A white blob took a loose form and stood in front of Silas. It had a vaguely humanoid shape.
"This one is an old tool made by the Valein Empire. It’s made so you can use your power on it, and it can classify you in one of the classes of the System."
"How many classes are there? And since we’re talking about it, how many worlds are there in total?"
"You can at least show me your power first. We have time as long as your companions don’t try to come down here to kill me."
"It's fine; they won’t move after the time limit, as we agreed. I do want to do this quickly and get to the point of the negotiations." He put one hand in the air and used his power.
His skin turned white, and his eyes went dark. He read the skills of the creature, but it only had one.
[Class identification]. A power to learn the class of the one in front by seeing or being under the influence of their power. A symbol appeared on him and the creature's chest. A hand with an aura around it.
"Interesting. The mark of the thief: that’s your class."
"Thief, like a rogue? I suspected it after seeing that I could copy powers. What else can you tell me?"
"Is not exactly a copy. The common thing about the thief class is that your power involves stealing from others. I think it is more accurate to say that you’re stealing the powers of others."
"If that is true, then wouldn’t they become weaker?"
"Maybe they are becoming weaker, but only a little. If you train your power more and with enough decades, you will be able to reduce the power of your opponents by a considerable amount. You also get stronger since that power is being transferred to you."
"Mmm, stealing power. This is certainly very useful if you’re telling me the truth."
"Still having doubts. Thieves are always cautious. A power very well suited for you." Cink wanted to gain Silas' trust. On the previous day, he learned Silas was a very important person in the group. The best method was to be open with him. "You wanted to know about classes, right? There are nine in total."
"This is what you learn in the Valein Empire too, right?"
"I saw a bunch of my kind, and no matter what ability they had, they were all classified with a symbol using this method."
"How is the System assigning these classes?"
"I have no idea. It is one of the mysteries of the System."
"Please tell me I’ll make sure to remember them all and their powers."
Silas paid attention and used the classes to guess his guildmates. Warriors had simple powers that mostly dealt damage. Jacob and Franco are probably warriors.
A thief steals something from an enemy or ally. I’m the only one in the group who fits the criteria.
Guardian has defensive powers and high defense. Nathan has the perfect class for a tank.
Crafter have the ability to make weapons, gear, or consumables. Nadine’s power is essential to making progress.
Bard possessed the power to boost allies or weapons. Then Nora is definitely a bard.
A Mage is a class that has strange and otherworldly powers, like controlling elements and being able to use magic. Emily’s the only one of us who can use magic. At least for now.
Warlocks can use curses to damage foes, but at a cost. Tomas was a warlock. That’s the only way to explain his bleeding eyes and ears as he killed wolves in the raid.
An Invoker is a class that has powers that allow it to summon a weapon, a creature, or even several creatures with special abilities.
And Wildcard, one whose power has characteristics of several classes or powers that don’t fit any of the others.
Mmm, Rebecca could be an Invoker or a Wildcard. Her powers are useful, but we don’t know too much about them.
"Those are the none classes. Any other questions?"
"If a Warrior is able to create a weapon, won’t that be classified as an Invoker?"
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
"No, only Crafter or Invoker can make objects for others. If a Warrior's power was to create a sword that burns everything it cuts, the sword would disappear if someone else tried to use it."
So that is why only Jacob can use the gun, and Nathan is the only one who can use the shield. He doesn’t seem to be lying.
"I also asked you about how many worlds are there."
"I can’t say, but I have been in six, no, it would be four worlds. Desert, fire, jungle, underground. About 1.500 years ago, there was a poison world and an acid world, but they were eaten by the Ouroboros. Is that enough for you to believe me?"
"Yeah, you’re trying to win me over. What are you planning? You wouldn’t go to such lengths for noobs like us unless you had a good reason. Depending on the reason and the benefits, Dawn can join your war."
"You already know, I was about to ask you about a war. Was it you or one of your companions who noticed?"
"It was a team effort, but half the idea came from me."
"I want your help to defeat the other pix tribes in the old land."
"Old land?"
"That is how the Bors call this continent. There is a river that crosses the world and separates the two continents. The old land, where the brutes and unintelligent Bors wander around, and the jungle on the other continent, where they have their sacred trees and homes."
Another continent. I didn’t consider that. Even when I was in that tall tree, I didn't see a river, but that explains why we only encountered one Bors, Gloom Scent.
