Heretic Trainer: The Gym Is My Cultivation Method-Chapter 423: One-On-One With The Lizard

Navrel did not waste another second.

The black dragon spread its massive wings fully and roared. Dark energy exploded outward from its body.

"[Demonic Dragon Domain]."

The cavern shook.

A heavy wave of demonic pressure slammed into the walls and ceiling.

Black energy flooded the chamber, forming a dark sphere that swallowed everything inside.

The air turned thick. Hard to breathe.

Clara staggered half a step. "Ugh... this pressure..."

Eliza’s knees bent slightly, but she stabilized quickly. Her face remained calm, though her fingers tightened.

Within the domain, Navrel’s body grew sharper and more solid.

The cracks between its scales glowed red, and its claws lengthened.

"My power rises," Navrel said smoothly. "And all other creatures weaken."

The dark energy pressed down on Dahlia’s shoulders, trying to force her down.

Dahlia didn’t move, but instead she smirked. "So you start with this, huh?"

She stepped forward into the pressure, her boots cracking the stone beneath her. "Then let me show you mine."

A bright aura burst from her body. "[Sky Dragon Domain]."

Blue-gold energy surged outward from Dahlia, pushing against the demonic darkness.

The cavern was split into two forces, black and gold colliding in the center.

Her domain expanded around her like a storm in the sky.

The pressure around Clara and Eliza eased slightly as Dahlia’s energy stabilized the space around them.

But something felt strange. Navrel’s body did not slow. The dragon tilted its head slightly.

"Interesting," Navrel said. "My domain does not weaken you."

Dahlia narrowed her eyes. "You also seem unaffected."

The two forces continued clashing, neither side suppressing the other.

Navrel’s lips curled. "To think a human could resist my domain."

Dahlia rolled her neck once. "Don’t underestimate me."

She stopped holding back. Her body shifted.

Scales formed along her arms. Her height increased slightly. Horns curved from her head. Her eyes glowed brighter.

She transformed into her humanoid Sky Dragon form.

The ground beneath her cracked wider.

Clara stared in admiration. "Okay... that’s still cool every time."

Eliza’s gaze sharpened. "His aura is rising again."

Navrel’s red eyes gleamed with hunger.

"Impressive," the dragon said. "If I consume you, I will grow far stronger."

Dahlia flexed her clawed fingers.

"Then try."

The two domains clashed harder, energy cracking the stone ceiling.

Dahlia suddenly turned her head slightly. "Eliza. Clara."

Clara blinked. "What?"

"Return."

Clara frowned immediately. "What? We can fight."

Dahlia’s eyes stayed forward on Navrel. "This is beyond pirate level."

Her voice was firm now. "Tell the others. Tell Elder Rachel."

Eliza nodded instantly. She understood.

Clara hesitated for half a second, then clicked her tongue. "Fine."

Navrel laughed. "Sending them away already?"

Dahlia didn’t respond.

Clara grabbed Eliza’s arm lightly. "Let’s go."

Navrel watched them leave but did not move.

"Brave," the dragon said softly. "Facing me alone."

Dahlia lifted her chin. "I don’t need backup."

Her domain surged again.

It was truly one-on-one now.

---

Clara and Eliza didn’t slow down once they left the hidden island.

The moment Dahlia told them to return, they moved without hesitation.

Their bodies cut through the sea like arrows, arms steady, and breathing controlled.

Waves splashed against their shoulders, but neither complained.

Clara gritted her teeth as they swam.

"This is not the time to joke," she muttered. "A demonic dragon... seriously."

Eliza didn’t answer. Her expression was calm, but her eyes were sharp.

"We cannot waste time," she said quietly. "If the dragon stabilizes fully, it will expand its domain."

Clara nodded and pushed harder.

When they reached the docks of Muscle God Island, they didn’t even dry themselves properly.

Water dripped from their clothes as they ran straight through the training grounds.

Several disciples paused mid-rep.

"Senior Sister Clara?"

"What happened?"

Clara didn’t stop. "Move."

They went straight to Rachel’s office.

Clara pushed the door open without knocking.

Rachel was inside, reviewing scrolls. She looked up immediately.

"What happened?" she asked calmly. "Aren’t you two supposed to be at the pirate base? Have you destroyed it?"

Clara shook her head quickly, still catching her breath. "No. Something much worse happened."

Eliza stepped forward.

"A Draconia member awakened a demonic dragon," she said clearly. "It was sealed on a hidden island within our waters."

Rachel’s eyes sharpened slightly. "A demonic dragon?"

Clara nodded fast. "Yes. And now it’s active. It declared it wants to destroy God Gym."

Rachel’s gaze shifted between them. "And Dahlia?"

Clara swallowed. "She’s facing it."

Silence filled the room for a brief second.

Eliza added quietly, "The dragon is strong. It used a domain."

Rachel slowly placed the scroll down. "I see."

Her tone remained gentle. "Don’t worry."

Clara blinked. "Don’t worry?"

Rachel stood up calmly. "Rest first."

Clara stared at her in disbelief. "But it’s a demonic dragon."

Rachel smiled softly. "I know."

She walked closer to them and placed a warm hand on Clara’s shoulder. "But your Senior Sister is stronger than you think."

Clara frowned slightly.

"You’ve never seen her full power."

Eliza watched Rachel carefully.

Rachel’s smile remained calm, but her eyes were no longer soft.

"To think Draconia would use demonic power," she said quietly. "They are truly desperate."

She turned toward the window, looking in the direction of the sea. "This will become very interesting."

Clara shifted uncomfortably. "So... we’re not going?"

Rachel’s smile remained gentle. "No need for now."

Clara frowned slightly. "But it’s a demonic dragon."

Rachel looked at her calmly.

"If Dahlia truly needs me," she said softly, "I will go there myself."

Her tone was not loud, but it carried certainty.

"For now, you two rest."

Clara opened her mouth as if to argue, then closed it. She glanced at Eliza.

Eliza gave a small nod. "Understood."

Clara let out a slow breath. "Fine. But if something explodes, I’m blaming Senior Sister."

Rachel chuckled quietly. "Go."

The two of them bowed slightly and left the room, closing the door behind them.

The office fell silent.

Rachel stood still for a moment, her eyes still on the distant sea.

Her smile slowly changed. "Using demonic power inside our waters..."

Her eyes sharpened slightly. "I really did just get a good idea."

She turned away from the window and walked toward the door. "If this plays out correctly..."

Her aura flickered faintly, warm but firm. "This will be very interesting."

She opened the door and stepped out of her office.