Cursed To Conquer

Basil sat cross-legged in his room, his mind racing. The more he experienced the world he had transmigrated into, the clearer it became that this was the game he had mastered countless times. He knew the layout of the entire world, the power system, the characters, and the fates that awaited them. But there was one thing he hadn't fully realized until now—his own power.

Basil had always been strong. Even before his transmigration, he had trained relentlessly, constantly seeking to improve his strength, and refining his skills in both martial arts and magic. His reputation for strength was not in question, but the disdain others had for him came from his behavior. The past Basil, the one he had transmigrated into, was a deeply hated figure in his family and society, but not because of his power. His strength had always been immense, but it was his arrogance, cruelty, and reckless behavior that had earned him enemies.

Now, however, with the knowledge of the game flowing through him, Basil understood that he could not let his past define him. This world, with its intricate power system, offered endless potential—potential that he could now fully realize.

The power system in this world revolved around two key aspects: Aura and Mana. Both were essential to a person's abilities, and mastering both was rare, but not impossible. Basil knew all too well how they worked, having studied them as a gamer. But now, in the body of the person who had been one of the most powerful figures of his age, Basil was going to push those limits further than ever before.

Aura was the manifestation of a person's physical and spiritual strength, something that could only be honed through constant physical and mental training. It was tied directly to a person's body, and its core had nine stages, represented by nine stars. The more stars one unlocked, the stronger the body became, granting enhanced physical prowess, increased durability, and greater control over one's body.

Mana, on the other hand, was the energy needed for magic. A person's Mana Core allowed them to manipulate the elements and cast powerful spells. Like the Aura Core, the Mana Core also had nine stages, each star representing greater control over the elements. But while Aura was tied to the body, Mana was tied to the forces of nature.

What made Basil's situation so rare was that he had both an advanced Aura and Mana Core. Most people in this world had either one or the other, but Basil had mastered both, and in his new life, his powers were growing even stronger.

Basil took a deep breath and activated his Aura Core. A surge of energy coursed through his body, making him feel alive. The four stars in his Aura Core flared to life, filling him with immense power. This was just the beginning. He knew the limits of the game mechanics, and he also knew that he could push further, unlocking the remaining stars with hard work and dedication.

With a focused expression, Basil moved to his Mana Core. As he focused, a soft glow began to emanate from his chest. The Mana Core's energy spiraled, and for a moment, it looked faint, almost invisible. But as he concentrated further, the glow grew stronger. Four stars in the Mana Core were already unlocked, a rare feat for someone his age.

"What a rare gift," Basil murmured, his voice full of awe.

Most people would have been lucky to unlock even one or two stars in either their Aura or Mana Core by his age. But he had four stars in each, a power that many could only dream of. It was as if he was made for greatness—though his previous behavior and actions had kept him from ever reaching his potential.

But now, things were different. Now, Basil understood the true nature of his strength, and more importantly, he knew how to control it.

There was something else. His Mana Core was not just special because of the stars—it was also different because of his Elemental Affinity. In the world of Cursed to Conquer, there were five elements: Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, and Electro. Most people had an affinity with one or two of these elements, but Basil had the unique ability to wield all five.

When a person was compatible with all five elements, their Mana Core would become colorless—a rare phenomenon. Normally, Mana Cores were tied to a specific element, reflecting the affinity of the user. But when someone had the potential to wield all five elements, their Mana Core became neutral, with no distinct color, as it balanced all the elements equally.

Basil's Mana Core had become colorless, signaling his unparalleled potential. But it was rare, almost unheard of. The training required to master all five elements was beyond what most could imagine. But Basil had an advantage—the knowledge of the game. He had already mastered these techniques countless times. This was just the next level.

He could feel the power within him. Fire crackled inside his chest, wind swept around his body, water flowed beneath his skin, earth steadied his movements, and electricity sparked through his veins.

"This is like playing the hardest game with the easiest setting enabled," Basil chuckled softly, a smirk crossing his face.

It was a feeling of exhilaration. The realization that he was not only the most powerful character in this world but also the most capable one. The game had given him the tools to be unstoppable, and now it was up to him how he wielded them.

But the power was not without responsibility. Basil knew that with this kind of strength, he would have to make decisions. Would he follow the path set out for him, or would he carve his own? The protagonist of this world—the one destined to "save" it—was nothing compared to him. And for the first time, Basil truly understood that he was no longer a villain; he had the power to change everything, if only he could control it.

With a deep breath, Basil stood up. His heart raced, not from fear or excitement, but from the weight of what lay ahead. This world was his to conquer, and with his knowledge and strength, he would make sure it would never be the same again.