Classic
The air around Devon’s blade shimmered, casting green and blue light in every direction. It connected against the spider with a resounding crack! Several of the spider’s legs were broken off by the strike.
Before Janus could celebrate, however, he noticed that the legs were rapidly growing back. He never saw any of the spiders regenerate the day before. They had never survived more than a moment against Dario.
Devon noticed the regeneration, too, and didn’t let up. Janus continued to cast [Str. Enhancement] while keeping the mana in Devon’s sword stable. It took most of his focus, so it surprised him when Pella appeared at his side, throwing another knife.
The spider was slowly gaining ground, and Devon was being pushed back. Each of Devon’s strikes that landed appeared to damage the spider, but the damage was simply being regenerated as fast as it was being dealt.
Pella moved from Janus’ side and pushed in with her short sword. She got a quick strike in, but it simply bounced off of the spiders’ carapace. The attack distracted the spider and Devon moved in, sliding on his knees and beneath the creature. His sword sliced along the bottom as he went.
The spider collapsed onto the ground, its jaws opening wide as an anguished screech resounded through the cavern.
Janus took his chance and began concentrating mana within the spider’s open jaws. Using the same method from that morning, the clusters of mana detonated. A blinding light erupted outward.
[Your party has defeated a dangerous enemy: Giant Web Spinner]
[You have gained 2 levels]
[Your Strength Enhancement skill has gained 3 levels]
[Your Mana Manipulation skill has gained 2 levels]
[New class option available: Enhancer]
Once the light cleared, Janus could see that the spider’s entire head was missing.
Janus was overjoyed and was about to tell Dario before he looked on the other side of the spider’s corpse.
Devon was standing on the other end and looked towards Janus. He began stepping around the corpse, but stumbled. There was a tear in his leggings near the ankle. He had made it almost halfway to Janus and Dario before falling to his knees.
Pella looked at Dario and shouted, “Help him! He was hurt.”
Dario made his way to Devon, taking a small metal flask from a pouch on his waist. He poured the fluid over the wound. As Janus approached, he could see the gash was already beginning to mend itself.
“These spiders have some nasty poison. The wound shouldn’t have been this serious.” Dario said. “I used a potion on the wound, but it doesn’t work like a healer.”
Devon groaned and slowly got to his feet.
“Your leg is gonna be stiff for the rest of the night, at least. We’re heading back.” Dario continued.
“You didn’t tell us we would be fighting something on our own!” shouted Pella. She was scowling and staring at Dario.
“And what? You think I would have let that thing really hurt any of you?” asked Dario, his voice low and steady.
“It did hurt one of us! Devon can barely walk! I’ll be letting my caretaker know about this.” she replied.
“I am fine,” said Devon. He pushed his way to his feet and limped past the indignant Pella. “Just a scratch.”
Janus stood by the side. The awkwardness of the moment stunned him into silence. He understood why Pella would be angry, but was too pleased with the results to really complain. If anything, he was the one who was in the most danger.
“I’m not one for rigid respect and blind acceptance, girl, but threatening me isn’t going to do a lick of good,” said Dario, “Recognize that I do things for a reason.”
With that, their teacher simply walked towards the tunnel entrance they came from. Janus moved toward Devon to help the young swordsman, but turned away at his fierce glare. Even Pella was denied when she attempted to provide a shoulder to lean on.
Sighing, Janus hurried to keep up with Dario. If Devon wanted to be stubborn, it was no business of his.
Devon struggled to make it back up the sloped cavern wall to the tunnel they had come from. Finally, the proud swordsman let Janus brace him from below. Pella rushed to the tunnel and grabbed Devon’s hand from above.
They were moving slower on the way back on account of Devon’s leg, but he never complained. After some time, the entrance was revealed ahead.
“Gather close and watch carefully.” Dario said. “I’m going to show you the sequence to open these doors.”
Dario pressed on three runes, making certain the others could see as he did it.
“The sequence is simple, but it’s good enough to keep monsters out. If something sentient enough to crack the code shows up, the seal probably isn’t going to matter much anyway.” Dario said as the door swung open.
There were a few tables for delvers to sit at outside on this side of the guild and Dario motioned for the others to follow him to one.
Finally feeling at ease, Janus checked his status.
Status Name Janus Alamy Class None Level 13 Guild None Life 286 Max Life 286 Mana 382 Max Mana 382 Stamina 310 Max Stam 310 Stat Total Base Class Skill Item Strength 26 13 0 13 0 Endurance 14 13 0 1 0 Dexterity 13 13 0 0 0 Intelligence 40 13 0 27 0 Wisdom 38 13 0 25 0 Skill Level Bonus Bravery 2 5 Wis / Lvl Writing 8 1 Wis / 5 Lvl Sprinting 7 1 End / 5 Lvl Mana Manipulation 14 1 Int + 1 Wis / Lvl Str. Enhancement 13 1 Int + 1 Str / Lvl Locked --- --- Locked --- --- Locked --- --- Locked --- --- Locked --- ---
Now was the part he had been waiting for. It took self-control to not look at the class description while they were in the tunnels, but he didn’t want to risk being distracted if another monster attacked. Now he was safe.
