Damon and James entered the ring, immediately grabbing everyone's attention.
Cameras were all around them, broadcasting the fight live, but there was no commentary.
This made the moment feel strangely close and personal, just two fighters and the silence between them.
Damon and James stared at each other from across the way.
In James's eyes, he saw pure drive.
It wasn't overconfidence or showiness, it was a strong desire.
A strong urge to show he can succeed.
Hunger.
Damon hadn't even used his simulation system for this fight.
He didn't feel the need.
He had observed James's fight the day before, and Victor had already warned him about James's striking power.
But Damon wasn't concerned.
He knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that his power was superior, not just physically, but mentally and strategically.
Yet, staring into James's eyes, Damon felt something unfamiliar stir within him.