CHAPTER 23: C VS THEO?

Theo’s jaw dropped slightly, his brows furrowing in confusion as he saw me suddenly standing in his resting room.

"How the hell do you even know about this place? No—seriously, how the hell did you find me here?" Theo demanded, glaring at me.

Honestly, I was just as shocked to find Theo in this place... This underground club—I’d found it in the hundreds of loops before. A place where I once came to earn quick cash when time was tight.

But tonight, I was stunned. Watching Theo fight the infamous Twins? His face was a mess, his body covered in bruises and cuts. How long has he been here?

"I should be asking you that," I shot back. "I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Don’t you know? Ivansia... she’s getting worse."

Theo’s breath hitched. His hand suddenly gripped my shoulder, tight—too tight.

"What do you mean worse?! Did someone bully her? Or..." His voice lowered, his grip tightening even more. "Was it you again? Are you mocking her like you used to?"

I yanked his hand off me with all the strength I had. Damn, that hurt.

"Damn it, that hurts!" I snapped. "Her eyes... they’ve gone dull. That spark she used to have—it’s just gone. She walks around school like someone who’s lost her soul."

"Ah..." Theo’s hands started trembling.

"If you’re here, then I guess you already know about her family’s situation, don’t you?"

Theo bit his lower lip and gave a small nod. "Yeah. Her dad... he’s buried in debt. He needs a lot of money."

"So I was right. You’re here to earn it, aren’t you?"

"Yeah," Theo admitted. "I’ve already gotten half of it. Around twenty-five thousand dollars... but what about you? Why are you here?"

I let out a small laugh. "Remember your fight against the Twins?"

"Yeah? What about it?" Theo tilted his head.

"Oh, Theo. You can rest now."

"What do you mean?"

I reached into my bag and pulled out a large envelope—roughly the size of a book.

The moment I found out Theo was fighting in this underground club, I placed a huge bet on him.

I mean, come on. Who wouldn’t bet on the protagonist of this world? A guy destined to win every time.

It was almost like using Theo as a money machine. He fights, I bet—and I cash in. Heh. Maybe I’ll just keep doing this if he keeps fighting.

"Your match against the Twins—I put everything I had on you. And look." I pointed at the envelope.

"Twenty-five thousand dollars. With what you’ve already earned, that makes fifty thousand. Enough to pay off Ivansia’s father’s debt."

Theo’s jaw dropped. He grabbed the envelope and pressed it between his fingers, like he couldn’t believe it was real.

He opened it, revealing thick stacks of cash inside.

"This... is real?" he whispered, barely able to form the words.

"Of course it is."

"Ah..." His voice cracked. "Thank you... Seriously, thank you."

"Oh, shut up. Consider that my apology. For everything I did back in school—mocking you and Ivansia."

I did this to earn Theo’s trust. Especially for what’s coming next. I’ll need him more than ever.

But now... there’s still one small problem left.

---

My footsteps echoed down the dark, empty street as I made my way back to the underground fighting club.

I knew this place like the back of my hand. Every alley, every hidden entrance.

Not because I came here often in this loop—but because I’ve done it a thousand times before.

When I reached the hidden door, a large guard with a blank stare blocked my path.

"Membership card," he said, bluntly.

Without saying a word, I handed him the black card with the strange logo I’d kept for this moment.

He nodded and stepped aside, letting me through.

The moment I stepped inside, the heavy stench of sweat, smoke, and cheap liquor hit me.

Cheers and the sound of punches filled the air like a heartbeat.

I ignored all of it and headed straight to the fighter registration booth.

A skinny staff guy greeted me with a fake smile.

"Can I help you?" he asked.

"Sign me up," I said flatly.

He started typing away on his keyboard. "Sure. But... sir, there’s already one fighter stealing the spotlight tonight. He’s on a crazy winning streak. Over forty-five matches, undefeated. They call him ’The Unbroken.’ Guy’s on another level."

I said nothing. Just stood there.

The Unbroken? I’ve faced way worse in my loops. Stronger, faster, smarter. He won’t be a problem.

I just need to see him once, analyze him, and store the data.

I nodded slowly like I was impressed. But honestly? I didn’t care.

After registering, I made my way to the audience seats. I needed a good view.

The center ring was packed with people cheering and screaming.

I scanned the arena, searching for "The Unbroken."

And then... my heart skipped a beat. That rarely happens.

There, standing in the ring, face swollen, bruised... but standing tall with that unshakable resolve I knew too well.

Black hair. Dark eyes.

Theo Smith.

The protagonist.

Oh, shit...

A cold wave hit me. How did I not realize it sooner?

He’s here, fighting in this garbage pit, for money.

I knew why. I knew exactly who he was doing it for.

Without hesitation, I turned back and rushed to the registration booth.

The skinny staff guy looked surprised to see me again.

"I... I want to place a bet," I said, pulling out all the cash I had.

"Put it all on Theo," I told him. "He’ll win. I know it."

The guy grinned like a hyena. "Smart move, sir! Very smart."

I wanted to add something else.

"And... cancel my match. I was scheduled to fight. Cancel it," I begged, voice shaking.

The man smirked, almost mocking me. "Heh. No can do, sir. You’re already registered. You’re up next... against the monster himself."

I slapped my palms together, begging. "Please, just cancel it. I’ll do anything."

"Nope," he said, sliding the glass window shut with a smug smile.

Too late.

Once you’re registered... there’s no backing out. The match schedule is locked.

Regret gnawed at my chest. Damn it. What have I done?

And now... my next opponent is Theo.

I’m doomed.