The dragon filled the clearing for an eternal second: cold air and a roar that never quite escaped but was felt all the same. Yu-Han reacted swiftly and struck Damien with a controlled blow that broke the trance; the beast dissipated like vapor.

  —What the hell was that? I felt an enormous power, and at the same time I was losing control —Damien gasped, catching his breath—.

  —Damien… you’re a dragon —Yulian announced, a mix of awe and nervousness in his voice.

  Mason rubbed his chest as if he could still feel the cold.

  —That aura froze my bones. Thank goodness the master intervened.

  —True —Layla added—. It was overwhelming.

  Albert, still shaking, asked:

  —Why did only that Koa cause that effect?

  —It’s been years since I last saw a dragon birth —Yu-Han answered—. Dragon Koa is the rarest and most powerful of them all. One of its natural properties is to instill fear in those nearby.

  —So, does that mean Damien is stronger than all of us just because he has it? —Edward challenged.

  —Not necessarily —Yu-Han clarified—. Every beast grants unique abilities. The dragon has greater aptitudes, yes, but in a duel between thaumaturges with similar control, experience is what ultimately makes the difference.

  —And what would my skill be, Master? —Albert asked.

  —The bull grants great resilience and physical strength; it suits you —Yu-Han smiled—. Edward, the snake will give you an affinity with toxins; I can train you more easily.

  Damien, restless, sought concrete answers.

  —But I… I’m a dragon. Fire? Flight? What else can I do?

  Yu-Han looked at him gravely.

  —For now the Atama stone will have stopped amplifying so much. The next time you release your Beast Koa it won’t burst out with the same initial power. You must release it gradually to reach that peak; for now, you can safely use roughly five percent of your beast’s total power.

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  —What if we use more than five percent? —Layla inquired.

  —There’s a risk the beast will go out of control, see you as a burden… and destroy your soul —Yulian said, serious.

  —Wha—? Is that possible!? —Mason horrified.

  —It is —Yu-Han confirmed—. It’s the most powerful of the basic Koas and also the most dangerous. You must acclimate the body gradually. If you unleash more power than you can handle at once, the beast will likely consume you and shatter your soul. It’s not pride; it’s mastery.

  Sarah murmured, sombre.

  —That sounds dangerously risky.

  —If you follow my guidance, you will be safe —Yu-Han replied—. But you, Damien, must be extremely careful. Your struggles are not mere inexperience: you carry a Legend Koa —Lancelot— which by its nature can clash with the dragon’s.

  —Ah… that explains it —Yulian nodded—. Their Koas interact with each other.

  Yu-Han fell silent for a few moments and then said:

  —That will be all from me today. Gonzo will finish the remaining training; I have a matter to attend.

  —Won’t you keep training us, Master? —Yulian asked.

  —I’ve done what I needed to for now. Gonzo will take over. Farewell.

  Yu-Han walked away without returning the same path, plunging deeper into the forest to an even quieter glade. He sat, crossed his legs and closed his eyes. His mind opened and contacted the Council: voices on a different plane that watch over what happens on Earth.

  —Lords of the Council —he said solemnly—. I have found new disciples beyond my foundation. I will put all my effort into training them.

  A female voice, sharp as a blade, answered first.

  —Is there a dragon among them? Do you remember the chaos the last dragon you trained unleashed?

  Yu-Han inhaled deeply.

  —I know what you mean. That thaumaturge was more than my disciple; he was like a son. This time I will assume any responsibility.

  —Dragons are troublesome —replied a harsh voice, like scraped stone—. Will you take responsibility for whatever they may cause?

  —I am willing to guide them along the right path. To do that I must show them what not to do —Yu-Han answered.

  —We hope you know what you’re doing —declared another voice, firm and cold—. As the only Deurgo on Earth, the blame for what your disciples do will fall upon you.

  Yu-Han clenched his hands on his knees; his jaw tightened.

  —If any of them takes the perverse path, if they use their gift for evil… I promise I will end them myself. Whether they remain my disciples or not, I will assume responsibility.

  Silence. Then the Council’s voices spoke in unison and with finality:

  —The Council has nothing more to say. The decision is yours.

  The meditation ended. Yu-Han opened his eyes and stood. His gaze had hardened; the resolution was irrevocable.