With a start, the Oracle awoke from his vision. His breath was uneven, his heart raced erratically, and his hands trembled. The people around rushed to assist him, but he dismissed them, assuring them that everything was fine. Still, concerned, others thought it best to summon Anala, which was exactly what he didn't want at the moment, as he needed to gather his thoughts before anything else.

The Oracle placed his hands over his eyes, trying to concentrate and recall previous visions and how they fit into this recent one. Aestus, Orkan, Spes, Hadria, and Lithor were finally together, safe, gathered in Dunascas. The journey of the Warriors of Destiny was underway, with its usual challenges but constantly in motion, confirming what he had predicted so many years ago. The next part of the vision, however, was what had left him restless and anxious.

Even though he should have been prepared for anything, this new information caught him off guard. It was the continuation of the vision he had had in a distant past. Trying to calm himself, the Oracle realized how ironic this situation was. Small events drastically altered the distant future, which in this case, did not seem so far away.

While still organizing his thoughts and memories, Anala entered the room, urgency in her steps and concern on her face. She ran towards the Oracle, kneeling by his side and taking one of his hands. Her touch was warm and comforting, even with calloused fingers and dry skin.

"Are you okay? They called me, saying you were nervous, unwell," she said, her usually authoritative voice taking on a worried tone.

The Oracle just waved his free hand, giving a weak laugh followed by a dry cough. Anala checked the Oracle's temperature, placing her hand on his forehead, but everything seemed normal. Unsure of what to do, she decided to seek out a Light Mage for assistance. As she reached for the doorknob to leave, the Oracle spoke:

"Anala, they are coming. The Warriors of Destiny are finally on their way here."

The woman stood still. Her mouth went dry, slightly open, revealing her serrated teeth. Her wide-eyed gaze exposed her typical Reptoid iris. She turned slowly, looking at her grandfather.

"The prophecies are coming true. The gears are turning, Anala."

***

The towering woman sprinted across the grass, desperation etched on her face. She wore a simple green cotton dress beneath a brown apron. Her hair, originally tied in a bun, had come partly undone, strands flying loose, adding to her distressed appearance. She was trailed by another Magnor, attempting to catch up but failing.

"You're a Mage, aren't you? Please, heal him! He can't die!" The woman pleaded, gripping Spes by the shoulders.

The Lagomorph had been dazed by the water bubble surrounding his head, taking a moment to fully recover. The shake he received, however, snapped him back to attention, realizing he needed to take immediate action. He shook off the strong hands of the massive woman, summoned his staff, and assessed the fallen Magnor a few meters away, rushing towards him.

As he conducted the analysis, the Fighter's heart, which had been beating at a slow pace, ceased. He had died. Assuming his healer role, Spes began barking orders:

"Aestus, start chest compressions now! Orkan, pour all your healing potions on his wounds! Hadria, pass me a revigorating potion!"

The other three obeyed the Mage's orders without objection, recognizing the urgency in his voice. While everyone followed instructions, Spes scrutinized his patient's condition more closely. He found a total of 28 punctures on his body, all transfixing. Some reached vital organs and arteries. His unfamiliarity with Magnor anatomy complicated his assessment, but he managed a proper comparison using the Humanoid body as a base.

Spes knew he could revive the Fighter solely with his abilities, but any help from his friends was valuable and welcome since this was high-level magic, not something he used frequently. The Lagomorph closed his eyes, creating a mental image of his patient. While his right hand gripped his staff, its crystal at the tip shining brightly, his left hand moved swiftly in the air, pointing to each of the Magnor's wounds.

The orifices began to glow with a green light, one by one, as Spes pointed at them. Aestus halted chest compressions, impressed by his friend's display of power. When all wounds emitted a strong glow, the Mage raised his closed hand in front of the body and opened it. Beams of light emanated from his arm, enveloping various parts of the fallen Magnor's body like satin ribbons. Spes then opened his eyes and snapped his fingers, causing all the beams of light to enter the Fighter's chest simultaneously, closing the punctures with a stronger green glow.

The man blinked, disoriented but alive. Aestus could finally see what magic Spes had used to save his life after the Necrobear's attack, recognizing the state of confusion the Magnor was in. Orkan, though witnessing this spectacle for the second time, couldn't help but marvel at the Lagomorph's power. Bringing everyone back to reality, the woman, who watched everything closely, embraced her son, tears streaming down her face, grateful for his survival. The other Magnor, who had pursued her, knelt beside her with tears in his eyes.

"My little one, you're alive! I thought I had lost you," the woman cried emotionally.

"I'm fine, Mom. Seriously, I've never felt better, actually," the Fighter said, sitting up, checking his body and blood-soaked clothes.

"Son, you fought so well, saved our city," the other Magnor said, kissing the top of his head. "You're truly our hero."

"I don't know what we'd do without you," the woman said, wiping away tears.

"Calm down, Mom. You're talking like I almost died."

"In fact," Spes interjected, as usual, "you died, and then I brought you back. But, saying it like that makes it sound like I'm just trying to show off. It was purely for informational purposes, I swear."

A tense silence settled in the air. The three Magnors exchanged glances, unsure how to react or what to say. The four friends were also perplexed, realizing that Magnors could communicate normally, just like any other race. This standoff lasted for a long time, where no one took any action until the Fighter's mother spoke up.

"There's nothing more to hide. They've heard us talking already. And, for me, it's long overdue. Now, we just need to decide what to do with them."

Upon hearing this, Aestus and Orkan stepped back, materializing their weapons, while Hadria and Spes remained in place, unaware of any impending danger. The Fighter, still sitting on the ground, got up, still a bit unsteady, and said,

"Don't worry, my mom didn't mean what you guys think. You saved everyone in the city, and we're really grateful to you."

"Yes, of course," the woman said, though with a tone of concern in her voice.

"Let's all head to the city," the Fighter's father spoke, inviting everyone in a friendly manner. "There, you can take a shower and rest. Afterward, we can talk and explain everything."

The Knight and the Rogue sheathed their weapons but remained vigilant for any suspicious movement. Hadria observed the large Fighter, noticing a bracelet on his right wrist made of dark wooden beads, with a subtle pulsating orange crystal among the small orbs. She nudged Spes and pointed out this detail. The Lagomorph grinned upon realizing they had found another teammate, giving Hadria a double thumbs-up.

The large group of Magnors began their journey back to the city, leading the four friends. They felt watched, with various eyes scrutinizing them. Curious, suspicious, annoyed, hopeful, confused... Indifference was the only feeling absent. Witnessing some wounded people receiving care, Spes rushed to them and, without seeking permission, began healing each one. Some expressed gratitude with gestures and looks, while others seemed displeased to be healed by the Lagomorph. Nonetheless, the Mage didn't mind, diligently performing his service.

