The Minister's Shadow: Surveillance in the Shadows

Qusay quickly shifted his consciousness to America, specifically to an open shooting range. This time, the goal was clear: to complete the third stage of basic training. Here, in this place, all the new recruits of the American teams—"Wings of Freedom," "Shadow Guardians," "Storm Heroes," and "Future Protectors"—were required to pass this test.

In the middle of the range stood Ghadeer, the Jordanian girl with shiny, thick brown hair that cascaded freely around her face and gently reached her shoulders, giving her a natural beauty and grace. Her enchanting green eyes sparkled in the sunlight, like two gems radiating irresistible charm. She confidently held an XM4 rifle, wearing the standard military uniform for trainees. Beside her stood Michael, the blond young man with cold blue eyes, who seemed completely serious and focused.

"Do you think the XM4 will be enough for the first challenge?" Ghadeer asked in a calm voice, though it carried a hidden challenge.

Michael turned his head toward her and smiled faintly. "The XM4 is good for speed, but I prefer the FN SCAR for challenges that require higher precision. It's more stable for medium-range shots."

"But the FN SCAR is heavier, and that might affect your speed when moving between positions," Ghadeer quickly retorted, as if she had been waiting for this exact point.

"True, but I think sacrificing some speed for accuracy will be beneficial, especially if the targets are well-hidden," Michael replied while carefully inspecting his rifle.

"What about snipers?" Ghadeer asked, trying to provoke him a little. "Will you use the Barrett M82?"

Michael laughed. "The Barrett M82 is powerful, but it's too heavy. I'll go with the CheyTac Intervention. It's more accurate at long ranges and lighter."

"You always prefer precision over power, don't you?" Ghadeer said with a slight smile.

"And you always prefer speed over everything," Michael shot back with a challenging tone.

Before Ghadeer could respond, their conversation was cut off by the voice of their instructor, Sergeant First Class Johnson, who barked his usual command: "Line up, recruits!"

Everyone quickly gathered, and Sergeant Johnson stood in front of them, his sharp gaze scanning the rows. "Tomorrow," he began in a loud, confident voice, "we'll conduct the first real shooting test. This isn't just regular training. This is where you prove you deserve to be here. Those who succeed tomorrow will move directly to the fourth stage of basic training. And this isn't just for your benefit, but for your teams as well. The faster the recruits finish, the faster the teams can be fully mobilized. So tomorrow, show me what you're made of. Show me your shooting skills, and your supernatural abilities too. Don't hesitate to use them, because this is where you'll truly be tested."

Sergeant Johnson then went on to explain the four challenges:

Rapid Fire Skills: A test of speed and accuracy using pistols and assault rifles to hit hidden targets while quickly moving between positions.

Heavy Strike Force: A test of precision using sniper rifles and grenade launchers, focusing on hitting distant targets and completing the mission within a set time.

Combat Field Race: A race combining physical strength and speed, where participants face high obstacles, crawl under wires, carry heavy weights, and drag dummy casualties.

Tactical Engagement and Rescue: A simulated combat scenario inside a building, requiring planning, stealth, and tactical action to rescue a hostage and eliminate enemy targets without mistakes.

"The challenge begins at dawn tomorrow," Sergeant Johnson continued. "You have two days to complete all challenges. There will be 10 supervising officers and 20 soldiers responsible for setting up the weapons and resetting the courses. The total points system is 300, and the minimum to qualify is 200 points. Any violation of safety rules will result in immediate disqualification. The top three competitors will receive honorary awards."

After Sergeant Johnson finished his speech, everyone returned to their daily training. Ghadeer and Michael continued their conversation, this time about the upcoming challenges.

"I think the third challenge will be the hardest," Michael said as he inspected his pistol.

"Why?" Ghadeer asked while adjusting her grip on her rifle.

"Because it requires a lot of physical strength, and I'm not sure everyone is ready for that," Michael replied.

"I think the fourth challenge will be the hardest," Ghadeer said. "Planning and stealth require a lot of focus, and even a small mistake could cost us points."

"Let's see who's right," Michael said with a challenging smile.

"Let's see," Ghadeer replied with a similar smile.

The recruits returned to their routine training. Ghadeer and Michael joined a group of trainees practicing rapid-fire shooting with pistols. The sound of gunfire filled the air as the instructors gave their final instructions before the decisive test day.