He had read about selecting classes, but wasn’t completely sure on the process. He focused on his class and willed for information to appear in his mind’s eye.
[New class option available: Enhancer]
[Enhancer]
Description: An Enhancer is a mage that focuses on enhancement magic. They can improve those nearby or even themselves with an arsenal of spells.
Skills: Classes allow the user to unlock unique skills and learn related skills much more quickly than normal. For example, [Power Enhancement] is a unique skill available to Enhancers and their evolved classes. In addition to these perks, most classes allow you to learn up to 10 skills, instead of 5.
Perks: Enhancers can sense enhancement magic and identify it in most cases.
Bonus Stats: 1 Wis, 2 Int per level
I will finally have the other five skill slots unlocked. Enhancers are pretty rare. Even with a low level, I could potentially join a delving party.
As they were settling in at the table Janus spoke up, “Dario, I think I got my class.”
“Is it [Enhancer]? If so, you should take it. Otherwise, we can keep trying until you get the option.” Dario replied.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
“No, it is [Enhancer].” Janus said. “How do I accept it?”
“Just focus on the class, uh, affirmatively? The System pretty much knows what you want.” Dario answered.
Janus did just that.
[New Class Selected: Enhancer]
Suddenly, the world lit up. Everywhere he looked was an intense glow.
He closed his eyes and willed for the effect to stop. His eyes slowly opened and everything had stopped glowing. He rubbed at his eyes. The effect had been disorienting.
“Something wrong?” asked Dario.
“I just… uh, everything started glowing.” replied Janus.
“Huh, might have something to do with your [Mana Manipulation] synergizing with your class. Describe the glow.”
Janus squinted, thinking about the feeling he had earlier. Suddenly the world lit up again. There was a deep glow in the walls of the Delver’s Guild and an even deeper glow near the tunnel entrances. He willed for the effect to stop and blinked his eyes rapidly.
“The walls are glowing.” He motioned towards the guild.
“Interesting. I wonder if you can see some kinds of mana more clearly now? Maybe reinforcement spells? That would make sense with your class.” Dario rubbed his chin, looking toward the sealed tunnel entrances. After a moment of thought, his teacher turned towards the other two students. Pella was fussing around with Devon, pushing him towards a bench.
The swordsman looked like he’d rather be anywhere else while Pella tried to flag down a healer.
Dario shook his head and sighed. “The healers here probably won’t be able to make a difference. The potion I used should be effective enough.” He shrugged. “I’ll deal with that mess in a moment. For now, check your status.”
Janus checked his status again.
Status Name Janus Alamy Class Enhancer Level 13 Guild None Life 286 Max Life 286 Mana 434 Max Mana 434 Stamina 323 Max Stam 323 Stat Total Base Class Skill Item Strength 26 13 0 13 0 Endurance 14 13 0 1 0 Dexterity 13 13 0 0 0 Intelligence 66 13 26 27 0 Wisdom 51 13 13 25 0 Skill Level Bonus Bravery 2 5 Wis / Lvl Writing 8 1 Wis / 5 Lvl Sprinting 7 1 End / 5 Lvl Mana Manipulation 14 1 Int + 1 Wis / Lvl Str. Enhancement 13 1 Int + 1 Str / Lvl Empty --- --- Empty --- --- Empty --- --- Empty --- --- Empty --- ---
“I can already see it when I identify you. [Enhancer]. Not bad.” Dario said. “Now I wanted to talk about what we’re going to do from here on out.”
Janus was distracted. He was too busy considering his options from the new class. Figuring out ways to learn new skills as quickly as possible on his mind.
He mindlessly followed Dario as the man made his way over to Pella and Devon.
Dario nudged him on the shoulder and said, “Snap out of it, Janus. You will have some time to look into your new class tonight. We’ll pick up sparring again the day after tomorrow, you included.”
Devon looked pleased. At least as pleased as Janus had ever seen him. Which wasn’t saying a lot. It was sort of a half smile, half grimace. The poison from the spider probably wasn’t helping.
“You guys are gaining levels quickly for now, but it’s gonna slow down. A lot.” Dario said. “Levels aren’t everything, though. A sword skill may make you a better sword fighter quickly, but you can’t just ignore the fundamentals of fighting. There is a lot more to consider like, position, footwork, reading your opponent, and more.”
Janus was surprised to see that Pella had a smile on her face, now.
She sure changes moods quickly…. I guess she’s just happy that her class might help out with some of those fundamentals.
“Making you a fully competent warrior isn’t something that the System is capable of. You still need training.” Dario continued, “For now you guys will be working as a unit, but don’t expect to always have others around. Independence will be a big focus in this curriculum.”
Dario reached into the same pouch he had taken a potion from earlier. In his hands was a folded piece of paper. He unfolded the paper onto the table. To Janus, it just looked like a bunch of intersecting lines.
“This is a delver map. It should fairly accurately represent the tunnels that they’ve dug.” Dario motioned towards the tunnels they just returned from. “We will be going back into these tunnels a number of times. Pella and Janus, you guys have been improving rapidly. However, I want you to be prepared to enter a real dungeon by next month.”
