บท 160: Get in the ring

Roger's phone buzzed with another message from Aiden, but before he could read it, Lucius's commanding voice echoed across the gym.

"Roger!" Lucius barked, his tone sharp and impatient.

Roger snapped to attention, forcing himself to look composed. "Yes, Boss!" he called back, even as his heart pounded in fear.

"Have a duel with me," Lucius demanded, his eyes blazing with anger.

Roger's mouth went dry. "M-me? No, Boss, I mean—" He stumbled over his words, then quickly tried to recover. "I really don't think that's a good idea. Your punches… they're lethal," he added with a nervous chuckle, swallowing hard. His gaze flickered to the side, where the professional boxer who had been sparring with Lucius moments ago was already climbing out of the ring, drenched in sweat.

As the boxer passed Roger, he leaned in and whispered with a knowing smirk, "Your boss is fired up today. Good luck," before leaving without a backward glance.