Beyond the Script: The Extra Who Stole the Mangakyo

Chapter 27: Chapter 27

Chapter 27– The Nature of Mana

Alden's Exhaustion

After an intense day of training, Alden stumbled back to his dorm. His body felt like lead, every muscle screaming in protest.

[You look half-dead,] katana commented dryly.

"Shut up," Alden muttered, throwing himself onto the bed. The moment his head touched the pillow, he blacked out completely.

For the first time since he transmigrated, he slept like a log.

---

The Next Morning – Mana Theory Class

The next morning, Alden groggily woke up, still sore from yesterday. After a quick shower and putting on his uniform, he made his way to the classroom, arriving just before the lesson started.

Their professor, an elderly elf named Professor Elric Vaelthorne, stood at the front of the room. His silver hair and emerald eyes gave him an air of wisdom.

"Today, we will be discussing Mana Theory and the concept of affinities."

The class quieted down as the lesson began.

---

What is Mana?

"Mana is the fundamental energy that fuels all magic," Professor Elric explained. "It exists everywhere—in the air, in living beings, and even in inanimate objects. Without mana, spells, weapon arts, and even enhancement techniques would be impossible."

Alden listened carefully. He already knew most of this from the game, but it was always good to hear the world's explanation.

"There are three primary ways to use mana:

1. Elemental Magic – The direct manipulation of the elements.

2. Mana Enhancement – Infusing one's body or weapon with mana for increased strength.

3. Enchantment & Formations – The application of mana into artifacts and magical formations."

Professor Elric continued, "The strength of a mage depends on their affinity and mana capacity."

"Now, let's discuss affinities. Affinity determines which type of magic an individual is best suited for. The stronger one's affinity, the easier it is to use that element."

He waved his hand, and a holographic chart appeared.

Primary Affinities:

Fire – Destructive and powerful.

Water – Versatile, capable of healing and offense.

Earth – Stable and strong, focused on defense.

Wind – Fast and elusive, excellent for mobility.

Advanced Affinities:

Lightning – A rare and fast element, highly destructive.

Ice – A refined form of water, allowing freezing abilities.

Metal – A variation of earth, focused on enhancing weapons and armor.

Special Affinities:

Light – Rare, associated with healing and purification.

Darkness – Rare, involving shadows and illusions.

Space – Extremely rare, allowing teleportation and spatial manipulation.

"Most people have one affinity, but gifted individuals may have two or more."

Alden sighed internally. He already knew his problem.

---

The Protagonist – A Monster in the Making

'Leonhardt, the protagonist, is ridiculously overpowered when it comes to affinities,' Alden thought.

Professor Elric pulled up a holographic chart listing each student's affinities.

Leonhardt's name was at the top.

Leonhardt Valerian → Water, Lightning, Earth (Triple Affinity!)

'Triple affinity,' Alden mused. 'That's protagonist-level nonsense.'

Leonhardt could cast water spells for versatility, lightning for speed, and earth for defense. It was a broken combination.

Professor Elric moved down the list.

Alicia von Rosenheim → Fire

Seraphina everfrost → Ice

Luca ashenpaw→ Earth

Reynard Faulkner→ Dark

Sylvara nightwisper→ nature

Elana brightwind→light

Most of the main cast had affinities, some even advanced ones.

Then Alden saw his own name.

Alden Blackwood → None

---

No Affinity?!

Alden kept his face neutral, but internally, he sighed. 'Yeah, I expected that.'

In the game, his character was an extra with no talent for magic. Even after transmigrating, nothing changed.

[You look disappointed,] Kurenai noted.

'No, just... mildly annoyed,' Alden replied.

Professor Elric continued, "Those without affinities are at a disadvantage when it comes to magic, but they can still use mana enhancement, weapon arts, and artifacts." @@novelbin@@

Alden wasn't too worried. His Mangekyō Sharingan already gave him powers far beyond most mages.

Besides, his combat ability didn't rely on magic anyway.

---

Mana Capacity – The Real Power Factor

"Aside from affinities, mana capacity is crucial," Professor Elric continued. "The greater your mana pool, the longer you can fight."

He displayed a mana ranking chart:

Mana Capacity Ranks:

F-Rank → Barely usable mana

E-Rank → Basic magic usage

D-Rank → Standard mage level

C-Rank → Capable of advanced magic

B-Rank → High-level spells and extended combat

A-Rank → Elite level, used by high-ranking warriors

S-Rank and Above → Monsters in human form

Most of the main cast had D to C-Rank mana at this point, with Leonhardt nearing B-Rank.

Alden checked his own mana.

Mana: E+

'It's not great, but it's better than nothing.'

-

Professor Elric looked at the class.

"Now, let's test your mana control. Everyone, form a simple mana sphere."

Students extended their hands, forming floating spheres of mana.

Leonhardt's shone brightly, pulsing with raw power.

Alicia's burned like a small flame, while Seraphina was a shimmering ice crystal.

Alden hesitated. He had no elemental affinity, so his mana sphere was... just a dull blue glow.

Still, he raised his hand and formed one.

Murmurs spread through the class.

"Didn't he get disowned? How did he make it into S-Class?"

"He doesn't even have an affinity..."

"But he still passed the exam, right?"

Alden ignored them.

[You should've added some flair,] katana teased.

'Nah, I don't need to stand out yet.'

Professor Elric clapped his hands.

"Good. That concludes today's lesson. Dismissed."

Alden sighed in relief. Today had been... enlightening.

Even without an affinity, he would find his own path to power.