The day had progressed significantly, with the sun beginning to set. The orange hues of the sky painted the simple houses and wide streets of the city, adorned with rustic and fragrant floral arrangements. In no time, they reached the central square, where a simple fountain stood at its center, surrounded by several benches beneath low trees. A fair was set up there, but the stalls were empty, as everyone had gone to defend the city and were now accompanying the procession leading the four Hunters.

They were taken to a large building on one side of the square, seeming to be a town hall or event center, with no sign or indication to clarify its purpose. Upon entering, they found several rows of chairs arranged in a circle. The floor was made of well-laid, polished cobblestones, contrasting with the white walls. Beautiful paintings, mainly depicting landscapes and still life, adorned the spacious hall. The lighting was provided by a few fire crystals, as was done before Baruc's inventions.

"Wait here while we discuss outside," the Magnor mother of the Fighter said, closing the door and leaving the four friends alone.

They looked around, taking in the surroundings, unsure of how to react. After a long period of silence, Orkan decided to break the ice:

"So, the big guys can talk. Who would've thought?"

"I guess we weren't supposed to know that. They seemed pretty concerned when we found out," Aestus said, sitting on one of the chairs, which was tall for him.

"And now they're outside, deciding what they're going to do with us? Is that it?" Spes asked, sounding worried. "We're here to help, that's all. Are they going to kill us?"

"I want to see them try!" Orkan exclaimed, sharpening his daggers.

"They can't defeat us, Spes. Relax," Hadria reassured her friend. "I think this is an unusual situation, and even they don't really know how to react. But something tells me they'll end up trusting us."

"I think so too," Aestus said, straining to think. After a moment, he asked, "Do you remember that woman calling the Fighter the 'last hope'? What did she mean by that?"

"He was the only Magnor who seemed to have a Class in that battle. I don't know if you guys noticed," Spes commented.

They all nodded, thoughtful and recalling the last fight. The lack of ability to defend themselves was evident among those Magnors. While they pondered, the door opened, and the Fighter's father entered the hall, carrying a broad tray. On it, there were various fruits, bread, and two pitchers of juice. He spoke as he approached:

"I came to bring some food; I don't know how hungry you all are. My name is Soerg, Lithor's father, whom you saved earlier."

The man had a warm and friendly face, with some signs of age apparent, typical of someone who had worked for a long time under the sun. His hair was thinning on the crown of his head, starting to gray, but it seemed well-cared-for and neatly cut. His shirt and pants were made of simple, thick material but looked comfortable. Upon placing the tray on two chairs, it was possible to see several scars from cuts on the back of his hand and forearms. He continued speaking with a sweet and pleasant voice:

"I wanted to thank you for saving my son, but I also wanted to apologize for the way my wife treated you," he seemed embarrassed, but also a bit wary. "We're not supposed to talk to outsiders, but she ended up getting careless and disobeyed that order. So, we're a little afraid of what that might cause, you understand? It's the first time this has happened since we...," and he took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Since we came to live in this region."

"Is she the mayor of the city?" Aestus asked, unsure if he was allowed to speak.

"Mayor? No, no. We don't have that here. There are some in charge of specific things, the leaders, but all decisions are made collectively. We don't have a very good relationship with people in positions of power."

The Knight lowered his head in shame, but Spes continued:

"But tell her that we're only here to help. Your secret is safe with us. If anyone asks, 'How was it with the Magnors, Spes?' I'll say, 'Complete silence, no one said anything.'"

Soerg chuckled loudly, clearly feeling comfortable with the visitors. Then he said:

"Don't worry; I'll pass your message on to Mitaka. By the way, that's my wife's name. Even with our differences, I can't imagine living without that woman. Like, while I prefer living here in the tranquility of Dunascas, she..."

The hall's door opened, interrupting Soerg. Mitaka herself stuck her head inside, calling Soerg outside. He excused himself and left without saying more, being observed by his wife's watchful eyes. With not much else to do, the four decided to indulge in the appetizing fruits left for them.

A long time passed. Orkan had declared more than once that he was tired of waiting and was going to escape, but his friends convinced him to stay. By following what was asked of them, they would inspire more trust from the Magnors. However, even Aestus, the most composed of the group, was starting to get concerned.

When the doors opened again, it was already pitch dark outside. Mitaka entered, followed by Soerg and their son Lithor. The woman had tidied her hair and clothes, presenting a more serious and composed demeanor, though not too severe. Lithor was also presentable, having taken a shower and changed his clothes. Now, he wore the upper part of a dark orange tunic, diagonally closed, exposing the top of his chest. His shorts were loose, ending just above the knee, suitable for the city's warm climate. His black, spiky hair complemented his tanned, coppery skin. His features were typical of Magnors: angular and defined, with a square and well-defined jaw, giving him a rugged and not particularly attractive face according to Kairos' beauty standards, but amiable.

All three were physically well-developed, sporting the typical Magnor physique. Everyone in the city, including the women, seemed like bodybuilders who dedicated hours to physical exercise and maintained a regulated diet. However, it was all due to genetics, obtained practically effortlessly, causing a mix of envy and admiration in Aestus.

Even surrounded by such strong and large individuals, the four friends didn't feel fear or threatened for two reasons: first, they would easily win in a battle there, with the skills they had and Hadria's spells; and second, they didn't sense much hostility or violence coming from the Magnors, even though some were clearly reluctant to have them there. So, the group, curious to know what they had decided, stood up to converse.

"Good evening, outsiders," Mitaka said, stepping forward. "My name is Mitaka, this is Soerg, my husband, and this is Lithor, my son. I am the leader responsible for the city's security, and I came to talk to you about the situation."

The four pretended they didn't already know their names to avoid causing problems for Soerg and introduced themselves as well. Mitaka was still acting formally, but Lithor seemed relaxed, waving cheerfully to the group. The mother continued:

"Firstly," and she addressed Spes specifically, "I would like to thank you for saving my son a few hours ago and also for healing several residents afterward." She then looked at the group as a whole. "You all also helped a lot by defeating the Creatures attacking us. Without you, I don't know if we'd be here talking now." And she made a bow, followed by her husband and son. The four friends were flattered by the acknowledgment.

"However, your presence here has caused a significant problem for everyone. As you know, we Magnors gained our independence many years ago and were given this land and peace as compensation. The only condition imposed was that no one should ever have direct contact with us. We couldn't talk to anyone."

"But have you recently learned to communicate? Because we were always taught that you..." Spes seemed to search for the right words. "That you didn't have a high intellectual development. Sorry, that's quite offensive."

The three Magnors shook their heads. Soerg and Lithor seemed sad, but Mitaka was visibly irritated. She continued speaking:

"We were never stupid, if that's what you meant. We always knew how to speak, communicate; we just didn't have access to education. But for you people, we were always an inferior race, mere objects or animals to be used and traded. And that was so ingrained in society that even we believed and submitted to it. The punishments they gave us when we tried to argue or disagree didn't help either."

