Chapter 49: Chapter 49: The Invitation
A week later, Cole received the message he had been waiting for: an invitation to a regional tournament. This wasn't just another local event—this was the real deal, a chance to prove himself on a bigger stage and take another step toward the Crucible.
The excitement buzzed through him as he read the details, his heart racing with anticipation. The tournament was being held in a nearby city, and the competition was fierce. Fighters from all over the region were coming to prove themselves, and the stakes were higher than ever.
Cole wasted no time in telling Lina, Ty, and Zack about the opportunity. They were just as excited as he was, their enthusiasm infectious.
"This is it, man!" Ty said, grinning from ear to ear. "This is your shot!"
Zack nodded, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness. "You've been working for this, Cole. You're ready."
Cole smiled, the fire in his chest burning brighter. "I know. I'm going to give it everything I've got."
As the days passed, Cole threw himself into his training with renewed intensity. He knew this tournament was more than just a fight—it was his chance to show the world what he was made of. Every punch, every jab, every round of sparring brought him closer to his goal, and with each passing day, he grew stronger, more focused.
But even as he prepared, the shadow of Jayden's warning lingered in the back of his mind. He knew the people who had controlled the underground fights hadn't forgotten about him. And with his growing success, it was only a matter of time before they made their move.
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