—Hello, boy. How are you? —Yu-Han asked Jeshua, stepping in front of him.

  —I’m… fine, I suppose… —Jeshua replied in a soft tone.— How is Mrs. Yianiss and everyone at the foundation? And… her, how is she?

  —My wife and the foundation are well… though I fear a calamity is approaching… —he answered seriously.— And as for Lizzeth… what are you waiting for to go see her? —he added.

  —I can’t face her after everything… It’s better if she believes I’m dead… What shadow is looming over the foundation? —Jeshua asked.

  —While we were away, it seems someone gathered many supernatural beings of all kinds… We haven’t been attacked yet, but I’m expecting it… What do you think of the boy?

  Jeshua took a breath.

  —It’s rare to find another Dragon… He seems to carry a burden on his shoulders. He’s similar to me, yet at the same time different… If he has someone who keeps him in their heart, he might have a better fate than mine. You can give him a silver key in case he wants to visit me again. —Jeshua said.

  —When will you give one to Lizzeth? —Yu-Han asked.

  Jeshua remained silent.

  —She has worried about you since the day you were declared dead. —Yu-Han turned away.— Don’t act as if you don’t have someone who keeps you in their heart, Jeshua. She has been suffering in silence since that day. I hope my words reach you. We’ll see each other soon, my son.

  Yu-Han walked back to where Damien was standing.

  —We’re leaving. It’s time to return to Bukrasma.

  —But, Master, we were in the middle of the desert, and we don’t have Yulian’s ability. —Damien replied.

  Yu-Han took out the silver key.

  —This dimension can be accessed from anywhere in the world as long as you have the key, and the same applies in reverse. —he said.

  He placed the key and opened a door.

  They appeared at the entrance of the foundation.

  —Wow… impressive. —Damien said, looking at his city with joy.

  —Here. —Yu-Han extended his arm.

  He handed Damien a silver key.

  —And this is, Master? —Damien looked at the gift in confusion.

  —Jeshua would like you to visit him from time to time, if it’s not a problem. —Yu-Han placed a hand on his shoulder.— Don’t worry, there are more keys. Now go home. Mrs. Norma must be worried.

  They parted ways.

  Elsewhere in the city, Xalgo materialized from the shadows before his boss.

  —Boss, the thaumaturges who left with Yu-Han and the others have returned. —A macabre smile spread across his shadowed face.— What’s the next move?

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  —Did they see Yu-Han? —the Boss asked seriously.

  —No. None of the eyes I placed in the streets have seen him, but they did see his wife, his driver, and the students—except for the one who fought Jonathan. I assume they’re together.

  Xalgo’s phone began to ring.

  —What is it? Oohh, that’s good news. Alright, goodbye. —he hung up.— The boy who fought Jonathan has been spotted. They say he looks physically different, but they’re certain it’s him.

  —Good. Then Yu-Han must have returned. —The Boss lit a cigar.— Xalgo, a small attack on the foundation. Now. No warriors. A few minor explosions, then disappear. And call that idiot Jonathan. I need him to handle something.

  At Damien’s house, he had a brief moment with his family.

  —Son, I’m glad you’re back, but you look a bit bruised. Tell Mr. Yu-Han not to be so rough with his training. —Norma said while inspecting the bruises on his body.— And this cut? —she asked.

  —Oh, I stepped wrong and slipped down a ravine. I got cut by a sharp branch. —Damien replied.

  His mother didn’t quite believe him, but she nodded.

  —I have to go out. I’m meeting Edward.

  —Alright, son. Take care. Your father is working tonight, so don’t come home too late. —she said goodbye.

  The next day, Sarah and Layla took a break to go shopping. They were walking near a dark alley.

  —Hello, girls… Long time no see. —a familiar voice called out from the alley.

  They turned. Jonathan was there, and beside him, a shadowy being.

  —W-what do you want? —Sarah relived memories of that bitter night.

  —Hey, leave us alone. —Layla said, raising her fist.

  —Silence, idiot. —Jonathan looked at Layla.— Sarah is coming with us.

  —No. —Sarah said firmly.— I don’t want to see you anymore, Jonathan. Go away.

  Jonathan released his Beast Koa in response to her refusal: the serpent.

  —Sarah, we should leave. —Layla grabbed her arm.— I’m not worried about Jonathan, but that shadowy guy gives me a bad feeling.

  —No, Layla. We’re thaumaturges too. —Sarah released her Swan Koa.— Let’s fight.

  —I suppose you’re not giving me a choice, bitches. —Jonathan grinned maliciously.— Xalgo, convince her.

  The shadowy being dispersed a pair of shadows, revealing that in his arms was Sarah’s young daughter.

  Sarah stared in horror.

  —Jonathan, you bastard. —Layla shouted, releasing her Monkey Koa, ready to attack.

  —Wait… —Sarah stopped her with a hand against her back.— I’ll go with you, Jonathan, but leave my little girl alone.

  —See? You could’ve cooperated from the start, you stupid bitch. —he mocked.— You, girl, not a word to that fat bastard. Let anyone find out about this except him, or I can’t guarantee your friend will have a good time. —he pointed at Layla.

  Xalgo left the child sitting in the alley and disappeared along with Jonathan and Sarah.

  Terrified, Layla picked her up and hurried off to inform her teacher.

  At the foundation, a bombardment led by winged gremlins was underway.

  —What the hell are those things doing? —Gonzo muttered.

  He grabbed a handful of scrolls, infused them with Koa, and threw them into the air.

  —Paper beings, take care of them.

  The paper beings struck the gremlins forcefully, forcing them to retreat.

  —Bald man, tell your master this was just a greeting from an old friend, hehehe. —shouted the one who seemed to be the leader as they flew away.

  An old friend? I doubt he means himself… What the hell is going on? —Gonzo remained thoughtful, noticing the bombardment hadn’t harmed anyone. It was only meant to draw attention.

  Minutes after the gremlins left, the gates of the foundation’s home opened.

  It was Master Yianiss entering with Layla and Sara, Sarah’s daughter.

  —What happened? —Gonzo noticed the fear on Layla’s face and the disgusted expression on Yianiss’s.

  —Gonzo, Sarah has been kidnapped. We need to gather the group… except Damien. —Yianiss said sternly.— He cannot find out. If he does, they might harm Sarah, and he could make a reckless move. I will inform Yu-Han.

  In a mansion somewhere in the city, Sarah was brought before the Boss by Xalgo and Jonathan.

  —Boss, here’s the girl causing all the trouble. —Xalgo smiled.

  —Leave this damn bitch to me… I want to have some fun. —Jonathan rubbed his hands maliciously.

  —Silence, idiot. No one will touch this girl. She’s my ticket to lure Yu-Han. —the Boss said sternly.— Xalgo, take her to one of the upstairs rooms and have her guarded. You’d better not try anything, girl… or else.

  Jonathan watched furiously as she was taken away, unable to touch her.

  —At least let me give that miserable bastard a little torture… —he said bitterly.

  —Do it. But don’t touch a single hair on her head. Xalgo, give me the phone. It’s time to call Yu-Han.