Chapter 5-New Mission
As the morning light filtered through the window, a firm yet gentle hand shook Vergil awake.
"Come on, lad, it's morning. Time to get up," Elvira's voice carried a warmth that reminded him of better days.
Vergil groaned, blinking away the haze of sleep. His body felt heavier than usual, weighed down by the lingering memories of last night's dream. He sat up slowly, running a hand through his hair.
"You sure know how to sleep through anything," Elvira chuckled, stepping back with her arms crossed. "I was starting to think you'd spend the whole day in bed."
Vergil let out a tired sigh. "Didn't think I was that exhausted," he muttered.
"Well, you earned the rest, but don't go getting lazy on me," she smirked. "Breakfast is ready, so get moving before it gets cold."
He glanced toward the small wooden table where a modest meal awaited. A pang of gratitude settled in his chest.
"Thanks, Elvira," he said, standing up and stretching.
She waved a hand dismissively. "Just eat. No need to get all sentimental on me."
Vergil chuckled lightly before making his way to the table, pushing aside the weight of his dreams for now.
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Elvira had prepared a simple but hearty breakfast—one that spoke of practicality rather than luxury. On the wooden table sat a steaming bowl of thick porridge, lightly sweetened with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of crushed nuts. Beside it, a plate of dark, crusty bread rested with a small dish of butter, softened just enough to spread easily.
The scent of freshly brewed herbal tea lingered in the air, a rich, earthy aroma mixed with faint hints of dried fruit and spices. A single boiled egg sat on the side, its shell cracked slightly, ready to be peeled.
It was a humble meal, but in the quiet warmth of the small home, it felt far more comforting than any feast.
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"It's been a while since someone cooked for me," Vergil thought as he ate, savoring the warmth of the meal.
Elvira smirked. "You eat like someone who's been fending for himself too long."
"You're not wrong," he admitted. "Haven't had a proper home-cooked meal in a while."
"Then eat up, lad. No point rushing off hungry."
As he finished, he looked up. "Elvira, do you know where the library is?"
"Aye, near the guildhall—big stone building, hard to miss. What do you need there?"
"Just need to learn a few things about mana," Vergil said, strapping on his dagger and putting the bow and quiver on his back.
Elvira chuckled. "Books are good, but experience teaches best. Don't get lost in them."
Vergil nodded. "Thanks, Elvira. For everything."
"Go on, then. And remember, my door's always open."
---
Vergil stepped out into the quiet streets of Vaeloria, the air crisp with the scent of dew and cobblestone. He made his way toward the library—a well-kept stone building draped in ivy. Two stone pillars framed the entrance, and as he pushed open the heavy wooden doors, the scent of aged parchment and ink welcomed him.
Inside, towering bookshelves reached toward the ceiling. The lighting was dim but inviting, giving the space a hushed reverence. A few scholars sat scattered across wooden desks, their eyes buried in ancient tomes.
At the front desk sat a young man with neatly combed black hair and sharp eyes, his simple robes marking him as a librarian.
"Excuse me," Vergil said, awkwardly. "Do you have any books about mana? How to... use it, absorb it, that kind of thing?"
The librarian nodded. "Certainly. The east wing—third row from the entrance. There's a section on mana theory, breathing techniques, and more advanced concepts."
"Right..." Vergil hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "Could I ask for a bit more help?"
The librarian raised an eyebrow. "What sort of help?"
Vergil glanced away, slightly embarrassed. "I, uh… can't read. Not well, anyway. Would you be willing to read something out loud? Just the basics. I'll listen carefully."
The librarian blinked, then nodded. "I see. No shame in that—knowledge is meant to be shared, not hoarded. Follow me."
---
The librarian led him to a nearby table with a few thick volumes. After a moment of browsing, he selected one with a worn leather cover and gently opened it.
"Mana Assimilation: The Foundation of Energy Absorption," he read aloud. "This should suit you."
He glanced at Vergil for confirmation, and when the boy nodded, he began.
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"Mana Assimilation: The Foundation of Energy Absorption"
Summarized aloud by Librarian Thalen
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1. The Importance of Breathing Techniques
"Mana in its raw form is unstable," the librarian explained. "Direct absorption can harm the body. Breathing techniques act as a filter, helping the body refine and store mana safely."
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2. The Basic Absorption Process
"Here's the method used by most Tier 0 initiates," he continued. "It starts with meditation."
Step-by-step:
Sit comfortably. Place a small Astralyth Crystal near you or in hand.
Inhale slowly, pulling in air and ambient mana together.
Hold the breath for a moment, guiding the energy toward your center.
Then exhale, releasing excess energy and impurities.
"Do this over and over until your body adjusts. It takes time, but it's the foundation for any kind of magic."
Vergil nodded intently. "I think I can manage that much."
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3. Breaking Down Astralyth Energy
"Start with Tier 0 crystals only," the librarian warned. "Any higher, and you risk overloading your body."
He tapped a section of the page. "Small, refined doses. Rushing the process leads to injury."
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4. On Forming a Mana Heart
At this, Vergil leaned forward.
"A Mana Heart?" he asked.
The librarian gave a knowing smile. "Ah, that part's on page 34. Listen closely."
