Rebirth-Transcending All Beings-Chapter 30: Growth

Vergil had begun his journey back to the village–his newly bought clothes were now torn at the sides along with dry blood that marked them red.

Each step he took, sent a dull ache through his legs, as if reminding him of the King’s desperate attack–the scent of scorched wood clinging to the air behind him.

The quiet hum of the forest had returned.

Too calm.

Too peaceful after what he’d just endured.

He pulled up his system window and retrieved the core he’d taken from their fallen king.

The Astralyth Core pulsed faintly in his palm, its rhythm syncing with his mana flow. Warm to the touch. Alive, almost.

Vergil exhaled slowly. The horizon in front shimmered faintly before Vaelmont finally came into view.

In his hand, the core glowed gently, like a heart that refused to die. "I need to get this refined... fast," he muttered slowly.

The forest remained eerily still. No howls. No monsters. No sudden ambushes. Just the rustling of wind through dead leaves and the distant sound of birds fleeing the treetops.

No chaos. No interruptions.

Just pea–

[I’m back.]

Vergil flinched. His eye twitched. "Goddammit... why now?"

[Didn’t you miss me?]

"You disappeared after every fight. Even when that demon was on my ass. Where the hell were you?"

[Giving you the full immersive experience. Besides, you’re still breathing, aren’t you? Don’t be a bitch about it.]

"Tch."

[Oh, don’t pout. You know what they say, ’all’s well that ends well.’ Even if you did run like a little puss–]

"I didn’t run," Vergil snapped. "I retreated. Tactically. To survive."

[Mhm. Tactical retreat. Stylish escape.]

Vergil only rolled his eyes before resuming his walk.

[Anyway, let’s talk about something fun, for example, how your little bonding trip with Eleanor seems to be going.]

"...Yeah." Vergil clenched the core in his hands. "It’s alright."

[Oho? And what’s that supposed to mean?]

Vergil’s voice turned colder, not sarcastic but different. "She’s talented. Sharp. She listens. That’s all I need."

[Mmm. Useful little pawn, huh?]

"That’s exactly what she is. I use her skills. She uses me for revenge. It’s mutual. When the goals don’t align anymore, it ends."

[Sounds efficient. But... are you sure you won’t catch feelings?]

He paused in his tracks, his thoughts debating on whether to answer before his gaze flickered to the core in his hands.

"Feelings?" he said hollowly. "Emotions are distractions. Vulnerabilities dressed in sentiment. I don’t need the luxury of such a petty thing that won’t help me rise."

The system paused briefly before resuming.

[Yeesh. Ice cold.]

"We’re using each other. I give her strength. She gives me options. That’s it." His hand wiping his mouth.

"When it’s over, I’ll make it clear. We part ways."

[Even if she wants something more?]

"She won’t," Vergil’s eyes narrowed. "Because I won’t let her."

A long silence followed.

[You know... most people build connections to feel alive. Not more alone.]

Vergil’s reply came without hesitation.

"I don’t need to feel alive," he said. "I need to win. And become the strongest."

The system didn’t continue. Only fading away with the passing wind.

Vergil continued on as the eerie quietness of the forest began to fold around him like a shroud. Only the crunch of dead leaves beneath his boots and the hum of the core in his hand accompanied him.

By the time Vergil reached the inn, the sky had blackened and the lamps on the cobbled streets flickered to life.

Pushing open the door, the few patrons glanced up only gave him one look. Torn clothes, blood stains–they looked away just as quick as they gazed.

Vergil made his way up, using his key to open the door before shutting it with a soft click. Only then did he allow his body to relax against the wall.

The exhaustion poured in. His body ached and the throb of Morvax’s blade burned his back.

He stripped silently, taking his clothes off, leaving them scattered across the floor.

With a flick of his fingers and an Ember Blaze, the small bath in the corner filled and steamed. The water wasn’t hot but also clean.

Vergil stepped in slowly. As steam rose around him, his body only sank lower. His arms wrapped around the rim as his eyes began to close.

For the first time since the Goremire King, his body began to unwind.

The room was still. The only sound was the soft crackle of the conjured flame.

He stared at the ceiling.

Alone.

Still alive.

And then–

[You missed a spot.]

Vergil didn’t move. "...I will drown myself just to shut you up."

[Worth it.]

He closed his eyes, choosing silence over further commentary.

Tomorrow, he’d check on Eleanor.

Tomorrow, he’d take the next step toward whatever nightmare came next.

But tonight...

Just the bath.

Just the core.

Just five minutes of stillness.

No monsters. No screaming system. No blood.

Just peace.

For now.

Upon emerging, his already pale skin had become even whiter from the heat. He dressed in silence, slipping into the spare set of gear he’d picked up from the shop.

He ran a hand through his damp hair, then fastened the last buckle across his chest.

The balcony door creaked open, and he stepped out into the night.

The air was cool. Still. Far too quiet for a city like Vaelmont.

Stars peeked through the indigo haze above, dim and distant.

Vergil watched them for a while.

"It’s my first time... getting to see a view like this," he muttered softly.

Then he turned back inside.

---

The door closed behind him once more, before Vergil walked to the centre of the room.

He dropped into a seated position, cross-legged and from his inventory, he drew out the recently-gained core.

It pulsed faintly in his hands, radiating energy that had once belonged to the dead king.

