The stone circle still trembled with the chants of “CHO-CO-LA-TI-NHO! CHO-CO-LA-TI-NHO!”

  Akemi lay on the ground, breathing deeply. Sweat gleamed across her skin, yet her smile was genuine. She reached up, tapping Lukas’s shoulder lightly.

  — Victory’s yours, she said — not out of pride, but out of respect.

  For a single heartbeat, silence filled the square… until Tariq rose on the stands. His deep voice echoed:

  — The winner is Lukas Fernandes of the Main House!

  The crowd exploded. The roar nearly broke the walls. Torches flared, drums thundered, and his name rose like a storm:

  “LUKAS! LUKAS! CHO-CO-LA-TI-NHO!”

  Aníbal was the first to leap up, nearly choking on a rib bone.

  — I KNEW IT! he shouted, grease-stained face shining with pride.

  Beside him, Amélia smiled through tears. — He always finds a way… always.

  Aika, the fox-girl, shrank into herself, ears trembling. — I… like him, she whispered.

  Yumi, the half-guará wolf, jumped with joy. — THAT’S IT, LUKAS! Show them! she yelled, glancing at Luiz, who crossed his arms with a quiet grin. — He did it.

  From the stands, Leli screamed herself hoarse: — Go, Chocolatinhooo!

  Valquíria raised her fist, voice firm. — A warrior wins on any battlefield.

  Hidden behind her mask, Selene chuckled softly. — He truly turned the tide…

  Kyros raised his arm, the golden-black aura of the Black Sun pulsing like an eclipse.

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  — That’s my son. The blood of the Main House.

  His wives reacted in different ways: Luiz’s mother laughed proudly; Dariam’s mother fumed in silence; the others merely watched.

  High above the banners, the Seasonal Patriarchs rose in recognition:

  ?? Kotan of Winter — cold and stoic — simply nodded.

  ?? Helena Summer of the Sun clapped, smiling wide.

  ?? Aurelius Rowan of Autumn offered a calm nod of approval.

  ?? Flora Anapelum of Spring let tears roll freely down her face.

  A ripple passed through the crowd. People parted without being told. The night itself seemed to shimmer brighter. Two figures approached side by side — Rubya and Tinbell.

  Tinbell, the Fairy Queen, floated gracefully, her wings scattering dusts of light through the air. Children gasped, mesmerized. Her voice, soft as a song, carried clearly:

  — Incredible… he truly withstood the thunder.

  Beside her walked Rubya, colossal and dignified — the leader of the demi-humans of the South. Every step felt like a mountain moving. Her crimson eyes swept the crowd with pride.

  — The so-called failure has become the voice of the people.

  Her presence meant life itself for many there: it had been Rubya who saved countless demi-humans when the North tried to erase them — including the clans of Yumi and Aika.

  Yumi pressed her hands to her chest, eyes wet. — She… she saved my people.

  Aika hid her face in her sleeve, tail trembling. — Mine too… she whispered.

  The crowd bowed — not from command, but instinct. Rubya lifted one massive hand, humble yet commanding.

  — Rise. Today is not about me. Today is about him. She pointed straight at Lukas.

  Besouro jumped into the circle, raised Lukas’s arm, and bellowed: — THIS IS THE HEART AND MIND OF SORRISO!

  From above, even the monks of the Black Sun murmured: — In the shadows, the magrelo’s mind works like a general’s… his pieces are already moving.

  The square thundered again. Lukas gasped for air, body trembling with exhaustion, but his heart blazed.

  In this life… I won’t be forgotten.

  And for the first time, he believed in the chant that shook the walls:

  “CHO-CO-LA-TI-NHO! CHO-CO-LA-TI-NHO!”

  ?? End of Chapter 18