The Power of Aspect Power and Basic Swordsmanship (Thanks to the Alliance Leader, Mrs. Shenqi, who wants to cuddle with Alice)

In the dead of night, Sylutia finally lay quietly on the bed, while Talia slept on the wooden floor of the same room. Because it was the warm Rising Wind Season, even autumn wasn't cold, and there was still a hint of lingering heat.

Today had truly been eventful. Sylutia couldn't fall asleep. With her eyes closed, all sorts of memories and scenes flashed through her mind.

What exactly was the power of Aspect Power? How vast was this world? How would she make a living from now on? Where would the future lead? All kinds of thoughts and questions tangled in her mind.

In the end, she was exhausted. In less than half an hour, she fell asleep, her breathing gradually steadying.

The night passed peacefully.

At dawn, the crisp birdsong under the eaves woke Sylutia. She rubbed her eyes, her snow-white hair slightly tousled and scattered over her shoulders and neck. Shaking her head, the girl prepared to stand and head to the latrine, but her foot landed on the uneven hard dirt floor, and only then did she realize something was wrong. Her eyes flew wide open.

"Here is..." Right, this was no longer Earth. Her chrysanthemum-blue eyes half-closed, her voice tinged with emotion.

Forget it, forget it. No point dwelling on the past. What was she supposed to do today? She groped her way up, slipped on her small leather shoes, and fastened the laces.

The pale little leather shoes paired with snow-white socks highlighted the gentle curves of her ankles and calves. Even without extra adornment, they carried a natural beauty. After straightening her clothes and hair, Sylutia circled the room a few times but found no mirror or anything similar.

Probably no mirrors here. She wondered how the villagers usually groomed themselves. She was also curious what she looked like now.

Talia was gone. She had clearly slept in the same room last night. Had she gone out early? Sylutia wondered as she walked toward the closed wooden door.

She pushed it open and stepped out. The bright sunlight felt warm. Some villagers were already up and moving about the village. Compared to last night's fierce battle, today felt especially peaceful and calm.

The square in the distance had already been swept clean, though a few traces still hinted at the events of the night before. Smoke curled from the chimneys of several houses, likely from cooking. Sylutia followed the gravel path down the slope, skipping lightly.

After last night, many in the village knew an aristocratic girl was staying here, but most only saw her properly today. Out of curiosity and respect for her noble status, the villagers mostly watched from afar as she descended the slope. Only when Sylutia reached the square again did the aunt who had given her the pie last night approach.

"Miss Sylutia, you're up? Want something to eat?" She greeted the girl. It seemed she was also preparing today's breakfast.

"Sure." Sylutia nodded and received a piece of toasted bread from the aunt.

The bread was slightly larger than her hand and still warm, with a faint sweetness and a coarse bran texture. It was black bread, yet better quality than the usual kind.

"How is it? Can you get used to it?"

"Mm-hm, it's delicious." Under the circumstances, this was decent food, and Sylutia was easily satisfied.

"As long as Miss Sylutia likes it, hehe." The aunt beamed, clearly proud and pleased that her cooking had been approved by the noble girl.

While eating the bread, the two chatted about the current situation.

"Talia probably went to help with the wounded. I'll call her over later."

"Everyone was busy all night, so plenty are still sleeping. We don't have much to offer you here."

"Captain Frien is resting in the stone tower at the village entrance. He probably won't wake until noon."

"Old Ponder should still be arranging the aftermath. How about I take you to the caravan? They ought to have plenty of interesting things."

Worried the noble girl might get bored, the aunt led her to an open space behind the village where the caravan had camped for the night, now enclosed by a simple fence.

"Henry—"

The aunt waved, calling over a young man in the distance.

"What is it, Aunt?" The straightforward youth walked over. He stood a head taller than Sylutia and had a sturdy build, wearing a short linen shirt.

"Take Miss Sylutia over to the caravan to have a look. Help her carry things, and don't let those shady merchants swindle her when they sell their goods."

"Oh, got it, Aunt." He scratched the back of his head, stole a few glances at the silver-haired girl in front of him, then lowered his head again, clearly shy and embarrassed.

"Alright, off you go. Remember to bring Miss Sylutia back for lunch at noon."

"Understood."

Henry walked ahead, leading Sylutia toward the caravan. Along the way, a few people greeted him, though their attention mostly stayed on the rare noble girl behind him. Startled by her appearance and bearing, some even stared in a daze.

