Vergil's dagger plunged into the OverVermin's flesh again and again, each strike drawing forth a fresh spray of dark, sticky blood. It splattered onto his clothes, streaked across his face, and even found its way onto his tongue—but he didn't care. His grip tightened as he drove the blade deeper, carving through muscle and sinew with ruthless precision.
A sudden, violent thrash sent him sprawling as the massive rat let out an ear-piercing screech. Blood streamed from one of its eyes, now nothing more than a ruined socket, but its defiance burned strong.
"Damn that passive skill," Vergil muttered under his breath, feeling the weight of its survival instincts pressing against him as the rats skill hardened hide, provide some resistance
Then he heard it—a sharp, resonating cry echoing through the abandoned hall. It was calling for reinforcements.
"Tch. I need to finish this now."
The OverVermin charged, its hulking form a blur of ragged fur and exposed muscle. Vergil barely had time to react, rolling to the side just as it barreled past him. But before he could counterattack, its thick tail lashed out like a whip, striking him across the torso with crushing force. He barely had time to brace himself before he was flung backward, his body slamming hard against the crumbling stone wall.
Gritting his teeth, Vergil staggered to his feet, chest heaving. His ribs ached, but his sharp gaze remained locked on the beast. Then he noticed it—the way its movements were slowing, its limbs trembling ever so slightly.
The paralysis is taking effect. It's not immediate, but it's working.
Vergil activated Evasive Sprint, his body becoming a blur as he weaved between the OverVermin's desperate swipes. Every time it lunged, he twisted out of reach, his dagger flashing in quick, calculated strikes. The blade found its mark again and again, puncturing its hide in rapid succession.
Yet, despite the poison dulling its movements, the OverVermin refused to go down without a fight. With a sudden burst of strength, it surged forward, slamming into Vergil with full force. He barely had time to react before he was crushed against one of the hall's decayed pillars, the breath violently driven from his lungs. A sharp, coppery taste filled his mouth as he choked on blood, but he forced himself to remain conscious.
The OverVermin pushed harder, trying to grind him into the stone, its frenzied eyes gleaming with raw desperation. Vergil's arm was pinned—he couldn't lift his dagger.
Then I'll just use my teeth.
With a savage snarl, he activated Vile Bite and lunged forward, sinking his teeth deep into the creature's exposed flesh. His jaw clenched, tearing through muscle, his mouth filling with the putrid taste of warm blood and raw meat. The OverVermin shrieked in agony, its body convulsing as it tried to shake him off.
The poison in his bite worked alongside the paralysis, further weakening the monster. Its limbs twitched uncontrollably, its strength rapidly draining. With one final spasm, the mighty beast collapsed, its massive frame hitting the ground with a sickening thud.
Vergil staggered back, panting heavily. His entire body was slick with sweat, blood, and filth, but his eyes shone with something dark and exhilarated.
He wiped the blood from his lips and smirked.
"You have gained 1 level."
Vergil wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, spitting out the lingering remnants of flesh.
"Not bad. You put up a good fight," he muttered, glancing down at the lifeless OverVermin. His expression twisted in mild disgust. "That was revolting."
A sudden notification flickered in his vision.
[User has been infected with a minor infection.]
[Infection partially resisted due to Weak Toxin Resistance.]
"Tch. Just great," Vergil muttered, narrowing his eyes at the corpse. He had expected as much—the thing was filthy, after all.
Still, he had bigger concerns. He straightened up, cracking his neck as he extended a hand toward the fallen monster.
"Time to reap the rewards of my efforts."
Authority of Predation.
The moment the words left his lips, the corpse trembled. A sickening crunch, crunch, crunch filled the air as invisible forces stripped the body of its essence, breaking it down into raw power. Flesh withered, bones cracked, and an unseen energy was siphoned into Vergil's very being.
[User has gained the following stat increases:]
Strength +5, Constitution +4, Intuition +1
[User has acquired the following passive skills:]
Lesser Pack Leader (F)
Survival Instincts (F)
Hardened Hide (E-)
[User has acquired the following active skills:]
Feral Bite (F)
Tail Smack (F-) [Detected unusable skill]
Feral Charge (F)
Adrenaline Surge (E-)
A surge of power coursed through Vergil's veins, his muscles tightening in response to the sudden growth. But then, something different happened.