At that moment, Soerg ran his fingers over his scars, absentmindedly. The four friends were horrified, trying to absorb what was being said. Everything they had learned throughout their lives was now being rewritten and contested. It was as if a light had been turned on, revealing all the dirt around them that had once been pleasantly concealed, now stinging their eyes.

"And this brings us to you," Mitaka said, scrutinizing the group suspiciously from head to toe. "Clearly, you're not traders or part of some humanitarian aid group. You didn't attack us, and you weren't responsible for bringing those Creatures here. So, what brought you here?"

Aestus puffed out his chest and took the lead, speaking on behalf of all:

"We are representatives of the Hunter's Guild. Typically, we only undertake hunts based on contracts to help people in exchange for crystals. But during our travels, we received information that you would be attacked by Hiner." Aestus fell into solemn silence, waiting for some kind of reaction. As the Magnors remained silent, he continued, somewhat embarrassed that it didn't have the effect he expected. "So, we decided to come to Dunascas to warn you and help you defend against his attack."

Mitaka and Soerg exchanged glances, and the man shrugged, creating an awkward moment. With innocent naturalness, Lithor asked:

"And who is Hiner?"

"What do you mean, who is Hiner?" Orkan exclaimed indignantly. "The crazy bastard who attacks cities around!"

"Calm down, Orkan," Spes said, holding the Rogue by one arm. "It makes sense that they don't know Hiner."

"His attacks only started after the Magnors were isolated from society," Hadria reasoned. "They can't know Hiner if he's never attacked Dunascas or any city in the region."

"Hiner is a very powerful Wizard who makes random attacks, spreading chaos and destruction," Aestus said, retaking the lead. "I believe that when he appears, it could be a significant danger to you because Magnors are quite susceptible to spells and you wouldn't be able to defend yourselves. So, we came here to warn you and help with the counter-attack."

The three Magnors, now understanding the reason for the outsiders' visit, appeared very concerned, lowering their eyes in thought. Soerg was the first to speak:

"And when is he going to show up around here?"

"Well, I, um..." Aestus stuttered, unsure. "We're not exactly sure. We just received a warning." The Magnors became even more apprehensive, but the Knight continued, "But we'll stay here until he appears, don't worry."

After reflecting for a few moments, Mitaka countered:

"You can stay, but we'll confiscate your materializers."

Orkan and Aestus were indignant and exchanged glances. The Rogue was livid, ready to walk out the door and abandon the city, while the Knight still tried to remain composed to negotiate. However, before either of them rejected the proposal, Spes stood up and said loudly:

"We accept the condition!"

"Spes, are you crazy?" Orkan shouted. "We won't be able to defend ourselves if this is a trap!"

"They also won't be able to defend themselves against us, Orkan! We're here to protect the Magnors, and they need to feel secure." Glancing briefly at Lithor, Spes added, "And I trust them."

Orkan was red, containing his internal revolt. Hadria was already removing her materializer from her wrist, finding the situation reasonable, when Aestus argued:

"And how are we going to fight when Hiner arrives? We'll need the weapons."

"Some random Magnor near you will carry your materializers hidden. If necessary, he returns them."

The Rogue was about to blast some complaints to Aestus, but the Knight signaled him to wait while assessing the risks. He imagined that in a physical fight, he could outmatch some Classless Magnors, even without his sword. Orkan was very agile and could escape without problems. He was more concerned about Hadria and Spes, who were more defenseless without their weapons. After some time pondering, Aestus proposed:

"I agree, if Spes can keep his materializer. He's a Light Mage, poses no threat to you. And if needed, he can protect the rest of the team. Are we in agreement?"

Mitaka looked around, analyzing the four Hunters, when Lithor replied:

"Yes, that can work."

His parents seemed reluctant, but their son held a position of respect for him and the other leaders of Dunascas. Whether they liked it or not, both sides had to trust each other, making concessions. The atmosphere in the hall was tense, so Aestus tried to improve the situation:

"We're here only to protect you. I know you don't know us, but there's nothing that would make me happier in the world than being able to help so many people. And when Hiner appears, you'll need all the help you can get."

Although Aestus's voice inspired confidence, their listeners didn't seem entirely reassured. Nevertheless, they had no other option but to accept the help of the outsiders. Mitaka discussed with her husband how they would pass this information to the population of Dunascas, in addition to preparing the guard team. Aestus offered to accompany the sentinels during the night, along with Orkan, to help recognize a possible attack, which was promptly accepted by the woman. Hadria mentioned that the other two could spend the night in a separate place under observation, but Lithor insisted there was no need.

"I trust them. I don't know why, but I trust them. There's no need to treat them like prisoners or a threat."

His parents were a little uneasy, but they decided to trust their son's intuition. Thus, Lithor suggested that the group occupy a new house, still uninhabited, which had been recently built. This way, they would have some privacy and could get a comfortable night's sleep to recover from the journey. The young Magnor then offered to take the Hunters to their resting place, while Mitaka and Soerg took Aestus to talk to the other leaders of the city and later with the rest of the population.

When they left the large hall where they had spent hours, a group of nine other Magnors was gathered a little ahead of the door. They were the other leaders of the city, responsible for areas such as education, fishing, construction, agriculture, and others. A bit farther away stood the rest of Dunascas's inhabitants. As the strangers left the building, the population seemed to observe them with curiosity and fear. It was a strange scene, seeing people, physically so strong and imposing, feel so frightened, traumatized by the suffering they had endured. Aestus even felt guilty for causing such negative feelings in people he didn't even know, without doing anything.

Mitaka introduced the four outsiders to the other leaders and explained the reason for their visit to Dunascas. Everyone listened attentively to the woman's words, and when she finished, they asked a few questions about how they would handle the presence of the outsiders. Mitaka assured them that, like her son, she trusted what the Hunters said and that they wouldn't cause problems regarding the secret of the Magnors. Some leaders seemed wary, but most of them appeared pleased to welcome visitors to the city, offering sincere smiles and welcoming the four friends.

Then, the group split. Aestus and Orkan were taken by Mitaka to the city's limit, where they had entered. There, the three talked with all the guards, where Aestus explained what signs they should be vigilant about, described Hiner, and devised a strategy on how they should act if they saw anything suspicious. The Knight knew it would be a long night, so he divided, along with Mitaka, all the guards into diverse teams, ensuring no point was left unguarded but at the same time not exhausting the people there. Rest and meal schedules were stipulated, ensuring everyone was in shape in case they needed to act.