Faced with this, Sylutia could only lower her head slightly to avoid the overly intrusive gazes, her fingers occasionally brushing the hair by her forehead as a small shield.

If only she could buy something to cover her head, like the raincoats from her previous life.

By now, she was also looking forward to reaching the caravan.

After crossing most of the village, the two arrived at the caravan's campsite. A few villagers were already there, negotiating and making purchases.

"I've still got two bags of White Wind Root at home. Do you take them?"

"As long as the White Wind Root hasn't gone bad, we'll take it. You want to trade for this spearhead?" A caravan member produced a spearhead forged from crude iron.

"That'll do. I'll throw in another bag of Black Gravel Wheat. That should be enough, right?"

"Enough, enough. Go fetch the White Wind Root."

After the negotiation, the middle-aged villager left the campsite, presumably heading home to get the goods.

The girl who had overheard their conversation stepped into the campsite and carefully examined the goods on display. Most were piled in sacks and wooden crates, while the more valuable items were kept inside the tents. There were ironware, honey, spices, cloth, and small everyday items like candlesticks, sewing kits, bath towels, and soap.

Walking among the piled-up goods, Sylutia gazed around with curiosity, her eyes blinking from time to time as bits of information surfaced in her mind.

[Purple Turnip] (Quality: Common), a common vegetable, resistant to storage.

[Iron Spearhead] (Quality: Common), forged from pig iron, can be inserted into a wooden shaft for use.

[Coarse Salt] (Quality: Inferior), contains many impurities, poor taste.

After circling the area, Sylutia failed to find the hooded coat she wanted, so she spoke up to ask a caravan member.

"Do you have any coats for sale? Something that can cover my hair." She gestured simply with her hands.

"You mean one of those hooded cloaks? Let me look." Before long, he dug out a few pieces, but their style and quality were truly hard to compliment.

[Linen Cloak] (Quality: Inferior), the sleeves were uneven in length, the stitching was crude; it was likely a practice piece by some apprentice.

"This won't do." Henry, who had been following Sylutia for a long time, finally spoke up, stepping in front of the young girl to block the clerk's sales pitch.

Sylutia tilted her head slightly, peering at the clothes through the gap by Henry's shoulder. Most of them were of inferior quality and ugly in style; it was no wonder they were left at the bottom of the chest, unable to be sold.

Furthermore, she compared the size of the hoods; they would likely have to be pulled tight against the head to form a ball just to cover it, which would be exceptionally uncomfortable to wear.

"Are there no better ones?"

"No, sorry, Miss. This is all we have." The man was quite helpless; they had been very short on stock lately.

Sylutia turned her gaze to the surrounding goods, seeing if she could find any substitutes.

"Do you have any hats?"

"Hats? Only straw hats."

After searching for a while, the straw hat they pulled out was already crushed and covered in burrs. Just as the girl was about to take it to see if it would suffice, a familiar voice drifted over.

"Is that Miss Sylutia? I am Vandhi, the leader of this caravan." A bearded merchant wearing a felt hat walked over, followed by two bodyguards.

"Hello." Sylutia put down the hat, turned, and nodded in return.

After glancing around, the clerk who had been pitching to Sylutia explained the situation to Vandhi. He reacted quickly, nodding and smiling at the girl.

"Miss Sylutia, are you looking for clothing and hats? These items certainly do not befit your status. Please, come with me." As he spoke, he made a gesture of invitation, leading the girl toward the inner side of the caravan. A relatively exquisite wooden carriage was parked there, featuring glass windows and a touch of grandeur.

Opening the carriage door, he invited Sylutia to sit opposite him and had someone prepare tea before he began to converse with the girl.

"I have a few decent garments here. They were originally reserved by a wealthy family in the city, but it wouldn't be a problem to transfer them to you. I can just find other channels to replenish my stock when I return to the city; it will only take a little more effort." He displayed his generosity.

"Thank you." Sylutia nodded slightly, knowing that this merchant must have more to say, or he wouldn't have specifically invited her over.

"...I wonder where Miss Sylutia intends to go next? If it is on the way, I would be happy to help you." Seeing the girl remain silent, he stroked his beard and continued.

"I am currently unsure where my family is. Perhaps I should first head to a larger city to find channels and methods." The girl replied, twirling a strand of her hair.

"In that case, I suggest going to the nearby Scorched Stone City. It is quite prosperous, with all walks of life represented, and I happen to be heading there myself." Vandhi intended to use this journey to build a relationship with this noble girl. As for why he believed she was a noble—such temperament, clothing, appearance, and skin condition were things a commoner could never feign.

