Chapter 25
Class Options
Leaving Professor Nimbus’ office, I realized I still had options. Not options on how to make Professor Nimbus have his Scrooge type moment when he realizes he’s a jerk who is betraying the memory of his past friend, though I still have options for that as well. No, what I am referring to are options for my first class-based quest reward.
I had after all just completed my first-class specific quest. Or at least a class that I could only complete due to my unique class.
Hidden Quest Complete: The Forgotten Doctor: You have helped Octavia De’Arcaneri of Deolar submit her life’s work, allowing her soul to finally travel beyond to the great beyond. Reward: Optional.
Now that I had a moment, I opened a quick portal to the spirit realm and stepped through. Only once I was safely sealed on the other side of the veil did I stop to pause.
First, I let out a long slow breath. I nearly died there. I only had the one life, which meant had the overly zealous professor Nimbus struck me down before he realized I was showing him a long lost friend, I would have been dead. I think I could have possibly teleported out of the room before I became a flesh version of a lightning rod, but I did not want to take any chances.
Fortunately everything went well, despite the fact that I turned over the life work of a long dead elven princess to a peer who will likely steal the work and pass it off as his own. There is still hope that they will have a change of heart, but this world is sadly too realistic. So in times like these you have to ask yourself, what makes more sense: a professor in a dying field of magical study claims to find the doctoral work of a peer who likely died a thousand years ago? Or a professor recovers said work, in a similar field to their own and passes it off as if it was their work from the start?
Yeah, I am assuming chicanery will be afoot, unless something happens. I have a feeling something will happen, but I just don’t know what I can do. I also don’t want to have anything tie back to me, as I just gained said professor as an Ally. Meaning, I need to tread carefully.
He is an Ally III, but that three at the end isn’t our friendship level. Rather it is a measure of how much more important that Ally is with their standing, physical power, and political power in comparison to me.
Now this also means that my Rivalry flaw from professor Maxine is also a three, meaning they will likely see me as a major obstacle that needs to be squashed before they can move on in their careers. The veritable albatross of their professional career, if you will. It’s an odd game trope, only because it is so effective. Again, I know the way most people would deal with a particularly annoying rival would be to kill them. The game of course has counter measures in place to avoid just such an event. Turning the Rival to an Enemy, A.K.A. a brother or jilted lover will come to avenge the professor. Then I would likely be forced into armed combat with said lover, at which point the flaw would again escalate from an Enemy to a Family Feud, then to a Clan, then to a National and so on. Basically things could always go bigger and get worse.
For me, I chose to keep the Rivalry for what it was, a cheap non-combative way to exert stress and gain skill increase bonuses. All quests completed under opposition have at least a 50% difficulty bonus. This is why people with a personal rival that succeed do so exceptionally quickly. I sort of want this, but I am not foolish enough to believe that this will be easy. See in order to get that 50% bonus, a few things need to happen. First the Rival has to make an appearance and second they have to try or at least appear to have tried to make your quest more difficult than necessary. This is insanely tough, especially considering I doubt I will have any interaction with this professor. At least I don’t plan on having any interactions that I do not control. That is why I choose to stay in the spirit realm, for the moment this is my realm. For the moment I feel safe here. That is why I chose this place to come to observe my quest reward options.
Now this being my first class quest completed, the rewards have been optioned.
What this means is I can work this one of a very few ways, ways that will influence the way future quests are handled. Basically, I can either focus on experience and material possessions, or focus on improving class features. Essentially trading in current comforts, for possible future gains.
Quest Reward Options:
* 1) Experience
* 2) A Class Spell.
* 3) Other.
Now with these three options it is clear that I can get a lot of experience for figuring out this particular function of the game. Solving ghost crimes seems like a fun venture, and likely something the developers of the game intended all along but was never fully implemented due to the restrictions from piercing the veil being too much.
From the three options before me, I go with my gut and double down on the road less traveled.
Of course, I say it is the road less traveled, when in fact it is a well-known concept that in this world choosing the unknown is often the hardest route, as it means I must continue with the quest line. Experience would of course be an instant pay out. Spells might make me do a few fetch quests, where I need to go talk to people find components and then work out a set of spell patterns similar to the ones Octavia used. Also know, that I know her forms. While I can’t use her magic, I made sure to read through every note that was on the professor’s desk. I also might or might not have happened to read every page that got scattered on the ground when Octavia ran into me. While there is obviously no way I could cast elemental magic, I could mimic the patterns and flow of magic described. I am not quite certain what casting such a spell with spirit magic versus elemental magic would create, but realistically other than a few slight nuances, this should be a real spell. Not just any spell but a biome type spell using spirit magic.
