The Hawaiian Trail

The Hawaiian sun was more intense than Yeh Yao had imagined.

The moment they stepped out of Honolulu International Airport, the hot and humid tropical air hit them, making even Yeh Yao and Alicia, who were accustomed to Malaysia's climate, feel uncomfortable. Marcus led the way, skillfully hailing a taxi and giving the driver an address on the North Shore.

"Where are we headed?" Alicia asked curiously, tying her long hair into a ponytail to combat Hawaii's heat.

"Pupukea," Marcus replied, "a small town on Oahu's North Shore. According to our intel, the wielder of the Hammer of Light was last seen there."

Yeh Yao gazed out the window at the rapidly passing scenery—palm trees, blue skies, and the distant ocean formed a beautiful tropical landscape. The events in Kuala Lumpur three days ago were still vivid in his mind. It had been his first real battle and the first time he felt the full power of the Sword of Light.

"What are you thinking about?" Alicia asked softly, noticing his silence.

Yeh Yao smiled slightly. "Just thinking that if it weren't for that Blood Moon night, we might still be in college, worrying only about exams and papers."

Alicia nodded, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. "Life can be like that sometimes. A turning point, a single decision, can change everything. But honestly," she paused, "I don't regret it. It might sound strange, but this adventure... feels like something we've been waiting for."

Yeh Yao looked at her understandingly. Indeed, despite the dangers and unknowns filling their new lives, he also felt a strange sense of fulfillment, as if he had finally found his purpose.

"Have we uncovered the identity of the Hammer of Light's wielder?" Yeh Yao turned to Marcus and asked.

Marcus shook his head. "Only a codename: 'The Surfer.' He's said to be a famous local surf instructor, but we'll need to investigate further to find out who exactly he is."

"How do we locate him, then?" Alicia asked.

"The surfing community on the North Shore is tight-knit," Marcus explained. "We'll start by asking around at local surf schools and beaches. If someone suddenly displays extraordinary abilities or saves people in dangerous situations, the locals are bound to know about it."

The taxi left bustling downtown Honolulu and drove north along the coastline. As they moved farther from the city, the scenery grew more natural and untouched. Towering mountains stood on one side, the vast Pacific Ocean on the other, with the road winding between them like a ribbon.

After about an hour's drive, they arrived in Pupukea. It was a typical Hawaiian beach town—low-rise, brightly colored buildings lined streets flanked by palm trees and tropical flowers. Locals and tourists strolled leisurely, and the air carried the scents of saltwater, sunshine, and barbecue.

Marcus led them to a small inn called "Blue Wave" to check in. The inn was simple but clean, located near the beach with a stunning view of the Pacific.

"Let's settle in first," Marcus said, "then head to the beach to gather information. The North Shore is famous for its sunsets, and that's when many locals gather—perfect for picking up leads."

Yeh Yao and Alicia shared a double room, while Marcus stayed next door. After dropping off their luggage, Alicia eagerly changed into light summer clothes, ready to explore the unfamiliar yet beautiful town.

"We have a few hours to ourselves," she said excitedly. "I want to check out those famous surf spots!"

Yeh Yao shook his head with a smile but followed her out. Alicia was always like this—no matter the circumstances, she maintained her curiosity and enthusiasm, something he deeply admired about her.

They strolled along the beach, feeling the soft sand between their toes. In the distance, dozens of surfers rode towering waves, displaying breathtaking skill and courage.

"I can't believe anyone can keep their balance on waves like that," Yeh Yao marveled, watching a surfer glide down a wave at least four meters tall.

"That's the legendary 'Pipeline,'" a cheerful voice said behind them, "one of the North Shore's most famous surf spots."

They turned to see a young Hawaiian local standing there, a friendly smile on his face. He appeared to be in his mid-twenties, with sun-bronzed skin and curly black hair tied loosely at the back. He wore a flashy Hawaiian shirt, board shorts, and a shell necklace around his neck.

"Tourists?" he asked warmly. "I'm Naser, a local surf instructor."

Yeh Yao and Alicia exchanged glances, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes. Naser—the name matched exactly who they were looking for.

"Yeah, we just arrived," Yeh Yao replied, trying to hide his astonishment. "I'm Yeh Yao, this is Alicia. We're from Malaysia."

"Malaysia!" Naser said excitedly. "I've always wanted to surf there. I hear Sabah has some great spots."

Alicia nodded with a smile. "It does, though probably not as spectacular as here."

"Every place has its own charm," Naser said philosophically, then pointed to a group of surfers in the distance. "See that guy in the red wetsuit? That's Jake, one of the best surfers on the North Shore. His skills are almost supernatural."

Yeh Yao followed his gaze and indeed saw a surfer in red moving effortlessly through the waves with incredible balance and control.

"Do you surf too?" Yeh Yao asked Naser, probing for more information.

