Jack Hayes stepped through the curtain, his face calm but his body tense. His knuckles were taped tight, the faint sting from his previous fights a constant reminder of how much he'd endured. He glanced up at the roaring crowd, then quickly down again, focusing on his breathing. The semi-final. Only two fights left, but it might as well have been a thousand miles.
Victor walked beside him, his voice steady but firm. "Stay smart in there. She's quick. She's precise. You give her even an inch, she's taking it. Stick to the plan. Control the distance. Chop her legs early."
Jack nodded, though his jaw tightened. He didn't need reminding. Facing Lena wasn't just another fight—it was an emotional minefield. He shoved those thoughts aside. The only way out was through.