The Overlooked Hero Breaks the System

[System Update Detected...]

[Skill Upgraded: Mana Breathing → Mana Flow Mastery]

[Effect: Passive mana regeneration increased 10×. Meditation further amplifies recovery speed.]

As Rei walked toward the training grounds, he glanced at his system panel, noting the change in skill name.

Mana Breathing had evolved into Mana Flow Mastery after receiving a Permanent Boost.

Even without focusing, he could feel it—the steady, powerful circulation of mana within him. His reserves replenished effortlessly, allowing him to sustain abilities far longer than before.

It was a subtle but fundamental shift.

And today, he would put it to the test.

Mana was flowing through him at an entirely different pace.

After using Permanent Boost on Mana Breathing, his regeneration had increased tenfold. He had expected improvement—but the difference was staggering.

His mana now replenished at a speed that felt almost unnatural.

It was time to see how far he could push this advantage.

Squad Nine gathered in the training yard, where Instructor Garrick and Instructor Lynelle were waiting.

Lynelle's gaze swept over them. "Today, we will refine your mana control. Yesterday's training established your endurance. Now, we test your efficiency."

She gestured toward a set of large stone pillars, each inscribed with glowing runes. "These pillars generate a resistance field that interferes with your mana circulation. Your goal is to maintain a stable flow while under this interference."

Dante frowned. "That sounds unnecessarily difficult."

Lynelle gave him a flat look. "In battle, you won't always be in ideal conditions. Learn to control your mana even in disruption, or it will fail you when you need it most."

No one argued after that.

The squad members each took their positions in front of a pillar.

Rei placed his palm against the stone surface and immediately felt a shift—his mana, which had been flowing smoothly, became erratic. It was as if something was actively disrupting his internal circulation.

This is… interesting.

While others struggled, Rei took a slow breath and let Mana Flow Mastery guide him.

He wasn't resisting the disruption. Instead, he let his mana adapt to the shifting interference, stabilizing the flow naturally instead of fighting against it.

Within minutes, his control steadied.

Lynelle raised an eyebrow as she observed him. "You adjusted fast."

Rei didn't react. He simply kept going, acting as if it was nothing special.

Kai, on the other hand, was gritting his teeth as his mana flickered wildly. "How the hell is this so hard?"

Ethan muttered, "It's like trying to hold water in your hands."

Dante groaned. "I think mine's just refusing to cooperate."

Rei could see the problem. They were forcing their mana into a rigid structure rather than adapting. They were treating mana like an external force instead of something fluid and reactive.

A lesson he had instinctively grasped with Mana Flow Mastery.

By the time Lynelle finally told them to stop, most of the squad looked drained.

Rei, however, still felt like he could continue for hours.

During their short break, Lynelle approached Rei.

"You're not struggling as much as the others," she said casually.

Rei shrugged. "I just adjusted to the interference."

Lynelle studied him for a long moment before speaking again. "Did something change overnight?"

Rei met her gaze, but his expression remained neutral. "Not particularly."

She didn't push further, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.

Instead, she simply nodded. "Keep refining it. The more you master efficiency, the longer you'll last in drawn-out battles."

She walked away without another word.

Dante, who had been listening nearby, smirked. "Look at you, getting special attention."

Ethan nudged him. "Instructor's pet already?"

Kai, however, gave Rei a curious glance. "You really did adjust quickly. Do you practice mana control a lot?"

Rei just shook his head. "It just made sense."

Dante stretched his arms. "Well, good for you. Some of us have to actually work hard."

Rei didn't reply. He simply picked up his water and took a sip, letting the conversation drift away.

The less attention he attracted, the better.

After the mana control drills, they moved to the sparring field.

Garrick clapped his hands together. "We've focused on endurance and control. Now, we see how you handle combat situations. Paired sparring—your opponent will be determined randomly."

The squad members exchanged glances as Garrick began listing matchups.

"Ethan vs. Kai."

"Dante vs. Rei."

Dante grinned. "Alright, let's see what you've got, quiet guy."

Rei exhaled slowly and stepped onto the sparring ring.

Dante took his stance, gripping a practice sword. "I don't like holding back, so don't complain if I hit hard."

Rei didn't respond. He simply activated Minor Reinforcement, feeling the familiar energy spread through his limbs.

The moment Garrick gave the signal, Dante charged.

His attacks were fast and aggressive, relying on pure physical strength. He came in with a downward strike, aiming to overpower Rei with sheer force.

Rei sidestepped effortlessly, shifting his weight just enough to let the blade barely miss him.

Dante frowned and attacked again—faster this time. Rei weaved around the blow, his movements instinctively adjusting.

Mana Flow Mastery was guiding him.

The enhanced regeneration meant he could sustain reinforcement for much longer than normal, keeping his reaction speed heightened.

Dante, frustrated, changed tactics. Instead of another heavy strike, he pivoted and swung in a feint—pulling back mid-swing before launching a low sweep.

Rei stepped back just enough to avoid the blade.

Dante clicked his tongue. "Tch. You're annoying to hit."

Rei didn't answer. He simply moved just out of range, staying on the defensive.

Garrick watched with interest. "Not bad. You're not wasting movement."

Dante smirked and lunged again, but before he could land a hit—

Garrick raised a hand. "Enough."

Dante stopped immediately, breathing slightly heavier than before.

Rei, on the other hand, was barely out of breath.

Garrick studied them both before nodding. "Dante, your aggression is strong, but you rely too much on power. You need better precision."

Dante sighed but nodded. "Yeah, yeah."

Garrick's eyes moved to Rei. "You're controlled. Efficient. But I want to see how you fight when you're actually attacking. We'll work on that tomorrow."

Rei gave a short nod.

Dante clapped a hand on Rei's shoulder as they stepped off the platform. "I gotta admit, that was impressive. You're slippery as hell."

Ethan, watching from the side, added, "Yeah, what's up with your reaction speed? You barely got hit."

Kai looked thoughtful. "It's like your body just… moves the right way instinctively."

Rei didn't answer. He didn't need to.

Mana Flow Mastery had already changed his combat ability completely.

And it was just the beginning.