Naser grinned. "Of course. Almost everyone here does. But I mostly teach, especially beginners." He paused, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Want to give it a try? I can give you a beginner's lesson."

Alicia immediately showed keen interest. "Really? That'd be amazing!"

Yeh Yao hesitated. He'd never tried surfing before, and their mission was to find the Hammer of Light's wielder, not to vacation. But seeing Alicia's eager expression, he couldn't refuse.

"Alright," he finally agreed, "but start with the basics."

"Perfect!" Naser clapped. "Tomorrow at 8 a.m., meet at the northern end of this beach. The waves are gentler there, good for beginners. I'll bring all the gear."

After setting the plan, Naser waved goodbye and continued his patrol along the beach. Yeh Yao and Alicia watched him leave, then turned to each other.

"Do you think he could be the one we're looking for?" Alicia whispered. "Naser, a surf instructor—it's too much of a coincidence."

Yeh Yao thought for a moment. "Very likely. But we need more proof. Tomorrow's surf lesson might be a good chance to observe him up close."

They continued walking along the shore, discussing how to confirm Naser's identity and approach him without raising suspicion. The sun slowly sank, painting the sky and sea in gold and red—the North Shore sunset was indeed as breathtaking as Marcus had described.

That evening, they regrouped with Marcus at the inn and told him about their encounter with Naser.

"Naser..." Marcus repeated thoughtfully. "It fits our intel. But we need to confirm whether he's truly the Hammer of Light's wielder."

"We've scheduled a surf lesson for tomorrow morning," Alicia said. "Maybe we can observe him more closely then."

Marcus nodded. "Good idea. Meanwhile, I'll ask around town for more information about him. If he's the wielder, there might be rumors about his extraordinary abilities."

After dinner, the three discussed their next steps on the inn's balcony. Stars dotted the night sky, and the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore created a serene atmosphere—so peaceful that it was hard to imagine the world was under threat from the Shadow Realm.

"If Naser really is the wielder, how do we convince him to join us?" Yeh Yao voiced the question that had been troubling him.

Marcus pondered for a moment. "Every wielder has their own story and motivations. Some may already be aware of their mission, while others might still be confused. The key is to help them understand the truth—the meaning and responsibility of the power they hold."

"Like what you did for me," Yeh Yao said, recalling their first meeting in Sabah Park.

Marcus smiled slightly. "Yes, but everyone's different. Naser might need a different approach. We need to understand him—his values and what he cares about."

Yeh Yao nodded, grasping Marcus's point. Convincing a stranger to join a potentially life-threatening mission wasn't easy, especially when the mission sounded so unbelievable.

The next morning, Yeh Yao and Alicia woke early, changed into the surfing gear Marcus had prepared, and headed to the meeting point. Naser was already there, several surfboards laid out beside him.

"Morning, adventurers!" he greeted warmly. "Ready to conquer the waves?"

For the next two hours, Naser patiently taught them the basics—how to lie on the board, paddle, and stand up at the right moment. He was an excellent instructor, clear in his explanations, skilled in demonstrations, and full of encouragement.

Yeh Yao found himself picking up the basics faster than expected. Perhaps due to the Sword of Light's influence, his balance and reflexes seemed enhanced. Alicia was a bit clumsier, but her enthusiasm and perseverance were admirable.

"You've got talent," Naser told Yeh Yao, watching him successfully stand and ride a small wave for a few seconds. "A few more practices, and you can try bigger waves."

Just then, something strange happened on the water. The calm surface suddenly churned violently, and a peculiar energy ripple passed through, putting Yeh Yao on high alert. He glanced at Naser and saw the instructor had noticed it too—his smile vanished, replaced by intense focus.

"Get to shore," Naser commanded abruptly, his tone brooking no argument. "Now."

Yeh Yao and Alicia quickly paddled toward land, but just as they were about to reach it, a massive dark shape emerged from the water. It wasn't an ordinary sea creature but some kind of monster—enormous, shark-like but covered in black scales, with glowing red eyes and a mouth large enough to swallow an adult whole.

"A Shadow Shark!" Yeh Yao exclaimed, recognizing the creature from Marcus's files.

Screams erupted as people on the beach fled in panic. Yeh Yao turned to look for Naser but couldn't see him. Just as worry set in, a brilliant light burst from the sea, followed by a figure leaping from the water, wielding a massive glowing hammer.

It was Naser, but he seemed like a completely different person from the easygoing, humorous instructor. His eyes burned with determination, and the Hammer of Light in his hands radiated a dazzling golden glow. Ancient runes covered the hammerhead, identical in style to those on Yeh Yao's Sword of Light.

Naser soared high and brought the hammer down hard on the Shadow Shark's head. A deafening crash echoed, and the monster roared in pain but didn't fall. It lunged at Naser with its gaping maw.

Naser dodged nimbly and raised the hammer again. This time, the hammerhead began spinning, forming a vortex of energy before releasing it as a powerful shockwave that struck the shark's flank.

