Editing Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad (section)

====Retaking of Masyaf====
Upon arriving at Masyaf, Altaïr found the villagers in a trance, declaring that Al Mualim had "led [them] to the light." As he made his way up the hill toward the fortress, Altaïr encountered a group of hypnotized Assassins who attacked him. Left with no other choice, he fought and killed them. A second wave of Assassins soon followed, threatening to overwhelm him.

Fortunately, Malik and several unaffected Assassins arrived, throwing knives at the attackers and driving them away. Altaïr then asked Malik to distract the hypnotized Assassins outside the fortress, giving him a chance to confront Al Mualim. Malik agreed and departed with his men, while Altaïr proceeded to infiltrate the fortress.

Within the fortress garden known as "Paradise," Altaïr was caught in the grip of the Apple's power. Demanding answers from Al Mualim, who stood on a balcony above, Altaïr learned that Al Mualim had used the Apple to end the Crusades by controlling the minds of its leaders and ensuring absolute peace through obedience.

Al Mualim then created illusions of the nine Templars Altaïr had previously killed, forcing him to fight them once again. After defeating the illusions, Altaïr was again restrained by the Apple's power. Al Mualim then created multiple copies of himself, engaging Altaïr in a second battle. After narrowly overcoming the illusions, Altaïr confronted his Master one last time.

Al Mualim confessed that, like Robert, he sought peace, but wanted the Apple for himself. He revealed that the Piece of Eden had been responsible for the miracles in myths and legends, explaining that they were merely illusions. Al Mualim argued that his plan to create a New World Order was a better illusion, free from bloodshed. Altaïr countered that while people chose their beliefs, Al Mualim's vision stripped them of choice. Al Mualim dismissed this argument as emotional rather than logical.

Seeing no resolution, Al Mualim released Altaïr from the Apple's grip, resigned to the fact that Altaïr would not join him. They engaged in a final duel to the death.

After a fierce battle, Altaïr defeated Al Mualim, mortally wounding him with his Hidden Blade. As Al Mualim died, he challenged Altaïr to prove his strength of character by destroying the Apple. The Piece of Eden rolled from Al Mualim's hand and activated, projecting a vast holographic map showing the locations of other Pieces of Eden around the world. Malik and his men joined Altaïr, and together they stared at the map, contemplating their next steps.