Meanwhile, Lithor led the other two friends to the house where they would spend the night. As they walked through the city, they were accompanied by a large group of Magnors who observed them as if they were exotic animals. Instead of getting irritated, Spes found their curiosity amusing, making him feel almost like a celebrity. The Mage waved to the people, eliciting different reactions. Some recoiled when they realized they were being watched, while others returned the greeting with shy smiles. Hadria was being Hadria, as always.

Soon they arrived at a brand new house, still showing no signs of use. Its walls were made of wood, with a small porch at the front door adorned with hanging floral arrangements. The entrance led to the combined living room and kitchen, creating a functional yet spacious environment divided by a counter. To the left were three bedrooms and a bathroom. There was no television, and the crystal-powered machines there seemed outdated. While Spes examined the stove, engrossed in thought, Lithor said:

"Every once in a while, some traders bring us these gadgets. We use what we have; there isn't much availability. That's why they're old and used. Sorry."

"Oh, please. No need to apologize," Spes said, turning red, embarrassed. "I was just thinking that we have no idea what life is like for you here. It's a topic that's not taught in schools or discussed by people. For us, you live here happily, fishing and planting, without worrying about anything. I guess it's a pretty simplistic view of things, right?"

"For most Magnors, that's pretty much how our life is," Lithor replied, laughing. He leaned against one of the walls and crossed his arms. "But for others, it's a situation that needs to change... But let's leave that topic for another time. I actually wanted to thank you for saving me earlier today. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't even be here. I don't even know how to express so much gratitude."

"We're here to help; no need to feel pressured to show gratitude," Hadria said, sitting on the living room sofa, too tall for her.

"Relax, big guy. Don't start thanking and praising too much, or I'll get embarrassed. We just did what was necessary, and it wasn't any outrageous effort. Don't worry. It was a pleasure."

"I don't understand much about magic and spells," Lithor said, scratching his neck, abashed. "I thought you guys would be exhausted after today because you did some pretty... powerful things." The Magnor seemed to search for the right words to express himself.

"I didn't even break a sweat," Hadria said, nonchalantly.

"Modesty aside, we're really good!" Spes said, laughing. "But you're also a formidable Fighter," the Mage added, looking at the orange crystal attached to Lithor's bracelet.

"Thank you, I put in a lot of effort," the Magnor said, pleased to have his talent recognized. "I need to be very good at what I do."

"I didn't see any other Classes during the fight. No Archers, no Knights or even Fighters. I heard that the latter was quite common among the Magnors," Hadria said, taking off her boots and crossing her legs on the sofa.

Lithor made a expression that the other two couldn't comprehend at the moment. It seemed like concern, but there was something more. Weighing his words carefully, he began to speak slowly:

"I'm the only Magnor with a Class. During the Rebellion, everyone who had manifested a Class was executed. Men, women, teenagers, even children... It was a way they found to control our race. Even those who didn't participate in the revolution were killed."

Hadria just nodded, indignant in her own way, while Spes had his hands over his mouth, astounded. Lithor continued:

"I was lucky to have manifested my Class later than usual, or I would have been killed too. But the strangest thing is that after that massacre, no other Class manifested among us. No one understands why."

The sorrow in the man's voice was palpable. He ran his fingers through his hair as he sighed. A silence fell in the room as Lithor's mind continued to work, and the other two didn't know what to say, still processing what they had heard. Sensing that he had ruined the conversation, the Magnor bid farewell to the two, saying that they needed to rest from the battle, and left the house shortly after. Hadria and Spes exchanged glances and decided to organize themselves for sleep. They took a bath, and soon after, they climbed onto the high beds to sleep. Thoughts about the Rebellion occupied much of their time before they could finally rest.

***

The night passed without any incidents. Hiner did not show up, and no Creatures approached the city. The next day, during Spes and Hadria's shift, the great Warlock still didn't appear, but the duo helped defeat some Creatures that came too close to Dunascas. And so, several days went by without any sign of Hiner. As they took turns on guard duty, the four Hunters began to make friends with the city's residents, acting more naturally without the formality that visitors usually entail.

Dunascas was the most welcoming city they had visited since starting their journey, surpassing even the hospitable Silvi. The Magnors regularly held parties around bonfires, with lively music and dances, and delicious food. The beach that bathed the city was paradise-like, with warm and crystal-clear water, where they could play, swim, and exercise. Although Magnors were generally more reserved and cautious, the four Hunters inspired confidence in them, and they felt comfortable with the outsiders around.

As the days passed and Hiner didn't appear, the concern about an attack gradually diminished until it disappeared. Thus, the four friends began to participate in the daily lives of Dunascas residents, immersing themselves in the fluid fabric of that community. Missing a bit of excitement, Orkan gathered some young people and set up a prototype Hunter Guild, where people could post contracts and seek help. The measure was extremely popular, but to Orkan's disappointment, it didn't involve payment in crystals. Due to their communal society, they were more interested in helping each other. Still, Orkan was proud to create this peculiar branch of the Guild.

To improve the Magnors' combat performance, Aestus and Orkan decided to train some of them, instructing them on how to behave in battle and handle weapons more skillfully. The training was exhausting, but a lot of fun. The younger Magnors became close to Orkan, who felt at home among them, reverting to being a teenager full of energy. Lithor also participated in these lessons since, despite having great strength and power as a Fighter, he didn't have much knowledge of how to fight effectively, having learned everything he knew on his own.

Hadria, in turn, took great interest in gardening and horticulture, using her spells to assist in crop irrigation. Farmers were initially frightened since her spells were very powerful and had great potential for destruction. The lack of emotion in the Witch's speech and expressions didn't help either. However, after they discovered the benevolent essence of the girl, everyone was amazed at what she could do, solving plantation logistics problems with a snap of her fingers (and a sudden unexpected laugh).

Additionally, having received a quality education in Foscor, Hadria was also of great help to the leaders responsible for the education of Dunascas' youth. She corrected some outdated books used for teaching, including new information and instructing educators. Her knowledge was widely explored by the city's few teachers, who even began to mimic her mannerisms while teaching.

As expected, Spes set up an improvised clinic in the city, healing wounds and illnesses that sporadically occurred. Since they performed many manual labors, prone to accidents and occasional injuries, the Magnors sought the Mage's help regularly. He left everyone in pristine condition, without any pain or discomfort, ready to return to work or rest properly. The contagious happiness of the Lagomorph, coupled with his helpfulness, practically made him a Dunascan citizen in a few days. Many Magnors started visiting the clinic out of habit, just to chat with Spes, with Lithor being the most frequent visitor.

Identifying with the organization and methodicity of Mitaka, Aestus became close to the woman, attending strategic meetings and making suggestions to improve the city's defense. However, even after gaining the leader's trust, recovering the group's materializers, the Knight felt that she had something she kept to herself, waiting for the right moment to reveal. Without wanting to seem intrusive, he didn't ask many questions, but curiosity only grew. To add to this mystery, Mitaka regularly visited a small house that, as per her instructions, the four Hunters were not allowed to visit, without further explanation as to why. The Knight respected the limits set by the leader, but questions kept accumulating.

