The sun rose lazily over Sorriso, lighting up the fortress courtyard still marked by last night’s celebration.

  The smell of roasted meat and old wine mingled with the cool morning breeze.

  Colorful banners were being raised again, and the rhythmic drums called the people to yet another day of the festival.

  Lukas walked slowly, his body heavy after the long night.

  That’s when he noticed something hanging from Valquíria’s belt — a small keychain shaped like a club.

  He frowned.

  “...What the hell is that?”

  Valquíria adjusted the hammer on her shoulder and smirked.

  “Oi, twig… hit your head yesterday? This isn’t decoration. It’s the Bond.”

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  “Bond?” Lukas blinked. “What are you talking about?”

  She raised an eyebrow.

  “Amnesia, huh? It’s a Lumpa, idiot. A rare Guardian. Only appears if you’re lucky enough to pull a core from a high-rank dungeon.”

  Lukas repeated the word quietly, tasting it for the first time.

  “Lumpa… Guardian…”

  His heartbeat quickened.

  Cold sweat ran down his neck.

  That… didn’t exist.

  Not in his previous life.

  Valquíria lifted the keychain.

  The rune glowed golden, and a tiny figure jumped out — Freya Lumpa.

  No taller than twenty centimeters, long braided hair, eyes full of fire, and a club that looked like solidified thunder.

  She rested the weapon on her shoulder, arms crossed, glaring at Lukas with the same sarcasm as her summoner.

  “This is Freya,” Valquíria said proudly.

  “They always carry something of us inside. Maybe not in appearance… but in spirit, in strength, in soul. A Lumpa mirrors who we are.”

  Freya spun the club in the air and gave a sly grin — identical to Valquíria’s when she mocked someone.

  Lukas stood frozen, eyes locked on the tiny warrior.

  The world changed again.

  The pieces aren’t the same anymore… but this is amazing.

  Without realizing, a small smile crossed his lips.

  “…This is so cool.”

  César grumbled inside his mind:

  > “He talks like a child… and still smiles. Mercy.”

  Morgana laughed wickedly:

  > “Let him be, shield boy. Even I think that mini-Valkyrie is cute. But keep your guard up, chocolatinho… the more the world changes, the less you should trust it.”

  Before Lukas could reply, the drums in the plaza grew louder.

  The crowd was gathering again, and the festival’s glow pulsed brighter than ever.

  Something greater was coming.

  End of Chapter 1