Beyond the Script: The Extra Who Stole the Mangakyo

Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Chapter 14: A Blade's Whisper and the Gift of Purification

The cave was silent, save for the steady rhythm of my own breathing. I sheathed the red katana, the weight of my recent battle still fresh in my mind. The ache in my muscles was a stark reminder that I had nearly died back there, but the reward in my hands—this crimson blade—was proof that the risk had been worth it.

I took a deep breath, my eyes scanning the cave for anything else I might have missed. And that's when I saw it.

A faint glow shimmered near the remains of the C-rank beast I had just defeated. A small pedestal, which had previously been hidden behind the rubble, revealed itself as if answering my silent call. Atop it sat a delicate vial filled with a liquid so clear it looked like crystallized moonlight.

I stepped closer, my heartbeat quickening.

"Could it be...?"

In the game, there were rare potions hidden throughout the world—relics of forgotten alchemists who had once tried to harness the power of mana itself. If my memory was correct, this was a Purification Potion—one of the few treasures capable of refining the body, cleansing impurities, and expanding mana vessels.

I picked up the vial carefully, rolling it between my fingers. A system notification immediately popped up.

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[You have obtained "Purification Potion."]

- Grade: High-Tier

- Effect: Removes bodily impurities, expands mana vessels, and strengthens internal mana flow.

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I couldn't help but grin.

"This... This is better than I expected!"

This potion was a game-changer. In the game, it had been nearly impossible to find, locked behind grueling side quests that most players never bothered to complete. The protagonist himself never got his hands on one, meaning I was now in possession of something even the so-called hero had never obtained.

"Well, protagonist, looks like I beat you to the punch on this one."

I popped open the vial without hesitation and drank the entire contents in one gulp.

The moment the liquid hit my tongue, a burning sensation spread through my body. I dropped to my knees, my hands digging into the rocky ground as waves of pain coursed through me.

"Shit! I should've known this wouldn't be pleasant!"

It felt as though every cell in my body was being scrubbed clean from the inside out. My mana vessels trembled, expanding as the impurities were forcefully expelled from my pores. My breath came in ragged gasps as the transformation took hold.

I clenched my fists, enduring the agony as my body adapted.

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[Status Updated!]

Mana Vessels Expanded: +20%

Mana Circulation Efficiency: +30%

Overall Physical Fortitude: Increased

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When the pain finally subsided, I gasped for air, wiping the sweat from my brow. My body felt... lighter. More refined. My mana flowed more smoothly than before, as if an invisible weight had been lifted from my core.

"Damn... This is incredible."

I flexed my fingers, marveling at how effortless it felt to control my mana now. Before, channeling energy into my Sharingan or Kamui had felt sluggish, like trying to force water through clogged pipes. But now? Now it was as if those pipes had been widened, allowing the energy to surge forth unhindered. @@novelbin@@

I took a deep breath, relishing in the newfound strength coursing through me. This was a true upgrade.

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Just as I was about to stand up find katana, a sudden voice echoed in my mind.

"Took you long enough to notice me, boy."

I froze.

Slowly, I turned my gaze toward the red katana resting against the cave wall.

"...Did you just talk?"

There was a moment of silence before the voice returned, laced with amusement.

"What else did you expect from a blade forged in the fires of war and tempered by the will of a master?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Alright, talking sword. What's your deal?"

The katana let out what I could only describe as a chuckle.

"You can call me 'Kurenai.' Since you've proven yourself worthy, I suppose I can grant you the honor of wielding me."

I picked up the blade, gripping it tightly. "You mean I passed your test?"

"More or less," the sword mused. "The fact that you're still alive proves you're not completely incompetent. But don't get ahead of yourself, boy. You've only scratched the surface of my power."

"Oh? And what exactly is that power?"

The katana hummed, a faint red aura flickering along its edge.

"I was once wielded by Kurenai Shiro, a swordsman whose name shook nations. My art—the Crimson moon Strike—is a technique few have ever mastered. You, however, have barely begun. My true strength is locked behind the forms you have yet to unlock."

My grip tightened. "Forms?"

"Yes. There are five forms in total. Each one builds upon the last, increasing in complexity and power. Only by mastering the first form will you unlock the second, and so on."

I exhaled, my mind already racing with possibilities. So it was like a tiered skill system... A weapon art that grew stronger over time.

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Weapon Art Ranking System

- 1-Star: Beginner Arts (Basic techniques, easy to learn.)

- 2-Star: Intermediate Arts (Requires skill and mana control.)

- 3-Star: Advanced Arts (Difficult to master, rare in the world.)

- 4-Star: Master-Level Arts (Known only to a select few.)

- 5-Star: Legendary Arts (Unique to history's greatest warriors.)

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The Crimson moon Strike was a 5-Star weapon art. That meant each form would take a ridiculous amount of effort to master. No wonder the game's protagonist struggled with it.

"Alright, Kurenai," I muttered, sheathing the blade. "Looks like we're stuck together. Might as well make the most of it."

The sword let out a satisfied hum. "Try not to disappoint me, boy."

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Status Window Update

[Name:] Alden Blackwood

[Race:] Human

[Rank:] E- (Mana Vessels Expanded)

[Class]- (unawakened)

[Basic Stats:]

Strength: E-

Agility: E+

Intelligence: C

Mana: E+

Stamina: E-

[Weapon Arts:]

Crimson moon Strike (5-Star | Katana) → Proficiency: 2.3%

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I let out a long breath as I exited the cave, the crisp mountain air washing over me. I had come here seeking a hidden cheat, and I had found more than I ever expected.

A legendary weapon. A voice in my head. A skill so powerful it could change my fate.

I smirked. "Looks like things are finally starting to get interesting."

With renewed determination, I set my sights on the road ahead. My journey had only just begun.