[Detected unusable skill: Tail Smack.]
[Would you like to convert this skill into proficiency points?]
His brows furrowed. That's new.
"What does that mean?"
[Proficiency points allow you to accelerate the growth of existing skills. Currently, 'Evasive Sprint' is at 5% proficiency, and 'Endurance' is at 20% proficiency before reaching the next rank (E). By using proficiency points, you can hasten their advancement. Be advised—most skills can only grow 1 or 2 ranks at most before reaching their limit.]
Vergil smirked. Interesting. This pairs well with 'Combination'—if I can merge skills to raise their rank, then proficiency points will let me reach their limit even faster...
His eyes gleamed in the dim light.
[However, the user can only upgrade skills of the same rank. For example, sacrificing 'Tail Smack' (F) will grant F-rank evolution points, which can only be used to upgrade F-rank skills or lower. You are able to convert normal skill to intl evolution points.]
"Makes sense," he muttered, nodding. This might just be the key to getting stronger at an even faster rate.
Vergil picked up the crystal on the floor and stored it in his inventory. Then, grabbing the half-used healing potion he had from before, he poured the remaining liquid over his wounds. The moment it touched his skin, an unbearable burning pain tore through him as the potion forced his body to regenerate. He clenched his jaw, enduring the agony.
I should hunt the remaining rats with the bow, he thought, recalling his previous scouting. There should be around twenty-five normal rats left, plus those five guard rats. But my body's in no condition for another fight yet. I need to rest first… Looks like I'm not heading back today.
Vergil let out a slow breath, feeling his wounds knitting together, albeit painfully.
"System, convert 'Tail Smack' into proficiency points."
[Tail Smack is being converted… You have gained 10 F-rank evolution points.]
"What does 'Hardened Hide' do?"
[Hardened Hide (E-) – Your skin has slightly toughened, granting minor resistance to cuts and blunt force trauma.]
Vergil flexed his fingers, testing the faint resistance in his skin. Not bad.
His mind then wandered to his next objective—collecting twenty crystals, as per the system's instructions. But a thought crossed his mind. Wouldn't it be better to use a higher-rank crystal instead?
[User, it is not recommended. Higher-ranked crystals contain much denser energy, which could lead to complications since you do not possess a 'Mana Heart.']
Vergil frowned. A Mana Heart… He had read about them in the library before. The way a mage structured their Mana Heart determined their strengths and weaknesses.
There were four primary types:
1. Pure Core – The standard choice for magicians. Efficient and stable, but it lacked adaptability and had a lower mana capacity.
2. Crystallized Core – Used by long-range spellcasters. It excelled in mana storage and stability but was rigid and lacked flexibility.
3. Pulsing Core – Preferred by hybrid fighters. It offered flexibility in using multiple magic types and could naturally recover from damage, but it had inefficient mana storage and could overload if pushed too hard.
4. Runic Core – Suited for precision casters and artifact users. Formed through a ritual, it allowed for steady growth and enhanced casting speed, but its progress was slow and it was vulnerable to anti-magic effects.
Vergil analyzed his options. The pulsing core is the best fit for me. Its flexibility and self-repair ability are perfect for a hybrid fighter.
For now, though, that would have to wait.
He needed rest, the other rats are coming soon due to the rat leaders screech.
Finding a secluded spot on a nearby rooftop, he pressed his back against the wall, ensuring he was hidden from sight. His muscles ached, and exhaustion weighed on his mind. But even as sleep crept over him, his thoughts remained fixed on one thing—getting stronger.
And when he woke up, the hunt would continue.
Vergil's eyes cracked open as the first rays of morning light peeked over the rooftops, casting a soft golden hue over the ruined cityscape. His body felt… better. Not perfect, but the deep aches that had gnawed at his muscles had dulled to a manageable soreness. He stretched slightly, testing his limbs. His wounds, once raw and burning, had scabbed over, leaving only faint traces of pain.
