Season 2: Same Coin, Different Faces.
Part 3
EPISODE 25: Class Selection
-Edryan Queendom, Year 7291. Season: New Beginning.
Previously in BORN TO BE KING:
Goddess Madris descended upon the mortal plane. One of Her three faces – The Sage, the newest and youngest incarnation of the Goddess tasked our hero, Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani, with a quest, a journey, a… crusade. Granting him the official position of her Chosen upon the mortal world.
The students and staff of Imperius Academy surround our Crown Prince as his mother watches from the sidelines. The Academy waiting for his words. Excitement and a sense of reverence filled the air as the crowd of over forty thousand knelt towards the sanctified ground in anticipation for the Crown Prince to speak.
-Excerpt from Born to Be King. Year 8000
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“HEAR ME! Imperius Students…, no Edryans!
Those born to the nobility, who protect our lands…
Or those born to the workers, who keep Edryan moving forward!
I am your Chosen of our Goddess Madris, Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani!
This ground I stand upon is Sanctified!
Bathe in the divinity of the incarnation of Goddess Madris – The Sage.
She has tasked me with a quest, an opportunity.
For too long has Edryan stayed within its borders.
For too long have Edryan’s not shown the continent the power of our Goddess.
SEE ME…,”
A powerful golden corona erupted from my body as I invigorated my mana and boosted my newfound aura. The Edryans surrounding me craned their necks. Each trying to view me as I spoke. They held wide eyes filled with a near-manic light and those in the back used various skills to rise into the air. Everyone who was a follower of the Goddess did their best to catch a glimpse of me.
The new HUD in the corner of my vision displaying my Life Points did not distract me as I spoke. I could feel the power of the attributes in my body helping me. Assisting me and creating a shining golden force that enveloped 3 meters around me. A bit less than half of what I felt I could muster. It was perfect, however, to fill the sanctified ground. This created a resonating force that spread out even further as the divinity Goddess Madris left reacted with my aura. It felt as if the Goddess was still here. The kneeling crowd seemed to intensify as the force appeared. The people squeezed together for a chance to get closer. As more and more rose into the air. The only ones standing within the sanctified ground were me and my mother.
“…Edryans!
Our Goddess has acknowledged me.
As I acknowledge the students of Imperius Academy
Edryan will rise up!
EDRYAN WILL RISE UP!
EDRYAN WILL RISE UP!”
Cheers rose from the crowd as the people resonated with my words. The magic and power in the air caused ripples and waves. While apparitions appeared in the sky from the force of power displayed. Birds of Prey on their hunt for blood.
“For now return to your duties.
Hone your mind, your body, and your craft.
Prepare yourself for…
Edryan will call for you!”
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Queen Titiana hummed a merry tune as she walked with her son to a private balcony on the academy grounds. She felt a lightness in her steps that disappeared the moment she turned 18 and the Edryan she knew erupted into chaos. Chaos the Iron-Blooded Queen quelled. Her pride and joy were steps ahead of her. Leading her to a place where they would discuss his class options in private. It was all but guaranteed Lawruthian would receive a Heroic Tier class. Not to mention they could uncover the potency of his bloodline. His skill selection would be phenomenal as her son was the most powerful unclassed, she’d seen. What perfect combos could they create with the options available to him?
The pair arrived on a small private terrace that overlooked a crystal-clear lake with koi of beautiful reds, oranges, and blues swimming within. A sign of the strength, courage, and perseverance of the academy and her son’s initiatives. Small purple petals floated across the surface of the lake while a grove of Sakura trees half surrounded the clearing. Their purple petals drifted down slowly as the wind rustled by.
As the two sat, Queen Titiana immediately got down to business. Her gold and silver choker flashed in the sunlight. While the necklace around her son did the same.
“No matter what, you must take a Heroic Tier class if it is offered,” Queen Titiana stated.
“I know I should mom, but what if there is something better?”
