The soldiers stood in stunned silence, their breaths still coming in shaky gasps as they adjusted to the bizarre sensation of breathing underwater.
The reality of it slowly settled in, a mix of awe and disbelief flickering across their faces.
It was Lucas who broke the silence, his brows furrowed as he looked at Lyerin with a mixture of curiosity and unease.
"So… what exactly is this ability?" he asked, his voice tentative. "You're saying that because we're part of your tribe—at least, temporarily—we can breathe underwater? Just like that?"
Lyerin nodded, his gaze calm and untroubled, as if the ability to breathe underwater were the most natural thing in the world.
"Yes," he said simply. "As long as you are under my leadership, your bodies will adapt to any hazardous environment. It is a natural defense… a gift, if you will."
There was a murmur among the soldiers, the tension in the room growing as his words sank in.