He pushed himself up from his resting place, rolling his shoulders. His body felt lighter, stronger even. The power he had absorbed last night had fully settled within him, and his movements were more fluid.
Vergil exhaled through his nose, satisfied. That potion helped more than I expected, but my own resilience is improving too.
He scanned his surroundings, his sharp eyes catching the movement of small creatures scurrying below—rats. The same ones he had left unfinished the night before.
A smirk tugged at his lips. Looks like breakfast is running around on four legs.
He reached for his bow, feeling its familiar weight in his hands. It was time to finish what he started.
'my stats are too high so its highly unlikely ill get any stat points, so ill take all their skills' he said as he licked his lips.
Vergil grabbed an arrow from the quiver and drew his bow, his posture was still off but he was getting better as he released the arrows straight at the rat, taking them out one by one until he saw the gaurd rats huddled together Vergil shot an arrow at one of them
The arrow whistled through the air, striking the first guard rat in the eye. It let out a sharp squeal before collapsing, twitching violently as life drained from its body. The remaining four guard rats tensed, their crimson eyes locking onto Vergil as they let out guttural screeches, their bodies lowering into an aggressive stance.
Vergil didn't hesitate. He nocked another arrow and loosed it in one fluid motion. The second rat barely had time to react before the arrow buried itself in its throat, silencing it instantly.
[User has levelled up]
Vergil heard the message but ignored it
The remaining three lunged forward.
Vergil sidestepped the first, twisting his body as he yanked a dagger from his belt. With a precise slash, he tore through its neck, sending it crashing lifelessly to the ground. The last two came at him from opposite sides.
Too slow.
He activated Feral Charge, his body surging forward as he ducked under the first rat's pounce. His dagger flashed, severing its spine mid-air. The final rat skidded to a stop, hesitating—too late. Vergil's free hand shot forward, clamping onto its skull. With a sickening crack, he twisted, snapping its neck with ease.
Silence fell over the alley.
'Authority of predation'
[You have acquired the following skills:]
Night Prowl (F)
Venomous Fang (F)
Blood Scent (F)
Vergil licked his lips, a satisfied smirk forming. As expected, no stat gains—but their skills are mine now.
With the last of the guard rats dead, he took a deep breath, surveying the battlefield. The fight was over. It was time to collect his rewards.
Vergil thought to himself 'From the 20 rats I gained 8 skills with 5 of them being skills I couldnt use and converted into F and F- tier evolution points.
The skills he got were lesser physical resistance (F-), Lesser hunger resistance (F-)
Vergil strode back to the main building, his steps steady but his mind racing with anticipation. The twenty F-tier mana crystals he had collected from the rats clinked softly as he set them down on the ground before him. He took a deep breath, focusing.
"This should be enough to form my mana heart."
He looked up. "System, what's the method you wanted to show me?"
A mechanical voice chimed in his mind.
[User, use your Authority of Predation to consume the crystals.]
Vergil's eyes narrowed. "Consume them?"
[Correct. Your Authority is not limited to flesh—it devours power itself. These crystals contain mana. Take them.]
He didn't hesitate. Calling upon Predation, he felt a familiar yet unsettling presence stir within him. Ethereal mouths manifested in the air—hungry, primal things that sought to consume. But finding no flesh to feast on, they turned toward the gleaming mana crystals at his feet.
The moment the spectral jaws clamped down, the crystals shattered like fragile glass, releasing a surge of raw, untamed energy. It rushed into Vergil's body like a flood, slamming through his veins with the force of a storm.
His breath hitched. His vision blurred. It was too much.
Without a mana heart to contain the energy, it rampaged unchecked—scorching his veins, tearing at his muscles, threatening to rip him apart from the inside. His body convulsed violently as if rejecting the very power he had consumed.
"Damn it—" He refused to let this power destroy him.
Through sheer will, Vergil forced his mind to focus, falling back on his breathing technique—the foundation of all energy control.
Inhale—draw the energy into the body where the mana organ is going to form
Exhale—compress it.
Inhale—focus.
Exhale—refine.
The energy fought back like a raging beast, unwilling to be tamed. But Vergil didn't resist it—he let it flow, guiding it instead of suppressing it. Rather than forcing it into stillness, he let it move with him.
