Chapter 6: The Bell Rings
The gym timer buzzed, signaling the start of a five-minute round. Julian didn't wait. He
rushed forward, unleashing a flurry of combinations—a jab, a cross, followed by a
vicious roundhouse kick aimed at Arthur’s ribs. It was a sequence that had dropped
younger, faster men.
But Arthur wasn't there. He didn't block; he slipped. A slight pivot of his lead foot, a tilt
of his head, and Julian’s heavy hands caught only air. The roundhouse kick slapped
harmlessly against Arthur’s forearm, which had subtly shifted to absorb the impact with
perfect biomechanical alignment.
Julian grunted in frustration and threw a wild overhand right. Arthur ducked under it
with effortless precision. Before Julian could retract his arm, Arthur moved. It wasn't a
punch. It was a crisp, punishing leg kick that slammed into Julian’s lead thigh with the
sound of a baseball bat hitting a wet heavy bag.
Julian’s leg buckled. The pain was instantaneous and blinding. He stumbled back,
shock registering on his face. Arthur hadn't retreated. He was standing exactly in the
pocket, still holding his hands dangerously low, watching Julian limp.
Chapter 7: A Lesson in Humility