The True Cost of Power
"Breathing is a method of breathing created by Tsugikuni Yoriichi. It doesn't require special energy itself; anyone with the aptitude to use Breathing can use it. The host used Sun Breathing during his transformation, and already possesses the aptitude to use Sun Breathing."
"So, I can use Sun Breathing in my daily life now?"
"Yes."
"That's great!" Qi Yan exclaimed, his disappointment vanishing. This was a game-changer. His greatest vulnerability was the time before his Take Over activated, and the immense energy cost of transforming for every minor scuffle.
His path was now clear: become strong enough to handle most enemies without transforming. Only the strongest, un-transformable opponents would warrant using the precious gold-tier Take Over cards.
If he could achieve Full Concentration: Constant, as the technique required, his physical abilities would subtly increase around the clock, creating a bedrock of innate power.
Qi Yan immediately sat cross-legged and began the breathing technique.
Inhale! Exhale!
A minute later, Qi Yan stopped, collapsing to the ground, his face drenched in sweat and terror.
"I can't do it at all! I can't do it!!" He gasped, his lungs burning, his ears throbbing violently. "It's too painful, my lungs hurt so much... Ahhh!" He slapped his ears repeatedly, trying to stop the agonizing internal thumping. "I felt like my heart was going to pop out of my ears—!!!"
"System, what's going on? I used the breathing technique very smoothly just now!"
"Just now, the host's physical abilities were those of the character card. Now they are the host's own. The host's own foundation is too weak, so he cannot do it."
"Then how can I improve my own foundation?"
The system provided a succinct training regimen:
Run 10 kilometers daily.
Perform breath-holding training 10 times daily, increasing from one minute each time.
Use Sun Breathing for 20 minutes daily.
"It doesn't seem particularly difficult. I'll start tomorrow morning then."
Morning Rituals
The next morning, before the sun had risen, Qi Yan was already dressed and running. Ten kilometers—a full lap around Magnolia Town—was completed in a swift 30 minutes. He noticed his physical ability was already far superior to his old life.
Next was the breath-holding training. He found a basin, plunged his face in, and discovered his maximum breath-hold was only one minute and thirty seconds. He had a long way to go.
Finally, Qi Yan sat in his yard and began his Sun Breathing practice. He didn't force the full 20 minutes now; the goal was consistent practice.
As the sun rose high, Qi Yan stood up, preparing to head to the guild.
Stepping out, he saw Mira and Elfman approaching.
"Qi Yan!!" Elfman waved enthusiastically.
"Good morning! Qi Yan, how did you rest last night?" Mira greeted him with her radiant smile, instantly brightening his mood.
"Very well, thank you, Mira. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have found such a satisfactory house."
"Don't mention it. You helped Elfman, so consider this a return favor."
"Return favor? You remind me—how about you two come to my place for dinner sometime? I'll cook myself. Consider it my housewarming party."
"Hmm... that's hard to refuse." Mira looked intrigued.
"Qi Yan, you can cook?!" Elfman asked, surprised.
"I'm decent! What Chinese man doesn't know how to cook?"
The Ace and the A-Rank
The three chatted as they walked to the guild, which quickly filled up with its daily crowd of laughing, fighting, and partying mages.
After eating and drinking his fill, Qi Yan headed to the Request Board. His goal was no longer the B-Ranks, but A-Rank missions—requests with rewards of 1,000,000 J or more, mostly focused on dangerous subjugation of powerful Magical Beasts.
He quickly found a suitable mission with a 1,000,000 J reward. It was close enough to allow a four-to-five-day turnaround, meaning he could potentially secure one 10-pull Gacha opportunity every two months.
Just as Qi Yan reached out to tear off the request...
Makarov's authoritative voice sliced through the din. "No! You cannot take that job!"
Qi Yan turned toward the sound. Standing there, the center of all attention, was a figure of absolute power and beauty: striking long red hair, a beautiful, sharp face, silver-gray armor, a black pleated skirt, and long black boots, radiating a heroic, undeniable presence.
Qi Yan recognized her instantly.
"Fairy Queen—Erza!"