Inside the gym, only two sounds echoed through the space.
The sharp thud of fists hitting pads, one after the other, and the steady chant that came with each strike.
"Money, money, money!" Joe shouted with every punch.
"Again!" Steven barked, raising the pads.
"Money, money, money!" Joe yelled, throwing his fists harder with each word.
With every chant, Joe swung with everything he had, pouring energy into each hit like he was punching straight through the promise of that paycheck.
"The two of them have certainly changed their tune," Aron commented from the side.
"Right?" Max said with a small smirk. "I expected as much."
The moment Max mentioned how much he was willing to pay, two thousand per knockout, their heads snapped around like magnets. And just like that, they agreed to help take down Dipter.
They were so excited Max swore he could see dollar signs sparkling in their eyes.
Once they were on board, Max asked Steven to start training Joe properly.