Another pair that formed, as physically different as they were, was Spes and Lithor. The two became inseparable, spending most of their days together. The Magnor, despite being strong and imposing, was extremely sweet and helpful, albeit quieter and more reserved than the Lagomorph, observing his quirks with curiosity. One afternoon, as they walked together on the soft, white sand of the beach, admiring the beautiful orange sunset, they chatted about trivialities. Lithor changed the subject abruptly:

"I was so happy when you four arrived in the city, you know? I've been learning so much and having even more fun, especially with you," Lithor ruffled Spes's messy hair even more, and Spes laughed. "I feel like people's attention shifted to you guys and away from me. It made me more at ease, like a weight off my shoulders."

"I noticed that people here treat you like some kind of idol or something. Is it because you're the only one with a Class?"

Lithor stopped in his tracks, looking into the distance. The sunlight illuminated his bronzed skin, giving it an even more coppery tone. His usually serene and happy eyes now seemed deep and troubled. Spes, who had kept walking, looked back and saw his new friend seeming lost and in need of support. Spes approached, but due to the difference in size, he couldn't hug him, so he patted his arm, asking if everything was okay.

"Yeah, sorry. It's just a topic that makes me a bit anxious," Lithor opened his usual smile again, albeit a bit shaky. After taking a deep breath, he continued walking and said, "Here in Dunascas, you can divide people into two groups: one is happy with the way we live. Isolated but protected from other races, in a way. We lead a good, peaceful, happy life... My father is included in that group. But my mother is part of the other group."

Lithor took another deep breath, trying to control his thoughts and concerns. Spes didn't want to put him through this, but his curiosity outweighed his compassion at the moment.

"The other group believes that Magnors deserve more than this. That we deserve justice, that people need to know we were exploited and enslaved, even though we're just like everyone else. And to achieve that, there's a lot of struggle ahead. Everyone sees me as the hope to change this, leading the new Rebellion."

After saying this, Lithor sat on the sand, facing the sea, listening to the small waves break gently. Spes sat beside him, also observing the water in silence, not knowing what to say. After a few moments, the Mage asked:

"And which group do you belong to?"

"I... I don't know... At the same time that I'm happy living here with my family and friends, I think our race has gone through a lot of violence. I see the scars on my father's arms, and I get mad, wanting to expose everything to the world," Lithor's voice sounded determined, and he even puffed out his chest, but soon deflated again. "Then I remember that it all depends on me, and I get afraid of disappointing everyone. I wish I could be more confident, like you."

"Like me? What?!" Spes burst into laughter. "Sir, if you knew the things that go on in my head, you wouldn't find me confident at all. I'm a pit of despair and anxiety; I just know how to pretend well and improvise."

Lithor opened a smile looking at the Lagomorph, but then looked away and began drawing random shapes in the sand. Spes thought for a moment about how to continue and said:

"But I imagine it must be really hard to have that level of responsibility on your shoulders. I already get nervous about keeping those three alive; I don't even know how it would be to have my entire race depending on me. But..." Spes rested his chin on his hand, thinking. Lithor looked at him, not knowing what was going on in his head, curious. Out of the blue, Spes blurted out, "Do you know about the Legend of the Warriors of Destiny?"

Not grasping the Mages' train of thought, Lithor took a while to respond, trying to remember. Running his fingers over his forehead, he replied:

"Yeah, I think I've heard someone tell that story when I was a kid, at the family's house where my parents stayed. About a group of warriors who come together and do something that I don't remember, to help save Kairos, I guess."

"That's it, that one! In fact, no one knows exactly what they do, but they are responsible for saving the planet and doing good, that bedtime story kind of thing. So, what if I tell you that this story might be true?"

Spes then recounted the entire journey of the four friends, starting with Aestus and Orkan leaving Comanse, passing through Silvi, reuniting with Hadria in Foscor, and being guided to Dunascas by Hiner, whom they believed to be the Oracle.

"And on top of that," Spes said, pausing to catch his breath after speaking almost without breathing, "I noticed that you have that crystal on your wrist."

Lithor raised his right arm, looking at the small orange crystal nestled among the wooden beads of his bracelet. He raised his eyebrows, impressed and surprised that Spes had noticed his small, emotionally significant piece of jewelry.

"I found this crystal right when we arrived here on the peninsula. It was on top of a rock, as if someone had placed it there. It has never served any purpose, but I really like it."

And, for the first time in his life, the crystal pulsed with a glow that mimicked the twilight light tinting the horizon. While Lithor admired this phenomenon, Spes materialized his staff, where the white crystal at its end also gleamed. The Magnor looked like a child marveling at fireflies for the first time. The stones were in sync, pulsating like one heart, in the same rhythm. Lithor looked into Spes's eyes, who smiled affectionately, and, for the first time, the Magnor felt understood and no longer alone, part of a group. The big Fighter hugged the Mage, not quite sure how to express himself with words. Spes returned the hug, happy to be able to help his friend.

After a moment, Lithor released Spes and apologized. The Mage said, "Nonsense, you don't apologize for a hug. But then, as I was saying, your crystal is of the same type as mine and my other friends. We met by chance, with no specific reason. But we formed a very strong affinity and closeness very quickly. I feel, like, a need to accompany and help them, you know?"

"Yes, that's exactly what I felt when I met you guys! Now it makes sense!"

"Oh, I'm glad you believed in our theory so quickly, unlike that stuck-up blonde," Spes said, standing up, pacing back and forth, pondering. "So, is our mission to help you seek justice?"

Lithor rested his elbows on his knees, still sitting on the sand, trying to connect the pieces. His brain was making other connections and creating another theory, but he didn't know how much to say at the moment. Weighing his words carefully, he began speaking slowly.

"Maybe there's something more that we have to do. There's a..."

And at that moment, Orkan appeared on the beach, interrupting Lithor.

"Hey, so you guys are here! This heat is killing me, and I need to jump in the sea. Are you going to swim too?"

The Rogue was only wearing shorts, visibly sweaty, with his hair stuck to his forehead. He came running, approaching the other two. Lithor, reconsidering what he had decided to say, remained silent and got up. Spes was a bit annoyed but managed to disguise it, speaking politely:

"No, no. We were just talking, enjoying the view here. Were you going to say something, Lithor?"

"No, it was just nonsense. Forget it."

"Let's swim too, you two," Orkan said, stretching his shoulders and neck, preparing for a dive. "Hey, Spes, let me ask you something. Is it just the rabbit ear that you have, or are you hiding a pompom there too?"

"Oh, you son of a gun! It's none of your business!"

"Come on, tell me, Spes! I'm curious. I don't know what the anatomy of Lagomorphs is like," Orkan said, laughing at the Mage's reaction.

