I wake up at the sight of my sister in tears. She hugs me as soon as she realizes I've woken up.

  "What happened?" is all I can say.

  "The Goldens attacked all the warrior candidates. You're the only one who survived."

  I look at the sheets covering me.

  "The only one?" I say breathlessly. "And Kirru?"

  "Kirru? He didn't make it."

  "I see..." I say, feeling a lump in my throat.

  Why do I feel this way?

  "But there's a bigger problem," my father interrupts. "It seems the Bone Adamantita family is blaming you for the incident. They say you betrayed the others, otherwise, you wouldn't have survived, that's what they say."

  I laugh. I'm not surprised.

  "They're demanding that you be exiled from the clan." Says my mother with a trembling voice, trying to hide her anger.

  "Don't worry, dear. You must trust the Grand Shield. She says she'll decide after hearing Ragnar's version. I’m sure she will make the best decision, as she has always done."

  When we arrive at the Adamantita Throne, we see there are members of the Adamantita Bone Herencia families, along with the other families of my comrades. Their gazes meet mine with confusion, sadness, and anger. But instead of looking away, I sharpen my gaze and smile.

  "Ragnar Adamantita, the families of your fallen comrades claim that you are responsible for there being no more survivors. That you betrayed them. Is this true?"

  I look at the Grand Astu. She must have a good intuition of what really happened. However, her position is difficult; with so many clan members involved, the solution won't be as simple as when I was a child. Even if I say something convincing in some way, the families will most likely do everything they can to prevent me from becoming an Adamantita warrior. I feel my dream dissolve and slip through my fingers. The thought of leaving my family and not seeing them again makes my heart ache.

  Suddenly, I can't help but remember how I survived. Something about saving him and going against the Dorados was exactly what I wanted to be. A warrior that defeats impossible odds.

  My smile widens until I show my sharp teeth.

  "That's right! I, Ragnar Adamantita, not only managed to defeat several squads of Dorados on my own but also took advantage of the situation and defeated my comrades! Kneel before my greatness!"

  People start cursing.

  "Silence!" Astu's voice resounds.

  She looks directly at me. I know she sees through my words. With her gaze, she asks me if this is what I want. To which I nod with a smile.

  "Having said that, I, Astu, the Great Shield, exile you from the clan. You have one day to leave the clan."

  When we return home, my sister hugs me.

  "Why did you say that?! Why?!" she says, tears streaming down her face as she hits my chest.

  "I'm sorry to be this selfish. But this was the only way to stay true to myself."

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  "What will be your plan, Ragnar?" my father says.

  "During my excursions to the city, I learned that there's a group with power similar to that of a clan that accepts everyone after passing their trials. They are called Lobos or something like that."

  My father's eyes widen in surprise. He may know that if I join this group, it will be harder for me to return to the clan.

  "I promise I'll do my best to see you all again."

  I say with conviction. However, I can't help but feel tears gathering in my eyes.

  My mother hugs me.

  "I know you will."

  As if agreeing with my mom’s words, my sister and father hug me.

  On my way out of the clan, I sneak into Kirru's house while they're having his funeral and take his swords.

  "I'll take this, viejo"

  The images and memories of Ragnar fade away. I regain consciousness and feel energy coursing through my body. The marks on my arm turn to an orange color. Ragnar, who is at the other end of my arm, opens his eyes in surprise.

  All my muscle fatigue disappears. My strength doesn't increase, but now I can lift Ragnar until he hangs from my back. Despite the weight, the great distance, and the lack of oxygen from the steam of the water, my muscles seem tireless as I climb, and I feel like I can do this indefinitely.

  We eventually reach the end. I stop carrying Ragnar and he rests on the wall rock. I look at all of his wounds, and after knowing what he went through and still managed to get here I cannot help but feel in awe. He is really a warrior that defeats impossible odds. He never gives up, no matter how tired or beaten up he is. He just keeps going. Even if it feels like it is not enough.

  Ragnar stands up using the wall.

  “Let’s get going, viejo” he sees with a smile.

  I want to activate Jasmine Herencia to heal him, but as always I can only tap on to another Herencia after resting, especially after acquiring a new one.

  We walk through the dark tunnel with the Sinabarita path until we reach a chamber. In it, lava rivers flow making the ground hot and burn a little. At the center are Astu, Amator, and the Adamantita warriors.

  I deactivate Ragnar's mark. They must continue to believe I'm Emru's son. When we reach them, I can see the smile on Astu's face.

  "It seems my instincts are as reliable as ever," Astu says, glancing at Amator.

  "So it seems," he responds with a smile.

  "As promised, the Adamantita clan will join the fight against the Dorados and help the last son of our fallen brothers.” She glances towards Ragnar. “However, I think it would be in order if I allow Ragnar entry into the clan if he shows his valor in the upcoming battle. I think he has more than proven his resolve."

  Ragnar opens his eyes in surprise.

  "How can that be allowed?!" Kirru says.

  "It's a final decision. Although Ragnar doesn't have any of the main Herencias of the clan he managed to survive the race. But, something tells me Ragnar has some extra wounds, especially considering that his opponent doesn't have any weapons. Can you not tell me the reason for that?" Astu sharpens her gaze and her face tenses in shadows.

  Kirru's father shudders and backs away.

  "But I must state something very clear," Astu says firmly looking at me, "This alliance is on the condition of helping you, Altair. Is that understood?"

  I realize what she means. She is saying that Aleifr cannot and must not participate in the battle. I don't want it to be the case, but it makes sense. Astu not only says it out of resentment but also considers how the clan warriors will feel about it. It would be a disaster if they decided to betray us or doubt orders upon seeing Aleifr. They will keep being our allies as long as I am the one they are helping.

  My hands sweat cold. Having all those lives in my hand. What if one mistake of mine results in the death of many? I have my training as a knight, but would that be enough? I feel like I am lying to all of them if I say that I can take charge.

  I suddenly feel Ragnar's gaze, he smiles at me showing his teeth with conviction. I look at all of the wounds and scars in his body. I smile.

  "I understand," I say clenching my fists.

  "Alright, so we'll prepare for the siege of the Dorados clan. I assume you plan to attack them through the rabbit forest."

  "Not exactly."

  "oh? What do you have in mind?"

  "We won't go anywhere. We'll bring the battle here, to the Adamantita clan."