Training Magical Breathing

The nighttime that cool air made me feel sleepy, as my curiosity was satisfied for now. Yet, I wanted more still. I felt incomplete, despite all my growth to become strong. 

And as if Enuma understood my feelings, the Demon King decided a extra special training session tonight in Domain. "Well, boy. As I previously said, improving basic skills using the Domain to physically and mentally train. It was all for your benefit. This is the theme, and I intend to continue your training for that. I am considering various training menus so you do not get bored, but… there shall be a slight change in the schedule for Magical Breathing technique."

I replied, “What?”

Enuma continued, "Rather than changing things, I suppose we shall add to the training themes in order to get stronger."

The training has been for the focus of improving my basic abilities, I will be doing jumping rope, muscle training for the upper body & lower body, shadow sparring with the demon king. 

In this current situation, we will add another new theme. It could be pretty tough. But, strangely enough, I just felt like I would do anything. 

The training allowed me to transition my magic into my physical abilities clean and simultaneously. Abilities like swinging a sword with one hand and throwing a flame blast with the other hand in rapid succession were easy for me and made me stand out as a superior warrior. 

I was not an official Imperial Knight, so I was not ranked as such. If I was, I would be the only one able to cast physical enhancements on myself as a Knight. As my father relied on mother to cast such magic. 

The demon king recited, "Great Demon Flicker, Great Demon Smash, Great Demon Corkscrew, the Counter Punches, the Breakthrough, the Great Demon Spiral are all techniques. However, they are originally my techniques. To put it abominably, you are simply using my skill as you are told. Well, this is still not a full merit yet…"

And the new theme that Enuma imposed "This is why you need to look to the future and create one. Whether or not it can be used in three months, it shall your own original technique… devise your Signature Move."

I was dumbfounded by the slightly unexpected proposal.

My Signature Move. I feel it’s been a long time since I heard that. I pondered and remained baffled, “Wow?! Eh … eh !?”

Enuma continued while proposing it, he still declared a hands-off policy. "And in the development of this Signature Move… it is up to you to decide what sort of special move to create."

I couldn’t help being puzzled by this. 

The Demon King reluctantly, "Well, you may seek my consultation. But from now on, while doing the same training as before, and while leading those pathetic men of the Wizarding School, come up with the image of your Special Technique in a corner of your mind. Imagine what you can do and what suits you. Then, create something you may claim as your own, something to be burned into the eyes those dullards, something that will leave the world breathless!"

In the past, I would have had a lot of fun just thinking about the Special Technique Name.

But now it’s different. I never thought he’d come here and make such a proposal.

Enuma barked, "Boy!"

I was lost in thought, “…eh?”

Enuma said, "It is certainly quicker to have me come up with an idea that is right for you, boy, but on occasion, something such as this also good. This is a way for you to be you."

In the end, I didn’t get Enuma’s intentions, but either way, I had to think for myself in this case.

Enuma showed the stern face of a master, "However, in order to devise a special move, the sooner you learn Magical Breathing the more you may expand your options. In fact, it is better to have you master it slowly, but I cannot say so. So, boy. Truthfully, I am reluctant about having you do this in the growth period, but there is a way to learn Magical Breathing faster by combining it with Yoga stretching I showed before."

Since we are already in my Domain, Enuma proceed with the training The harsh training I had done so far started to look like a refreshing, sparkling sweat. 

Enuma lectured, "If you are prepared, we shall dry you out by draining for a short time. I shall have you experience some hell."

I nodded and began with, “First… Breakthrough!!”

For now, breakthrough. Then, without doing anything, let my magic drip away and wait until the breakthrough expires.

I huffed and tried to restore my breathing, “Haa~, ze, hah…”, and Enuma was excited, "All right, the magic is spent." 

It wasn’t just the draining of water from my body that was tough. When training, Enuma’s instruction was to train with zero magical power.

Enuma asked, "Is it difficult?" and I replied, “No, not at all. It’s just, my clothes are soaked with sweat.”

With a chuckle the Demon King said, "Fuhahaha, is that so? The fact that you perspire means we can still squeeze out more. Go! Daaaaaaash!!"

When your magic power drops to zero, you suddenly feel a sense of fatigue in your body.  As soon as I run, I’m short of breath and exhausted.

Especially when I’m repeatedly draining my magical energy. Slowly losing strength due to the draining process, and then there’s this Magical Zero-Start Training.

If I carry on like this, I just feel like I’m going to collapse eventually.

Enuma explained, "However, the sensation as the magic in the air being taken in through the magic hole is truly subtle. It is too miniscule to be felt by the senses of an ordinary creature. In order to sense it, it is necessary to bare the nerves and have a keen sense sharpened to the limit."

I know I’m going to collapse. But I have no choice but to run, burn energy. All I have now is my mental strength. I don’t know if this will make me stronger or not but is all for the sake of getting stronger. 

Yes, that’s what I believe.

As the days passed by, people noticed. Saw the strenuous work I was doing. The family and friends all came to question my sanity and beg to take it easy. Yet I kept up the training schedule to drain myself completely

While running to deplete myself of nutrients and magic, I took a spill and fell down in my clumsy state. Sadie was standing beside me with a very sad expression on her face, as if she was about to burst into tears. “Terran! This has gone on long enough! First of all, just drink water! Look, here’s some water!”

I struggled to get out my reply, “…… Ah… ua… ah… eh! I-its fine…”

Sadie reached out to me and tried to help me up “I was worried about you. For days and days… but I didn’t know what you were aiming for, what you were thinking, or why you were doing this… you have already done your best. Please don’t suffer any more.”

Saying that, Vin came up to pour out her fears as well, “Please go back to the house now, get some fluids and rest your body. Eat your food properly. Let’s have the doctor take a look at you.”

I still declined, “No, it’s… I’m still…… not yet.”

Vin still perplexed, “I think it’s enough. You did your best.”

They are right; I did my best. I’ve already… that? Before, I’m sure we’ve … as a memory flooded my mind. ―― I…I couldn’t win, but I did my best…I don’t want any consolation! I want to win! I want to show them, those who don’t believe I can win!!

I said aloud, “…… Ah. I see… what I’m… forgetting.” 

I almost became a miserable guy who was satisfied with his efforts. As Sadie reached down to pick me up, I said, “… Sadie… enough already…”

Sadie was surprised, “Eh?” and I repeated, “So, I’m still fine.”

Sadie said, “No, what!?”

I couldn’t do it, but I did my best? Wrong. I can’t do it because I haven’t worked hard enough. 

I turned to Vin and Sadie, “Don’t … tell me what I’m … trying to … do, when you don’t … know what I’m … trying to … do”

The women were stunned, still worried and yet unable to move due to the aura I put out.

It’s ironic, it was Sadie’s concern that gave me the final resolve. “No need to… worry. I’m still… middle of … working hard.”