I try to stand, but I can’t. Kirru, that bastard. He made sure I couldn't stand up.

  Soon I hear the Dorados approaching.

  "I won't allow this to be how it all ends."

  I clench my teeth and grab my daggers. One goes in my mouth, and the other in my right hand. Unable to stand, I assume a position on all fours.

  As soon as one of the Dorados enters the cave, I swiftly launch myself at one of them piercing his neck, and then seize the opportunity and flee into the forest, using the trees and bushes for cover.

  I could run, but the Dorados are still the best trackers there are. So, I decide to wait in one of the fighting fields where it should be harder for them to find me.

  Once they reach me at the clearing I use my speed and manage to eliminate one of them by jumping above him, leaving only one left.

  "Damn Animal! You'll pay for this!"

  Instead of hiding again, this time I charge toward him. He shoots arrows and manages to hit me in several places. But I don't let that stop me, and using the dagger in my mouth, I stab him in the neck.

  I collapse on the ground, breathing heavily. After I recover I grab a dagger and tuck it into my pants to use both my arms and run as fast as I can back to the clan.

  Knowing the normal route through the forest will be known, I hurry to the side intending to climb the east wall. All my daily training to climb that cliff will finally pay off.

  After an hour I finally reached the top of the wall. However, there I find cries of pain and the sight of Kirru being tortured by the Dorados while they laugh at him.

  "The Adamantita are indeed very predictable," says the one who seems to be the squadron leader. "Lord Eru was right to leave us guarding this route."

  I open my eyes in surprise and go into defense mode. I hurry to pull out the dagger from my pants, but one of the Goldens gets ahead of me and manages to hit my hand, making my dagger fall into the abyss, leaving me weaponless.

  I don't know why, but I can't help but look in Kirru's direction, who is lying on the bloody ground. Our eyes meet, and then he looks into the distance where his bone swords can be seen. I smile.

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  I inhale and exhale and get into position on all fours, and as soon as the first arrow is shot, I start running.

  I manage to avoid their attacks, but one of them stands right in front of me, so without hesitation, I throw myself at him and bite his neck. He falls with screams of pain. As soon as I get hold of one of Kirru's swords, I strike a final blow at the Dorado.

  "Today, you'll be my meal!" I say with a smile before taking the other sword..

  I let my instincts take over, and we fight.

  When I realize it, the Dorado's bodies are at my feet. I pant heavily, holding myself with one of the swords.

  I sit on a rock to catch my breath. I see Kirru's unconscious body. I don’t know what to do with him. I want to leave him here. He deserves it, he betrayed me, and he made the scars in my arms. I approach him and confirm that he's still breathing. I'm about to leave, but a weight on my chest holds me back. I think of what my family would think, of how they would disapprove of me leaving him behind. I sigh.

  "You’ll owe me one"

  I hurry and navigate the intricate steps of the mountains back to the clan. Kirru eventually wakes up.

  "Hey there," I say.

  "Why did you save me?" Kirru asks.

  "If the clan finds out I left you behind, they'll probably deny me the right to participate in the Dunnunu race to become an Adamantita warrior. And I won't allow even your death to complicate my existence. So, you'd better be a good boy and tell them the truth."

  I say, but I know there's a possibility this situation will get complicated even if I bring Kirru back.

  Kirru weakly laughs.

  "That's why you're a weakling."

  I ignore him and continue the path back.

  Time passes, and I start to feel my legs trembling and my energy draining. But I keep going. Although the probability is low, there might be another squadron on this route, so I can’t rest.

  "I've always hated you," Kirru suddenly says.

  "A-and what's that got to do with anything? I don't need you to spell it out for me to know," I say, barely able to speak due to exhaustion.

  "Even in this situation, you're giving it your all with someone who betrayed you behind your back. That has always bothered me. My father always used you as an excuse to reproach me. No matter my efforts no matter what I do, they seemed to pale in comparison to yours. That's why I've always hated you. Always shouting that you'll become an Adamantite warrior even though you don't have any of the main Herencias. What a loser."

  I let out a laugh. I want to blame him and mock him, but I feel like if I say one more word, I'll collapse.

  "D-Don't make fun of me," I manage to say anyway and look in Kirru's direction with a smile and a sharp gaze.

  Kirru opens his eyes in surprise and smiles.

  After a while, we eventually reach the gorge guarded by clan warriors. My legs tremble, and as soon as I know they've noticed our presence and run toward it, I collapse to the ground.

  Kirru lies beside me. His unconscious face is the last thing I see.

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