[[ Training Camp ]]
"" And I was wondering what this woman had been doing all this time; she was trying to guide Khaled to the camp. Maybe I don't have much time left before he arrives, I must finish the morning training,"" thought Zeus after taking a quick glance at Zahraa.
Around him, the children were sitting on the ground in a half-circle, waiting for Zeus's speech.
Among them were the trio who had been punished — Raneem, Sattam, and Rashid — who sat aside, looking at Zeus with suppressed anger.
Each of the three vowed to take revenge and was waiting for the right time and a suitable method that wouldn't expose them.
(Zeus): The light physical training for your first day is over, and I want to say something to conclude it. Tomorrow and the following days, we will start specific and intensive training divided into two parts: the first is physical exercises like running, climbing, and jumping; the second will include skill training — you will learn how to dodge and execute strikes. Also, combat training is not the only goal of the camp. Amjad will teach you some survival skills, identifying herbs, and ways to cook the meat of common monsters and animals, among other similar things. Miss Zahraa will teach you writing, reading, and some basic mathematics and physics. That's all, I have work to do, I will return at noon.
The little girl, Nora, raised her hand.
Zeus remembered this girl who had used the rope trick to climb the cliff.
(Zeus): Do you have a question?
(Nora): What about Mr. Khaled, what will he teach us?
(Zeus): Ah, that man will just be the camp's clown to make you laugh and ease the hardships of training. I mean, could he teach you anything even if he wanted to?
"" I'll tell him that and we'll see how he smashes your face,"" thought Sattam happily with the idea.
Everyone was shocked by Zeus's rudeness.
Khaled was one of the most famous fighters known in the villages, and everyone was sure that if Zeus hadn't been fast enough to flee, Mr. Khaled would have beaten him up thoroughly.
He was a man respected by everyone for a long time.
(Khaled): I can teach them how to kill, and tomorrow someone like you shouldn't stay alive.
(Zeus, mockingly): Good luck with that, then.
Then he jumped off the cliff and launched his grapples, flying away at a crazy speed that stunned all the children who had gone to watch him.
Khaled stood still at the edge, his hand clenched white from anger.
. . . .
(Half an hour later)
(In the Village of the Mole)
Zeus was sitting with Marwan in the village's main reception hall.
(Marwan): This isn't a bad idea, but it will need some money. Also, where will we move the central market?
(Zeus): The location of the new market isn't a problem; we can distribute it in the main tunnels around the fighting arena. There's no better place to set the arena. You have tunnels in all the surrounding mountains, my brother. In other words, we already have the audience stands and the arena; we just need some modifications.
(Marwan): We still need to study the pros and cons of the project. It seems promising, but I want to see an actual study of its cost and what we can expect from it.
(Zeus): There aren't any significant costs. This arena won't be for the residents of the Mole Village only. I'm thinking of creating a tournament system to attract fighters from all neighboring villages. It will be a huge entertainment event for people to enjoy, and we'll make some money. You see? It's not complicated. We'll open tournaments for children, one for teenagers, and a general one for fighters of all ages, along with other exciting events.
Marwan was convinced by Zeus's ideas, and after a little hesitation, he decided to give him permission to proceed.
Zeus left the hall happily and went directly to gather twenty soldiers to send them to inform the peddlers in the middle of the village and spread the news widely among the residents of the Mole Village and neighboring villages.
Zeus had decided to announce a championship for all fighters with cash prizes up to 10,000 gold coins for the first place, along with the title "Desert Champion."
It was just a random name Zeus had made up. It would gain its value once people became familiar with it. That was how things worked. Zeus also planned to establish a car racing track in the future, along with the academy project he was already working on.
He wanted to make a fortune from these villages, and his ideas didn't stop there; he planned ahead to use the money to improve iron mines and build some factories.
His family wasn't insanely wealthy by luck; such ways of thinking were taught to children from an early age.
Simply put, nothing is impossible, and one should not miss any available opportunities. Patience was also an indispensable key to success.
(And I repeat for the second time... of course, this excludes the element of luck... This element cannot be controlled whether it comes beneficial or harmful.)
. . . .
(11 AM)
"" I must return to the camp. They have enough food; I don't think preparing it is an issue. Cooking some rice should be easy. Do I need anything else? Maybe some explosives? Marwan would have a heart attack if he knew I was consuming the army's explosives stock just to use them as morning alarms. Damn, I shouldn't do that again. These people might actually kick me out of their village,"" thought Zeus as he drove his car through one of the main tunnels inside the mountain.
He was heading outside to park the car in the parking lot designated for entrance guard forces.
After ten minutes, he arrived at the location and got out of the car.
(Vehicle Guard): Mr. Zeus, is it true that a huge competition will be held in our village? They say you're the one organizing it.
(Zeus): Yes, that's true.
(Soldier): Unfortunately, people like us who don't have genetic powers have no chance.
Zeus thought for a moment before answering cheerfully:
_ You know, a new idea just came to my mind. I'll organize two tournaments: one for those with genetic powers and another for ordinary fighters. I'll also organize a shooting championship for rifle marksmanship, but that will be for another future time.
(Soldier): That's a lot of tournaments.
(Zeus): Wait, the genetic fighters' tournament will overshadow the normal fighters' one. Maybe I'll hold them at different times, not simultaneously.
(Soldier): Will you participate too, sir?
(Zeus): How could I not? Did you really believe I would pay 10,000 coins to just anyone! I'll just beat everyone.
The soldier was shocked and spoke awkwardly:
_ Isn't that cheating, sir?
_ Not at all. Did you forget the title? Desert Champion. How can I allow some punk to claim he's stronger than me in the region?
(Soldier): It's good to be confident, but you still have strong competitors. I don't think it's wise to assume you'll surely win.
(Zeus): Don't worry. If I lose, I'll pay the money. It's not like I'm going to run away. Also, Marwan and some village chiefs will be judges of the tournament.
(Soldier): This championship is bigger than I thought. I hope everything goes well. Good luck, Mr. Zeus. I'll be rooting for you.
(Zeus): And who would support me if not you little rascals? See you later, Kanaan.
"" How!? How does he know my name!? "" thought the soldier in astonishment while watching Zeus launch his grapples and disappear swiftly among the mountain curves.