When Garrett and Milo walked into Keller Combat Academy later that week, Garrett’s instincts immediately bristled. The gym was massive, sleek, and plastered with massive banners of the owner, Bryce Keller.
Bryce was twenty-eight, built like a Greek statue, and possessed a smile that was entirely too polished. He had a black belt wrapped around his waist and an entourage of sycophantic junior instructors trailing him. But what bothered Garrett most were the ring lights and tripods set up around the training mats.
Bryce hadn't built his reputation on producing great martial artists; he built it on TikTok and Instagram. His brand was "Alpha Mentality." He went viral by bringing beginners or arrogant challengers onto the mat and humiliating them, disguising his cruelty as "tough love" and "reality checks." The gym felt less like a dojo and more like a film set designed to feed one man’s colossal ego.
Despite Garrett’s reservations, Bryce played the part of the welcoming instructor perfectly during their consultation. He promised to build Milo’s confidence. Reluctantly, Garrett paid the first month’s fee.
Chapter 6: The Red Flags
Milo’s first two weeks at the academy were uneventful. He learned basic stances and how to fall properly. Garrett watched quietly from the bleachers, his arms crossed over his faded work jacket.