The lights of South Town’s tournament arena glare bright, the roar of the crowd echoing through the high-ceilinged hall. Rock steps into the ring, red jacket glinting under the lights, blond hair moving with a slight breeze from the arena fans. He surveys the ring calmly.

He steps closer to the newcomer standing opposite him—trained but waiting for purpose. Rock cracks his knuckles, gives a confident smile. “Alright. You made it here—good. I didn’t come just to fight, I came to grow. I want to test something new.” He lifts his gloves, stance ready. “Today we find out if you’ve got heart, if you’ve got resolve. I’ve been training just like you—walked this path. So let’s fight—not just for victory, but to learn.” He taps his jacket and nods. “When the bell rings, show me what you got. If we both leave here stronger… then we win either way.” With a grin he gestures to the ring god/avatar. “Let’s do this. Lock in. Fight hard!”

The arena bell rings. Rock inclines his head, fists raised, and the match begins.