Queen Titiana scoffed before letting out a light chuckle. “Tell me what they’ve taught you about classes in your academy. Although Eliana would have covered that.”
Her son paused for a moment gathering his thoughts before he began speaking. Queen Titiana gazed at him with pride all the while, but her motherly nature would make sure he chose the right pathway.
“There are five class tiers,” Lawruthian began. “Common, Uncommon, Rare, Legendary, Mythical. At least those are the ones known to the commoners. Although there is also the Unique class tier which is in a realm of its own.
In truth, counting Unique there are eight known class tier types. Although the students here aren’t taught the final two. This is information kept in the hands of the royal family and those closest to us. The Heroic and Divine Tier are not commonly mentioned or known.”
“Good, what makes the three tiers outside of the five better?”
Lawruthian rolled his eyes but answered anyway. “Unique, Heroic, and Divine can give the maximum amount of attribute points per level. Heroic and Divine for sure but when it comes to Unique it truly depends. They may sound similar in nature, but each is different in nurture. Yet Mythical also gives you access to the maximum number of attribute points to be gained per level.”
“So why is it not in a ‘class’ of its own then,” Queen Titiana questioned. Rhythmically tapping her fingers on the intrinsically carved oakwood table between them.
“Because of things such as skills. Even if it’s in a Mythical class, the skills available to such a class are limited to a few select Skill Trees.
What makes the outer three tiers special is that they can reach into multiple trees and are not limited to the bounds of the class type. A [Mythical Archer] cannot take a [Mythical Swordsman] skills but a [Unique Archer] will have a chance to not only take the skill but merge and combine it with their class in a way that benefits them.
Turning a skill like (Slash) into (Slashing Arrow) or such.
Of course, that’s only when speaking on one class. There are three class spots available, fortunately. I couldn’t imagine being locked into being a [Baker] or [Swordsman] for the rest of my life.
One thing to mention is that the tiers classifications are shared throughout many features of the system.”
“Adequate for the explanation I wanted. Now I believe it’s time for you to take a look at your class selection screen,” Queen Titiana said expectantly.
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I took a deep breath and turned my vision to a notification that drew my gaze from the moment it appeared. It was time I went through the last of the notifications before me. The red, gold, and black colors gave me mixed feelings. The tiers left me wondering what this would all lead to.
Class Selection
[Chosen of Madris]
Description:
Goddess Madris has Chosen. You are her mortal instrument to act out Her Will.
Requirements:
Magi Human
Class Type:
Magical Combatant
Combatant
Core Skills:
(Divine Smite)
(Wealth of Aura)
(Sage’s Wisdom)
Attribute Allocation:
+2 Divine
+2 Intent
+2 Self
+2 Power
+2 Mind
WARNING: This class unlocks the sub-attribute Divine.
Accept
Decline
[Rune-Smith of Raging Golems]
Description:
You have honed your mind in understanding and using the Runes of Elrunian. Hone your mind to a new stage and craft Golems of all materials.
Requirements:
Power: 50
Self: 60
Intent: 50
Golem related Feat
1st Class Slot
Class Type:
Magical Combatant
Combatant
Artisan
Core Skills:
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
(Golem Creation)
(Forge Fire)
(Hammer & Chisel)
Attribute Allocation:
+3 Self
+ 3 Intent
+4 Free Attributes
Accept
Decline
[Hero of Edryan]
Description:
You are a hero to the Edryans. Forge your own path. Find your own way. Regardless of whether you lead from the front or rear.
Requirements:
Faith of Edryans.
1st Class Slot
Class Type:
Magical Combatant
Combatant
Artisan
Core Skills:
(Might of Edryan)
(Party)
(Call of the Prince)
Attribute Allocation:
+10 Free Attributes Points
Accept
Decline
The Choice of Three appeared in front of my vision after I focused on it. The three classes in which you could choose from. I was certain that I have the attributes for more than three choices. However, only your best three choices would appear before you when choosing a class. If you declined them all then three more choices would appear. These would always be the highest tier of their category. That was not the only notification I glanced at as one more drew my attention since the descent of Goddess Madris – The Sage incarnation. The gentle rhythmical tapping of my mom continued as I looked. Her gaze was placed over the crystal lake beneath us.
