Chapter 245: Tenderness (1/2)

A faint reddish light entered the natural cavity, touching the deepest point of the cavern, coming from outside. Dawn was slowly taking possession of the sky as Yoichi's meditation came to an end.

That process of discipline and self-control lasted about two hours, during which no wild demon dared to approach the young tamer's hiding place, carefully guarded by the little black dragon.

Beyond Kenji's two sharp horns, Yoichi looked outward, admiring with enthusiasm and a little awe the greenish colors of the swamp.

Thanks to meditation, he had not needed to sleep and his body had been deprived of fatigue. To his left, the ashes of the carnivorous plant lay on the floor due to the absence of wind inside the cave.

Yoichi's enthusiasm was due to the knowledge that he had managed to survive a whole night in a hostile and unknown place, alone and without any kind of help; on the other hand, he was aware that, as the day progressed, he would have to meet Therion and undergo the hardest test of his life in Lumya.

In that timeless and spaceless vision, the Dragon King would wait for him for eternity. He would anxiously await the moment when the heir of his primordial flame would show the will to enhance his powers, thus moving to the next level.

In addition to physical rest, Yoichi's mind was also momentarily clear of cumbersome thoughts. The young Nightblades warrior had put aside Shioko, Princess Sui, the blacksmith Shusaku, and everything else that didn't concern the Tear of Therion. The two Demon Pet System quests were still active, but both would have to wait until the most important quest was successful.

If Yoichi failed to defeat the first of the Guardians of the Whole, his morale would suffer a significant collapse.

”You'll have to guard the cave for a while longer, Kenji. The worst part is behind us, the night is over,” he affirmed, speaking to his Oracle and drawing it towards him.

The little dragon let itself be petted, rubbing its sharp forehead on the palm of its tamer's hand and narrowing its eyes. After that soothing gesture, Yoichi spoke again, ”I'll see you in a bit. I need Ichiro for something.”

After Kenji nodded, Yoichi called it back and summoned Ichiro, stabbing his Demon Tooth into the rocky floor. ”Hiii!” waving its mighty hooves, the Inoshuma took shape in the cramped cave.

The thick veins of its legs started from its neck and reached down to its ankles, carrying the blood of the powerful horse demon to all areas of that mighty body. Ichiro's scars were clearly visible against the light and soon met Yoichi's right hand, which brushed against them.

The young tamer was feeling particularly sensitive in those moments, and for the first time, he decided to give a few more seconds of attention to the first demon he had ever tamed.