The past timeline - Three years before Ryoto and team rescues Aem and friends. ❤️ - represented by this symbol

The present timeline - Ryoto and team rescues Aem and friends. 🟥 - represented by this symbol

The future timeline - one year after Ryoto and team had rescued Aem and friends. ♦️ - represented by this symbol

***

[somewhere. Location: unknow. Time: unknown. Date: unknown. Dragon Kingdom]-❤️

"Suki-chan?" Misuke's voice echoed through the dense forest, his tone laced with desperation. The little boy scanned his surroundings, his eyes wide with worry. "Hey! Suki-chan!!! Suki-chan!! Suki-"

Suddenly, a violent gust of wind roared through the forest, shaking the trees and tearing their leaves free. Misuke shielded his face with his arm as the wind grew fiercer, whipping through the dark woods like an enraged beast.

"S-Suki!!! Suki, where are you?" he shouted, his voice barely audible over the howling wind.

Loud footsteps reverberated through the forest, growing closer and closer. Misuke squinted into the darkness, his heart pounding. A massive silhouette emerged, and soon the towering figure of a dragon filled his vision, its wings spanning the entire visible sky.

"Oh... God," Misuke muttered under his breath, his body trembling. Gathering what little courage he had, he called out to the beast, "Which dragon are you?"

The dragon's roar was deafening, shaking the very ground beneath Misuke's feet. Suddenly, a girl appeared from behind the dragon. She was around the same age as Misuke, with a soft complexion and gleaming eyes that peeked from behind a red mask—similar to the one Misuke wore.

"Suki-chan!" Misuke shouted, relief washing over him.

"Mi-nii! This one claims to be the king of dragons!" the girl called out, her voice barely reaching him over the dragon's roars.

"What? King...? Are you... Ignatius?" Misuke asked the dragon, but the beast responded with another thunderous roar. It thrashed about, uprooting trees and tossing them aside in its fury.

"Suki-chan... is this Ignatius?" Misuke asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.

Suki flew over to Misuke on a dark orange cloud, landing gracefully beside him. "I don't know, Mi-nii. It won't reply. It's really angry..."

"Are there any Hashiros left on our land? It's just us, Suki-chan..."

"But, Mi-nii, we need to fight either way—"

Before Suki could finish, the dragon's tail lashed out, sending her flying into the air. She snapped her fingers, and the dark orange cloud reappeared beneath her, catching her before she hit the ground. Misuke exhaled a huge sigh of relief.

The dragon roared louder and louder, its fury unrelenting. It stomped its feet and swung its massive tail, continuing to devastate the forest. Misuke snapped his fingers, and a similar dark orange cloud appeared beneath his feet. He soared into the air, dodging the falling trees and debris.

The dragon's rampage intensified, and Misuke sped up, weaving through the chaos. Just then, an unknown woman appeared, riding atop a huge black dragon. She lunged at the raging beast, her sword slicing through its right wing.

"How dare you lie," she muttered coldly as the dragon bellowed in pain. Her black dragon remained calm, hovering in the sky as it awaited its master's return. The woman continued her assault, her sword flashing as she carved through the dragon's scales.

The enraged dragon flailed its limbs, trying to catch her, but she nimbly avoided its claws. It then unleashed a torrent of dark grey flames. Misuke's eyes widened in shock.

"That is not Ignatius..." he sighed, realizing that Ignatius's flames were a different color. This dragon was not Ignatius, despite its claims.

Suki, watching in awe, asked, "What kind of dragon is that? Those aren't flames..."

Misuke shrugged, equally puzzled. The woman spat her anger, snapping her fingers. Her black dragon swooped in, pulling her from the melting ground just in time. She leaped back onto its back, then swung her sword once more, revealing the dragon's true form: a beast with grey scales.

The woman flipped through the air again, landing on the grey dragon's back. It roared and flapped its wings furiously, trying to shake her off, but she clung on tenaciously. With a determined shout, she slammed a glass jar onto its back and declared, "SEAL!"

The dragon shrunk rapidly, its form sucked into the jar. The woman fell back onto her black dragon, and Suki and Misuke stared in astonishment. Never before had they seen a dragon forced into a Rider's jar.

"Who are you?" Suki asked, her voice trembling.

"Nami. Nami Hashiro," the woman replied, dismounting her dragon. "And this is Drake, the black dragon."

Drake nodded and transformed into a small figure, retreating into the glass jar Nami held.

"Drake...? The Drake? You captured Drake?" Misuke asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

"Yes. Let's see which dragon I just captured," Nami said, tapping the jar with her fingernail. "Break Seal."

But nothing happened. No new dragon emerged.

"What? Where did it go...?" Misuke began, but Nami cut him off sharply.

"Fool. I don't know its name. If you don't know how it works, then just shut up," she snapped.

Misuke fell silent, watching as Nami continued to puzzle over the mysterious dragon she had just sealed. The dark forest around them slowly settled, the echoes of the dragon's rampage fading into the night.

The Dragon Riders, a formidable and revered group, stood as the third strongest species in the world, once an integral part of Japan's defense system. Their unique abilities and the powerful dragons they commanded were legendary. Found exclusively in Japan, alongside the equally formidable Argons and Demons, Dragon Riders were a symbol of strength and honor.

The bond between a Dragon Rider and their dragon was a sacred one, forged through spells and mutual respect. Two primary spells defined their interactions: the Seal and the Break Seal.

The Seal spell was a testament to a Dragon Rider's prowess. When a Rider defeated a dragon in combat, the dragon would willingly enter the Rider's glass jar, becoming their loyal companion. This voluntary act was a mark of respect and acknowledgment of the Rider's strength and honor. However, as times changed and the current queen of the Dragon Riders embraced ruthlessness, this once honorable practice saw a dark turn.

Many contemporary Dragon Riders began to force dragons into their jars, a practice considered forced slavery. Although not outright illegal, it was frowned upon and ruled out by the ancient codes of honor. Yet, under the queen's harsh rule, anything and everything was permitted, casting a shadow over the once noble tradition.

When dragons fought amongst themselves, the stakes were high. The victorious dragon claimed half of the defeated dragon's power, a transfer of strength that made the winner even more formidable. These dragon battles were rare but awe-inspiring events, showcasing the raw power and ferocity of these magnificent creatures.

The Break Seal spell was the counterpart to the Seal. When a Rider needed their dragon for battle, they would use this spell to summon the dragon from the glass jar. The process was straightforward if the Rider knew the dragon's name and number. Reciting these details would bring the dragon forth, ready for combat.