Now I would think that the functionality should logically be something similar. Maybe a way to convert the different realms of the spirit world. Converting old deserts into fresh biomes, opening up more of zones of the spirit realm that other living creatures might be able to tolerate. Who knows, I might open my own kingdom and name myself queen? At the very least, I could possibly create more areas in the mortal realm where spirits might be able to traverse in peace. Honestly the idea of opening a portal for spirits to help us take back blighted lands from monsters does sound appealing, and a great way to use a previously untapped resource.
Really there are so many options as to what I think might be possible by doubling down that I am both tapping the option and saying “three,” before I even have a chance to doubt my choice.
Ding.
As soon as I choose the third option, I hear a ding, though it is slightly different than the one I associate with leveling. Instead this is more of a more drawn out sound that seems to imply I have earn something, but I will need to continue pressing to get it.
Just as I have this thought, I have a set of three new options available to me.
Other Rewards:
* 1) Improve Existing Class Merit (1/1).
* 2) Earn New Class Merit (1/5).
* 3) Earn New Class Trait (1/10).
Seeing the options, I drool slightly. This is the spirit world so fortunately no one sees me. No one living at least, but that is beside the point. A Class Trait, I blink or do my equivalent of a blink where I make sure my vision is not going fuzzy or that I am imagining things. A Class Trait.
Now to put it into perspective, what I have now are considered personal Traits, which are my Teleportation, Telekinesis, and Telepathy. Those are all personal Traits that I can carry with me regardless of which class I have. So if I suddenly change classes, no harm no foul, I will still have these same Traits available to me. A class Trait is similar, it is a different spell or ability that is linked to my class, but isn’t necessarily linked to the class itself. Basically, I would be able to do something that was wholly unique to my class without, and something that likely wouldn’t require my personal mana pool, nor the use of Spirit or Shadow magic to cast. While the latter is not a problem as I have a relatively high mana pool, thanks to my high base score for my Intelligence and only the one true Active spell to my name. I can’t help but think that another Trait, even one linked to my class would be amazing.
Now there are some drawbacks to a class based Trait, but they are not unheard of for people who are the first to unlock unique classes. Basically, if I were to get disenfranchised with this class and switch out, a long and tiring process, this class would basically be lost forever. So, the developers at first made it so these special easter eggs would exist for the class. By allowing class Traits to exist, it made it so I would likely be able to live longer, while also showing how powerful this mysterious new class would be. The idea being that people would come to me to get me to train their children to be little Void Walkers and try to encroach on my personal space, namely the entire Spirit Realm. At this point, I did not want to be a teacher of this class, I also didn’t have nearly enough magical knowledge to pass on how to be truly effective at wielding this class.
That said, I was already committed to this class, especially with the way that I am able to hide here any time I want. My only real potential problem in this realm, ironically enough is my Rival, which I now wonder had been scripted or I just fell into the obvious game trap. Either way, my Rival can also access this realm, although they are at a much more diminished capacity while here. While I am far weaker to them in the mortal realm. Sort of a trade off, but one that is completely irrelevant to the options before me.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Of course, I once again choose option “three.” Pressing and stating the option out loud.
Next to it I can’t help but note the indication, one of ten. I assume this has to deal with solving spirit quests, and my assumptions are verified once the next quest appears before my eyes.
Quest Line Opened: Arcanarus University Ghost Cleanser: Arcanarus University has an infestation of spirits who have been unable to move on to the next phase of their existence. You are tasked with listening to ten spirits, hearing their concerns, and helping them move on to the next realm. Status (1/10). Rewards: Experience, Class Trait.
With that quest available, I couldn’t help but feel I had made the correct course of actions. Also I loved how the game had quests like this to help show different capabilities of a new class. While the game would never directly state I only got this quest and the quest line due to my unique class, it is clear that the only way these quests could be solved would be from someone with this type of unique class. A class that could traverse into the spirit realm at ease and withstand the piercing rot that exists for all parties on both sides of the veil.
While taking this quest chain ultimately meant I would forever be stuck with Void Walker as my primary class, I was okay with that. All this meant was that if I got another class, and I was a long way away from that, as you generally had to be level twenty-five or higher in your main class before the option for a secondary class even became available to you. Then you would have to level both, with a minimum of your main class receiving 50% of your experience gained. Meaning that at most only 50% of your experience could go to leveling your secondary class. Most people would make the immediate split right away, as the first few levels were always the easiest to gain in your secondary class. Also with a secondary class, you had to devote a minimum of 10% of your experience towards that class as well. Basically I saw it as a way people who went around reaching some of the highest levels in the game could go around and feel relevant by having a secondary class that shored up some weaknesses. Normally this would be performed by the legendary mechanoid armorer who took on a mage or healing class. Or the mage who took on phantasmal secondary class to avoid taking damage. Or the bard who wished to finally be useful, by getting off their couch, putting on some pants, and getting a real job. Just kidding, bards are people too.
