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  - Your ruler then decides to settle permanently in one pce. Naturally, everyone under his protection would want to be close to him, while those who feared him would shy away. Just using common sense to your advantage. - He expined, and an image began to form in my mind.

  I remembered the day Syphus sealed himself in the underground dungeon. The monsters had assumed that he would be the great protector of the region. Some even feared him. However, no one would dare question his presence, given the strength of his aura. No one dared to ask the real reasons for his presence there.

  - And so the days, weeks and months went by. Before we knew it, several centuries had passed and things remained the same. No one dared question the authority of this ruler. That is until one of the societies decided to act against him. - Starko'gus paused for a moment, emphasizing what he had just said.

  - The blessed Heroine... - I murmured, almost as if I was remembering something distant.

  He looked at me with surprise, as if I had touched on something important.

  - Oh? So you're familiar with that term? - Starko'gus asked, more interested than before.

  - I may have heard it from somewhere... - I was trying to remember where I'd heard it. Actually, it only came to mind vaguely. But it was clear that, somehow, this confrontation between the heroine and Syphus had almost brought the dragon down.

  Two hundred years of isotion. Enough to make this pce adjust to a new reality. Enough for fear to settle down, for the societies of this forest to find a new order. But in the end, none of it mattered.

  The attempt at liberation failed.

  - Despite the efforts of our potential liberator, nothing changed. On the contrary... It only provoked the wrath of our impartial ruler, creating a new fear throughout the forest and all the societies that exist within it. - Starko'gus' voice rang out in a deep voice, each word carrying the weight of the history he knew so well.

  He was right. That fight had led nowhere, except to the ruler's frustration. And that frustration had consequences.

  Syphus probably went into a frenzy when he left that fight in frustration. And that outburst only served to solidify the terror that his name already inspired. After that, no one would ever dare challenge him again.

  The rules of the world changed once again, and as always, we adapted. Or at least we tried. But then something unexpected happened.

  - And so the most talked-about case arose... - Starko'gus paused, as if pondering his words before finally decring: - The disappearance of the Abyssal Dragon.

  Those words echoed inside me, even though I already knew.

  Without Syphus to rule, everything was falling apart. His once unshakeable kingdom had become a prize. A centerpiece in a game of power where each pyer would seek their share.

  - Without its ruler, society plunges into anarchy. Each faction will want its share of the throne. And others, of course, will seek to expand their own domains. - Starko'gus' voice was den with an almost cruel pragmatism. He didn't speak with fear or hope, only with the acceptance of one who has seen this cycle repeat itself countless times.

  - The migration of monsters... The expansion of kingdoms... - I murmured, reflecting on the consequences that were yet to come.

  Starko'gus nodded.

  - Without a common leader to centralize power, chaos will prevail. The system will be destroyed and rebuilt countless times. It could take days, months, years... And by the time we realize it, decades will have passed. All until a new ruler cims the throne and re-establishes order.

  - In the end... We are doomed to repeat this cycle. - Satouma concluded, crossing his arms.

  I couldn't disagree.

  However, something told me that this time, this cycle might take a different turn. Perhaps for the first time in ages, there was a real chance of breaking it.

  - Monsters will do whatever it takes to survive in this new world. They will attack other species, expand their domains... Or they will unite as a single force. Only time will tell. - Starko'gus stared at the forest ahead, as if seeing something beyond what any of us could see.

  - Great analogy. - Satouma commented with a small smile.

  - I'm gd to have crified something.

  But I understood. Even though his words were cold and calcuted, there was a hidden concern in his voice.

  - And you? - Satouma continued. - What's your view on all this? Forget about time. What do you think the outcome will be?

  Starko'gus was silent for a moment, before letting out a heavy sigh.

  - I've heard this question before. But the truth is, I don't have a concrete answer.

  - What do you mean?

  - I'd just say that I'm a mere spectator.

  - A... spectator?

  - The course of things follows a natural flow. I've thought about this a lot over the years. But this major event has made me think even more. What could happen tomorrow? A power grab? The end of a species? The union of two different peoples? Peace? Battles? I don't know. I just want to see where it all goes... As long as I can still be here to watch.

  I expected a lot of answers, but not this one.

  A mere spectator...

  Starko'gus had piqued my interest. His view of the world was something I couldn't ignore. Someone like him could be valuable.

  - So why don't you help me? - I stared directly at him, gauging his reaction. - I assume you have the resources? Or know people who can help with my pn.

  He arched an eyebrow.

  - Are you suggesting that this pce is the ndmark of one of the possible outcomes of this crisis?

  - Or more precisely...

  - A bet. - Starko'gus concluded, understanding my intention.

  - The biggest of all. Not for power or domination. But for the future.

  I didn't know what y ahead.

  I couldn't predict an inevitable war or colpse. Nor could I bet on peace as an absolute certainty. But I knew that something big was about to happen.

  And if I wanted to shape that future, I would need allies. I would need resources. I would need people by my side who shared this goal.

  Starko'gus watched me in silence, before letting out a low ugh.

  - A bet for the future... That would make a great title for a book.

  - So think of it as an exchange. - I tilted my head slightly. - Help me with my problem and I'll give you an outcome.

  There was a moment's hesitation, and then a glint of curiosity crossed the dwarf's eyes.

  - I have a friend who has offered me tempting proposals before... But this one is the most intriguing of all.

  - Can I count on your support?

  Silence hung between us.

  And then a slight smile formed on Starko'gus' lips.

  Vaku