However, complications arose with newly captured dragons or multiple dragons in one jar. For a newly captured dragon, simply saying "Break Seal" would release the dragon, allowing the Rider to discover its name and number. In cases where multiple dragons were contained within a single jar, the spell would release them in reverse order of their capture. The most recently captured dragon would emerge first, followed by the others, as each dragon was called back into the jar after identifying its details.

***

"How did you capture Drake? Where did you find him?" Misuke demanded, his voice cutting through Nami's worried muttering about her lost dragon.

Nami turned to face him, her expression darkening. "Are you an Ortan?" she asked, her tone dripping with disdain.

"Y-yes..." Misuke replied hesitantly, sensing her hostility.

"Hah... I hate your kind. The most useless of all Dragon Riders—"

"Just answer the damn question. How did you get your hands on Drake?" Another voice interrupted her. It was grim, hollow, and sent chills down Misuke's spine. Nami whirled around, her eyes widening in alarm as she saw only a young boy.

"Who are you now?" she asked, suspicion clear in her voice.

"Satsujin," the boy replied, his voice cold and unyielding.

"Well, why do you care—"

"As a Dragon Rider. Where. Did. You. Find. Drake." Satsujin's tone was icy, each word carefully enunciated.

Nami hesitated but then answered, "I battled him near the central dragon region."

"I see."

"Are you a Karama?" she asked, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.

"No. Ortan," Satsujin replied curtly.

"Wait. Wait, wait. You are an Ortan? How dare you try to even question me?! You fool," Nami spat, unsheathing her sword. The boy responded by throwing a card onto the ground. It read: 115. Laidon. In an instant, a massive aquamarine dragon with blue gem eyes materialized, its presence imposing.

"Why do you have a 100+ specie dragon with you?" Nami demanded, her eyes narrowing.

"There are a lot of Dragon Riders who don't want to get promoted to the next specie rank. There is one who is really strong but not a Karama," Satsujin explained.

"Who is that?" Nami asked, intrigued despite herself.

"Me," Satsujin said calmly.

"What? Haha. You think you are all that—"

"To become a Karama, you need a 300+ specie dragon, yes?" Satsujin interrupted, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

"And?"

"How will you get them?" he asked, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

"What do you mean—"

"When I have them all." He shrugged nonchalantly at the end of his sentence.

"What?" Nami's eyes widened in disbelief.

Satsujin pulled a thick, small book from his Hakama's pocket and tossed it to her. She caught it instinctively and flipped through the pages. Her eyes widened as she saw the numbers: 300 to 400. He really had them all.

"How...? How did you win them all—" Nami began, but Satsujin strode up to her and yanked the book from her hands, almost pulling her hand along with it. She glared up at him, seething with rage.

"Those two have dragons as well. Sure, Ortans store fire in their cards, but me and them? We store dragons," Satsujin said, his voice calm but firm.

"What? You all are practically Hashiros... Why don't you get ranked then?" Nami demanded.

"That's our wish," Satsujin replied. He snapped his fingers, and the aquamarine dragon flew back into the card. The card hovered in the air before plopping into Satsujin's open palm. As he began to walk away with Suki and Misuke, Nami's voice rang out.

"Satsujin-san!" He stopped lazily and turned around.

"Satsujin-san. Let's battle. I need just one more dragon to become a Karama."

"No," Satsujin replied flatly.

"What? Why? You can't deny an open battle challenge. Do you know what will happen to you if you do that?" Nami's voice was a mix of anger and desperation.

Satsujin turned to face her fully, his eyes cold and unyielding. "Yes, I do. But I also know that you can't force a battle with someone who has nothing to gain from it. And I have nothing to gain from battling you," he said.

Nami's face contorted with rage. "You coward! You dare call yourself a Dragon Rider and refuse a challenge?"

Satsujin sighed, his expression bored. "Call me what you will. But I have no interest in helping you climb the ranks. If you want to become a Karama, you'll have to find another way."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Nami fuming in the clearing. Suki and Misuke followed him, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and fear. The tension hung heavy in the air as the three of them disappeared into the shadows of the forest, leaving Nami to contemplate her next move.

***

The Hierarchy and Power of Dragon Riders

In the intricate world of Dragon Riders, the hierarchy was clear and rigid, each rank carrying its own unique abilities and responsibilities. The Ortans, the weakest among them, were the entry-level Dragon Riders. Despite their lower status, they possessed remarkable skills that set them apart from ordinary humans.

Ortans were distinct from the Hashiros, who were true Dragon Riders. Unlike the Hashiros, Ortans were fire riders, capable of commanding dragon fire but not the dragons themselves. They could converse with dragons and understand their speech, yet they lacked the power to control or bond with them. Instead, they wielded cards—enchanted items that stored various kinds of dragon fire, rather than the dragons.

Ortans were known as the fire controllers of the Dragon Rider species. With a single snap of their fingers, they could summon flames and ride upon them without harm, their mastery over fire unparalleled. Their ultimate goal was to collect 1,000 different types of dragon fire. Achieving this monumental task would elevate them to the rank of Hashiro.

Hashiros were the true Dragon Riders, possessing the ability to battle and capture dragons in enchanted glass jars. Once captured, these dragons would willingly serve their new masters, forming a powerful bond. A Hashiro's strength was measured by the number of dragons they controlled. Once a Hashiro captured more than 300 dragons, they ascended to the rank of Karama—the strongest and most feared of all Dragon Riders.

The dragons themselves were categorized by their species numbers, ranging from 1 to 1,000 and beyond. Ortans were limited to dragons numbered from 1 to 100. From 101 onwards, the dragons became progressively more powerful and were the domain of the Hashiros.

- 100+ species encompassed dragons numbered 100 to 200.
- 200+ species ranged from 200 to 300.
- 300+ species spanned 300 to 400.

Even the mighty Karamas, despite their unparalleled strength, had never captured a dragon above the 500+ species. The strongest dragon ever captured was a number 546, by the legendary king of Dragon Riders, Oya's father. This feat remained unmatched, a testament to the formidable power of higher-ranked dragons.

Dragon Riders had the choice of whether or not to rank up. It was a deeply personal decision, as capturing every dragon in a series was an impossible task. A Dragon Rider researcher once noted that the magical bonds binding Dragon Riders prevented them from refusing an open battle challenge. However, if the challenge did not specify the dragon's name or number, it could be denied. The rules of engagement were always set by the two parties involved.

This complex hierarchy and the stringent rules governing the Dragon Riders created a world of constant struggle and ambition. Each Rider strove to climb the ranks, collecting dragon fires or dragons themselves, depending on their species. The rivalry and respect among them were palpable, each battle a testament to their skill and determination.

