The forest exploded into chaos.
The three Hunters moved with unnatural speed, their dark cloaks slicing through the night air. Their glowing blue eyes locked on Feroz as though he was prey already caught in their snare.
Yusuf stepped forward, blade flashing as he intercepted the first strike. Sparks burst as steel met a strange black weapon—half-sword, half-staff—held by the leading Hunter. The clash sent a ringing sound through the forest, echoing like a warning bell.
"Stay behind me!" Yusuf barked.
But Feroz could feel it—the power inside him was no longer quiet. It roared, surging against his control, begging to be unleashed.
Mrs. Aliya extended her hands, whispering under her breath. The air shimmered around her, forming a faint barrier of light. The second Hunter threw a dagger-like blade, but it bounced harmlessly off the shield with a hiss.
The third Hunter vanished.
Feroz's heart skipped. He spun around, clutching the map to his chest, but before he could react, a cold whisper came from behind his ear."So much power in one so young…"
The Hunter appeared behind him, blade raised.
Instinct took over. Feroz lifted his glowing hand, and a pulse of energy blasted outward. The Hunter was thrown back, slamming against a tree with a sickening crack. Leaves rained down, and the forest groaned from the force.
Feroz's chest heaved. His hands trembled. "I—I didn't mean—"
But Yusuf shouted, "Do not hesitate! They will not spare you."
The leading Hunter pushed Yusuf back with a powerful strike, his voice calm but mocking."Your father hid you well, boy. But even he could not protect you forever. The Free Masons always collect what belongs to them."
Feroz's anger boiled. His father's name—the pain of never knowing why he vanished—fueled the storm inside him. His eyes burned, glowing faintly like the light in his hands.
Mrs. Aliya's voice cut through the chaos, urgent but steady."Feroz! Remember what I taught you. Do not fight the power—guide it."
The Hunters lunged again.
This time, Feroz didn't just react. He stepped forward, thrusting his hand out. A wave of light surged, brighter and stronger than before, colliding with the advancing assassins. The blast shook the ground, splitting the earth in a jagged line.
The second Hunter was thrown back, his cloak burning at the edges. The third hissed and disappeared into the shadows again, circling.
But the leader… he stood firm. His cloak whipped in the storm of energy, but his glowing eyes never wavered. He raised his staff, absorbing part of the light into the strange silver symbols carved across his chest.
"Excellent," he said, almost delighted. "The heir of Qadir Khan has awakened. The Grand Master will be pleased."
Yusuf growled, stepping between Feroz and the Hunter."You'll never have him."
The Hunter tilted his head. "We already do. You cannot outrun destiny."
Then, with a sudden motion, he struck the ground with his staff. The earth quaked, splitting further, and shadows began to crawl up from the cracks—dozens of smaller, twisted figures forming from darkness itself.
Feroz's eyes widened. His power was strong, but the sheer number of enemies made his chest tighten with fear.
Mrs. Aliya moved closer to him, whispering quickly."Feroz, listen to me. These are not just shadows. They are bound by his will. If you can break the leader's control, the rest will fall."
Feroz clenched his fists, the map pressed tightly against him. His whole body trembled, torn between fear and the storm inside.
The leader raised his staff again, pointing it at him."Come, child of Qadir. Show me what your bloodline is truly worth."
The night air grew colder. The forest groaned under the weight of the power gathering.
And Feroz knew… this was only the beginning of the real battle.