Calm before the Storm

" What kind of spell did use ?," that was the first question that came out of Headmaster Lanphas mouth. They were deeply shocked and at the same amazed at what just happened. No matter how strong a student slayer is, they shouldn't be able to overpowered nor outsmart a grandmaster slayer. That is what everyone was thinking in the chamber. Grandmaster Aryline smirked secretly.

" It's a breathing technique, " I said.

" A breathing technique? what do you mean by that? that wasn't a spell?, " said grandmaster Revan in an astonished tone.

" No, I can't use magic, " I replied truthfully.

" You can't use magic? I have encountered cases of people born with very low magic affinity but I have never heard of anyone without any magic affinity, " said grandmaster Revan.

" Explain, how can a breathing technique give you such power?," asked grandmaster Archanole.

" My father taught me archery, the first thing I learnt from him was how to breath properly. Depending on how I breath, I could improve my archery skill alot. He said that the rhythm of breathing is very important, depending on how we breathing we can tweaked our body. Since breathing is the fundamental activity of every living organism, the answer lies in that. That was what father said, he also said that with correct way of breathing I can gain enormous strength, speed and concentration. After he died I experimented breathing techniques from what he taught me, In the process I came across a new style that can be used in battles, what I used just know is called Titan breathing. It gives me explosive strength but only for few seconds, if grandmaster was using his full strength I wouldn't have able to even . " Though I lied about the origin of my breathing techniques, most of the knowledge was from Sloghk who further refined my breathing techniques. It was true that my father taught me how to breath while learning archery but the only thing he taught me was how to breath calmly and in rhythm, to enhance focus and accuracy with arrows.

" Very interesting, who would have thought that humans had such potential of strength, when faced with strength of varaes, our ancestors had no choice but to ask for blessing from the gods and magic was granted to us. Yet, here we are, a young boy with no magic outplaying us grandmaster slayers. " said Headmaster Archanole.

" Indeed Headmaster, there is much to know about this world and ourselves." added grandmaster Lanphas.

" can we also learn this breathing techniques, child ?, " asked grandmaster Revan.

" I believe so, but it is only useful to someone who has no magic, like me. Such level of power can be easily achieved with magic and spells. " I replied with the notion that I don't have to go through the hassle of teaching someone about my techniques, I'm not greedy enough to keep it to myself but the breathing techniques wouldn't come easy for anyone as I developed and master it while surviving in b-12 wilderness.

Headmaster Archanole smiled proudly and said, " I will be looking forward to how far you'll go, Lan,"

" Today you win child, " Grandmaster Revan gently tapped on my shoulder and smiled.

" Well, good luck young slayer, us grandmaster have high hopes for you. We will see you again some time," said grandmaster Lanphas and everyone left the chamber one by one leaving me and grandmaster Arilyne behind.

" Weeew, that was nerve racking, " I settled down on the chair and relaxed.

" Seems like you were enjoying yourself, " replied grandmaster Arilyne.

" Enjoying? I didn't know what to do at first but it looks like i managed to convince them somehow," I said.

" That was impressive but not enough until you get a top spot in the upcoming tournament. It is where your full capabilities of battle will be assessed. " she said.

Leaning on her chair, her eyes scan through the scrolls and sheets on the table.

" I get it, I'll try my best. " I replied.

" Don't let your guard down, I'll be training my hunter class students the same for the tournament. " she said.

I nodded and left the chamber contemplating how I'm supposed to win this tournament. Thank god to the incident, I managed to get a spot however, I can't say for sure that I can easily win anyone.

Back at the dorm, someone was waiting for me at the entrance. He was a tall guy, menacing stare, his body built for speed and power. I could see his short hair as a sign of descipline and his demeanor, a style for enforcer. Perhaps a senior, most probably someone from the student council, that's what I suspected and turned out to be so.

" Are you Lan Gwen Ethren?, " he asked standing upright with his hands folded behind his back.

" Yes, I'm. Do you have any business with me?, " I said sincerely.

" Yes, I do. You wish to participate in the tournament?, " He said.

" Yes, that's the bet I placed when I won against senior Sen, " I replied.

" Hah- " a short smirk, " Interesting, you seem like you have confidence in your strength despite having no magic talent. " he said sharply. By the tone alone, I can feel his confidence and my instinct being aware of him, no wonder he is strong, when I mean strong not in use of magic but physical strength and skills. Just by looking at his hands, skin, eyes, I could see someone who is not fooling around as a slayer playing student council but someone who has trained harder than most people.

" Do you think I would lose if I fight her again ?, " I asked.

" Norli was saying you started out early and attempted to caught her off guard and won using the element of surprise. " He said as if he was provoking me.

" Haha- she would not have got off guard if she was attentive enough, she underestimated me simply because I was a junior and smaller in size. No good warrior underestimate their opponent. " I said confidently.

He smiled as if he achieved what he came here for, " So, what do you think about me? can you defeat me?, " he asked and aura of excitement was brimming in his eyes.

" You are definitely strong, I can feel it but I don't think I will lose to anyone in this academy " those were the words that came out of my mouth, maybe the thrill of challenge got me carried away a little bit but I'll do anything it takes to win this tournament.

" Hahaha- Interesting, I will see how you perform in the upcoming tournament, out of the six spots, I will give one to you and the other two will decided soon in the selection. The other three spots are reserved for inner circle students, probably the best among the hunter class. I suspect those three will be Jeral, Werem and Nyaka but who knows. I'm Escrald Lejes, the first seat of student council and if you win one of the top spots in the tournament, I will gladly invite you to the council. " he granted me his seal of approval for the wingless tournament.

" Thank you, Senior Lejes but I have no desire to join the council. " I bowed politely and out of respect.

" Haha- you may change your mind " He turned around and left in a calm manner.