### Chapter 23: Underestimate Her **Seven Days of Forging** The transformation unfolded over seven grueling days, each a brutal crucible turning Cana's fear into a weapon sharper than any blade. Carlo's penthouse became her unrelenting forge—private gym echoing with gunshots, living room a shadow-dance arena, sub-level range reeking of gunpowder and sweat. No mercy, no shortcuts; every session pushed her to the precipice, heart slamming like a war drum, muscles screaming mutiny. But she endured, evolving from trembling novice to lethal force, the thrill of mastery coiling in her veins like adrenaline venom. **Day One: Fear's Grip** Sweat stung her eyes as Cana's hands quivered around the Glock's grip, palms slick, knuckles white. Recoil from prior shots still throbbed in her wrists, the metallic *clang* of missed bullets mocking her from the backstop. "Again," Carlo commanded, voice flat steel from the firing line's edge. "Carlo, I—" Her voice cracked, doubt a lead weight.
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