The sun hung high above the Hadith Battle Arena, casting long shadows on the scarred battlefield below. The crowd was unusually thick that day. Students from every corner of the college gathered, their chatter buzzing like a swarm of bees.
Zain stood among them, his expression unreadable. He wasn't here to fight—at least, not at first. His eyes were fixed on one person alone.
Alice.
The famous boy of the area, stood tall in the center of the field. Rumors swirled around his like a storm. "He's impossible to beat," someone whispered. "Only came college for someday and he thinks he can take on Alice?" another scoffed.
But others weren't so sure.
"Zain's no joke either. He's friends with Orion. And Orion… he just started his own gang."
"Yeah," another agreed, "Orion didn't join any gang all this time. Maybe he was waiting for this guy.
As the crowd parted, Zain stepped forward, his footsteps steady and calm. He came to a halt in front of Alice. For a moment, the world held its breath.
Two warriors. Two auras clashing in silence.
Alice crossed his arms, eyes locked with his. "You're brave to face me," he said, voice cool like ice. "Many have tried. None succeeded."
Zain's lips curled into a small smile. "I've already guessed your strength. You wouldn't be leading the second-strongest gang in the area with just twelve members if you were weak."
The next instant, Alice vanished from sight—a blur—and appeared in front of him with a punch aimed at his face.
But he wasn't there.
He'd already moved. Calmly. Effortlessly.
He attacked again—punches, kicks, sharp strikes that blurred through the air—but none of them connected. Zain weaved through them like water.
"You're fast," he acknowledged, his voice steady, "So fast that most can't even see your attacks. But I'm not like most."
And then—just one move.
One punch.
The entire arena fell silent as Alice hit the ground. Defeated.
In one hit.
The students watching froze in shock. Mouths hung open. Even the wind seemed to hesitate.
Zain... had won.
No celebration came from him. No pride. No boasting. He simply turned, as if what he had done was routine. Expected.
From the edge of the crowd, Cube silently walked away. He had seen enough.
Later, Zain arranged for Alice to be sent to the hospital. Orion caught up to him, smiling wide. "We did it," he said. "Crescent Gang is done. Aren't you happy?"
Zain didn't answer. His eyes wandered elsewhere.
During lunch break, the cafeteria filled with students wanting to talk to him. But just as the atmosphere began to shift into celebration, the crowd scattered—vanished at the presence of one man.
Imanji.
Tall. Cold. Dangerous. The First Army Chief of the WS gang.
"What are you doing here, Imanji?" Orion stepped up, his expression tense. "Looking for a fight? We're not interested."
Zain tilted his head. "Who's he?"
Orion whispered back, "Imanji. He's the First Army Chief of WS. A real threat."
Imanji smiled faintly. "Why are you always so tense, Orion? Are you afraid? Of me? Of WS? Of Mahir?"
Orion stayed silent. But Zain stepped forward.
"I only fear God," he said plainly.
Imanji's eyes widened slightly. "Oh? So beating Alice made you think you're Supreme now?" He chuckled, dark and amused. "We already crushed the Crescent Gang during the Hadith Siege."
"You weren't even in WS back then," Orion snapped. "You joined later."
Imanji didn't respond. He simply turned and walked away, his subordinates close behind.
As the air settled, Cube returned. "I want to join U-Force," he said simply.
Orion blinked. "Didn't you think we were weak before?"
Zain looked at them both. "I don't like people being treated badly. No matter their past."
Orion lowered his head. "You're right. Sorry, Cube."
Zain smiled faintly and extended a hand. "Then… welcome, our brother."
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