Morning came with a soft shake at his shoulder. Vergil groaned, his eyes still half shut as he rolled over until the sunlight poured through the tiny window, slapping his face awake.
"Come on, Vergil. Up." Elvira's voice was gentle but firm, stern as ever. "And don't try to hide under the covers."
Vergil sat up slowly, his hair stuck up, messy as always after sleeping. Rubbing his eyes,
his thoughts lingered on last night's dream. I can't take care of him. The words gnawed at him.
"You sure can sleep," Elvira said with a chuckle, resting her arms on the chair which
she'd sat on all night. "I thought you were glued to the bed."
Vergil groaned once more, stretching until his shoulders gave a satisfying pop.
"Didn't think one day would leave me so exhausted."
You earned it after your first day, but don't think that means you can laze around," she said, gesturing to the table.
"Have breakfast before it gets cold."
Vergil blinked, then noticed the steaming porridge, boiled egg, and cup of tea waiting for him. Something warm stirred in his chest before he even realized it.
"Thanks, Elvira."
She waved him off. "Just eat. No need to get sentimental with me. Food doesn't like speeches."
Vergil chuckled under his breath and dug in. He ate fast, too fast, until Elvira gave him a look.
"Slow down, it's not going to run off," She teased.
He swallowed quickly."Hard not to, when it tastes so good."
She tilted her head, smiling faintly.
"I didn't think you had manners."
After finishing, Vergil wiped his mouth, strapping his dagger on.
"Elvira, is there a library in town?"
"Library… near the guildhall. Big stone building, very hard to miss. You'll know it when you see it."
Elvira chuckled as she continued,"I hope you find what you need."
Vergil hesitated then nodded, a faint warmth in his chest pressing deeper.
"Thanks. For everything." He said effusively.
Her lips twitched into a real smile. "Go on, lad. And remember—my door's always open for you."
The streets of Vaelmont were busier than ever, filled with merchants shouting prices, carts squeaking over cobblestone, food smells thick in the air.
Vergil pushed through and reached the pillars of the library. Now draped with ivy and shimmered in dew.
"They should really clean this up, disgracing such a sacred place." Vergil sighed
Creak. Creak.
The heavy doors opened slowly, the sound felt as if they were crying as he stepped in. The familiar smell of parchment and ink hit him. Looking around, scholars bent over, studying different tomes. Even children were reading books about fairytales.
Vergil approached the front desk where a young man in neat robes sat, his posture too perfect to be natural. The librarian's eyes flicked up.
"Excuse me," Vergil said, shifting awkwardly. "Do you have any books... about mana? Like how to absorb it, control it…" He trailed off, heat creeping to his face. Ears reddening from embarrassment.
"I can't… read well. Could you maybe… read it aloud?"
The librarian paused briefly, then his expression softened. "It would be a pleasure. After all, knowledge is meant to be shared."
Vergil let out a breath "Thanks."
They settled at a quiet corner table. The librarian setting down a particularly thick, leather-bound tome. Dust motes scattering upon flipping it upon.
"Mana Assimilation: The Foundation of Energy Absorption," the man read, his voice low but clear. "This will suit you."
Vergil looked forward, keen to learn more. Fingers itching to touch the pages.
The Basis of Energy Absorption: Mana Assimilation.
The Value of Breathing Methods.
"Mana in its raw state is unstable," the librarian explained, glancing at Vergil to make sure he followed. "Direct absorption damages the body. Therefore we created breathing techniques as a filter, refining and storing safely."
Vergil scratched his cheek. "So… it's a necessity, got it."
The librarian chuckled, ignoring the interruption. "First, hold a Tier 0 Astralyth crystal while seated. Inhale and draw ambient mana in with the air."
"Direct toward your heart. Hold and exhale which pushes out excess and impurities. Continue until the body adjusts. That's the foundation."
Vergil nodded slowly, eyes narrowing as he understood the process. "Makes sense. I think i get the concept of it."
The librarian smiled.
Breaking Down Astralyth Energy:
"Start with Tier 0 crystals only," he cautioned. "Anything higher, and you risk rupturing your energy channels."
Vergil winced. "I'd rather avoid that."
"The saying goes that patience saves lives."
Vergil smirked faintly. "Not my strong suit."
