The Rise Of Third Rate Villain-Chapter 13 - Memories Of The Past [II]

"If I am going to seek revenge, I need to become stronger. Much stronger." I cracked my knuckles, pacing back and forth in my room like a madman who just figured out how to conquer the world. "Thanks to Valerian's memories, I've got a solid grip on the fundamentals of magic. Practically it's supposed I can use it, but., theory is boring. I have to actually see if it works in real life.

[Mana] and [Aura] Those born with mana become mages, while those blessed with aura become knights. Simple, right?

(A/N: Learn More By Reading Auxiliary Chapter)

Practically both routes are regarded as equivalent, a balance of nature, or what the professors say and whatnot. But in practice... let's be honest. Mages are that snobby and arrogant alot who believe they are better than others just because they can shoot fireballs and call down lightning. Meanwhile, knights are the buff, no-nonsense types who can slice through boulders with a casual swing.

Now, here's where things get spicy:

I, Valerian Thorne, was born with mana. So, according to societal expectations, I should follow the path of a mage.

"But here's the thing," I muttered, glaring at my reflection in the mirror. "I don't want to be just a mage. Sure, magic is cool and all, but mages have a massive weakness—they suck at close combat.". I paused dramatically. "And I want to be cooler."

Swordsmen? Now that's where the real flair is. They're the knights prancing into battle, slashing their blades like Zoro. Combine magic with swordsmanship, and boom—you get a [Manablader]

Manabladers are able to use both aura and mana, combining them into a lethal combat approach. It's rare, but not too rare—out of every thousand people, about ten are born with the potential to become one.

Unfortunately, I'm not one of them. This body only has mana. No aura whatsoever.

Big disadvantage, right? Anyone else would've cried about it. Wailed to the heavens. Such hobby, maybe, for example, gardening or knitting. But not me.

I grinned, my reflection in the mirror grinning back. "Did you forget who I am? I've read this novel. I do know all the angles all the subtle chances—but not the conclusion for which then certainly is nothing to be worried about.

I leaned back in my chair, cackling behind my lips. "Lucky for me, there's a dungeon hidden deep in the northern forests. If I can get to it, then I will activate my aura and become a manablader. But before that... let's test my magic first."

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[Training Ground]

I concentrated my thoughts and called forth the System by a single mental effort.

[System Status]

- Name: Valerian Thorne

- Age: 16

- Rank: Peak Intermediate (Mage)

- Strength: 12

- Agility: 14

- Intelligence: 20

- Charm: 16

- Endurance: 10

- Mana Capacity: 10

- Mana Control: 12

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[Skills]

- Killing Instinct (Level 1): Boosts combat awareness and reaction speed.

- Fireball (Level 2): Launches a ball of fire at your enemies.

- Mana Shield (Level 2): Creates a barrier that absorbs damage.

- Swordsmanship (Level 3): Basic mastery of sword combat.

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(A/N: If Anyone Of You Are Thinking How In the world his mana capacity and control increased without any training then let me tell you, the system is bind with the soul not with the body, as soon as our mc soul merge with the valerian's body he got all his abilities obviously still he has to train to control his power)

Not bad, right? All things considered, not bad at all for a so-called "low-level villain" (going by these numbers). The skills could use some work, but hey, everyone starts somewhere.

"Killing Instinct, huh?" I murmured. "Sounds edgy. I like it."

But the real gem here is Fireball (Level 2). It's a fact that Fireball means every mage's signature, everybody knows. You're not a real mage until you've roasted a few goblins with a fireball.

Time to see if it actually works.

I raised my hand, concentrating mana into my palm. Feeling heat went into my arms as a fledgular flame grew into existence in my palm. It increased slowly, then developed into a fiery orb of light.

"Hell yeah!" I yelled, laughing like a child who just discovered a candy trove. "It actually works!"

At this point, the only sensible next step was to proceed.

"Time to blow something up."

I targeted the fireball at a bamboo training dummy in the corner of the room. I threw the fireball with a snap of my wrist. Focusing across the room, whizzed with a satisfying whoosh and then blasted the dummy, resulting in an explosion of flames.

The dummy charred instantly, smoke curling from its remains.

I dusted off my hands. "Not bad for a first try. I could get used to this."

Of course, one successful fireball doesn't make me a master mage. There's still a lot to learn. There's the possibility, and that's all I want.

I called the system and looked through the list of skills. "I'll have to grind my magic skills and maybe pick up some new ones. Mana Shield looks useful—nothing wrong with a little extra protection.".

As for swordsmanship... well, that's where things get interesting. I've got Leon, one of the best knights in the kingdom, ready to train me well he just taught me swordsmanship as he knows I don't have aura but, once I unlock My aura I can ask him to teach me once again and the system on my side, there's no way I'm staying a third-rate anything for long.

"But first." I reached and popped my back and neck. "It's time to prepare for that dungeon."

I already knew the feeling of excitement that built up in me.

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