....The Task....

As Aaron and his family reached the temple, the massive crowd prevented them from entering. Every monster had gathered, eager to witness the unfolding events, yet none possessed the answer.

- Do you think he will succeed?

One monster questioned.

- I don't think so. Can't you see him? He is a human being, just like his mother.

Another remarked.

- What a waste. The chief will be very disappointed in his son.

Chimed in a disapproving voice.

- It's okay, we have Tarou. He will become his father's successor.

Someone consoled, already preparing for an alternative outcome.

Aaron could hear them blabbing around him, while walking in heavy steps toward the entrance.

Amidst the buzzing conversations surrounding him, Aaron walked with heavy steps toward the entrance. In that moment, he yearned to escape the madness, yet the weight of his father's honor held him firm. The least he could do was summon the courage to confront his destiny.

Passing through a grand gate, he ascended alone, climbing a set of long stairs leading to a mountain near the temple. Upon reaching the summit, he turned around for a last glance at the watching crowd, his father, and his brother. Then, he entered a small cave, the threshold to his destiny.

An old monk awaited Aaron:

- Come closer, my son.

A profound silence enveloped the sacred ceremony; no one dared to speak. All eyes were fixed on Aaron, anticipating the result.

Approaching the monk, Aaron took a deep breath and knelt. The monk lifted the holy heart, placing it on Aaron's head. Overwhelmed, Aaron closed his eyes, bracing for the outcome. Silence prevailed, and as he opened his eyes slowly, disappointment settled in.

The heart didn't glow.

Despite the heavy sorrow in his heart, Aaron forced a smile and stood up. The very thing he feared the most had come to pass, but what options did he have?

- This is it. I failed.

Aaron admitted, eyes brimming with tears.

- I'm sorry, son. No one can control the holy heart.

The old monk consoled.

Aaron clenched his hands, turning around. Prepared to face his father, his brother, and everyone else, he braced himself for the inevitable disappointment and awaited whatever decision they would make.

As Aaron headed back, he spotted his brother Tarou rushing toward him.

- TAROU? WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

Aaron questioned.

- DO IT AGAIN, PLEASE, PUT THE HEART AGAIN ON HIS HEAD...PLEASE, ONE LAST TIME.

Pleaded Tarou desperately.

- STOP IT, TAROU, IT IS OVER. LET'S GO BACK.

Aaron implored.

- NO, ONE MORE TIME, YOU WON'T LOSE ANYTHING.

Tarou persisted.

Aaron, feeling upset, acquiesced, realizing that nothing worse could happen. He stepped forward again, but without much hope. The monk placed the stone on his head once more, and again, nothing happened.

Despite his deep desire to receive his task and silence the skeptics, Aaron expected to return with failure and shame to his family.

Lost in these thoughts, he heard his brother scream.

- WAIT! DON'T MOVE!

- Tarou, please, stop. What you're doing is not helping me!

- BUT... BUT THE HEART JUST GLOWED FOR A MOMENT!

- What are you saying?

- I SAW IT, AND IT GLOWED... I'M SURE... PLEASE, DO IT ONE MORE TIME.

Aaron felt very confused, unsure if his brother was telling the truth or merely buying more time for him.

He sighed and reluctantly knelt again.

- Alright, just one more time.

He conceded.

The monk placed the heart on Aaron's head once more, and this time, his eyes were wide open. He needed to ensure that the heart didn't glow, confirming that it was all Tarou's imagination. As expected, it didn't glow.

- See... there is nothing. Stop interfering, Tarou. It won't change anything.

Aaron asserted when he stood up. Yet, in that moment, the heart flashed.

Aaron froze in place. He saw it! He witnessed the light!

- What just happened?

He exclaimed, the unexpected turn of events leaving him bewildered.