Upon clicking the Evolution Ready button next to his class, he was greeted with many system prompts.

E-Grade Class Evolution

You, a newly initiated human warrior, have shown a high amount of talent having slain various beasts and creatures, sentient and non-sentient. Your undying will to stay alive and fight against foes far higher from your level and survive by the skin of your teeth has been forever etched into your Records. You have shown proficiency in killing with various forms of melee combat, One-Handed Weapons as well as Martial Combat, however, your Shieldsmanship has been neglected. As a result of all you have accomplished within F-Grade, you are presented with 5 Class Evolutions.

“Well, I guess I have been finding shields useless recently; I mean why block when you can hit them before they hit you?” Archie reasoned to himself.

Ironbound:

The Ironbound is a rugged, no-nonsense fighter who relies on raw toughness and unyielding strength. Their straightforward approach leaves little room for finesse, relying instead on sheer power and durability to overpower opponents. The Ironbound thrives in direct engagements, shrugging off injuries that would slow others, using persistence as both a weapon and a shield. Ironbound warriors thrive on straightforward tactics—hit hard and endure harder. This class focuses on brute strength and endurance, prioritizing absorbing damage and delivering heavy blows. Stats per level: +4 End, +4 Vit, +3 Str, +2 Agi, +3 Free Points. Warning: Some class Skills linked to the Warrior class will be likely removed and or replaced.

The first option was a decent pick, to be honest, Archie had quickly taken up using Retaliation akin to a fish in water. He wholeheartedly agreed with the tactics of the Ironbound, ‘hit hard and endure harder’, but he also felt like they should be swapped, ‘endure hard and hit harder’.

Do they have the Retaliation skill always active? Do they remove my Shield Mastery skill? Such thoughts filled Archie’s mind as the last sentence did not go unnoticed. As well as the 16 stats per level, 10 more than what he currently received from his Warrior class. While he didn’t know if that was a good stat increase, it was better than what he had.

Either way, I have four more options to go through, Archie thought before putting the Ironbound option to the side and continuing to the next option.

Bloodreaver:

A Bloodreaver is a brutal warrior who thrives in the heat of battle, embracing chaos and destruction. Fueled by primal rage, they transform into unstoppable forces on the battlefield, striking fear into the hearts of their enemies. Bloodreavers wield their rage like a weapon, turning pain into power, however, they easily lose rationality when in combat. This Class focuses on aggression and relentless combat, prioritizing brutality and ferocity. Stats per level: +5 Str, +5 End, +4 Will, +4 Vit, +4 Free Points. Warning: Some class skills linked to the Warrior class will be likely removed and or replaced.

“The hell? Turning pain into power? What is this masochistic crap?” Archie asked bewildered, did the system think the way he fought was masochistic?

The second option had both benefits and drawbacks, from what Archie could analyze. 22 stats per level is insane. However, losing rationality when fighting feels too dangerous to be considered to be beneficial. Especially since I’ll be entering the Group Tutorial soon.

What also crossed his mind was what caused him to even get such an option? Sure, he enjoyed fighting, but he never went on a drunk rampage before.

Suddenly a memory surfaced which caused Archie to click his tongue, “Was it when I killed those goats atop the hill? That’s the only time I can remember zoning out when in a fight.”

Putting the option to the side, Archie continued to read the next option.

Nature-Attuned Pugilist:

A Nature-Attuned Pugilist channels nature-attuned mana into their strikes, dealing both physical and magical damage. By infusing their strikes with natural energy, they become formidable close-combat fighters, drawing strength from the world around them. Their fists are not just weapons but conduits for nature-attuned mana, enabling them to fight with both fluidity and power. This Class focuses on combining both magic and martial skills when in combat, abandoning your previous pursuit of One-Handed Weapons and Shields. Stats per level: +4 Str, +4 End, +3 Vit, +3 Agi, +2 Int, +4 Free Points. Warning: Some class skills linked to the Warrior class will be likely removed and or replaced.

