Jason

"Finally …"

Jason let out a large sigh. Letting go of his sword, he slumped his back against a tree.

Having nothing to worry about was such a refreshing feeling. After being caught up in an unending chain of events in this strange world he reincarnated in; it made him treasure the carefree life he had for the past three years since he went into seclusion.

He stuffed the chopped pieces of wood into his magic pouch, then walked down the stony path that led through the canopy of trees; enjoying the whistling noises of playful tanukis that greeted him.

Indeed, only those who went through war would treasure peace. He took it for granted too much back in his previous world. Being transmigrated into this world … had made him realize that.

Not that he could do anything to go back to his original world, he had tried for so many years and was tired of it already.

"You're back, Master!"

At the entrance of his house - a red-haired girl stood there as usual, calling out to him.

He smiled back. "Mhm. Once we're done with dinner, I'll be teaching you something special for your sword lesson today, Akane."

"Are you going to finally teach me how to do those cool moves? The ones where you infuse your sword with pyro?"

"Not yet. You still need to master the basics. Sun Breathing makes use of pyro elemental particles that are in the air. If you can't even swing the style correctly you'll be hurt."

"Come - onnn, master. Pleaseee. It's already three years"

The girl hugged his arm, looking at him with her pleading emerald eyes.

Jason slouched his shoulders. He had saved Akane years ago from a group of rogue ronin while he was returning to his home. The girl was traveling with her family to Inazuma City when they were attacked by them; unfortunately, her parents were not so lucky and had perished already by the time Jason rescued her.

Seeing as the girl was only fifteen years old back then with no one else to rely on, he wasn't so heartless to abandon the child to a cruel fate. When the girl recovered from her ordeal, she nagged him daily to teach her how to become strong. Perhaps it was on a whim, Jason didn't know. But since he had nothing else to do anyway aside from reading the light novels he purchased, he figured he might as well teach her.

Strength was after all too important, to survive in this cruel world.

"Very well. Let's eat first, help me get the bird eggs and salt ready. A simple dish of egg rolls will do for today."

"At once, Master!"

Akane's spirited voice sounded out, followed by the sound of footsteps running.

Jason gave a smile and pushed open the wooden door.

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A strong gust of wind blew against them as they stepped to the back of the house.

"In the continent of Teyvat, only vision holders … and deities are able to command the power of elements. However, there is yet a third way for those who wish to wield the power of elements."

Jason stopped moving and his gaze met Akane's.

"This third method is called breathing technique, and this is what your master is going to teach you now."

He took in a deep breath and gripped the hilt of his sword.

"Breath of the Sun: Dancing Ember."

Flames infused his sword at that instant, and he swung his sword horizontally across the air, imagining as though there was an enemy in front of him.

"Wow!"

Jason relaxed his breathing, and the flames disappeared from his sword.

"That was a simple basic sword strike, a demonstration of what you can expect should you be able to practice the breathing technique I'm teaching you. For now, try doing the breathing technique that I have explained to you earlier over dinner."

Akane nodded, then closed her eyes.

"You should be able to feel the sensation of those particles around you right now, whatever you feel; now draw them in through your breathing, and channel it to your swo-."

"Ahh!" Akane let out a shrill, and dropped her sword onto the ground. There were faint traces of ice forming on the grass it fell on.

Jason frowned. "Cyro element? It seems you are suited towards ice-breathing huh …"

He was hoping the girl would be able to do Sun Breathing like him. But Ice - breathing … How was he supposed to teach her that? He only got the knowledge about the sun breathing techniques as a gift from a self-professed 'God' who sent him into Teyvat many years ago after he was killed in an accident by a truck.

He had no knowledge about the other forms of breathing.

"S-sorry Master." The girl stood up. "I'm ready to try again!"

"No. That's it for today."

"But I can stil-"

"Look at your palms."

It was only then that Akane noticed them- they were red and swelling.

"The lack of control of the Cyro Elements you channeled earlier has already caused your hands to have some symptoms of frostbite. If you train any further the condition will worsen. Rest for a few days, before you continue."

The girl slumped her shoulders dejectedly, dragging her feet as she walked off.

Jason sheathed his sword and looked on at the glowing moon that hung in the skies. Was it also nighttime now in his previous world? He hoped his mom and dad were doing fine ...

(920 Words)