MMA System: I Will Be Pound For Pound Goat

"HARDER!"

"I SAID HARDER!"

"FASTER TOO"

"COME ON! IS THIS ALL YOU GOT:

BAM!

BAM!

BAM!

BAM!

Damon sent one last kick to the punching back, making it shake as he stumbled back, trying to maintain balance.

BAAAAM!!

Somchai looked at him with a critical look and disappointment. " Why did you stop?" He asked, raising an eyebrow as he folded his arms.

Damon looked at him, breathing hard. This damn old man had been screaming in his ear for the past year.

He looked down as sweat dripped from his forehead, landing on the mat.

But despite all that he had to admit, his skills had improved under his guidance, along with Coach José, his groundwork was getting better, but he still had so much room to improve on.

But, having the knowledge of the entire martial art made him a fast learner who only required practical training.

He stood up, looking at the bag, Somchai saw this and nodded, " Good."

He continued back into kicking the bag, BAM! His shins were burning, but it was not just his shins, his fists elbow, knees, his entire body.

Each day, he would come here, and Kru Somchai would make him repeat each attack 100 times, and soon, 100 became five.

The next week, he would switch to groundwork with Coach José.

BAM!

BAM!

BAM!

He wished he could say it got better, but that was no different, less painful, but more pride hurting, Coach José would put him against his best student.

And you guessed it, it was Ash, who would not shut up each time he won. Every time the group went out for lunch, he would brag.

Of course, they were friends, so it was more of him rubbing the wins on Damon's face.

But on the other hand, he was catching up on strength, and with training Quests coming in, he would be able to buy elixirs so he could improve all his stats at once.

"You can stop, good job." Those words sounded like music to Damon. He stopped dropping to the floor.

Somchai chuckled, " Your progress is impressive, but you have a lot to learn," his voice turned stern as he walked away, but Damon didn't care about what he said, he was enjoying this moment of relaxation he was having.

He heard footsteps getting closer, opening his eyes. He was met with a beautiful face.

'...'

But a hand waving across his face snapped him back to reality. "Hello, Damon," a soft voice said.

Damon's eyes fluttered open to find Svetlana standing over him, a towel and a bottle of water in her hand.

He quickly sat up, his body aching all over.

His muscles screamed in protest as he moved, but he ignored the pain and focused on Svetlana's warm smile.

They moved towards a wall, leaning against it while sitting, giving them a full view of the training room.

The sound of heavy breathing and grunting filled the air, accompanied by the steady thud of kicks and punches on the punching bags.

Svetlana handed him the towel and bottle, her eyes sparkling with kindness. "You're doing very good, for someone who's been here for 1 year," she complimented, her voice gentle.

Damon took the towel and wiped the sweat from his face, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.

He unscrewed the bottle and poured some water on his face, letting out a contented sigh as the cool liquid soothed his skin. "Well, tell that to Kru Somchai," he complained, his voice laced with frustration.

"The guy is always unsatisfied. I've never once heard him compliment my skills." He shook his head, taking a sip of water from the bottle.

Svetlana chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "That's just Kru Somchai's way of pushing you to be your best," she said, her voice filled with understanding.

"He wants to see you succeed, but he also wants to see you work hard for it."

"Well, if that was it, I would be getting matched up," Damon said, his voice laced with a hint of frustration. "I miss real fights." He paused, taking a sip of water from the bottle Svetlana had given him.

Just as he was about to continue, a voice sounded from in front of him. "Wassup, love birds?" The tone was playful, but with a hint of teasing.

Damon lifted his middle finger in response, not even bothering to look up.

He knew who it was without having to see the face.

He raised his head, his eyes locking onto Ash, who was standing in front of him with a smirk on his face.

Ash was flanked by Ashley and Ty, both of whom were grinning at Damon.

The atmosphere was suddenly filled with a sense of camaraderie and banter.

Damon and Svetlana were not dating, but they had been spending a lot of time together, like a lot, so much that Victor had been giving Damon the stink eye.

So the group would always tease them when they got the chance, not that any of them minded.

Ash looked at Damon, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Were you gonna get lunch? You wanna come with?" he asked, his voice filled with friendliness.

Damon looked at Svetlana, who nodded in agreement. Damon stood up, helping Svetlana up from her seated position against the wall.

His muscles protested slightly as he moved, but he ignored the discomfort.

"Sure, it's on you right?" Damon said jokingly, grinning at Ash. Ash chuckled, shaking his head. "Sure, whatever, as long as you don't order the whole menu." The group laughed, and they turned to leave the training room together.

As they walked towards the exit, Damon was about to follow Ash and the others when a guy approached him. "Hey, Damon, Vic wants to see you," he said, his voice neutral.

Damon nodded in acknowledgement, his eyes flicking towards Svetlana. "Thanks," he said, his voice brief.

Svetlana looked at Damon, her eyes filled with concern. "I'll wait for you, so you don't have to walk alone," she said quietly, her voice soft and gentle.

Damon smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her. He nodded, and Svetlana fell back, waiting.