Dawn of light - Reincarnated as a villain

Chapter 17: Breakthrough

The days went by in a cycle of intense training and concentrated practice. Every morning started with Drusilla's mana method, Worldflow Breathing, a technique Zephyx had never seen before. Unlike conventional methods in the game that sucked in mana of their required affinity from the air, Worldflow Breathing instructed him to take in the world's essence itself—cleaner, heavier, and more balanced. The essence was then transformed into mana, so his core was not only stronger but also steadier.

For five to six hours each morning, Zephyx would sit cross-legged, inhaling deeply, visualizing the flow of essence entering his body, circulating through his veins, and pooling in his core. Once harmonized, the energy would crystallize into potent mana reserves. Afterward, he would spend time refining his magic. His control over fire, ice, and wind was already formidable, but Drusilla pushed him to integrate these affinities into seamless combinations, creating multi-element spells that were both destructive and efficient.

The afternoons were reserved for the dodging sessions—grueling, high-intensity training designed to sharpen his reflexes and push his agility to its limits. Drusilla would move at speeds he could barely follow, slashing at him with precision. Though he had improved significantly, her Tier-4 speed still overwhelmed him at times. Each cut and bruise was a painful reminder of how far he still had to go, but his Crimson Renewal ensured he was ready to go again within seconds.

Evenings were spent honing his Crimson Weildling, manipulating his blood into various forms. From simple spikes to elaborate constructs like shields, tendrils, and weapons, the possibilities seemed endless. Drusilla often remarked on the uniqueness of this skill, marveling at how he could weaponize his own blood with such finesse.

This arduous regimen was repeated for another week, and although his skills and methods were better, something within him felt static. His stats—strength, agility, stamina, and intelligence—were all maxed out at 50, the maximum for Tier-1. No matter how hard he tried, he could not break past this ceiling.

One morning, Zephyx woke earlier than usual, determined to break through his limits. Sitting cross-legged on the floor of his room, he called out to the System.

"Status."

A familiar translucent panel appeared before him:

[Name: Zephyx / Edgar Neal]

Age: 15

[Race: Human/Primordial Vampire]

[Category: Vampire: Eldritch Bloodborn]

[Affinity: Ice, Fire, Water, Earth, Wind]

Stats:

Strength (Str): 50

Agility (Agi): 50

Stamina (Sta): 50

Intelligence (Int): 50

Bloodline: ??? [Locked]

Trait: [Psycho], [Prodigy]

He sighed, staring at the unchanged numbers. "One week," he muttered. "It's been the same for one week."

Closing out the panel, he took a deep breath, suppressing his frustration. The response was obvious—Worldflow Breathing was the key. Mastering it and harmonizing with the essence would allow him to overcome the barrier that kept him back.

Zephyx took a deep breath and started the technique. The process was smoother than it had ever been, as if his body had been training for this moment the whole time. He breathed in deeply, taking in the energy of the world around him, letting it flow through his body before sending it toward his center.

This time, something was different. The essence he absorbed felt denser, heavier, and more vibrant. His core responded, pulsating with a rhythmic energy as it began to absorb the essence in earnest. For an hour, he maintained this cycle, feeling the tension in his body build.

And then it happened—a resounding boom echoed within him, like a dam breaking. The essence around him surged toward his core, flooding it with an overwhelming intensity. His entire body trembled as the energy integrated into his being, stretching his limits.

For ten long minutes, the process continued, his core greedily absorbing essence around him. When it finally subsided, he opened his eyes, exhaling a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

The difference was immediate. His body felt lighter, his mana reserves deeper, and a newfound strength coursed through his veins.

"Status," he said, eager to see the results.

Name: Zephyx / Edgar Neal

Age: 15

Race: Human/Primordial Vampire

Category: Vampire: Eldritch Bloodborn

Affinity: Ice, Fire, Water, Earth, Wind

Stats:

Strength (Str): 55

Agility (Agi): 55

Stamina (Sta): 55

Intelligence (Int): 55

Bloodline: ??? [Locked]

Trait: [Psycho], [Prodigy]

He couldn't help but smile. Though the increase in his stats seemed modest at first glance, the breakthrough to Tier-2 was monumental. The barrier that had held him back was now gone, and his body's limits had expanded, allowing for greater growth.

Closing the panel, Zephyx stood, feeling the surge of strength and mana within him. His movements felt smoother, his senses sharper, and his connection to the world's essence more profound.

---

Later that morning, Zephyx encountered Drusilla waiting for him at the training grounds. She was standing with her arms folded, a smug smile on her face.

"You did it, didn't you?" she said, her red eyes sparkling with pride.

He nodded. "Yeah. I've reached Tier-2."

She stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Good. From now on, we will focus on your combat training."

Her words sent a chill down his spine, but he couldn't deny the excitement that accompanied it.

"Okay."

Zephyx stood before Drusilla, her crimson eyes locked onto his with an intensity that could cut through steel. Without a word, she tossed him a longsword. The weapon gleamed under the morning light, its weight unfamiliar in his hands.

"Attack me," she commanded, her voice calm but firm, with an undertone that promised she wouldn't hold back.

He did not hesitate. Gripping the hilt harder, he charged forward, pouring all the strength and speed he had accumulated over the last month into the blow. He brought the blade around with all his might, swinging it at her midsection.

But she moved like a shadow. With a slight step to the side, she effortlessly avoided his attack, her movements so fluid it was as if she could predict his every move. Before he could recover, her foot connected with his stomach in a swift, brutal kick.

The air was forced from his lungs as he was sent flying backward, crashing to the ground with a dull thud. His grip on the sword faltered, and it slipped from his hand.

"Tch," she clicked her tongue in annoyance, shaking her head. "You don't even know the fundamentals of swordsmanship. How do you plan on handling a sword effectively with such sloppy techniques?"

Her words hurt, but Zephyx sat up, holding his stomach. She was right—he had no skill in swordsmanship. In his initial hunts, he used brute strength and his sheer power to overwhelm Beasts from the woods. There was no finesse, no strategy.

Seeing his determination, she continued, "Before I teach you my sword technique, you need to master the basics. Without a strong foundation, even the strongest techniques will crumble under pressure."

He nodded, swallowing his frustration. Her displeasure was evident, but it wasn't enough to break his resolve. If anything, it ignited a stronger desire within him to improve.