"I'll go back to the city and leave you two more comfortable," Lithor said, brushing the sand off his clothes and leaving the area.

"No, Lithor, wait!" Spes said, trying to catch up with him.

"Yeah, I think I see a bulge back there for sure. Are you sure there isn't a pompom tucked away? Is it red too?" Orkan teased.

Spes gave up chasing Lithor, engaging in a friendly argument with Orkan but still embarrassed and a bit impatient. Walking back to Dunascas, Lithor used his neurons a bunch. He thought it would be better to discuss these new pieces of information with his parents before sharing what he suspected with Spes. After all, his connection was still stronger with his family and his people, even with the supernatural ties of the Warriors of Destiny. In no time, Lithor was already traversing the streets of the city.

Dunascas was bustling, with children running around and adults returning home after a day of work. Lithor greeted several people and declined invitations to play from the younger ones. He had something more important to deal with at the moment: deciding, along with his parents, what to do. He thought his mother would be excited about this news but wary. His father would surely be concerned and try to dissuade him from the justice plans that many had been waiting for. Lithor, on the other hand, had a strategy in mind.

The streets with irregular cobblestones, rustic charm, palm trees, and low trees through which Lithor walked had an undeniable countryside allure. The sea breeze was subtle that day, with the air filled with the scent of cakes and teas prepared for snacks. The young man loved living there, leading a simple life without difficulties. The residents were very friendly, and any disagreements were quickly resolved, restoring peace. Dunascas was the epitome of comfort, where everything seemed to be in its place, working perfectly. That's why Lithor was so hesitant to make any decisions and change that, to lose it.

With the sky almost dark, Lithor arrived home. He took a deep breath and opened the door to the simple residence. The stone walls managed to maintain a cooler temperature inside, creating something akin to an oasis from the external heat. A set of sofas and armchairs occupied most of the living room, where the family sat to talk and discuss the day. The kitchen was spacious, with wide countertops and a small table where they had their meals. There was no door between the two rooms, allowing interaction between people in both areas. The decoration was simple, with many plants and flowers, a few paintings hanging on the walls, and a sisal rug that covered most of the living room floor.

Soerg was in the living room, repairing a fishing net while talking with Mitaka, who was preparing dinner in the kitchen. He had become an excellent fisherman after settling in Dunascas, quickly learning the secrets of the trade. He also skillfully handled the boat, being cautious and agile. Along with his team, he provided a constant supply of food for the village, becoming an essential figure in the community. Although already considered elderly for Humanoids and Lagomorphs, the Magnors were a long-lived race. So, Soerg showed few signs of aging or fatigue.

Lithor approached his father, who gave him a kiss on the top of the head, as he always did when they met. He also went to the kitchen and kissed his mother on the cheek, who had her hands busy washing fresh greens. The smell of food being prepared in the pots was mouthwatering, but Lithor didn't even notice, preoccupied with what he had to tell his parents. He returned to the living room and sat next to Soerg, helping him with the fishing net and asking about his day. While the older man talked about a productive day of fishing, Lithor seemed to dissociate, with a vacant look. Soerg noticed and spoke:

"I think you didn't hear anything I said, did you?"

"Oh, no, I...," he sighed. "Yes, I was lost in thought, sorry. It's just that I was talking to Spes earlier, and he told me something that got me thinking."

"That Lagomorph is quite a character, a sweetheart. But what did you guys talk about?"

Interested in the subject, Mitaka leaned on the threshold between the kitchen and the living room, drying her hands on her apron, with an attentive expression. Lithor replied, shifting his gaze between his parents:

"I know it might sound crazy or, I don't know, childish, but he thinks that we could be the Warriors of Destiny. Including me."

The Fighter then shared about the crystals that all the outsiders had, which were similar to his own. He also spoke about the affinity he felt with them, the need to get closer to the four, something he couldn't comprehend himself. His mother sat in an armchair, trying to grasp what was being said. If it were true, her son would indeed be a key figure in the revolution of the Magnors. She knelt in front of Lithor and held his hands, moved, saying:

"So, it's really you who will bring justice to our people! I always knew! And now there are even more people to help!"

The anxiety in Lithor's chest increased even more, as always happened when this subject was brought up by his mother. This time, he couldn't disguise it, averting his eyes. Mitaka's excitement diminished, and she became worried, gently touching her son's face.

"What is it, Lithor?"

As he was about to speak, his father responded, inferring what Lithor was going to say:

"It's more than that. Your mission is greater than we have in mind."

The Fighter looked at his father, surprised, but soon smiling afterward. They had a lot in common, having developed a strong bond. Mitaka, however, still couldn't understand. Lithor decided to explain what he had in mind:

"I want to take them to meet Hayeh tomorrow. I want to see what they'll say about him."

"I don't know if it's a good idea, son," Mitaka said, standing up, facing away from the other two. "We don't know how they'll react. They might even turn against us."

"Whether you like it or not, there are bigger things happening in the world, Mitaka. And everything leads to one person," Soerg spoke.

The woman was determined to fight for what she had always dreamed of, but she wouldn't let that blind her to her ideals and principles. Even reluctantly, she agreed to take the four outsiders to meet and try to talk to Hayeh the next day. She turned to the two men and said:

"Maybe you're right after all. Baruc is the person who connects everything, and he needs to be stopped."

***

A strong wind woke the four Hunters the next day. The hut where they were staying trembled and creaked, startling them. Aestus went to the window and saw that the weather had changed significantly overnight, with the sky darkened by heavy black clouds. A storm was approaching. While looking up, a Baruc airship flew over Dunascas, heading west. This sight was relatively regular, part of a very suspicious back-and-forth that repeated every few days. Orkan came up behind his friend, analyzing the weather, and said:

"I guess today won't be suitable for a swim, it seems."

As it was close to the time to get up, everyone decided to start the day. Spes and Hadria took care of the food, while the other two tidied up the rooms and set the table. Everything was done unhurriedly, following the pattern of the days they spent there, savoring the moments of peace they lived. They had breakfast, chatting casually, discussing their plans for the day. When they were close to finishing the meal, knocks on the door interrupted them.

Orkan answered the call and found Lithor on the porch. The hanging plant pots swayed, as did the always spiky hair of the Fighter. He had a mixed expression of seriousness and apprehension on his face, unlike the friendly smile that usually adorned him. After requesting permission (which was promptly granted), Lithor entered the house, taking off his footwear and apologizing for the intrusion.

"Don't worry, Lithor. We were just finishing eating," Aestus said, wiping his mouth with a cloth napkin. "Do you have a message for us?"

