Laga woke before dawn. The city was still quiet, but he could feel the tension growing like a storm on the horizon. He dressed carefully, choosing simple clothes that wouldn't draw attention. No need to stand out—not yet.
Mara was already at the office when he arrived. She greeted him with a nod, her face serious.
"I've doubled security at the company," she said quietly. "But the watchers aren't just outside. Someone inside is feeding them information."
Laga frowned. "A traitor?"
"It looks like it."
For years, Laga had relied on trust and silence. But now, the cracks were showing. The enemies he had hidden from for so long were closer than he wanted.
---
In another part of the city, in a skyscraper office decorated with expensive art and large windows, one of Laga's disciples sat behind a massive desk. His name was Rayan. A man feared in the business world, respected in the shadows.
Rayan's phone buzzed. A message appeared: "It's starting."
He stood, looking out over the city. "So it begins," he whispered.
He was among the few who knew parts of Laga's true identity—but even he did not know everything. Only the master himself held the full truth.
---
Back at the company, Laga moved through the hallways like a ghost. He avoided cameras, avoided people who could ask questions. The office felt colder than usual, like the walls were closing in.
Mara approached him again. "You should rest," she said softly. "You can't carry this burden alone."
Laga shook his head. "I've carried heavier burdens before. This is just another battle."
She looked at him carefully, wondering how much he really wanted her to know.
---
Meanwhile, the granddaughter, Mei, was busy with her own world. She believed Laga was just a simple man—humble, kind, mysterious—but nothing more. She had no idea of the storm brewing around them.
That evening, she called Laga. "We need to talk," she said. "There's something I don't understand."
Laga agreed to meet her at a quiet park, where the night air was cool and calm.
---
Under the soft glow of the street lamps, they sat on a bench. Mei looked at him, her eyes searching.
"Why do you always seem so distant? Like you're hiding something?"
Laga smiled gently. "Because I am."
She laughed nervously. "I know you're not just an ordinary man. But I don't want to push you."
He looked into her eyes. "One day, you'll understand everything."
Before she could ask more, his phone buzzed again. The message was simple: "Prepare."
Laga's expression darkened. "I have to go."
Mei watched him leave, a strange feeling in her chest.
---
That night, Laga returned to his apartment and started packing. The time for hiding was ending.
His phone rang. It was Jaro.
"Master," Jaro said, voice low. "They're moving fast. We've spotted several operatives near your location."
Laga nodded. "I'm ready."
Jaro continued, "Your disciples have started gathering. They await your command."
The mention of the disciples gave Laga a rare smile. Despite all the chaos, some things remained constant.
---
As dawn broke, Laga stood at the window, looking out over the city he had lived in quietly for so long.
The watcher's shadow was no longer distant. It was here.
And soon, the world would see the man behind the mask.