Victor was leaning on the desk, his arms crossed, looking at two men with hard, weathered appearances.
They were both short, with rugged faces that spoke of years of experience in the martial arts world.
José, a world-renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu martial artist from the US, had just watched the spar between Ash and Damon.
He shook his head, his eyes narrowing in disapproval. "Vic, what is that?" he asked, his voice laced with disdain.
Somchai, a man from Thailand, who was also a renowned martial artist, now retired and working as a coach, nodded in agreement.
"His speed is slow, punches are weak, footwork is ridiculous... just everything," he said, his Thai accent thick and rich.
For the first time, the two men seemed to agree on something - Damon sucked.
Victor sighed, rubbing his temples. He knew José and Somchai were two of the toughest critics in the martial arts world. "Okay, I know he's out of touch," he said, trying to placate them.
But José and Somchai glared at him, their faces unyielding. Victor corrected himself, "He has no touch, I know, but you can't deny the talent is there. His endurance is crazy, he can eat up punches... and from what I've seen from his fights, as long as he gets good training, he can be amazing."
José raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Amazing? Vic, you can't be serious. The kid got knocked out cold by Ash. Ash, of all people!"
Somchai nodded, his eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement. "Yes, Vic, you need to be realistic. Damon may have heart, but he lacks technique, speed, and agility. He's a liability in the ring."
Victor leaned back in his chair, his eyes locked on the two men. "I know what I saw, José. Somchai. I saw a kid who's been fighting on the streets, with no formal training, no guidance... and yet, he's still standing. That takes guts, and that takes talent.
We can work with that."
José and Somchai exchanged a skeptical look, but Victor could see the faintest hint of interest in their eyes.
José and Somchai exchanged a look, their faces a mix of surprise and concern. They took a deep breath, and then nodded, their expressions set in determination.
"I see you're still obsessed with that goal of yours," José said, shaking his head.
Victor moved from the desk, ignoring José's statement. "Let's introduce you two then," he said, gesturing towards the door.
José and Somchai followed him out of the office, making their way towards the group of five that had acquainted itself with Damon.
As they approached, Damon looked up, a smile on his face.
He was chatting with Ash, Svetlana, and the others, laughing and joking like he'd known them for years.
Victor nodded in approval - Damon was becoming a social butterfly, and that was a valuable asset in the martial arts world.
When the group saw the coaches with Victor making their way to them, they stood up, Damon followed suit.
José and Somchai stood behind Victor, their faces stern but not unapproachable.
"Okay, you guys know these two," Victor said, gesturing towards José and Somchai. "Damon, this is José Silva, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu medalist martial artist. He's Ash's coach, and this is Somchai, a Muay Thai specialist with a successful record of 40-2. He's Svetlana's coach."
Damon nodded, stretching his hand to greet José. "Nice to meet you, sir," he said, his voice respectful. José took Damon's hand, squeezing it a bit before letting go.
Damon then looked at Somchai, his eyes wide with excitement. "Nice to meet you, sir, as we-" But Somchai nodded, cutting him off. "Just call me Kru," he said, his Thai accent thick and rich.
Damon nodded, his face set in a determined expression. "Yes, Kru," he said, his voice firm.
Victor smiled, pleased with the way things were going. "These two will be your new coaches, so get accustomed to the place."