***

Nami's eyes burned with determination as she stared down Satsujin, her frustration evident. "You have all the 300+ series dragons. I need just one. And you can't say no. I just don't get how you have them all."

Satsujin sighed, exasperation creeping into his voice. "I know I can't say no, which is the most absurd part of this all."

"Satsujin-san. Fight me. I challenge your dragon number—"

"Shut up." Satsujin's voice cut through the air like a blade. "I am not battling a nobody like you. I went out and around the entire world and caught dragons left and right, not for a nobody like you to come from nowhere and waste my time."

Nami's eyes flared with anger. "What? How dare you!"

"You might be a Hashiro. But according to your logic, I'm already a Karama. So. How. Dare. You."

Nami took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. Her next words came out in a rush, "I want to battle dragon number—"

"I. Don't care." Satsujin's tone was icy, dismissive. "I'm saving my dragons for another stronger opponent. Not for the likes of you."

"Number 315," Nami immediately said, her voice firm. "I want to challenge number 315."

Satsujin's eyes narrowed. The challenge had been issued properly; he couldn't refuse. The grounds were set. She had mentioned the number, after all.

"Ugh. Fine. I... accept... not that I want to," Satsujin muttered the last part under his breath, his reluctance evident.

"Yes!" Nami's face lit up with a fierce joy. "I'll set the rules."

"No. I will," Satsujin interjected sharply. "I'm fighting against my will here."

"..okay.." Nami conceded, albeit grudgingly.

"I'll fight with 115. You can use however many dragons you want. If my dragon is still standing after half an hour, then you lose. Okay?"

Nami frowned. "Wait... what if both our dragons are standing—"

"Just one thing," Satsujin interrupted. "If my dragon is standing, then I win. Anything else, you win."

"By standing you mean?" Nami queried, needing clarity.

"Still able to fight," Satsujin clarified, his tone brooking no argument.

Nami raised an eyebrow, taken aback by the straightforwardness of the rules. "Wow. All rules are in my favor. You sure it's fine?"

Satsujin nodded curtly. "Let's get this done with."

The tension in the air was palpable as the two Dragon Riders faced each other. The stakes were high, and each knew the other would fight with everything they had.

***

[Fujima's house
Same time]-❤️

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the room as Oya sat by the window, her gaze fixed on the world outside. The room was quiet, save for the faint rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. Oya's thoughts were a tumultuous sea, her mind drifting far from the present moment.

"Oya nee. Oya nee! OYA NEE!" Amash's voice finally pierced through the haze of her thoughts, pulling her back to the room. Her tone was laced with concern and frustration.

Oya blinked, shaking her head slightly to clear the fog. She turned to face her, a nervous smile tugging at her lips. "Yes?"

Amash sighed, her brows furrowed with worry. "What's wrong? You've been zoning out since lunch."

Oya hesitated, her eyes flickering back to the window before meeting Amash's gaze. "Oh... uh... just... thinking about the list."

Amash tilted her head, a skeptical look crossing her face. "Hm? We'll be fine."

Oya forced a laugh, trying to ease the tension. "Yeah... haha..." She paused, searching for something else to say. "What did Remeshi-san say?"

Amash's expression softened slightly as she shifted topics. "Re nii spoke to two of Master's previous students yesterday. He went out with them to talk to Lady Hizakun."

"Ah. I see." Oya nodded, processing the information. She appreciated her efforts to keep her in the loop, even when her mind felt like it was a million miles away.

***

[Meanwhile
Swordmaster center council]-❤️

Remeshi stood outside the imposing structure of the Central Dome, his heart pounding in his chest. The grand edifice loomed over him, its sheer size and grandeur intimidating him to his core. "Yeah no. I'm not doing this," he muttered nervously, taking a step back to retreat.

Grace, who had been by his side, slid in front of him, her grip firm on his shoulders. "We came here because of you. They are just some officials. Why are you scared?"

"I am not. Just that I have enemies in there," Remeshi responded, his voice betraying his fear.

"Oh, come on," Grace chided, rolling her eyes.

"He is a commander, Grace nee. He'll immediately oppose," Remeshi protested.

"But Fujima Sensei will be in there," she countered, trying to reassure him.

Remeshi remained silent, his mind racing with doubts and fears.

"Come on, Remeshi," Grace urged gently.

He gulped nervously, mustering every ounce of bravery he had left. With a deep breath, he walked through the gates of the Central Dome, Grace and Tadaki flanking him on either side. They entered through the main pearl white doors, finding themselves in a grand corridor lined with women bowing respectfully in white gowns, their black hair tied in neat buns. Their faces remained hidden under their bows, adding an eerie, solemn atmosphere.

"Who are they?" Remeshi asked, his curiosity piqued. Grace and Tadaki merely shrugged, sharing his confusion.

They continued down the corridor, arriving at the infamous Hall of Decisions. This was the hall where the senior seven elites, junior seven elites, commanders from every unit, and the strongest sword and mana users gathered for their most important deliberations. However, for decisions relating to the dangerous species list, only the senior seven elites and the founding director were present—a fact that neither Remeshi, Grace, nor Tadaki were aware of.

"Alright, let's do this," Remeshi muttered to himself, steeling his resolve.

The grand gates to the hall opened, and Grace and Tadaki smiled at him, offering silent encouragement. Remeshi nervously gave them a thumbs up before turning back to face the huge dark doors. The dark blue light emanating from within did nothing to ease the pressure he felt. As he stepped into the hall, the doors shut behind him with a resounding thud.

"Hello, Remeshi. The boy we were awaiting," a voice called out. Remeshi bowed to the man who had spoken—a tall figure in a green robe with gleaming green eyes, and a flowing white beard that hid his lips.

"I am the council head, Benkai," the man introduced himself.

"Ah. My greetings, sir Benkai," Remeshi replied, bowing respectfully again. The man smiled warmly.

"Yes, and my respect to the strong boy in front of me," Benkai said, bowing slightly.

Remeshi fumbled, flustered by the unexpected gesture. "Uh... no, no, no. I'm not all that. Please stand up, sir." His voice trembled, sounding on the verge of tears. The man stood up and returned to his large blue chair, gesturing for Remeshi to sit in the space in front of him.

Remeshi felt like an ant in front of the council head, standing in a small circular space with hip-length bars around it, the council head towering above him from a considerable distance.

"Yes, sir," Remeshi said, stepping into the trial space. He heard footsteps approaching the council head, and soon seven large chairs surrounding him were filled by the senior elites. Among them, he recognized two familiar faces—Fujima, of course, and Miss Albina, an eighty-four-year-old beauty who looked no older than twenty-five.

