Chapter Twenty-Four: Determination

The harsh words Grigor had spoken echoed in Aboud's mind like a warning bell. It was in that moment he began to understand that what he was going through in this prison wasn’t just a physical test, but a mental one as well. The world he lived in didn’t acknowledge the weak, and he had to be strong, both physically and mentally, to survive. Aboud didn’t have many options, but he knew that something new was growing inside him— a new sense of determination and a strong will to survive.

Aboud (in a calm voice, filled with newfound determination):
“I understand... I’ll start from here.”

Grigor smiled, but his smile carried a hint of mockery, as if he knew that Aboud hadn’t yet realized the full extent of what awaited him. He nodded, gesturing toward one of the nearby prisoners, a burly man named Boris, who had previously worked as a bodyguard before being imprisoned for assault. Boris was known for being ruthless, never hesitating to use his physical strength to get what he wanted.

Grigor (with a cold smile):
“Alright. Now, let’s begin. See that man? If you want to change, you have to beat him.”

Aboud looked at Grigor in disbelief, not expecting his training to begin with such violence. But Grigor gave him no other choice. Boris began approaching, his gaze filled with challenge. Aboud realized that if he didn’t fight now, he wouldn’t have another chance later.

Boris (smirking sarcastically):
“Are you ready?”

There was no time for Aboud to think. Boris lunged at him with a powerful punch, but despite his inexperience, Aboud managed to dodge the first blow. He wasn’t strong enough to face Boris head-on, but he knew he had to rely on his speed and wit to stay in the fight. The fight was brutal, with each punch from Boris knocking Aboud to the ground, but each time, Aboud rose back to his feet, even though his body was exhausted.

Grigor (watching, with a calm tone):
“You won’t rest until you defeat him. Keep going, Aboud. This isn’t a fight for victory; it’s a fight for survival.”

Aboud began to feel the exhaustion setting in, but he was determined not to give up. It was at that moment he realized that he had to fight with everything he had—not just to win, but to prove himself and to survive. After several attempts, he finally managed to knock Boris to the ground with a surprising blow to the face. It was a small moment of victory, but enough to prove to himself that he possessed a strength he hadn’t known he had within.

Grigor Reveals His True Identity

After that difficult night, Aboud sat with Grigor in the prison’s corner. Grigor began to speak in a calm voice, filled with old, mysterious experiences.

Grigor (with a mysterious smile):
“You’re now on the beginning of the path. But don’t think that physical fighting is what will make you survive in this world. Real strength isn’t just in muscles.”

He then looked at Aboud with a gaze full of mystery and began revealing his story. Grigor wasn’t just an ordinary prisoner. He had been a successful businessman in Germany, leading a team of elite hackers who had managed to hack into European banks. He had amassed enormous wealth by manipulating the global financial system.

Grigor (smiling):
“I could control an entire network of banks with a single click on a keyboard, Aboud. There was nothing I couldn’t do. The money flowed without end.”

Aboud, who hadn’t expected to hear such a story, sat in shock. He had no idea that the man in front of him possessed such power and skills.

Aboud (in disbelief):
“Why are you telling me all this?”

Grigor smiled again, but this time his smile carried something tender. He saw in Aboud a younger version of himself—a broken person, but someone who still had the ability to change.

Grigor (calmly):
“Because I see potential in you. You’re smart, and you don’t deserve to end your life in Syria after all the suffering you’ve been through. I have a plan for you.”

Aboud began to think about Grigor’s words, about everything he had been through, and about everything that awaited him if he returned to Syria. The idea of returning to Syria felt like a death sentence, while what Grigor was offering was a new life, albeit a risky one.