His New Skills
The warm scent of herbs filled the kitchen. Anos sat at the table, his small legs dangling, spoon in hand. The bowl of steaming soup before him carried a faint glow, as if the ingredients themselves were infused with life.
He scooped a mouthful and swallowed, his reddish-black eyes widening slightly. A wave of warmth coursed through his tiny body, easing the constant gnawing emptiness within. For the first time that morning, his stomach felt calm.
"Mmm… it's delicious," Anos praised, wiping his lips.
Celestia Ruth, seated across from him with her cup of tea, smiled knowingly.
"I made it with a few herbs and some spirit beast meat from the Starshade Forest. Normal food will never truly satisfy your Endless Hunger."
Her gaze softened, lingering on her son's small figure.
"But this… this should keep you content for a while."
Anos nodded. He knew she was right. That insatiable pit in his stomach wasn't natural—it came from the curse of his Endless Hunger. Yet, strangely, her cooking always quieted it, even if only temporarily.
'So this is what it feels like to have someone cook just for me…' he thought, his chest warming.
Celestia tilted her head as she watched him finish. "You're growing so fast, Anos. Only two years old, yet you already look four."
Anos chuckled faintly. "Blame the soup, Mother."
Her laughter chimed, soft and melodic, before she reached across the table to push two neatly bound books toward him.
"Now then… your gifts. You may open them."
Anos leaned forward, curiosity glinting in his eyes. His fingers traced the titles, and his brows furrowed slightly.
"…Breathing techniques?"
Celestia's smile faltered for a moment. Her eyes flickered, and she lowered her head.
"You don't like them? I thought… since I've seen you practicing your breath so often, that you'd want to deepen it."
Her tone was calm, but her fingers tightened slightly around her teacup.
Anos blinked, realizing instantly what she was thinking. He pushed the books aside and hugged her suddenly, his small arms wrapping around her waist.
"No, Mother! I like them. I was just surprised, that's all."
Her body stiffened for a moment, then melted into his embrace. He looked up at her with a smile.
"You noticed me training, didn't you?"
Celestia exhaled softly, her lips curving into a tender smile. "Of course. I've been watching all along. A mother doesn't miss these things."
Anos' eyes narrowed thoughtfully. 'I never sense her presence when she observes me. She hides it flawlessly. Even for me, that's… impressive.'
They held each other's gaze for a moment before she spoke again.
"Would you like me to teach you these techniques?"
"Yes!" Anos answered instantly, his voice firm with excitement.
Celestia nodded, setting her cup aside. She adjusted her posture, her expression calm but serious.
"Then watch carefully. First is the Shadow Breathing. Empty your lungs completely…"
She demonstrated, her shoulders lowering as she exhaled a heavy breath. Then she inhaled quietly through her nose, steady and controlled.
Anos mimicked her, his tiny chest rising and falling.
Celestia's eyes widened faintly. He matched her rhythm almost perfectly.
"Good… very good," she murmured.
She watched as he repeated the cycle a few times, his face calm, his breath steady.
[You have learned the Shadow Breathing]
A small smile touched Anos' lips. "That was… easier than I thought."
Celestia tilted her head, her voice soft but instructive.
"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 inhaled deeply, her chest expanding, her eyes closed in focus. After several seconds, she exhaled slowly, releasing it in a steady stream.
Anos copied her movements, inhaling until his lungs strained. He held it, then released it with effort. Again. And again.
[You have learned the Turtle Spirit Breath]
Exhaling heavily, Anos let out a soft laugh. "Mother, these really are useful."
Celestia chuckled, leaning down to pat his head. "Good job, my son." She pressed a kiss to his forehead, and for a fleeting second, Anos felt a strange knot of emotions twist inside him.
"Mother…" he murmured softly.
She rose then, smoothing her robes. "I'll be in my room for a while. Call me if you need me."
Anos watched her leave, his gaze lingering on her back. His chest tightened faintly.
'Isabella Ruth… your life was so tragic in the story I knew. But this time—this life—I will change that. I swear it.'
His eyes gleamed faintly, a white light shimmering in his pupils.
"Zara," he whispered.
[Do you need my assistance, Host?]
"Open the fusion function."
[Activating enhanced system function… Activated.]
Anos' thoughts sharpened. 'Fuse Shadow Breathing, Turtle Spirit Breath, and Basic Breathing.'
Three lights emerged from his chest, merging 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 intertwined, pulsing. His screen flickered.
[Processing… Success.]
[You have gained the Abyssal Water Flow Technique]
Anos' lips curved into a smirk. "Let's see…"
He inhaled deeply, his body aligning with the new rhythm. His breath flowed smoother, stronger, as if his body and mind had become one with water itself. A wave of calm enveloped him, his limbs lighter, his senses sharper. Strength welled inside him, steady and controlled.
[Name: Abyssal Water Flow Technique]
[Type: Breathing Technique]
[Grade: Rare]
[Description: The Abyssal Water Flow Technique is the harmonious fusion of three distinct skills—breath control, mental clarity, and physical enhancement. It allows effortless breathing underwater, heightens clarity of thought, and fortifies the body with fluid grace. The practitioner moves like water—adaptable, serene, yet overwhelmingly powerful.]
Anos clenched his fist, marveling at the surge of strength.
"…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."