Chapter 4 - When Training Became Personal
The exercise involving Brody and Ethan was designed to be difficult.
Two attackers.
Live resistance.
Controlled contact.
Avery knew they would not make it easy.
She did not expect them to ignore the rules.
Earlier that morning, Reardon stated clearly that simultaneous full-power strikes were prohibited. The purpose was to evaluate movement and decision-making, not injury tolerance.
Brody heard the instruction.
So did Ethan.
Before stepping onto the mat, Brody leaned toward Avery.
“You write reports about men like us because you can’t become one.”
Avery tightened her gloves.
“I write reports because men like you sometimes stop listening.”
The comment spread through the nearest circle.
Brody’s pride could not let it pass.
During the opening exchange, Avery avoided two controlled attacks and redirected Ethan without taking him down.
That should have demonstrated the system.
Instead, Brody accused her of running.
The crowd laughed.
Then both men attacked together without waiting for Reardon’s signal.
The double kick was not part of the evaluation.
It was punishment.
Avery understood that before she hit the floor.
She also understood that asking the instructors to intervene would let Brody reshape the story.
He would say the contact was accidental.
That she could not handle realistic pressure.
That she needed protection.
So she rose.
May you like
Not to take revenge.
To finish the evaluation under the rules they had already broken.
