NOVEL NEXT Chapter 435: Tying Loose Ends
A few days passed, and Damon focused on the things he came back to handle.
The days felt full but steady, a welcome break from the chaos of training camps and tournaments.
He didn't visit the hospital much after Jake's surgery.
Joey seemed to have everything under control, and Jake was doing well under the watchful eyes of the hospital staff.
Damon figured it was best to give them space, though he kept tabs through Joey.
The gym, however, became a regular stop.
Just like Victor had asked, Damon checked in on things, making sure everything was running smoothly. To his relief, it was.
The people Victor had left in charge were competent, ensuring the gym was in one piece and thriving.
Seeing it in good hands gave Damon peace of mind, and he used the opportunity to catch up with a few familiar faces, though he kept his visits short.
Most of Damon's time, however, was spent with his mom.
He visited Aoife often, sitting with her in the living room or sharing meals at the small kitchen table.
She seemed better, her smiles came a little easier, and her voice carried a little more warmth.
But Damon could tell she was still processing everything he'd told her.
The weight hadn't disappeared; it had simply shifted, becoming a part of her rather than crushing her.
Still, she was doing well enough, and that was all Damon could ask for.
After visiting Svetlana's mom, it was time to leave.
The tournament still waited, and Damon knew his time away from training had reached its limit.
He had taken care of what he came to do, visiting his mom, checking on the gym, and making sure Joey and his family were supported.
Everything was in order.
Bags packed, he prepared to go.
The apartment was quiet as Damon and Svetlana moved through the final steps before heading out.
There was no need for words; the weight of leaving and the challenges ahead hung in the air.
The drive to the airport was uneventful. Both of them sat in silence, lost in their own thoughts.
Damon thought about what awaited him, grueling training sessions, the intensity of the tournament.
Once they boarded the flight, Damon leaned back in his seat, eyes closed.
And just like always, entered the simulation.
In the world of media, Damon's post had already taken off, seen by millions, shared by countless fans, and liked by even more.
The announcement that Damon had accepted Ismael Desayen's retirement fight challenge sent shockwaves through the MMA community.
Fans and analysts alike were buzzing with excitement, speculating on how the fight would unfold.
No one truly believed Damon would lose, not with his momentum and undefeated record, but the hype was undeniable.
Comments flooded social platforms, with fans calling the match a "dream fight" and predicting an explosive showdown.
Some praised Damon's confidence and respect for Ismael as a pioneer, while others debated the stylistic clash between the two fighters.
One thing was clear: everyone agreed the fight was destined to be a spectacle.
@MMAFanatic96
"Damon Cross vs. Ismael Desayen??! Are you kidding me?! This is going to be FIRE. Desayen's striking vs. Damon's complete game. Can't wait for this!! #CrossVsDesayen #DreamFight"
@FightTalkWeekly
"BREAKING: Damon Cross accepts Ismael Desayen's challenge for his retirement fight! Two generations of greatness colliding. Who wins? #CrossEra or #DesayenLegacy?"
@KOKing13
"Let's be real. Damon's going to take this. Ismael is a legend, but Damon's on another level right now. Still, respect to Desayen for taking on the best. #RespectTheGame #CrossEra"
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@MMAInsider
"Damon's response to Desayen was so classy yet so cocky. 'After I win the tournament, I'll be honored to fight you.' THIS is why we love him. Confidence, but never disrespectful. #MMA #CrossEra"
@LegKickLegend
"Ismael's technical striking vs. Damon's well-rounded style? Pure chess in the cage. This fight's not just fireworks, it's history. #MMAHistory #CrossVsDesayen"
But not everyone had respect for the fight many just didn't like Ismael.
@CrossKing99
"Ismael Desayen needs to sit down already. He's washed up, and Damon's going to retire him in brutal fashion. This fight is pointless. #CrossEra #DesayenOverrated"
@MMARealTalk
"Desayen hasn't been the same in years. Damon's going to run through him, and people will act like it was a competitive fight. #WakeUpPeople #CrossVsDesayen"
@KnockoutTruth
"Desayen is only taking this fight to stay relevant. He's not on Damon's level. This is just an ego trip for him. #CrossEra #Mismatch"
@NoLegendsLeft
"Why is everyone hyping this fight? Desayen's last few fights were embarrassing. Damon's going to make him look like an amateur. #DesayenNeedsToQuit #CrossVsDesayen"
@HardTruthHunter
"Desayen's legacy is overrated. He only looked good because the competition back then was weak. Damon's going to expose him. #CrossVsDesayen"
@MMAUnfiltered
"This isn't a fight; it's a send-off party for Desayen. Damon's going to carry him for a round before ending it. #RetireAlready #CrossVsDesayen"
Either way, fans would have to wait to see the fight unfold.
The anticipation in the MMA world was palpable, but Damon had other things on his mind as the plane finally landed.
Svetlana nudged Damon awake, who stirred groggily in his seat.
He blinked a few times, adjusting to the light, before realizing they had arrived.
Wasting no time, they gathered their bags and made their way through the airport.
After collecting their luggage and securing a rental car, they drove straight to the hotel.
The ride was quiet, the city lights casting a soft glow on the streets.
Once they arrived, Damon checked them in while Svetlana stretched, relieved to be off the plane.
It wasn't long before they met up with Victor again, filling him in on everything they had done while away.
Victor listened intently, nodding at the updates and offering a few comments, but his focus quickly shifted to the road ahead.
For Damon, the time for reflection and family visits was over.
Training resumed almost immediately, with Victor ensuring no time was wasted.
After all soon the official announcement of the tournament beginning would be soon, there they will be find out who's