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Creating a Mana Heart (Simplified Overview)
What It Is:
"A Mana Heart is like a second core in your body," he explained. "It refines and stores mana on its own. Every great mage has one."
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How It's Formed:
Gather mana in your center through repeated absorption.
Refine it through your breath. Purify it.
When enough energy builds up—compress it tightly near your heart.
This creates the core. From there, connect it to your body's natural energy channels."
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How Long It Takes:
Vergil blinked. "Is this something that takes months?"
The librarian shook his head. "Not necessarily. For those with talent and affinity? Anywhere between one hour to a full day. Though for most, it can take much longer—especially if they lack focus."
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Benefits:
"Doubles your mana pool."
"Gives faster recovery."
"Allows spellcasting and martial enhancements with far less strain."
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Risks:
"Push too fast, and your mana may backlash, damaging your organs."
"Use impure crystals, and you risk corruption."
"The process requires intense focus and inner calm."
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Advanced Variants:
Crystallized Hearts, for greater stability and casting speed.
Dual Hearts, an extremely rare mutation.
Elemental Hearts, infused with a specific affinity to enhance all related spells.
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The librarian finally closed the book, looking at Vergil with a thoughtful expression.
"Ambitious goal, forming a Mana Heart," he said. "But you've got the eyes of someone who's serious about it."
Vergil stood slowly. "Thanks. That helped a lot."
"Come back if you need more. If you're willing to learn, I'll always read."
Vergil offered a faint smile, the kind that didn't come easily. "I will."
Absolutely! Here is a polished version of your passage, keeping your style and tone intact while enhancing flow, tightening sentence structure, and refining atmosphere and emotion:
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"So, I need to master this breathing technique first. Without it, I won't be able to absorb mana efficiently. Then, once my reserves are strong enough, I can begin forming a Mana Heart."
He clenched his fist, a spark of determination flaring in his chest.
"I need more power. If I'm going to survive in this world, I have to push beyond my limits."
With a deep breath, Vergil returned the book to its shelf and strode out of the library. His path to power had only just begun.
"User, I can recommend a way for you to absorb mana more effectively."
Vergil's eyes narrowed. "There's a way? Why are you only telling me this now? You didn't mention it before."
"User, I am unable to provide direct assistance. However, I may offer recommendations."
A pause.
"But if you're not interested—"
"No, I want it!" Vergil cut in, urgency rising in his voice.
"Understood. User, gather approximately 20 Tier-0 Astralyth Crystals. Once acquired, I will explain the process."
Vergil exhaled sharply, thoughts already racing.
"Then it's time to take another request."
He made his way to the guildhall next door, where Elina worked behind the counter. As he approached, he took a moment to observe her more closely.
Elina was striking—a woman in her mid-to-late twenties, exuding warmth and confidence. Long, wavy auburn hair cascaded past her shoulders, a few strands falling artfully across sharp, elegant features. Her amber eyes held a teasing glint, always seeming to assess and challenge with subtle amusement.
Her figure was curvaceous yet toned, hinting at an active lifestyle beneath the formality of her role. She wore the guild's receptionist uniform: a dark red blouse fitted to her frame with gold embroidery, paired with a black skirt that ended just above the knees. A silver pendant hung delicately at her collarbone. With her sleeves casually rolled up, her posture relaxed, and her expression inviting, she balanced approachability with undeniable allure.
Vergil tore his gaze away.
She's beautiful, but I don't have time for distractions. I have priorities—power comes first.
He stepped forward.
"Hey, Elina. Got any requests I can take?"
Elina looked up with a smile.
"Vergil, let me check."
She sifted through a stack of documents, her fingers moving with practiced ease. After a moment, she pulled out two slips of parchment.
"There are two available—one near the outskirts, and another in an abandoned village about an hour away. Personally, I'd recommend the village."
Vergil raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"
Elina tapped the second slip.
"The outskirts mostly have slimes. They're annoying to kill and not worth much. The village, on the other hand, has been overrun by cave rats—which is odd."
"Cave rats?" Vergil echoed. "What's strange about that?"
"They usually stick to underground tunnels. For them to surface in broad daylight and swarm a village? Something's off."
Vergil folded his arms, weighing the options.
"Slimes are low risk, but low reward. The rats… higher risk, maybe higher reward. Something about this doesn't sit right. But if I start shying away from danger, I'll never get stronger. I didn't come here to play it safe."
His decision was clear.
"I'll take the village request."
Not knowing of the dangers ahead.
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The air reeked of blood.
Vergil sat slumped in the corner of a decaying house, his back pressed to a cold, crumbling wall. The floor beneath him was slick with blood—his own—seeping from a jagged wound in his side. Every breath came shallow and strained, pain lancing through his ribs with each movement.
Moonlight filtered through the broken roof in thin, silver shafts, casting fractured shadows over the carnage. Shattered wood littered the ground, mingled with dust and the twitching remains of the creatures he'd slain. His dagger hung limp in his hand, its edge stained deep crimson.
And yet, despite the pain… despite the blood loss… a grin crept across his lips. His brown eyes glinted with something wild—something alive.
"This is getting fun," he muttered, voice low and raw, but unmistakably thrilled.
Outside, the wind screamed through the empty village, carrying the scent of death into the night.