Hizakun Nemori approached Remeshi, standing just outside the trial area. She cleared her throat, beginning the proceedings. "Welcome, council head and senior elites. Today, we finally decide what is to be done with the following individuals: Remeshi, an Argon with no sure history; Oya Hashiro, a dragon rider; Ayeta Nijma, a demon; Remeni Miano, a Myeces; Miyazono Lenka, a Springster; and Konosa Sakado, a wave descendant."

"This is a very dangerous team indeed," Senior Elite Three, Satoru, commented from the audience.

"I agree. That's a diversity that might cost us," added Senior Elite Two, Kakashi.

"Let's hear the boy first," Senior Elite One, Himura, suggested.

"Go ahead. Tell us why we should let you be," Albina, Senior Elite Seven, commanded.

Remeshi gulped. "Council audience, there is no answer I can give you for that question..." The audience broke into chattering.

"Why is that?" asked Senior Elite Four, Ryuko.

"Ah, Miss Ryuko. It is because there is a reason for all of us to be disposed of. I can't say my friends are not dangerously strong. I can't vouch for myself either. To be honest, there is not a single reason why we should not be called the monstrous team and whatnot. But... there might be a reason for you all to accept us," Remeshi replied.

"What is that reason?" asked Senior Elite Six, Megumi.

"We were told that magic is a very huge subject right now," Remeshi explained.

Listening to Remeshi, the council members were intrigued, except for Senior Elite Five, Fujima, and Albina.

"Go on," Megumi nodded.

"We can find out the source behind all of this," Remeshi stated.

"Hm. Actually, there was a suggestion like that. But hearing you say that... I hope you know what you are getting yourself into," Megumi said.

"Yes, ma'am," Remeshi bowed.

"How much time would you need?" asked Himura.

"How much ever time is given to me, sir," Remeshi replied slowly.

The audience burst into discussion once more. After a while, the hall echoed with silence. Finally, the council head stood up, stepping down from his chair. He approached Remeshi, standing before him. "Remeshi-kun. We'll give you not more than a few months."

"Yes, sir."

"We'll send a notice two months prior to your deadline to remind you."

"Understood."

"All the best, Remeshi," Benkai said, then mouthed to Remeshi, smiling. "Don't you dare get kicked out."

Remeshi nodded, feeling the weight of the challenge ahead but also a glimmer of hope. He had been given a chance, and he intended to make the most of it.

As soon as Remeshi walked out of the grand hall, his expression distant and dazed, Grace hurried over to him, her concern evident. "How was it?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Remeshi blinked, slowly coming back to reality. "It was... intense," he replied, his voice heavy with the weight of the encounter. "They've given us a few months. We have to prove ourselves by then."

Grace nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. She patted his shoulder reassuringly. "We'll figure it out, Remeshi. We're in this together."

Meanwhile, back at the Fujima house, Oya and Amash were waiting anxiously. The sound of the front door sliding open made them rush to the entrance, their hearts pounding with anticipation. However, their faces fell when they saw it was not Remeshi, but Konosa standing in the doorway.

"Wow... nice to meet you too, guys. Sheesh," Konosa said sarcastically, noting their disappointed expressions.

Amash quickly filled Konosa in on the events of the day. "Remeshi went to the Central Dome with Grace and Tadaki. They're discussing our status with the council."

Konosa sighed, taking in the information. He had been busy with his midterm preparations, while the girls were on a preparatory vacation, allowing Remeni and Miyazono to spend their time at the central library. Oya, on the other hand, preferred the quiet of her own room for studying.

Despite his busy schedule, Konosa chose to study at Fujima's place, like the others. The recent demon clash had severely damaged his reputation at school, and he found solace in the company of his friends. The students blamed him for the incident, but he did his best to ignore the gossip and focus on his studies.

"Well, I guess we just have to wait and see what happens," Konosa said, trying to sound hopeful. "Remeshi is strong, and he's got Grace and Tadaki with him. They'll figure something out."

[Location: unknown.
Time: unknown.
Date: unknown.
Dragon Rider Kingdom]-❤️

"You can't stand against me even with your strongest dragon, and you had the audacity to challenge," Satsujin muttered, his voice dripping with disdain.

Nami gritted her teeth, her hands trembling in denial. "How is this possible? This is the second dragon already, and it's been just ten minutes..."

"Ugh. Seal! Come out, DRAKE!" she shouted, summoning her most powerful dragon.

Satsujin raised an eyebrow. "So, you think you'll end it?"

Nami's eyes narrowed. "What?"

"Drake must be your last option, right? The strongest of the strongest?"

"Ugh. How did your dragon win? Yours is a mere 115, while I used 123 and 145! What are you doing? Some magic trick?"

"Hah... whatever. Let's end this."

Suki and Misuke watched the unfolding drama with almost no reaction, knowing exactly why Satsujin had favored all the rules towards Nami. Suki even chuckled to herself occasionally, observing Nami's confusion and anger.

Drake soared in the sky, awaiting Nami's command. "Drake. Black ashes," Nami smirked. Satsujin said nothing, and without command, Laidon avoided the black fire, moving swiftly towards Drake. Even Drake was momentarily speechless. He flapped his wings harder, creating huge wind currents. Laidon flew past the currents and clawed at Drake's wings. Drake roared in pain and flew down next to Nami.

"That's not Laidon," Drake told Nami. Despite the dragon roar, she understood.

"What..? What do you mean..?"

"That dragon is disguised."

"Disguised..?"

Disguised dragons are a tactic used by dragon riders to seal a higher-ranking dragon and disguise it as a lower-ranking one to avoid challenges. Alternatively, they can disguise a lower-ranking dragon as a higher-ranking one to bluff their way out. However, not all dragon riders can expect their dragons to learn the disguise technique immediately.

"Satsujin-kun... you are cheating?" Nami accused, her voice shaking with fury.

"What cheating?" Satsujin asked, sounding almost uninterested.

"Drake is one of the strongest dragons! He told me everything! Laidon is disguised!"

"Yeah. My dragon learned disguise—"

"That's not Laidon!"

"Hm? Why would you say that?"

"DRAKE SAID SO—"

"Nami-san. If he wasn't Laidon, he wouldn't come out when I unsealed him," Satsujin said, his tone hard to defy.

"Wha—"

"You read the card yourself. It read: 115, Laidon, didn't it?" Hearing his words of defense, Nami couldn't utter another word. He was indeed right with his evidence.

"Then how is that not Laidon?" Satsujin asked, now visibly irritated.

