Chapter 33: Helios
Dune took a slow step forward, raising his hands slightly. "Hey, listen," he started, forcing his voice to stay calm. "Maybe we don't have to do this. Let's just... talk this out."
The giant stopped dragging his weapon for a moment and tilted his head, his massive brow furrowing. Then, slowly, one of his thick eyebrows rose.
Dune exhaled. "Yeah? Maybe?"
The giant let out a low chuckle, deep and guttural. "You really think I'm in a talking mood right now?"
Dune sighed. "Yeah, figured."
Nely shot him a glare. "Great negotiation skills, genius."
The tension between them tightened, but Dune couldn't stop glancing at the guy with the basket, the one who had warned them earlier. There was something... off.
The kid was young. Way too young.
Maybe ten, at most. His small frame was hidden beneath the tattered battle attire, but now that Dune could see him up close, the truth was clear. The sharp features, the haunted, terrified eyes, the way his hands shook as he gripped the basket, this wasn't some hardened warrior.
This was a child. And he was scared out of his mind. Why is child in the trial? He probably doesn't even know how to properly use Neba...
Nely seemed to realize it at the same time, her gaze flickering to Dune in shock. Before either of them could react the giant moved.