RECKONINGS AND RIVALRIES

Rick, Esosa and Faux stood at the entrance to the hospital like guards, and Rick was their leader.

He stared at Maximus and said calmly.

"I hope I'm not interrupting... anything."

Maximus's demeanor shifted—from cool and calm to cold-blooded, like a killer ready to strike.

The tension in the room was off the charts.

It felt like a standoff between Maximus and Rick.

They glared at each other viciously, like they were a second away from filling each other with holes.

"Do they have issues with each other?" Scott thought.

After a brief pause, Rick said.

"Maximus, good to see you, how are you?"

Maximus smiled calmly before answering, "I was under the impression I told the nurses no one enters while I'm in this room."

Rick, unfazed, replied, "According to my information, you were just leaving, and Maximus don't forget, I rank higher than you."

"Ho.., sure you are, na.no soldier," he said with a snarky edge.

"I'm sure you're happy, since you got everything you wanted."

Rick took a deep breath, his face heavy with sorrow.

"Listen," he continued in a low voice.

"It's.. been 15 years, I've told you multiple times I had nothing to do with her—"

But before he could finish, Maximus interrupted.

"You're right.., I was just leaving."

He kept his eyes on the floor as he walked past Esosa and Faux, brushing Faux's shoulder on his way out.

"What's that fucker's problem?" he muttered as Maximus passed through.

Rick stared at the floor, sorrow etched across his face. He exhaled slowly, then straightened, pulling himself together.

He looked up at Scott and said.,

"Evening, cadet, I heard about your exploits. I'll say it's very impressive."

"Thank you sir," Scott replied, smiling.

"I'm sorry.. for being so harsh on you, Scott," Rick said "I never wanted to be that hard on you, you know what we do here is life and death and... I don't want anyone to die unnecessarily.

Scott was surprised he never knew Rick had this side to him.

"I understand, sir. Honestly… if I were you, I wouldn't choose me either."

Rick burst out laughing, clearly surprised by Scott's honesty.

"Haha, we have an honest one here!"

He stopped, smiled softly and extended his hand to Scott.

"Welcome to the team, Scott."

Scott smiled gripping his hand firmly. "The pleasure is all mine."

They had a firm handshake that lasted for a while.

"Okay, Scott. I'm expecting to see you at the next session," Rick said as he headed for the exit, followed closely by Faux.

Esosa trailed behind, walking slowly.

Just before leaving, he shot Scott a cold glare, then disappeared through the door.

"What's his problem?" he muttered, lying back on the hospital bed.

The next day came like a breeze, and Scott was dismissed from the hospital.

He entered a carrier headed for his dorm before getting a call from John.

"Yo, you out?" John's voice came through the phone.

"Yeah, I'm in a carrier now, going home."

"Home?" John asked, baffled, "We've got training today!?"

"Really!?"

"Yes!"

"Stop! Stop the carrier!" He shouted at the AI.

He bolted toward a carrier bound for the training center.

Scott ran as quickly as he could and arrived just in time for training.

"I hope.., I'm not late" Scott said, gasping for air.

Rick looked at him, sternly. "Right on time Scott. If you were a second late... both of us would've had.. problems."

"Ha, ha," Scott chuckled awkwardly.

He looked around, all of the top 5 were present, from 5 to 2.

"Scott, the last time you were here your performance.. was not good. Do you think you can surpass it now?"

"Yes sir," Scott answered boldly.

"Let's see"

He folded his hands and stared Scott with a stern look.

He walked confidently to the weight machine, held the shaft, and with flawless form lifted the weight.

DING.

71 kilograms.

He also attempted the punching machine.

WHAM!

He landed a brutal punch to the machine.

DING!

1000 PSI.

He completed all of the tests with great results.

Rick and the cadets in the top 5 had different reactions.

"Wow, in just two months.." Rick muttered.

"That's my boy," John thought.

"Tch.. I could do that in my sleep," Faux scoffed.

"Trash," Esosa muttered, dismissively and Cherry... she said nothing.

Rick's face beamed with joy. "Congratulations. Scott, on your achievement."

"Thank you, sir." He replied, humbly.

"But you know Scott, although this test confirms the physicality and ability of a person but it doesn't confirm the technique."

"I know, sir, that's why I fought the simulation."

Rick smiled, "True true, but Scott, have you fought a real person?"

He was caught off guard by the question but still he answered, "I've trained with John for a while—."

"But have you fought seriously?" Rick interrupted.

"No.. sir.." Scott replied slowly.

Rick walked toward Scott, then turned to face the rest of the cadets.

"You're going to spar with one of these cadets.. from 4 to 2, I'm not picking John since he might go easy on you."

"Anyone?" Scott cracked his knuckles.

"A.N.Y. ONE." Rick repeated, smirking.

Scott smiled.

He raised his hand slowly… and pointed directly at 002—Esosa olu.

"Wha— Scott, what are you doing?" John thought, concerned.

Esosa froze. He did not expect that. Of all the cadets, Scott challenged him.

At 6'5", Esosa towered over him—stronger, faster, a ranked elite. His eyes widened in disbelief… then narrowed, wild with amusement.

A dangerous grin crept across his face.

"I'm gonna destroy you," he said, voice low and thrilled, like a predator permitted to hunt.

As he headed toward the stage, a hand blocked Esosa from going forward; it was Faux blunt.

"Boss... you don't have to waste your time and energy on this fucker, I'll do it for you." He said angrily.

Esosa paused for a moment, then relaxed. A soft smile touched his lips.

"He's right, trash like this isn't worth my time . That's what dogs are for."

He stepped back, and Faux came forward.

"Captain! This punk isn't worth the boss's time. I'll deal with him."

Rick looked at Esosa and asked, "Is this what you want?"

"Yes, sir," Esosa replied.

He then faced Scott and asked "What about you, do you accept this match?"

"Yes... I mean.." He grinned. You gotta deal with the dog before the master, right?"

Faux, already seething , he said, full of rage.

"Let's go to the ring fucker, let's see how you run your mouth."

They all walked toward the ring at the center of the training hall.

Rick stood inside, acting as the referee, while the rest of the cadets gathered ringside.

Scott and Faux geared up in silence, each headed to their corners respectively, eyes locking occasionally.

Rick raised a hand, signaling them both to approach the center of the ring. He said.

"I'll be officiating this match between 001, Scott McKnight, and 004, Faux Blunt," Rick announced firmly, his voice echoed through the hall.

"This is a spar, not a grudge match. If anyone seriously injures the other, you'll face harsh consequences. Understood?"

Scott answered slowly. "Understood."

Faux smiled and answered."Understood."

"This is a mixed martial arts battle, any martial arts can be used except the deadly types, the winner will be based on points."

He paused for a moment and said, "Take your stance."

They stepped forward,head to head. Faux was fuming, ready to tear Scott apart.

Scott, on the other hand, smiled taunting Faux, making him even angrier.

READY!

FIGHT!