Book 4: Chapter 20: Mana Breathing

Book 4: Chapter 20: Mana Breathing

The Rings of Samsara operated on a repeating schedule. Each week, an elimination-style tournament would be held. On the final day, a new champion would be crowned. This person was then given the option to either advance or stay in their current circle.

Because Zeke won his fight, he automatically progressed to the second round and had another match today. However, not all of his companions had been that lucky. Compared to the day before, their number was halved. The beginners group had lost a substantial amount of members. They not only had the largest number of disqualifications but the most deaths as well.

Zeke considered this fact as they made their way through the streets. He had a hard time understanding what the point of it was. He understood the allure of watching people fight, of course, but not the need for death. Even without considering the moral implications, allowing the fighters to kill each other without repercussions was a terrible decision. The overall level of the competitors would be much higher if they were allowed to learn from their mistakes.

He didnt think the spectators were that bloodthirsty, and it was most likely not the fighters death they craved either. There had to be something else he was missing. Maybe it was the same thing people enjoyed about gambling. After all, gambling was no fun if there werent any stakes involved.

As they reached the Rings, their group split up. Once more, it was Rohan who accompanied them to the beginners circle. The old man gave the same speech as the day before and introduced his group to their opponents. However, when Zekes turn came, he skipped over him without a second thought. Zeke didnt think he would need the information, but he still found this behavior strange. Had he offended the old man somehow? However, the reason for Rohans actions became apparent when Zeke entered the arena.N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.

Before the fighters could even be announced, his opponent did something unexpected. He raised his right arm and pointed toward the sky with his little finger the official sign for surrender.

the winner is Blood Dragon!

Nonplused, Zeke returned the way he came. What a waste of time. But he couldnt say that this result surprised him all that much. Ironclad had been an overlord here, but he was killed without the ability to resist. Who in the beginners circle would dare to fight him after such a display of power?

On his way out, Rohan smirked at him. It was clear that the old man had been aware of what would happen all along. But Zeke still couldnt help but grumble. Couldnt that guy just have surrendered in advance? It would have saved me the trip.

Rohan shook his head. That would have been a bad choice. It is important to at least come out and meet your opponent face-to-face. Surrendering is fine, but the people will not tolerate spinelessness.

Even though this system was painfully inefficient, he understood why it had to be like this. After all, the spectators paid to see a show. What did it say about the fighters if they didnt even deign to show themselves?

Zeke nodded, showing that he understood. I am going back first.

It had only been an hour since Zeke left the school. If he hurried, he would still be able to join the morning practice. Luckily, the free-for-all fight he had witnessed on his first day wasnt a daily occurrence. Their usual morning practice consisted of something completely different something Zeke was very interested in.

***

Zeke wiped the sweat from his brows as he entered the Lions Den. With how vibrant the city was, it was easy to forget that they were in the middle of the desert, and the omnipresent heat reached tyrannical levels under the midday sun.

Luckily, the people had learned to adapt. Both mundane and magical contraptions were installed in every house to keep the temperature at a tolerable level. However, in his professional opinion, those solutions were subpar at best. He was already making plans to branch out into this field of engineering when he was back in Tradespire.

As a free agent, Zeke would obviously not be taught the technique, but when had that ever stopped him? It had not even been a week yet, but he had already figured out most of the intricacies of the Lions Formula. Once he grasped all its peculiarities, he could move on to the next part of his plan. And that was the reason why he was so interested in this technique his Dragons heart.

Zeke was almost certain that he could use Mana Breathing to strengthen his body. After all, in some aspects, he was even closer to being a monster than the Chimeroi.

Dont waste your time, whelp. It will not work, the Dragon said.

Zeke didnt halt his observation. How would you even know that? I am pretty sure youve never come across anybody in my situation.

I have not, the Dragon admitted. But I am certain that this crude ritual has no chance of working on you.

Zeke frowned. The confidence with which the Dragon spoke gave him pause. What makes you so sure?

Pah! Its quite obvious. After all, my essence has yet to change you properly. If I had to guess, I would say that only a sliver of your body has been adapted, the Dragon explained. Even if you could execute this technique twice as well as that wolf pup, you would not be able to benefit much.

That was a good point. Zeke felt utterly human, and even Akasha had a hard time finding any deviations aside from his heart. However, there was something else in the Dragons words that caught his interest. Are you saying that it would work if my body were better adapted?

Why wouldnt it? The Dragon asked. Do you think we Dragons dont use similar techniques?

Zekes eyes lit up. Are you going to teach me one?

No, it said right away, even if I wanted to, those secrets arent something I can give away as I please. I would need to ask for permission.

Zeke was confused. Permission? Whos?

The Dragon was silent for a long time but eventually still answered. The Kings permission.

The King? Was it referring to the King of Dragons? Zeke had never heard of such a being. Either way, he was sure that he would not receive its blessing. Even if he was able to meet that individual, it was far more likely that he would be killed instead of being taught any secrets.

However, he wasnt too disappointed. The Dragon had all but confirmed that Zeke would be able to use Mana Breathing to strengthen himself in the future. Now, he had all the time in the world to come up with his own version of the technique. This was, after all, what he did best.

Zeke wouldnt be surprised if his own technique ended up being better than whatever the Dragons used!