3.2

"This marriage we speak of was and is considered a forbidden relationship by humans and by many gods. The husband was none other than Wulfgang Lobato, better known as Fang, a direct descendant of the first lycanthrope, whose invulnerable body is endowed with destructive prowess that can surpass that of the first transcendental spirit of fire. And the betrothed, Maryam Priovan, descendant of the longest-lived family lineage in the universe, feared, respected and shunned on all worlds for her noble lineage and strengths comparable to those of the transcendental spirit of cold air. In addition to her parents, other notorious personalities were also at the event. In conclusion, a very fearsome group of troublemakers."

As an option and to avoid direct confrontations, the humans decided to reward whoever could eliminate these individuals, as well as their descendants if the case arose. Those concerned recognized themselves as belonging to the unofficial group of "bounty hunters". Taking all possible precautions, these individuals waited until they became strong enough. Composed of those who were interested in accomplishing such a feat, those who sought to earn the bounty of the unimaginable and those who wanted to intervene with the marriage like other vampires and lycanthropes, the team set out to meet their parents and companions.

On the other hand, not knowing at what point they would lose another member of the group and with something to protect, Wulfgang, Maryam and the rest of the pack decided to set out on a journey to the one place where no one would dare look for them, not even the "gods". Why? Because this is a place where a thousand darknesses reign. Where only the dead and non-tangible bodies can go. It is the abode of dangerous consumers who feed on the souls in pain. The realm of the worst demons of creation. To get here meant fighting against all of the above and going through countless ordeals.

But his parents and the others did not fight against such demons or dangers, and, even so, they reached this place, which is considered to be the eye of the stormy "Infernos", the Heavens. They came directly to the entrance. This is because Maryam had with her a manuscript that had been inherited by her family, by none other than her grandfather, that individual who devoured the heart of one of the regents of hell and who was put to judge the souls to take them to lower circles by Zeus... Explanation enough?!

Two of the three little ones had their mouths open and cocked their heads to one side. Rey, while holding a fixed and arrogant gaze into the old man's eyes, denied at the question.

Heroclades' footsteps were heard approaching until, finally, availing himself of a brisk voice, he added his thoughts to the conversation as if he were fixing someone else's mistake.

"I don't know if it was intentional, but you didn't explain to them how the marriage went. Nor about the dangers that await them out there. A world where everyone fears those who are stronger than they are, what they can't control, and so they look for ways to shut it down."

"Well, well... I couldn't tell how the wedding went or about the dangers out there. To be honest, the facts that make up these events outweigh any attempt on my part to recap them. Perhaps because I wasn't there."

The Great Wise Wizard half-opened his eyes to see Heroclades, the formal master of Rey, a tall, imposing, strong and well-muscled fellow, whose body was covered by robes with gold buttons and threads, as well as other golden accessories. Despite having lived a long time, he had carmelite-colored eyes, extremely good-looking face, dark gray hair that reached his shoulder and rested gathered in a braid along with a beard of the same color, which he seemed to take good care of and always keep trimmed.

"Who better than you to tell them about it?" continued the black-skinned old man. "Cheer up! Tell the little ones, they are curious."

The Great Wise Wizard closed the book he held in his hands, narrowed his eyes and flashed a smile in Heroclades' direction, as one who had given a tempting suggestion to fulfill. All the Of-Grecians had something in common: the taste for dissertation on any subject and the search for other people's opinions.

Heroclades moved even closer and, after reflecting on the old man's words, said to himself, "In the face of these three pairs of such attentive eyes, it's not as if I can refuse. Besides, I suppose it was I who started this, now I must finish it. I don't have a book of floating letters. I guess I'll have to keep them entertained with my words. I'll have to get right down to business." After taking a deep breath, he lay down on the floor and gave a heavy look at his two companions he had left behind.

Katherine and Mijan understood the tan-skinned fellow's expression. They got along well and could make good use of a little alone time before going on an expedition, so they were no more uncomfortable than necessary.

