The final confrontation

The golden sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the ancient cobblestones of Ekule's town square. Brida stood tall and resolute, his father Babida by his side, the weight of the axe he had inherited feeling heavier than ever before. Ralma, Dina, and Princess Liba formed a formidable circle around them, their eyes locked on the horizon, where Edimo and the dreaded Three-Headed Wolf would soon emerge.

"Remember, Brida," Babida said, his voice steady despite the wrinkles that etched his weathered face. "You were born for this moment."

Brida clenched his fists, the memory of his mother's final words echoing in his ears: Protect the Batang Empire. He glanced at Princess Liba, her raven hair tied back in a warrior's knot, and saw the fierce determination in her eyes. She was not just a princess; she was his heart, his reason to fight.

"Edimo won't know what hit him," Brida replied, offering a grim smile.