The training field was filled with silence, a stark contrast to the flurry of movement , moments before.
Sweat beaded on Vedik's brow as he laid on the cool grass, his chest was heaving with exertion. Shame burned hotter than the exhaustion in his muscles. His overconfidence has been put down.
William approached him, his expression unreadable. Vedik braced himself for another harsh lesson, but William knelt beside him instead, and offered him a glass of water.
"Here," William said, his voice calm. "Drink."
Vedik accepted the glass of water gratefully, taking a long, deep gulp. As the cool liquid refreshed him, he met his father's gaze. William's eyes held a mixture of disappointment and a hint of understanding.
"You fought well, Vedik," William began. "Your strength and control have improved tremendously. While fighting you even enhanced your wrist with Mana , I think you have reached the intermediate level of Mortal Qi .
But…" he paused, letting the silence hang heavy.
Vedik felt a pang of dread. "But what, Dad?"
William continued ,"But because you used your mana too inefficiently , you also exhausted your mana reserves too quickly,"
William also stated bluntly. "Your attacks lacked sustained power, and your movements became sloppy towards the end."
Vedik hung his head, a wave of frustration washing over him. "I… I thought I was using it efficiently," he mumbled.
William sighed there's much you need to learn about mana, son. Every warrior and sorcerer relies on it. It's the fuel that powers our abilities."
William gestured towards the sky. "Did you know that even the air we breathe contains mana?"
Vedik looked up at the endless blue sky, his confusion evident. "It does?"
"Yes," William confirmed. "But the amount is very minuscule".
Then how do we access more?" Vedik asked, a spark of curiosity igniting within him.
A hint of a smile played on William's lips. "That's where techniques like Mana Breathing comes in."
William rose and started explaining, his voice growing serious. "Mana Breathing is an advanced technique that allows us to draw in significantly more mana from the surrounding environment through Breathing.
It's a controlled form of absorption, which involves channeling the raw mana into our bodies and refining it for use."
Vedik sat up, his interest piqued. "That sounds… incredible! How do I learn it?"
"Hold on there, young warrior," William chuckled. "It's not that simple. Mana Breathing is a demanding technique.
While it allows for a significant boost in power, it puts a substantial strain on the body. A beginner attempting it risks mana overload, leading to severe injuries or even death."
Vedik's initial enthusiasm tempered by caution. "So, there's a risk involved?"
There's always a risk with power, Vedik," William stated. "The key is learning to manage it. Mana Breathing requires immense focus and control. You need to regulate the flow of mana and ensure your body can handle the strain."
William walked back and sat beside Vedik. "But it can be an invaluable tool at the time of fighting. Imagine having constant power of mana at your disposal.
"What if I can't handle the strain?" Vedik asked, a sliver of fear creeping into his voice.
William placed a hand on Vedik's shoulder and said "We'll start slow, Vedik. We'll build your body's endurance, teach you proper breathing techniques, and gradually introduce you to Mana Breathing.
It will be a long journey, but with dedication and discipline, you can master it."
Over the next few weeks, Vedik's training regime underwent a significant shift. The focus moved from brute force exercises to more controlled movements that emphasized breathwork and body awareness.
William introduced him to meditative techniques that helped him develop an inner focus, a crucial aspect of Mana Breathing.
The training sessions were gruesome. Days started with long controlled breathing exercises, each breath a deliberate attempt to draw in the faint traces of mana from the air. William constantly monitored Vedik, ensuring he didn't push himself too far.
The progress was slow, almost imperceptible. But with each passing day, Vedik felt a subtle change. His breathing became deeper . He started to feel a faint tingling sensation within him, a response to the miniscule amount of mana he was drawing in.
One afternoon, as they practiced under the shade of a large oak tree, William announced, "Today, we attempt the first step of Mana Breathing."
Despite the weeks of preparation, the prospect of attempting Mana Breathing sent a nervous knot tightening in Vedik's stomach. William, sensing his tension, placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, son," William said, his voice calm and reassuring. "Remember, start slow. Feel the air around you, not just with your lungs, but with your entire being.
Imagine the mana as tiny particles, swirling in the air. With each breath, draw them in, filter them through your body, and let them settle within your Qi core."
Vedik closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing. He emptied his lungs completely, feeling a slight emptiness within.
He then inhaled deeply, slowly, picturing the mana particles swirling around him. It felt like a futile attempt at first, but then, a faint tingling sensation spread through his body. It was subtle, barely there, but it was undeniably present.
He exhaled slowly, focusing on channeling the tiny amount of mana through his core.
It was a delicate process, like balancing a feather on a strong wind. But with each breath, the tingling sensation intensified, a dull warmth blossoming in his core.
Suddenly, a sharp pain lanced through his head, making him gasp for air. The warmth sensation transformed into a burning ache. He stumbled back, fear and pain gripping him.
William, who had been observing him intently, rushed forward and caught him before he could fall. "Easy there, Vedik," he said, his voice firm yet gentle. "You overdid it. Remember, slow and controlled."
Vedik lay on the ground, his head throbbing, his body trembling. It was a stark reminder of the consequences of pushing his limits. Disappointment
could be seen on Vedik's face.
Don't be discouraged, son," William said, helping him sit up. "Everyone experiences setbacks during this process. It takes time, practice, and above all, discipline. You did well in your first attempt. Now, let's rest, and try again tomorrow."