In mid-flight, Merphis sees the sunrise against a dark sky. A few rays of light emerge, illuminating a devastated city, victim of murders and the worst crimes imaginable. The juxtaposition of dawning light and destruction leaves a poignant mark on the landscape, bearing witness to the tragic events that marked that day.
Merphis eventually arrives at their headquarters, where the remaining team members welcome them with open arms and smiles. However, the euphoria fades when Suka notices that Merphis is only carrying Maki, a missing limb.
When Merphis lands on the ground, the other members run towards Maki. The initial smiles fade, replaced by an atmosphere of concern and sadness. The loss of Azaku weighs heavily on the team's hearts, and the shadow of tragedy hangs over their headquarters.
- Suka asks worriedly, "Merphis, where did Azaku go?"
- Merphis, with his head bowed, responds gravely, "He unfortunately died in battle, defending his beliefs." A heavy silence settles in the headquarters, testifying to the pain shared by the members of the team at the loss of a companion.
- Yamero approaches, seething with anger. "My best friend, Azaku, is dead? How the hell is that possible! Merphis, why didn't you protect him?"
- Merphis responds, her voice laced with sorrow, "We were ambushed, and the Silent Lions organization was completely wiped out. The three leaders of the extremist organization were there. We were forced to split up for the face one by one."
- Miya, incredulous, exclaims, "How? The three leaders of the extremist organization were there? That's impossible."
- Merphis assures, "I assure you it is. Maki fought Griselda, Azaku fought Ha'arm, and I had to fight Oswald."
- Suka asks incredulously, "You fought Oswald? And unlike your comrades, you look much healthier than them. How is that possible? You fought General Oswald, the most powerful extremist leader. "
- Yamero, angry, accuses him: "He wanted to prove his ego, and instead of coming to save his friends, he preferred to fight Oswald. What a coward."
- Merphis responds firmly, "The leaders of the extremist organization are really very strong and fast. Oswald didn't give me the chance to escape, I had to fight. If I prolonged the fight, Maki would have lost her life on the battlefield. I didn't want to suffer another loss." A heavy weight of responsibility and grief weighs on the shoulders of Merphis and the team.
- Suka intervenes wisely, "Yamero, there is no point in taking out your anger on Merphis. He risked a lot by confronting Oswald, and unfortunately, fate decided that Azaku would perish in the battle."
- Yamero replies angrily, "I don't care. Azaku deserved to live so much more than that nerdy guy."
- Merphis stands up, confronting Yamero, "Listen, you little bastard. I'm not happy about Azaku's death, but he fought until his last breath to help us move towards our goal and defend your oath until the end. Dare to call me all the names again, and I assure you that you will go and join him if you want it so much." Merphis' eyes take on a yellowish tint with scarlet red in the middle, accompanied by dragon hissing sounds. Yamero, overcome with fear, steps back while observing Merphis. Tension within the team reaches a critical peak.
- Merphis comes to his senses and apologizes to Yamero, but the latter, not having yet mourned the loss of his best friend, goes to hide in the headquarters, followed by Miya.
- Merphis asks, "Where is Baru?"
- Suka responds, "He went to visit his sister. She is the head of a micro-organization."
- Merphis said, "Ah, okay, I see."
- Suka questions, "Earlier, with Yamero, your eyes took on a reptilian shape, Merphis. What does that mean?"
- Merphis explains, "I really don't know. It must have something to do with me being a dragon."
Suka, stunned, replies, "You're a dragon? That's impossible."
- Merphis says, "Of course I am, I'm a dragon. That's my mythic power by the way."
- Suka said, "Yes, your mythic power, possible, but normally you can't be a full dragon."
- Merphis asks, "What do you mean I can't be a full dragon?"
- Suka explains, "To obtain a mythic power, there are two possibilities: either obtain it by having been chosen by a mythical figure/creature, or gain it by defeating this same figure or creature in a duel within a dungeon. Once this step is completed, you must synchronize your alchemical energy with that of the being in question to use its power. But it is impossible to be this being completely. The soul and the body will be totally penalized, and your very existence will be threatened."