Janus was at a loss for words. A month to prepare? That seemed like suicide. Even Devon could have been taken out by a single spider, and that was with support from himself and Pella.
“I’ll be ready,” said Pella. Her smile had already flattened.
Janus wasn’t so sure.
-
They had talked for a while longer. As far as Janus was concerned the schedule for the next month looked like a march straight through Hell. He had barely even recovered from his first sparring session with Devon.
Dario ensured him that they would pace things out. And, surely, with Janus’ new class and improved skills the sparring sessions wouldn’t be so one-sided.
Janus knew that his [Mana Manipulation] skill was much more potent. After seeing the remains of the spider earlier, he was almost worried to use the technique on Devon. Even so, he wasn’t eager to get his head bashed in again.
Devon had been very standoffish since they met, but he did stand between Janus and a massive spider. That had to count for something. Even if the guy was kind of a jerk.
Before he could leave, Pella called out to him.
“Janus, wait up!”
“Oh, sorry? Did you need something?”
Her brows scrunched. “He didn’t make you fight anything on your own yesterday, right?”
“Oh, Dario? No, no! Of course not, I-”
“I can’t believe the man. I don’t care how famous he is, he can’t just risk our lives so casually.” She scowled. “I tried to pry anything out of Devon, but he’s like a brick wall. I just wanted to know what you thought about this whole arrangement.”
She wanted to know what he thought? What did he think? He had signed up for combat training. If he was found fit for service, the stations would have trained him one way or another. Dario’s method was unconventional, but he couldn’t argue with the results. The danger though…. He shivered as images of the spider clawing through Devon’s leg flashed in his mind.
“I don’t know if I’m comfortable with his methods. But, I, uh, I can’t really argue with the results?” his tone climbed into a questioning peak as Pella gave him an inscrutable look.
After an awkward pause, she sighed. “I guess you're right. Stay safe, Janus.”
With that, she turned back and gave a noncommittal wave. He stood for a moment, watching as she walked back towards the guild.
The walk back gave him a lot to think about.
Janus’ home was still empty when he arrived. The following day held no lessons. It was supposed to be a day of complete rest, and he wanted to take full advantage. He intended to sleep in. Maybe even sleep the whole day away.
-
Janus had woken up feeling refreshed. His headache from the day before was completely gone. Better yet, he had the entire day ahead of him without sparring, lessons, or life-threatening adventures.
He told himself that he should try to relax, but he was too eager to experiment now that he had a class. With some effort, he may even develop a new skill. [Enhancer] should make getting related skills much easier, but he wasn’t really sure how to go about it.
In a lot of cases, just doing something enough and with practiced intent was all you needed for the system to give you a skill for it. That’s how he had gotten his [Writing] and [Mathematics] skills. Not to mention [Sprinting] from the time he spent on the Crow Station track team in high school. That was what a huge chunk of his early schooling was supposed to do — provide him with basic skills.
So, he tried something new. He condensed ambient mana from around him into a ball and attempted to cast [Str. Enhancement] on the ball. As far as he knew, it was technically possible to perform a physical attack with the mana. It was the same concept he had used to push that piece of paper around on his nightstand the other night.
He could feel the mana cost of [Str. Enhancement], meaning that it must have been at least partially successful.
[New skill obtained: Mana Reinforcement]
Cost: 50 Mana
Cooldown: None
Description: You can reinforce any mana under your control. Doing so causes the mana to manifest physical properties.
Bonus Stats: 1 End per level
He thrust his fist into the air in triumph and suddenly a violent explosion erupted from the condensed mana in front of him. A wave of heat washed past his face and papers from his desk were thrown across the room.
He wasn’t sure exactly what happened, but knew it must be a result of his new skill. After a moment of deliberation, he decided it would be best to practice outside.
-
He hadn’t expected to be at the Delver’s Guild today, but it was the only place where he wouldn’t be questioned after creating several explosions. Maybe.
After playing around with [Mana Reinforcement] he had discovered what must have happened earlier. When he had reinforced the condensed mana, he wasn’t able to reinforce all of it at once. This meant there was only a small shell of reinforced mana surrounding the rest of the condensed mana inside.
The mana could usually freely expand outward, but the new shell created an obstacle that the mana couldn’t pass through. Pressure built up, and the resulting explosion was much more powerful than condensed mana on its own.
Janus continued to test [Mana Reinforcement]l. He could condense small pellets of mana and even hold them in his hand. They were like blue pearls. It was a strange sensation to physically touch mana. It was almost slippery. Wet, but completely dry.
Going even further he attempted to create another explosive ball of mana. Being very careful to not lose his concentration, he snatched the ball out of the air. The reinforced outer shell was strong enough for him to hold it in his hand. He was anxious as it sat in his palm. It shouldn’t explode without him adding more mana, but he wasn’t certain. Finally, he gave it a small toss and used [Mana Manipulation] to release the condensed mana inside.
It took a large part of his mana reserves, but the explosion was definitely effective. He had been pushed back by the rush of air and heat even where he was standing, nearly 10 feet away.
Janus grinned. He had something ready for his sparring matches tomorrow.