When Stephen turned up for training that morning, everything seemed normal on the surface. He followed the same routine he had repeated for years, one that had become second nature to him. He wrapped his hands carefully, feeling the familiar tightness of the tape around his knuckles, then stepped into the ring without hesitation. Sparring began as usual. He moved, blocked, dodged, and struck, making sure his body stayed sharp and responsive. His muscles reacted well, his breathing was steady, and his timing was intact.
Yet despite all of that, something felt off.
