The battle had left Dinis in a wretched state. His body was covered in wounds: deep cuts, bruises, and a persistent pain that throbbed with every movement. Even with a Sentinel's natural regeneration, he knew it would take some time to fully recover from the damage caused by the confrontation with the Colossus of Steel. Nevertheless, the victory had brought him an unexpected prize—besides retrieving his knife, which he now kept carefully, he decided to take with him the gauntlets of his fallen adversary. The imposing, heavy, and reinforced gauntlets seemed to still emit the brute strength of their former owner, and Dinis knew that these pieces of armor would be valuable on his journey.
With the Colossus defeated, Dinis assessed his own attire. The battle had left marks on the dark fabric of his cloak and on parts of his armor, where cuts and scratches were visible. He wore a thick, black overcoat reinforced with steel plates in vital areas—a set that mixed mobility and protection, ideal for someone of his skill. Underneath the cloak, the armor molded to his body, offering solid defense without compromising his agility. The contrast between the deep black of the cloak and the dull shine of the reinforced steel created a threatening yet mysterious presence.
The new gauntlets from the Colossus were robust, covered with short spikes on the knuckles, adding a brutal touch to his ensemble. Made of dark, resilient metal, the gauntlets firmly covered his hands and wrists, seeming even to project an aura of power from his extremities. With the balanced weight and additional protection, Dinis felt that he now possessed equipment worthy of a higher-level warrior.
After the combat, he sought a safe place to meditate and allow his energy to flow, aiding in the recovery of his most severe injuries. He sat in an isolated area where the shadows of the trees and the soft evening light created a tranquil and sheltered environment. He closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, calming his mind and soothing his body.
As he delved into meditation, Dinis could feel the flow of his energy stabilizing, spreading to each wound and revitalizing his tired muscles. The battle state and the victory over such a formidable opponent as the Colossus of Steel had propelled him beyond his own limits, and now he felt he was half a step away from reaching the next level: Sentinel Squire. It was as if, by absorbing the experience of the fight and the intensity of survival, his essence was transforming.
Deep meditation brought to his mind the figure of Everard, his mentor, and the teachings he always shared. "A true Sentinel does not seek victory alone—he learns from each mark and scar, becoming wiser and more resilient." These words echoed in his mind as he focused on channeling his strength toward advancement. It was almost as if Everard were there, guiding him as he took the next step.
As evening advanced into night, Dinis opened his eyes. He felt a new clarity, as if the battle had reinforced not only his body but also his spirit. He was nearly ready for the Sentinel Squire level, and every fiber of his being vibrated with the energy of someone about to cross a new threshold. The shadows around him seemed deeper, but he stood firm and determined, now with a new set of skills and the symbol of victory—the Colossus's gauntlets—which he would wear in honor of his growth.
Rising, he tested his movements with the new gauntlets, feeling the familiar yet imposing weight of the cold metal around his hands. The Sentinel was ready to move forward, aware that the road ahead would still test him.
Finally, Dinis was just a few days from his goal. A feeling of anticipation accompanied him constantly, and he found himself unable to push from his thoughts the possibility of finding his parents, years after their disappearance. Since the tragic event, he had dedicated every moment to training, motivated by the desire to avenge those responsible or perhaps reunite with them someday. But now, for the first time in years, there was a palpable hope.
The following days passed peacefully, without imminent dangers or unexpected conflicts. As he approached his destination, the yearning for answers grew with each step, making pauses for rest rarer. Each day traveled brought him closer to the moment of truth, and he felt in his heart that something grand and decisive was about to happen.