But as Garrett observed the classes, he noticed the toxic undertones. Bryce played favorites. He praised the naturally athletic, aggressive kids while belittling the quiet ones like Milo. Bryce would often stop class, pull out his phone, and record himself shouting pseudo-motivational speeches while his students stood at attention.
"The world is full of sheep!" Bryce yelled during one session, staring directly into his iPhone lens. "You are here to be wolves! If you show weakness, you deserve to be eaten!"
Garrett’s jaw tightened. This wasn't discipline; it was arrogance masquerading as philosophy. Real warriors, men who had actually seen the abyss, didn't brag about being wolves. They were the quietest men in the room. Garrett resolved to pull Milo out of the gym at the end of the month. He just needed to find a better alternative. But the end of the month didn't come fast enough.
It was the last Friday of the month, which meant it was "Showcase Night" at Keller Combat Academy. Parents, friends, and local martial arts enthusiasts packed the bleachers. The gym was bathed in bright, harsh fluorescent lights. Dance music thumped from the PA system.
Bryce was in his element. He strutted across the mat in a custom-fitted black uniform with gold trim, a wireless microphone clipped to his lapel. Three tripods with 4K cameras were recording every angle. He was live-streaming the event to his hundreds of thousands of followers.