Mouthguards went in. Gloves were tightened. Partners were chosen.
Leo tried to avoid Marcus's gaze.
It didn't work.
"Leo," Marcus called. "You're with me."
Leo's face went pale.
Sarah glanced toward Marcus. "Maybe pair him with someone closer to his level."
Marcus smiled without warmth.
"How else will he improve?"
Leo stepped forward.
Elias leaned slightly forward on the bench.
He still said nothing.
The first exchange was controlled.
The second was harder.
By the third, Marcus had stopped treating it like practice.
Chapter 3 — When Sparring Stops Being Practice
Marcus struck faster than Leo expected.
Leo blocked one shot and retreated from another. His breathing became uneven.
"Don't run," Marcus snapped.
Leo tried to reset.
Marcus pressured him again.
A kick knocked Leo off balance. Before the teenager could fully recover, Marcus rushed in with another combination.
"Stay up!"
Leo raised his guard.
The attack kept coming.
Around the mat, several students had stopped moving. Everyone knew what was happening, but nobody wanted to be the next person to challenge Marcus.
Elias's expression remained calm.
Marcus swept Leo's legs.
Leo fell hard.
"Get up."
Leo tried.
His knee buckled.
"I said get up."
Sarah took a step forward.
"Marcus, he's hurt."