I will return

32

I can see everything. Titan, this giant of muscles, is at my disposal. He is no longer just a simple puppet. Not only do I move his body, but now when I close my eyes, I can see through his. His body responds exactly to my thoughts, as if his brain no longer belongs to him. It is an indescribable feeling. Through Titan's eyes, I see myself marching towards the ring, the crowd's screams ringing in my ears, but all I hear is the referee mentioning **Titan**'s name. I smile inside. They think they are praising that giant... But it's me! All this is mine!

As I approach the ring, I can see Zarkos being brought in. He has no idea what is coming. He just looks at me like any other opponent, not knowing that I have a surprise prepared.

The bell rings and the first round begins. I lunge at him immediately, controlling Titan's every muscle. The first blow is fierce, but Zarkos dodges it easily. He keeps avoiding me, but that doesn't worry me. I know how he moves, I know his tactics. Years of observation have given me that advantage.

Zarkos is fast, but I am faster. He throws a punch, but I spin nimbly and avoid it, as if I were fighting in my own small body. I'm small, but that allows me to maneuver better. His blows don't touch me.

The first round ends, and in the second I come back stronger. Zarkos continues dodging, but now I launch more abrupt movements. I'm tiring him out. His breathing is heavier, his reflexes slower.

By the third round, I know it's my chance. Zarkos begins to attack me with more force, but I still know his every move. I dodge, counterattack, and in a key moment, hit him square in the stomach. He staggers, his breathing stopping for a second.

Then I lunge at him, holding him with one leg, pressing down to immobilize him. **I have it**. I get close to his ear and whisper:

—Hello, old friend... or should I say *damsel*.

At that moment, Zarkos freezes. I recognize it, remember it. *Damsel*, the word Daphne said to him that time when they defeated him. Confusion crosses his face and he lets go, losing his composure.

I take advantage of the moment. I knock him down and hold him tight. The bell rings, the referee declares victory. I look at Zarkos, defeated and not knowing what just happened.

"Thank you, *damsel*," I say, enjoying every second of her bewilderment.

Zarkos looks at me, completely disoriented. No one had called him that in years.

And now, this is just the beginning of what I have in store for you...