"It was right there that I saw the last evolution of my Kenji. And it tried to kill me" while Yoichi tried to describe at his best the sensations felt during the Tear Vision, Shioko and Enatsu couldn't believe their ears.

However, they knew that Yoichi would have no reason to lie. He had proved to be a skilled warrior, fearless and capable of fighting without real training. ​​

Yoichi compared the giant red-winged black dragon of his vision to the noble and ancient Therion, the King of Lumya's dragon demons. He explained to his companions that at first, he did not believe that the dragon in the desert was his Oracle, but he just had to pronounce its real name to end the Vision.

"A dragon? It can't be! Dragons became extinct years and years ago! My grandfather has always been clear to me!" Enatsu stammered, waving his arms and interrupting the story.

Yoichi nodded, looking at his friend with honest eyes. Enatsu inwardly knew that the young tamer was not lying, but his insinuation sounded insane. To claim that Kenji was a dragon was an affront to grandfather Yanatsu's tales and the most ancient legends of Lumya.

In addition to the drawings depicting Therion, Ryutaro's old tome gathered all the information about all other minor dragons. Yoichi pointed out that, among all the dragons, only the black King was similar to Kenji. The small black-scaled Oracle was actually closely tied to the biggest and fiercest of the world's guardians dragons.

Shioko did not speak, flashing back to the flames from Yoichi's arms. The anger she felt towards her guildmate subsided: if what that inexperienced blond-haired tamer was saying was true, she too would keep the secret, not confessing to anyone Kenji's true nature.

Yoichi had instead decided to disobey Ryutaro and had confessed the truth to two people, who, although his friends, had met him very recently. By the time he was reincarnated in the new world, many strange events had taken place quickly, leaving him no time to think about himself.

He had woken up like a farmer inside a hut, but now he was fighting inside a dungeon on behalf of a Goldhaven's guild. All these considerations significantly increased the esteem that the red-haired tamer felt for him.

Shioko realized that Yoichi should not be challenged or reprimanded but needed someone experienced to guide him on the right path. His power was sensational and unprecedented.

"Is Emperor Gonshiro still alive?" the archer suddenly asked, interrupting the stormy speech between her two guildmates.

Yoichi rolled his eyes to her, sensing a glimmer of hope. Although his real intention was not to disobey Ryutaro, his second sensei, he could not keep the secret for much longer: his power was the only one capable of killing the evil demons that had assaulted his team.

"Yes, Gonshiro is still alive. When Ryutaro told me about his last battle alongside the Emperor, he explained what happened in detail. Their army was trapped in the cold Kamakiri, and he and Emperor Nishiyama managed to escape miraculously," he replied, looking up at her with clear eyes.

"The Immortal Emperor of Kamakiri. The people of Tentochu cannot hear this news. Not now that battles in the Nomi Islands are increasingly frequent. I believe you, Yoichi," Shioko stated. Soon after her words, the archer bowed in front of her companion.

"Shioko... what are you... what are you doing?" Yoichi asked, not knowing how to react to that sudden gesture.

"If the high Ryutaro decided to let you into his private room and asked Sada-sensei to train you, he must have had a very important reason. I was stupid not to imagine it, and I apologize" Shioko's hand was stationary on her knees, and her gaze was turned down. "Sada-sensei is my only master, and all he says is the law. I thought the only reason he accepted you into the guild was the heirloom of the Imperial Family, but it's clear that's not the case."

Yoichi stepped forward and put his hand on Shioko's shoulder. Inviting her to stand up and implicitly thank her for the act of respect, he confirmed, "Ryutaro and Sada-sensei are my two mentors. Like you, I have laws to uphold. I'm convinced that my secret will be safe between the three of us, and you will never betray my trust. I don't know what's going to happen now, but one thing's for sure: I have to learn how to control Kenji's powers before it evolves."

Enatsu, who remained silent to listen to Yoichi and Shioko, began to speak again. "This is stunning. I knew there was something special about you, Yoichi, I always felt it inside me. But this... well, this exceeds my expectations."

"However, there is no bestiary containing information about the ancient Dragon Demons. According to the legend, none of them has ever had a tamer", the merchant added, trying to put his knowledge at the service of his team.

"When we solve the mystery of this cave and discover the true nature of this black mud, we will go back to Goldhaven. Ryutaro is waiting for me at the Dojo and I'm sure he can tell me more," Yoichi acknowledged. The young tamer looked both his friends in the eye, and the corners of his mouth rose to form a smile.

"Thank you for your empathy, my friends. But I need your help now," he spoke. "As you know, the dragon flame is the only weapon capable of countering the power of Valgoth, the demon who grants Emperor Gonshiro immortality. How can an inexperienced warrior like me play such a crucial role in this world?"

The young blond-haired warrior tried to stay calm as usual, but his confession made him perceive the heavy burden he was forced to carry on his shoulders. His insecurities come to the surface of his soul, and a subtle but pungent despondency crossed his mind, causing him to fall into a state of anguish.