- Merphis explains, "I have completely merged with the mythical being who chose me. That's why I have problems with my power."
- Suka reacted, "So this is incredible. This is a really rare case... However, you really need to find a way to control yourself, because otherwise, you will quickly become a threat to this country." Merphis' situation, merged with a mythical being, raises concerns about his ability to harness his immense power.
Suka and Merphis also go to the headquarters. Merphis takes the opportunity to take a shower. While underwater, he remembers the mysterious transformation of his eyes and the dragon hisses. After ten minutes of showering, he gets out of the tub and gets ready to brush his teeth. However, when he looks in the bathroom mirror, he realizes that his teeth have increased in size unnaturally. Huge, almost sharp teeth, including two large canines, attract its attention. An unexpected and enigmatic physical change. Merphis bends down to splash water on his face from the tap, then raises his head. What he sees is something unexpected: an emerald dragon face with golden eyes and a long, thin mustache stares back at him in the mirror. Merphis stands there, staring at the reflection for a moment, realizing that the dragon is mirroring the same facial expressions as him.
Merphis ignores the mirror and continues brushing her teeth. Once finished, Suka calls him to come and have breakfast. Merphis, wearing only a towel around her waist, walks towards the dining room where almost everyone is already seated, except for Miya.
Suka informs, "Miya won't be here, we left her something to eat when she comes."
Merphis worries, "Don't tell me she went on a mission?"
Suka replies, "No, she's taking care of Maki."
Merphis asks, "How is Maki exactly?"
Yamero explains, "Not really in good shape, but Miya is taking it upon herself to do her best."
Merphis remarks, "I see Baru has returned to us."
Baru replies, "Shut up, you little scoundrel."
Suka interjects, "Easy, Baru. Eat your breakfast." Everyone sits down at the table, enjoying their lunch quietly despite the lingering shadow of the recent tragedy.
- Merphis announces, "I'm going out in a few hours to pray at the temple. For Azaku."
- Suka replies, "We already have plans to do that. We're going to take some of Azaku's clothes and belongings, put them in his grave and give him a funeral."
- Baru adds, "It's the least we can do for our late friend. May the gates of heaven be wide open for him." The team members prepare to pay their final respects to Azaku, each expressing respect and sadness at this loss in their own way.
Merphis, after finishing eating, goes to the training room. He places his sword on the ground and begins a push-up session with only one finger on the ground and the other arm behind his back. He continues without stopping, reaching impressive numbers. 1...2...3...4...5... up to 50, then 64. He continues without showing signs of fatigue, determined to continue relentlessly. Merphis follows directly with another exercise, raising her body by placing both arms on the ground. He goes down and then back up, counting relentlessly. 1...2...3...345...599, it goes on and on. His determination and physical strength seem inexhaustible, as he continues the exercise without showing signs of weakness.
Merphis' muscles contract, forming a muscular, sculpted body. A warrior's body covered in sweat. Then, he continues by creating, with his spell, a large dumbbell made of stone weighing more than 300 kilos. He lifts the dumbbell without stopping, even forgetting to count. His biceps contract, revealing a large, thick muscle. He continues the exercise without showing signs of fatigue, determined to push his limits.
- Yamero said, "It's really impressive, your exercises which are already hard by the standards, but you manage to do them without showing any signs of fatigue, it's incredible."
- Merphis responds humbly, "But no, they're just simple exercises."
- Yamero replies, "Are you kidding? Even the best athletes in the world rarely exceed 100 kilos, you lift 300 net, it's just mind-blowing." Yamero expresses his amazement at Merphis' exceptional strength.
- Merphis offers, "Do you want to practice too?"
- Yamero responds, "Duel against you, Merphis. I want to test the abilities and see what the fruit of my training will produce."
- Merphis agrees, "It's okay. What type of combat do you want us to do? Sword or hand to hand?"
- Yamero decides, "Melee, Merphis. Come and fight me." The two prepare for a friendly clash, each looking to push their own limits in training.
- Merphis suggests, "Okay, hand-to-hand combat then. For the rules of the fight, it's the first one who gives up, or do we make sure to draw lines and whoever crosses the line loses?"
