Chapter 5: First Training
"First time here?" Miguel asked Javier.
"Yeah." The lie came easily. In this timeline, it was true.
"Good. Start with jumping rope. Build timing and footwork foundation."
Miguel handed Javier a worn rope with wooden handles polished smooth by countless hands. The weight felt familiar despite years of separation from legitimate training.
The main floor buzzed with activity. Teenagers threw combinations at heavy bags while Miguel’s assistants corrected their form. Speed bags rattled under rapid-fire punches. In the center ring, two older kids sparred with headgear and oversized gloves.
The system interface reappeared as Javier began jumping. Green text tracked his performance in real time:
[CARDIO TRAINING DETECTED]
Heart Rate: 110 BPM (Rising)
Jump Rope Skill: Poor
Timing: Bad
Energy Use: Wasting 77% of effort