This option looks more appealing compared to the other two, Archie thought, 20 stats per level but without any drawbacks. He had come to the realization that weapons break, and when broken, skills attached to them become useless. But his fists, no matter how broken they became, they always came back healed. Thus reaffirming his belief that fists were supreme.

This option was definitely at the top of his list of classes he considered picking. Nevertheless, he read the next option.

Experienced Warrior:

An Experienced Warrior is a Warrior who has honed their skills through various battles, adapting to various combat situations with ease. They blend offense and defense, using their knowledge to strike at the right moment while absorbing incoming attacks. Experienced Warriors are respected for their resilience and tactical insight, often leading allies into battle with confidence. This Class focuses on adaptability and mastery of combat techniques, prioritizing strength and tactical prowess. Stats per level: +4 Str, +3 End, +3 Vit, +2 Agi, +3 Free Points.

A generic evolution for whoever chose the Warrior class, Archie thought, it wasn’t bad at all, granting 15 stats per level. However, it did not add anything else to the table, no mentions of magic or his Nature Affinity.

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

He wasn’t being biased toward the previous option at all…Besides he didn’t have a sword anymore, what's the point of choosing this class, but being unable to use it? Conveniently forgetting the fact he had a hatchet stashed in the pouch behind his back.

Moving on, Archie thought while moving onto the last option.

Silentblade:

The Silentblade is a practitioner of stealth and precision, blending seamlessly into the darkness. They strike from the shadows, dealing devastating damage before retreating, waiting for another opportunity. Their lethal mix of speed, silence, and timing makes them deadly assassins, capable of eliminating targets without a trace. This Class focuses on stealth and precision, prioritizing quick and decisive strikes to eliminate their foes. Stats per level: +4 Agi, +4 Per, +4 Str, +2 End, +3 Free Points. Warning: Some class skills linked to the Warrior class will be likely removed and or replaced.

Reading the last option, Archie saw that this Class offered 17 stats per level and had a focus on stealth over frontal combat.

“I guess this evolution option makes sense, with all the stealth kills I’ve done,” Archie acknowledged. He had skilled a lot of both sentient and non-sentient beings with stealth attacks throughout his time in the tutorial.

“And to be honest, I don’t think I would stop. Unless I’m 100% sure about a fight, I’ll always try a stealth attack.” Archie reaffirmed, nodding his head and crossing his arms.

Nevertheless, even though he liked the concept of stealth attacks and tree hopping, he could not see himself only doing that.

Looking at the five options once more, Nature-Attuned Pugilist clearly stood out as the best option for him. It merged his affinity with nature alongside his preference to fight with his fists over sword and shield.

Selecting Nature-Attuned Pugilist, all system prompts disappeared, and new prompts appeared in their place.

*Your Class has Evolved Successfully*

New Class: [Nature-Attuned Pugilist]:

A Nature-Attuned Pugilist channels nature-attuned mana into their strikes, dealing both physical and magical damage. By infusing their strikes with natural energy, they become formidable close-combat fighters, drawing strength from the world around them. Their fists are not just weapons but conduits for nature-attuned mana, enabling them to fight with both fluidity and power. This Class focuses on combining both magic and martial skill when in combat, abandoning your previous pursuit of Swordsmanship and Shieldsmanship. Stats per level: +4 Str, +4 End, +3 Vit, +3 Agi, +2 Int, +4 Free Points.

*Your Class has reached Lv 50 – Points allocated, +4 Free Points*

Skill Lost: [Basic One-Handed Weapon Mastery (Common)]

Skill Lost: [Basic Light-Shield Mastery (Common)]

Skill Change: [Warrior’s Resilience (Uncommon) → Pugilist’s Grit (Uncommon)]

Pugilist’s Grit (Uncommon):

The pugilist thrives under pressure, using sheer willpower to stay on their feet no matter how brutal the fight is. Regenerate 2% of maximum health per second while in combat. When health drops below 30%, regeneration doubles for a short duration, empowering the pugilist to outlast their enemies through relentless endurance.