"You're acting strange," Spes said, kneeling and leaning on the back of the chair where he was sitting. "Since yesterday, actually. It's not just about that. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, I'm terrible at hiding things, sorry," Lithor said, embarrassed, scratching the back of his head. "I wanted you guys to come with me. There's something I wanted to show you... And I also needed to talk to you. Me and my parents, actually. More my mother, in this case." He sounded nervous, stumbling over his words and avoiding eye contact.

Spes came out of where he was and patted the Magnor on the back, trying to calm him down. Lithor took a deep breath and thanked him with a look. Hadria stretched, went to the living room, and said:

"The dirty dishes can wait then. Let's go."

Still unaccustomed to the girl's directness, Lithor was a little taken aback, but Spes reassured him again. They left the residence and were surprised by a very strong gust of wind. The storm was approaching very quickly, rapidly increasing in intensity. The Magnor led the group, walking through the streets that were emptier than usual. Along the way, Aestus realized they were heading towards the house where Mitaka always went, where they were not allowed to go. Even though he had thought about what was hidden there, he could never have guessed.

They reached their destination, having made the entire journey in silence. It was a small house, a little smaller than the one they were staying in, and also older. In front of the door stood a Magnor guard, looking unfriendly. He stared at the outsiders and shook his head, clearly disapproving of their intrusion. Nevertheless, he allowed them to pass, obeying orders from Mitaka. One by one, they entered.

The interior of the small house, although it protected them from the gusts outside, was not cozy and had a strange atmosphere. The living room lacked furniture but was clean and well-maintained, not appearing abandoned. There was no decoration, and all windows were closed, creating an uncomfortable enclosure. There, they found Mitaka and Soerg, looking worried and uncertain. Another Magnor, younger, stood in front of a door that Aestus assumed led to the only room in the residence. The whole situation was very bizarre, and if they hadn't built a relationship of trust, it might have seemed like a trap. Mitaka broke the silence, saying:

"Good morning, everyone. As I said when you arrived here, we never expected to receive visitors like you, but it was a very pleasant surprise. While we were waiting for Hiner's attack, which thankfully never happened, you became part of our community. Dunascas will never be the same. And I thought that, due to destiny or some crazy coincidence, you would help our people achieve justice and recognition. But..."

Mitaka stopped and took a deep breath, a mix of emotion and slight nervousness apparent. Lithor squeezed her hand, and Soerg put his hands on her shoulders. They were trying to convey confidence to her, even though they themselves were also apprehensive. She nodded, thanking them for their support, then turned to the group and continued:

"But after talking to my son, my husband, and some other Magnors, we thought that our initial plan might not be enough. Magnors might just be one piece of a much larger game."

The four Hunters were completely lost, the doubt evident on their faces. Spes had told the others about the Magnors' plan to expose themselves, show that they were not inferior beings, that nothing justified their enslavement. Still, they had no idea how it would be done. In theory, they were there to protect the city from Hiner, but it made sense for them to help expose the truth. Therefore, Mitaka's words didn't make much sense. Sensing that his friends were confused, Lithor spoke up:

"I think it's better to introduce Hayeh to them, Mom. Then we can explain the rest."

The woman agreed, leading the group to the door guarded by the young Magnor. She didn't give passage readily, remaining motionless at her post. Her lips were compressed, and her eyes seemed a mix of fear and anger. Clearly reluctant, she faced Mitaka:

"I still think this is a terrible idea. If anything happens to Hayeh, it's your fault."

Soerg stood in front of the group of friends and asked:

"Please, don't jump to conclusions, and stay calm. I ask for your trust again."

Still a little confused and scared, the four agreed and lowered their guard a bit. Soerg had a way of speaking that inspired tranquility. Mitaka then addressed the guard:

"Cille, you can relax. Nothing bad will happen."

The girl breathed several times, audibly releasing air through her nose, trying to control herself from throwing everyone out, but finally relented, moving away from the door. Mitaka opened it slowly, making sure not to make sudden movements. Gradually, they could see the interior of the other room.

Unlike the rest of the house, the room seemed functional, although not very furnished. There was a bed in one corner, messy but clean. On the opposite wall, there was a simple wardrobe and a desk with scribbled papers. However, the group didn't notice any of this. All eyes went directly to the person crouched near the wall across from the door. There was Hayeh, a Reptoid.

He made small, spasmodic movements, touching his face and adjusting the simple tunic he wore. His eyes didn't seem to focus on anything, but he looked around with an expression of fear. Hayeh didn't appear to have noticed that Mitaka had opened the door, clearly oblivious to the world around him.

No one said anything for what seemed like a long time. The Magnors expected a reaction from the outsiders, but they were all dumbfounded, amazed to see a Reptoide like this, in person. The only person of that race they had seen was the strange Guslig, but only through the television. Aestus noticed that, in person, a Reptoid seemed so fragile, so small, so... Similar. While the Knight still observed Hayeh, unsure of what to say, Orkan shouted:

"You have a Reptoid here?! Are you on the same side of those terrorists?!"

With Orkan's loud voice, Hayeh started screaming and thrashing, holding his hairless head with his scaly hands, speaking incoherent and nonsensical sentences. Cille shoved Mitaka aside, entering the room and going towards Hayeh. She hugged him and shouted at the door:

"I told you this wouldn't work! Get out of here!"

Mitaka composed herself and left the room, closing it. The screams of Hayeh could still be heard from the living room, painful to the ears and hearts. He seemed desperate and in great suffering. Spes almost started to cry, not knowing what to do. Aestus held his shoulder, knowing that the Mage couldn't see another person in distress and do nothing. Orkan, on the other hand, huffed, pacing back and forth, always acting without thinking. Trying to control himself, he asked, with a slightly lower voice:

"What the hell is this?! You know that Reptoids are terrorists! It's not recent, like Hiner's attacks! It's absurd that you have one of them here in the city!"

"Orkan, calm down," pleaded Aestus. "They must have an explanation."

The Knight looked at the Magnors, still serious and distrustful but open to dialogue. Lithor was the first to speak:

"Hayeh washed ashore on Dunascas' beach a few years ago. He was found by Cille, unconscious in the sand. He was very weak, dehydrated. We don't know how he got here, but it must have been on some ship that sank. There was some flotsam near him."

"Didn't he tell you what happened?" Hadria asked.

"As you saw, he can't say much," Soerg said. "We can't tell if it was due to the days adrift or some other reason, but his brain was severely compromised. We've tried everything, but nothing brings him back. It's very sad."

"Your reaction only confirms what we suspected," Soerg said, looking at Mitaka, who nodded. "And reinforces that our struggle is interconnected with the Reptoids."

"But what do they have to do with you?" Orkan asked, still angry but calmer. "Magnors and Reptoids have no relation. You seek justice, they only want destruction."

