As Seren awoke, he felt a newfound strength coursing through his body, a result of the hidden mission's reward. His muscles felt more defined, his senses sharper. The anticipation of delving into the breathing technique filled him with excitement. "Finally," he thought, "I can start to develop like the heroes in the isekai novels I've read."
The breathing technique, "Chimera's Breath," was more than just a method of cultivation. It required focus and discipline. Seren recalled teachings from novels where Qi was harnessed through controlled breathing and meditation.
"Focus on the energy," Seren told himself. "Feel it inside and outside, like a river flowing through your body." He closed his eyes, taking deep, measured breaths. The energy around him seemed to pulse in rhythm with his heart, a subtle force he could almost grasp.
As he practiced, Seren visualized the energy converging into his body, circulating through his muscles and bones. He imagined it as a network of pathways, each leading to a node that needed unlocking.
"Start with the first node," he thought. "In the palm of your right hand." Seren concentrated, directing the energy to flow towards his hand. It was a slow process, requiring patience and precision.
After what felt like hours, he felt a subtle shift, a tingling sensation in his palm. A system message popped up: " Physical Talent Activated: Breathing Technique: Chimera's Breath Level 0: Experience 3/100."
Seren smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. He had taken the first step on his journey of cultivation. Exhausted but satisfied, he noted everything in he's virtual block note, satisfied he fell into a deep sleep.
At 5:30 in the morning, Lyra, the little elf, woke Seren up. "Time to eat and head to the coliseum," she chirped.
As they walked, Seren noticed something different about Lyra. She seemed more real, more vibrant than the others. "Why does she feel different?" he wondered. But he dismissed the thought, focusing on the day ahead.
Arriving at the coliseum, Lyra waved goodbye. Seren entered the massive structure, its grandeur reminiscent of an ancient football stadium. The coliseum was old and crumbling, yet it held an air of majesty.
General Kael greeted him with a hearty laugh. "Welcome, kid. Be ready "hell is opening a special session for you today."
Seren gulped, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.
The general led him to the first area, describing it to him as a gravity field designed to enhance physical strength. "This area has multiple gravity levels," Kael explained."
Seren's scientific mind kicked in. "Gravity manipulation," he mused. "Similar to the training in Dragon Ball Z. This could be a game-changer."
The second area was filled with mechanical dolls, each unique in design. "This area is designed for Martial-arm and perception training," Kael said. "You'll face humanoid, animal-like, and multi-armed dolls in a real battel session."
Seren's curiosity piqued. "Mechanical constructs for training," he thought. "Ingenious. I wonder how they simulate real combat."
Kael stopped, turning to Seren. "Areas three and four aren't important for you now. Focus on one and two. Once you've mastered them, we'll move on."
Seren nodded, absorbing the information. "Focus on the basics," he reminded himself. "Build a strong foundation."
"Let's start with gravity times two," Kael announced. "Push-ups, squats, or run around the area. Let's see how you handle it."
To Kael's surprise, Seren moved fluidly, running and doing push-ups with ease. "The old general must be kidding," Seren thought, feeling confident.
Kael, surprised by Seren's performance, increased the gravity to times five. Seren was pushed to the ground, struggling to move. Kael laughed, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "This is where the real work begins. You have until midday to familiarize yourself. No eating if you can't."
Desperation set in as Seren realized his current stats allowed him to move in gravity times two, but not five. He tried for an hour, exhausted and unable to move an inch.
An idea sparked in Seren's mind. "Why not circulate Ki through my body to activate the second node?" he thought. At first, he failed, but he reminded himself, "Don't haste. Concentrate."
He practiced, focusing on the energy flow, until he saw a +1 experience notification. Encouraged, Seren continued, and more pop-ups appeared until he activated the second node in his left palm. "Yes, that's the work," Seren told himself. He looked to his statues window: Breathing Technique : Chimera's Breath Level 0: Experience 15/100."
Seren told himself "mmmm activating the second node doesn't level up the breathing technic…"
He tried to move and succeeded but couldn't stand. "Breathing technique is different from physical training," he reminded himself. "Let's start with push-ups."
The hardship of attempting 25 push-ups was immense. Sweat poured down his face as he struggled, failing multiple times before finally succeeding just before midday. The general observed Seren and remarked, "Hmm, breathing technique. This kid is cunning."
"Okay, it's time to eat," Kael said, deactivating the gravity field and bringing Seren water and dried meat. After a 20-minute pause, Kael announced, "Training is waiting. Let's go."
Seren returned to the field with renewed determination. With strong willpower, he managed to walk, albeit with difficulty, and began slow squats and push-ups. The success intoxicated him with happiness.
As the day wore on, Seren pushed himself to his limits, determined to adapt to the increased gravity. The training was grueling, but each small victory fueled his resolve. By 20:00, he had completed the day's regimen, his body aching but his spirit unbroken.
Dragging his feet, Seren made his way to his room in the coliseum. "From now on, you'll be living here," Kael informed him, handing him a week's ration before leaving.
Seren lay on his bed, exhausted but content, he noted everything in he's virtual block note, he didn't even have time to look to his statues that he fell into a deep sleep.