Xavier steadied his breath as he stepped back after the hit. Rank 285 barely flinched—a quick shift in his stance and a brief look that said he was ready for more. The hit had been clean and strong, and while it didn't shake the fighter, it made it clear that this contest was more than just a casual skirmish.
"Not bad," Rank 285 said in a low voice, easing his shoulder as he wiped a bit of sweat from his brow. There was no anger or harshness in his tone—just a simple statement of fact.
Xavier replied calmly, "I don't flinch." He kept his eyes level, his body relaxed enough to show he was in control.
The fighter chuckled lightly. "Really? I expected you to show some reaction." Instead of moving in with another attack, he paused to study Xavier. "I thought you were just another new fighter from Segment 10—wild and careless. But you fight differently."
Xavier frowned. He didn't like it when people broke down his every move, as if he were a puzzle to solve. "I fight to win," he said, his voice steady and plain.
The fighter gave him a small nod and then turned away, walking off down the hall without saying more. Xavier was left standing there with mixed feelings—no clear victory, no outright loss, just a moment that set him apart.
Nearby, Orin leaned against a wall with his arms folded, having watched the exchange closely. As Xavier started walking down the corridor, Orin joined him.
"You gonna explain what that was?" Orin asked, his tone light but curious.
Xavier shrugged. "It was a fight."
Orin shook his head. "That wasn't just any fight. Look, he even followed you down here. That has to mean something." His voice was informal but carried a note of seriousness. "Rael talked to you, and now this guy followed after you. It's like your name is starting to spread."
Xavier's pace slowed as he considered Orin's words. "I saw that. First Rael, then he shows up. I didn't ask for any of this," he said quietly.
Orin grinned. "You know how things work here. Segment 9 bosses Segment 10, and Segment 8 bosses Segment 9. But once you start getting noticed, people think you're ready for more. Being noticed is risky, but it could also be good for you."
The hall felt smaller now, almost as if the walls were closing in under the weight of watching eyes. Fighters passed by, giving brief looks that made it clear Xavier was no longer invisible. The change was subtle but real.
"You gonna talk to Rael again?" Orin asked as they moved past the rows of worn lockers and faded posters about spar sessions.
Xavier hesitated for a moment. "I don't know what to say to him. I haven't been given a clear reason for all this attention."
Orin shrugged. "Maybe he wants to see if you have what it takes. Sometimes being noticed isn't a bad thing. You have talent, Xavier, and people like Rael notice talent when they see it."
They reached a quieter section of the training wing, where a few fighters practiced simple moves without much fuss. Xavier found a spot to lean against a bench and gently rubbed his shoulder where a bruise was forming.
"You look like you're thinking too much," Orin teased gently. "Sometimes you just have to take the next step, even if you're not sure where it leads."
Xavier gave a small laugh, easing the tension a bit. "I guess I can't stay in the background forever," he said simply. "If someone like Rael sees something in me, then maybe it's time to see what happens next."
At that moment, Mira walked over. Known for her calm manner and clear common sense, she always had a straightforward view of things. "Hey, I saw what went down out there," she said. "Xavier, you did well. A simple fight like that can change how people see you."
Xavier looked at her, a genuine smile breaking through for a moment. "Thanks, Mira. I still feel a bit unsure, though. It's not a kind of attention I ever wanted."
Mira shrugged lightly. "Sometimes fate gives you a chance when you least expect it. Use it. Let people see what you're really made of."
Orin added, "Tomorrow there's a practice session at the central arena. Why don't you come with us? It might help you get a feel for all this and learn to use your new spot in the spotlight."
Xavier exchanged a look with his friends. The idea was both exciting and intimidating. "Alright, I'll come," he agreed after a pause. "I need to see how far I can go."
The three of them stood up and began walking out of the training wing together. Their conversation turned casual as they talked about the schedule for the next day—a new meal plan, upcoming drills, even a few jokes about the clumsy messenger bot that always ran late. The chatter was light and natural, and there was no heavy tone or mystery hanging over them.
As they left the building and joined the busy corridor, Orin said, "Tomorrow will show us more. Just be ready to act."