Marwan handed the criminals over to the police, giving them a firm warning. "Keep an eye on the short blond guy," he said. "he’s not someone you can underestimate. He’s probably the mastermind behind all the trouble."With that, he climbed onto his bike and rode home, exhaustion weighing on him. But sleep brought no relief only the same disturbing dreams, leaving him restless and unable to find peace. The next day, Marwan was back in the training yard, his movements sharp despite the fatigue. Ali watched him for a moment before shaking his head."You’re seriously not normal," Ali said. "Yesterday, you came back from a tough mission in the desert, and today you’re training like it’s nothing? Don’t you ever get tired?"Marwan didn’t pause, his fists striking the heavy bag with steady rhythm. "Instead of standing there complaining,"he replied, "come train with me. I’ll teach you something useful."Ali hesitated. "I wish, but you look pissed off, like you just want to take it out on me

The sun was shining on the training ground of the day, casting long shadows as Ali and Hazem stood facing each other, weapons in hand. The air was filled with the scent of earth and grass and the sound of flowinwater. Hazim adjusted his grip on his practice sword, his eyes sharp as he studied Ali. "Marwan is still the better teacher when it comes to hand-to-hand," he admitted, "but with weapons? No. He’s too reckless. I fear he might accidentally kill someone when his temper flares." He shook his head remembering how he stopped him one time from cutting Malik in half when Malik first joined them. "That’s why I forbade him from training others with weapons. But you? You’ve got potential. So I decided to train you myself." Ali nodded, tightening his hold on the wooden sword Hazim gave him. Hazim had checked Ali's weapons before, he carefully examined them , the look on his face was a mix of awe and confusion , and it showed in his in his voice. "In all my years of fighting… I’ve

Exhausted and aching in every muscle, Ali dragged himself home after a brutal week of training with Hazim. The riverside camp had been merciless - cold nights, sparse meals, and relentless drills that left him barely standing. As they packed up, Hazim surveyed Ali's battered state with a cold expression. "Enough for now," Hazim said, tossing Ali his duffel bag. "Go home. Rest. When those wounds heal, we train again."Ali opened his mouth to protest, but Hazim was already walking away. "At least give me a ride!" Ali called after him.Hazim didn't break stride. "Public transport builds character," he called back over his shoulder before driving off in a cloud of dust.Ali muttered curses under his breath all the way to the bus stop. The next morning, sunlight stabbed through Ali's eyelids as his phone chimed. He groaned, rolling over to check the notification - an email from Al-Najjar Industries. His bloodshot eyes widened as he read: Dear Mr. Ali al Hadi, We are pleased to offer you

Ali returned from work, changed his clothes, and began gathering supplies, digging tools, camping gear, snacks, and water, for his nighttime expedition. He knew he might have to stay out until morning. His younger brothers watched him curiously. "Where are you going?" one of them asked. "None of your business," Ali replied sharply. He turned to his father. "Can I take the car?"His father nodded. "Take it, but bring it back by morning. I need it for work."Ali grabbed the keys and started loading the trunk. His brothers pestered him again. "Take us with you! We’re bored!""Go do your homework or play somewhere else," Ali said, annoyed. "I’m not going to have fun."One of them grinned. "You’re going on a mission, right? Take us! We’ve always wanted to see you in battle up close!" Ali scowled. "The battlefield is dangerous, it's not a place for kids. Now go!"He finished packing, assuming they had gone back inside. He didn’t notice them sneaking into the car and hiding in the

The cavernous hall echoed with the screech of steel as Ali barely deflected the Phantom Knight’s downward strike. His boots skidded backward across the ancient stone, his arms trembling from the impact. Sweat dripped into his eyes, but he didn’t dare blink. The knight loomed before him, golden armor glinting in the dim torchlight, its hollow visor fixed on him with unnatural stillness. "You’re not real," Ali muttered, tightening his grip on his sword. "Just a shadow clinging to that armor." The knight lunged again, its blade a silver blur. Ali pivoted, blocking at the last second, the clash sent a jolt up his spine, and his sword groaned under the strain. A hairline crack split the steel near the hilt. One more hit and it’ll shatter.Desperation sharpened his focus. He reached for his Sword of Light, its blade etched with glowing runes. As he drew it, the chamber erupted in brilliance. Shadows recoiled like living things, and the knight staggered, raising an armored hand against t