"Thank you for your kindness, but I am not carrying any money at the moment. I am afraid I cannot repay you for the time being." Sylutia replied politely.

"That doesn't matter. Let's just say we are making a friend, don't you agree?" This was the result Vandhi wanted. If the girl had actually offered money, he would have tried his best to refuse it, otherwise, it would be difficult to use this to build a rapport.

"Many thanks." With this, Sylutia let go of some of her worries.

If she could reach a larger city, she should be able to find a suitable job and pay him back. As for how she would establish herself in the future, that would depend on other opportunities.

At this moment, a caravan member brought over a wooden tray with brewed tea, placed it on the small table inside the carriage, and then bowed his way out.

"Please, enjoy. This is Musk Mountain Souchong I purchased from Afira Manor in the north. It is a rare delicacy in the surrounding areas." After speaking, he picked up his own teacup first and took a small sip.

Sylutia picked hers up as well. Her eyes flickered slightly, and a string of information surfaced.

[Black Tea (Musk Mountain Souchong)] (Quality: Good): Summer-harvested tea, 82% fermentation, accompanied by honey, mellow and sweet aroma, slightly astringent, has a faint restorative effect (influenced by the "Blazing Sun" Aspect Power of the Rising Wind Season).

Seeing that the tea was fine, she took a small sip. The hot tea liquid flowed between her teeth, bringing a hint of fragrance and sweetness.

Exhaling softly, Sylutia set the tea down. It's a bit hot.

Vandhi, sitting opposite her, did not seem to mind the heat, savoring the black tea with great satisfaction. The honey mixed into it also pleased him, and his eyes narrowed slightly.

Taking this opportunity, Sylutia chatted with Vandhi about the situation in the surrounding villages and towns.

"Besides Linden Village, there is Bee Village twenty kilometers away, which produces good honey. Then there is Iron Rock Village and Long Cable Village further out."

"The nearest town is River Stone Town. Thirty miles west along the road to River Stone Town is Scorched Stone City. It is a city built against the mountains. It was burned by a great fire in the past, and many of the stones turned black, hence the name Scorched Stone City. It is the territory of Viscount Xuefeng."

"About how many people live in Scorched Stone City?" the girl asked again.

"I estimate about 40,000. No one has counted specifically." As a merchant, Vandhi was knowledgeable about this, as the city's population was directly related to the size of the market and the demand for goods.

Afterward, Sylutia learned quite a bit more about the local situation from him, finally gaining a general understanding of this world.

The Regas Duchy where she currently resided had a population of about 3 million and was located in the southern part of the continent. Several other small duchies were scattered across the fragmented mountain plains, each with varying levels of strength.

Furthermore, from Vandhi's words, she was able to roughly deduce some information regarding the "Aspect Powers."

This world possessed various extraordinary "Aspect Powers," which could be understood as a form of special conceptual magic. They could transform into one another according to specific methods, and they could also weaken or strengthen. When strengthened, the secret arts and abilities utilizing that Aspect Power would receive a synchronized boost.

Ordinary people could at most focus on cultivating one Aspect Power to gain its power. Due to race and origin, the "Blood Law" Aspect Power was a recessive one inscribed within the bloodlines of all living things. As long as red blood flowed through one's body, even if one cultivated the job classes of other Aspect Powers, it would not hinder the acquisition of the power of the "Blood Law" Aspect Power, such as techniques like "Breathing Methods."

However, this compatibility only exists at lower tiers. If the "Blood Law" Aspect Power abilities one acquires become increasingly powerful, they will interfere with and affect the cultivation of one's primary Aspect Power power.

By the same token, the "Beast Tooth" Aspect Power is a recessive trait inherited through the bloodlines of many beasts; "Dragon Pupil" is the Aspect Power inherited through the bloodlines of draconic creatures; "Spiral Fish" is the inheritance of aquatic and amphibious creatures; "Insect Moth" is the inheritance of insectoid creatures; and "Emerald Honey" is the recessive Aspect Power contained within all plants.

Mastering Aspect Power power is not restricted; as long as the conditions are right, humans can also acquire the powers of "Spiral Fish," "Dragon Pupil," and the like, though compared to creatures with innate inheritance, it requires more skill and resources to cultivate.

Those who focused on the cultivation of a specific Aspect Power path gathered together to exchange knowledge and learn, eventually forming the earliest schools.