Mitaka and Soerg looked at each other, and the man said he would check on the situation in the room, entering through the door carefully. The woman then responded:

"We think we have a lot in common with the Reptoids. One of the reasons our race was enslaved is that they saw us as inferior, almost like animals. By dehumanizing a group of people, anything you want to do to them is allowed. Using, mistreating, enslaving, killing. Everything is justified because they're not people, just things. And we think that's what they're doing with the Reptoids, like they did with us before."

Mitaka crossed her arms and looked down, gathering strength to speak:

"We receive visits from traders and aid groups here in Dunascas from time to time. Many of them talk among themselves in front of us. Many times, they talked about the Reptoids, that they were going to war, especially if a Baruc aircraft flies over the city while they're here. And we just listened, paying attention."

"Yeah, we know how much people hate Reptoids," Aestus said. "We heard some outrageous things in Reganta; I imagine they wouldn't be ashamed to comment on these things in front of you."

"Especially because they didn't know you understood everything," Hadria added. "And how did you handle it when people from outside came?"

"It's humiliating, but we pretended not to speak, communicating through gestures and grunts," Mitaka said, closing her eyes, with anger and shame. "All of this just to stay alive, because we were threatened with death if they found out we were like you."

"But who threatened you?" Spes asked, moved.

The Magnor looked toward the door of the room and then at her son. He asked her to check on the situation, and she excused herself. Hayeh's screams had already stopped. Only a murmur could be heard from the other room. Lithor pleaded:

"Please, I know it all seems very absurd, but it's because the situation is very complicated. We also don't have all the information; much of it is speculation, but I think we're right."

With that, Mitaka and Soerg left the room, making gestures to calm and silence everyone. The four looked again into the room, where they saw Cille sitting on the floor, with Hayeh lying down, resting his head on her lap. He gently rocked his body back and forth, appearing calmer but still frightened. It was possible to hear him say:

"My family, my friends. Don't let them. Stop. Don't let them do it. They're coming, from there. They arrived, hide."

"I still don't understand what we're doing here," Orkan whispered impatiently, with a disgusted expression on his face.

Mitaka made a quiet gesture toward the Rogue, and Spes looked at him irritably. Orkan shrugged and stepped away. Hayeh continued to babble:

"They killed her, I don't want to die. Protect me. The soldiers arrived. Baruc's men are here. You have to hide the Elder, run away."

Upon hearing the name of the famous businessman, everyone was a bit surprised. In theory, the other continent was isolated, with no contact with the other side. There was no way for them to know the name Baruc. The Reptoid didn't seem angry or seeking revenge. He sounded desperate, fleeing and scared. In a short time, Hayeh became quiet again, only trembling and crying. Spes approached him, and Cille didn't like it, but he said he would only analyze him. After using his abilities, the Lagomorph shook his head and spoke in a low voice:

"There's nothing to be done. His brain was severely damaged, and I can't fix it after it healed this way."

Everyone left the room and returned to the small living room. A thunderclap sounded outside, joining the incessant wind, indicating that the storm was very close. Everyone was silent, lost in thought. Orkan had his arms crossed, indignant. Aestus seemed shaken, as did Spes. The two were side by side, with the Knight holding his friend by the shoulders. Soerg was the first to speak:

"We believe that Reptoids are being hunted, just as we were. The way outsiders talk about them, as if they were animals, was how they talked about us during our rebellion. And I think there's an extermination of Reptoids happening on the other continent."

"Of course there's an extermination!" Orkan retorted angrily. "It's a war! It's them against us. One will defeat the other. Of course, a crazy Reptoid who escaped will act like a victim."

"But it's not just that, Orkan," Lithor said, trying to be understanding. "You asked who threatened us, and I don't know how you'll react to this information. The one who imposed this situation on us was Baruc."

"But he mediated in your favor back then," Hadria said. "How did that happen?"

"Mediation? Is that what you call it?" Mitaka interrupted, irritated.

"Calm down, dear. That's the version that was told to them. We need to show our side now," Soerg said, trying to be conciliatory. "When the killing reached absurd levels, Baruc gathered some leaders to talk to us."

"These leaders... they knew we weren't animals or savages; they always knew. But they didn't care," Mitaka interjected.

"The 'proposal' made then was this: either we isolate ourselves here and never expose the truth to anyone, or they finish killing our race. We didn't accept right away because what we really wanted was justice. But I never forgot what Baruc said that day..."

"'You will never be seen as equals,'" Mitaka said, quoting the businessman's words. "'Even if you try, you will always be inferior in the eyes of others. Either accept or die.'"

The Hunters were incredulous, unable to imagine the usually diplomatic and civil Baruc saying something like that. Even though this speech might have been seen as merciful, even by some of the Magnors; it was still vile and absurd. Baruc prevented more bloodshed, but at what cost? Aestus, still trying to confront the leadership image he had of the businessman, hesitated:

"But he has always been so good to everyone. He makes donations; he helps small cities."

"He's only concerned with two things, Aestus! Money and himself!" Spes said angrily. "What else do you need to understand that this man is horrible? Hiner attacked the Crystalarium, and within minutes, he was already blaming the Reptoids! And then I ask: how many attacks were attributed to the Reptoids for Baruc's benefit? I'd say all of them!"

"And why would he do that?" Orkan asked, still angry but torn.

"Crystals, exploiting the other continent, power, prejudice... He has plenty of reasons," Hadria said, thoughtfully.

Everyone paused to think, trying to understand the situation. Lithor added:

"There's one more point I wanted to talk about. One of the reasons why we never implemented our plans for justice was Baruc's influence. I feel that if we just arrived and asked for justice, he would manage to turn everyone against us. Because he's right, in a way. No matter what we do, for some people, Magnors will always be like animals. You know that."

The four lowered their heads, recalling things they had heard since forever. Many people longed for the times when they "had" Magnors to do everything for them. Others, more aware, now saw this race as pitiful, suffering, but irrational and somewhat wild. Seizing on this opportunity, Mitaka said:

"And how much were you manipulated to see the Reptoids in the same way? Like a bunch of monsters, violent, irresponsible?"

"All we know about them, we saw on television or heard in conversations," Aestus said, recalling from memory.

"But they have always been violent, even before Baruc," Orkan resisted.

"That's where you're wrong, young man," Soerg said, shaking his head. "The brainwashing was very well done. This narrative that Reptoids hate us, that they attack our continent, is recent. When we were younger," and he pointed to himself and his wife, "Reptoids were just a race that preferred to stay isolated on the other side, living their own lives. After crystal exploitation began, that's when this process of vilifying them started."

"If we could prove that Reptoids are also victims, people would start questioning everything they know," Lithor said emphatically. "And then we have a chance to gain the respect we deserve."

"And how do we do that?" Orkan asked.

Lithor and Spes looked at each other, feeling they were on the same wavelength without even needing to exchange a word. The Magnor nodded, and the Lagomorph, with a serious expression, said:

"By going to the other continent."