MCT_2616

Framed for a crime he didn’t commit, Jasper is thrown into Blackridge Penitentiary—a prison ruled by the strong. Betrayed, beaten, and left for dead, he has one goal: survive, grow stronger, and take revenge.

Under the brutal guidance of Mark Clarin, Jasper transforms. But when he strikes first against Pante nox, the prison’s most feared kingpin, war erupts.

Now, Jasper isn’t just fighting for survival. He’s taking over.

Forged in Chains

Jasper barely had time to react before Mark's fist slammed into his stomach. The impact sent him stumbling back, his breath vanishing in a sharp gasp. Pain flared through his ribs—fresh bruises over old ones.

"What the hell?!" Jasper wheezed, clutching his gut.

Mark loomed over him, unimpressed. "You got a lucky hit on Ragor. That's not skill. That's chance. And chance won't save you in here."

Jasper clenched his fists, anger bubbling beneath the pain. "I fought back. I didn't roll over."

Mark smirked. "And that's why you're still alive. But survival isn't enough. You want strength? Real strength? Then pain is your new teacher."

Jasper took a deep breath, straightening. "Then teach me."

Mark's smirk faded. "No more basic workouts. No more playing defense. From now on, we train for war."

The prison yard became Jasper's new battlefield.

Mark didn't waste time with lectures. Training was brutal, designed to push Jasper past his limits. He threw punches at Jasper, forcing him to dodge—only to punish him when he was too slow. Every mistake earned him a strike. Every hesitation cost him a breath.

"Faster!" Mark barked, swinging again. Jasper barely dodged, but a knee to his ribs sent him sprawling.

Mark stood over him. "This isn't a street fight. There's no ref, no rules. If you're not in control, you're dead."

Jasper spat blood and forced himself back up. His body screamed for rest, but he couldn't stop. He wouldn't stop. He thought of Ben Zemmer. Of Lyme's lifeless body. Of the smirk on Ragor's face.

By the end of the session, Jasper could barely stand. But something inside him had changed. The pain, the exhaustion—it wasn't just suffering. It was fuel.

Mark clapped him on the back. "Not bad. But you're still soft."

Jasper wiped the sweat from his face. "Then make me harder."

Mark's grin was full of something dangerous. "Oh, I will."

From across the yard, Pante nox watched, eyes calculating. And in the shadows of the prison walls, Ragor nursed his wounds, already planning his revenge.

Jasper was learning fast. But Blackridge was watching. And soon, it would test him again.

Lessons in Pain