070. Mana of Strength 1
Raz Medra froze in stunned disbelief. Sand shaped like a harpoon hung in the air, hurtling straight toward him.
S-Sand? How in the world…?!
It was only natural for Raz to question it. The ability to freely manipulate specific substances belonged solely to the Medra family, one of the continent's top ten noble houses. Yet here was a Bascon using it, leaving him utterly perplexed.
Raz thrust both hands forward to block the oncoming sand.
I can't just take this lying down.
Just as his silver-glowing hands met the sand harpoon—
Shiiiik.
The sound of sand leaking through reached Raz's ears. He couldn't hide his growing unease.
This is…!
He knew his own technique all too well. Sure enough, the fine grains slipped right between his fingers. And those tiny particles slammed into his solar plexus.
Paaak!
A massive thud echoed as blood sprayed from Raz's chest like a fountain.
Pook!
His body flew backward. Glasses and all, tumbling through the air. With unfocused eyes, Raz thought,
So this is what it feels like?
He had crushed countless foes with his sand before. He'd known the trick was in the particle size, but he'd never faced it himself. It was a strange, unfamiliar sensation.
Metz watched the scene in bewilderment. Even if Raz was caught off guard by his own technique, it was unbelievable that a Super Nova like him would go down in one shot.
Cold sweat beaded on Metz's forehead.
Raz, taken out in a single blow…!
Normally, maybe. But this was Raz after unleashing his Opening. A master who could attack and defend simultaneously with freely moving sand. He shouldn't lose this pathetically to even a 2nd class knight.
The culprit was that greatsword right in front of him. Metz's gaze shifted to Luminare.
A superior-grade weapon…
It had the same ability as Hobas's—to absorb an opponent's techniques. The blade had sucked in all the sand, leaving sand-reliant Raz with no chance to counter. The result: a humiliating defeat.
As Metz's eyes turned to Bin, battle lust surged within him.
Guy, I wanna throw down.
It had been ages since he'd faced someone this tempting. The youngest Super Nova ever, with unprecedented potential. His heart pounded, adrenaline rushing.
But Metz didn't budge. Bin had already fought. He wasn't at full strength. It wouldn't be a fair fight. Just as Metz held back his urges—
Bin approached Raz. Thud. Thud…
Metz's eyes widened, and he gripped the axe on his back.
Is he going to finish him off?
"Hey!"
Metz shouted in alarm. But Bin sheathed his sword upon seeing the fallen Raz.
Seeing that, Metz halted and released his grip on the massive axe.
Raz lay there, blood oozing from his solar plexus. Completely drained, out of the fight.
Codic smirked at the sight of Raz sprawled out.
Serves you right, punk, after yapping at my lord.
But as Codic muttered down at him, Raz's vacant eyes opened, and he spoke.
"To think an imperial Super Nova like me would fall so pathetically…."
Bin looked down at him with impassive eyes.
"…."
Raz snorted at the piercing gaze.
"Hmph. Savoring the moment you toppled a Super Nova?"
Bin's eyes turned icy at the question.
"As if I'd waste time on some mere Super Nova."
With that, he turned and stepped away. Tap. Tap. Tap…
His path led back toward Plentel Castle, the original route.
Raz stared blankly at the sky.
Mere Super Nova…
He couldn't help but be shaken. Super Novas were objects of envy, candidates for the Gana Imperial Guard. Beings countless in the empire looked up to. It was the pinnacle he'd chased for years.
Yet Bin had dismissed it with "mere." Raz etched the word into his heart.
Mere, huh…
It felt like being called a frog in a well. He could sense it instinctively: this guy was aiming higher.
The Gana Imperial Guard, maybe? Those eyes said Raz was nothing.
Hearing that stung, tying directly to his defeat.
Losing to a rookie…
As Raz frowned, he recalled Bin's face looking down at him moments ago. His complexion paled.
"…."
Those eyes weren't normal. Cold. But more than that—something unknowable glared from them. Raz realized it upon meeting that gaze.
A colossal being beyond ordinary monsters.
Facing it, Raz's expression turned hollow.
