The quiet inside the secret library remained unchanged.
Ivan stood motionless, eyes closed, waiting.
Half an hour passed slowly.
He did not rush Nova. This was not something that could be hurried.
Finally, a soft voice sounded in his mind.
"Master," Nova said, "composition complete."
Ivan opened his eyes at once.
"Report."
"The optimized Knight Breathing Method has been formed," Nova continued.
"Based on comparative analysis of all available methods and the Thornheart foundation, efficiency has been significantly improved."
"How much?" Ivan asked, barely hiding his anticipation.
"Under identical conditions," Nova replied calmly,
"the newly composed Crimson Heart Breathing Method increases refinement efficiency by approximately five times."
Ivan's breath caught.
"…Five times?"
"Yes, Master. Without auxiliary medicine, estimated time to break through to Lower Knight has been reduced from five years to approximately one year."
For a moment, Ivan did not speak.
Then—
A sharp smile appeared on his face.
"One year…"
That was no longer slow.
That was fast.
Very fast.
"Show me the method," Ivan said immediately.
A flow of information entered his mind. Compared to the original Thornheart breathing method, this new version was more complex—but also clearer. The circulation paths were tighter. The chi refinement process was smoother. Wasted energy was minimized.
It was not a completely new method.
It was an evolution.
Ivan did not hesitate.
He sat down on the spot, adjusted his posture, and began practicing.
Inhale.
Pause.
Exhale.
The moment he completed the first cycle, his body reacted.
Chi gathered more easily than before.
The familiar warmth in his abdomen formed faster, denser, more obedient. The threads spreading through his body felt clearer, as if the path itself had been widened.
"…This is much easier," Ivan muttered.
The resistance he used to feel was gone.
Refinement no longer felt like grinding stone—it felt like flowing water.
He completed a second cycle.
Then a third.
His breathing remained steady, his heart calm, but inside, excitement surged.
"This efficiency…" Ivan said softly. "It's on a completely different level."
"Yes, Master," Nova said.
"Additional analysis available."
Ivan paused. "Explain."
"The Crimson Heart Breathing Method is no longer a standard mid-tier technique," Nova said.
"It qualifies as a special high-level breathing method."
Ivan's eyes narrowed slightly.
"High-level?"
"Yes. Its structure exceeds ordinary high-level methods in stability and growth potential, but it does not reach the absolute peak tier. It exists in a special intermediate state."
Ivan absorbed that silently.
"There is more," Nova continued.
"When cultivating this method during the breakthrough to Lower Knight, there is a probability of a beneficial heart mutation."
Ivan's heartbeat skipped.
"Mutation?"
"Yes. If successful, the mutation will enhance overall physical development. Strength, agility, constitution, endurance, and recovery will surpass ordinary Lower Knights."
Ivan's fingers tightened.
"And combat?"
"A special condition may form," Nova said.
"For a short duration, you may enter a burst state, releasing strength far beyond your normal limits."
Ivan's breathing slowed.
"Side effects?"
"Extreme fatigue. After activation, your body will require one to two days of rest."
Ivan exhaled slowly.
That was a price he could accept.
He stopped after several cycles, exhaling evenly.
Good.
Very good.
He stood up and looked around the library one last time.
The shelves were silent. The methods had already been scanned, analyzed, and absorbed. There was nothing more to gain today.
When Ivan stepped out of the secret library, the light outside had changed.
The sun was low.
The sky had turned a warm shade of gold.
So much time had passed.
Ivan paused briefly, then turned toward the central tower.
His father's study.
He knocked.
"Come in," came the familiar voice.
Ivan entered.
The Baron was standing near the window, hands behind his back. He turned when Ivan stepped inside, his expression calm but observant.
"You took your time," the Baron said.
"Yes," Ivan replied. "I learned a lot."
The Baron studied him for a moment, then asked, "Did you gain any inspiration?"
Ivan nodded. "Some."
The Baron did not press further.
He walked back to his desk, opened a drawer, and took something out.
Three small glass bottles.
Each contained a thick, dark crimson liquid.
Ivan's eyes sharpened.
"These are called Crimson Blood Tempering Elixirs," the Baron said.
Ivan's attention deepened at once.
"Before you ask," the Baron continued,
"understand this first—when forming the foundation of a knight, relying solely on your breathing method is best. Medicine used too early weakens long-term growth."
Ivan listened carefully.
"That is why I didn't give these to you before," the Baron said.
"A stable Knight Seed must be formed naturally."
He placed the bottles on the table.
"After you break through to Lower Knight, however, these elixirs can be used as assistance. They stabilize the body, strengthen the heart, and improve refinement efficiency."
He paused briefly.
"They will also continue to provide strong auxiliary effects when you advance from Lower Knight to Middle Knight."
Ivan looked up, surprised.
"So they're useful even after the breakthrough?"
"Yes," the Baron replied calmly.
"They support growth without harming your foundation."
Ivan picked up one bottle carefully.
"What are they made from?"
"Primarily refined magical beast blood," the Baron said.
"Combined with Moon Grass, Blood Flower, and stabilizing herbs."
Ivan bowed slightly. "Thank you, Father."
The Baron waved his hand. "Use them properly. Don't rush."
"I will," Ivan said.
Night had begun to fall when Ivan returned to his room.
He placed the bottles on the table.
"NOVA," he said, "analyze the elixirs."
"Yes, Master."
A scan passed over the bottles.
"Analysis complete," Nova reported.
"No harmful components detected. Suitable for Knight cultivation."
Ivan nodded.
He picked up one bottle.
Without hesitation, he drank it.
The liquid was warm and heavy.
Heat spread through his body almost instantly.
Stronger than before.
Deeper.
Ivan sat down and circulated the Crimson Heart Breathing Method.
Chi surged.
Refinement accelerated.
The warmth in his abdomen condensed tightly, pulsing with quiet strength.
After finishing the session, Ivan opened his eyes.
"NOVA," he said, "calculate breakthrough time with continued use."
A brief pause.
"With proper usage," Nova replied,
"estimated breakthrough time is six to seven months."
Ivan clenched his fist.
Six months.
A quiet smile appeared on his face.
The path ahead had shortened again.