- Yamero responds, "Whoever gives up first loses. Give it all you've got, Merphis."
- Merphis assures, "Don't worry, I have always known how to fight with determination in all my battles. Now, enough of the chatter, let's begin."
Yamero enters the training room arena and takes off his coat, he is in a tank top while Merphis is shirtless. The two are separated by a distance of approximately 5 meters. Merphis creates a small stone and throws it into the air. When the stone finally falls to the ground, the fight begins.
Both fighters charge at each other, Yamero attempts a direct strike with his punch. However, Merphis deflects the punch with a light touch, grabs Yamero's arm, then lifts him up and tackles him to the ground. Merphis' speed and technique take the advantage in this first exchange.
- Yamero said, "So, you're really fast."
- Merphis responds, "You're really too slow, and you're trying attacks that leave openings."
- Yamero retorts, "Speaking of openness." He jumps up from the ground and attempts a left-footed hook to Merphis's ribs, but Merphis manages to block the attack with his elbow and moves away from Yamero. The combat remains intense, with every movement scrutinized to exploit the slightest weakness.
- Merphis said, "Did you really think you could distract me with a discussion? Try better, old man."
- Yamero replies, "I think you're sure of yourself, you ungrateful little one," and rushes towards Merphis.
Merphis ducks to avoid Yamero's punch, then he dodges Yamero's knee strike as well. Merphis lightly touches Yamero's knee and deflects it from its initial trajectory, which throws Yamero off balance. Merphis takes the opportunity to kick the back of Yamero's right leg, and the latter kneels. Then, Merphis follows up with a big foot strike on the back of Yamero who crashes against the wall of the arena. Merphis' mastery in combat becomes more and more evident.
As Merphis and Yamero continue their training, the other remaining members watch carefully. Baru expresses skepticism towards Merphis' advantage and states that they will see. Everyone's attention is now focused on the duel between Merphis and Yamero.
Yamero stands up with increased rage, releasing his aura to the maximum in a surge of energy. With a fierce momentum, he rushes towards Merphis with lightning speed, but Merphis' responsiveness remains unmatched. Like a shadow, Merphis skillfully dodges Yamero's assault, sliding beneath him with disconcerting agility. In a lightning motion, Merphis grabs Yamero's foot, and with relentless force, crushes him violently against the ground. The collision echoes through the training room, marking Merphis' momentary domination in this intense training duel.
- Baru: "Merphis is really impressive, he largely dominates Yamero who has just activated his aura."
- Miya: "Yamero gets carried away by his emotions, he can't concentrate."
- Suka: "Even if Yamero were able to concentrate, he would never be able to match Merphis. This guy simply pulverized my strongest Yokai and myself. Not only is he strong in combat, but he is also a fine strategist."
Yamero, with a resounding cry, announced the advent of his mythical power. A mysterious energy enveloped him, transforming him into an imposing werewolf. Its limbs lengthened, black hairs covered its body, and its teeth developed into sharp fangs. Standing up on its hind legs, it displayed terrifying strength. Ready to unleash his fury, he prepared to launch a formidable assault against Merphis.
- Miya exclaimed in astonishment, "But no, that's not possible, he released his mythical power."
- Baru, jumping up, added, "Don't you think we should intervene and end the fight?"
- Suka replied confidently, "No, just observe and remain calm."
Yamero lunges at Merphis, attempting to slash with his sharp claws, but Merphis skillfully dodges. In response, Merphis delivers three sharp blows with his fingers to Yamero's arms and right leg. These blows have the effect of blocking and paralyzing the affected area, temporarily weakening Yamero in his werewolf form.
Yamero, despite his paralysis, does not give up and projects himself towards Merphis with his aura. Merphis willingly lets herself be touched and remains motionless. Yamero lands on Merphis and, with his big mouth, manages to bite off Merphis' right arm. Everyone is in shock, but after a few seconds, Merphis raises her head, her eyes turning reddish with a yellow reptilian look inside. Green spots, similar to scales, appear on its torso.
Yamero's teeth eventually fall out due to Merphis's bodily resistance.
- Merphis declares in a determined voice, "I will show you that even with your power, you are no match for me."