Far from the ruined classroom, beyond the reach of fire and lightning, the Shadowspawn returned. What was left of them slithered back into the dark, their twisted forms retreating to the place that birthed them.
In the heart of that void stood a figure cloaked in black and silver, tall and still as a statue. His eyes glowed faintly crimson, piercing through the shifting gloom like burning coals. The Shadowspawn bowed low before him, their hissed reports echoing through the cavernous hall.
"Destroyed… all of them… by blue fire…"
The figure did not move, though the shadows at his feet writhed in agitation. His voice, when it came, was calm but venomous, smooth like silk hiding blades.
"So… he lives."
He raised one hand, and the shadows formed into a shifting image—Kaito standing with his arm ablaze in azure flame. The master's eyes narrowed, a flicker of recognition sparking across his face.
"The dragon's fire," he whispered, his tone sharpening. "I should have known it would not vanish so easily."
The Shadowspawn hissed in unison, their bodies trembling as if fearing his anger.
"No matter," the figure continued, his lips curling into the faintest of smiles. "The boy may have returned in human form, but he cannot yet wield what he once was. He is weaker now. Fragile."
He stepped down from the dais, his cloak of shadows trailing behind him like liquid night. The cavern trembled at his stride, as though even the stone feared him.
"Send word to the others," he commanded. "The Circle of Six protects him—but even they cannot guard him forever. The moment he shows weakness, we strike."
The Shadowspawn bowed again, scattering into the darkness.
The master turned his gaze upward, crimson eyes blazing.
"Enjoy your borrowed time, dragon," he said softly, almost to himself. "Because when I come for you… no fire, blue or otherwise, will save you."