Fight the war? But for what? For what reason should I fight? Noctis thought. These are not my people, this is not my world. I was thrown into this dying world by some higher being, and I don't even know if I would get a second chance or not.
As the realization settles, Noctis's mind races with possibilities. He glances around, ensuring no one has noticed his eavesdropping. His eyes dart nervously, trying to calm the storm inside him. He doesn't want people to think he's just a crazy kid lost in delusions. Yet, his face betrays him—shifting from anger to a grin, then to a thoughtful expression, before settling on a small, determined smile.
Just then, an elderly man walks by, pausing to look at Noctis with a mix of confusion and worry. Noctis catches the glance and quickly composes himself, brushing it off with a casual shrug.
Noctis taps his chin thoughtfully, a small smile playing on his lips. Yes that should be it "For my own freedom, for starters. And maybe... just maybe, I could help others like Arthur someday. Wouldn't that be something?" Why, you may ask? Why should he help and not just mind his own business? The answer is simple—since he's already here and doesn't know if he'll get another chance at life, he might as well save this world if he has to live in it.
With a new sense of purpose, Noctis begins to move away from the pub, his steps light and careful.
He weaves through the thinning crowd, keeping his head down. "First things first," he thinks. "I need to get out of the city. Can't exactly practice mana core creation and physical training here without raising suspicions."
As he approaches the city gates, Noctis notices the guards lounging lazily at their posts.
Noctis casually strolls past, blending in with a group of merchants. "Thank you, overworked and underpaid city guards. Your lack of enthusiasm is my gain."
Once outside the city walls, Noctis finds a secluded spot near the forest beside Eistin city to catch his breath and gather his thoughts.
He sits cross-legged on the grass, closing his eyes in concentration. "Now, about those breathing techniques... Fire and Thunder Breathing. What if I combined them?"
Memories of the techniques flood Noctis's mind, their purpose and mechanics becoming clearer.
His eyes snap open, a look of realization spreading across his face. "Of course! The elements were just visualizations for the Demon Slayers. But here, with real mana... the possibilities are endless!"
Excitement bubbles within Noctis as he considers the potential of merging these techniques with elemental magic.
He stands up, a determined glint in his eye. "Fire and lightning... that's plasma, isn't it? But let's call it Blaze Breathing." A hybrid Breathing Style that merges Thunder Breathing's speed and reaction time with Flame Breathing's raw power and destructive strikes. It emphasizes overwhelming opponents with blinding speed while delivering devastating, singular blows that leave no chance for retaliation.
Forms (Techniques): First Form: Scorching Flash Strike - A lightning-quick, forward dash ending in a single flaming slash that leaves a trail of fire and burns the target on impact. Perfect for closing distances rapidly. Second Form: Thunderflame Barrage - A rapid succession of strikes infused with flame and lightning, creating explosive impacts with every blow. It overwhelms opponents with relentless force. Third Form: Crackling Inferno Arc - A wide, arcing slash that combines speed and destructive force, generating a wave of fire and electricity to scorch enemies in a wide radius. Fourth Form: Blazing Thunderclap - A high-speed dash followed by a thunderous downward strike, causing the flames to explode upon impact and leave a smoldering crater. Fifth Form: Heavenly Blaze Strike - The user channels all their strength into a single, precise thrust imbued with blazing fire and lightning energy, creating an eruption that incinerates everything in its path. Final Form: Divine Flame Tempest - The ultimate technique. The user spins at blinding speed, generating a vortex of flame and lightning around them before releasing it in a wide burst, engulfing the battlefield in a blazing storm.
As the sun begins to set, Noctis makes his way back to the city, his mind whirling with ideas.
He slinks through the shadows, eyeing a nearby fruit stand. "Sorry, but a growing mage needs his strength. I'll pay you back someday, I swear."
With practiced ease, Noctis swipes an apple and a chunk of bread before disappearing into an alley.
He takes a big bite of the apple, savoring its sweetness. "Now, to find that rooftop again. Time to put theory into practice."
As night falls, Noctis settles onto his chosen rooftop, the city sprawling below him.
He closes his eyes, focusing on his breathing. Slow inhale, like gathering fire... Quick inhale, drawing in lightning...
Noctis begins to experiment with the Blaze Breathing technique, alternating between slow, controlled breaths and quick, sharp ones.
His body begins to tingle with energy as he exhales. Slow and burning like flames... then fast and striking like lightning...
As he continues the exercise, Noctis feels a surge of power coursing through his veins.
His eyes flutter open, a faint glow emanating from his skin. "Is this... mana? No, not quite. Is it something like physical energy or my stamina? I mean breathing techniques increase oxygen levels in the body. But it's something. A start."
Encouraged by his progress, Noctis pushes himself further into the night, determined to master this new technique.
He pauses for a moment, gazing up at the stars. "One step at a time. First Blaze Breathing, then a mana core. And after that..."
As dawn breaks, Noctis stirs from his slumber on the rooftop, the first rays of sunlight warming his face.
He sits up, crossing his legs into a meditative pose. "Alright, let's do this. Blaze Breathing and then mana core formation, here we go."
Noctis closes his eyes, focusing intently on his breathing technique.
His chest rises and falls in a controlled rhythm. "In through the nose, out through the mouth. Feel the energy or the mana particles..."
Hours pass as he maintains his focus, the sun climbing higher in the sky.
Why practice mana core creation with creating technique? Because breathing techniques also increase mental fortitude and focus, like those who have used Total Concentration Breathing. Enhanced stamina, speed, and strength result from mastery, pushing Noctis toward his goals.
His eyes snap open, a faint glow emanating from his chest. "Is that... Did I just...? One percent down, ninety-nine to go! Mana core formation."
Exhilarated by his progress, Noctis springs to his feet, ready for the next phase of his training.
He begins a series of push-ups, his breathing steady and controlled. "One hundred push-ups, just like Saitama. Let's see if this world's physics are as forgiving."
As the day wears on, Noctis pushes through sit-ups, squats, and a long run around the city.
He collapses onto the rooftop, chest heaving. "Okay... maybe... not quite... Saitama level... yet..."
After a brief rest, Noctis heads out to the market, his stomach growling insistently.
He swiftly pockets an apple and a chunk of bread. "I promise I'll pay it all back someday. Maybe I'll save the world and call it even."
As the sun begins to set, Noctis returns to his rooftop, ready to continue his grueling routine.
Yes, like some of u might think—why is he training here? Wasn't he going to go near the forest outside of the city? Well, the first time he went, he immediately realized that he can't survive outside without strength after he encountered a poisonous snake and a wild boar bigger than any on earth.
Noctis settles into his meditation pose once more. "Alright, round two. Let's see if we can bump that core up to two percent."
Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months. Noctis's dedication never wavers.
He stands at the edge of the rooftop, surveying the city below. "Six months... It feels like forever and no time at all. I wonder if anyone's noticed my 'training montage' up here."