He walked toward Eli slowly.
The room became quieter.
Noah had fought professionally.
He knew how to pressure without wasting energy.
Eli watched his feet.
Noah noticed.
"You looking at my stance?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because your shoulders lie."
Noah frowned.
"What?"
"Your shoulders say you're coming forward."
Eli pointed at his feet.
"Your feet say you're waiting."
Noah smiled.
"Smart."
Then he attacked.
A powerful combination.
Eli blocked the first.
Evaded the second.
The third forced him backward.
Noah pressed.
Eli's heel touched the edge of the mat.
The crowd reacted.
Noah smiled.
"Nowhere to go."
Eli looked down.
Then back up.
"There is."
He stepped sideways.
Noah's momentum carried him forward.
Eli turned.
Noah stumbled.
Eli didn't strike.
He simply guided Noah's arm.
A controlled redirection.
Noah dropped to one knee.
The crowd gasped.
Noah immediately stood.
His expression had changed.
Respect.
But also frustration.
"Again."
Eli shook his head.
"No."
Noah frowned.
"Why?"
"You understand now."
"What?"
"I don't want to hurt you."
Noah stared.
That sentence hit harder than a punch.
Marcus stepped forward.
"You're getting arrogant."
Eli looked at him.
"No."
"Then prove it."
Derek stepped onto the mat.
"You wanted three."
He raised his guard.
"You got three."
Raymond moved forward.
"Enough."
But Eli looked at all three.
"Okay."