Today, the royal power across the land is built upon the "Castle" Aspect Power. Wherever there are villages or towns, arrays of the "Castle" Aspect Power are laid out. Their main bodies are structures built from foundations such as pillars, high towers, castles, and city walls. These structures subtly form mysterious rituals, causing a barrier of the "Castle" Aspect Power to shroud the villages and towns, protecting the residents within from being influenced by other Aspect Power powers.

If beasts in the wild acquire Aspect Power power, they feel a sense of oppression and discomfort when approaching towns, which is why they proactively avoid these places, unless—

"Unless they are driven by a high-tier leader, they wouldn't have the courage to break into a village or town." A deep voice cut in, causing the two people conversing to look up.

"Captain Frien, you've arrived." Vandhi was the first to stand and greet him. The man bent down to enter the exquisite carriage, his back to the sunlight, and sat beside him.

Ignoring Vandhi's greeting, Frien nodded slightly at Sylutia. "Regarding last night's events, thank you, Miss Sylutia."

Because of Sylutia's rescue, many cavalry members had survived. This had allowed him to breathe a sigh of relief, and filled with gratitude, he had come specifically to find her.

"I merely did what little I could." The young girl replied modestly, though she did indeed have something to ask of this cavalry captain.

"I saw you using a Breathing Technique during the battle last night, is that correct?"

"That is correct. It is one of my current abilities." Aside from Fate Cards, every living being has three slots for [Ability Cards].

"I would like to learn a Breathing Technique for self-preservation. I wonder if you could teach me?" Sylutia asked earnestly.

"This... is not difficult. In fact, I often teach the soldiers and the village militia. After all, it is nothing rare; many people know it."

"However, Miss Sylutia, are you certain you want to learn this? Since Tier 1-2 transcendents only have three slots for ability cards, occupying one will squeeze the space for cultivating other skills."

"Once the [Breathing Technique] ability is acquired, can it not be abandoned?" Hearing this, Sylutia began to hesitate.

"It can be abandoned, but it takes a certain amount of time, and I expect you would need some potions to assist in easing the side effects during the dissolution process."

"I see. Then I have nothing to worry about." Sylutia breathed a sigh of relief.

Seeing this, Frien stopped trying to dissuade her, though there were some things he left unsaid: the potions required to dissolve a [Breathing Technique] are often quite expensive. But for a noble, this should be a trivial matter.

"As it happens, I will be staying in the village for a while to recover from my injuries and ensure that Red Wolf does not return. During this week, I will do my best to instruct you, Miss Sylutia."

Over the next few days, Sylutia remained in Linden Village, helping to care for the injured cavalrymen by changing bandages and treating wounds, and then following Frien to learn the "Breathing Technique."

The next day.

In the open space behind the village, several people stood under a tree listening to Frien explain how to train the "Breathing Technique." Among them, besides Sylutia, were several other young villagers, including Henry and Talia.

Due to the battle a few days prior, many felt a sense of crisis and were exceptionally focused as they listened to Frien explain the application of the "Breathing Technique."

"Although the 'Breathing Technique' for strengthening the physique is much simpler than some 'Meditation Techniques' for training the mind, it is quite good if even one in ten can learn it. If you cannot master it, there is no need to be too discouraged." He warned them before the instruction began. According to his past experience, on average, only one in twenty young people could learn it.

"Good. Now, follow the rhythm I just described, close your eyes, and gradually adjust your breathing."

Sylutia stood in the back row, where she felt more at ease and it was cooler. She began to adjust her breathing, closing her eyes to search for that rhythm and the strange cadence hidden deep within her heartbeat.

The open space fell silent. The eight young people carefully felt their own heartbeats and breathing, slowly adjusting their breath according to the steps to synchronize it with the rhythm of their hearts. Some frowned throughout the process, unable to perceive any change; others seemed to notice a subtle difference but still couldn't grasp it, only repeating the process in vain; others couldn't even keep their breathing steady and grew increasingly agitated.

Watching the few before him, Frien shook his head inwardly, feeling that none of them had any hope of learning it. If they truly had talent, it would have been unearthed long ago. He remembered that the village chief had been an adventurer in his youth and already knew the Breathing Technique; he surely must have tried to teach these children in the past.

There were 11 villages in Baron Holin's territory, each with about 300 people. In each village, there were about ten or so who could master the "Breathing Technique." Subtracting the elderly and those who had gone out to seek their fortunes, only 4-5 remained in the village.

