Chapter 303 - The Ark Of Breathing

Seeing that her underling was hurt by her words, she couldn't help but give praise to what he has done during this mission. She did something that usually won't do; comfort a high-ranking Mage even if he could have died because of such amateur reasons.

If it was Ysabeau, she would have let him die. If it was Gillian, if Bryan made it out alive, he would definitely kill him. If it was Baldwin, that Dark Mage would have made sure that Bryan never came back alive. As for Z, he'd probably knock the wind out of the Slayer.

"But I'm not the type to give up on someone who proved their loyalty to my mission and my being. Those who are under my wings will never get left behind. I promise you, on my Elemental Core. I'll teach you, especially since you are my Slayer. And peculiarly, you held out longer than usual."

Bryan's eyes widened as he looked at Mavislin's gentle gaze. She looked more like a mother than a small kid. She didn't feel like a leader, her tone was gentle and tranquil. He felt a sense of pride and joy rushed over him. He just wished he had the air to reply to his boss.

"First, stop taking in too much air at once. You don't have any reason to. I can ȧssure you that you are no longer in danger or combat. You only do so if you are ready to channel it into a physical attack. Right now, you are at rest. At ease, Slayer," commanded Mavislin.

With that having no effect on the poor man, Mavislin resorted to another tone for Bryan. A more soothing and ȧssuring sounding tone, like how she cooed the Quadruplets.

"Relax your body, you are not getting any air because you are still too tense. Calm your body down. Regulate your breaths. It'll make you a bit dizzy but I can guarantee that the results would be better for your wound and intake for air."

Bryan had no choice but to obey. He relaxed his body, but only for a bit. Mavislin shook her head. He wasn't getting it at all. For some unknown reason, something was truly bothering him. He looked so nervous as if he was performing in front of a large crowd.

His body was not listening to his mind. He tried small gulps of air, but he was indeed getting dizzy. His intervals were all over the place, some was an interval of five ticks while later he used three ticks. This caused him to wheeze instead of getting the air he needed.

Then, when he inhaled sharply, it was as if a lightning bolt struck his lungs. He winced in pain, convulsing violently.

"That's why I said not to take in too much at once. Look, you are still too tense around your ċhėst. Slowly. Breath in through your nose, let your lungs blow up. Slowly."

No, it wasn't her fault. Well, it was, but it wasn't her tone or behavior. It was her title of being the leader of the Barren PIllars. That's why Bryan constantly uses the word 'Boss' when calling her. He was nervous and tensed around her because she's his leader.

She then took another leap at faith and enveloped the coughing man in a warm embrace. She gave him a front hug, shocking the man. Bryan nearly lost balance as he didn't anticipate that sudden move. This stopped him from inhaling for a bit but continued at a better breathing pace.

He then wrapped his hands around the Valkyrie, returning the hug. The Valkyrie smiled as she felt Brayn's arms wrapping around her body. It was working. All he needed was a hug. To say that everything was alright.

He needed an embrace to let his body know that the danger has been thwarted off and that he did a great job. Words were not enough to ease his nervous heart. How long has it been since Bryan embraced someone like this? He couldn't remember.

But it was so warm and comforting, to know someone cares for him. It was lucky that Ysabeau wasn't here. Looks like the High Queen was wrong about Mavislin's temper.

"Copy my breathing pattern, you'll find it easier now."

Bryan did so, instinctively. He was starting to return to his normal pace but Mavislin jabbed his diaphragm. He winced once more. He tried opening his mouth to protest but was quickly shut off the Valkyrie's hand.