In the warm sunlight, all the warriors gathered in the arena paused to watch this unexpected scene. Not only had one of Goldhaven's most famous guild warriors been defeated by a stranger, but the duel had taken place in the capital's most sacred place.

Fighting on the tatami was not a violation of the rules, but, usually, tamers did not use their demons' strongest skills. Kato and Yoichi had not caused massive damage to the environment, but they had risked doing so, violating the law.

Takamori looked at his student, and along with his eyes, his mantis demon's eyes were also pointed at the young Bronzeforest tamer. For a moment, it seemed as if the guild leader and Yoichi had estranged themselves from that place and time, traveling to an astral plane away from everything and everyone.

A great pride shone through the mustachioed man's bright eyes. He had been like a kind of father to Yoichi, always being kind and helpful to him.

Judging by the way he looked at him, he didn't seem to feel any remorse for what he had authorized him to do. If Yoichi had used some of his draconic power, it was only because his master had permitted him.

*clap*clap* - the sound of Takamori's hands beginning to clap broke the chilling silence. The cheers of his guildmates joined those of their guild master and the audience felt authorized to make their voices heard.

"Yeah!"

"Whohooo!"

"Yoichi! Yoichi! Yoichi!"

A good slice of the warriors present shouted the winner's name, supporting him and showing their approval. Among them, even the soldiers who had just moments before been pushed away by the Heralds near the arena gates.

Yoichi remained motionless during that magnificent chaos in his position, noticing Kato's comrades approaching the blue-haired warrior. His Yokusuta's body dissolved into a stream of air that swirled toward its Demon Tooth.

Not even daring to look up in shame, the two Heralds, one boy and one girl, lifted Kato's body and carried it off the tatami, joining the rest of their comrades.

The happy cheers of the audience rumbled through Yoichi's eardrums as the adrenaline of the fight still ran through his veins. Finally, for the first time in the presence of the Emperor's Heralds, he could look around with his head held high, without fear of being pushed around or insulted.

All of his comrades, except Nobunaga, clapped enthusiastically towards him, sharing his moment of glory. With that gesture, Yoichi had not only proven that he was stronger than Kato, but he had also enhanced the prestige of his guild, which had been hidden in the shadows for too many years.

From that day forward, anyone would have thought twice before challenging a member of the Nightblades. However, Yoichi continued to feel a strange sensation in the air. It felt like a bad omen.

If Kato hadn't tried to hurt him, he wouldn't have been forced to use Kenji's true powers. Instead, due to his opponent's rage, his draconic powers had been displayed in public sooner than they should have been, and the watchful eyes of the more experienced warriors in the crowd had undoubtedly noticed something weird.

A fire attack could never counter a water attack. The laws of the demonic elements were absolute and, like chemistry, could not be violated. Yoichi knew that the outcome of that fight would not be positive.

His silence was interrupted by the voice of a bizarre man, who stepped onto the tatami along with another group of strangers and approached him. "Boy, you were incredible! How did you manage to counter the Yokusuta's attack with a Nekage? The Yokusuta is a rare demon; it's not easy to defeat it with an common demon!" the man boomed, filling him with questions.

Almost simultaneously, another more composed and orderly looking stranger said, "how about joining our guild, Yoichi? I don't care how much the Nightblades pay you. I'm willing to offer you double the pay!"

"No, join the Whiteshields guild! You won't just get money, but other rewards too! Women, food, and..."

"Step aside, old man! This young warrior needs to increase his fame and become the most famous tamer in Tentochu! He will join the Bandits of the Spear, and I will teach him how to do it!"

One by one, dozens of guild leaders surrounded Yoichi, circling him as if he were a lamb in a pack of hungry wolves. Their voices overlapped, generating chaos in his head, already filled with conflicting feelings.

"Back off, you pack of jackals! My boy is not for sale! Go back to your warriors and stop ridiculing yourselves!" Takamori growled loudly. The mustachioed Nightblades guild leader defended Yoichi as if he were a priceless property.

When he spoke, the guild leaders around the young tamer grew silent and backed away from him, giving him room to catch his breath. "Come on, get out of here! Yoichi needs to rest. He doesn't have time for your useless nonsense!" Takamori repeated, spreading his arms wide and driving them away like flies.

Head-on, continuing to mutter to themselves and each other, they backtracked, retracing their steps and stepping off the tatami. "Master!" called Yoichi, coming to his senses.

"What is it?"

"I need to talk to you. Please come with me," the young warrior continued, walking towards his companions. Takamori raised an eyebrow and touched his mustache, unable to understand why Yoichi's eyes expressed slight fear.

"Yoichi-kun, you were incredible! You kicked the crap out of that blowhard! Hahah!" - Seeing his partner coming, Rinji walked over to him and clenched him into a mighty hug, lifting him off the ground and squeezing him until his breath was taken away.

"Ough! Thank you, Rinji!" Yoichi chuckled.

"Wow. I have to admit, you definitely amazed me, blondie," Toshi added, the pale-faced warrior. Next to him, Shioko looked at her comrade, letting her spontaneous smile speak for her.

Lowering himself to the floor, Yoichi gathered his things. His gaze involuntarily crossed with Nobunaga's.