"You don't have to."
Marcus tossed a spare pair of gloves onto the mat.
"Put them on."
Elias looked at the gloves.
Then at Marcus.
"I don't need them."
Marcus frowned.
"You afraid?"
"No."
"Then fight."
Elias stepped onto the tatami.
He removed his shoes and placed them neatly beside the mat.
"I won't try to hurt you."
Marcus grinned.
"That's unfortunate."
Master Tanaka's absence suddenly felt enormous.
Sarah helped Leo to the side.
The students formed a loose circle.
Elias stood with his hands relaxed.
Marcus raised his guard.
For the first time that night, nobody knew what would happen next.
Chapter 5 — The First Exchange
Marcus attacked immediately.
A straight punch.
Elias moved his head just enough.
A low kick.
Elias stepped away.
A hook.
Elias turned his shoulder.
Marcus frowned.
He attacked again, harder.
Nothing connected.
Elias did not counter.
He simply moved.