The Boxing System: I Became the King of the Ring

The spotlights focusing on the ring burned Javier’s eyes. Way brighter than the gym’s usual fluorescents. Crowd noise faded to distant noise.

His legs turned to jelly climbing through the ropes. Canvas bounced under his feet. Nothing like the heavy bags and floor mats. This felt alive.

Devon waited at center ring, composed and easy. Rolling his shoulders, flexing his neck. He belonged here. Like he’d been doing this since childhood.

Javier’s mouth felt dry as cotton.

The referee—same gray-haired man from Tommy’s fight—motioned them forward.

"Same rules, gentlemen. Keep it clean. Touch gloves when ready."

Javier’s gloves felt heavy as he raised them. Devon’s came up smooth and natural. Leather met with a dull thump.

Their eyes locked for a heartbeat. Devon’s stayed steady. Focused. No fear whatsoever.

Javier’s stomach dropped.

They stepped back. The crowd grew louder. Someone shouted his name from the group home section.

The system window popped up again with Devon’s stats, blue text glowing:

[NAME: DEVON SANTOS]