Ethan Gray had no inkling of his mentor Vincent Hale’s recommendation. His final days at the Celestial Arena were a blur of logistics. Once the provincial training concluded, Moonlake City awaited.

  That afternoon, Ethan drilled in his private studio, sweat glistening as he swung a 64-pound steel rod. The three-meter pole traced precise arcs—upper, lower, left, right—each movement honing full-body coordination.

  A chime interrupted. "Luna, answer the call," Ethan said, wiping his brow.

  A hologram materialized, revealing a round-faced man with softened edges. "Aaron!" Ethan grinned. "You never call!"

  Aaron Young—Ethan’s closest friend since college. They’d shared bunk beds as national teammates, their bond forged in dawn drills and midnight strategy sessions.

  "Can’t a guy check in?" Aaron’s smile faltered.

  Ethan frowned. "You’ve put on weight."

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  "Dad life," Aaron shrugged. "My kid starts elementary school this fall."

  "Meanwhile, I’m still ringless." Ethan chuckled. "Marrying at twenty? You shamed us all."

  Aaron’s gaze dropped. "I need a loan."

  Ethan’s amusement vanished. "What’s wrong?"

  "Mom’s hospitalized. Experimental meds aren’t covered."

  "How much?"

  "100k. I’ll repay in a year."

  Ethan transferred the sum instantly. Aaron’s career earnings—modest even at his peak—suggested deeper troubles. "I’m passing through Riverport today. Let’s meet."

  Aaron hesitated. "I’m at Everfit Gym now. Address sent."

  Everfit? Ethan’s jaw tightened. A former world-class fighter reduced to fitness coaching?

  4:53 PM, Riverport City

  The Everfit Gym’s neon sign buzzed. Ethan strode past reception to find Aaron demonstrating self-defense techniques to a giggling crowd.

  "Single-leg stance!" Aaron commanded. Middle-aged women wobbled comically. "Now hop!"

  "Easy-peasy!" a redhead chirped.

  "Your legs bear 150 pounds daily," Aaron said. "Channel that power forward." He demonstrated a thrust kick, his sneaker thudding a sandbag. "Focus force here—" he tapped his toes—"like a chisel."

  "Genius!" a participant crowed. "I could drop my ex with this!"

  Aaron’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. "For emergencies only."

  "Mr. Yang?" A staffer interrupted. "Your guest’s here."