The morning sun filtered through the thick curtains of Aldric's room, casting a soft golden light over his sleeping form. He stirred, the events of the previous night slowly coming back to him. As his eyes fluttered open, he couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. The power of Ashborn, the first Shadow Monarch, now coursed through his veins, a secret weapon that he would guard fiercely.
Aldric sat up in bed, stretching out his limbs. The memory of summoning the shadows, feeling their cold tendrils wrap around his fingers, was still fresh in his mind. But today was a new day, and there were more challenges ahead. He couldn't afford to be complacent, not with the path he had chosen.
His thoughts drifted to the lessons he had been taught since his rebirth. Mana cultivation was a fundamental aspect of power in this world. His father, a powerful dragon, and his mother, a demon of royal blood, had ensured that he understood the importance of cultivating mana from a young age. However, due to his young age, Aldric had yet to formally begin the process.
Today, that would change.
Aldric climbed out of bed, his mind set on the task ahead. He dressed quickly, donning a simple training outfit before making his way to the courtyard. The mansion was quiet, with most of the household still asleep or occupied with their morning routines. This was the perfect time to begin his training in earnest.
The courtyard was bathed in early morning light, the air cool and crisp. Aldric found a secluded spot beneath a large, ancient tree, its thick branches providing ample shade. He sat down cross-legged, closing his eyes to focus on his breathing. He needed to calm his mind, to center himself before attempting to draw in mana.
In the silence, Aldric recalled the basics of mana cultivation that his father had taught him. Mana was the lifeblood of this world, an invisible energy that permeated all things. To cultivate it, one needed to sense the flow of mana in the environment, draw it into the body, and refine it to strengthen both the body and spirit.
He took a deep breath, letting the cool morning air fill his lungs. Then, he began to focus inward, reaching out with his senses to feel the mana around him. At first, there was nothing—just the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves and the distant calls of birds. But slowly, he began to sense a faint presence, like a gentle current of energy flowing around him.
Aldric concentrated, willing himself to tap into that current. It was difficult at first, like trying to grasp water with his hands. But gradually, he felt the mana respond to his will, a trickle of energy seeping into his body. It was a strange sensation, like a cool liquid flowing through his veins, filling him with a subtle, yet undeniable power.
He continued to draw in mana, refining it within his body. The process was slow, but Aldric could feel the energy accumulating, strengthening his muscles, sharpening his senses. His mind became clearer, his body more attuned to the world around him.
Hours passed as Aldric remained in deep concentration, cultivating mana. The sun had risen higher in the sky, its warmth now a gentle comfort on his skin. Finally, he opened his eyes, exhaling a long, slow breath. He felt different—stronger, more alive. The mana he had absorbed was a small amount compared to what his parents likely wielded, but it was a start.
Satisfied with his progress, Aldric decided it was time to check the Sign-In System. He couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation as he mentally called upon the system.
**Sign-In System active. Would you like to proceed with today's sign-in?**
"Yes," Aldric responded immediately, his heart pounding with excitement. "Sign me in."
The system's response was swift.
**Sign-In Successful. Congratulations, Aldric. You have received the following reward:**
- **Book of Breathing Styles (Demon Slayer)**
Aldric's eyes widened as a book materialized in front of him, hovering in the air before gently settling into his hands. The cover was ornate, with intricate designs that seemed to shimmer with an inner light. The title was embossed in gold letters: **"Book of Breathing Styles."**
He opened the book with a mix of curiosity and excitement, flipping through the pages. Each one detailed a different breathing style, complete with illustrations and instructions. The techniques were unlike anything Aldric had ever seen before—each one designed to enhance the user's physical abilities and channel their inner energy in unique ways.
The breathing styles were categorized by elements: **Water Breathing, Flame Breathing, Thunder Breathing, Wind Breathing, Stone Breathing, and many more.** Each style had its own strengths and weaknesses, and the descriptions hinted at the incredible power that could be unleashed by mastering them.
Aldric's mind raced as he considered the possibilities. These breathing styles were not just techniques—they were a form of cultivation in their own right, a way to harness and control the body's energy to its fullest potential. Combined with his mana cultivation, these techniques could make him an even more formidable force.
He knew that mastering these breathing styles would take time and dedication, but the potential they offered was too great to ignore. Aldric closed the book, a determined look in his eyes. He would study these techniques, integrate them into his training, and use them to push his limits even further.
But for now, he needed to decide which style to focus on first. After a moment of contemplation, Aldric decided to start with **Water Breathing**. The fluid, adaptable nature of water resonated with him, and the techniques seemed to complement his current mana cultivation.
He reopened the book to the section on Water Breathing, studying the first form: **"Water Surface Slash."** The instructions were clear, detailing the precise breathing pattern and movements required to perform the technique. Aldric took a deep breath, focusing on the rhythm described in the book. He began to mimic the breathing pattern, feeling the flow of energy in his body shift as he did so.
The sensation was different from mana cultivation—more intense, more focused. It was as if the energy within him was being compressed, refined into a sharper, more potent form. Aldric practiced the breathing pattern over and over, gradually feeling more attuned to the technique.
When he felt ready, Aldric stood up, moving to an open area in the courtyard. He took a deep breath, centering himself, and then performed the movements of the Water Surface Slash. His body moved with fluid grace, the air around him seeming to ripple as he executed the technique.
A wave of energy surged through him, culminating in a powerful slash that seemed to cut through the air itself. Aldric was stunned by the force behind the attack—it was far more powerful than he had expected. He could feel the energy still resonating in his body, a testament to the effectiveness of the breathing style.
A smile spread across his face as he realized the potential of what he had just unlocked. With the combination of mana cultivation and these breathing styles, his path to power had just become even clearer.
Determined to master Water Breathing, Aldric decided to push himself further. He spent the next several hours in relentless practice, repeating the movements of the first form until they became second nature. The more he trained, the more he could feel his control over mana improving, as if the breathing style was enhancing his ability to manipulate the energy within him.
As the day wore on, Aldric transitioned to practicing other forms from the Water Breathing technique. Each form required a different breathing pattern and set of movements, but they all shared the same fluid, adaptable nature. The second form, **"Water Wheel,"** involved a spinning, circular slash that seemed to generate a vortex of energy around him. The third form, **"Flowing Dance,"** was a series of continuous slashes that flowed together seamlessly, allowing for rapid, multi-directional attacks.
By late afternoon, Aldric had worked through the first five forms of Water Breathing. His body ached from the exertion, but he could feel the results of his efforts. His movements were faster, more precise, and his control over mana had grown significantly. He could now channel his mana into the techniques with ease, amplifying their power beyond what a normal practitioner could achieve.
However, Aldric knew that mastering these techniques was only the beginning. To truly integrate the breathing styles into his overall cultivation, he needed to practice combining them with his mana techniques. This would require him to refine his control over both his physical movements and his internal energy, ensuring that they worked in harmony.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Aldric finally allowed himself a break. He collapsed onto the soft grass, breathing heavily. The sky above was a deep shade of violet, the first stars beginning to twinkle in the growing darkness. He stared up at them, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction with the progress he had made.
After a few moments of rest, Aldric stood up, stretching out his sore muscles. Despite the fatigue, he felt invigorated. He knew that this was just the beginning of his journey, but the thought of what lay ahead filled him with excitement.
As he made his way back to the mansion, the cool evening air brushing against his skin, Aldric couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the future. The world was vast, and there were countless challenges and opportunities waiting for him. But with the Sign-In System and his growing mastery of mana and breathing styles, he felt ready to face whatever came his way.