Their pace had slowed down on the second lap, but the Dragon King actually helped them with food and water so that they could focus on running.
Nathan and Selena started losing the feelings of their legs once they finished their third laps.
On the one hand, they wanted to sleep to recover their stamina. On the other hand, they might not be able to move their legs the next day if they did so.
Only after the Dragon King insisted did they finally sleep. And it didn’t even take them that long to fall asleep.
Unbeknownst to them, the Dragon King used some herbal ointments and medicines to help them recover.
Anubis could help, but at the same time, it might reduce the effectiveness of their training, according to the Dragon King. After all, the Dragon King wanted to break down their muscles, let them recover, and repeat the process to strengthen them.
They didn’t know why they somehow finished the three laps much earlier than the previous day, so they decided to get a bit more rest, planning to complete four laps in the next day.
And they did. It might be due to the Dragon King’s help, but they managed to run around the forest ten times in just three days.
After they were done, the Dragon King started teaching Nathan the Dragon Fist.
Nathan punched the air, producing a small shock wave. It wasn’t strong, but the punch he threw was no longer normal. If he punched the terrorist back when they attacked the Frexia Academy, he would probably break his jaw.
“Is it like that?” Nathan asked.
“Wrong. Straighten your elbow. You have to channel your Ena from your shoulder to your hand like a tunnel before releasing it at the tip. Your Ena is also moving too fast. You have to time it perfectly so that your Ena can reach the front of your first right before you complete your punching motion.”
“But there are rarely times we can make a punch with a straight elbow.”
“I’m just teaching you the easiest one to get the hang of the concept. After that, you can try the advanced ones. I mean, you already have my notebooks regarding the Dragon Fist, so that should suffice for you to study once you go back to the academy. I just make sure you don’t do anything dangerous when learning the foundation of this technique.”
“I understand.” Nathan continued training according to the Dragon King’s instructions.
From time to time, the Dragon King made a random quest, such as doing push-ups a thousand times or running a lap around the forest.
Selena only observed Nathan from the side, as if she were contemplating a new technique she could try once they got back.
Ten days passed by in an instant.
Nathan punched a tree. The ripple of Ena caused the tree to crack. “Huu… This should be enough for now. Once I master the basics, I can probably destroy this tree. In fact, once I surpass that point, this Dragon Fist might just become stronger than the Deadly Claw.”
“Nathan. Sir Dragon King is asking us to meet him.” Selena shouted from the edge of the forest.
“I’m coming!” Nathan hurriedly picked up his clothes and walked back with Selena, finding the Dragon King lining up several boxes in front of him.
“These are the items you request!” The Dragon King opened several boxes that had been coming in the last few days.
The first box contained a pair of gloves with a small jewel on top of it. When Nathan touched it, he realized the material had the same characteristics as the ones he had.
“Those gloves are pretty good. You shouldn’t worry too much that your arm will be cut by a sword or something. It is also reducing the pain you get when getting stabbed. Basically, it’s multiple times better than your current gloves,” the Dragon King explained.
Nathan nodded as he tried them, adjusting to these new gloves.
The second box contained a robe. It was a white robe with several golden and black stripes as its decoration.
“Because of your fighting style, I chose this robe for you. It has good durability. While it can’t withstand a sword in that form, you can channel your Ena into it. It has been imbued with a spell that can harden the robe like that of a shield. The one who does the enchantment is said to be a high-ranking spirit.”
“Oh!” Selena nodded with a serious expression.
“And this is the last one.” The Dragon King showed the last box. “I have gotten the female clothes, since it’s not that hard to get. The land of death is basically a treasure trove, and that’s why we’re leaving the one managing it alone. He is a pretty good guy to be honest. However, the yellow rice paper hasn’t been completed yet. They need one or two more weeks to make a good quality one.
I will just send them straight to the Frexia Academy.”
“Thank you very much.” Selena nodded furiously.
The Dragon King waved his hand. “And that is done.”
“En.” Nidhogg nodded, acknowledging the transaction had been fulfilled.
He extended his right hand and cut his palm with his own nail, letting his blood drop to the bowl next to the box.
It took ten seconds before the wound was healed, but Nidhogg had filled half of the bowl. “This should be enough, right?”
“Indeed. With this, the deal has been completed.” The Dragon King confirmed.
“Thank you very much for the twelve fulfilling days.” Nathan and Selena bowed, thanking the Dragon King.
“Continue working hard. Make sure you get the first rank in the next survival event. You’ll make me lose face if you don’t.”
“Hahaha.” Nathan scratched the back of his head. “I will do my best.”
This time, they didn’t go back with Risa and Sasha carrying them. Instead, they were hopping on top of Nidhogg’s back as they took off into the sky.
The Dragon King’s face turned serious once he couldn’t see them anymore. “Although I don’t like doing it, I guess it’s time to execute the plan.”
…
Soaring Dragon Mercenary Camp.
Mando suddenly slammed open the door while shouting, “Young Miss. Not good. The Dragon King has called you back. He has learned about the problem and is currently like a madman. You have to meet him quickly!”