1st class upper-grade wasn't an exaggeration…
A short while later, Bin headed toward Plentel Castle, reflecting.
I've changed a lot.
Past self versus present. He compared them.
In the past, Super Novas were distant idols he revered, untouchable.
Now? He stood on equal footing. No—he could claim superiority in a fight.
But I can't settle for this.
Bin's eyes sharpened. He clenched his bandaged right hand.
A resolve to push further. It encompassed many things: revenge against the Gana Imperial Guard Captain Helden Grander and the Guard itself. But first, protecting his mother from the Grander family's raid.
A lifelong regret. A painful memory. He couldn't repeat that mistake.
Bin gritted his teeth.
Just a little more…
Goals once thought impossible were turning real as time passed. A vastly improved Luminare. His rank among the seven siblings. He was achieving them one by one.
Bin gazed at his bandaged black hand and Luminare. He reaffirmed his resolve.
Just a little more…
Past memories flashed in his mind. The Grander forces raiding Bascon. And himself facing their head, Helden.
I won't lose. Never.
In the mansion of Plentel Castle's family head, Moden Bascon, a rumor began to spread. It started right after Bin returned from the Gana Empire headquarters.
"Is it true? That Young Master Bin got an offer to become an imperial Super Nova?"
One sentry perked up his ears and asked another.
The sentry beside him nodded.
"That's what they're saying."
"Not only becoming a Super Nova at his age, but getting recruited by the empire as the youngest ever… Incredible."
"He's probably the top prospect among the seven siblings now."
"Who'd have thought the family dunce would turn into such a powerhouse."
In Family Head Moden's chambers at Plentel Castle, monster trophies lined the walls. There sat Bin, facing the massive Moden.
Bin had come for a reason. Even if he'd grown incomparably stronger than before, he knew he couldn't protect his mother from Helden Grander, the Gana Imperial Guard Captain.
He needed to advance further. Power that wouldn't yield to a 1st class knight.
Moden, seated in a huge chair, spoke first, his voice dripping with authority.
"What brings thee here?"
Under the overwhelming pressure, Bin cut straight to it.
"Teach me Mana of Strength."
Moden's eyes widened at the resolute tone.
"…!"
One of the three manas, Mana of Strength—the source of power itself. Invaluable in battle.
Moden's gaze locked onto Bin, probing if he meant it.
Handling two manas wasn't easy for any knight. Botch it, and even Agility Mana control could falter, bringing side effects.
Yet Bin's face was gravely determined. He was set on succeeding.
Moden rested his chin, pondering.
Talent aside, two manas in mid-teens…
"Hoo."
With a sigh, he decided after deliberation.
"Begone."
"…."
A cold refusal. Few on the continent handled two manas by mid-teens. Mindful of that, Moden continued.
"Thy ambition is commendable, but mishandle it, and the flows tangle. Thy body may suffer lasting harm. So begone."
Moden thought: Bin had already trembled once from overexertion. Pushing him risked disaster. He didn't want to lose a promising heir rashly.
But Bin didn't budge. Not a twitch.
With a grave expression, he spoke.
"I am prepared for that much."
Moden's brow furrowed.
"At fifteen, unprecedented vice-captain, nay, Super Nova achieved. What drives thee to such peril?"
To the questioning Moden, Bin replied with unwavering confidence.
"To surpass you, Father."
"…."
A brief silence. Memories surfaced for Moden. Five years ago. Ten-year-old Bin, in this very spot, had said something similar.
His mouth wouldn't stay shut as he bellowed at Moden.
"I can't say exactly, but… I'll surpass you, Father! And with this power, I'll crush the Grander family!"
"…!!"
Recalling that resolve, Moden eyed the Bin before him. His gaze hadn't wavered. Dead serious.
Moden tilted his head back, lips curling.
"Hahahaha. To surpass me, eh."
His booming laugh echoed off the walls, filling the room with intimidating mirth.
Soon, he looked down at Bin.
"Very well. But steel thyself for death."
A grave tone. Life itself might be at stake.
But Bin wouldn't back down. His voice brimmed with assurance.
"Yes, Family Head!"