"Is that so? As expected, the White Folk elders aren't fools. If they truly wanted to know, then you could simply reveal that you're a psychic."
As Hilliard led Ian toward the outer courtyard to practice the Breath Guidance Technique, he learned of Ian's encounter that evening and listened as Ian recounted Elder Pude's actions.
The old knight nodded slightly, approving of the boy's response. "Don't worry. Psychics are absolutely prioritized for cultivation. Since you're a psychic, even the local lord will devote resources to you—this is a highly significant achievement. If a local lord wants rewards and promotion, the number of psychics within his territory is an extremely important metric."
"But that depends entirely on you. Reveal it whenever you think the time is right."
"As for the natives, rest assured. If someone truly beyond the scope of what you can handle wants to harm you, I will certainly intervene."
In other words, if they're about as strong as me, I'm supposed to handle them myself and use it as training?
Ian understood the implication. It also matched his impression of Hilliard—the old knight was clearly not the sort to coddle his disciples. Instead, he was keen on encouraging his students to challenge themselves and grow amid danger.
It was exactly what Ian wanted.
"Let's do it here."
With that, Hilliard led Ian to sit cross-legged in the backyard outside the house.
Because it had rained that afternoon, the night air was slightly cool. The sea breeze blew past, unexpectedly calming the mind.
The teaching of the Breath Guidance Technique began here.
"Though it is called the Breath Guidance Technique, there is actually no need to deliberately speed up your breathing."
"Ian, picture the coke in a furnace. It burns slowly and quietly, but if air is blown into