"The time has come!" I murmured to myself, rising from the bed with determination. I moved toward the cold floor of the airship and sat in the lotus position, crossing my legs as the laboratory had suggested. Closing my eyes, I calmed my mind. This was the beginning of something big.
According to the detailed protocol presented by the laboratory, the breathing technique had to be executed precisely in this posture. It wasn't enough to be comfortable; every detail of the position influenced the flow of vital energy.
"First, I need to hold my breath for 30 seconds," I began repeating mentally. "Then, take three long breaths and one short one. The duration and frequency must be... exact."
I inhaled deeply, feeling my lungs expand to their fullest, and began the cycle. I held the air, mentally counting each second until reaching thirty, before releasing and initiating the breathing pattern as instructed. My hands rested on my knees, fingers relaxed, but the muscles of my body remained under controlled tension.
Over time, I began to feel something different. It was as if a warm current was flowing within me, slowly moving throughout my body. My face grew flushed, and soon, a strong throbbing sensation took over my temples. It felt as if I was pushing my body beyond its limits, even though I was merely breathing.
The minutes passed slowly, but the effect was unmistakable. My skin began to sweat, and the perspiration that dripped off had a dark, almost black tint. This fluid carried a strange smell, as if it were expelling something old and impure from within me. I knew it was my body eliminating accumulated toxins and impurities over the years.
After more than ten minutes in this intense state, my eyes snapped open. A sense of clarity overwhelmed me as I exhaled deeply. "Urrr~~" The breath I released was tinged with black, like smoke dissipating in the air. It was as if everything that didn't belong to my body had been expelled.
Inside me, I heard subtle cracking sounds, like glass breaking or something detaching. It was a disturbing yet satisfying noise. Something in my body had changed.
I rose slowly, moving my arms and legs. My entire body was warm, as if I had just run a marathon. I felt light and full of energy.
"Laboratory, show me my status!" I ordered, eager to confirm what I felt.
The response came immediately:
["Status"]
["Name: Tyler Rustel."]
["Gender: Male."]
["Age: 15 years."]
["Strength: 0.45"]
["Agility: 0.55"]
["Vitality: 0.45"]
I looked at the numbers with a growing smile. "I only cultivated for a little over 10 minutes, but the increases in stats are already quite significant." I clenched my fists, feeling the newfound strength in my fingers. "With perseverance, it's only a matter of time before I reach the stats of a servant of the academy."
I thought, indifferent: "According to my memory and the laboratory's analysis, breathing techniques have cultivation limits. The Rustel family's breathing technique can only be practiced once a day. Additional practice would not only bring no benefits but also harm the body!"
This was the universal truth for most people. But I am different. With the laboratory by my side, the possibilities were open in ways no one could ever imagine. Wasting no time, I asked the question already lingering in my mind.
"Laboratory, is there any method that would allow me to increase the number of times I can practice the breathing technique without causing harm to my body?"
The answer came instantly, the laboratory's mechanical voice echoing in my mind:
["Medicinal items are required as a supplement."]
My eyes lit up with interest. "Medicinal items? Then list all the necessary ones!"
The laboratory wasted no time.
["Vitamin C element."]
["Creatine."]
["Whey protein."]
["Magnesium."]
["Iron."]
["Calcium."]
.
.
.
The list went on, each item something I clearly recognized from my previous life. These were common things in my old world—simple supplements often used by athletes or gym enthusiasts.
"Interesting," I thought as I absorbed the information. However, a new idea crossed my mind. "Is it possible to substitute any of these items with other resources, such as herbs, fruits, or other supplements that might exist in this world?"
There was not only a significant chance I wouldn't have immediate access to the listed items, but I also knew it would be impossible to obtain them at this moment. My mind was already working on possible alternatives, even knowing it might be impractical. I asked anyway.
After a brief silence, the response came.
["Beep!"]
["A sample is required to analyze medicinal properties."]
["Currently, the data is insufficient!"]
I let out a sigh of relief, my initial concern easing. "As long as there's a way forward, then it's fine!" I said to myself, a faint smile forming on my lips. Even if it was an obstacle now, the laboratory would be able to help me overcome it sooner or later.
I glanced at my body. The large amount of sticky, black substance expelled during the breathing technique practice was covering me entirely. Every pore seemed to have released something impure, leaving my skin damp and uncomfortable to the touch. It was impossible to ignore.
"Ugh, looks like I need a bath," I muttered, frowning. The smell of the impurities exuded was something I could no longer tolerate.
I walked slowly toward the door of my room. Before touching the doorknob, I paused for a moment and issued a mental command: "Activate surveillance mode!"
As soon as the command was given, I felt a faint vibration in my mind as the virtual laboratory executed the order.
["Surveillance mode activated."]
An invisible field expanded from me in all directions, creating an imperceptible but efficient bubble with my body at the center. I knew that any movement, sound, or suspicious presence would be immediately detected. Just this gave me a sense of security.
With that done, I turned the doorknob clockwise and opened the door. The wood creaked slightly, but the sound didn't seem loud enough to wake anyone. I pushed the door open, taking a deep breath as my feet guided me through the corridor.
It was night aboard the airship, and silence dominated the environment. I walked with controlled, precise steps, knowing it was advisable to avoid leaving the room at this hour except for extreme necessity. The servants didn't appreciate finding anyone wandering without purpose.
My destination was clear: the shared bathroom. This wasn't a place reserved for magicians, who had their own luxurious, private bathrooms, but a simple space where slaves and apprentices like me shared the same facilities. It wasn't ideal, but it was functional.
As I advanced through the narrow, silent corridors, I descended a few levels. The metal stairs creaked slightly under my weight, the sound reverberating in the halls, but there was no one around to hear.
Finally, I reached the last room on the lower level of the airship. As I pushed open the heavy metallic door, a surprising and almost surreal sight unfolded before me.
It was an immense space, as if the airship carried a fragment of a living forest within it. A small artificial forest extended into a natural wall, filled with vibrant, living vegetation.
Ahead, a crystal-clear lake reflected the soft glow of lamps mimicking moonlight, creating a silvery sheen on the water's surface. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of exotic flowers that grew abundantly around the lake. These flowers came in various colors—some with petals as white and delicate as snow, others as vibrant as fire.
Tall, majestic trees rose high, some bearing fruits that seemed to ripen eternally. There were bright red apples, clusters of purple fruits, and even golden fruits that seemed to radiate warmth. Their leaves swayed gently, as if alive, dancing to the rhythm of an invisible breeze.
Near the lake, thick roots emerged from the ground, forming arches and curves that created small niches where one could rest. The roots were covered in soft, green moss, almost inviting me to sit.
The sound of the environment was a balm. There was the constant flow of water feeding the lagoon, coming from a small waterfall that seemed to magically spring from the stone wall. In the background, the chirping of artificial birds and insects created a soothing, relaxing melody.
It was hard to believe this existed within an airship. It was a stark contrast to the cold, metallic corridors I had crossed. This place felt like a sanctuary—a piece of life encapsulated in a flying vessel.
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