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

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

For the next two hours, Nasser 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," Nasser 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 Nasser and saw the instructor had noticed it too—his smile vanished, replaced by intense focus.

"Get to shore," Nasser 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 Nasser 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 Nasser, 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.

Nasser 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 Nasser with its gaping maw.

Nasser 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.

Nasser 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 Nasser a breather.

The two fought in perfect sync, as if they’d battled together countless times. Nasser’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, Nasser 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," Nasser 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."

Nasser 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—Nasser’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," Nasser 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 Nasser, signaling they could leave.

"Your friend?" Nasser asked.

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

Nasser 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," Nasser 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. Nasser listened quietly, occasionally nodding or asking questions but showing no disbelief or doubt.

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

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

Nasser 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."

Nasser 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," Nasser’s familiar grin returned, "where to next?"

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

Nasser 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," Nasser 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 Nasser joining, their team had grown stronger—one step closer to their goal.

That night, Nasser 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.