Sulaiman's fist was inches away from Ryo's face.
Before it could land—
Zain caught it.
The impact cracked the stone beneath their feet, but Zain didn't move an inch. His eyes were calm. Disappointed.
"Sulaiman," he said quietly.
With one precise strike to the side of the neck—
Sulaiman collapsed.
They carried him back to the palace where they were staying. The halls were quiet. Torches flickered against marble walls as Aisha was assigned to watch over him.
Hours passed.
Night deepened.
Then—
"He's awake!" Aisha called.
Everyone rushed in.
Sulaiman's eyes slowly opened. He blinked at the ceiling, confused.
"Where… am I?"
"You're safe," Benjamin said gently.
"In the palace," Leona added.
Ryo stepped forward, arms folded. His tone wasn't angry—just direct.
"Why were you beating up a boy twice your age?"
Sulaiman's eyes darkened.
"He was making fun of me," he snapped. "Saying I'm a mistake. That my parents died because they couldn't stand looking at a child like me."
Silence filled the room.
Leona lowered her head. "Sorry… if we shouldn't have asked."
Sulaiman shrugged bitterly. "It's not the first time I've heard it."
Zain crossed his arms. "So those kids outside… they were afraid because of you?"
"You could say that."
Abraham stepped forward. "What power does your damik have?"
Sulaiman's eyes sharpened.
"Creation."
Benjamin let out a low whistle. "Neat."
Aisha smiled warmly. "Wow… you're a strong boy."
Scarlet tilted her head. "And your brother?"
The temperature in the room dropped.
Sulaiman looked at her slowly.
"Don't ever mention him in front of me."
His hands trembled.
"I will never consider him my brother. I'll kill him. I swear."
Everyone froze.
"He promised to teach me how to use my damik once it awakened… but he left me. Left this kingdom. So he could be popular. Famous."
His voice cracked—but he didn't cry.
"My mom and dad always supported him. I was the opposite. I wasn't even planned. I came unexpectedly."
He touched the massive scar on his face.
"This… is from my mother. I asked her for a hug."
No one moved.
"My father and brother just laughed."
Aisha covered her mouth.
"I always admired him. But the day he left me… is the day Malu awakened."
Ryo stepped forward without hesitation.
And hugged him.
Sulaiman stiffened.
He had never been held like that before.
"Don't worry, kid," Ryo said quietly. "I promise you'll find him. And if you don't…"
His eyes sharpened.
"I'll find him for you."
For the first time, Sulaiman felt something unfamiliar.
Warmth.
He looked at Ryo and wondered—
Is this… brotherhood?
After more talking, the team prepared to leave.
Zain spoke with the king, who gave his approval for Sulaiman to join them.
As they stepped outside the palace gates—
A slow clap echoed.
The air shifted.
From the shadows ahead—
The masked figure appeared.
Standing directly in front of them.
Waiting.