Congratulations, you have unlocked the Prime System and therefore the ability to transform your body and soul. Your race, Magi-Human, and bloodlines as well as their traits are unlocked below.
Race Tier: Divine
+10 Free Attributes Points per level.
Bloodlines:
Magic’s Embrace
Challenger’s Domain
Out-Realmer
Racial Skills:
(Magic’s Embrace)
(Unrivaled Might)
(Soul’s Burden)
“Divine, Unique, Heroic,” I said after gathering my thoughts. Knowing my mother was waiting for me to speak.
Her head snapped in my direction, a brief moment of shock on her face before erupting into pure joy. Her red-gold eyes gazed into my own, radiating love, pride, and affection.
“Good! Good! Good!”
“You may keep the details hidden, however, if possible, add the class name and requirement to your library at home. Unless you deem them to be too dangerous or personal,” Queen Titiana stated. An air of seriousness overtook her.
“Since your class selection is such, your option does not matter as much. Let me tell you why you should pick the heroic tier class. My class is [Iron-Blooded Queen]. It is a Heroic level class giving me the full 10 free attribute points per level. You should be offered a skill called (Party) which is unique to the Edryan lands and worshipers of our Goddess. This will give six other people of your choosing a class boost to the Heroic tier level. I’d imagine most of the scions would have received a legendary starting class. Hmmm, you’d need a minimum of 130 to 150 starting attribute points distributed properly to receive a class of that tier. Humans are weak but we level much faster than some of the longest-living races. Even we as Magi Humans, with extended life span, still level faster than the longer-living dwarves, elves, and others. If you take the heroic tier class…
…Instead of just one new hero, Edryan will get seven.”
My mother paused here and raised her hand. As she did so the air turned hazy, and a chilled wine glass appeared. She admired the crystal of the glass before she took a sip. Gathering her thoughts before she continued. Another drink appeared directly before me, and I could barely make out the slender fingers that placed them there. A look of interest appeared on my face.
My mother turned and looked at me sharply, surprise in her expression.
“You saw them?”
Hesitantly I nodded, confused, and wondering what it meant. The most I could make out was the slender fingers on a tan-colored hand with sharp black nails before those fingers vanished. My mother clapped and a barrier shimmered into the air around us. Cutting off all sound and vision from the other side, leaving us in complete darkness. A small flame lit allowing us to see one another once more.
“How high are your starting attributes?”
Queen Titiana, my mom, was gazing at me intensely as she spoke directly. Her aura was sharp but still warm and gave off her motherly vibe. I hesitated for a moment before I told her. Calling up my status sheet for the first time. A word that I’ve said many times before the unlock to no avail.
“Status.”
Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani – Level 2
HP: 150/150 (+150)
SP: 111/111 (+150)
MP: 94/94 (+150)
Base Attack: 27 +25
Base Defense: 28 +20
HP Regen: 20HP/Hour. +27
SP Regen: 15SP/Hour. +27
MP Regen: 10MP/Hour. +27
Bloodline: [+]
Race: Magi-Human
Main Class: [UNLOCKED]
Perks:
Codex of Earth
Power: 54 (+50)
2nd Class: [LOCKED]
Core Skills: [+]
Vitality: 50 (+50)
3rd Class: [LOCKED]
Racial Skills: [+]
Endurance: 37 (+50)
Faith: Goddess Madris
Status Effects: [+]
Mind: 25 (+50)
Affiliation:
Royal Family of Edryan
Equipped:
Imperius Academy Uniform
A Mother’s Gift
Self: 75 (+50)
2nd Affiliation:
Imperius Academy
Intent: 50 (+50)
Achievements: [+]
Skills: -
Magic Affinity: -
Active Quest: [+]
Attribute Points: 32 - Unlock class for remainder.
