CHAPTER 23

Over the next few days, fighting became my single focus as I trained intensely for a rematch against Egon. I barely glanced at my old phone, ignoring Philippe's check-ins about Gram's health as well as his vague texts. I also strongly ignored Agatha's questions when I constantly went to train. My sessions with Egon entered a stage where I drove myself past the point of exhaustion each time.

Nothing felt hard enough - I added punishing cardio and agility drills outside of our planned strength training. My body rebelled with aches and fatigue, but I pushed even further. Redemption against Egon occupied my every waking thought. I had to be better prepared this time and show that our first bout was a fluke. Only a total win in a rematch would satisfy the competitive flame I had stoked within myself.

My body had become a weapon forged from pure desperation, the soul within consumed by a single driving purpose - to force the respect of others through dominance. Pride and rage-fueled me lon