The Spiral Island stood still the morning after the blood-soaked betrayal. A heavy silence hung over the wind-swept base like mourning fog. Black flags flapped at half-mast. John's body, wrapped in Spiral insignia, lay inside a crystal coffin at the center of the courtyard, surrounded by Spiral soldiers standing in silent honor. His sacrifice was being remembered. But deep inside the island, in the chamber of power, something darker stirred. Siddik is standing coldly and thinking, "He gave his life for the future we're building. That future won't mourn. It will rise."
In his cold, minimalist chamber, Siddik stands over a wide table covered in war maps. Rafiq enters, lays down a dossier marked WAR REPORT – OPERATION DAWN.
Rafiq:
"The forces are ready. They await your word."
Siddik:
"Let them wait one more night. Tell them – the storm begins the day after tomorrow. First target: UN Headquarters, the place where these orders come from. No mistake this time."
Rafiq nods, salutes, and leaves. The door closed behind him with a hiss.
A moment later, Tayeb entered–still bruised, still grim. His gaze pierced through the silence as he stood in front of Siddik.
"So, this is what we fought for," Tayeb asked.
Siddik remained silent. The silence thickened.
Tayeb stepped closer, voice lower. "Siddik, what are you thinking?"
Siddik finally looked at Tayeb, "Brother Hridoy wants to leave. Make arrangements to send him back."
Tayeb replied, "That's not what I asked."
Siddik takes a seat and finally starts to speak, eyes sharp:
"You know, Tayeb. Spiral wasn't the same. Nor was I. But the situation changed us. I have been chasing this peace for eight years. My family expelled me for my idea. They thought about only Spiral, but I thought about the world. I haven't spoken to them for eight years. I did what I had to. To protect my family, my people, my world. This is my dream, Tayeb. I worked day and night. I travelled a lot, met a lot of people to make this world better. They laughed at me, they call me mad."
Siddik was silent for a moment, then again said:
"Then I built from scar. I collected the people who suffered, trained them, and now they will snatch their own peace that the world snatched from them. You know why I create my own weapons? Because I don't believe the world. They made you a monster with my hands. The world leaders never wanted peace, they always wanted war. So, this time I will give them what they wanted for years. If you're with me, good. It you're not… that's fine too. But don't expect me to stop. If our friends stand on my way, I will not hesitate to fight them."
Tayeb stared at him for a long moment. Then smiled faintly.
"I needed to be sure," he said. "You seemed broken… after what happened. After we lost them. I thought maybe you were… lost."
He stepped forward and grabbed Siddik's hand firmly.
"But you're not. You're clearer than ever. Let's finish what we started."
Siddik nodded once, and Tayeb left the chamber.
Late at night, dim lights flickered as Siddik descended into the depths of Spiral's underground prison. Two guards stood at the end of the hall. Inside the reinforced cell sat Grok – chained, dirty, but smiling.
"You look tired," Grok chuckled. "Your plan is failing already."
"Open the cell," Siddik ordered without turning.
The guards exchanged a glance but obeyed. Siddik signals them to move away. Siddik stepped inside the cell.
Grok (grinning, blood at the corner of his mouth):
"Still playing king, Siddik? Your throne is made of bones and blood. You won't build peace–only a bigger graveyard."
Siddik (cold, composed):
"You came back to die, Elian. You knew the outcome before you stepped on this island."
Grok (leans forward, his voice low and venomous):
"I came to rip out your legacy. I'll burn Spiral to ash. Your name, your people, your blood–erased."
Siddik (pulls a chair, sits slowly, eyes locked on Grok):
"You taught me the laws of chaos. But you never imagined your student would write his own rules. I just didn't surpass you – I evolved beyond you."
Grok (bitter laugh):
"You're nothing but a mirror of me, Siddik. Arrogant. Blind. Twisting science until it screams."
Siddik (leans in, voice a whisper):
"You created death. I created an order from it. When you killed the people, I was collecting their brains. I modified your virus, rebuilt the creatures. They listen, they learn. They bleed if I tell them to. And they kill exactly who I choose."
Grok (face turns serious):
"You're wielding a blade you don't understand. Those things–you call them soldiers–aren't yours. They'll turn you."
Siddik (smiling slowly):
"Let them. By the time they do, my purpose will be complete. I don't fear monsters, Elian. I manufacture them."
Grok (a flicker of genuine fear):
"You're walking into the abyss thinking it's a throne room."
Siddik (stands up, shadow looming over Grok):
"No. I dug the abyss, brick by brick, while the world looked away. I invited the monsters in, taught them my name, and made them kneel. And some surprising news for you, my army tuned in to me. But… the Spiral army I saved for the day is ready. Your people will obey my orders. I think this is the most shameful news for you."
Grok (struggles against chains):
"This isn't saving the world. This is vengeance. Delusion."
Siddik (walking to the door):
"The world drew first blood. I'm just making sure it never bleeds again."
Grok (shouting now, desperate):
"You think they'll follow you forever? Rafiq, Rafi, your friends–they'll see you for what you are!"
Siddik (pauses at door, turns slightly):
"I already planned for their betrayal. When I strike, it'll look like justice. Not ambition. That's how you stay ahead, Elian. You turn even doubt into fuel. And very soon, I will be calling him also. You know him well. He just obeys my orders, not anyone else's. Not even my father's."
He calls the guards and orders them to lock the cell. Grok lunges forward as far as the chains allow.
Grok (yelling):
"You're not a savior, Siddik! You're the final apocalypse!"
Siddik (without turning):
"Whatever you think."
He leaves the cell door slams shut. Grok is left breathing hard, alone in the dark, the sound of distant thunder rumbling like war drums.
Later that night at the Spiral Courtyard, Hridoy stood before Siddik in his long coat, a duffel bag slung over one shoulder. His wounds were healing–but his eyes were distant.
"I'm leaving, Siddik," Hridoy said. "Back to the UN."
Siddik nodded. Then, unexpectedly, hugged him tightly.
"Don't get me wrong," Siddik said. "Everyone has their path. I chose mine. You chose yours. That's it. Take care of yourself. And tell Fakhrul brother, forgive me if possible."
He pulled back and added with quiet menace, "Tell James Smith… His nightmare is coming."
Hridoy hesitated, "Is there really no other way?"
Siddik's voice grew cold. "I searched for another way for eight years. Went to the world leaders, and they laughed at my idea. Then, for five years, I built my own way. Now the leaders will understand that we should not play with ghosts. But yes, if you and brother Fakhrul find any other way, something better, then come back. We'll do it together."
They shared one final nod. Then Hridoy turned and walked out of Spiral Island for the last time.
At dawn, Rafiq entered briskly, documents in hand. "Pre-war plans finalized. Every general is ready with their army. But I'm afraid, we'll be outnumbered on the field."
Siddik was standing over a digital map. He didn't look concerned. "We won't be. Just make the arrangements. And surprise them with my creation."
Rafiq glanced at him uneasily, "Are you sure? Won't it be so early?"
Siddik said, "I've waited too long to stand in front of James Smith. "I promised him death. Next time we meet—I'll deliver it."