The New Challenge
After the events at our school, we returned to our normal lives. Despite all the struggles we faced in the fight against Hanma and his group, peace gradually resumed. My group, including Ashe, Bryan, and other friends, began to relax. But in every moment of calm, there lingered a feeling that a deeper challenge was approaching.
“Jayden, have you heard the news?” Bryan asked as we were together in the gym one afternoon. He was tired and sweaty from training, but I could tell he had something serious to say.
“Not yet. What’s the news?” I replied, curious.
“There's a school planning to challenge us to a tournament. It's called Sangre High. They are known for their martial arts program. Their fighters are different from the ones we’ve encountered before,” Bryan explained, his face filled with concern.
Sangre High. I had never heard that name before, but based on Bryan’s expression, I knew it wasn’t an ordinary school. “Why would they challenge us?” I asked.
“I heard they learned about us from our victory against Hanma and his group. It seems we’ve gained some fame because of those fights,” Ashe chimed in, joining the conversation in the gym. “And they want to prove that they’re stronger.”
We exchanged glances. We all knew this wasn’t just a simple tournament. Sangre High was known for being ruthless, and their fighters specialized in martial arts such as Muay Thai, Karate, and Kendo. These disciplines seemed to be not just fights but a way of life.
“Their leader, Lance, is known to be merciless in battles,” Ashe added. “And he’s accompanied by their elite fighters.”
I fell silent. I knew this fight wouldn’t be easy. “So, when is this happening?” I asked, looking at Bryan.
“In two weeks,” he answered. “They purposely challenged us on such short notice to minimize our preparation time.”
Two weeks. That wasn’t enough time to relax. We needed to get back to serious training immediately.
“Okay, let’s start preparing right away,” I told them. “We need to be ready. We don’t know what kind of fights they’ll throw at us.” 
Days passed, and we began training harder than ever. I knew this fight would be tough. It required not only physical strength but also mental preparedness. Our team became even closer. Ashe, the Taekwondo expert, focused on strengthening her kicks and footwork. Bryan continued to improve his boxing techniques. As for me, I concentrated on deepening my understanding of Jeet Kune Do.
As the leader, I knew I needed to be stronger, not just for myself but for my team. One day, while I was practicing strikes, Ashe approached me.
“Jayden, do you know that the roots of their fights might run deeper than we think?” she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
“What do you mean?” I asked, puzzled.
“I heard that this isn’t just a simple tournament. There’s politics behind it. Sangre High seems to have an agenda. They want to prove their superiority, not just in martial arts but also in their influence over people,” she explained.
I pondered this. If what Ashe said was true, then the fight was more complicated than we anticipated. It was no longer just about winning or losing; it was a battle for reputation and pride. And I knew we couldn’t let Sangre High succeed. 
The day of the first formal meeting between the two schools arrived. In the middle of a large gym, delegations from both schools gathered. I stood at the front with my group while the students from Sangre High lined up across from us.
In front of their group, I spotted Lance. Tall, muscular, and with a fierce expression on his face. I knew immediately that he was unlike any opponent I had faced before. Also with him were his elite fighters: Mina, Yuri, and Kenta.
“Jayden, right?” Lance said, in a cold tone. “We’ve heard about you. But I want to see if you really deserve to be recognized.”
I felt the tension in the air. This was not just a simple challenge. It was a direct insult to our abilities.
“Don’t worry,” I replied confidently. “By the time this tournament is over, you’ll know who truly deserves recognition.”
Lance smiled, but his smile was laced with arrogance. “Let’s see how far you can prove yourselves.”
When we returned home from the initial meeting, it was clear to me that we could no longer dismiss this challenge. Sangre High was not merely preparing for a fight; they were preparing to dominate. But we were ready too. And this battle would be more intense than any we had faced before.