Chapter 7

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The practice of qigong is a rather mundane affair.

First, one must meditate endlessly, starting by sensing the qi within oneself.

Most people give up and quit at this stage.

However, the boy did not give up.

As a result, it took him longer than the average ten years, but he succeeded in sensing the qi.

It's amazing how he managed to endure the demon king's training and follow my practice.

Seeing the boy's innocent joy, I can't help but feel happy myself. When was the last time I felt such emotions? It seems I've developed feelings for the boy without even realizing it.

However, I have no intention of slacking off.

Hehe, I still have plenty more training to put him through!

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--- One hundred years after the start of the training.

"Qigong Technique, Offensive Form Five: Crimson Lotus Great Waterfall!"

When Louis thrust his fist into the ground, a massive shockwave appeared, causing a wave of destruction to surge forward.

Hmm, both the power and the size are excellent.

With this, he has learned half of both the offensive and defensive forms.

"Did you see, Rio? I did it!!"

"Yes, I saw. Well done."

Louis, who has mastered the technique, is as happy as a puppy.

Hehe, what a cute kid.

By the way, the 'Rio' that Louis just mentioned is my name.

I didn't have a name, having been called 'Dragon King' since birth.

When he heard this, he said, "That's not good!" and started to give me a name.

At first, I thought it was disrespectful for him to give me a name, but when he called me by it, it wasn't as bad as I thought.

Looking back, I was always treated as the 'Dragon King.'

The dragons who revered and respected me, and the enemies who feared and tried to defeat me, all focused on my title and never saw me as an individual.

But when Louis gave me a name, I felt for the first time that someone recognized me as an individual.

Interestingly, after Louis started calling me 'Rio,' even Testarossa began to call me 'Rio.'

Despite only fighting with him before, we now have daily discussions about Louis's training methods.

Time, which had been stagnant, began to change with Louis's arrival.

Hehe, I'm looking forward to seeing how things will change from here...

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"I'm going to punch you hard! Don't die!"

"Okay!"

I swing my fist at Louis with all my might.

It's just a regular punch without any magic or qi, but I am a dragon. If a human were to take a direct hit, their body would be reduced to dust.

"Roar! Qigong Technique, Defensive Form Ten!"

A thunderous explosion echoes.

A shockwave engulfs the area, causing cracks to appear in the space.

However, Louis, at the center of this massive impact, successfully blocks my fist with both hands.

Hehe! It seems he has mastered the advanced defensive form of qigong. It's impressive that he managed to master all the forms of qigong in 300 years. As his teacher, I'm very proud.

I put my arm around Louis's shoulder and ruffle his hair while praising him.

Hehe! It feels great!

"Hey! Stop it, Rio! My hair is getting all messy!"

"What!?! For you to defy me, Louis, is quite impudent!"

We laugh and tease each other, tickling and being tickled, like a happy family.

Being with Louis makes my heart feel warm and cozy.

I've never experienced this feeling before, which I imagine is normal for a typical family.

This warmth, kindness, and lightness in my heart.

I am grateful to Louis for teaching me this.

However, the more I know this feeling, the harder it becomes to continue the training.

Because the end of this training means the end of our time together.

I'm sure Testarossa feels the same way. He has changed a lot over these 300 years.

Parting is sad.

But I cannot keep Louis locked in this empty space.

I must return Louis to his original world.

This is the least I can do to repay the 'love' he has taught me.

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**Character File**

**Rio**

**Race:** True Ancestor Dragon

**Title:** Dragon King

**Age:** 304 years (approximately 12 human years)

**Skills:** Grandmaster Magic, Dragon Magic, Qigong Technique (Mastered), [Secret]

**Abilities:** Magic Power: SS, Qigong: SS, Strength: SSS, Intelligence: B, "I'm the strongest!" Degree: SSSS

The only one to inherit the bloodline of the Dragon King, born as the 'Dragon King.'

Having lost his parents before he could remember, and with no dragons treating him as an equal, he has a strong longing for family and friends.

Despite his young mental age, his skills and talents are outstanding, and he is said to have the potential to become the strongest Dragon King in history.

Incidentally, his archaic speech is her effort to maintain her dignity even at a young age.