The Monster King's Legacy-Chapter 165: The Test of Growth

The following day, as the sun crested the horizon, casting a golden hue across the open field at the outskirts of the city, dew glistened on the grass, the wind carrying the scent of soil and sweat, and the air thrummed with tension and anticipation. Rusak stood tall, his massive frame coiled with readiness. His mane-like hair was tied back, exposing the sharp determination in his predatory gaze. He was no stranger to battle, but today, he would test himself against the man who had brought him to the edge of death every day for a month.

That man in question stood a short distance away, his arms crossed, calm and composed. His golden eyes shimmered faintly, betraying no emotion, and his towering figure radiated a quiet, overwhelming pressure. Even with his relaxed stance, the difference between them was clear. He was a peak far above Rusak's reach, but Rusak was determined to climb regardless.

The silence was broken only by faint breeze until Lance finally spoke.

"Ready?"

Rusak gave a sharp nod. "Let's see what a month of hell gave me."

Without another word, he charged forward, the ground cracking beneath his feet from the force of his launch. His movements were faster now, sharper and more controlled. Gone was the raw, untamed aggression of before. Now he moved like a tamed beast, controlling that raw power in him to do his bidding.

Rusak came in low, feinting to the left before twisting into a wide arc with his fist aimed for Lance's ribs.

Thud!

Lance caught the strike effortlessly, his hand closing around Rusak's fist like a vice. Rusak's muscles flexed and strained, trying to overpower him, but Lance didn't budge. He raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his expression.

"You sure are faster," Lance said, pushing the fist aside and stepping around Rusak in a blur.

Rusak panicked a bit and reacted quickly, pivoting his body and already throwing an elbow at Lance's side. This time, it connected, but only barely. Lance had allowed it, letting the blow glance off his side with minimal effort. Rusak pressed the advantage, unleashing a flurry of clawed attacks and kicks.

Lance blocked and dodged with ease, never losing his relaxed demeanor. His footwork was perfect, like he was dancing through Rusak's assault. Rusak was clearly stronger, faster, and more enduring than before, but Lance, Lance was still untouchable.

Nevertheless, it wasn't something to dishearten Rusak, he wasn't expecting to overpower Lance in the first place.

After several exchanges, Lance stepped back. "Why don't we try that? "

Rusak didn't hesitate. He gathered mana into his limbs, a technique he had only recently begun mastering. His arms shimmered faintly with energy as he struck out again, this time with an upward strike that created a small shockwave as his claws tore through the air. Lance tilted his head, dodging it effortlessly, but nodded with a grin on his face.

"Better."

Once Rusak balanced, Lance suddenly moved, just a flicker of motion, and before understanding what had happened, Rusak's world turned upside down.

He barely saw the blow coming, only felt the wind rush past his face before Lance's leg swept him off his feet. He hit the ground hard but rolled to recover, already back on his feet, blood dripping from a shallow cut on his brow.

A smile cracked across his lips as his eyes sharpened, "I didn't even see that one."

Lance looked at him with a grin, and without further words, Rusak surged forward again, pouring everything into one last clash. This time, Lance didn't avoid the attack, but met it head on. Their fists met, Rusak's full power against Lance's seemingly casual strength, and the resulting shockwave pushed dirt and mist outward in an almost patterned circle. Rusak stumbled back, chest heaving.

He dropped to one knee.

"…You're still… way out of my reach," he muttered, panting.

Lance walked over slowly, standing over him before stretching his arm as he squatted a bit. "Maybe I went a bit overboard." He said, using his ability to bring Rusak back to full strength and health, healing his dislocated arm.

"Thanks."

Lance smiled. "You're far from where you were a month ago." He said.

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Rusak raised his head, his eyes burning with pride and frustration.

"I want more. I don't want to be left behind."

Lance held out a hand towards Rusak who was now sitting on the ground. Rusak stared at it for a moment, then took it, and Lance helped him to his feet.

"I can't believe you can still complain. As it is now, you should be the most powerful person in this nation of ours after myself. Besides, you won't be left behind," Lance said firmly. "As long as you keep that hunger alive."

They stood there, side by side, gazing out over the training field. "Second? Then what about Aelyndra? There's no way I'm stronger than her. You're not trying to flatter me, right?" Rusak asked with a gruff tone.

"Uhm, I said those of this nation… you don't think Aelyndra is part of this nation, do you?" Lance said a bit surprised.

"Well… I know she's a dragon and all, but if she's one of your spouse, doesn't that make her one of us?" Rusak asked confused, causing Lance to stare at him blankly.

"She's not my spouse… we don't have that kind of relationship…" He explained calmly.

"What? Are you playing a joke? How's that possible…"

.

They continued their discussion while making their way back to the city, the sun now high above them.

Rusak's clothes were mostly torn, but his spirit and will was stronger than ever. He knew now, without a doubt, how far he still had to go, but he also knew something else. He was no longer the same warrior as he was a month ago, and more than anything, he could feel it in himself... He was yet to hit his limit. He had glimpsed the mountaintop, and he intended to reach it, no matter how long it took.