He remembered that in Linden Village, the only ones who knew the Breathing Technique were two hunters, two security patrolmen, one butcher, and the old village chief. This was the accumulation of over a decade in the village. Looking at it this way, if Talia's generation could produce two who knew the Breathing Technique, it would be considered a success.

While Frien was lost in thought and memory, Sylutia's consciousness gradually immersed itself in a peculiar state. The sound of the wind and the chirping of birds outside vanished, leaving only the sound of her own heartbeat, which grew increasingly clear.

A hazy sensation emerged. Although she could not see her own heart, an intangible feeling of expansion followed by contraction gradually surfaced. Following that jumping, blurred form, her breathing slowly became longer and her heartbeat grew slower.

Every heartbeat became regular, gradually aligning with the rhythm of her breathing. Invisible and hidden blood-red threads appeared in her mind; these threads seemed to possess an extremely faint blood-red Aspect Power, following the flow of blood and circulating continuously.

Bit by bit, these threads spread, reaching into an unknown distance, twisting and winding, flowing silently within her body until they finally completed a cycle and returned to the starting point.

(Breathing Technique proficiency +12)

When Sylutia opened her eyes again, there were no other students left in the open space; only Frien was sitting under the tree. Seeing her open her eyes, he stood up and walked over.

"I had them all disperse first, so as not to disturb you." The look in his eyes as he watched Sylutia held a certain joy and surprise.

"Had you studied the 'Breathing Technique' before? I have never seen anyone master it so quickly." In his memory, being able to complete the first breathing cycle within three days was the mark of a rare genius. In all these years, he had only known one.

Yet this young girl had taken only half an hour to complete the first breathing cycle, and the process had been exceptionally steady, without any accidental interruptions.

"I don't know. I don't remember things from my childhood, but as of now, I truly did not know the 'Breathing Technique'." Hearing Frien say this, she also began to wonder if she had learned it before.

"Regardless, if you continue to practice and repeat it over the next few days, you will slowly master the first stage of the Breathing Technique." Frien told her with expectation.

"There are also some precautions I must tell you. The first stage of the Breathing Technique places a heavy load and pressure on the body. If you use it, you must never exceed 10 seconds during the initial period. It is best to rest and recover immediately after use, and the total time used in a single day must not exceed 1 minute."

"Is it that short?" Sylutia was surprised.

"Heh, of course. What did you think this was? This is a means to decide the outcome of a battle—at the most critical moment, if you are just a few points faster, you can immediately determine life or death."

"Come, take this wooden sword." He handed the girl a wooden sword and then pointed at himself.

"Try and strike at me."

Gripping the wooden sword, Sylutia attempted to attack Frien. As she stepped forward to swing, his figure flickered, dodging the blade with a speed she couldn't react to. His hand, shaped like a blade, chopped toward her neck, stopping a mere two centimeters away, stirring a few strands of her hair.

"Did you see that? By being just three-tenths faster, I could have taken your life. And the cost? Two seconds of using the breathing technique. Do you still think it's weak or insufficient now?" Frien said, grinning broadly.

Only then did Sylutia truly realize how powerful and practical the power of the Aspect Power was. Even an ordinary Aspect Power ability was enough to make an individual's strength far exceed that of a normal person, reaching the point of one against ten. And yet, mastering such an ability was still a long way from becoming a true First-Order transcendent.

That crimson giant wolf was far more terrifying than she had imagined; even Captain Frien had only been able to barely contend with it by utilizing the "Castle" magic circle of the village.

[Breathing Technique Lv.0](Blood Law): An unformed ability, current progress (12/100)

Seeing the information emerge in her mind, Sylutia felt a surge of anticipation and motivation once more, wondering what she would be like once she had fully mastered the [Breathing Technique].

"Hahaha, feeling extra excited, are you? I have a few sword and spear techniques, and since I happen to have some free time these next few days, I'll teach them all to you."

"Knowing the breathing technique alone isn't enough; you must pair it with suitable skills, and ultimately, possess the courage and will to fight. You'll understand later—only when all these are combined will you have a chance to truly step onto the path of pursuing the power of the Aspect Power." As he spoke, memories surfaced in the depths of his eyes, his voice filled with deep emotion.

"I understand. Thank you, Teacher." Sylutia bowed respectfully.

Aspect Power [Blood Law]: The pulse of blood and life, the first sound and movement in the world, the beginning of all flesh and blood life, and the proof of existence.