Teaching Lan Xin

Reke had already worked out how to train Lan Xin.

In the Dragon Ball world, there was no better way to build a solid foundation than Master Roshi's training philosophy.

Even Reke had always trained according to Master Roshi's methods.

"Rest well, eat well, study well, and train well." These four golden rules had also turned Kakarot into the strongest warrior in the universe.

Reke couldn't ignore such a great method and try to figure things out on his own.

Although Reke had no intention of going to school in this life, he hadn't been idle lately.

He had collected many of the planet's training philosophies and methods, constantly studying and absorbing them, and making other people's knowledge his own.

The next day, while Reke was in the courtyard contemplating ki, Pat arrived with Uti and her son.

As soon as they met, Lan Xin's mother pulled him down to his knees before Reke.

"Benefactor, thank you. We'll spend our whole lives repaying your kindness."

Reke blurred out of sight and reappeared beside the mother and son, supporting them before they could kneel.

He still couldn't get used to people kneeling before him. It made him feel awkward.

"Don't kneel. From now on, you'll take care of our daily needs and meals, while Lan Xin trains with me. I don't like people kneeling to me."

"Th-this..." Lan Xin's mother stood there at a loss. All she knew was how to kneel and kowtow to show her gratitude. Now that Reke had stopped her, she didn't know what to do.

Seeing how ill at ease Uti was, Reke smiled and said, "I eat a lot. I can go through enough food for fifty people in one meal. If you really want to thank me, just make me plenty of tasty food from now on."

"Of course, of course. I'll do my best."

"I don't know what to call you yet."

"My name is Uti."

Reke finally took a good look at Uti and nodded to himself. At least she didn't look like she had three months ago.

"Then go tidy up your place today. Lan Xin starts training with me tomorrow, so prepare yourself."

"Yes, Master," Lan Xin said respectfully.

"Don't call me Master. From now on, call me Brother Lei."

"Go on, go on! No need to waste words. From now on, what I say goes. No arguments."

Reke could tell Lan Xin was about to say something, so he didn't give them the chance and sent them on their way.

"Four-Eyes, help me hire a private tutor tomorrow."

"Hm?" Pat nodded automatically, then wondered if he'd heard Reke correctly and stared at him in surprise.

"A private tutor? Is there any use in studying that stuff?" Pat asked, puzzled.

"My god! Don't tell me your whole adventurer group is illiterate?"

Reke covered his forehead, looking exasperated.

"Here, we teach them how to fight and pass on our experience with missions. We also teach them how to read and do basic arithmetic."

Relieved to learn they weren't completely illiterate, Reke felt a little better.

He understood them, too. That was just how their society worked.

People in their line of work were always in danger. Before they learned to cultivate ki, their combat strength came from building up their bodies. They either had to wait for their bodies to mature or strengthen them through training.

Physical training took up most of their time. How could they find time to study?

Although Reke had already taught them how to cultivate ki, it had been too short a time for them to understand the importance of the mind.

Reading could not only make them wiser, but also teach them how to purify their hearts.

Even if Reke told them now, their many years of experience would make it hard to change their ways. They would have to realize it for themselves.

So Reke couldn't be bothered to say more. Children were the easiest to shape.

"Fine, fine. I suggest you find a teacher to properly educate the children in your adventurer group, too," Reke said sternly.

Pat left with questions still on his mind. He didn't know why Reke had said that, but he decided to give it a try anyway. It wouldn't cost much.

"Delicious! Uti, you're a great cook! Don't just sit there—eat!" Reke tipped a whole plate of meatballs into his mouth. As he chewed, he urged them to eat.

Reke was very pleased with Uti's cooking. She was just a little too frugal; she still hadn't made nearly enough food.

The way Reke ate left Lan Xin and his mother dumbfounded. At that rate, there might be nothing left if they didn't pick up their chopsticks soon.

"Lan Xin, let me tell you this first: if you don't eat your fill today, you might die during training tomorrow."

Seeing how hesitant they were, Reke made an exaggerated remark and then left them to it, turning his attention back to the food.

The two of them didn't dare delay any longer. Uti especially kept piling food onto Lan Xin's plate, afraid that if he didn't eat enough today, he'd die tomorrow.

After returning, Pat announced that they would find a teacher for the children.

The older members took it well enough, since they wouldn't have to attend classes. Still, they were full of questions, wondering what their boss was up to.

The children in the group were another matter. Wails rang out, and some of them even banded together to protest to their boss.

Unfortunately, it did them no good. Pat crushed every protest, putting an end to their hopes and making it clear he was determined to go through with it.

"Clunk. Put these on."

Reke tossed the weighted gear he'd had made onto the ground and spoke to Lan Xin.

Lan Xin looked at the gear without saying a word, then bent down to pick it up.

The moment he lifted it, he felt its weight drag him down. He pitched forward, stepped out with his right foot to steady himself, and braced his whole body as he struggled to put it on. Then he looked up at Reke, who was hovering in the air.

"Run. Keep up with me."

Reke floated off at a speed just slightly faster than Lan Xin's limit.

Lan Xin struggled to take a step, his eyes fixed on Reke. He didn't care whether his body could take it.

Only one thought remained in his mind: I have to keep up.

Lan Xin's willpower was remarkable. Though life hadn't given him a strong body, it had given him a steadfast spirit.

For Lan Xin, this period felt like a dream. Not only had his mother's illness been cured, but he no longer had to scavenge through garbage.

He had eaten many things he'd never tried before, put on new clothes, and slept in a soft bed.

Everything he had was thanks to the boy in front of him. He didn't know what training was, but he didn't care. All he knew was that he had to complete Reke's tasks.

He didn't want to wake from this beautiful dream. He had made up his mind back at the hospital: he would keep this dreamlike life going, no matter what.

As he'd arranged with the others, Reke took Lan Xin to collect the milk, then began delivering it door to door.

After they finished, he took him to a construction site, paying no mind to Lan Xin's unsteady body.

He didn't urge him on, either. He wanted to see whether Lan Xin would push himself without being told.

Lan Xin didn't know how many times he fell to the ground, or how many injuries he suffered. He only knew that he had to get back up.

And so Lan Xin kept repeating the same movements, falling and getting back up.