His New Skills
The aromatic aroma of herbs wafted through the kitchen. Anos sat at the table, his little legs swinging, spoon in his hand. The steaming bowl of soup in front of him had a pale sheen to it, as if the contents themselves were alive.
He scooped a mouthful and downed it, his reddish-black eyes growing wider with a hint of delight. A wave of comfort ran through his little body, filling the perpetual gnawing hunger inside. For the first time that morning, his belly was at peace.
"Mmm… it's delicious," Anos complimented, smacking his lips.
Celestia Ruth, who sat opposite him with her tea cup, smiled knowingly.
"Made it myself with a few herbs and some spirit beast meat from the Starshade Forest. Regular food will never really satiate your Endless Hunger."
Her eyes softened, resting on her son's small form.
"But this… this should hold you for a little bit."
Anos nodded. He recognized that she was correct. That never-ending chasm in his belly wasn't normal—it was the result of the curse of his Endless Hunger. And still, strangely, her food always calmed it, if only for a while.
'So this is what it's like to have someone cook for me alone…' he thought, his chest filling with warmth.
Celestia cocked an eyebrow as she observed him finishing. "You're so big now, Anos. Only two years old, but you already resemble four."
Anos smiled weakly. "Fault of the soup, Mother."
She laughed, clear and musical, and reached across the table to nudge two neatly packaged books in front of him.
"Now then… your presents. You may open them."
Anos leaned in, curiosity shining in his eyes. His fingers moved along the titles, and his brows furrowed slightly.
"…Breathing techniques?"
Celestia's smile weakened for a second. Her eyes flashed, and she dipped her head.
"You don't like them? I thought… since I've caught you practicing your breath so many times, that you'd want to expand it."
Her voice was even, but her fingers clinched around her teacup slightly.
Anos blinked, knowing the moment she was thinking. He moved the books out of the way and embraced her unexpectedly, his little arms around her waist.
"No, Mother! I do like them. I was only surprised, that's all."
Her frame tensed for a second, then relaxed into his hug. He gazed up at her smiling.
"You noticed me training, didn't you?"
Celestia breathed softly, her lips forming a gentle smile. "Of course. I've been watching the entire time. A mother doesn't miss these things."
Anos' eyes grew narrower in thought. 'I never feel her presence when she's watching me. She conceals it perfectly. Even for me, that's. impressive.'
They locked eyes for a moment before speaking again.
"Would you like me to teach you these skills?"
"Yes!" Anos replied immediately, his voice strong with enthusiasm.
Celestia nodded, putting down her cup. She shifted her position, her face serene but serious.
"Then pay attention. First is the Shadow Breathing. Empty your lungs first…"
She illustrated, her shoulders sagging as she blew out a heavy breath. Then she breathed silently in through her nose, steady and measured.
Anos copied her, his small chest expanding and then falling.
Celestia's eyes slightly widened. He kept her rhythm nearly flawless.
"Good… very good," she whispered.
She observed him going through the cycle a few times, his face serene, his breathing regular.
[You have learned the Shadow Breathing]
A faint smile appeared on Anos' lips. "That was… easier than I expected."
Celestia leaned her head to one side, her tone gentle but teaching.
"The Shadow Breathing soothes your nerves and sharpens your perception. Master it, and you'll even be able to breathe underwater."
Anos nodded in satisfaction. "That's… useful."
Celestia's expression softened. Then, without pause, she shifted into the next demonstration.
"Now, the second one—the Turtle Spirit Breath. This one requires filling your lungs with as much air as possible and holding it."
She took a deep breath in, her chest filling, her eyes shut in concentration. After a few seconds, she breathed out slowly, letting it go in a slow stream.
Anos mimicked her actions, breathing in until his lungs ached. He held it, then forced it out with effort. Again. And again.
[You have learned the Turtle Spirit Breath]
Breathing out heavily, Anos smiled softly. "Mother, these really are handy."
Celestia smiled, reaching down to pat his head. "Well done, my son." She kissed his forehead, and for a brief moment, there was a knot of emotion that coiled inside of him.
"Mother…" he whispered gently.
She stood, smoothing her robes. "I'll be in my room for a bit. Call me if you need me."
Anos followed her with his eyes, his stare on her retreating back. His chest ached lightly.
'Isabella Ruth… your life was so sad in the story I knew. But this one—this life—I will make different. I promise it.'
His eyes sparkled dimly, a white light dancing in his pupils.
"Zara," he breathed.
[Do you need my help, Host?]
"Activate the fusion function."
[Activating increased system function… Activated.]
Anos' mind cleared. 'Fuse Shadow Breathing, Turtle Spirit Breath, and Basic Breathing.'
Three lights came from his chest, coming together in the air before him.
[Fusion: Shadow Breathing + Turtle Spirit Breath + Basic Breathing]
[Cost: 20,000 Sp]
[Do you want to proceed? Y/N]
"Yes."
The lights mingled, thumping. His screen flashed.
[Processing… Success.]
[You have gained the Abyssal Water Flow Technique]
Anos' lips twisted into a smirk. "Let's see…"
He breathed in deeply, his body falling in step with the new rhythm. His breathing was smoother, stronger, as if his body and mind were now one with water itself. He was surrounded by a wave of calm, his limbs less heavy, his senses heightened. Power welled within him, steady and controlled.
[Name: Abyssal Water Flow Technique]
[Type: Breathing Technique]
[Grade: Rare]
[Description: The Abyssal Water Flow Technique is the balanced integration of three separate skills—breath control, mental clarity, and physical enhancement. It provides spontaneous breathing underwater, increases mental clarity, and strengthens the body with smooth elegance. The practitioner glides like water—flexible, calm, yet immensely powerful.]
Anos tightened his fist, awe-struck by the burst of power.
"…This feels like the breathing styles from Demon Slayer. But instead of sword moves, this one is pure refinement."
His lips quirked into a smile.
"I'm satisfied."
He straightened and turned toward his mother's bedroom. His steps were steady, his eyes calm but sharp.
"This life… will not follow the same path. Not for me. And not for her."