"Do you think Drake is wrong? DRAKE SAID THAT'S NOT LAIDON, SO IT'S NOT! WHAT TRICK ARE YOU PLAYING HERE?!"

Satsujin bowed slightly to Drake, scoffing at Nami's screams. "Drake, sir. My greetings."

Drake's head bowed slightly in response. "Satsujin, right?"

"An honor to speak to someone like you, Drake sir."

"Likewise. You seem strong."

"I'm pleased, but sir Drake. What makes you think this is a disguise? That dragon is Laidon."

"Oh? Laidon... the green dragon with green flames? That Laidon? Why doesn't it fight like that then? It fights like a human... Oh... haha... HAHAHAHA..."

Drake's menacing laugh shook the entire forest. "Clever. Very clever indeed," he said, visibly smirking.

"What? What's going on?" Nami asked Drake.

"Laidon is not fighting at all. That boy is," Drake replied. Satsujin tightened his fists.

"What? What do you mean? Is he...?"

"A Dragon Man. He is."

Dragon Men are dragon riders who can fight from within their dragons. The bond between the dragon and the rider becomes so strong that they can fight for each other. Whatever the rider thinks—throw a fist or claw without actually saying it—the dragon does it. The only attack a Dragon Man can't use is the dragon's actual fire. No matter what, the Dragon Man can never control a dragon's fire directly.

Dragon Men don't get physically tired because they fight in their heads, but they need to be immensely strong mentally and emotionally.

"Hah... so you were fighting me all along," Nami sighed. Satsujin relaxed a bit. There were only fifteen minutes to go for the fight to end after all.

"If we keep conversing, I'll win," Satsujin said. Nami immediately raised her hand. Drake flew towards Laidon with immense speed, but Laidon immediately disappeared from in front of Drake. Satsujin was very strong mentally, after all.

"If you are the one fighting, then we'll just throw you out," Nami said. It seemed like Drake wasn't after Laidon; he was after Satsujin, who was standing behind Laidon. As soon as Laidon moved away, Drake flew towards Satsujin, but Laidon immediately appeared in front of Drake. The disadvantage began. Satsujin had to save himself and his dragon while the fifteen minutes lasted, to keep his dragon with him, while Nami could use as many dragons as she wanted.

Laidon flapped its wings strongly. Drake couldn't handle the wind currents and was slowly being thrown back. Drake was a strong dragon, but his owner's strength wasn't on par with his, making his strength fall far behind what he was capable of. Laidon maintained his position in front of Satsujin, one wing behind him and one in front.

Drake then flew higher in the sky and came down like a missile towards Laidon and Satsujin. Laidon picked Satsujin up and flew away before Drake could hit them head-on. At the scary velocity, Drake changed his course right before hitting the earth and followed them like a predator. Now Suki and Misuke were worried too.

Nami smiled from ear to ear, watching the tables slowly turn to her side. Drake wasn't far from Laidon. He caught onto Laidon and flapped his wings harshly on its back. Laidon's hold loosened, and Satsujin descended towards the earth below. Laidon immediately clawed Drake away fiercely and flew down like a rocket, catching Satsujin with its claws.

Satsujin felt the pressure. He was saving himself and fighting the dragon all by himself. Of course, Laidon by itself could never win against Drake. But humans are dangerous by themselves alone in any generation, any era. Laidon didn't look tired in the slightest, but Satsujin was already breathing heavily.

"Haha. Fourteen minutes more. If a single minute is so hard on you, how will you last fourteen more minutes?" Nami asked, laughing.

Suki and Misuke didn't like this situation one bit. They wanted to bite off Nami themselves, but they couldn't interfere since it was an open challenge. They stood annoyed at the sidelines, rooting for Satsujin silently.

Satsujin exhaled deeply. He then nodded to himself. Drake came closer to attack Satsujin, but Laidon breathed green flames like an angry Amazon forest. The fire was so huge and hot, it made Drake step back a little. Drake then came onto attack Laidon. Laidon punched him away with its claws, throwing Satsujin onto its back.

Whenever Drake would come to attack Satsujin, Laidon would breathe enormous green flames. When he'd come to attack Laidon, Laidon would kick or punch him with its claws or wing him harshly on the back. Satsujin avoided Drake no matter what.

"What is happening now? He can't control flames as a Dragon Man..." Nami asked herself. Of course, he couldn't. What Drake and Nami were up against was a mix of the Dragon Man Satsujin and Laidon.

"So how long can you switch like that?" Drake asked Satsujin.

When Drake clawed for Satsujin, Satsujin used Laidon as Laidon. When he'd attack Laidon, who didn't stand a chance against the almighty Drake, Satsujin would switch back to his Dragon Man powers.

Twelve more minutes. The two minutes that had passed were the longest two minutes of all their lives, and yet there were six times more of that to go.

Suki finally, with all her might, yelled loudly, "Satsujin-san! The strongest you want to battle is waiting for you! Let's take Drake as well!"

It didn't give Satsujin powers to immediately become stronger but did remind him why he had caught all the dragons he had.

Five more minutes remained for the battle to end. Nami was in trouble as well. If Laidon and Satsujin still remained standing, she'd have to give Drake away.

***

[Location: Fujima's house
Time: not noted
Date: not noted]-❤️

Oya peeped out of the window, a strange unease settling in her chest. The sense of foreboding was unmistakable, urging her to keep her dragons safe.

"What's wrong?" Remeshi asked as he walked in, noticing her tense posture.

Oya spun around, her body tensing as if ready to fight. "Ah, Remeshi-san. We were all waiting for you. The others are in the backyard."

"What are you doing here then?" he asked, sitting next to her.

"I... I was waiting for you as well. What did the council members say?" Oya's eyes were wide with anticipation.

"They... agreed to our proposal," Remeshi said, though his tone carried a hint of uncertainty.

"What?! That's great news, Remeshi-san!"

"Yeah, well, but I don't even know how much time we have..."

Remeshi began to explain everything to Oya as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the room. He detailed the council's decision and the slim margin of time they had to act on their plan.

"I see... but we have a chance at least," Oya said excitedly, her eyes shining with hope. Remeshi nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Hearing Oya's joyful exclamation, Konosa and Amash came back inside, accompanied by Miyazono and Remeni, who they had stumbled upon on their way in. Remeshi quickly filled them in on the council's decision. It wasn't exactly good news, but it wasn't bad news either. It was a slim sliver of hope.

They all nodded, exchanging determined looks. This was maybe a chance not just for them but to get back their friend Ayeta and uncover hidden secrets about their country.

"What do we do? Where do we start from?" Konosa asked Remeshi.