Anyways, there were dozens of ways to get ahead in life. Most people with unique classes often chose to keep the unique class for themselves, few ever feeling the need to branch out into other classes, mainly due to the fact that if they did deviate their title of grand master would have a chance of being forfeit.
Oh, that is another thing, this world has exactly one grand master for each class. By default, I have that role, but I don’t have the title yet. Or at least the title itself is not active and will not be active until I get to level 50. Once I get to there my title as the number one Void Walker will appear for everyone to see. Now I am not quite certain what this title will mean for me, namely as this title will both scale as I level and be entirely unique to the class it represents. The number one Alchemist can craft full potions by substituting different components with similar elemental substrates. Effectively they can turn lead into gold, but at a rate that is very lucrative and able to effectively print money for themselves. The number one duelist can avoid one type of attack, at first this title was just limited to pistols, a school of magic, or what have you. Now, it is said that the top duelist can negate broad ranges of attack types, like ranged, melee, etcetera. Basically, the wielders of these titles are very coveted. Not only are they the number one target to take down by others with the class, but they are also the one sought after for groups, parties, and above all finding ways to get rich.
I am a long way away from both unlocking the class title and using it to get rich. But I can influence its growth and development. Namely I can influence the aspects of my play that I want the title to improve upon by the way I play. With that as my motivation, I am about to start my first quest, when I realize I am nearly late for class.
Realizing that there are literally dozens of humanoid spirits around, and that none of these spirits seem like they are going anywhere for the immediate future, I decide to go to class.
For now, my class-based quest can wait.
I do a quick pat down of myself, making sure my cloak and hood are up, my goggles are still on. With that, not that it matters, but at this point it is the comfort of having my personal disguise on, I let out a breath and go to my first class.
Looking at my classroom, I see a lot of blue illusionary magic taking effect over the room. Most of the students are up, standing in the corners, talking loudly to themselves.
As I enter, I see a thin blue film over the board, but that quickly disappears due to my Angel’s Sight, and I am quickly able to read the instructions that are written out on the board.
Come in, immediately take a seat at the center of the room and wait quietly for class to begin.
Seeing the note on the board, I do as instructed, going in, sitting down and pulling out pen and paper from my satchel. Honestly I don’t know why I am here, other than this was one of the classes my mentor, Professor Groa signed me up for.
Honestly, I am not certain if this was a friend giving another friend an aide, for number of students to attend. Looking around, not turning my head I would never do something so basic as turning my head to observe the different groups of people in a given area, I see that there are a lot of students in this class. More than enough that my being here wouldn’t be done for numbers. So, I hoped there was a reason for this class, otherwise it looked like I would just be wasting my time.
After a few minutes a small child walked in. At least their silhouette was that of a small child, but I instantly saw the characteristics that denoted this form to be a mage. Not just any mage either, but a rather powerful Illusion mage, if their blue aura was anything to go off of.
The little kid looked around, and by this point I was fairly certain that he was a gnome. Not quite a dwarf, as he was far shorter and a little more rounded than what I have come to expect of dwarfs. Also, dwarfs didn’t manifest illusionary magic to this degree. While dwarfs, like all races, could exhibit any and all forms of magic, gnomes were considered by far and away the experts of Illusionary magic.
The gnome let their gaze pass over everyone, and then they paused when they saw me. Seeing that his gaze stopped on me, I let out a friendly wave.
Jump.
The gnome jumped backwards, shock clear in their body posture as they landed. Apparently not only were they not expecting me to be sitting in the center quietly waiting for them to appear, but they definitely weren’t ready for me to flat out wave to them.
After a second, the gnome gathered themselves and came over.
“Greetings, Ms?”
“Cass, well Cassiopeia, but please call me Cass, unless I am in trouble. Then Cassiopeia is fine.” I say.
He pauses, “just Cass, no last name?”
I shake my head. “Nope, I’m just a poor nobody.”
“While you might indeed be poor. You are far from a nobody. The name is Professor Phantasma.” He says as he scans me with a form of blue magic. As he does his whole-body posture changes. “Odd, I don’t see why you would be here…” He trailed off, as he then seemed to remember something.
Pulling out a parchment he read.
New Transfer Student Request.
Master Groa’s protégé, Cassiopeia (NLN).
Reason for taking class: Strong shadow affinity, can use lessons in subtle use of magic and application theory.
After looking at the note the professor seemed to pause for a moment as they concluded. Then nodding to themselves, the seemed to conclude. “Very well Ms. Cassiopeia, I hope to see great things from you. Now if you will, I unfortunately have a class to teach.” He said, as he took a step back, then reaching his hand up into the air, he rubbed two thick fingers against each other, producing a loud crisp sound.
Snap.
