Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Shadows of the Past
Cole couldn't shake Jayden's words, even days after their encounter at the gym. The feeling of being watched, of unseen forces waiting to pull him back into the darkness, had only intensified. Each time he stepped into the ring, every time he won another fight, that weight of anticipation pressed down harder on him. The streets had never truly let him go, and now, as he rose higher, they were threatening to drag him back.
It didn't help that Jayden had been right about one thing: the higher Cole climbed, the more attention he attracted, and not all of it was positive. His victories in the local tournaments had started to make waves, drawing the attention of underground promoters and shady figures who saw him as either a tool or a threat. The lines between legal fights and the underground scene blurred dangerously, and Cole knew he was walking on a razor's edge.
But despite the looming threats, Cole pushed forward. His determination to reach the Crucible remained stronger than ever, and the people around him—Lina, Ty, Zack—gave him the strength to keep going. They had been with him through everything, and now, as his dream seemed closer than ever, they were more supportive than ever.
One evening, after another grueling training session, Cole sat in the back of the gym, catching his breath. His body ached, and the sweat dripped down his face, but he felt good. He was improving with every fight, every day getting closer to the Crucible.
As he wiped the sweat from his brow, Lina appeared at his side, her expression serious.
"Hey," she said softly, sitting down beside him. "You've been quiet lately."
Cole sighed, running a hand through his damp hair. "Just thinking."
"About what?" Lina pressed, her eyes filled with concern.
"Everything," Cole admitted. "Jayden's visit, the people watching me, the fights. It's all getting to me."
Lina frowned. "You know you don't have to do this alone, right? We're here for you."
Cole nodded, but the weight of responsibility still hung over him. "I know. But it's more complicated than that."
Lina didn't say anything for a moment, just watched him with those deep, understanding eyes. Finally, she spoke. "Cole, you've come so far. You've fought through everything life's thrown at you. Don't let them scare you now."
Cole looked at her, feeling a flicker of warmth in his chest. Lina had always been the one who believed in him, even when he didn't believe in himself. Her faith in him had been a constant source of strength, and now, as he faced this new challenge, her words gave him the push he needed.
"I won't," Cole said quietly, his voice filled with resolve. "I'm not backing down."
Lina smiled, her eyes soft. "Good. Because you've got something special, Cole. Don't forget that."
Cole nodded, the tension in his chest easing slightly. He wasn't alone in this. He had his friends, his team, and together, they could face whatever came next.
---
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone