The gentle glow of the dungeon’s bioluminescent flora cast soft, shifting shadows across the walls of the ogre queen’s chamber. Kenji, stood before a broad stone table where his adoptive brother, the young ogre prince, pouted with frustration.

  “Kenji, you cheated again!” Gorruk roared, his crimson skin glowing faintly as his emotions flared.

  Kenji merely smiled, his bright blue eyes sparkling with innocent mischief. His golden hair, slowly fading to a pale blonde, shimmered under the light. “It’s not cheating if you didn’t see it,” he retorted, sliding his small hand over the wooden pieces of the game they were playing—a dungeon variant of chess that relied on strategy and deception.

  Gorruk huffed, crossing his arms. “Mother says I’ll be king one day, so I can’t lose to you!”

  “And yet, here you are,” Kenji teased, shifting another piece with a practiced hand. “Your move, brother.”

  Gorruk leaned closer, scrutinizing the board. Though younger than most ogres in the village, he was already strong and imposing, with a fiery temper to match. But Kenji had come to understand him better over time—beneath the bluster lay a kind heart and an unwavering loyalty to their family.

  As Gorruk moved a piece, his red eyes darted to Kenji’s face, searching for signs of his plan. Despite their rivalry, moments like this had become a cherished routine for both of them.

  In the corner of the room, the ogre queen observed silently. Her golden eyes softened as she watched her sons bicker and bond. Though her heart still carried the weight of loss, seeing Kenji and the prince grow together brought a semblance of peace.

  “Your highness,” a voice interrupted, and the queen turned to see one of her advisors bowing at the entrance. “There’s news from the scouting party.”

  She nodded. “Speak.”

  “The wolves have moved closer to the outer perimeter. If they venture further, they may discover the village.”

  The queen’s brow furrowed. The wolves were cunning predators, often testing the limits of the ogres’ territory. While the ogres could handle them, any encounter risked drawing attention from other dungeon dwellers—or worse, adventurers.

  “I’ll handle it personally,” the queen said firmly, her regal tone leaving no room for debate.

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  “Mother,” Kenji’s voice interrupted, drawing her attention.

  She turned to see him standing with the ogre prince at his side. “Let us help,” Kenji said, his voice surprisingly steady for his age.

  “You’re still children,” the queen replied, though her tone lacked harshness.

  “I’m stronger than I look,” Kenji countered, his gaze unwavering.

  Gorruk nodded vigorously. “And I’m not afraid of wolves!”

  The queen studied them for a moment before sighing. “Very well. But you’ll follow my orders without question.”

  Both boys nodded eagerly, determination shining in their eyes.

  The trek to the perimeter was uneventful at first, though the oppressive silence of the dungeon’s deeper layers weighed heavily. Kenji’s sharp eyes darted between the glowing fungi and jagged rocks, his instincts alert.

  The prince walked beside him, clutching a wooden training spear. Though he didn’t say it aloud, Kenji noticed the slight tremble in his brother’s hand.

  “Don’t worry,” Kenji whispered. “We’ve got this.”

  Gorruk glanced at him, then straightened his back. “Of course we do!” he declared loudly, as if to convince himself.

  The queen, leading the group, raised a hand suddenly. The boys froze as her golden eyes scanned the darkness ahead.

  “Prepare yourselves,” she said softly.

  From the shadows, a low growl echoed, followed by another. Two pairs of glowing red eyes emerged, and then four. The wolves stepped into view, their sleek black fur bristling and their teeth bared.

  “Stay close,” the queen commanded, summoning a massive stone club from her storage ring.

  Kenji’s heart raced as the wolves lunged. The queen met them head-on, her movements swift and precise. Her club swung in a wide arc, smashing one wolf into the ground with a sickening crunch.

  Meanwhile, Kenji grabbed his brother’s arm. “Stay behind me,” he said, his voice firm.

  Gorruk bristled. “I can fight too!”

  “Then watch my back,” Kenji replied, darting forward with a small dagger he had hidden in his tunic.

  Though the wolves were faster and stronger, Kenji’s mind worked like a machine, analyzing their movements. He ducked under a swipe of claws and drove his dagger into the wolf’s side, aiming for its heart.

  Gorruk, emboldened by Kenji’s bravery, stepped forward and thrust his spear into another wolf’s flank. The beast yelped, retreating a few steps before circling back with renewed fury.

  “Focus!” Kenji shouted, dodging another attack.

  The battle was brief but intense. With the queen’s overwhelming power and the boys’ combined efforts, the wolves were soon defeated. Their bodies lay in a heap, their black fur matted with blood.

  Kenji wiped his dagger on his tunic, his breathing heavy. His heart pounded not just from the fight but from the exhilaration of victory.

  The queen approached, her expression unreadable. “You both fought well,” she said finally.

  Gorruk grinned, puffing out his chest. “I told you I wasn’t afraid!”

  Kenji smirked, but his eyes remained on the fallen wolves. The encounter had been a small taste of the dangers that awaited beyond the village. If he wanted to protect his family, he would need to grow much stronger.

  As they made their way back to the village, Kenji glanced at his brother, who walked beside him with a newfound confidence.

  Kenji thought, determination burning in his blue eyes.