Chapter 23: The Chosen Path

As Liam stood in the midst of the frozen battle, he was startled by a new prompt that appeared in his vision. It was a request, a choice to be made:

{Choose your profession}

Five options materialized in front of him, glowing with an ethereal light that set them apart from the chaos surrounding him. Each one seemed to resonate with different aspects of his personality, reflecting his thrill-seeking spirit, his fearlessness, and his instinct for self-preservation. However, all of them were somehow non-combatant roles, offering a different perspective on survival and success.

Alchemist: Those who walk the path of the Alchemist revel in the mysteries of nature, manipulating its elements to create potent elixirs and volatile concoctions. Adept at transmuting ordinary materials into extraordinary resources, Alchemists are both respected and feared for their ability to alter the very fabric of the natural world.

This profession appealed to Liam's natural curiosity. As an Alchemist, he would have the ability to experiment with natural ingredients to create powerful concoctions. Potions to heal, to protect, to enhance strength or speed, even to cause explosive damage - the possibilities were endless. But it also required patience, a keen eye for detail, and a willingness to risk failure, even danger, in the pursuit of discovery. Liam was hesitant about the alchemist class due to the meticulous nature that it endeared. Liam wasn’t exactly one to sit around and experiment for days on end.

Charmer: A Charmer is a master manipulator, using their wit, charm, and emotional intelligence to sway the hearts and minds of others. Be it friend or foe, human or beast, there is no creature immune to the Charmer's influence. Those who choose this path must tread carefully, for the line between manipulation and deceit is a fine one.

This profession tapped into Liam's fearlessness and his knack for navigating social situations. As a Charmer, he could manipulate people's perceptions and emotions, turning potential enemies into allies, or distracting adversaries when needed. It was a powerful ability, especially in a world where allies could mean the difference between life and death. But it also meant a constant game of social chess, needing to always stay one step ahead. Liam had no interest in this profession despite the obvious utility. The idea of manipulating others, and the obvious social engagement that it required directly conflicted with Liam’s interests.

Scavenger: "Resourceful and adaptable, Scavengers thrive in even the harshest of environments. They have a keen eye for value, able to turn the most mundane objects into invaluable resources. In a world where survival is paramount, a Scavenger's knack for repurposing can mean the difference between life and death."

This profession resonated with his survival instincts and his resourcefulness. As a Scavenger, he would have the ability to find and utilize resources that others might overlook. In a world as dangerous and unpredictable as this, being able to turn seemingly useless items into valuable assets could be a lifesaver. Liam was drawn to the scavenger class mostly because it would allow him to be in natural environments.

Naturalist: "Naturalists are in tune with the world around them, understanding its rhythms and secrets like no other. They can predict weather patterns, communicate with animals, and harness the power of plants for healing and protection. Those who walk this path are patient and observant, preferring to work in harmony with nature rather than against it."

This profession would allow him to become one with the environment, understanding and predicting the behaviors of plants and animals, even weather patterns. It appealed to his adventurous nature, offering opportunities to explore and learn. But it also required a certain level of tranquility and patience, a quiet observation that wasn't exactly Liam's style. Liam was curious if this option had appeared due to him acquiring the blessing of nature.

Explorer: "Fearless and curious, Explorers are driven by a thirst for discovery. They seek out uncharted territories, uncover hidden pathways, and unravel the mysteries of the ancient world. Braving the unknown is second nature to an Explorer, for they know that every new discovery brings them one step closer to understanding the secrets of their world."

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This profession seemed tailor-made for Liam's thrill-seeking, adventurous personality. As an Explorer, he would be pushed to discover new lands, uncover hidden paths, and solve ancient mysteries. It promised adventure, excitement, and a constant stream of new experiences. But it also meant constantly facing the unknown, with all its inherent dangers and uncertainties. Liam almost jumped to accept the explorer profession. It truly felt tailor made for his goals. Despite this, he took some time to read through every option before finally deciding.

{Profession acquired: Explorer}

The prompt acknowledged his selection, and a new list of options appeared, this time offering him a selection of skills. They were as follows:

Trailblazer: Trailblazers have an innate ability to find the fastest and safest routes through any environment. With this skill, you can navigate even the most treacherous terrains with ease, and you're less likely to trigger traps or encounter hostile creatures.

Pioneer's Perception: Your sense of curiosity is heightened to extraordinary levels. This skill allows you to perceive hidden details in your surroundings that others might overlook, leading to the discovery of secret paths, hidden treasures, or the solution to complex puzzles.

Endurance of the Eternal Wanderer: Exploration is not for the faint of heart. With this skill, you gain an increased resistance to environmental hazards such as extreme weather, dangerous terrains, and harmful plants or animals. Your stamina also increases, allowing you to travel longer distances without rest.

Linguist of the Lost: Ancient ruins, forgotten civilizations, cryptic inscriptions - none of these are beyond your understanding. This skill grants you the ability to decipher unknown languages and symbols, opening up a world of knowledge that was previously inaccessible.

Crisis Instinct: In the face of danger, your survival instincts kick in, heightening your reflexes and sharpening your senses. This skill increases your combat abilities when fighting in unfamiliar environments, and gives you a better chance of escaping from perilous situations.

As Liam's eyes scanned the skill descriptions, his mind began to weigh his options, considering how each one might aid him in the dangerous path he had chosen.

Trailblazer was certainly appealing, given his current situation. The ability to evade traps and hostile creatures could prove invaluable in the coming battles. Pioneer's Perception was another strong contender, as it promised the opportunity to uncover secrets and treasures, potentially turning the tide in their favor.

However, his gaze kept returning to Crisis Instinct. The skill resonated with him, capturing his inherent knack for surviving against the odds, and his desire for self preservation that was in stark contrast to his otherwise fearless nature. He could already feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins, sharpening his senses and honing his reflexes. This skill could be his lifeline, enabling him to fight more effectively in this alien world, especially in the face of unknown threats like the monstrous creatures he was currently battling.

He was also drawn to Endurance of the Eternal Wanderer. Its description seemed like an advanced version of his current Endurance skill, offering him improved stamina and resistance against environmental hazards. But compared to the immediate boost that Crisis Instinct could provide in his current predicament, it didn't hold the same appeal.

His mind made up, Liam selected Crisis Instinct, feeling a sudden rush of confidence. He was ready to face the challenges ahead. He could only hope that his choice would prove to be the right one.

As soon as Liam made his decision, his surroundings, which had been frozen in a surreal standstill, surged back to life with startling abruptness. The monstrous creatures, now hulking and more menacing than ever, advanced towards him, their blood-red eyes gleaming maliciously in the dim light of the camp.

Yet, despite the clear and present danger, a wave of calm washed over Liam. The crippling exhaustion that had been threatening to pull him under vanished like a mist in the wind. He felt revitalized, invincible even, as if he had tapped into a reserve of energy he never knew existed. His heart pounded steadily in his chest, but it was the rhythm of excitement, not fear.

His newfound confidence shone brightly in his eyes as he held his makeshift spear in a firm grip, ready to face the oncoming onslaught. The crisis instinct skill that he had just acquired was already working its magic, enhancing his natural ability to thrive in perilous situations. He was unafraid, ready to take on the world and save his comrades. The battle was far from over, but Liam was more than ready to face whatever came his way.

Level: 10

Race: Human

Class: Survivalist

Profession: Explorer

Skills: Endurance, Weapon of Opportunity, Rapid Regeneration, Stealth, Crisis Instinct

Traits: Fearless, Detest the Heavens

Faith: N/A

Blessing: Nature