Forming a Mana Heart:
The librarian's tone lowered. "And then—the Mana Heart."
Vergil straightened. "That sounds important."
"It is. A secondary core. Stores and refines energy without constant effort. Gather, refine with breath, compress near the heart until it forms. Connect it to your channels. That is when you can truly call yourself a magician."
Vergil's pulse quickened. "How long does that take? Years?"
"For most, months. And for the gifted, a few hours to a day."
Vergil's fists clenched beneath the table. "Then I'll do it. No matter what."
The librarian closed the book softly, watching him. "You're ambitious, but that determination is rare. Come back again, and I'll read for you whenever you need."
Vergil rose slowly, bow creaking as it shifted on his back. "I will. Thanks."
As he stepped outside, sunlight blazed, warming his face. A strange resolve hummed under his skin. 'A Mana Heart. A path forward. I'll push past anything and become the strongest!'
[User, I can recommend a way for you to absorb mana more effectively.]
Vergil scowled. "Why now? You didn't give me anything last time."
[I am bound by restrictions. I cannot provide direct information. Only recommendations for what you have got.]
It paused briefly before continuing.
["But if you don't want it, then...]
"No, no, I want it!" Vergil interrupted the system.
"Then gather approximately 20 Tier 0 Astralyth Crystals. Once you have them, I will explain the process."
Vergil exhaled, clenching his jaw. His mind already racing at the new challenge. "Then it's time I take another request."
-------
The guild bustled louder than the night before. Mugs clinked, laughter spilled, the smell of ale and sweat was even thicker in the air. At the desk, Elina scribbled notes, amber eyes bright even with exhaustion.
Vergil walked up, trying not to stare. "Hey. Any requests I can take?"
Elina smirked, rifling through the papers. "Straight to work? I like that. Let's see…"
She pulled out two sheets. "Option one: some slimes in the outskirts, easy but messy. Wouldn't recommend it since the pay isn't good." The second option is. A rat infestation of a recently abandoned village. The mayor wants to get it handled so the people can move in. Its apparently infested with cave rats. Unusual, but he's paying quite the price.
Vergil raised an eyebrow. "Cave rats?"
"They're underground dwellers. For them to swarm the surface, means something's off."
Vergil crossed his arms, considering. "
"Slimes are safe, but useless. Rats in a village is more risky, but worth it."
He tapped the request. "I'll take the village."
Elina's lips curved. "Thought you might. Be careful, though."
Vergil only gave a small depressing smile. "I just want to be stronger."
"You have to meet with the former chief of the village first. And since I have time ill take you to him."
Vergil nodded hesitantly. Leaving the guild with Eleanor. The afternoon breeze was cool.
"So what made you want to be an adventurer." Elina lightly spoke.
"Money." Vergil responded with
Elina only looked at him
"Your not even an adult yet. Thats your parents responsibility."
Vergil's whole face twitched. For a second, he almost said something, but the words died before they reached his tongue.
Elina saw it, and the air between them shifted, heavy with what wasn't said.
Elina opened her mouth to say something else, but stopped. The look on his face made her pause "...Right." Murmuring softly, eyes flicking as she realised she said something she shouldn't have.
Elina could only silently lead him to the meeting place before heading back, giving one more look at him entering.
---
Entering the chiefs home, he was sitting on the bed. He was too old to be in duty yet he was the chief for a reason. His eyes studying him silently not speaking a single word.
The awkwardness was getting to Vergil. He felt the weight of his gaze. One of patience and discerning. A part of him envying that quality.
Before the chief made a sudden movement, the chief stepped closer, hands moving over vergils shoulders and arms, before letting out a sigh.
"Why are you here. Shouldn't you be at school. Studying and enjoying time with friends instead of fighting." The words werent cruel, by they struck harder than a thousand blades.
Vergil's jaw tightened, he was being underestimated, yet another part of him wished he was like the chief, caring for others.
"Chief! I can handle this. Please dont discriminate me because I am a child."
No answer
"Chief!"
"I can hear you" He snapped. "There are many people who can handle this. But... it seems you have nothing else to lose."
"So go." The chief replied sitting down.
Vergil gave a slight bow and left, respect in his posture. Chest tightening not from defiance but admiration.