As my status sheet came up, I took a moment to review what I’d learned about everything. My Hit Points were a direct result of my Vitality being multiplied by the Third Factor. A law of the Prime System that helps quantify your attributes into more understandable means. It was the same for my Stamina Points from Endurance and Mana Points from Mind.
The same could not be said for my regeneration. The Third Factor was involved here as well. Your regeneration could be calculated by (Main Attribute * 3) / (Self + (Intent/3)). The remainder is multiplied by 12 and rounded up to give your regeneration.
Your attributes were all directly related to your performance. They also regulated one another in a system of checks and balances. You could pour every single attribute point into Power, but a single wrong move and you’d tear your body apart.
“My base is… Power: 54, Vitality: 50, Endurance: 37, Mind: 25, Self: 75, and Intent: 50.”
My mother stared at me in bewilderment. The look of astonished shock on her face had me worried. Her eyes were wide, and her mouth slightly hung open. I spent the last sixteen years of my life learning about the system and couldn’t wait for it to activate for me. I’d never seen my mother act this way or even show this expression. I hope my path is straight and true. There can’t be anything wrong can there…?
“Come again,” she finally said after a moment. The beginnings of a smirk played on her lips.
I repeated myself, this time slower in case there was a problem. Before asking the question itself. “Is there a problem with it?”
“No, yet on average a princess or Prince of the Edryani will have between 175-220. With only the greatest Edryani reaching 200 plus. While our lesser cousins would be around the average ducal household in power. You’re just over 2/5ths greater than even our greatest. A feat that should be nearly impossible. No Magi-Human has ever started this strong.”
Her eyes sparkled as she continued.
“A child without rival in this world and the next!”
“That’s only my base. My blessing gives me +50 attribute points to each attribute.”
My mother caught her breath and then she began giggling. A passionate fire in her eyes. She spoke as she stood. The barrier around us dissipated. “Choose whichever class you think best suits you. You are the Child Without Rival. I’m sure you will find a way. In the meantime, we must prepare…
Return to the palace by the end of the month.
War is coming to Elrunian.”
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My mother left me contemplating my class and future. A few minutes after she left, I retired to my room for the day. A host of emotions danced through my mind. A few more pressing than others, as I felt relief from Goddess Madris finally making a move. Since my death and rebirth, a day has not passed without me thinking of the said three and a half favors owed. I wonder what the scope was and if I was prepared enough to face it. The Edryan people were the shield I was weaving for myself and finally, after sixteen years, I’d been called upon.
Resignation was the second feeling. For sixteen years I carefully deconstructed this image that I was a divine being as I believe it would bring nothing but trouble. When a person sees me as a figure sent from the heavens themselves, that can develop an unrealistic reputation and expectation of me. As I walked to my dorm room the Edryans no longer just gave me a respectful bow. Now they nearly kneeled, in fact, some did. The looks they gave me fully solidified after today's events. I was not a magi-human, I was someone born of the divine. The scars, the careful and close battle with Ade Oni. It was all down the drain.
The third and final most prominent emotion was a strange resolution. I know my task… and the price of it. Since I knew half a favor was worth conquering a world. I could make rough guesses of the price of a full favor. Did I think my first task a half favor was so easy that I could immediately brush it off? No. It was only the relief of the cost of my soul that ease my mind on the daunting task.
The Low Kingdoms held the Edryans and Az’Dawn as the two most powerful forces. With smaller nations surrounding or in between us. The Middle Kingdom was the Theocracy of Jhan and the various beastmen tribes. Plus a few other nations of notable worth. Above us all, in what is considered the High Kingdom Zone was the Elysiums. The crowned strongest nation of the Elrunian Continent. Said to possess magics that could destroy the world several times over. Possessing technology dozens if not a few hundred years ahead of us. The only reason they hadn’t united the continent themselves is that they perceived us to be beneath them. I can do this.
