Sharp grunts and the heavy impact of hits falling on pads and skin filled the gym with the sounds of their sparring.
Damon and Edward were already deep into a tough round. They moved quickly but powerfully, and each attack was a planned attempt to test and push the other.
Edward let out a wild high kick, and his muscles flexed with disciplined accuracy as the kick shot forward.
This kick wasn't careless like the last one was two years ago; it was polished, with each move driven by confidence and control.
He had his eyes fixed on Damon and wouldn't move.
But Damon had grown too, and it showed. He sidestepped the kick effortlessly, his footwork smooth and evasive.
It was almost as if he could predict Edward's moves before they came, and he countered with a quick jab that found its mark.
Edward adjusted his stance immediately, refusing to be caught off guard.
His strikes had improved, his technique sharpened, but even so, he found himself just a step behind Damon.
Whether it was Damon's natural talent or his relentless work ethic, the gap between them seemed even more visible now.
Or maybe Damon was simply progressing faster.
Damien kept his eyes on Edward the whole time, and his body moved in a way that seemed natural.
The fight felt like a dance, and Damon was in charge of it.
Even so, he respected Edward's strength and growth and knew that this was exactly the kind of challenge he needed to keep pushing himself.
Edward gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowing.
He stepped in, throwing a series of fast, snapping punches aimed at Damon's guard.
Damon absorbed the hits on his forearms, his body moving with the rhythm of each impact, feeling the force but staying steady.
Damon saw an opening as Edward committed to a heavy right cross.
He slipped to the side, dodging the punch and countering with a sharp kick to Edward's ribs.
Edward stumbled back, his breath coming out in a harsh grunt.
As they continued talking, the door to the gym swung open, but neither of them paid much attention to it at first.
They were too caught up in their conversation, riding the high of a good, hard-fought spar.
But then a familiar voice broke through the background noise. "Oh, I see you two have been reacquainted," the voice said.
Damon and Edward both turned to see Victor standing there, a knowing smile on his face.
His arms were crossed over his chest, and he looked pleased to see the two of them training together.
Victor stepped forward, a warm smile lighting up his face as he approached Damon.
He pulled Damon into a hug-handshake, the kind that spoke of mutual respect and pride.
"I saw your match, kid," Victor said, his voice full of genuine admiration. "In fact, I watched the whole show... You've improved so much, and I'm proud of you."
Damon nodded, his own smile widening. "Thanks, Vic," he replied, feeling the appreciation in the older man's words.
Victor then turned to Edward, extending his hand.
Edward took it with a firm shake, and Victor's eyes showed the same respect for him. "Good to see you putting in work, Edward," Victor said. "I'm expecting great things from you too."
Even though he was tired from fighting, Edward still had a lot of energy. He quickly answered, "I'm ready, Mr. Steele."
There was an air of hope between the three of them, they would accomplish something great.
Victor smiled, shaking his head slightly. "I told you, just call me Vic," he said, his tone light but warm.
Edward nodded, a bit sheepishly. "Right, Vic," he corrected himself with a grin.
Victor brushed his hands together, his expression growing more serious yet still full of energy. "Alright, boys," he said, looking between Damon and Edward, "I've got some news for you both about your future from here. So why don't you follow me to my office?"
Whatever Victor had to say, it was bound to be important.
Damon felt his heart rate pick up a little, which was natural after all Victor always brought good news.
So he wasn't expecting any different today.