The stones of the arena were still smoking from the cut. The headless body of the Red Ogre lay fallen, and the crowd wouldn’t stop roaring:
“CHO-CO-LA-TI-NHO! CHO-CO-LA-TI-NHO!”
Flowers rained down. Feathers drifted through the air.
Lukas stood in the center, drenched in sweat, smiling despite himself.
Why me, again? he thought. Even my cousins will want to kill me now.
But inside — exhaustion aside — he was proud.
---
?? Patriarchs and Masters
From the stands, Nanna, laughing so hard she stomped her foot, shouted:
— Hahaha! A monster like that, brother? You’ve been hiding this “Paraíba Turbaline” from Palmares all this time?
She pointed at Besouro, teasing:
— I’ll beat that boy until he cries, just to make sure he comes back to training faster!
Beside her, Tariq smiled faintly. — I’ll do the same with my daughter, Akemi. If she saw that fight, she’s training until she cries. After that spectacle, she can’t fall behind.
From the royal dais, Kyros laughed, wide and wild — that trademark grin stretching like a blade.
— You call them copies… but look closely.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Suddenly, the Patriarch’s golden-and-black aura exploded into the sky — a burning eclipse. The weight of it made everyone’s knees shake.
Yet only Kyros noticed the truth.
The combined energy of Lukas, César, and Morgana wasn’t merely bright — it was monstrous.
— That brat… he’ll surpass me.
And then, laughing like a madman: — I’ll beat Besouro until he cries. Then Akemi too.
At the edge of the arena, Besouro and Akemi gulped, staring at Lukas.
The message was clear: You’re dead.
---
?? The Siblings
Watching through the floating magic screens, Selene clenched her fist. — It’s not fair… even in that, he’s just like Father. I thought he was joking… but he wasn’t. Lukas!
Inside the arena, Leli’s eyes gleamed brighter than ever. — Incredible, Lukas! You’re amazing! You have to teach me that move!
From the stands, Alara, her mother, whispered softly: — I’m grateful to you, Chocolatinho. It’s the first time I’ve seen her shine like this. She doesn’t need my protection anymore. Now… it’s you who must protect her. You’re the big brother, after all.
Nearby, Luiz approached Dariam, who was trembling like a caged beast — face red, jaw tight, lips bleeding from how hard he’d bitten them.
The aura of the House of Swords flared around him like a living blade.
— I’ll tear you apart, Lukas, Dariam hissed, eyes burning scarlet. — I’ll cut your throat the first chance I get. Arena or not.
Before the rage could spread, Luiz placed a hand on his shoulder.
— I can feel your spark, brother. But if you ever raise your hand against him… you’ll face my Carmesim.
And then the crimson aura of Luiz exploded — a living wall of power.
It was the echo of the Founder himself: the King of Cups. The ground shook beneath the ancient might.
---
?? The Mothers
Dariam’s mother stepped forward, spitting venom: — You shouldn’t interfere! Always standing in the way of the true heir!
But the Scarlet Lady, Luiz’s mother, turned her gaze like a blade.
Her tone was colder than steel: — If you dare insult my son again, serpent… you’ll have a problem with me.
The crimson aura ignited, burning like living flame.
The serpent-mother faltered, her body bending under the pressure.
— I-I apologize, Lady Carmesim… I would never insult the young master of Cups.
— Good. — Her voice stayed calm, deadly. — Because killing a snake is far too easy for the Scarlet Lady.
---
?? Nobles and Commoners
Among the nobles, the whispers were poisonous:
— He’s practically a smaller version of the Patriarch…
— We should lure him to our estates — with money, women, power. If the Patriarch won’t control him, we can.
But the commoners didn’t see politics. They saw hope. They saw pride.
And they shouted until their throats burned:
“CHO-CO-LA-TI-NHO! CHO-CO-LA-TI-NHO!”
In the center of the arena, drenched in sweat and blood, petals falling on his shoulders, Lukas smiled.
For the first time — truly — he was happy.
?? End of Chapter 24 .