Skill Evolution: [Unstable Consecutive Strikes (Uncommon) → Relentless Flurry (Uncommon)]

Relentless Flurry (Uncommon):

Drawing on your stamina reserves, you unleash a rapid series of powerful strikes, each blow flowing seamlessly into the next. The energy surges through your muscles, amplifying your attacks with relentless force. While active, Relentless Flurry grants a low bonus to Strength.

“As I assumed, both One-Handed Weapon Mastery and Light-Shield Mastery disappeared. However, this new skill Relentless Flurry solved my issue with Unstable Consecutive Strikes – every time I used it before, it caused a lot of damage to both my arms and legs.” Archie smiled, glad that now he was able to properly use such a core skill.

Opening his status page he smiled.

Archie Gracefield

Race: Human E-Grade Lv 50

Class: Nature-Attuned Pugilist Lv 50

Profession: Shaman Lv 49 [Evolution Ready]

Health: 2257/2257

Mana: 800/800

Stamina: 1428/1428

Stats:

Vitality: 215(225)

Strength: 216(248)

Endurance: 136(142)

Agility: 185

Intelligence: 194

Wisdom: 80

Willpower: 80(88)

Perception: 175

Free Points: 35

General Skills: Identify (Initiate), Nature's Meditation (Epic)

Class Skills: Basic Martial Combat Mastery (Uncommon), Savage Charge (Uncommon), Adrenaline Rush (Rare), Pugilist’s Grit (Uncommon), Retaliation (Uncommon), Relentless Flurry (Uncommon), Taunt (Uncommon), Thorns (Common)

Profession Skills: Spirit Link (Epic), Effigy-Carving (Common), Material Insight (Common), Hex of Enfeeblement (Common), Shatter Spirit (Common), Hum of the Wild (Common)

Bloodline: Adrenaline Junkie (Unique) [+10% to Strength and +10% to Willpower]

Affinity: Greater Nature Affinity (Epic)

Blessing: Blessing of the Forgefather (Moderate) [+5% to Strength and +5% to Endurance]

Titles Collected: Bloodline Progenitor [+10 Vitality and +5% Vitality], Flawless E-Grade Evolution [+10 all Stats]

Tutorial Points: 10,684

Looking at the tutorial page, Archie kissed his teeth.

Solo Tutorial

The 72nd cycle has begun; thus, a tutorial is needed to increase the survivability of the newly integrated myriad races. The Hoarfrost Highlands is filled with various creatures from across the universe, each providing Tutorial Points upon their death to their killer. After the Solo Tutorial is completed, all Solo Tutorial Participants will be teleported into random Group Tutorials. Tutorial Points will be used to gain rewards after the full tutorial is completed.

Completion Criteria: Survive for 30 days.

Time remaining: 5 days & 04:00:03

“Less than a week left and I have yet to find that damn tortoise,” Archie said while kicking some snow, frustrated at where the tortoise went. He spent a large majority of his time ever since he left the Shaman profession dungeon trying to locate the tortoise, but still had not been able to even find a single clawprint.

“I guess I should just get my profession evolution over with,” Archie said as he hovered his finger over the Evolution Ready button next to his profession.

But just before Archie could press it, another prompt appeared in front of his face.

Quest: Solo Tutorial Boss

You have survived the Hoarfrost Highlands for 25 days now and you have dominated most of the races that exist within it. However, the ruler of the Hoarfrost Highlands has now awoken and found their domain molested. The ruler of the Hoarfrost Highlands will now be actively roaming their domain in search of you. Reward scales with your performance.

Requirements: Survive or Kill the Giant Frostiron Tortoise

Reward: ? & ?

You cannot decline this quest.

Archie’s eyes went wide, “At least now I know where it went.” His fists clenched as he remembered how he was almost killed by a single swipe of its claws.

Archie steeled his eyes as he pressed the Evolution Ready button.