I stare in astonishment at the giant who has just fallen from the sky. For a moment, I think he won't get up, but he manages to rise and runs off, climbing the stairs.

  Hoomul bursts into laughter.

  "It looks like we're in luck! The Brothers' Festival has begun!"

  "A festival?"

  "It's where real men fight."

  As we approach the first step of the plateau, the guards eye us sharply.

  "Don't worry, we're here to participate in the festival," Amator says with a grin from ear to ear.

  The guards burst into laughter. "Seems like this kid wants to join. Why not? It's always fun to see their faces of desperation."

  "Of course, I'm not referring to myself. I've participated several times already. I mean my boy behind me."

  The guards turn their gaze to Hoomul and widen their eyes after examining him closely.

  One of the guards runs off, climbing the stairs. I look to Amator, confused about what's happening, but he smiles smugly.

  After a few minutes, the other guard returns.

  "You can pass. He can participate if he agrees to become the representative of one of the families."

  "We'll gladly accept," Amator says as if he had expected this outcome.

  We climb the stairs, their size making the ascent a bit challenging.

  "What's happening, Amator? What's this about representing a family?"

  "It's simple. They'll let Hoomul participate in the festival's trials if he decides to represent one of the families. This festival is the perfect opportunity for low-level families on the plateau to rise. The higher you go, the greater the chance of enjoying the plateau's resources. They wouldn't miss the chance to have someone like Hoomul participate for them."

  We soon reach one of the first levels of the plateau. This level consists of a rocky platform where giants gather. The atmosphere is filled with jubilation as everyone gathers around a set of gigantic rocks. The largest of the rocks is about 10 meters high and casts a huge shadow.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  One of the giants approaches the center, and the others begin to applaud and stomp the ground rhythmically. The giant approaches the first rock, about 3 meters high, and after positioning himself, he lifts the rock. The giants cheer.

  The giant prepares to lift the second rock, which must be about 2 meters taller. He positions himself and begins to lift it, but this time his legs tremble as he lifts, but eventually manages to lift it. The giant moves on to the third rock, but as soon as he tries, he is only able to lift the rock for a few seconds before giving up. The spectator giants laugh and boo.

  One group of giants approaches us. In front of them is a giant wearing a white robe.

  "Welcome to the Brothers' Festival!" the giant says as he approaches and examines Hoomul. "oh yes, he'll do,"

  Hoomul says nothing. It even seems as if he's ignoring them, but Amator hurries and pats him on the back.

  "Of course! My friend will be honored to participate as your representative!"

  Soon, Hoomul finds himself under scrutinizing gazes. Many murmur, but they soon applaud and stomp again, making the ground tremble. Hoomul breezes through the first three rocks as if it were the easiest thing in the world. When he reaches the fourth rock and begins to lift it slowly, this time the rock seems heavier, but he manages to lift it. Hoomul reaches the last rock, and tries to lift it, but only manages to raise it a few centimeters. However, Hoomul's arms seem to grow and expand, and then he lifts the rock completely. The crowd erupts in euphoria.

  "The winner is the representative of the White Rock family! As tradition dictates, he and his family will be allowed passage to the next level!"

  We climb the stairs to the next level of the plateau. In the center of the platform, surrounded by giants, stands what seems to be a large pillar. On it are two giants, both pushing each other to see who will fall. Eventually, one of them is pushed off the pillar and falls to the ground.

  "Good luck, man! If you manage to win the Middle Brother's trial, we can move on to the third and penultimate level." says the leader of the family.

  Hoomul pays little attention and heads to the center of the platform. After entering, Hoomul faces his first opponent.

  "Please, do me a favor and don't fall off the plateau, okay?" the opponent says.

  As soon as the signal sounds, Hoomul sends him flying; barely saving himself from falling off the plateau.

  Hoomul continues with several more matches and wins them all. However, as the fights drag on, I notice Hoomul starting to pant and his movements slowing down.

  Finally, he finds a giant with skin near Hoomul's red tone. Red braids reach down to his hips. They clash, and the strength battle begins.

  When he is about to push the other giant out of the ring, his body emits steam, and his opponent starts pushing him more easily. Hoomul is about to fall, but he lets out a scream so loud it makes my ears ring. In that explosion of power, Hoomul's body seems to grow much larger, almost reaching 4 meters in height. With this, Hoomul pushes with great force and expels his opponent, who crashes into the plateau wall.

  The shouts of euphoria don't last, as the giants begin to murmur among themselves. I turn my gaze back to the pillar, but instead of seeing Hoomul's towering figure atop it, I see a little boy with red skin and white hair.