"Grace-nee told me to look into the past of magic," Remeshi replied.

"The past?" Konosa echoed.

"Yeah. We even asked Lady Nemori after we left the council."

"About what? What did she say?" Konosa pressed.

"She said everyone in her family had mana."

"What?"

"Yeah. Her parents, her grandparents, and even her grandparents' parents. Every ancestor of hers had mana."

"What species is Lady Nemori from?"

"Yeah, about that. She is human, as far as we know."

"There must be something she is hiding—"

"I asked Ishoya-nee to research a bit about Lady Nemori. Ishoya-nee sent me a letter later saying that Lady Nemori is indeed human," Remeshi interrupted, explaining the contradictions.

"Are you saying humans still have mana?" Konosa asked, perplexed.

"...still..?"

"Oh, I never told you? Humans had mana and strength both in one of the eras. But just like it happened, because of no restrictions, they became dangerous and then extinct somehow..." As Konosa explained, Remeshi could only quietly listen without uttering a single word.

"Anyway, let's just begin with the history of mana and figure out why some people still have it, in book terms."

With that, Remeshi and Konosa rushed to the library. Together, they began scanning through books relating to magic and its history in Japan. Any material they could find, they grabbed. They even read newspapers in the local museum—newspapers that dated back to the era of the Marine Lady.

"Hey, Remeshi," Konosa called out suddenly.

"Yeah?"

"Do you remember how you asked me about the Marine Lady?"

"Yeah, I do. Why?"

"Well, this particular newspaper has a lot of information on it."

"But you told me all about it..?"

"I did... and that's the thing written here... but I learned about it from my sister. She told me about it because she learned it in class... but you said you already remembered... like it was there in your head..."

"Then... I was wondering... how old are you..? Don't get me wrong, but that's just how disturbing it is."

"What?"

"I mean... you know. It's just. What if you are older than we think?"

"What are you even saying?"

"I mean sure you look fourteen right now but what if you are a three-hundred-year-old mage who doesn't age? You know?"

"Your sister said I was an Argon..."

"Then why do you remember something like this?"

"Maybe I learned it in class, like your sister?" Remeshi's words somehow weren't convincing to Konosa.

"You know, Senpai. You and the girls figure out this mana and stuff. And I will... figure myself out..." Remeshi then said, his thoughts drifting away.

"Hm?"

"I'm going back to where I first found myself conscious. That desert..."

Konosa nodded, recognizing the determination in Remeshi's eyes. He knew better than to stop him on this little journey of his. Remeshi bowed lightly and jogged out of the library. Of course, he didn't know how to get back to the desert. But he knew where Hassadera Temple was and headed for that instead.

Five days were left until their midterms. Apart from studying magic books in the library, they stayed up late at night to study for the exams and trained with Fujima early in the morning. Pressure crawled into every vein they had in their bodies.

Three days passed since Remeshi left on his self-announced journey.

Remeshi reached the temple and looked around anxiously. "I need to finish this and go back home..." he muttered to himself.

He frantically began searching for a path that struck déjà vu, and there it was—the only route that felt familiar. He walked along the path, but what greeted him was water. Never-ending water.

"How did I come here..? How did Remeni come here..?" He looked at the waters in front of him, confused and irritated.

"Oh... Remeni gave me directions but she didn't mention here, right? Why did I come here, gosh." He jogged back to the temple and ran along as he remembered. Four days remained until the midterm exams. Remeshi reached the bar where he had his first meal since becoming conscious.

As Remeshi sat at the bar, the scent of the food brought back a flood of memories. He remembered his initial confusion, his struggle to understand who he was and where he belonged. Now, he was closer to answers than ever before. He had to dig deeper into his past, uncover the secrets of his identity, and understand his connection to the ancient magic of Japan.

[Location: Fujima's house
Time: not noted
Date: not noted ]-❤️

Konosa slammed his book shut, its impact resonating through the quiet room lined with tatami mats. He rose from his spot, stretching his limbs before reaching over to extinguish the flickering candle that had been his sole companion through hours of studying. With a sigh, he decided to check on Remeni, his footsteps echoing softly as he approached her room.

A light knock met with silence, prompting him to cautiously slide open the door. Inside, he found Remeni fast asleep, her head resting on an open textbook atop the tatami mat.

Konosa chuckled softly to himself at the sight. "Why is your head buried in the book like that?" he whispered, amused. Just then, a presence approached from behind. A hand rested on his shoulder, causing him to startle, reflexively drawing his sword. Whirling around, his eyes met Miyazono's calm expression.

"For a sword master, you aren't very attentive," Miyazono remarked casually, unfazed by his reaction.

Konosa sighed, sheathing his sword. "What? Why are you here?"

"It's a girl's room. The real question is why are you here?" Miyazono countered with a smirk.

Konosa rolled his eyes. "I was just checking on her. She didn't answer the door."

"So you thought barging in was the solution?" Miyazono teased.

"Whatever. See you around," Konosa replied dismissively, turning to leave.

"Senpai," Miyazono called after him, her tone more serious now. Konosa paused, acknowledging her with a glance over his shoulder.

"That boy might miss his exams," she pointed out, referring to Remeshi.

"I think he will," Konosa acknowledged with a sigh.

"Then he won't be able to join us in the Sword Master Unit as a team..."

"Unfortunate," Konosa admitted.

"You seem like you don't care," Miyazono observed quietly.

"He must have left knowing all this. So what's the point?" Konosa shrugged before bidding her goodnight and departing.

He made his way to Oya's room next. As the presumed elder among them, it was his responsibility to ensure everyone was alright. "Oya-san? Are you asleep yet?" Konosa inquired gently through the sliding door.

"No. You can come in," Oya's voice replied calmly.

Konosa slid open the door and found Oya standing by the window, her fiery red hair catching the faint moonlight that filtered into the room. The candle's flame danced weakly, casting shadows across her determined expression.

"The flame's out. You should sleep now," Konosa advised softly.

"Ah. Is it out already," Oya murmured, turning to face him. Her red eyes shimmered with an intensity that matched her dragon rider attire—a striking black cape billowed behind her in the night breeze.

"Yeah. Oya, I didn't bother asking, but... why are you wearing that?" Konosa asked, curiosity lacing his voice.

"Dragon rider attire? Well, it is," Oya replied cryptically.

"Why?" Konosa pressed further.

"It's just an unsettling feeling, Senpai. I'm nervous... for my dragons..." Oya admitted reluctantly.

"What? Why? Is something happening in your kingdom? Maybe that good-for-nothing Heiki did something—" Konosa started, concern etching his features.

"I don't know," Oya interrupted softly.

