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  I remained silent, pondering his words. Then I asked, uncertain:

  - So, it's absurd, but... is it possible?

  He smiled slightly, as if he had expected this doubt to arise.

  - I'd say it's more like something curious... or maybe a bet.

  - A bet? - I repeated, a little confused, but curious to understand what he meant by that.

  - Well, about the curiosity part, I think it's something personal. Yes, I do find the idea of several species of monsters living together absurd, but at the same time, I can't help wondering how it could possibly work. Not to mention that you seem determined to go through with it, even if someone thought otherwise. - he said, with a tone of respect mixed with a slight provocation.

  I sat still for a moment, absorbing his words. He was right, I was determined. But at the same time, I still wondered about my true intentions. Was I willing to do whatever it took to make this work?

  - Go on... - I asked, eager for a clearer answer.

  - Now, about the bet... well, it's aimed at you, Miss. Whether it works out or not depends on many factors, but above all, it depends on your determination.

  - My determination? - I asked, a little surprised by his seriousness.

  - Ask yourself. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to pursue this goal? - he asked, almost defiantly.

  And there, faced with that question, I found myself lost in my own thoughts. What were my real intentions? Why was I really here? I didn't owe anyone anything, but the situation was already beyond my control. I couldn't just walk away from this now. Not like this. And what did I really want?

  - Who knows... all I wanted was to live in peace, but look at me. Do you think someone like me could achieve something like that? - I said, more to myself than to him, with a tone of discouragement that was beginning to dominate my mind.

  If only my appearance were less threatening, maybe I could find somewhere where I could feel accepted. A human city, a vilge. The options, however, were limited in that respect.

  - So why can't I find a way to get my own peace and solve this pertinent problem? - I said, with more conviction, the solution beginning to take shape in my mind.

  I was beginning to accept that peace and fighting for something greater didn't have to be mutually exclusive choices. I could fight for both.

  - Did you expect an answer like that? - I said, challenging him with a smile, now firmer in my resolve.

  - I can't say, but it only ended up piquing my interest more. Living in peace while helping to unite other species... in fact, that really borders on the absurd. - Starko'gus said, his voice den with a slight incredulity.

  I could only ugh at this situation. Something that began as an almost surreal discussion took a peaceful and, in a way, even rexed turn. It was strange how the conversation between us, two such different species, could be so natural.

  - I must confess, I met you today, but I can tell you're a convincing dwarf. - I commented, trying to keep my tone rexed, although I still felt a growing hint of curiosity.

  He smiled what looked like the smile of someone who has been through a lot.

  - Years of experience... Over time, I learned to listen more than I spoke. And thanks to that, I ended up discovering interesting things, like meeting a surprising being. - he said, as if he was reflecting on something that, for him, was more than just an observation, but an important discovery.

  I raised an eyebrow, a little confused.

  - Should I take that as a compliment? - I asked, trying to understand the depth of what he was saying.

  Starko'gus ughed softly, without losing his composure.

  - Of course. Forgetting the absurdity part, your idea could work. Since the sudden disappearance of [Abyssal Dragon] Syphus, things have been a mess. - He paused, as if pondering his words, and then gave me a serious look.

  I didn't know much about Syphus, but everything indicated that his absence had made a significant impact here. If I had imagined how much it would affect the life system of this pce, I might have rethought the situation.

  He had warned me about the greatness of his presence, but at the time, it seemed more like a dispy of vanity than a real expnation. Now, seeing things from a new perspective, I realized that he was right.

  Still, I couldn't refuse. Not now, not after everything that had happened.

  - I-I can imagine... I may sound like a fool, but is the disappearance of [Abyssal Dragon] Syphus such a big deal? - I asked, looking for more context, something that would help me better understand what was going on. The only information I had so far was the migration of several monsters to this forest, but nothing that expined the great impact it had caused.

  Starko'gus looked at me, as if assessing how well I really understood the situation.

  - In fact, his disappearance is the cause of all this madness. Perhaps the union of these two species became possible precisely because of this problem. - He seemed certain of his words, and I couldn't help but agree. Without my help, perhaps the orcs would have gotten the better of us.

  He then gestured as if he was going to go into a more detailed expnation. I knew he had something important to say, and I needed to pay attention.

  - An old friend of mine doesn't like metaphors, but I'm afraid it's the best way to give context to the situation. If I may... - he began, with a more serious tone.

  I just raised my hand, giving him permission. If it would help me understand the situation better, I wouldn't hesitate to listen.

  - Let's ignore the myths for a moment,” he began, with a focused look. - Think of our dreaded dragon as a simple ruler. He's never been involved in the rules, he's never made ws, but everyone obeys and fears him. As you'd expect from a ruler, right?

  I remained silent, watching him as he continued.

  - This ruler was the center of everything. His power influenced all societies: humans, dwarves, elves, monsters and other creatures. We all went about our lives under the imposing presence of our silent ruler. - The way he described Syphus reminded me of the first time I met him. The feeling of corrosive miasma and a dense atmosphere, all caused by the presence of that magnificent dragon.

  Vaku