Chương 63: Training Devon

"Do you think Sensei Lawrence's teaching methods are okay?"

In a corner of the gym where Jean Roqua trained students in mixed martial arts, Max was instructing Devon in advanced kicking techniques, her area of expertise.

During their time training together, Max noticed Devon's impressive kicks and decided to help her refine those skills, allowing her to improve rapidly.

Meanwhile, the other students followed Jean's instructions. As an exceptional trainer in combining various martial arts, he was focused on sharpening their combat versatility.

"I won't question someone else's teaching style. I trust Johnny knows what he's doing, especially after seeing how well Miguel turned out." Max raised the pads strapped to his hands as Devon prepared to strike.

Devon unleashed a series of powerful and consistently fast kicks, catching even Jean's attention from across the gym.

"Are you planning to fight again?"

"Are you?"

"Don't be ridiculous. I wouldn't fight, even if I were the best kicker in the valley." Devon shot Max a serious look, but he simply responded with a smile.

Devon dismissed the idea of participating in Ryan's tournaments, where most people only trained for fitness or basic self-defense. The serious fighters were aiming for professional combat sports, but such dreams often bordered on the unrealistic.

Max laughed and added, "It's better to focus on official tournaments. At least in those, we're less likely to get hurt."

Devon's expression shifted, and she resumed kicking the pads, now held higher by Max.

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

Devon's potential as a fighter was clear, but her greatest flaw was her impatience—she wanted results equal to those achieved by people who had been training for years.

Max found her ambition amusing, but other trainers would likely scold her for setting unrealistic goals, despite her talent and drive.

To help Devon build confidence, Max started incorporating Taekwondo techniques into her training, as her attributes made her a natural fit for the sport.

For close combat, he focused on teaching her defensive moves and how to navigate confined spaces effectively. Alongside relentless training sessions, Max also provided Devon with a detailed workout plan that would push her muscles to their limits, promising noticeable strength gains in a short time.

Max didn't shy away from explaining even the smallest details to Devon, who had shown unwavering commitment to her training. Occasionally, Jean, who Max referred to as "a man of few words," would offer guidance as well.

After working on Devon's kicks, Max shifted his focus to his own exercises, concentrating on maintaining his muscle activity.

"Max, up for a sparring match?" Ryan called out, hoping for a chance to fight him. Max had been avoiding sparring lately.

Max shook his head and walked over to his belongings. Suddenly, his phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number.

[The tests have been sent.]

Reading the message, Max's calm demeanor vanished. His mind raced back to a moment from his past, and for a few minutes, everything around him felt dark and heavy.

"I need to confirm this." Max murmured, gripping his phone tightly. Without saying a word, he left the gym.

Everyone noticed his abrupt departure—except Devon, who was busy chatting with Tory, currently practicing karate.