Slowly, the images of Eru's memories dissolve.

  "So that's how it works! Incredible, you've managed to copy my Herencia!" Lord Eru says, letting go of me and taking a few steps back. "Let's see what you can do now."

  I get up and try to activate other marks, but I cannot. However, my vision has improved, and my perception of the things around me has improved. My scars are enveloped in a golden color.

  "I don't understand," I say. "If your goal is to protect the weak and bring order to the cave, why do you enslave the Conejo Clan and use violence to kill and oppress others?"

  Lord Eru opens his eyes in surprise.

  "That's right. It's true, that's still my goal. When I eliminated the Adamantita army, I knew it wouldn't end there. With the help of the Tamers and Hounds, I also took control of the clan and killed the previous leader."

  Lord Eru smiles to himself.

  "You killed your father?" I ask feeling my stomach ache.

  "That garbage doesn't deserve to be called that. When I arrived with the news of having killed the Adamantita clan army and proposed attacking them to reclaim our territory, you know what he said? He flat-out refused, not out of a sense of justice, but out of cowardice. The Dorados warriors at that time still followed my father because of their oath, so there was no other way but to gather as many hounds as I could, and find the tamers and their hounds who had been hiding until then."

  "But then why did you decide to start kidnapping the Conejos? Why annihilate the Adamantita to take control of the cave?"

  "There was and is no other choice. To get the tamers' help, I had to make promises to them. One of them was to allow the tamers' practices again. To make sure they didn’t go out of hand, I also obtained the help of the Mantis Orquidea clan to restrict them. A solution that was by no means perfect. However, if I manage to control the cave and become its leader, I will be able to abolish slavery completely. This is the only way."

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  A part of me believes it's a lie, but through the connection I have with his Herencia and his memories, I can feel that it's true.

  "Aleifr seeks the same thing as you! He wants to bring peace and order to the cave, just like you. If there's anyone you could trust, it's him. The massacre of the Adamantita is unnecessary. As long as I am here, they will accept working to maintain peace and order." I say, feeling out of breath.

  Lord Eru laughs.

  "I can't trust him. You accuse me of my methods, but his bloodshed has been greater than mine. I can't live with the threat that one day he might lose control and decide to eliminate the entire cave."

  I'm speechless. After all, the same could be said of me. Maybe that’s how the people saw me back in the city, back at home.

  But then I think of the Lobos rojos; in Hoomul, Ragnar, Amator, Jasmine, Lilu, Mukasa, Ríe, Enthin, Aleifr, and Emru. They are not perfect, but I could sense good in them. Is it fair for them to die for the sake of peace?

  "Maybe you're right. Maybe this is the only way. Maybe some people are better off dead," the image of me surrounded by bodies and blood on my hands haunts me. "But if you give me the choice between killing someone who may deserve it or saving someone who doesn't, I'll always choose the latter."

  Lord Eru puts his sword forth.

  "I understand... but I just can't leave it to chance,"

  I lunge at Lord Eru; his movements and those around me seem so clear, it's as if they're in slow motion. However, despite this, Lord Eru moves at a similar speed to mine.

  I knew it. I knew I couldn't beat him. But at least I had to try. For them, for me.

  I manage to dodge several of his attacks, but eventually, I can't keep up with him, and he cuts me in all my limbs, causing me to fall to my knees. Lord Eru points his gun at my forehead.

  “As long as you live, the balance of power is ambiguous. But I there will be no need for so much violence soon."

  I smile, and tears stream down my cheeks like rivers.

  "Eru!"

  Kata appears and pushes Lord Eru, then Kata is sent flying until she hits the wall of the throne. In her chest, there's a black spear.

  I see it.

  Hanging on one of the rocky walls. That same long and tall monster. With its bone mask and skin with the color of the darkest night sky.