As Damon and Edward left Victor's office, they could feel how much they had talked about.
Both had asked enough questions to feel satisfied, learning about their own opportunities and future matches.
Damon was very interested in what was coming next. He only had one week to get ready for his next fight and get back to his best fighting shape.
His thoughts were rushing as he thought about the opponent Victor had talked about: Cellan Gustalam.
Cellan Gustalam wasn't someone to take lightly. He had an impressive record and a reputation that preceded him.
Damon recalled some of the highlights: Gustalam had once defeated a former heavyweight champion and had fought in a match against a former middleweight champion that was still talked about as one of the greatest fights in UFA history.
To top it all off, Cellan Gustalam was a former Supreme Fighter winner as well. That fact added an extra layer of intrigue to the match.
"Yeah," Damon thought to himself, his grin widening. "This is going to be great to see."
'I mean fight in...'
Damon took a deep breath, feeling the pressure settle in.
But he didn't feel scared; he felt excited. He really liked this test because it gave him a chance to show everyone that he belonged at the top.
And Cellan Gustalam was currently ranked number 15 on the UFA rankings a dangerous opponent and a stepping stone Damon knew he had to conquer.
Damon looked down at his hand, holding the flash drive Victor had given him.
It contained hours of Cellan Gustalam's past fights, detailed footage, and critical information about his fighting style, strengths, and weaknesses.
The kind of knowledge that could make or break a game plan.
A smirk played on Damon's lips. With this, he could make his simulations as accurate as possible.
The data from Gustalam's fights would allow the simulation to mimic him almost perfectly, turning his training into a precise battle against one of the toughest middleweights in the division.
He clenched the flash drive in his hand, and his eyes were filled with resolution.
After drying off and getting dressed, Damon slung his gym bag over his shoulder.
His hair was still damp, and he rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the exhaustion mixed with a sense of accomplishment.
Edward had left just before him, mentioning something about needing to head back to Stockton to see his dad and sister for the weekend.
Damon had wished him well, understanding the pull of family.
Damon took a deep breath, stepping outside into the cool evening air. The day had been long, but he felt ready to keep pushing forward.
As Damon stepped out of the locker room, he saw Victor emerging from his office at the same time.
Victor spotted him and gave a nod. "Hold on for a sec," he said. "Let me lock up, and I'll drive you back home."
Damon nodded, grateful for the ride. He noticed that the gym was now spotless, the mats freshly disinfected and the space tidied up by the cleaning crew.
The day's intensity had been scrubbed away, leaving the gym looking pristine and ready for another round tomorrow.
Damon walked outside and stood by Victor's sleek BMW, the cool evening air brushing against his skin. He leaned against the car and waited.
It didn't take long for Victor to finish locking up the facility.
He turned off the lights, and the gym plunged into the calm, dim glow of the streetlamps outside.
It wasn't fully night yet, but the sun had already disappeared, leaving the sky a deepening shade of blue.
Damon climbed into the passenger seat of Victor's BMW, and soon they were on the road, the drive smooth and easy.
The car ride was filled with conversation as they caught up on everything.
Victor mentioned how impressed he was with Damon's growth. "You've improved a lot," he said, a proud smile on his face. "Sending you to The Supreme Fighter was definitely the right call. You made the most of it."
Damon grinned, feeling a warm sense of pride. "Thanks, Vic. It really was a crazy experience, but I learned so much."
They continued talking, the city lights blurring by as the car cruised smoothly toward home.