Then everyone stopped and looked at me, even Nicola. But she momentarily recovered and kept on running. So did I. As I continued I clearly felt the roar's effects. I was no longer tired. I was full of energy. And most of all I felt so much gratitude toward dad. There were 20 meters left. 10. Both of us were at the same level now. 5. Why are we still at the same level? I realized. She too had increased her speed. 3. 2. 1. And we both finished at the same time.
Right after we passed the 500-mile point both of us collapsed.
I tried my best to keep my consciousness but my eyelids were too heavy. It seemed as though the side effects of the dragon's roar were rather dire when it was used for the first time.
Right before I passed out I caught Nicola's eye. A second later, I blacked out.