Eric wrote on the front page, "Primal Breathing." A breathing technique tailored for Zoe with a condition she currently could not meet. However, Eric wanted to solve it as early as possible, so he decided to venture outside earlier than his subjects.
Primal Breathing technique was a breathing method that taps into the instincts of the beasts, heightening her physical senses and power. Zoe must imagine herself surrounded by beasts of all kinds, their breathing syncing with hers. Each inhale draws in their instincts, while each exhale strengthens her connection, sharpening her senses. Her breathing rhythm was instinct-driven, aligning with the pulse of the wild.
Obviously, whenever she meditated and performed breathing techniques, there must be a beast on her side. Hence, she has to tame a beast first before performing the breathing technique.
As Eric was writing, he finally realized something.
His hand paused as he pondered. What if I invite Zoe to venture outside with me? After all, it would be better if she tamed a beast than me.
Since I tasked everyone to isolate themselves for the next three days to practice their breathing technique, Zoe does not have anything important to do. Well, I guess I have to invite her to accompany me.
He finally decided. He continued writing, including the effects of the Primal Breathing technique.
"While performing the breathing technique, your strength, speed, and reaction time will be strengthened. It also enhances your sensory perception, especially hearing and smell.
Also, the most important effects of the breathing technique will be strengthening your bonds with the tamed beasts. After all, your bonds will determine their loyalty. If their loyalty is only barely enough to follow your commands, what's more if they evolved earlier than you?"
Eric continued to write and ended it with a quote, "The beast within breathes with you. You listen, You Evolve, You Learn."
He closed the book and finally felt relaxed. He compiled the books atop each other and turned around. To determine the time, Eric, in boredom, draws a line parallel to the windows.
If the sunlight extended to the last line, it meant it was noon. If it only extended the line prior to the last, then it means it was already 1 p.m. Simply put, the line and the sunlight determine the current time, even at night.
Since it was currently 1 p.m. They must have finished eating lunch and were now doing their personal time.
It's time to meet them again.
Since he did not want to waste even a single second, Eric grabbed the notebooks and stood up.
He leisurely walked to the door and left towards below.
…
Once everyone finished cleaning everything, they remained on the table and discussed topics about their future, the apocalypse, the accommodation of the future members, their resources, and many more.
Furthermore, during their lunch, Zoe also reminded them that the Emperor might gather everyone as soon as he finished writing all the breathing techniques tailored for them. Since they did not want to waste his time, they would rather wait on the table for convenience sake.
As expected, as soon as they heard a subtle noise reverberated from above, they shut their mouth and waited for the Emperor to arrive.
Eric was not surprised they had already gathered at the table, as he could already hear them, due to his sharp senses, discussing below. Although they tried to minimize their voice as much as possible to, perhaps, avoid disturbing him, he could hear them as loud as they heard each other.
Thankfully, Eric's concentration was top-notch, which often made him forcibly not hear their voice, except if he wanted to.
Eric sat at the table and asked Jasper and Zoe beside him to pass the breathing technique solely for themselves.
There was a name below the title, so they did not find it difficult which notebook was for them.
Their eyes sparkled when it landed on the title. For some reason, it resonated with them, it seemed to be calling to them. Their hearts pounded, hands trembling while grasping the book.
They held their breath as they opened the first page and were in awe of the writing style and drawings present–detailed, neat, organized, immersing, and creative. Unbeknownst to them, Eric's smile widened when he received the system's announcement on their loyalty, increasing to ninety five percent.
He shook his head and calmly waited for them to finish reading the book. He was immersed in his own thoughts since he had nothing to do.
Ten minutes passed, and they managed to calm down while closing the book. The knowledge they absorbed was beyond shocking. If they were to describe it, it was too fictional (the effects), but, at the same time, logical in its execution.
They closed their eyes, inhaled a deep breath, and glanced at the Emperor, seemingly in a daze.
When Eric noticed they had finished reading the book, he smiled.
He turned to Zoe and saw the latter was staring at him as well, attempting to hide her emotion, but Eric was able to grasp she was anxious. After all, she needed a tamed beast to fully activate the effects of her breathing technique.
He smiled at her and said, "That's right. While they are familiarizing the breathing technique afterwards, I will bring you outside and help you tame a beast. After all, you can't be left behind, right?"
Zoe gulped and nodded.
Eric swept his gaze to the others and said, "Everyone can now dismiss, except Zoe. However, I suggest that someone should guard the house one at a time since we will be leaving."
They nodded and Jasper said, "I'll guard first then. Also, do you still need the kitchen knives?"
He then realized it was stupid to ask when Eric fought with his fists. Only that, the fact Eric killed the Bulwark Zombie left a deeper impression of him than the Ravager Zombie.
Eric smiled and shook his head. He raised his index finger and a fire suddenly ignited atop of fingertips.
Everyone was astonished. If he is already strong without that fire, what's more with it? At this point, they recognized it was not an ordinary fire…
An Emperor's fire, a light that burns so bright it chases the darkness away and attracts hope for the hopeless… They thought at the same time.