The noise outside was getting louder and more concerning. The dragon, which previously seemed to be the most capable of facing this type of threat, was now debilitated and would be of little use against another dragon.
"Guys, I'm sorry to say, but Troy is very weak," said Kowalsk, examining the dragon that seemed to be worsening.
"And why 'Troy'?" asked Gareno.
"Probably because of the Trojan Horse from Homer's Iliad."
"What is this crazy woman talking about?" said Gareno, not understanding anything about the subject, while Thilláila smiled at Kowalsk.
"I'm increasingly surprised by you, Kowalsk. I didn't know you were a cultured man."
"There are many things about me, Thilláila, that you don't know," replied Kowalsk, proud of himself.
"Alright, everyone, let's leave the flirting for later and let's take action," interrupted Gareno, feeling jealous.
"So, tell us, Gareno, what's the plan?" insisted Kowalsk, just to see how his companion would fare.
"We're going to arm ourselves as best as we can and we're getting out of here, with or without dragons in our way. I don't know what it's like outside, and maybe I don't even care, because what I want is to get out of here. It's been many years since I've seen the sun, the moon, the stars, nothing. I'm just locked in this lab."
"Wow, Gareno, now you're being harsh. And we here don't mean anything to you?"
"Old soldier, the time for games is over. Get ready to do what you do best and let's get out of here."
The two companions looked at each other and, in the next moment, shook hands, greeting each other and patting each other on the shoulder.
"I'm with you, friend, and we will get out of here. And it won't be a bunch of dragons that will stop us."
Not understanding anything, Mr. Kaminski asked, "What are they doing?"
"Oh, that's 21st-century macho stuff. Don't worry about it. You won't see much of this. The Earth's population was almost wiped out, so there are few alpha males who still greet each other that way. Did you find it strange?"
"Actually, I found it quite cool. But wait, did you say the Earth's population was almost wiped out?" asked a worried Mr. Kaminski.
"Let me answer that for you, Mr. Kaminski," said Kowalsk, approaching. "I had forgotten that you didn't know this and wouldn't have a way of knowing, since you were living as a lab rat. But it's true, it's been a few years since the world is no longer as we knew it. We, the humans who escaped with our lives, live hidden in caves, grottos, underground shelters, anything that can offer a bit of safety. The technology that existed to protect us was not effective, and because of that, we suffer all the consequences of a foolish war that could have been avoided."
"Did you know that war can bring some benefits?" asked Gareno.
"I'm surprised to hear that from you. Are the benefits those mixtures they made inside you?" asked Kowalsk, somewhat disappointed with his friend.
"What is it, old soldier? Don't you like what you see now, or did you prefer when I was in my old form? When I simply looked like a horror movie character?"
Suddenly, everyone present turned their gaze to Gareno's face and realized that he no longer looked like Kowalsk but like old Kaminski.
"What are you looking at? Haven't you seen me before?" asked Gareno, visibly disturbed by his friends' attitudes.
The more disturbed he became, the more deformed his face appeared until it returned to its old original form.
"Take a look at your face," said Kaminski, handing him a small mirror.
"What kind of witchcraft is this, old man? What did you do to me? Tell me now!" yelled Gareno, advancing towards Kaminski, who remained calm.
"Calm down, young man, everything will be resolved."
Realizing that the situation was getting out of control, Kowalsk decided to intervene, putting himself in Kaminski's place and preparing for the blows to come.
And they did come: the first, the second, the third, but on the fourth blow, he dodged while landing a precise hit on Gareno's jaw, followed by a sweep that knocked him resoundingly to the ground.
"I think you'd better calm down, Gareno."
But the response was a kick that sent Kowalsk flying a few meters into the air, fantastically caught by Kaminski. It was something incredible to see, especially considering the weight difference between Kaminski and Kowalsk, not to mention the size.
Kowalsk must have been around 6'1" to 6'3" tall, while Kaminski would never exceed 5'5". The grace and agility with which he caught Kowalsk's fall were surprising, even to Gareno, who ceased the commotion.
"It seems you don't want to mess with Mr. Kaminski, do you, Gareno?"
Unfortunately, Kowalsk's question only made Gareno angrier.
"Are you implying that I'm afraid of this old man?"
"I believe the word is not fear, but respect, which is good and I like. Isn't that right, soldier Kowalsk?" asked Kaminski, his pupils darkening.
For a second, even Kowalsk felt intimidated by that question and the piercing gaze that seemed to penetrate his mind, uncovering his darkest secrets.
Troy, the dragon, seemed to be feeling better, and having apparently grown fond of Kowalsk, positioned himself next to him to intimidate Kaminski with his presence.
But the act had the opposite effect: upon realizing that it was Kaminski who was being intimidated by Kowalsk, Troy quickly lowered his head and eyes, showing total submission to the seemingly useless and harmless old man.
However, Gareno thought it was all a trick and, without warning, lunged at Kaminski again, trying to hit him hard. But his move went very wrong. Despite appearing completely calm, Kaminski counterattacked with rapid movements. It all happened in a fraction of a second, and what seemed like just a touch made Gareno fly backward several meters, where he remained.