Chapter 27– The Nature of Mana
Chapter – No Affinity, No Problem
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Exhaustion After Training
Alden barely made it back to his dorm. Each step felt heavier than the last, his muscles burning from the relentless training. His body, still adjusting to his enhanced stats, screamed in protest with every movement.
The moment he stepped inside, he practically collapsed onto his bed.
[You look half-dead,] Kuranai remarked dryly from his bracer form.
"Shut up," Alden muttered, not even bothering to take off his boots. The fatigue was overwhelming, dragging him into unconsciousness the second his head hit the pillow.
For the first time since he transmigrated, he slept like a log.
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The Next Morning – Mana Theory Class
Morning came too soon. Alden groggily sat up, his body still aching. Every muscle protested as he forced himself to get out of bed and into the shower. The cold water helped, but only slightly.
After dressing in his uniform, he made his way to class, arriving just as the lesson began.
At the front of the room stood Professor Elric Vaelthorne, an elderly elf with silver hair and emerald eyes. His presence commanded attention, exuding an air of wisdom and authority.
"Today," Professor Elric began, his voice calm yet firm, "we will be discussing Mana Theory and the concept of affinities."
The room fell silent. Even the lazier students sat up straight. Mana Theory was fundamental—the foundation of all magic and combat techniques.
Alden folded his arms, listening carefully. He already knew most of this from the game, but hearing it from the world's perspective was invaluable.
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What is Mana?
"Mana," Professor Elric explained, "is the fundamental energy that fuels all magic. It exists everywhere—in the air, in living beings, even in inanimate objects. Without mana, spells, weapon arts, and enhancement techniques would be impossible."
He gestured with his hand, and a glowing diagram appeared mid-air, illustrating mana flowing through the world.
"There are three primary ways to use mana:
1. Elemental Magic – The direct manipulation of the elements.
2. Mana Enhancement – Infusing one's body or weapon with mana to enhance strength and durability.
3. Enchantments & Formations – The application of mana into artifacts and magical structures."
Professor Elric continued, "A mage's strength depends on two factors—affinity and mana capacity.
"Now, let's discuss affinities—the defining trait of a mage's potential."
With another wave of his hand, a holographic chart appeared, listing the different affinities.
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Understanding Affinities
Primary Affinities:
Fire – Destructive and powerful.
Water – Versatile, capable of healing and offense.
Earth – Stable and strong, focused on defense.
Wind – Fast and elusive, excellent for mobility.
Advanced Affinities:
Lightning – A rare and fast element, highly destructive.
Ice – A refined form of water, allowing freezing abilities.
Metal – A variation of earth, focused on enhancing weapons and armor.
Special Affinities:
Light – Rare, associated with healing and purification.
Darkness – Rare, involving shadows and illusions.
Space – Extremely rare, allowing teleportation and spatial manipulation.
"Most individuals have one affinity," Professor Elric stated. "However, exceptionally talented individuals can possess two or more."
Alden sighed internally. He already knew his problem.
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The Protagonist – A Monster in the Making
'Leonhardt's talent is absurd,' Alden thought as the affinity list was displayed.
At the very top:
Leonhardt Valerian → Water, Lightning, Earth (Triple Affinity!)
Alden resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
'Triple affinity? That's protagonist-level nonsense.'
With Water, Leonhardt could wield versatile spells.
With Lightning, his speed was unmatched.
With Earth, he had solid defenses.
It was a broken combination.
Professor Elric continued down the list.
Alicia von Rosenheim → Fire
Seraphina Everfrost → Ice
Luca Ashenpaw → Earth
Reynard Faulkner → Dark
Sylvara Nightwhisper → Nature
Elena Brightwind → Light
Most of the main cast had strong affinities, some even in advanced categories.
Then, Alden spotted his own name.
Alden Blackwood → None
A heavy silence filled the room. A few students whispered among themselves.
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No Affinity?!
Alden kept his expression neutral, but inwardly, he sighed.
'Yeah, I expected that.'
Even in the game, his character was just an extra—a stepping stone for the protagonist. No magic talent, no special bloodline, nothing. Even after transmigrating, his situation remained unchanged.
[You look disappointed,] Kuranai remarked.
'No, just… mildly annoyed.'
Professor Elric cleared his throat. "Those without affinities are at a disadvantage in magic, but they can still use mana enhancement, weapon arts, and artifacts."
Alden wasn't too worried. He had Eclipse Vision and Voidstep—abilities that surpassed mere elemental magic.
Besides, he had never relied on magic in the first place.
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Mana Capacity – The Real Power Factor
"Aside from affinities," Professor Elric continued, "mana capacity is crucial. The larger one's mana pool, the longer they can fight."
He displayed another chart:
Mana Capacity Ranks:
F-Rank → Barely usable mana.
E-Rank → Basic magic usage.
D-Rank → Standard mage level.
C-Rank → Capable of advanced magic.
B-Rank → High-level spells and extended combat.
A-Rank → Elite level, used by high-ranking warriors.
S-Rank and Above → Monsters in human form.
Most of the main cast had D to C-Rank mana, with Leonhardt nearing B-Rank.
Alden checked his own status.
Mana: E+
'Not great, but better than nothing.'
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Mana Control Test
"Now, let's test your mana control," Professor Elric announced. "Everyone, form a simple mana sphere."
Students extended their hands, forming glowing orbs of mana.
Leonhardt's sphere pulsed with raw power, flickering between blue and gold.
Alicia's burned like a small flame.
Seraphina's was a shimmering ice crystal.
Alden hesitated. He had no affinity, so his mana sphere was… just a dull blue glow.
Still, he raised his hand and formed one effortlessly.
Murmurs spread through the class.
"Didn't he get disowned? How did he make it into S-Class?"
"He doesn't even have an affinity…"
"But he still passed the exam, right?"
Alden ignored them.
[You should've added some flair,] Kuranai teased.
'Nah. I don't need to stand out. Not yet.'
Professor Elric clapped his hands.
"Good. That concludes today's lesson. Dismissed."
Alden exhaled.
Today had been… enlightening.
Even without an affinity, he would find his own path to power.