"....?" Konosa was taken aback by her uncertainty.

"I don't know. But... it feels like something is heading my way..." Oya confessed, her voice tinged with unease.

"And you are absolutely right."

Both Konosa and Oya turned towards the unexpected voice that intruded upon their conversation. Three figures emerged into view outside the window, slowly revealing themselves in the moonlight. Recognition dawned on Oya's face.

"Suki? Misuke? ... Satsujin?" Oya addressed them incredulously.

Hearing their names, Konosa looked to Oya for an explanation. "Who are they?" he asked, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his sword.

"We... are here to challenge you, Oya," Satsujin, the boy in the grey kimono, declared with a steely gaze fixed on Oya.

"Challenge me? But why? You already have everything—" Oya began, confusion and defiance mixing in her voice.

"Number 418," Satsujin interjected sharply.

"What...?" Oya faltered, her expression darkening.

"You have him, don't you? Number 418," Satsujin persisted.

"... How did you know...?" Oya whispered, her eyes narrowing.

"Doesn't matter. Come on now," Satsujin urged, distancing himself from the window.

Oya's resolve hardened instantly. "Senpai. Sleep well. I'll be back," she declared firmly, readying herself to leave.

"What? Hey! Wait!" Konosa protested, grabbing Oya's wrist in a futile attempt to stop her.

"I can't say no to this fight now," Oya stated with finality.

"Just tell them to delay it, negotiate," Konosa urged desperately.

"It doesn't sit with the rules. My powers are at stake," Oya explained, her tone unwavering.

"Fine then. I'll inform the others," Konosa relented reluctantly, releasing her wrist as she darted out of the room.

Soon, Konosa gathered everyone in the backyard—Miyazono, Remeni, Amash, Fujima—each with varying degrees of concern etched on their faces. They watched in silence as Satsujin and Oya squared off, their gazes locked in a silent exchange of determination and challenge.

The moon cast its gentle light upon the scene, highlighting the tension that hung thick in the air. Each member of their small group understood the gravity of the challenge ahead.

The cool night air whispered through the garden, causing blades of grass to sway gently and petals of flowers to dance in the moonlight. Satsujin and Oya stood opposite each other, flanked by their respective allies—Suki, Misuke, and Fujima among others, observing from a slight distance.

"Set the rules, Satsujin," Oya demanded firmly.

"Me? You do it—"

"Set. The rules," Oya insisted, her voice cutting through the night.

"Alright then. Ten minutes. Sounds good?" Satsujin proposed tentatively.

Oya nodded in agreement.

"Okay. Ten minutes battle. If you lose, I'll take 418 for myself—" Satsujin began.

"If I win, I'll take Drake," Oya interjected, a faint smirk playing on her lips.

"... How did you—" Satsujin started, visibly surprised.

"You have it, don't you?" Oya replied knowingly.

"Yes... agreed... ready?" Satsujin acquiesced reluctantly.

"One more thing," Oya added calmly.

"Yeah?"

"We both can use only one dragon. Sounds fair?" Oya clarified.

"Mm-hm," Satsujin agreed, understanding the terms.

Oya tapped a glass jar at her side. "Number 418. Ragoon. Unseal."

With a subtle hiss, a smoky form emerged from the jar, coalescing into a majestic dragon. Ragoon stood towering beside Oya, its presence larger and more imposing than any dragon she had summoned before—even eclipsing Drake in size.

"What... that's a dragon? It looks more like a dragon's spirit than a dragon..." Konosa remarked from the sidelines, earning disapproving glances from Suki and Misuke, which prompted him to hastily move closer to Fujima for cover.

"Drake. Unseal," Satsujin commanded, tossing a card onto the ground. From the card erupted a thunderous roar as Drake, a massive black dragon, materialized before them. The very ground trembled under the weight of its presence.

"Why do you want to be a sword master?" Fujima sighed, though Konosa's laughter barely abated.

"Begin," Misuke announced solemnly, signaling the start of the duel.

The dragons wasted no time, launching themselves into the night sky with powerful beats of their wings. They clashed ferociously, each blow resonating with the intensity of the rivalry between their masters.

Oya drew her sword and charged at Satsujin, who deftly evaded her blade with agile movements. "You never said we couldn't duel," Oya challenged, fixing Satsujin with a steely gaze.

Satsujin scoffed, "Whatever pleases you, princess."

Their swords clashed in a flurry of steel, mirroring the fierce battle unfolding between Ragoon and Drake above. The air crackled with tension as minutes ticked by, neither side giving an inch.

Five minutes passed, and still, both dragons and their riders remained locked in combat. Suki bit her lip nervously, torn between loyalty and apprehension for both sides.

Oya snapped her fingers, calling Ragoon back to her side. The smoky dragon morphed, its form solidifying into a metallic behemoth with talons sharp enough to pierce the heavens. Oya mounted Ragoon confidently, and the dragon ascended higher into the sky, prompting Satsujin to make his move with Drake.

However, Drake proved stubborn—known for its selectivity in riders, it refused to let Satsujin mount. Konosa couldn't suppress a chuckle, quickly stifled by disapproving glares from those around him.

"Where is your owner?" Oya called out to Drake, her voice tinged with exasperation.

"Down there," Drake replied cryptically.

"... You are unbelievable. This is why I avoided you all my life. You just had to come here, huh," Oya muttered under her breath, shaking her head.

"Haha... let's see what's so great about you that even that smart, strong idiot thinks you are above him," Drake retorted, obviously referring to Satsujin. Oya nodded, her determination unwavering.

Drake attempted to strike Ragoon, but its claws passed through the smoky form harmlessly, like clawing at the wind.

"This is why I hate you," Drake muttered in frustration. Ragoon flapped its wings forcefully, creating powerful gusts that culminated in a storm hurtling towards Satsujin. Drake dove to intercept, engaging Ragoon directly in combat.

As the battle wore on, it became evident that despite Drake's formidable appearance, Ragoon held the upper hand. Drake began to show signs of weariness, while Ragoon remained untouched.

With two minutes left, both Satsujin and Oya waited for the other to make a critical mistake. Oya's resolve strengthened, and she made a decisive move.

"I can't take this anymore. Change," Oya murmured to Ragoon. The dragon transformed once more, its smoky form solidifying into a metallic structure resembling steel. Its claws elongated, its wings expanded wider than storm clouds gathering above.

Ragoon surged forward with renewed ferocity, its sharp talons tearing into Drake's scales. Satsujin struggled to maintain his position, nearly losing his balance.

"Wha... why are they fighting like this..." Remeni muttered anxiously, watching the battle unfold.

