The Background Character Loop: One Last Chance to Break the Cycle

I stepped out of Neil Arkes’ room, leaving behind that suffocating pressure—an air filled with quiet power and silent threats.

That girl... she was one of the Reiker family’s subordinates. Should I have saved her? Maybe I could’ve earned their trust.

No. Focus. I don’t have time to chase shadows. Right now, my priority is helping the main characters. First. I need to get back to Theo.

I moved quickly down the crowded hallway, ignoring the odd looks from people I passed. Let them stare—I didn’t have time to waste.

Theo’s break room was still dimly lit. He was already sitting up straight, gripping that thick wad of cash in his hands. I stepped in and stopped at the doorway.

"Our match... it’s about to start," I said flatly, my voice barely registering above the noise outside.

Theo looked up at me, his bruised black eyes locking onto mine. A tired but defiant smirk pulled at his lips.

"Alright," he replied, his voice raspy. "I’ve been curious about your fighting skills, C. You always seemed way too confident going up against me. I wanna know why."

I didn’t answer. I just tilted my head slightly. "You’ll see," I said. "Get ready, Theo. I’m not holding back."

"Good," he chuckled, even though the pain was written all over his face. "Because I’m not either. Let’s see if you’re really as good as you think."

We walked toward the ring together, the sound of drums growing louder, joined by the roar of the crowd.