"What is it?" Helag opened the door to see Old Henry, with a young man in heavy armor standing behind him.
Helag recognized him as Knight Emil, the captain of the castle's guard.
This was a significant figure in the castle, and it seemed he had business with Helag.
"Are you Helag?" Emil asked, looking him up and down.
"Yes, Sir Emil," Helag replied honestly.
"Deep Blue, scan Emil's body data."
[
Emil:
Strength 2.1
Agility 1.6
Constitution 2.2
Spirit 1.1
containing unknown energy.
]
For the first time, Helag had a direct understanding of a knight's strength.
Although Emil's stats seemed only slightly higher than his, in actual combat, it would be a comprehensive enhancement.
An increase of one point in strength could mean a tenfold increase in combat ability, a completely different concept.
Emil also had some unknown energy within him, which Helag guessed was the knight's power.
Including this unknown energy, the combat capability would be significantly higher.
"I heard your archery is good. Show me," Emil said straightforwardly.
Old Henry gave an encouraging look from the side. Helag didn't hesitate and immediately went inside to fetch his longbow.
Emil looked around and pointed to a tall pine tree in the distance, "Can you shoot down the highest pine cone?"
"Yes, I can," Helag said confidently.
"Begin," Emil ordered.
Helag drew the longbow and activated the aim assist.
Now that he had enough strength, the longbow was fully drawn.
With a whoosh, the pine cone fell to the ground.
Emil nodded in satisfaction, "It seems you are a natural marksman. You qualify to join the guard. Follow me to the training ground."
Helag clearly had no choice but to follow Emil, while Old Henry grinned widely.
***
The castle's training ground was a spacious, flat area. It was training time, and many guards were practicing.
Emil's presence drew attention, but no one dared to ask questions. They continued training, even more diligently.
Emil led Helag to an open space and turned to him, "Helag, do you know why knights are strong?"
Helag didn't know and shook his head.
"Because of the breathing technique," Emil said solemnly.
"Breathing technique?" Helag heard this term for the first time.
"Yes, the breathing technique allows us to harness and utilize the hidden power within our bodies. Through years of practicing the breathing technique, we can not only strengthen our bodies but also potentially awaken the life seed. Those who awaken the life seed can be called knights."
"Can I awaken the life seed?" Helag asked.
"Not necessarily. Only a few lucky ones have this potential. Most people can never become knights," Emil explained.
He looked at Helag and continued, "You have a talent for archery. I will teach you the Earth Breathing Technique. I hope you can grow quickly and serve the baron."
"Thank you, Sir Emil, and thanks to the baron," Helag said, performing a standard loyalty salute with his right fist on his chest. He was good at these formalities.
"Remember, you owe everything to the baron," Emil said, satisfied with Helag's attitude.
"Deep Blue, record all of Emil's actions, especially related to the Earth Breathing Technique," Helag commanded mentally.
[Recording started.]
Emil began teaching the Earth Breathing Technique, "Breathing is natural to everyone. The Earth Breathing Technique has a unique rhythm that generates a flow of energy within your body. This energy follows a specific path, gradually strengthening your muscles and bones…"
[Earth Breathing Technique recorded.]
After explaining the key points, Emil said, "Try it."
The Earth Breathing Technique involved many strange movements combined with a unique breathing rhythm. It was difficult for beginners to perform the movements correctly and grasp the breathing rhythm.
"Deep Blue, assist with practicing the Earth Breathing Technique."
Deep Blue quickly projected each movement in front of Helag. He began mimicking the first movement.
[Right hand up by one centimeter, left hand down by half a centimeter.]
After completing the first movement, Deep Blue corrected his posture and provided precise adjustments.
Helag adjusted his movements according to the chip's instructions.
Emil watched with some surprise and admiration but said nothing.
The Earth Breathing Technique had fifteen movements, each difficult.
With the chip's assistance, Helag struggled to complete the entire set, feeling exhausted and barely able to stand.
[Effective training detected. Repeating this set of movements 100 times can increase strength by 0.2, agility by 0.5, and constitution by 0.3]
"One hundred times doesn't seem like much," Helag thought, feeling motivated by the chip's prompt.
Persistence was easier when progress was visible. Helag felt highly motivated with immediate feedback.
Emil remained silent throughout the process. After Helag completed one round of the Earth Breathing Technique, he said, "You have talent! I will keep an eye on you."
Busy with his duties, Emil instructed Helag to continue practicing and left.
"Deep Blue, how long to complete 100 sessions?"
[Based on current physical condition, you can practice twice a day. After seven days, your body will adapt, allowing six to seven sessions per day. Estimated completion in 23 days.]
This progress was faster than Helag expected.
***
After that day, Helag's status changed.
He went from a lowly servant to a castle guard, earning five silver coins a month, along with armor and a longsword.
His meals upgraded to two per day, with meat every three days. However, this wasn't crucial for Helag, as he could hunt for meat.
Emil valued him highly, exempting him from duties to focus on practicing the Earth Breathing Technique.
Helag hunted in the forest daily and practiced the Earth Breathing Technique, repeating this routine.
Twenty days later.
[
First Stage of the Earth Breathing Technique completed.
Current status:
Strength 1.6
Agility 1.1
Constitution 1.7
Spirit 1.2
]
[Second Stage of the Earth Breathing Technique can begin. Repeating 1,000 times can increase strength by 0.4, agility by 0.5, and constitution by 0.5]
Helag smiled at the chip's prompt, pleased that his efforts had paid off.
His days were fulfilling, hunting, practicing, eating, and sleeping. Tomorrow, he would start a new course, as Emil would teach him swordsmanship.
Helag had a strong physique but lacked effective combat skills. Archery was only useful for long-range combat.
In this era of cold weapons, close combat was more common.