The army’s arrival brought a wave of relief to the hospital. As soldiers took up defensive positions around the building, Shihab and his companions knew it was time to move on. They exchanged farewells with the doctors and survivors, gratitude lingering in their words.
"We owe you our lives," one of the nurses said, her voice thick with emotion.
Shihab gave a firm nod. "Stay safe. The soldiers will protect you now."
With that, he and his group turned away, stepping out into the uncertain world beyond the hospital walls.
Shihab adjusted the straps of his new military suit, a formidable ensemble of bulletproof plating, reinforced leather, and an array of tools. A combat knife hung at his hip, a pistol holstered beside it, and grenades were secured in pouches across his chest. Var