"Why do you fight with others of your race? Shouldn't it be better if you worked together?"
"I told you how the gates of the Empire were destroyed 1,000 years ago. I wasn’t the only one here with powers. There were ten of us, but after we became isolated, some of them declared independence from the Valein Empire and founded their own tribes."
"Are they the ones who are attacking your tribe?"
"Yes, thanks to the leaders of each tribe, the Pix under their order had become savages and wild. One of them even declared himself a god and founded a religion with her at its center. They all have lost control, and they need to be put down."
"You talk pretty harshly against your own kind. If they have powers, you have most likely known them for a long time. Is there no chance of reconciliation?"
"No, they killed three of my friends when they rebelled. The cowards killed them with a surprise attack. I was the only one who survived. They are traitors who turn against their own allies. The only reason this tribe is still standing is because they turned on each other and are busy fighting themselves."
"Is that the only reason? I heard from your commander that you have a very good power."
"Valks is running his mouth again. Hehe, it's true, but I can’t show you. Just like the objects in this chest, my power is one of my hidden tricks."
"How many players are we dealing with? You said they’re fighting each other."
"Players? Well, I can tell you that three of them are still alive. The problem is that they can’t keep their tribes together, so there are many pix who run and make their own tribes. There were dozens of tribes who had no idea about the System or its powers."
"So, you want to secure your tribe by killing the dangerous players and savage tribes. It makes sense, but what is your main goal?"
"Main goal?" Cink laughed as he heard those words. "Boy, my goal is the same now as when we were taken to this bloody world by the System. I want to secure a future for my people."
"You’re willing to join forces with a new race for that?"
"Yes, I bend my knees to the valein and their knowledge. I can do anything if it means a future for my kind. But don’t misunderstand me; as long as we’re working together, I won’t betray you, even if other humans turn out to be hostile toward us."
"I have only one more question. What is your opinion about the Ouroboros and escaping these worlds back to your home?"
"I wish I could go back, but the chances are very slim. After spending so much time thinking about it, the only conclusion I have is that maybe the System will let us go if we kill the Ouroboros."
"And if we found a way?"
"I ask you to please take us. I will gladly help you."
He had no more questions. Cink used the bell again, and the sphere disappeared. Emily could feel their presence again.
"Sent the next one down here. I will explain faster so you can talk with the others above." The card returned to Cink's hand, and he waited.
Silas went back past the waterfall and sent Nathan down. He also explained to Emily about the bell that negated her power and the card that identified his class.
"What was his real intention? Nadine asked.
"He wants to join forces to gain control of this territory. I think it is a good chance to settle our main base here. Cink’s tribe will be in charge of the land, but we’ll also get resources as allies."
"I’m not sure, buddy. Is it really worth going to war for it?"
"Let’s vote after you've all heard him down there. Even if we don’t join forces permanently, we should help to discover his trump card." Silas could tell from his years of experience in MMOs. Cink was more cunning than he let on.
"He’s learning about powers so he can fight us in case we betray him. He’s probably going to ask us to kill one of the other players on our own to gain his trust, but we can ask for some time to train our powers."
"Let me get this straight. You are saying we should work together for now and, depending on how he acts, either join forces to live here or kill him and take it for us?"
"Pretty much."
After everyone knew their class, they held a vote and agreed to join forces. The alliance between Cink’s tribe and Dawn was formed.
"How much time can we train with you and the rest of the tribe before going to fight?"
"We can take our time, but please remember that others could notice your presence here and realize we're planning to attack, so ideally no more than fifteen or twenty days."
"That should be enough time to train with your soldiers and learn your tactics. If you have any intel, we also need to learn about the other leaders and their abilities. Nadine can also work on making weapons if you have materials around the village."
"We need to build a house that is comfortable for your race. You will have to stay in the storehouse for a few more days."
After going back to the storehouse and making sure no one was hearing, Silas asked, "So which class are you?"
"Eh, shouldn't we keep it secret in case someone is spying?"
"Cink already knows; there is no point in trying to hide it. Did he say anything about your powers?" He wanted to see if Cink said anything new.
He ended up being correct in all his guesses. Rebecca turned out to be an Invoker. Very close to my prediction. He couldn’t help but have a smug expression; everyone else was used to it by now.
"He’s thinking about video games again."
"Let him be, partner. Seeing him like this is a good sign."