The Arks

"I said, follow my breathing pattern. If you revert now, you'll be wheezing and be wincing again. Until you can get that pattern memorized in your body and head, I will not let you get out of this embrace," commanded Mavislin, sounding like a stern mother.

Well, it was not as if he wasn't enjoying the hug. In fact, if he had the power to stop Time, he would do so right now. But, a command is a command. Bryan tried his best to follow. After a couple of minutes, Mavislin released him from her embrace.

This saddened the Slayer but at the same time, made him happy that he could finally breathe properly. Mavislin adjusted herself to be by Bryan's side once more. She then stretched her legs out from her kneeling position.

"Now that you've got that breathing pattern down, it's easier for you to go into combat. Just remember the pattern and you should be fine. After this mission, I'll ask Z to coach you personally," said Mavislin.

"But why the leader of the Blizzard Faction? I thought you would be training me," asked Bryna, who sounded slightly upset.

"Would you prefer the High Queen again?" asked Mavislin, raising an eyebrow at her underling.

"No, but you were able to teach me the starters. So I don't see why you can't continue training me," argued Bryan, pouting.

Now it was Mavislin's turn to be shocked as Bryan was questioning her. It sounded like a challenge, but she knew that he didn't mean it that way.

"Well, I would be joining your training with Z. But I won't be getting in the way of you two. Keep in mind that Z was known to be better in teaching than Ysabeau or Gillian combined. He trained the recruits of the Congregation. You'll be in safe hands, I promise you."

"And besides, the next mission I am heading to is one that Z takes the lead. I owe my Ancient Relic an apology. It's time I paid a visit to its original place of home. And to see if I can master it. I'm the only one left to master these dual weapons to their finest, I'm hoping that place would help."

That made Bryan feel a slight bit better, but he wanted to find out more about the breathing technique. And why was it so important.

"But will you be watching?"

"Nope, I'll be facing off with my Time Mage. It's about time that I settle scores with that pipsqueak once again. The last time we faced off, I had just created Monody. That was a long time ago. Way before the founding of the Arks. When times were slightly tranquil than now."

Bryan wondered how long did Mavislin reside on Earth. It must be quite a long time since she had mentioned that she knew Minwoo before he was a Marquess and Gab when he was just a child. And that was after they had established the Arks.

There was also a period of time that she was a Mage who had nowhere to go. Bryan won't be surprised if she knew his ancestors. But he quickly collected back his over thoughts and asked the questions he needed to know.

"What will I be able to do once I fully master my breathing patterns?" asked Bryan, changing the topic back.

"First, you'll be able to fight longer, without collapsing. Second, you'll increase your usage of Elemental Energy. Your Elemental Aura is fantastic for someone of your caliber and age. But it is a shame that you are learning this basic skill so late."

"Is it bad?" asked Bryan.

"It's a small setback. This means that I can't let you fight for long periods of time. Such a short duel like that and you were falling over. It's either you learn to constantly breathe or you make sure you can end your enemy with a single strike. I'd rather you do the first suggestion."

"What's the difference between Elemental Energy and Aura?"

"Elemental Energy is basically the supply pool to power your spells. With no Elemental Energy, you won't be able to do any spells. But you won't die. You can have vast amounts at one time and small amounts at another time."

"But for Elemental Aura, it is different. Your Aura represents how many spells or damage that your body can take. For example, your Aura earlier was huge and terrifying. It was more than enough to survive a few bomb explosions. It's like your physical endurance but does not affect internally."

"In simpler terms, Elemental Energy is like my currency to use my spells while my Elemental Aura is to see how high my physical defense is?" asked Bryan, to summarise into his knowledge.

Mavislin nodded her head.