Meanwhile, back at his small home in Douar El Jir, Qusay returned from his day of wandering and observing. He felt slightly fatigued after a long day of wandering and observation. He made a simple meal of grilled chicken, vegetables, and rice. As he ate, his thoughts drifted to the challenges awaiting Ghadeer and Michael the next day, and he felt a surge of excitement to see how their supernatural abilities would help them succeed.

After finishing his meal, he went to his bedroom. He turned on his computer and accessed the dark web. He opened his encrypted email, expecting a message from ShadowX. Sure enough, a new message was waiting in his inbox.

He opened the message quickly, and his eyes widened as he read its contents:

From: ShadowX

To: @##HW

Subject: Begin the First Mission

"Dear @##HW,

We hope you are well. Please send your crypto wallet address as soon as possible so we can transfer the agreed amount in Monero (XMR) to ensure the highest level of confidentiality.

For your first mission, we have preliminary information suggesting that Justice Minister Abdul Malik may be indirectly involved in the recent Shefshauen incident. We need you to gather detailed information about this connection and prepare a comprehensive report, including every minor detail.

We are counting on you. Be cautious, and remember: leave no trace.

ShadowX."

Qusay closed the message, replied with his crypto wallet address, and confirmed his readiness to begin the mission. Feeling the weight of the task, he couldn't imagine that a high-profile figure like the Justice Minister could be involved in such an incident. He let out a deep sigh and went outside to absorb the energy of the sunset. He spent two hours meditating before returning inside, first checking his computer to investigate the Minister. He studied his features carefully and memorized his image clearly. Then he went to bed, his body falling asleep while his consciousness remained focused on the Minister's image, allowing him to shift his awareness directly to where the Minister was.

Qusay found himself in Justice Minister Abdul Malik's home, a luxurious villa in one of the capital's most upscale neighborhoods. The house combined elegance and modernity, with a stone facade and large windows. The main gate, made of ornate iron, opened automatically, leading to a spacious hall with a crystal chandelier and luxurious leather furniture. The library was filled with rare books and concealed a secret meeting room equipped with the latest technology. The backyard featured a fountain and a large swimming pool, while the bedrooms, especially the master suite, exuded opulence with a carved wooden bed and a jacuzzi.

Abdul Malik himself was a man in his fifties, tall, with an athletic build he maintained regularly. His black hair, streaked with gray, gave him a distinguished appearance, while his sharp brown eyes reflected intelligence and determination. He always wore custom-tailored suits, reflecting his attention to elegance. His personality was calm but strong, with a commanding presence that drew attention wherever he went. Known for his political shrewdness and long-term planning, he was an influential figure in power circles.

Qusay closely observed the Justice Minister's routine, trying to catch anything suspicious. But what he noticed was an ordinary daily routine, albeit with a touch of elegance and organization that surpassed that of an average person. Abdul Malik seemed highly disciplined, clearly separating his work from his personal life. Once he entered his home, it was as if he left all work-related concerns behind.

The Minister's evening began with a quiet dinner with his family, where he sat with his wife and daughter in the luxurious dining room. The conversation was light and comfortable, filled with laughter and family bonding. After dinner, he spent some time in the library, reading a book while sipping green tea. Then he joined his family in the living room to watch a movie before bidding them goodnight and heading to his bedroom at 10 PM.

Qusay didn't notice anything strange or suspicious. The Minister seemed like an ordinary person at home, far from the political complexities surrounding him at work. Even his personal guards appeared relaxed, as if they knew this place was completely safe.

By midnight, after confirming the Minister was asleep, Qusay let out a long sigh of exhaustion. He had spent the entire night observing without finding any evidence linking the Minister to the Shefshauen incident. He felt frustrated but knew this was part of the job. He decided to return his consciousness to his home and take a break, enjoying a game of "Legend Online," which he hadn't touched in nearly nine months.

Qusay played "Legend Online" with intense focus, immersed in the virtual world until the dawn sun began to rise outside his window. He looked at the clock and realized he had spent the entire night gaming. He suddenly remembered he was supposed to watch the shooting challenges in Washington, but then he paused: dawn in Washington wouldn't start for another six hours, meaning it would be noon in his local time.

After a moment of hesitation, Qusay decided to make better use of this extra time. Instead of waiting, he chose to return to observing Justice Minister Abdul Malik. Perhaps there was a chance to catch something during the early morning hours when everyone was less cautious.

Qusay shifted his consciousness back to the Minister's home, where the personal guards were still in their positions but seemed more relaxed than the previous night. The house was quiet, with dim light coming from some windows. Qusay focused on the Minister's bedroom, where he noticed Abdul Malik had woken up early, as was his usual morning routine.

