Baddie Distribution System

"Right... that’s half true and half false. I was robbed on my way to the academy because I blindly trusted someone. But even then, I was skeptical of everyone. I didn’t fully trust Dapper on enlistment day either. I have this ability, to see people’s life force. And what I saw in Dapper wasn’t just mana. He had the aura of someone who’s taken many lives."

"I’ve seen that kind of tainted aura before on assassins or soldiers who’ve survived blood-soaked wars. For example, all the teachers here carry that same aura. But Dapper’s... his is just on another level. Honestly, he scares me, and I’d never want to get on his bad side. If I had to choose between being on that guy’s bad side, the one who just threatened us, or Dapper’s, I’d pick the burly guy any day," Shinro said, tossing the stone aside.

"What do you mean by seeing people’s life force? I’ve heard something like that from someone else before," Riley muttered, her eyes narrowing with curiosity.

"Life force, also known as aura, is the essence that makes up a being. Mana is like fuel for that essence, just like how we need food. You can’t lack either, or the balance collapses. Before mana became mainstream, people used to master aura, just like how we now train with mana."

"For example, when I watch most combat-type system users, I see bursts of aura radiate from them when they throw punches. That’s because their lives revolve around intense physical strain and ability-based fighting, unlike mages who mostly rely on mana. But Dapper was different. His punches didn’t just release aura, they exploded with it. And not just any kind, but cleaner and more refined than even most combat-types. I’m not sure he even knows he’s doing it, but he mentioned something once about eliminating a mage’s weakness. Since that moment, I’ve respected him deeply. If only my master were alive to teach me how to control my aura," Shinro said, clenching his fists as he looked up at the sky.

"But if someone like Dapper can do it without guidance or even knowing he’s doing it, then I can do better!" Shinro’s eyes lit up with determination.

Meanwhile, Riley’s eyes were spinning, her head almost steaming with confusion. She didn’t catch everything he said, but she understood just enough to string it together.

"So you can see aura... but not control it?" Riley asked, rubbing her temples.

"Exactly."

"Then, do you know any teacher who can use or control aura? Those teachers are insanely strong. From what I read, they’re considered city-level fighters, meaning they can wipe out a small city if they go all out," Riley asked.

"That... I’m not sure. But if I had to guess, I’d say maybe Deegan. His aura is clean and incredibly refined. But I haven’t seen him in serious action, so I can’t confirm. Anyway, Riley, I should get going to my dorm. What about you?" Shinro asked, rising from the bench.

"Eh? So soon? I’ll hang around a little longer. I wonder what’s got you guys so eager to leave," Riley pouted slightly.