"It's Hoomul! It's the nephew of the Middle Brother who was expelled!"

  When they say this, the giants head toward the boy, who is breathing heavily, and on the verge of fainting.

  As I process what just happened, Amator springs into action. He jumps and manages to knock out three giants in three simple movements. The rest take the opportunity to go towards Hoomul. However, out of nowhere, a scream resounds throughout the level. The giants freeze.

  I look in the direction of the scream and see a giant woman of over 3 meters descending the stairs. Her skin is a saturated red color, and her white hair is styled in dreadlocks that reach her waist.

  All the giants, without exception, seem to fear moving and look towards the ground. One of the Giants doesn't realize her arrival, and as he approaches Hoomul, she runs toward the giant and tackles him with such force that he goes flying out of the plateau.

  The giant woman grabs Hoomul by the neck.

  "But if it isn't my dear nephew. I thought I'd never see you again after what you did to me."

  Hoomul struggles and his body emits smoke, but no strength comes from him.

  "But if it isn't the great Voolkana," Amator interrupts with a smile. "As beautiful as the rumors say. I wonder if you would honor us with a few minutes of your time."

  "And who are you?" she asks.

  "My name is Amator Adamantita, the great traveling bard. Surely you've heard of my adventures."

  "Oh, you're that Adamantita who has sneaked into the festival all these years. But this time looks like that is not it." the giant woman looks around. “let's talk in a more appropriate place."

  We climb the stairs, and a meadow welcomes us at the top of the plateau. The grass is tinted red. In the center, a gigantic waterfall cascades from the roof down to the lake in the middle.

  I can spot some animals, including some lions. I get into a defensive stance as they rush towards us, but they approach Voolkana and receive pats on the head.

  As we walk a bit behind the waterfall, on the other side of the meadow we find a camp; its size and design adjust to the great height of the giants. But what catches my attention is the gigantic stone statue over the distance. It must be over 50 meters tall. The statue of a giant man sitting on a throne.

  We reach the camp and sit on the benches.

  "Would you like something to drink?" the giant woman asks, grabbing a giant stone pitcher.

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  "Of course," exclaims Amator.

  We spend some time admiring the beautiful landscape. My mind is filled with questions about the relationship between her and Hoomul. I start to feel nervous about the thought of having to convince this giant and aggressive woman to join us.

  "Well?" she asks. "If you come with Red Wolves, that means you plan to have us join your stupid battle, right?"

  "Yes, that's correct,” says Amator. “ In exchange, we'll share our resources."

  "The Dorados could offer me the same. Besides, I'm not interested in participating in your stupid war. True battles are fought on the great plateau," the giant woman looks towards Hoomul who now has the form of a little boy. "But... if the wolves agree to return Hoomul to us, maybe I'll consider joining the battle."

  Hoomul stands up abruptly. "You're crazy if you think I'll go back with you." Hoomul tries to transform, but he fails.

  Voolkana laughs.

  "Wasn't that why Alefir sent you? The wolves have nothing to offer me. I'm sure he kept you safe all this time so they could use you to gain my favor."

  I clench my fist.

  "That's why he sent me," I say firmly.

  Voolkana frowns.

  "And who the hell are you?"

  Amator is about to say something, but I interrupt.

  "I challenge you to a duel. If I win, you'll join us. Or are you afraid a little rabbit will defeat you?"

  The words come out of my mouth before I can think about them. My patience has reached its limit. Maybe it's because her behavior towards Hoomul reminds me of how Porter and many treated me after the incident in the knights' trials.

  Voolkana frowns even more and stands up from her seat. Her body starts emitting smoke. But then the earth starts trembling.

  "What was that?" I saying trying to stay in balance.

  "It seems Older Brother is interested in accepting your challenge,” she smiles. “Very well, I accept your duel, but you'll have to face the three Elder Brothers. If you manage to defeat one of us, the Brothers will join your cause."

  "Elder Brothers?"

  "Boolean!" Voolkana shouts as she approaches the hanging cot and kicks it.

  A man with red skin and hair comes flying out of the cot. His build is athletic. The giant stretches and yawns.

  "What time is it? You're waking me up from my beauty nap."

  "This boy has dared to challenge the Brothers! So do me a favor and get up and kick his butt!"

  Despite this, the giant turns around and lies down again, starting to snore.

  Voolkana grinds her teeth and approaches him, kicking him and forcing him to fly out to the lake.

  As the giant gets out of the lake, Voolkana sends the word, and in no time, giants from all levels approach to watch the duel.

  Hoomul approaches me. I still have trouble assimilating that it's him because of his childlike appearance.

  "Don't you think you're rushing things? I haven't seen any of them lose a single time."

  "I'll manage one way or another," I grab his shoulder and sharpen my gaze. "Don't worry. I won't let them take you with them. I know it's not what Aleifr would want."

  Hoomul opens his eyes in surprise and smiles.

  Maybe it's true that I'm letting anger take over. But I believe it's the only chance we have. These giants only understand violence.

  The duel arena is set. They make a circle made of rocks. The younger brother positions himself on the opposite side of me. His eyes remain closed as his body sways, trying to stay awake.

  The applause and chants of the giants start in unison.