MMA System: I Will Be Pound For Pound Goat

Damon immediately knew what it meant. He bowed a little and clasped his hands to show respect.

As Somchai walked up to Damon, he smiled softly and carefully put the Mongkol on his head.

It didn't feel heavy, but the message behind it was.

A smile crept across Damon's face as he straightened, the Mongkol resting securely on his head.

Somchai nodded approvingly. "Would have loved to have feast," he said with a chuckle, "but you have flight tomorrow."

Damon returned the smile. "This means a lot, Kru. Thank you."

Somchai's expression softened as he added, "Remember… take it off before you enter the cage. Always."

Damon understood how important the advice was and nodded.

It felt sacred, like he was joining a long line of people who had done the same thing for hundreds of years.

Somchai stepped back, his gaze lingering on Damon for a moment as if committing the image to memory.

Wichan nodded his head yes but didn't say anything else.

Damon looked between them and felt the weight of being their student rest on him.

The weight wasn't heavy, it was calming.

Wichan broke the silence. "This Mongkol is not just for tradition. It is reminder. Every fight, you carry us with you. You carry Muay Thai with you."

Somchai smiled, his tone softer. "When you fight, don't forget who you are… and where you come from."

Damon nodded, his voice steady. "I won't. I promise."

The three of them stood there for a moment longer. There was a heavy sense of pride and melancholy in the air.

Finally, Wichan waved his hand, and his normal stern attitude came back. "Enough emotions. You have work tomorrow. Rest. No excuses."

Damon chuckled lightly, adjusting the Mongkol in his hands. "You got it, Kru."

Somchai stepped closer one last time, placing a firm hand on Damon's shoulder. "You will make us proud."

"I'll do my best," Damon said, his voice filled with determination.

With that, the two Krus turned and began to walk away.

Damon watched them go, the sound of their footsteps fading into the quiet of the gym.

He stood there for a moment longer, holding the Mongkol in his hands.

He could almost feel the cords and charms coming to life in his hands. It was like they carried the spirit of every fighter who had worn one before him.

Taking a deep breath, he turned back toward his room.

When he reached his small, sparsely decorated space, he placed the Mongkol carefully on the desk, its presence giving the room a new sense of meaning. Read latest stories on empire

Tomorrow, he'd be leaving Thailand. But tonight, he allowed himself a moment to rest just as Kru said.

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California, USA

Time: 9:30 PM

Soft hidden lighting made the kitchen shine, which is a sign of modern luxury.

Marble countertops stretched across the room, their pristine surface reflecting the subtle glow of pendant lights.

A spacious island sat in the center, complete with high-backed stools and a built-in wine cooler.

As Svetlana walked into the kitchen, her bare feet made soft noises on the tiled floor.

She just wanted a glass of water before going to bed, but as she stood in the hallway, her mind wandered.

Her gaze lingered on the stillness of the room, but her mind was elsewhere, across the world, where Damon was.

What was he doing right now? Training? Sleeping? The thought made her stomach twist slightly, and she didn't like it.

She couldn't quite put her finger on why, but the feeling of uncertainty unsettled her.

At least he'd be back soon. Tomorrow… or maybe the day after? Time zones were confusing.

She sighed softly, walking toward the cupboard when she noticed her mother, Macey, sitting at the island.

Her reading glasses were perched on her nose, and her laptop cast a faint blue glow on her face as she worked.

"Hey, you're up late," Macey greeted, her tone warm as she glanced up from the screen.

Svetlana nodded, reaching for a glass. "Yeah, just needed some water."

Macey smirked, tilting her head slightly. "Water, huh? Or is something else keeping you up?"

Svetlana froze for half a second, then turned to pour her water. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh, you know exactly what I mean," Macey said, a teasing lilt in her voice. "Thinking about someone in particular?"

Svetlana cleared her throat, moving behind Macey to peek at her laptop. "What are you working on?" she asked, deliberately changing the subject.

Macey closed the laptop halfway, swiveling in her chair to face her daughter. "Don't even try to dodge the question."

Svetlana rolled her eyes, leaning on the counter and sipping her water. "I'm not dodging anything."

Macey chuckled, her expression knowing. "Sweetheart, you've been pacing around all night, checking your phone like it's about to explode. And now, instead of sleeping, you're here for 'water.'"

Svetlana sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Okay, fine. Maybe I was thinking about him."

Svetlana sighed, setting her glass of water down on the counter. "I just thought he'd call or text to confirm if we're still going out. I mean… it's not like him to just leave me hanging."

Macey studied her daughter, her expression softening. When Damon had asked Svetlana out, Macey had been quietly thrilled.

Damon was a good young man, polite, focused, and grounded. In her eyes, he was exactly the kind of influence Svetlana needed.

And more than that, this was the first time Svetlana had shown any genuine interest in a boy.

Macey's thoughts wandered to the past, to the quiet, reserved girl who once avoided eye contact and social gatherings.

A girl who was once drowned in sorrow of her biological family.

Seeing Svetlana now, standing in the kitchen and worrying over a text, it struck her just how far her daughter had come.

A warm smile tugged at Macey's lips. She thought to herself, Yeah, she's gone.

Gone was the quiet, shy girl who kept her emotions hidden. In her place was someone who had blossomed, someone willing to take a chance, to care deeply about another person.

Macey reached out and gave Svetlana's hand a comforting squeeze. "Sweetheart, give him time. Damon's… well, Damon. He's probably tied up with training or travel. But trust me, he hasn't forgotten about you."

Svetlana gave a small, hesitant smile, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the counter. "You really think so?"

"I know so," Macey replied with certainty. "That boy likes you more than you realize. And if he doesn't call soon, well… maybe it's time you send him a message first."

Svetlana chuckled, shaking her head. "You think I should?"

Macey leaned back, smirking. "Why not? Sometimes, it's good to remind them you're not waiting around forever."

Svetlana laughed softly, the tension in her shoulders easing. "Alright, maybe I will. Thanks, Mom."

"Anytime," Macey said, watching as her daughter left the kitchen, her phone already in hand. Yeah, she thought again. She's definitely gone.