The Minister began his day with light exercises in the backyard, accompanied by his personal dog. These exercises, which included light jogging and stretching, lasted no more than twenty minutes. After finishing, Abdul Malik went straight to his private bathroom to shower. The warm water seemed to wash away all traces of fatigue as he used luxurious personal care products that reflected his refined taste. After showering, he put on a soft robe and moved to the dining room for a light breakfast with his family, which lasted about half an hour. Qusay noticed that Abdul Malik read the morning newspapers while sipping his coffee, but he didn't spot anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. All these morning scenes, from the exercises to the shower and breakfast, took no more than an hour.

In the last half hour, the Minister began preparing for his workday. He put on an elegant formal suit, tied a dark-colored tie, and carried a small briefcase containing his personal documents. He then headed to his luxurious car, which was waiting for him outside with a private driver. By 7:55 AM, Abdul Malik had arrived at the Ministry of Justice building, where he stood confidently in front of the main gate, ready to start his workday.

Qusay wasn't entirely sure about the nature of the Minister's work inside the building. Was it an official office? A courtroom? Or a private office in the Ministry of Justice? He decided not to speculate too much and chose to observe the Minister closely. Qusay felt frustrated again, as the Minister seemed to completely separate his work and personal life, leaving no room for suspicion. But he knew his mission required patience, and the truth might be hidden in the smallest details. Qusay decided to follow the Minister further, hoping to find more clues.

As the Minister entered the building, the atmosphere around him seemed to change. Employees and guards stood at attention, exchanging respectful greetings. Even those engrossed in their work paused for a moment to glance at him with reverence. An aura of dignity and authority surrounded him, making everyone around him feel the weight of his position. Every step he took exuded confidence and power, as if the entire building breathed in sync with his movements.

Abdul Malik entered his spacious office, which reflected a high level of taste in design. The walls were paneled with dark mahogany, adorned with classical art pieces. His large desk, made of the same wood, held a neatly arranged stack of papers, a modern computer, and a large screen. In one corner of the room, there was a luxurious leather sofa and a small coffee table, giving the impression that this office was not just a place for work but also for thinking and relaxation.

Qusay decided to explore the office. He looked at the papers scattered on the desk, trying to read the prominent ones without being able to touch anything. He noticed some headings referring to new legislative projects, along with reports on major criminal cases. There was also a small handwritten note by the Minister, but it was too unclear to fully understand its content.

Once Abdul Malik settled into his office, he began his workday with remarkable efficiency. His hands moved swiftly between the papers on his desk, reading quickly and signing with a clear, decisive hand. Each document passed through his fingers like part of a complex machine working smoothly. The papers varied: reports on criminal cases, new legislative projects, and official correspondence with senior officials. Everything was done with speed and precision, reflecting years of experience in managing affairs skillfully.

Qusay, still in his conscious state, tried to take advantage of the opportunity to read every document the Minister handled. He looked at the main headings and tried to catch any important details. But the Minister's speed in reading and signing outpaced Qusay's ability to keep up. Every time he tried to focus on a specific document, the Minister had already moved on to the next. His hands moved like lightning, as if he were working on a clock that never stopped.

At one point, Qusay noticed a document that seemed more important than the others. It bore a "Top Secret" stamp, and the heading he managed to glimpse was written in bold: "Project Atlas: Restructuring the Judicial System." But before he could read any further details, the Minister flipped the page and began signing. Qusay tried to catch some key words, like "radical reforms" and "international cooperation," but the Minister's speed made it nearly impossible. He felt frustrated but knew this was the nature of dealing with someone like Abdul Malik, who left no room for hesitation or slowness.

And so, Qusay spent three full hours trying to keep up with the Minister's rapid reading, observing every swift and decisive movement. But in the end, he surrendered to the Minister's extraordinary ability to accomplish tasks, which seemed tireless. It appeared that Abdul Malik was also nearing the end of the remaining paperwork for the day. He ordered his final coffee from his assistant, a clear sign that the intense workday was almost over.

Qusay decided it was time to return to his room. He got up quickly, realizing he needed to hurry to follow the shooting challenges in Washington. He took a quick shower, then headed to the kitchen and fried three eggs, eating them quickly as he mentally and physically prepared for what was coming. He lay on the couch for a while, absorbing some energy for half an hour, trying to regain his focus and strength.

After that, he used his special ability again, shifting his consciousness to Washington, where the shooting challenges were about to begin. Qusay was filled with excitement, eager to see the skills and abilities of the recruits in this test that could be a gateway to a new stage in their lives.