With that, the dense layer of blue magic that had been covering the room ended.
“Huh?”
As one, the gaggle of students that had been lining the walls of the classroom stopped talking and looked around the room in shock.
“What?” They cried out. Then apparently a few read the board as they immediately ran to take a seat next to me. A few others take a bit more time, until finally everyone rushes for an open seat. Everyone begins to sit down, until there is just one student standing.
“Oh, looks like you are the first one to be dropped from today’s roster Mr. Bridgerton.” Professor Phantasma states.
“What? What is this? I am a member of this class.” The still standing student, Mr. Bridgerton, states.
“You were. Now you have been replaced by a student who can follow the directions.” The gnomish professor stated.
“I was. It said to stand up, introduce yourself to your fellow students and by no means sit down.”
“Is that what it said though or is that what you believe it said? Think about this, while you find out what other class you wish to attend in my place.” Professor Phantasma said.
“What? I have been enrolled in this class since the beginning of the semester.”
“Yet, you failed to pierce through a standard illusionary spell.”
“Grr.” The boy Bridgerton growled. I of course did nothing to look back, though I could feel the weight of eyes on me, while I could also see the direction many student’s faces were facing, all towards me, including Mr. Bridgerton’s face.
“Good day.” Professor Phantasma said, waving at the student, before a wave of Telekinetic force came from the professor at the same time as a blue mana construct appeared. It was clear that both stream of magic came from the professor, but suddenly there was a gasp from many of the students who likely saw some form of guard just appear out of thin air and push the student out of the classroom.
“I’m moving, I’m moving.” Mr. Bridgerton said, as he was pushed out of the classroom, where the doors closed behind him and then were sealed shut by an automated ward. All of which was activated by the professor who was standing at the front of the classroom. Only once the boy left, did the professor let out a slight cough.
Ahem.
“Now that, that is over. Let us begin with our lesson on the use and application of Illusionary magic and its limitations in the real world?”
At that one student held up their hand.
“Yes, Ms. Rudberg.”
“Illusionary magic is limited based on the disbelief of the people you are casting against. The more fantastical the suggestion, the more a mind will fight against the suggestions.”
“Correct. Now can anyone tell me what just happened to Mr. Bridgerton?”
“Two of the school’s phantasmal guards appeared and escorted him from the classroom.”
Hearing that, I paused, never having heard of phantasmal guards, though so form of guard system did make sense.
“Why don’t you think it was illusionary magic?” The professor asked.
He of course was goading them, as it was all Illusionary magic, well all but the Telekinesis that was used to actually grab and pull the boy out of the classroom.
“Because Gabe was clearly being dragged. Everyone knows that Illusionary spells break upon contact with a solid object, meaning that those had to be the real phantasmal guards that appeared.”
At that, I couldn’t help but let a slight smirk appear on my face as I bit back a laugh. I of course tried to hide my amusement at the way the professor was completely pulling the wool over his student’s eyes with this. Apparently I wasn’t as subtle with my reaction. While my hood hid my facial features from my fellow students who were sitting on my sides, it did not block the view the professor had of me as he seemed to visibly notice my amusement. Rather than call me out on it, he seemed to continue on with his little charade to the rest of the class.
At that, I figured I would really enjoy this class. In for nothing else, the way to use Illusions or misdirection would be invaluable, which is what I assume Master Groa intended for me to learn from this whole class. Well misdirection was what I was going to make sure I learned, my true purpose for being here was as the parchment said, to get better at the subtle use of magic and application theory.
While I felt I would enjoy the class, I couldn’t help but feel that I had somehow generated another inadvertent rival from the scorned Mr. Bridgerton, the student whose desk I was apparently taking up. Still I felt better about this potential rival than I did the disgraced professor, as that professor could at least interact with my safe haven. This kid, he was nothing. Well apparently not nothing as they had a last name, meaning he was royalty of some kind, but that was irrelevant here. Here the only thing that mattered was the ability to learn and apply your magical abilities to their fullest. Even if the first few classes were designed solely to show you how to protect yourself, that seemed to be the optimal thing to do. As no doubt many would be bullies exist within these walls. Teaching people to observe and then break illusions would be of utmost importance in that effect. Fortunately, my Angel’s Sight gave me the ultimate leg up in that aspect.
“Now, who can tell me the components of a visual prism?”
Yes, hearing about this from other students might make it easier for me to begin applying Shadow magic effectively. While I have not unlocked any Shadow magic spells yet, I also wouldn’t know the first thing when it came to applying said spells. This course in a round about way should help with that teaching, while not forcing me to go into a Dark magic classroom. Once again, I couldn’t help but see the brilliance of my Master coming into play here.
“A visual prism is when…”
Yes, I was going to enjoy this class and my time here at Arcanarus University, I could feel it.