…I can do this!
Everything I have done has prepared me and the Edryans. It was time to be a bit more open and proactive with my next steps. The beginnings of a plan was already forming in my mind. Before that, it was time to pick a class.
I studied the class list once more. Truly considering all the options and what would be best for me. Starting with [Chosen of Madris].
It was clear Goddess Madris specifically bestowed this class upon me. The legends and rumors of a class under Goddess Madris were all taught in primary school when children's minds were the most impressionable.
This class would unlock the sub-attribute Divine and give me a fourth variable to keep track of. My HP, SP, and MP were already enough in the HUD. The perks of such a class would be easy access to divine mana and casting any divine type of spells. Spells such as (Madris’s Touch) could not be cast without using DP. Although I couldn’t read what the core skills did, a lot could be inferred from the name itself. It was clear to me (Divine Smite) was a pure casting skill that would deal divine damage to a target. That sort of thing wasn’t easy to heal from and would be a great resource if I was a frontline fighter.
Though fighting was no longer a thing I feared. My position would prevent me from being the first to fight until necessary. [Chosen of Madris] also didn’t allow me to assign any of the attribute points that came with the class. Not allowing me much room for development besides the Great Six Attributes and my racial attributes points. The GS would give me six free points per level.
I began to pace around my room as I overviewed my options. My feet ran a pattern in the fur of a three starredbeast slain for its soft pelt. [Chosen of Madris] would also force me to keep points in a seventh attribute and serve as a limiter in another factor. Points that could boost my Mind or Vitality would have to be considered for Divine. For now, I crossed it off the list. I truly considered it, getting closer to Madris was not on my list of things to accomplish. Not to mention I would only level from combat.
[Rune Smith of the Raging-Golems] was next up. I was certain this class was a direct result of creating HGs. The Hero Golems were powerful machines that I developed with the help of Margret Musa, Marna Gamal, and several different families. [Rune Smith of the Raging-Golems] class types were Combat and Artisan. Meaning I could level from fighting or creating things. The creation part would be geared toward golems and such. This was the option I was considering at first. The only thing I didn’t like was the attribute allocation. With every level poured into the class over half of my attribute points were already assigned. If I didn’t keep up the growth with Vitality and Mind my regeneration would fall to abysmal rates. That was because Self and Intent help governed your regeneration. The higher they were without raising your other stats the lower your regeneration would be.
“Shit,” I said. Biting my nails in frustration as I finally reviewed the final option.
[Hero of Edryan] was the final choice and the option that resonated with me. Years of studying had led me to believe in the freedom of allocating your attribute points. Which [Hero of Edryan] gave me. Not to mention its class type and therefore its leveling requirements were general. Allowing me to do nearly whatever to generate a level. It was a class that didn’t specialize as most [Heroic] type classes were. They allowed you to mold them as you pleased before a class evolution would begin to specialize you in the direction you were already walking.
The information of [Heroic] classes was something the Royal Family of Edryan kept close to their chest as several prominent members of my family and others were heroes.
Princess Carina – Carnage One.
King Darius – The Legend.
Judd Gamal – Sword of Madris.
Each was a hero that specialized in different things. Their classes morphed to reflect that. Judd Gamal's class molded him, so that in the presence of Madris before she was a Goddess, he’d receive a 25% boost to all attributes. Effectively making him 25% stronger. A tale known to all Edryans.
King Darius's class morphed, allowing him to slay giants easier after several years of fighting the beast once the Musa clan joined Edryan.
Carina turned her words into power as she spoke. Her words themselves would affect the reality around her. Turning her words into Law. Morphing her class completely onto the artisan side but without the restrictions those of the artisan classes faced. [Judge of the Carnage] was a class that none had gotten close to replicating since.
I paused in my pacing. The black fur of the [Jäger – ★★★] beast scrambled and in a mess. My decision was made. Now I just had to confirm it.