Thunder rumbled in the distance as rain began to fall, drenching the battlefield. Amidst the tumultuous weather, Oya pressed her advantage. She leaped from Ragoon's back, landing expertly on Drake's broad wings. With swift precision, she engaged Satsujin in a fierce sword duel atop the dragon's back.

Their blades clashed violently, each strike resonating with the weight of their rivalry and the fate of their dragons. With each passing moment, the intensity of their battle heightened, culminating in a final clash that shattered Satsujin's sword.

Oya landed gracefully on Ragoon's wings once more as Satsujin and Drake crashed to the ground, defeated. The unexpected duel had come to a decisive end.

She descended to where Satsujin lay, calling Ragoon back into its jar. Satsujin coughed, rainwater mixing with his breath as he wiped his face. With a resigned gesture, he retrieved Drake's card and tossed it towards Oya.

Suki and Misuke rushed to Satsujin's side, concern etched on their faces as they crouched beside him.

The night air hummed with the aftermath of the battle, the rain washing away the tension that had filled the garden moments before. As Konosa sheepishly joined the others, the group stood in silent reverence for the formidable display of skill and determination they had just witnessed.

The aftermath of the intense battle left an emotional rift among the gathered friends in the garden. Suki knelt beside Satsujin, her eyes brimming with tears as she asked him, "Are you okay?"

Misuke, standing nearby, shot a glare at Oya. "It was supposed to be a friendly battle. Why did you..." He trailed off, clearly upset by the outcome.

"What was friendly about it? Satsujin-san used his strongest dragon and fought me. Drake is the strongest of all, after all," Oya retorted, her voice tinged with exhaustion and frustration.

"He had just captured Drake," Misuke argued.

"And? How was I supposed to know that?" Oya countered defiantly.

"But you knew he had Drake—" Misuke started.

"Misuke. He knew I had Ragoon too. It's pointless," Oya interrupted sharply. "And anyway, I don't need your dragon. Be happy with it." With that final statement, she tossed Drake's card back at Satsujin, her resolve unyielding.

The tension hung heavy in the air until Satsujin spoke up, breaking the silence. "Wait, stop. That wasn't the deal. You won," he declared firmly. Despite the rain-soaked ground and his dripping clothes, he stood tall, walking towards Oya with purpose.

He extended his hand, offering her the card containing Drake. "You won fair and square, Oya," he insisted, his voice carrying across the garden.

Oya hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes as she looked at the card in his hand. Satsujin then surprised everyone by pulling out a stack of small, thick books from within his kimono and placing them gently into Oya's hands.

"What are these?" Oya asked, bewildered by the unexpected gesture.

"All the dragons I've won," Satsujin explained softly, his gaze steady on hers.

"Why are you giving them to me?" Oya pressed further, still trying to grasp his motives.

"Because... I don't want them, Oya," Satsujin admitted, his tone earnest.

"What? Satsujin! You earned them!" Oya protested, incredulous at his decision.

"Oya-san, from the beginning, no matter what anyone said, I knew that you were the true and proper dragon rider who deserves our respect," Satsujin confessed, sincerity coloring his words.

Oya was at a loss for words, deeply moved by his sincerity and the weight of his gesture. "And I still believe that. So please, take care of them. I might have earned them, but you... you deserve them," Satsujin insisted, his eyes conveying a depth of admiration and trust.

"Satsujin-san..." Oya whispered, overwhelmed by the unexpected show of support and belief in her abilities.

Satsujin gently tapped the small books in her hands, silently urging her to accept them. Oya, after a moment of contemplation, passed them on to Miyazono for safekeeping. Then, without hesitation, she pulled Satsujin into a soft hug, their friendship and mutual respect transcending the rain-soaked battlefield.

"Satsujin-san, out of all my friends and the people I know, you are the only one who truly believes in me. And I hope you understand that I'm not in this to follow in my mother's footsteps—" Oya began, her voice wavering with emotion.

Satsujin gently held Oya's shoulders, guiding her out of the embrace to meet her eyes. "Shh. I know you're not your mother. And I'll always know that," he reassured her, his hands warm against her rain-dampened cheeks.

Oya nodded, tears mixing with raindrops on her cheeks, her eyes shimmering with gratitude and newfound strength. In that moment, amidst the thunder and the downpour, their bond as friends and comrades grew deeper, anchored by mutual respect, trust, and unwavering support.

The others watched on in quiet reverence, understanding that beyond the battles and the challenges they faced, it was these moments of understanding and camaraderie that defined their journey together.

After the intense duel had concluded, the group found refuge in Fujima's house, seeking warmth and respite from the lingering rain outside. They gathered in a spacious room, washed up and settled, yet the atmosphere remained somewhat subdued, charged with the remnants of emotions stirred by the battle.

Breaking the silence, Konosa leaned forward with curiosity evident in his voice. "Who are they, Oya?" he asked, addressing the newcomers who had stirred such turmoil earlier.

Oya sighed softly before responding, "Ah, they are fellow dragon riders, as you can guess. That's Misuke Ortan, Suki Ortan, and Satsujin Ortan."

"Oh... Ortans," Konosa muttered thoughtfully, his tone hinting at an impending judgment. Misuke and Suki braced themselves for the usual disdain they often faced even from their own clan members.

To their surprise, Konosa's next words caught them off guard. "That's seriously so cool! I am friends with Ortans now, man," he exclaimed, pounding his chest proudly. "But why are you guys fighting each other? Aren't y'all friends?"

Satsujin took a deep breath, ready to explain their complicated dynamic. "Satsujin here is a strong Dragon rider," Oya began, her voice carrying a mixture of respect and frustration. "He's on the level of a Karama. He fights dragons on my behalf, gains strength, captures the strongest dragons across various series, and then challenges me."

Satsujin nodded in confirmation. "I do all that because Oya can't battle dragons one-on-one, thanks to her family's influence on the throne. She needs to stay away from her family's life."

"I get stronger and fight Satsujin to secure powerful dragon allies by my side," Oya continued, her expression softening with a hint of weariness. "But I never asked him to do any of this in the first place. He just trusts me and knows that whatever I do, I am not my mother."

Konosa listened intently, absorbing the complexities of their relationship and the burdens they carried. His initial skepticism towards the Ortans dissolved, replaced by a newfound respect for their dedication and loyalty to each other.

"So, it's like a mutual agreement to help each other grow stronger," Konosa summarized, trying to grasp the intricate web of alliances and challenges that defined their lives as dragon riders.

Outside, the rain continued to patter softly against the windowpanes, a soothing backdrop to their voices filled with determination and hope.