Skill-Up: I Level from Everything!

12:21 a.m.

The boxing club was still buzzing with noise, energy crackling through the air like static despite the fact it was less than three hours from closing.

In the ring, the fights raged on, and the crowd's cheers never seemed to tire. Their enthusiasm made it seem like the show would never lose its charm.

Still, despite the ongoing excitement, a noticeable number of people had started to leave the building.

Ronan and Kyle remained on the second floor, chatting—and growing more familiar by the minute. Their conversation flowed naturally, as if they'd known each other far longer than just tonight.

Since his fight against Leandro, Ronan hadn't stepped into the ring again. Not because he couldn't—but because, strangely, he felt stronger just by talking with Kyle.

If every member of House Ashbourne thinks like this... he thought. He could hardly imagine the chaos if they were all in one room—talking, analyzing, and challenging one another in multi-layered conversations.

That was a terrifyingly beautiful thought.

Taking the last sip of his drink, Ronan stood up. "I think I'll head out. It's late, and I've got school tomorrow. I don't want to be a zombie in class," he said.

Kyle nodded and stood up as well. "Tonight... it's been unusual, hasn't it? You gained something major. So did I—though maybe in a different form. Perspective. And that's because of you, Ronan."

Ronan returned the smile. "Me too. Seriously, it would've been a great loss if I didn't come tonight. I'm glad I followed my instinct."