He stared at it in silence. The light within it flickered softly, syncing with an uneven rhythm. Warm. Alive.

His expression didn’t change, but there was something focused in the stillness of his body. "Let’s refine this thing."

He placed the core in front of him, one palm facing towards it.

"Half to advance my circle," he said under his breath. "The rest goes to the mana organ."

His aura stirred, quiet and controlled.

Then–

"Authority of Predation."

The black spectral mouths spilled from his palm, swirling with hunger before devouring the core in silent gulps.

As the crystal vanished, a torrent of raw Astralyth energy surged into Vergil’s body, flooding his veins like wildfire.

His breath began to hitch, before steadying himself.

Inhale. He pulled the energy inward, channeling it toward his Mana Heart.

Exhale. He compressed it, letting the pressure build in tight, deliberate waves.

Inhale. He anchored his will, forcing the power deeper into the core.

Exhale–he refined it, filtering the flow as it condensed into true mana.

Each breath pulsed with a mounting strain, his mana heart began to pound in excitement as pain began to spread throughout.

But he clenched his jaw and endured.

[Mana Heart Proficiency has reached 76%]

[Mana Capacity has increased by 20]

A faint inner glow radiated from his center, pulsing outward. But he didn’t stop.

"Time to switch..."

He diverted the remaining flow, now guiding the energy toward the mana circle coiled inside the heart itself–a ring of power, fragile and forming.

Inhale, he drew mana into the arcane structure.

Exhale, he compressed it tightly, expanding the circle’s reach.

Inhale, he focused, stretching the ring under carefully measured tension.

Exhale, he hardened the structure, layering it with stability and intent.

[Mana Circle Proficiency: 41%... 42%... 44%...]

[Magic Power increased by 5]

The circle shimmered faintly within him–brighter, more solid. The Astralyth energy continued pouring in, slower now, no longer overwhelming but still potent.

[Mana Circle Proficiency: 60%]

[Magic Power increased by 5]

Vergil exhaled sharply, a cold mist releasing from his mouth. His mana heart still thundered but the pain had begun to settle into an even rhythm.

Calm and steady.

"...That’ll do."

His eyes opened, glowing faintly in the dim candlelight. Sharper. Colder. Anchored.

Stronger.

’Combination’ 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

The blue panel flared to life before him.

[Skill Combination Available]

"Combine Greater Regeneration Core and Verdant Core," Vergil commanded.

[Combining skills... Combination successful.]

[New Skill Acquired: Verdant Regeneration Core (C-)]

[Grants advanced passive regeneration capable of healing deep wounds, internal damage, and minor limbs (fingers, toes, ears, tails) over time.

Minor limb regeneration functions even during combat, though it consumes stamina. This cost is reduced when surrounded by natural flora or ambient mana.

Note: Full limb regeneration (arms, legs) is not currently possible.]

Vergil sat in silence, letting the changes settle. It felt like coals smoldering beneath his skin. Not comforting–potent. Alive. The kind of heat that promised survival through attrition.

"Not bad..." he muttered, flexing his fingers. Green light pulsed faintly up his forearm, then vanished. "Very not bad."

[That sentence doesn’t even fucking make sense, you donut.]

Vergil ignored the system and pressed on.

[ Tough Body–Proficiency: 45% (F+)]

"Almost there," he murmured, eyes narrowing. "Let’s speed this up."

He opened his skill interface with practiced ease and began trimming the fat.

"Sacrifice Mycelial Armor, Screeching Dive, Wailing Howl, and Limb Burst."

[40 F+ Rank Evolution Points Gained.]

"I already had 10 F+. This should be enough..."

[50 F+ Evolution Points used on ’Tough Body’.]

[’Tough Body’ Proficiency increased to 95%.]

"Good."

He summoned his old dagger from inventory, grabbed it by the worn grip, and without hesitation, stabbed it into his own palm.

A sharp hiss escaped his lips.

"Shit. Still hurts."

The blade met resistance–slight, but present. The flesh was tougher. As he withdrew it, the wound began sealing before his eyes.

Skin reknit, muscle tightened, and a soft green glow pulsed along the veins before fading.

He stared at the now-flawless palm in silence.

Then a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Tch. That’s more like it."

He flexed his hand, feeling the hum of regeneration beneath the skin–a warm thrum, steady as a second heartbeat.

"The difference in Tough Body is subtle... but it’s there. Skin’s denser. Pain dulled just enough to matter. And unless I’m losing limbs or getting my guts pureed, I won’t die from the usual bullshit."

He exhaled slowly. Collected. Composed.

With Verdant Regeneration Core backing him, he could afford to take more risks. Survive worse. Push harder.

Vergil turned toward the window just as dusk bled into night, green light flickering in his eyes.

"...Not bad." Vergil whispered. It was a start.

He stretched his sore arms, now worn after a long day of hardwork. "Six more days..." he muttered, before draping his coat on the chair.

One more mission tomorrow, just enough to stay sharp. After that, train with Elvira. Magic theory. Spell refinement. And maybe–just maybe, I’ll reach the second circle.

He dropped onto the bed in silence. Boots off. Sword placed beside him–always within reach. His body sank into the mattress, tension bleeding out with every breath.

"For now... sleep."

He closed his eyes as the last flickers of lanternlight danced across the wooden walls. Outside, Vaelmont had quieted. No monsters. No chaos. No system commentary.

Just wind. And distant village murmurs.