Two months later…
The city felt different that night.
Rebel Town — usually loud, chaotic, alive — was silent, as if the streets themselves sensed something coming.
Zain walked alone beneath the dim streetlights, his footsteps soft against the cracked pavement. He had agreed to meet Mahir tonight, alone, away from both gangs. No soldiers. No witnesses. Just the two leaders.
The meeting spot was an abandoned railway bridge on the outskirts of the city, chosen because neither side controlled it. The steel beams were rusted, the concrete fractured, and the sound of dripping water echoed below. It was a place forgotten by the world — a fitting stage for what was about to be decided.
Zain reached the center of the bridge first. He leaned against the railing, hands in his pockets, his eyes fixed on the flickering city lights in the distance.
Then, heavy footsteps broke the silence.
A tall figure approached from the shadows, his presence sharp and commanding. The dim glow of the streetlight revealed Mahir's face — calm, unreadable, yet carrying an aura so heavy it pressed against the air.
Zain straightened, turning slightly to face him. Their eyes locked immediately, and for a long moment, neither spoke.
Finally, Mahir's voice broke the silence, deep and steady.
"It's been a long time, Zain," he said, his tone carrying a weight that couldn't be ignored. "Two months since our last fight… and yet nothing's settled between us. Between U-Force and WS."
Zain said nothing, letting Mahir continue.
"I've been patient," Mahir went on, his voice tightening like a pulled blade. "I've watched my men bleed. I've watched territories burn. And I've endured it for too long. I can't hold back anymore. Tell me, Zain… when will we finish this? When will we fight?"
Zain finally pushed himself off the railing, standing tall, his shadow stretching across the cracked pavement. He took a slow step forward, his amber eyes glowing faintly beneath the pale light.
"You really want this that badly?" Zain asked quietly, his voice steady but sharp.
"I want this ended," Mahir replied without hesitation.
Zain stared at him for a long second before speaking again. "Good. Because that's why I called you here."
Mahir tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable.
Zain stepped closer, stopping just a few feet away. "Imanji might have told you already," he said, lowering his voice, "but the time's finally come. The last battle between WS and U-Force… it's going to happen."
Mahir's gaze sharpened.
"But not here," Zain continued. "Not on U-Force territory. Not on Crescent ground." He paused, letting the silence stretch for a moment before saying it:
"The war will be on WS's home ground. At WS Stadium."
Mahir's expression hardened instantly. A dangerous smile formed on his lips as he stepped closer. "So… you want to challenge me in my own den?"
"Yes," Zain said without hesitation. "I want your people to see it with their own eyes when U-Force takes everything from you."
The wind rustled through the broken steel beams above, carrying the tension between them.
Mahir gave a low laugh, shaking his head slightly. "Fine," he said, his voice deep, certain. "If it's war you want, you'll have it."
But before Mahir could turn to leave, Zain spoke again.
"One more thing," he said, his tone suddenly heavier.
Mahir glanced back, curious. "What?"
Zain's amber eyes locked onto his rival's with an intensity that made the air feel thicker. "I want a promise," he said quietly.
Mahir raised an eyebrow. "A promise?"
"Yes," Zain said firmly. "After the war is over… no matter who wins, no matter who survives… you'll tell me everything about the Hadith Siege."
For the first time tonight, Mahir's expression shifted. His eyes, usually calm and steady, flickered — just for a moment — as though Zain had struck a hidden nerve.
"You…" Mahir said slowly, his voice low, "you don't know the truth yet, do you?"
Zain didn't flinch. "I know enough to realize there's something you're hiding." He took a step closer, his gaze unyielding. "Din's death. Rui's awakening. That night… it wasn't what everyone thinks it was. You were there, Mahir. You know something. And I need to hear it… from you."
Mahir didn't answer immediately. The silence stretched long, broken only by the faint hum of the city in the distance. Finally, he exhaled softly and nodded once.
"Fine," Mahir said, his voice steady again. "I promise. But only after the war ends."
Zain nodded in return, accepting the oath. "Good," he said. "Because once this is over, I want the truth — all of it."
For a moment, neither spoke. They simply stood there, facing each other under the flickering streetlight. Two leaders. Two rivals. Two forces destined to collide.
Then Mahir's lips curved into a faint, dangerous smile. "Prepare yourself, Zain," he said quietly. "On WS ground… I'll unleash everything. No holding back. No mercy."
Zain smirked faintly at the threat. "I wouldn't want it any other way."
Mahir turned and began walking away, his heavy footsteps fading into the shadows of the bridge. His final words echoed behind him:
"WS Stadium will be your grave."
Zain watched him disappear into the darkness, his fists clenched at his sides.
Orion, who had been quietly observing from a distance, finally walked up beside him. "So… it's decided," Orion said softly.
Zain nodded, still staring into the void where Mahir had vanished. "Yeah," he said. "U-Force vs WS. No more hiding. No more delays."
Orion crossed his arms. "This isn't just another fight, is it?"
Zain's jaw tightened as he whispered, almost to himself, "No… this is war."
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