Chapter 105

James stood at the threshold of the infirmary, his gaze fixated on my injuries. Concern etched lines on his weathered face as he took in the sight of my bruised and battered body. The weight of his worry was palpable in the air as he approached with a determined stride.

“Damn, you took a beating,” he muttered, his voice laced with a mix of sympathy and frustration. “I’ve been telling you, training alone won’t prepare you for the real deal. You need to step into the ring, face opponents who won’t hold back.”

His words resonated deep within me, echoing the truth I had come to realize. Training within the confines of our cell was necessary, but it couldn’t replicate the intensity and unpredictability of an actual match. The need to put my skills to the test, to confront real adversaries, had become evident in the wake of the altercation with Memphis Emma and his cronies.

I nodded, acknowledging James’ wisdom. “You’re right, James. I can’t keep relying solely on traini