Dawn of Light - Reincarnated as a villain

The days passed in a rhythm of rigorous training and focused practice. Each morning began with Drusilla's mana technique, Worldflow Breathing, a method unlike any I had encountered before. Unlike traditional techniques that drew in raw mana from the atmosphere, Worldflow Breathing taught me to absorb the world's essence itself—purer, denser, and more harmonious. The essence was then converted into mana, making my core not only more powerful but also more stable.

For five to six hours each morning, I would sit cross-legged, inhaling deeply, visualizing the flow of essence entering my body, circulating through my veins, and pooling in my core. Once harmonized, the energy would crystallize into potent mana reserves. Afterward, I would spend time refining my magic. My control over fire, ice, and wind was already formidable, but Drusilla pushed me 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 my reflexes and push my agility to its limits. Drusilla would move at speeds I could barely follow, slashing at me with precision. Though I had improved significantly, her Rank-4 speed still overwhelmed me at times. Each cut and bruise was a painful reminder of how far I still had to go, but my Crimson Renewal ensured I was ready to go again within seconds.

Evenings were spent honing my Crimson Weildling, manipulating my 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 I could weaponize my own blood with such finesse.

This grueling routine continued for another week, and while my skills and techniques were improving, something inside me felt stagnant. My stats—strength, agility, stamina, and intelligence—had all reached 50, the upper limit for Rank-1. Despite my efforts, I couldn't push past this plateau.

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

"Status."

A familiar translucent panel appeared before me:

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]

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

Closing the panel, I steadied my breathing, pushing aside my frustration. The answer was clear—Worldflow Breathing held the key. If I could master it and truly harmonize with the essence, I would be able to break through the barrier holding me back.

Taking a deep breath, I began the technique. The process felt smoother than usual, as if my body had been preparing for this moment all along. I inhaled deeply, drawing in the essence of the world around me, feeling it circulate through my body before guiding it toward my core.

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

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

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

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

"Status," I 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]

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

Closing the panel, I stood, feeling the surge of strength and mana within me. My movements felt smoother, my senses sharper, and my connection to the world's essence more profound.

---

Later that morning, I found Drusilla waiting for me in the training grounds. She stood with her arms crossed, a knowing smile on her face.

"You did it, didn't you?" she asked, her crimson eyes glinting with pride.

I nodded. "Yes. I've reached Rank-2."

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

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

"Okay"

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

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

I didn't hesitate. Tightening my grip on the hilt, I rushed forward, channeling all the strength and speed I had gained over the past month. I swung the blade with everything I had, aiming for her midsection.

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

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

"Tch," she clicked her tongue in displeasure, shaking her head. "You don't even know the basics. How do you expect to wield a sword properly with such sloppy moves?"

Her words stung, but I pushed myself up, clutching my stomach. She wasn't wrong—I had no foundation in swordsmanship. During my early hunts, I relied on brute force and my raw power to overpower Beasts from forest. There was no finesse, no strategy.

Seeing my 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."

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