Wizard: Starting With the Knights Breathing Method Chapter 4: Advanced Breathing Methods

[Black Snake Breathing Method +3]

[Black Snake Breathing Method +2]

[Black Snake Breathing Method: Level 1 (233/1000)]

Day after day, Levi engaged in the silent practice of his breathing method.

Aside from the time spent eating and sleeping, his entire existence revolved around his Cultivation.

The castle servants rarely caught a glimpse of him. On the few occasions he appeared, he was either contorting his limbs into bizarre positions or clad in heavy armor, shield in hand, as he relentlessly weathered Knight Fred's strikes.

"It makes me feel ashamed—our Young Master is so youthful, yet he pushes himself with such intensity."

"What? Is he still training? I should work harder so the lord might grant me an extra ration tomorrow morning."

No matter how diligently they toiled, however, they couldn't capture his gaze. Levi was simply too consumed by his tireless work.

Knight Fred was immensely pleased to witness such dedication. To ensure his master remained undisturbed, the knight took it upon himself to manage all the castle's mundane affairs.

Still, certain conflicts required Levi to act as a fair judge. Having been a lawyer in his previous life, this duty was the sole remaining link to his past self.

Before long, the Coldest Winter Month arrived in December.

This signaled a time when the freezing gales and snowstorms would only grow more savage.

The crumbling wooden shacks of many serfs had long been in a state of neglect, and they were utterly demolished by the howling winds and heavy snow.

Levi commanded Knight Fred to move these displaced serfs into the castle and provide them with work. The women were employed as maids to handle the daily chores and serve Levi.

Meanwhile, the men were drafted into the military, causing the number of troops under his command to reach an all-time high.

Fifty men.

Under Knight Fred's leadership, they were taught fundamental martial skills. When not training, they performed heavy labor, repairing the castle, tending the livestock, and working the fields.

The elderly and the children were assigned lighter chores. In exchange, everyone received their portion of food: a loaf of bread and a bowl of red bean soup.

Though the bread was hard and stale, it was nonetheless a treasure to them.

Even Levi and Knight Fred were unable to enjoy high-quality bread due to the poor productivity of Blackwater Valley. To maintain their status as knights, they were required to consume far more calories than an average person.

Levi’s daily food consumption had surged to five or eight times that of a normal man, while Knight Fred needed three times the usual amount.

While the serfs felt immense gratitude for Levi's kindness, he was far too preoccupied with his breathing method to notice.

Watching his physique improve visibly with each passing day gave him a profound sense of achievement.

Naturally, he remained vigilant against the threat of wandering bandits or rival knights from other kingdoms.

Levi knew he was an attractive target for a raid.

With Knight Fred present, however, Levi didn't have to stress over common enemies.

Even though Knight Fred had been out of the fray for a while, his reputation as the "Snake Knight" still acted as a powerful warning to those in the surrounding territories.

Levi also took time to observe Knight Fred training the new recruits. Their growth under the knight's tutelage was obvious. Levi nodded, satisfied that they would become a vital resource in the future.

In truth, the population of Levi’s current domain was tragically small.

He had, after all, arrived here with nothing to his name.

The winter months eventually drifted by, and the year 1004 of the Holy Calendar began on the first day of the Primordial Month.

This day marked the birthday of the Father in Heaven.

By coincidence, it was also Levi’s birthday.

Levi Snyder had officially turned thirteen.

The Blackwater Valley remained frozen and desolate. Having just completed a session of his twisted breathing method, Levi stretched his 1.8-meter-tall frame. He stood on the castle’s second floor in a commanding stance, one hand on his hip while the other rested as he looked out over the inhabitants below.

He exuded a dark, snake-like aura—chilly and precise. His muscles were lean and defined, with sharp abdominal lines visible through his tunic. He looked like a masterpiece of ancient sculpture.

Beholding Levi, the serfs couldn't help but whisper in awe, "Is he really only thirteen?"

Levi felt a sense of peace as he looked up at the light snowfall.

A new year brought a new atmosphere. Lights and festive decorations soon adorned the castle. Maids hurried through the corridors with giggles, busy preparing the feast for the lord's birthday.

The soldiers were granted a rare ration of spirits, chatting merrily with Knight Fred. They expressed their thanks to both the Knight and the Lord for their benevolence, offering New Year and birthday blessings to Levi.

The other serfs brought gifts of ham, cheese, wine, and dried fruit to show Levi their appreciation.

Compared to the typical greedy and cruel lords of this world, Levi maintained a modern perspective and showed his people respect.

Consequently, despite their poverty, the serfs lived with a sense of contentment.

In this place, they were treated as human beings. Under Knight Fred’s protection, they felt genuinely safe.

Levi was indeed in high spirits, though it wasn't because of the party.

After two months of relentless, grueling practice, he had finally achieved a breakthrough to the second level.