Explaining The New Technique

After finally mastering the power of Magical Breathing, I spent an hour testing its limits in the quiet solitude of the mountains. As Enuma coached me as a master, he taught me the peak of greatness and the cost of using such power.  

I realized how devastating my magic could become if wielded recklessly. The landscape around me will be forever scarred. The trees were left lifeless as I absorbed with my magical breathing. A cold chill ran down my spine as I saw the lifeless devastation I'd caused, and a heavy weight pressed on my chest.

Enuma appeared before him, shimmering with an ethereal glow. “Power without control is chaos,” he said softly. “It’s a lesson I’ve learned long ago. The greatest strength lies not just in what you can do, but in knowing when and how to use it. Responsibility is your true test.”

In that moment, Enuma’s voice echoed in his mind, calm and wise. A true master understands responsibility. I nodded, understanding the lesson deeply. It was a humbling reminder that even my newfound strength carried immense weight—one I dared not abuse.

Later, as I sat in the quiet of the forest, lost in thought, I sensed a familiar presence approaching. I recognized the shadowy figure by the way she moved, and magical breathing let me see her from afar. 

I saw Vin making her way through the trees, her expression tense and wary. With my new agility and stealth, I used two flicker steps, and I slipped behind her silently, surprising her with a gentle but firm tap on her shoulder. She spun around, startled, eyes wide with surprise.

“Vin,” I said softly, “we need to go back to the others. There’s a lot I need to explain.”

Vin looked at me and then at the distant scars on the landscape, her brow furrowing. “I thought you were in danger. I felt the disturbance as if all the wind shifted. Did you see what happened? Don't tell me you got hurt again. Stop risking yourself when you have allies that willing to help.” she pleaded, voice trembling. 

I hesitated, then nodded quietly. “I didn’t mean to. I was testing my limits… but I didn’t realize how much damage I could do. I want to explain everything at home, where everyone can understand.”

She studied me carefully, sensing there was more beneath my words. “You caused all that?” she said slowly. “You’re different now. You’re stronger… much more than a master of Go and of combat”

I offered a faint, reassuring smile. “I’ll tell you everything. But right now, I just want us to go home. It’s time I face everyone—and the truth of what I’ve become.”

Vin nodded, trusting me, and together they headed back through the mountains. I knew that revealing the full extent of my power and what it cost him would be a difficult conversation, yet it was one I needed to have. Because with great power came great responsibility—and I was determined to carry that burden, no matter how heavy it might be. 

Back at the home, the atmosphere was tense but filled with a faint sense of relief. As Vin and I approached the main hall, I could see Sadie and Akari going about their own lives inside. When they laid their eyes one me, their expressions a mixture of concern and curiosity. Akari’s eyes immediately flicked to him, noticing the fatigue, and the strange glow that still clung to him.

I took a deep breath, steadying himself, then gestured toward the seats. “Please, everyone,” I said softly, “sit down. I need to explain what I’ve been going through—the training, the power I’ve gained, and everything that’s happened.”

Vin moved to sit beside him, her expression serious but supportive. Sadie and Akari exchanged a glance before settling into their chairs, both still visibly worried but eager to understand.

I looked at each of them, gathering my thoughts. “The training has been… hellish,” I admitted. “I’ve pushed myself beyond limits I never thought I could reach. I wanted to master magic in a way I never thought possible. Magic Breathing, drawing power directly from the environment. It’s given me incredible strength.”

I paused, voice trembling slightly. “I’ve caused damage—devastation, even. I was capable of, and it scared me. I didn’t realize how dangerous I could be if I didn't limit myself. All because I unlocked a new level of existence.”

I looked down for a moment, then back up, meeting their eyes. “I want you all to know that I’m still me—just stronger and more aware of what I can do. I plan to use this power carefully, for the sake of everyone I care about. But I needed you to understand what I’ve been through, and the cost of this growth.”