Yeh Yao knew he couldn't stand by. Focusing, he summoned the Sword of Light and charged into the fray.

"Alicia, get to safety!" he shouted, raising the glowing sword.

Naser spotted the sword in Yeh Yao's hands, surprise flickering in his eyes before refocusing. "Aim for its gills!" he yelled. "That's its weak spot!"

Yeh Yao nodded, circling to the monster's side for an opening. The Shadow Shark seemed to notice the new threat, diverting its attention and giving Naser a breather.

The two fought in perfect sync, as if they'd battled together countless times. Naser's style was raw and powerful, each strike carrying tremendous force, while Yeh Yao was more agile, using speed and precision to exploit openings.

After an intense fight, the Shadow Shark was finally defeated under their combined assault, dissolving into black mist over the sea.

Once the battle ended, Naser and Yeh Yao stood panting on the shore, studying each other. The crowd had dispersed, leaving only Alicia, who ran over from her hiding spot, looking worriedly at them.

"The Sword of Light," Naser finally said, eyeing Yeh Yao's weapon. "I thought it was just a legend."

"Like the Hammer of Light," Yeh Yao replied. "Seems we've both been chosen."

Naser fell silent, then suddenly broke into his trademark bright smile. "Well, I guess the surf lesson's canceled. But I suppose we've got more important things to discuss, huh?"

Yeh Yao couldn't help but chuckle—Naser's easygoing attitude hadn't wavered even now.

"Yeah," he said. "Very important things. About these weapons, those monsters, and the responsibility we carry."

"Sounds serious," Naser said, though understanding and acceptance shone in his eyes. "But first, we've got to deal with this." He gestured toward the gathering police and reporters in the distance.

Marcus emerged from the crowd, flashing some kind of credential as he spoke to the authorities. He nodded at Yeh Yao and Naser, signaling they could leave.

"Your friend?" Naser asked.

"Yeah," Yeh Yao answered. "Marcus Chen, from the Watchers. He can explain everything."

Naser thought for a moment, then decided, "I know a safe place where we can talk. Follow me."

He led Yeh Yao, Alicia, and Marcus to a secluded beach cottage on the North Shore. The cottage was simple but tidy, its walls adorned with surfboards and traditional Hawaiian decorations.

"My hideout," Naser explained. "I come here when I need to be alone or think."

Once the four were seated, Marcus detailed their situation—the Hellgates appearing worldwide, the threat from the Shadow Realm, and the legend of the five Weapons of Light. Naser listened quietly, occasionally nodding or asking questions but showing no disbelief or doubt.

"So, you're here to recruit me," Naser summarized when Marcus finished. "To form a... superhero team?"

"You could say that," Marcus smiled. "Though I prefer 'Guardians Alliance.'"

Naser stood and walked to the window, gazing out at the ocean. He was silent for a long time, as if wrestling with himself.

"The first time I summoned the Hammer of Light was three months ago," he finally said, his voice low and serious. "A tour boat was in trouble during a storm. I went to help but got caught in a whirlpool. Just as I thought I'd drown, the hammer appeared—gave me the strength to break free and save everyone."

He turned to face them. "Since then, I've been trying to understand this power, to learn how to control it. I know it chose me for a reason, but I'm not sure I'm ready for this kind of responsibility."

Yeh Yao nodded understandingly. "I had the same doubts. But seeing what those monsters do to innocent people... I know I can't stand aside."

Naser looked at Yeh Yao, then Alicia and Marcus, before making his decision. "Alright, I'm in. But on one condition—I get the full truth, no matter how scary or unbelievable. I hate being kept in the dark."

Marcus nodded solemnly. "Of course. Full transparency. We're a team—trust is the foundation."

"Then," Naser's familiar grin returned, "where to next?"

"Yunnan, China," Marcus answered. "To find the wielder of the Bow of Light."

Naser whistled. "From Hawaii to China—that's a big leap. But I've always wanted to see the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army."

Alicia couldn't help laughing. "Yunnan's in southwest China, thousands of kilometers from the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army."

"Oh," Naser scratched his head sheepishly. "Guess my geography needs work. But hey, that's what traveling's about, right? Learning new things, making new friends, saving the world."

His lightheartedness was infectious, dispelling the tension. Yeh Yao felt a new hope rising within him. With Naser joining, their team had grown stronger—one step closer to their goal.

That night, Naser packed a light bag for their journey to Yunnan. Before leaving his cottage, he took one last look at the first surfboard hanging on the wall—a gift from his father.

"I'll be back," he murmured, as if bidding farewell to his past. "When this is all over."

Yeh Yao waited at the door for his new comrade. He knew this journey had only just begun, with countless challenges and dangers ahead. But for now, he felt an unprecedented confidence.

They were no longer fighting alone but as a team—one that would keep growing. And that was their greatest hope against the darkness to come.