Rebirth-Transcending All Beings

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.

---

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.

---

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."

"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 start forming a Mana Heart."

He clenched his fist, feeling an unfamiliar surge of determination.

"I need more power. If I'm going to survive in this world, I have to push myself beyond my limits."

With a deep breath, Vergil placed the book back on the shelf and headed out of the library. His journey to power had just begun.

"User, I can recommend a way for you to absorb mana more effectively."

Vergil's eyes narrowed. "There's a way? Wait… why are you telling me this now? You didn't mention it last time."

"User, I cannot provide direct information that would assist you," the system replied, its voice as neutral as ever. "However, I can offer recommendations."

A brief pause.

"But if you don't want it, then—"

"No, no, I want it!" Vergil interrupted, urgency creeping into his voice.

"Understood. User, gather approximately 20 Tier 0 Astralyth Crystals. Once you have them, I will explain the process."

Vergil exhaled sharply, his mind already racing. "Then it's time I get another request."

Vergil headed to the guild next door to the library and spotted Elina working diligently behind the counter. As he observed her more closely, he took in the details of her appearance.

Elina was a striking woman in her mid-to-late twenties with a warm yet confident presence. Her long, wavy auburn hair cascaded past her shoulders, with a few loose strands framing her sharp yet delicate features. Her amber eyes carried a playful glint, always seeming to assess and tease at the same time.

Her body was curvaceous yet toned, suggesting an active lifestyle despite her desk job. She wore the standard guild receptionist uniform—a fitted dark red blouse with gold embroidery, complementing a black skirt that ended just above her knees. A small silver pendant rested against her collarbone, and her sleeves were rolled up slightly, revealing smooth forearms.

Despite her professional attire, she carried herself with relaxed confidence, leaning on the counter with an easy smile. Her demeanor was welcoming, yet there was an undeniable allure about her.

Vergil shook off any unnecessary thoughts. She's attractive, but right now, intimate relationships would only be a distraction. I have bigger priorities.

Stepping forward, he greeted her.

"Hey, Elina. Do you have any requests I can take on?"

Elina looked up and smiled.

"Vergil, let me check for you."

She shuffled through a stack of documents, scanning for suitable requests. After a moment, she pulled out two.

"There are two available—one near the outskirts and another in an abandoned village about an hour from here. Personally, I'd recommend the village."

Vergil raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"

Elina tapped the paper.

"The outskirts mainly have slimes, and while they're not particularly dangerous, they're a hassle to kill—and you won't earn much from them. The village, on the other hand, has been overrun by cave rats, which is unusual."

"Cave rats?" Vergil repeated. "What's so strange about that?"

"They typically live in dark, underground areas, avoiding the surface. For them to suddenly swarm a village in broad daylight—it doesn't add up."

Vergil crossed his arms, weighing his options.

"Low risk, low reward with the slimes… or high risk, high reward with the rats. Something about this infestation feels off, but if I shy away from danger, I'll never reach the top. I didn't come here to play it safe."

His decision was clear.

"I'll take the village request."

---

The night was heavy with the scent of blood.

Vergil sat in the corner of a decayed, abandoned house, his back pressed against the cold, crumbling wall. The floor beneath him was slick with his own blood, seeping from a deep gash in his abdomen. His breath was ragged, uneven—each rise and fall of his chest sending sharp jolts of pain through his body.

Moonlight streamed through the broken roof in fractured beams, illuminating the wreckage around him—shattered wood, old dust, and the fresh remains of whatever had dared to challenge him. His dagger lay loosely in his grip, its edge darkened with crimson.

Yet, despite the pain, despite the blood loss, a grin tugged at his lips. His brown eyes, alight with something dangerous, flickered in the dim glow.

"This is getting fun," he muttered, voice low and hoarse, but undeniably thrilled.

Outside, the wind howled through the empty village, carrying the scent of death into the night.

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