Julian woke before dawn.
Another Saturday.
Another holiday.
But this time, he woke with the warm afterglow of victory still in his chest—the win from yesterday's match pulsing through him like a second heartbeat.
05:00.
Outside, the world was still ink-black, the winter chill pressing against the windows.
But inside… the mission clock was ticking. Two more days before it ended. Two more days to push himself past the limit.
A quick wash.
A splash of cold water across the face.
Then straight into the private gym.
The hum of the treadmill filled the air as he started his morning grind.
Jogging: 95 / 100 KM (62 miles)
Fifteen more kilometers before the first break. His breath turned into steady clouds in the cold air, sweat prickling his skin even as the rest of the house slept.
No hesitation—onto the bench press.
Right now, forty kilograms (88.8 lbs) felt… manageable. Not light, not heavy.
But today wasn't about "manageable."
It was about breaking through.
