The wind continued to blow through the rift valley, and Yoichi was finally standing with his shoulders straight. The fear of Therion had passed, and the desire for redemption burned brightly in his eyes.
The fateful moment had arrived: Yoichi would face the first of the long tests that would enhance his draconic powers, making him the most potent Demon Tamer in the world.
"That's the answer I wanted to hear," the giant black dragon muttered. "I will lead you to the first of your twelve challengers. I warn you, the path you are about to take will be the most difficult of your life. Step forward, young Yoichi," the Dragon King continued.
Yoichi took a step forward. His right hand touched the handle of Ryutaro's katana, whose blade had not yet left its sheath. As the young tamer approached his mentor, the supreme Therion lowered its neck, bringing its face closer to him and moving a large amount of air that Yoichi perceived as the beginning of a storm.