Heroclades intoned and began:

"While all places in the outside world are like this place, I mean a place where at least the trees are moved by the wind, the surroundings are filled with the noise caused by the growth of vegetation, the bustle of animals and the constant hum of breaths, we, under the streetlight of a lonely street whose pavement was stained with fun, could only hear the beating of our hearts, the hum of our breathing and the friction of our garments. In the almost total absence of noise, under the dark blanket of night, the perilous journey of our distinguished group would begin. I, Wolfgang, Maryam, Mijan, Katherine and Ehimus..."

"With tear-filled eyes, Fang, your father, looked at me, as well as determinedly looked at each of the members of the group and, after putting his hand on my shoulder, he said, "It is not possible that I can consider you as my friends... In my eyes, you are my family."

"And yes, I have to admit that when we were ignored, rejected and cast aside like trash by the others, your father always continued with us to the end, without giving up. He gave us his strength without wavering, his heart, his soul, his hope and new opportunities, both in almost lost battles and in everyday life on a daily basis. Thanks to his leadership, we all learned that a family created by loyalty was far stronger than any bound by mere blood ties."

Heroclades paused to act as if he was about to say something painful to admit.

"I realized it too... Thank the heavens and the seas that it wasn't too late for me. Forgive these ramblings of mine. Perhaps they are ailments of age, wanting to talk so much and knowing I'm not saying anything. Going back to the night of departure, in that very touching scene, Katherine was the first to spoil the mood. Also, from the beginning, she never had much emotion to share with us or to understand how inconvenient her comment was. When she raised her guard against the enemies, there was no way to remain unaware that we were surrounded or to enjoy the peaceful silence or the sentimental moment...."

Slapping his face, Heroclades caught himself again trying to ramble. Regretfully and a little regretfully, he looked up, but behind the three little ones he saw that the other two masters accompanying him were undressing where he had left them. Flashing a somewhat weary smile, he thought, "How good it is to be young. The way Katherine is looking at me, she looks like she doesn't want the little ones to see her. I can get even with her if I let the little ones see him and go ask him about things."

Heroclades had not realized that, by cutting off his narration and plunging into his thoughts at the moment when they were surrounded, he had created a very great suspense in the little ones.

The window of curiosity had opened for Dante and Jhades who did not hesitate to show anger to the point of forming a tantrum on the floor, and even attempting to assault the narrator with the intention of making him finish the story he had left halfway through

"I'll continue, just leave me alone. Come on. Go back to your places and give me some space unruly children" said Heroclades a bit tired, averting his eyes to the enjoyment of the vampire and the light elf on the grass.

The two energetic little ones stopped their movements as soon as they heard the words of the Rey's master.

Heroclades folded his arms and puffed out his chest to give his disciple a discreet glance. Rey was intrigued, but her eyes were not interested in his words, but were still looking at the Great Wise Wizard, who had been unable to withdraw because of such a situation.

"I must entertain Dante and Jhades, he has no reason to stand up and go to those two indiscreet lovers and break their moment," he thought. Returning to the initial motivational intonation in his manner of speech and demeanor, Heroclades continued the dialogue:

"I said Katherine spoiled the moment because, despite being surrounded, we had no reason to be alarmed. The presence of Of-Agracia, or some other individual of 'god' rank or higher, was being felt in the vicinity. Although the situation was not very beneficial for us, precisely because we were together. With no intention of boasting, I and any member of the group could have incinerated all those aggressors with just a backhand of our hands. But the intention of the moment was to protect Maryam, his mother, and not to fight alone to avoid wasting energy unnecessarily.

"The formation of us was very small and, for everyone's sake, it was not possible for one to use one's powers without limiting oneself. Therefore, her father also raised his guard and, stepping forward, took on the task of acting as a shield alongside Katherine. As a wizard I can't create a protective barrier to cover someone other than myself. So in the group of six we had two defenders; me and Mijan took care of the long range attacks, Ehimus of the support and Maryam of the backup and healing, staying in a very efficient circular position."

"One thing was for sure: there is no fight better won than the one you manage to avoid. Maryam had in her hands one of the "Holy" grade legacies of the Priovam family with the intention of avoiding any combat that could expose us to unnecessary dangers. On the spot, with speed and organization, we all took a step forward, but in opposite directions and her mother, from the shadows of her presence, pulled out a large scroll full of ancient scriptures."