The energy followed the rhythm of his breath, of his life force.
Something shifted.
The chaotic surges no longer threatened to consume him. Instead, they synchronized—his breaths and the energy became one. A steady, powerful, relentless pulse.
A chime echoed in his mind.
[System Notification: Growth-Type Mana Heart Formed – Pulsing Core Achieved.]
Vergil exhaled slowly, feeling the transformation settle. His mana no longer sat idle—it moved, constantly circulating, refining itself, evolving with every breath.
A second notification flashed.
[Pulsing Core Traits Unlocked:]
Self-Regenerating Mana Flow – Energy continuously cycles, reducing depletion rate.
Pulse Regulation – The core stabilizes mana flow, reducing energy waste and improving efficiency.
Evolutionary Potential – The core strengthens based on energy absorbed, growing without limits.
Vergil clenched his fists, feeling the difference instantly. His previous limitations—mana depletion, slow recovery, the need for external refinement—were gone.
This core wasn't just a reservoir. It was alive. Constantly growing. Constantly predating.
A smirk tugged at his lips.
"This is true predation."
Another notification appeared.
[User has gained the skills: Basic Mana Sensitivity (F) and Mana Manipulation (F). These skills will grow alongside your mana heart.]
Vergil nodded to himself. "Show me my mana heart."
[System Notification: Growth-Type Mana Heart Formed – Pulsing Core Achieved.]
Mana Organ: Pulsing Core
Rank: F (Growth-Type) | Potential: EX
Description:
The Pulsing Core is a unique, living mana organ positioned at the center of Vergils chest, postioned slightly behind the heart yet distinct from it. The mana organ continuously circulates and refines energy rather than storing it statically like traditional mana hearts. It functions in rhythmic pulses, mirroring the user's breath and life force, allowing for constant evolution and adaptation. Unlike normal mana hearts, which act as mere reservoirs, the Pulsing Core actively processes, absorbs, and transforms energy, ensuring unparalleled efficiency and sustainability.
This core was formed as a Growth-Type with EX Potential due to Vergil's 100% energy conversion rate, a result of his Authority of Predation. Rather than losing excess mana during absorption, his body perfectly assimilates all consumed energy, allowing the core to evolve indefinitely without limitations. With each new source of power devoured, the Pulsing Core adapts, refines, and strengthens, ensuring Vergil's growth has no ceiling.
Traits (F Rank):
Self-Regenerating Mana Flow – The core passively cycles mana, slightly reducing depletion rate and improving recovery.
Pulse Regulation – Stabilizes mana flow, minimizing energy waste and slightly improving spellcasting efficiency.
Evolutionary Potential – The core has the potential to grow and evolve, unlocking greater abilities as it ascends in rank.
Unique Properties:
Non-Static Structure – Unlike a normal mana heart, the Pulsing Core moves, expands, and contracts in response to the user's needs.
Enhanced Mana Control – Its circulating nature allows for smoother manipulation of mana.
High Adaptability – The core refines any absorbed energy, ensuring compatibility with different mana types and reducing rejection risks.
Note: The Pulsing Core is currently at F Rank but has the potential to reach EX Rank, undergoing transformations as it evolves.
Vergil took a deep breath, feeling his mana move like a living current within him. It was unlike anything he had experienced before.
"This… is different," he muttered.
[Correct.] The system's voice chimed in. [Unlike conventional mana hearts, yours doesn't merely store energy—it refines, cycles, and evolves. This is the result of your Authority of Predation. You are no longer bound by traditional limitations.]
Vergil chuckled, flexing his fingers as the energy within him responded effortlessly. "So, no more mana depletion mid-battle?"
[Mana expenditure is still a factor, but your recovery and efficiency will steadily increase as your core evolves.]
"Good." His smirk widened. "That means I'll never stop growing stronger."
[Precisely.]
Vergil stretched his arms, feeling the newfound power settle within him. The difference was already noticeable—his mana no longer felt sluggish or limited. It was alive.
"System," he said, cracking his knuckles, "you're the best."
[Of course I am.]
But before anything let's check my stats
'Status window' he said smiling