Back to the boarding house. More than half an hour after Eric left, the boys and the girls left their room after taking a break. After all, meditating while trying to maintain the breathing technique would not be mastered in an instant. In fact, in half an hour, they already attempted dozens of times.
Most of them could only perform breathing techniques for half a minute and by then, they would feel ache from their body. They recalled Eric mentioned in their textbook that their body has to adapt with the breathing technique, as the breathing technique itself tried to change their body.
They gathered outside instead of the usual place and had a discussion. Jasper did not join as he went inside and meditated to perform the breathing technique.
They have decided to convene and share their experience and ideas for them to grow. It was Zoe's idea, who, after returning, went to perform the breathing technique and discovered it was not only her who needed a break.
The girls sat on the wooden chair, while the boys creatively sat on some rocks or places that made them feel comfortable.
Zoe, with the Thunder Quail on her shoulder, seemingly stubborn at performing the breathing technique, swept her gaze at them indifferently.
She said, "Has anyone crossed the minute mark?"
They looked at each other and helplessly shook their heads.
She nodded. "At this point, it will be difficult to complete the Emperor's task. An hour of performing a breathing technique for the next three days."
"Umm…" Andrew scratched his cheeks. "His only task was a minute. He only said he would be surprised if we achieved an hour."
Zoe stared at him and replied, "Even so, we must meet the surprise he wanted to. Don't you consider yourself a failure if you only achieve a minute mark? If you were with us earlier, it would not only me who noticed his breathing technique to be consistent during the battle. If he could achieve that much, why can't we?"
Zoe was definitely frustrated. After all, she wanted to be like the Emperor, but she discovered the massive disparity between them. Hence, she did not stop and continued.
"In addition, we will achieve it by meditating. There should be no more complaints. We must get stronger as soon as possible. If the Emperor worries about our future, why can't we?"
"Still…" Axel intervened. He was as frustrated as Zoe but he already accepted the reality. "Isn't it ridiculous to compare ourselves to the Emperor? He is human, true. But he is an entirely different breed. This is why he is our Emperor.
I will tell you now, Zoe. As a man, we definitely did not want our pride to be challenged. What will he feel if he discovers we can achieve what he can?"
Zoe glared at him and failed to hide her disgust. "The Emperor is not like you."
"Now, now…" Samantha had to intervene. As she sat behind Zoe, she patted her back and tried to calm her down. "We can't pressure ourselves this much, Zoe. Doing so will only negatively affect our performance. Let's just do our best, shall we?"
Zoe stared at her, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. She glanced at Axel and bowed slightly.
"I apologize. I let my emotions get ahead of me."
Axel smiled brightly and chuckled. "I can definitely empathize with you. However, I have longed to accept the reality that I can never be on the same ground as the Emperor after he saved my life. However, I can definitely be behind his back, continue to support him and do my best to be at his service."
Zoe was surprised. She nodded with an ambiguous expression, ending the light dispute.
Leonel took the chance to change the topic and said, "I think it's because our body is slow to adapt with our breathing technique. I tried to overdo it but my instinct warned me, so we really can't hurry it. The Emperor's body is just built entirely different."
Andrew nodded. "You're right. In addition, during the session, I have realized my ability is trying to strengthen the body too, by forcibly trying it to grow accustomed to it. After half an hour, it's not like I did not gain any significant changes in my body. I even feel like I can activate my ability with more power and can control it more efficiently."
Everyone agreed by nodding their heads.
Axel said, "If that is the case, then it's within the Emperor's expectations. To fully solidify our foundation, the martial arts will complete it once and for all." His eyes sparkled in excitement.
They nodded their heads as Leonel said, "Have anyone decided what weapon to use? I suggest you think carefully, or you can ask the Emperor's opinion since he is more knowledgeable than us. But then again, he wants us to decide since it will be our weapon for life. We must not regret this."
Zoe glanced at Leonel and was a bit surprised he finally blended in and talked a lot about what was on his mind. This conveys he is now comfortable with us. This is good. She thought.
She said, "Leonel is right. I have decided to go with fists. I want to learn explosive fists techniques like the Emperor."
They were stunned. Axel stared at him in astonishment as he asked, "Are you sure about your decision? Don't you consider it twice? We're not fighting humans but zombies. Just because our apocalypse is not the same as what we see in fiction, one bite will end us once and for all."
Samantha said, "Not really. In addition, the Emperor is known to fight with his fists. He might have only used knives… because he felt like it. Anyway, as long as you are careful, then you are good. At the very least, we just have to cut her arm before it fully spreads to his body."
Axel stared at her in shock and mumbled in a daze, "Are girls crazy?"