Because of the visible anguish Takamori was feeling, Yoichi decided to focus his words on the brave act of Ryutaro, who, going against the law, had rushed to the south of the nation after sensing a great danger.

Enatsu's wound was not a standard one, and even the mustachioed guild leader had noticed it: despite Yoshiko's stunning healing powers, the Blackblood that had penetrated his flesh had to be removed in some other way.

​​

The amount of dark power Ogai had unwittingly injected into the young merchant's body was perhaps too little to turn him into a Void Summoner, but enough to keep the wound permanently opened.

That particular condition, without proper treatment, would have forced Enatsu to never again be able to get out of a bed, or explore, fight, or even study. His great intelligence and desire to become a wizard would disappear along with his love of life if his guildmates didn't find a solution.

Takamori hung from Yoichi's lips throughout the story. Master and student spent about an hour outside the tower's front door, supporting the weight of their weary bodies by leaning against the gatekeeper's carriage.

Meanwhile, inside the headquarters, Shioko was telling her guildmates a less complete, but comprehensive version of events.

"I tried to stop the guards, Takamori-Sensei, but... in their hands was a scroll with direct orders from the Emperor. I am sure that Shinzo Nishiyama voluntarily increased the severity of Ryutaro's act just so he could lawfully imprison him," Yoichi concluded, catching his breath.

Before answering, the mustachioed guild leader approached his young student and placed a hand on his shoulder. From bottom to top, his sincere gaze crossed with Yoichi's.

"Ryutaro has already explained everything to me about your powers, Yoichi," Takamori spoke. Yoichi's eyes opened wide, stunned by that statement.

"What... what powers?" he stammered.

"We made a deal. He would teach you how to master your inner spirit by meditating and cultivating your draconic powers; in the meantime, I would continue to train your body as I have done with my other warriors. Together, Ryutaro and I would make you one of the strongest warriors Tentochu has ever seen," the guild leader reported. He removed his hand from Yoichi's shoulder and clenched his fists, saddened that he could no longer share the matter with Ryutaro.

"You mean... he told you about Kenji?"

"About Ildriss, you mean. Yes, he told me everything. Don't worry about it, Yoichi. You can trust me, boy" - Takamori nodded, continuing to look his frightened-looking pupil in the eyes. "However, it won't be possible for Ryutaro to perform his task, and physical training alone won't be enough for you to handle your power" he added.

"I... I know what to do" the young tamer stated with conviction, showing determination. In his mind, the image of the green key that opened the highest room of the Dojo, the abode of the last dragon demon's tear.

"I hope so, my boy. In any case, you did a great job," Takamori complimented. "You will receive your pay at the end of this week, as promised," he smiled, with a subtle wistfulness in his gaze.

"I only tried not to drag my comrades with me to the grave, Takamori-Sensei," Yoichi sighed, bowing his head.

He and his master continued to chat into the night until drowsiness was so strong that it weighed down their eyelids. "Come on, let's go to sleep. You need your rest, and when you're ready, we'll start your real combat training," the guild leader said, grabbing the door handle and pushing it forward.

Yoichi's words followed the creaking of that old, damp wood. "I thank you Sensei, but... I would like to spend the night at the Dojo if it is not a problem for you."

Takamori turned to him and the corners of his lips curved in a smile, which lifted his thin mustache. "I wish you a good night, Yoichi," he replied.

A moment later, he disappeared inside the green-tiled tower, closing the door behind him. Yoichi took a deep breath, looking up at the sky.

I hope you're right, Ryutaro. I know there's no time to waste, and I will work hard every day to accomplish my mission. I will become stronger, and when they release you, you will be proud of your student! He thought.

As he walked away from his palace towards the arena, Yoichi sensed that someone was looking at him. He looked up again and then looked around: the headquarters of the Emperor's Heralds was dormant, as were all the buildings of the other guilds. However, once again, the young tamer felt that he was being watched by someone not far away.

When he looked at the tower he had just exited, someone was staring at him from the dark window on the second floor. The faint moonlight that managed to surmount the high walls of the white city illuminated only a corner of Shioko's red hair.

The archer was looking at her companion walk away, but the dim lighting in the room was too weak to reveal her expression. Yoichi only had to look at that lock of red hair for a moment to feel better: Tentochu was under attack and an evil and unknown power was about to fall on the faction. But he and his friends were still alive, and that was all that mattered.

Acting instinctively, Yoichi raised an arm and extended his greetings to his valiant traveling companion, the most incredible archer he had ever met. At the same time, he turned and began walking back to the arena, his other hand tucked in his pocket.

The dark and deserted streets of the Tamer District didn't bother him at all compared to the forest that led to the Blackvault Mines, full of ravenous demons ready to kill.

Once he arrived in front of the great doors of the training Arena's walls, Yoichi pushed one of the doors open, creating enough space to enter.

The sound of the leaves and the scent of the peach blossoms added to the magic of that enchanting place, making him forget that he was inside such a vast city.

The sacred Dojo was right there in front of him. The golden details of the palace and the two tiger-shaped statues that guarded the entrance stood in all their magnificence, jaws gaping.