CHAPTER 75: BREATHING TECHNIQUE’S UTILITY

Meanwhile, in another location, deep within a mountain range, two tents were erected with a bonfire crackling in the middle.

Elreth had successfully caught a large rabbit, which she skillfully processed, her hands moving with practiced precision. Lux, meanwhile, was busy preparing rice to accompany the meal. Despite being a princess who could easily lean into arrogance, Elreth was anything but lazy. She understood that work needed to be done, and she actively participated, embodying the spirit of teamwork.

As the flames danced, Lux set a pot over the fire, adding water and bringing it to a boil. He measured out the rice, rinsing it carefully before adding it to the bubbling pot. Meanwhile, Elreth seasoned the rabbit, using herbs they had gathered earlier, and skewered the pieces on a stick to roast over the open flames.

The aroma of cooking meat mingled with the scent of the boiling rice, creating a comforting atmosphere despite Elreth’s less-than-cheerful mood. They worked in silence, each focused on their task, the crackling of the fire and the gentle rustle of the forest surrounding them the only sounds breaking the stillness.

Once the rice was cooked and the rabbit roasted to perfection, they brought their simple yet hearty meal together, ready to share in the fruits of their labor.

Lux glanced at Elreth, who was normally so talkative but now sat in silence, and shook his head.

"She really hates losing," he mused, knowing her well after growing up together. The fact that Nero’s team—her rival’s team—held first place was infuriating. Despite their best efforts, they still fell short, holding second place with 170 points, a frustrating 30 points behind.

Imagining Khione grinning in triumph only made Elreth fume inside. ’That witch!’ she thought, feeling her appetite wane completely.

"I will go train; we’ll depart early tomorrow," she announced, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"Sure!" Lux nodded, not finding her suggestion absurd. While he had no particular desire for first place, he understood that competition was healthy. The thrill it brought was something he couldn’t ignore, and he appreciated the drive it instilled in them both.

Leaving Lux behind, the princess made her way toward a nearby waterfall, where the moonlight illuminated the cascading water. Normally, she would have relished the chance to admire such a beautiful scene, but at that moment, she was not in the mood to appreciate its splendor. Elreth removed her outer garments, now clad only in a black sports bra and matching underwear. The sports underwear was simple yet functional, designed for movement and comfort, hugging her figure without constraining her.

Her beautiful form glowed under the moonlight, slender and athletic with sculpted abs that spoke of her strength. Her breasts, not overly large, complemented her frame perfectly, and a small mole near her left breast added a unique touch to her exquisite appearance. Under the moonlight, her figure resembled a masterpiece crafted by the hands of a god—graceful, powerful, and undeniably captivating.

After placing her removed garments into her spatial ring, Elreth noticed a large rock in the middle of the waterfall. She sat down in meditation, allowing the water to rain down on her initially. However, she soon consciously manipulated the Law of Fire to create a barrier of heat, isolating her from the cascading water. This heat barrier served a dual purpose: it kept her dry while also helping her purify the chaotic prana of this world. The prana here was abundant, and before it entered her body and reached her core, it would first pass through her heat barrier, ensuring that it was refined and ready for her to use.

Like Khione had done, Elreth aimed to refine her core to the smallest size possible, allowing her to store more prana. She subtly drew in the chaotic prana, which was filtered by passing through her heat barrier, into her core, slowly refining it with each breath. This process was facilitated by a specialized breathing technique, a method that both Knights and Mages utilized to store primordial energy. Each had developed their own unique breathing exercise tailored to their lineage, recognizing the importance of this practice.

The world was composed of primordial energy, known as prana, and with every breath taken, individuals naturally inhaled this vital force. However, simply taking in prana wasn’t enough; refining it was crucial for effective use. This necessity gave birth to breathing techniques, which were exercises designed to optimize the absorption and refinement of prana.

As one inhaled deeply, they would visualize the chaotic energy swirling around them, guiding it through their bodies and into their cores. The breathing rhythm would synchronize with the flow of prana, allowing for a harmonious exchange. With each exhale, any impurities or chaotic elements would be released, leaving only the refined, pure energy to be stored and utilized for magical or physical prowess. This intricate dance of breath and energy was not only essential for personal growth but also a testament to the deep connection between the practitioners and the world around them.

The reason each family developed a specialized breathing technique tailored to their needs lies in the fundamental goal of efficiently storing prana refined according to their respective laws. While prana is typically colorless, it becomes infused with various laws, which can alter its properties and energy signatures. This mixture of prana with specific laws means that the energy available in the environment is not uniform; rather, it varies depending on the elemental influences present.

By creating a distinctive breathing technique that aligns with their particular law, practitioners can significantly enhance their ability to draw in related prana more quickly. For example, a family deeply attuned to the Law of Fire would develop a breathing exercise that resonates with fiery energy, allowing them to absorb that specific type of prana at an accelerated rate. This focused approach not only improves the efficiency of energy absorption but also strengthens the practitioner’s connection to their law, enabling them to harness its power more effectively.

When a practitioner uses their tailored breathing technique, they actively engage with the prana around them, guiding it into their bodies with intention. This process involves visualizing the energy’s unique characteristics—such as warmth for fire or fluidity for water—as they breathe in. Over time, this practice deepens their affinity for their law, allowing them to refine and manipulate the prana in ways that align with their abilities.

Furthermore, as they become more adept at drawing in this specialized prana, they can enhance their magical or physical capabilities, making their techniques more potent and their spells more powerful. This intricate relationship between breathing, prana, and law creates a dynamic synergy that not only fosters personal growth but also ensures that the lineage’s unique traits are preserved and passed down through generations.