Chapter 69: Chapter 69: Fighting Back
The days after Cole's meeting with Jayden were filled with tension. The underground hadn't made their move yet, but Cole could feel it coming. Every time he stepped into the ring, every time he walked down the street, he could feel their eyes on him. They were watching, waiting, and Cole knew that when they struck, it wouldn't be in the way he expected.
But despite the looming threat, Cole threw himself into his training with renewed determination. The Crucible was still his goal, and he wasn't going to let anyone—especially not the underground—stand in his way. He trained harder than ever, pushing his body to its limits, honing his skills in preparation for the fights ahead.
Lina, Ty, and Zack noticed the change in him. He was more focused, more intense, and while they were proud of his dedication, they were also worried. The pressure was building, and they could see the toll it was taking on him.
"You need to take a break," Lina said one afternoon as she watched Cole spar with one of the trainers. "You're going to burn yourself out."
"I can't afford to take a break," Cole muttered, dodging a punch and countering with a quick jab.
Lina frowned, her arms crossed. "You're pushing yourself too hard, Cole. You've already proven yourself. You don't have to do this alone."
Cole paused, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he looked at her. "I'm not doing it alone. But I can't afford to slow down. Not now."
Lina sighed, her concern evident in her eyes. "Just… be careful, okay? You're not invincible."
Cole nodded, though he knew deep down that he wasn't going to slow down. Not until he had secured his place in the Crucible. Not until he had proven that he could rise above everything the underground was throwing at him.
But as the days passed, the tension only grew. The underground was still out there, still watching, and Cole knew it was only a matter of time before they made their move.
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