Chapter 19: The New Threat

The heavy mist began to fade, revealing three figures standing in the middle of the training grounds.
Kanata, Itsuha, and Celestine were already poised for combat — mana shimmering faintly in their hands.

Before them stood two strangers, no longer dragons but human in form. The man’s hair shone deep blue, and the woman’s long silver strands shimmered like moonlight.

“My name is Erika Lakia,” the woman said, her calm tone carrying authority.
“I am the Silver Dragon. You could call me your niece, Kanata… or more precisely, the niece of the Black Dragon sealed within you. And this fool beside me is my uncle, the Blue Dragon.”

“Oi, Lakia,” Schwartz muttered, rubbing his neck.
“You’re making me sound like an idiot in front of the humans.”

“You don’t need my help for that,” she shot back coldly.

Kanata blinked, still trying to piece everything together.

“Why are dragons even here in the human world? Shouldn’t you be in Nevantrax?”

Schwartz and Lakia exchanged a look before Schwartz stepped forward.

“We came here for one reason — to find you.”

“To find me?”

“And to ask for your help.”

Kanata frowned, his voice steady but uncertain.

“Help… with what?”

The humor faded from Schwartz’s expression.

“Because a new threat has emerged. One even the dragons fear.”

Erika crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing.

“Not long ago, the Holy Dragon escaped its lair.”

Itsuha tilted her head, puzzled.

“That sounds like a good thing. If it’s ‘holy,’ shouldn’t it be on your side?”

Erika’s gaze turned sharp, almost predatory.

“You’re too naïve, little mage. People like you are easily deceived.”

Itsuha stiffened.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“The Holy Dragon may look pure and divine,” Erika continued, her voice turning cold, “but its true nature is the opposite. It’s cunning, cruel, and despises anything that disrupts its false order. Even our kin — the Red and White Dragons — were slaughtered by it.”

Celestine’s hands trembled slightly.

“Wait, if the White Dragon represents purity… then what color is this Holy Dragon?”

“Gold,” Erika answered. “A dragon so radiant that humans mistake it for a god. But behind that golden glow lies deceit and tyranny.”

Kanata clenched his fists.

“So it’s free now… and coming here?”

“Exactly,” Schwartz said grimly. “Nevantrax is already in chaos. Once the Golden Dragon crosses over, she’ll bring her dominion to this world as well.”

Kanata thought for a moment, then asked,

“If you two can appear as humans, that means the Holy Dragon can too, right?”

“Yes,” Erika replied. “Her human form is beautiful — long hair fading from pink to white, a flawless white gown, and a gentle smile that hides her malice. She’s perfection itself on the surface, but inside… she’s a monster.”

“And her name?” Kanata asked quietly.

“Envy,” Erika whispered.
The very name sent a chill through the air.
“She’s already here, Kanata. Somewhere in this world… waiting.”

Schwartz took a step closer.

“We didn’t come just to warn you. We came to prepare you.”

“Prepare me?”

“You’ve been holding back your power, Kanata,” Schwartz said. “That arm of yours — it isn’t a curse. It’s a channel. You can use magic, but you’ve been suppressing it instead of letting it flow. We’re here to change that.”

Kanata stared at his right arm, still wrapped in bandages.
For a moment, doubt flickered in his eyes — but then, resolve replaced it.

“…Fine. If that’s what it takes to stop her, then teach me.”

Schwartz smirked.

“That’s the Kanata I wanted to see.”

Erika nodded approvingly.

“Good. From this day forward, we’ll train you to control the dragon within.”

As they began to leave, Kanata called out,

“Wait… one more thing. What exactly does this Envy want?”

Erika turned back, her silver hair glinting under the sunlight.

“What every god has always wanted,” she said softly.
“Dominion. She plans to consume the power of every dragon — and the soul of the one who carries Obsidian’s will.”

Her eyes met Kanata’s.

“That means you.”

Far away, under the pale moonlight, Kaname stood at her window, eyes reflecting quiet dread.

“So it’s begun again…” she murmured.
“The real danger isn’t the black dragon inside him…”
“…but the golden one hiding among us.”