The fight continued.

But something changed.

Derek wasn't controlling the situation anymore.

Marcus was.

Not by force.

By understanding.

Every movement.

Every reaction.

Every mistake.

Marcus saw everything.

Then Derek asked the question nobody expected.

"Why aren't you angry?"

Marcus stopped.

"What?"

"You."

Derek breathed heavily.

"Everyone here gets angry."

Marcus looked around the yard.

Then answered:

"Because anger is easy."

The crowd became quiet.

"Anyone can lose control."

Marcus continued.

"But control is difficult."

Those words stayed with everyone.

Because they explained everything.

Marcus wasn't calm because he was weak.

He was calm because he had spent years learning not to break.

Derek attacked one final time.

This time with everything.

Strength.

Speed.

Pride.

Marcus waited.

Then moved.

One perfect counter.

Derek hit the ground.

Not injured.

Not humiliated.

Just defeated.

For several seconds, nobody spoke.

Then Derek tapped the ground.

The fight was over.