Chapter 20: Mammoth Breath Technique
Chapter 20: Mammoth Breath Technique
"Rayn, do you know why the age limit for pages is 14?" Kylie's voice rang out.
"This..." Rayn shook his head.
"Because 14 is the latest age to start learning breath techniques. Any later, and you'll miss the period of rapid physical development, making it difficult to reach higher levels in breath training."
"The sheepskin scroll I gave you contains the Mammoth Breath Technique and instructions for using secret potions. It can comprehensively develop your physical qualities, and you can use it up until you become a Third Rank Knight Squire. As for advancing to a Full Knight, you'll need advanced potions..."
Kylie paused, her beautiful eyes reflecting a thoughtful expression.
"You probably won't achieve that anytime soon, so don't worry about promotion for now. Focus on building a solid foundation."
"
Suddenly, Kylie's tone shifted, and her clear eyes turned to Rayn, asking, "By the way, Rayn, what's your purpose for participating in the page training?"
Under Kylie's piercing gaze, Rayn couldn't bring himself to lie and honestly replied, "I want to pass the examination and become a guard at the Habsburg Manor!"
A crisp, bell-like laughter rang out.
"How about setting a more ambitious goal, like becoming a real knight? If you can become a Full Knight before you turn eighteen, I promise you can become my follower."
"If not, you can continue being a guard."
"However, whether it's learning the Mammoth Breath Technique or my promise to you, you must keep it a secret. Even within the Habsburg Manor, if others find out, it might not be a good thing for you!"
Rayn's heart raced with excitement, mixed with a hint of confusion. His mind was already racing with thoughts.
A knight! A real knight!
Entering the elite class—isn't that much better than being a mere guard? Rayn couldn't wait to start practicing the Mammoth Breath Technique.
But the need for secrecy seemed familiar. Was there a need for secrecy within the Habsburg Manor as well? Could it be a struggle for inheritance among the wealthy, where they groom their direct subordinates? Or was Lady Kylie vying for the title of the Habsburg Earl? Rayn's mind, influenced by his past life's exposure to dramatic TV series, was already spinning with various possibilities.
"However, for my own development, rapid growth is key in the early stages."
"Once I've grown, with my profession panel at hand, I'll fear no one."
On the path to rise, trouble and challenges were inevitable.
He would face the established powers and shake up their world.
Troubles would be confronted head-on!
Challenges would be smashed to pieces!
Kylie's offer of assistance was too valuable to refuse. To turn down such help due to potential risks would be cowardly. Rayn recalled a saying from his past life: "To neglect the gifts of heaven is to invite divine punishment!"
"Of course, Lady Kylie, your recognition is a great honor!" Rayn bowed respectfully.
For someone who could offer him such significant help, and a beauty at that, Rayn didn't hold back on his flattery.
Was being a sycophant a bad thing?
No, no!
Servants were in the service industry, part of the tertiary sector. In short, they were to provide emotional value to their masters.
Seeing Rayn's agreement, Kylie nodded in satisfaction. "Rayn, study the Mammoth Breath Technique first, and then I'll guide you through the specific movements."
"Alright, Miss Kylie!" Rayn immediately focused his mind and started to carefully study the seven movements of the Mammoth Breath Technique.
These seven movements had varying postures, but at a glance, Rayn noticed that they progressed from easy to difficult.
The first movement was the simplest, similar to a Single-Leg Bow Stance from his past life, with both hands raised and coordinated with breathing.
Having just finished eating the Mammoth Bear meat, Rayn felt a burning sensation throughout his body and was eager to stretch. So, he immediately started practicing the first movement on the spot.
Initially, Rayn felt fine, but within less than five minutes, his entire body began to heat up. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and his whole body started to sway. Maintaining a steady breath was out of the question; just not gasping for air was a challenge!
Rayn knew he couldn't continue, so he stopped immediately. According to the instructions, each movement had to be held for thirty minutes with steady breathing to learn the next posture.
"Miss Kylie, is there any trick to practicing this breath technique?" Rayn asked as he rubbed his sore thighs.
"Breathing is the essence of the technique. You must maintain a steady breath and feel the changes within your body. Only then can you achieve the goal of strengthening your body."
"
"Alright, I'll try again." Rayn took the small black bottle that Kylie handed to him.
As he opened the bottle, a peculiar fragrance escaped, reminiscent of the musk tiger bone ointment from his past life.
The liquid inside was amber-colored, like amber itself. Rayn poured a small amount into his palm and, following Kylie's instructions, rubbed it warm before applying it to his knees and shoulders.
Instantly, a warm, tingling sensation flowed from the application sites, seeping into his skin.
When Rayn attempted the first movement of the Mammoth Breath Technique again, he immediately felt different. The initial muscle fatigue was replaced by this warm, tingling sensation.
He seemed to feel every muscle fiber in his thighs tensing, which made him focus and consciously adjust his breathing to match the movements.
[You have trained in the Mammoth Breath Technique and enhanced your understanding!]
[You have learned a new skill - Mammoth Breath Technique]
[Your skill, Mammoth Breath Technique, has improved. Experience Points +1]
[Ding! Host has triggered the core event for promotion to Knight Squire - Understanding of Mammoth Breath Technique!]
[Prerequisites for promotion to Knight Squire: 1. Militia level 3 or higher; 2. Strength, Agility, and Constitution of 8 points or higher; 3. Any Riding Skill level 1 or higher, Shield Defense level 1 or higher, any Archery level 2 or higher, and any Swordsmanship level 3 or higher. Current conditions do not meet the requirements! Promotion to Knight Squire failed!]
Huh! Rayn was both surprised and delighted as he carefully read the system prompt that suddenly popped up.
He was surprised by the numerous conditions listed on the panel for promotion to Knight Squire. However, compared to the other conditions, he believed he could meet the first and second conditions within a short time.
Among the various sub-conditions in the third category, he only met the requirement for any Swordsmanship level 3. Fulfilling the other conditions would be challenging in the short term.
Rayn was delighted to know his shortcomings, as it gave him a clear direction for improvement.
"I triggered an event and obtained promotion information," Rayn thought to himself.
(End of Chapter)
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