Vin reached out and gently squeezed his hand, her support evident. Sadie and my mother looked at each other, then nodded slowly, absorbing his words.

Akari’s voice, slightly trembling but filled with pride, finally broke through. Jumping on her son, she gave a huge full hug, “Terran, I’m proud of you. I know this hasn’t been easy, but you’re growing into someone truly remarkable. Just remember—you’re not alone. We’re all here for you.”

I felt the weight lift slightly from my shoulders. Sharing this truth, facing their concern openly, made me realize I was not being hamper by my family as they accepted me becoming something greater than they were. 

As the girls gathered around, they all moved in close, wrapping their arms around me in a warm, reassuring hug. The tension of the past weeks seemed to melt away, replaced by a sense of relief and solidarity. I felt a wave of gratitude for their support, knowing I wasn’t alone in this journey.

My mother, Akari, looked at me with a mixture of pride and curiosity. “Terran,” she said softly, “you mentioned magical breathing—I want to understand it better. Please, explain what it is, and why you had to drain yourself of all magic to reach that state. Your mother worried herself sick over seeing you drain yourself.”

I took a deep breath, then began to explain as clearly as I could. “Magic breathing is a technique where I draw in ambient magic from my surroundings—like the air, the energy in the environment. It’s a way to increase my power beyond my physical limits, to amplify my magic using the world’s energy itself. But… it’s dangerous. If I overuse it, I can drain all the energy from my surroundings, even the life force of plants, if I don’t control it."

I hesitated for a moment, then continued. “When I’m doing it, I have to be fully focused, fully in control. If I lose control—if I overreach—I drain everything. That’s what I did during my training—pushed myself to the limit, drained all my magic to unlock the power I needed to master it. It’s not sustainable, but I had to do it to break through.”

Akari listened intently, her brow furrowing as she processed every word. Her mind, always quick and brilliant, grasped the concept faster than most. “So,” she said thoughtfully, “you’re essentially pulling energy from the environment, but it’s like pouring from an endless well—until it’s empty. That’s why you’re so exhausted afterward. Once unlocked, it is infinite as long as you don't overdo it.”

She nodded slowly, a satisfied smile creeping onto her face. “That’s a very clever technique—dangerous, but ingenious. I see now why you’ve pushed yourself so hard. You’re a genius, just like I suspected.”

The words made me momentarily feel a little stupid—until Enuma’s voice echoed in his mind, with a teasing tone. "Your mother is at my level of intelligence," Enuma said slyly. So, in comparison, you are quite the lesser intellect."

I rolled my eyes, a small smile forming despite himself. “Thanks for the boost, Enuma,” I said mentally.

Akari chuckled softly, proud of her son’s resilience and newfound understanding. “You’re doing well, my sweetie. Just remember—you’re growing stronger but never forget to be careful. Power like yours can be a blessing or a curse.”

I looked around at my loved ones, feeling a newfound confidence. Though I still had much to learn, I knew I was on the right path—one forged by sweat, sacrifice, and the guidance of those who believed in me. 

Then Akari said, "Let's wait to explain this to your father." I reacted astonished, "eh?".

He will flip out at knowing why you risked yourself for strength. He won't understand so easily, as he and I fought for this time of peace. He is stubborn and only complain that you are hurting yourself." 

Enuma was snickering, "Ah, so true. Stubborn to a fault." Holding back his laughter.

I had to ask, "Why, would he be angry with me?" 

That is when Sadie spoke up, "Of course he will. He sacrificed so much to prevent others from having to fight." 

Akari flashed a look of calm down to Sadie, but turned to me, "Your father wanted to be the last one to spill blood. He strongly believes that all the races will get along, and his slaying of the Demon King would be end of all wars." 

I replied, "And so, he thinks that me growing a tremendous strength is pointless." and Enuma and Akari both replied to me, "It never is pointless!" at the same time almost in unison. As Enuma's words echoed my mother's ringing in my head.