Lukas walked back through the festival, his new curved shield strapped to his arm and the club wrapped in a black cloth. The scent of spices and hot wine mingled with the laughter of the crowd, but deep in his chest he could feel it — the calm before the storm.

  In his mind, César spoke firmly, as always:

  — Boy... did you notice? That blacksmith carries a war in his eyes. He didn’t just give you steel.

  Morgana laughed softly, her voice like broken bells:

  — And yet, the skinny boy managed to get a gift from a Primordial. Who would’ve thought… even a melted lunar elf likes you. That’s why I think you’re special, my little chocolatinho…

  — Enough. — Lukas muttered, though a smirk slipped through. — If you two stop talking in my head, I might actually deliver this in peace.

  He crossed through the crowd until he spotted Valquíria. His sister stood in front of a weapon stall, arms crossed, staring at a row of hammers as if none were good enough. Alenna was beside her, patient as ever.

  — None of these have the right weight, — Valquíria grumbled. — All trash.

  — You’ll have to pick another one, — Alenna shrugged.

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  Lukas approached. — Sorry, sis. I broke your hammer… but I brought something in return.

  He pulled away the black cloth. The shine of obsidian caught the afternoon light. The club had the shape of a falling drop, perfectly balanced — smooth to hold, heavy on impact.

  — I named it Regina Caeli — the Queen of Heaven, — he said with a grin. — A queen for another. You earned that title after slaying the Sky Dragon. I thought it suited you.

  Valquíria blinked in surprise, then a wide smile spread across her face. — You damn twig… you made this for me?

  At her waist, a tiny charm of a black hammer glowed. From it leapt her little guardian — Freya Lumpa. Barely twenty centimeters tall, dark wings, and sparkling eyes, she landed on the warrior’s shoulder.

  — A worthy name, — said the Lumpa, voice small but proud. — Regina Caeli. It fits my queen.

  Valquíria lifted her old broken hammer. — This was my pride. But now... I have something greater.

  She raised the new weapon high. — Regina Caeli!

  The shout echoed, and even the nearby commoners clapped — not understanding, but feeling the weight of the moment.

  Freya Lumpa fluttered, pressing her tiny hand to Valquíria’s cheek. — New weapon for the queen… anyone who mocks you will taste the fall of heaven.

  Valquíria laughed, spinning the club. — Damn, twig… you’re amazing. You broke my hammer with that shield, and now you give me this. Like Luiz would say — top tier, badass!

  Lukas smiled, not replying.

  That’s when the bells began to ring.

  One. Then another.

  Soon, the entire city thundered with heavy chimes.

  The festival froze.

  — In daylight…? — Lukas raised his head. — That wasn’t part of the plan.

  César’s voice roared in his mind: — It’s happening. The attack has begun.

  Morgana laughed, thrilled as if watching flames being born. — You wanted to change the game, little twig? Then play. The chess pieces are already on the board.

  Lukas’s grin widened, sharp as a blade. His blood boiled. — Then let’s play.

  And in the next instant, the city’s magical defenses awakened. Ancient runes glowed across the walls and streets, raising circles of light and shadow around the festival.

  The skinny boy’s plan had begun.

  End of Chapter 30