Chapter 19 The system – Cassis

Cassis lay in Liam’s bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.

The evening had been exhausting in more ways than one. After the battle, he had helped his parents clear out the ruined furniture, the scent of blood and destruction lingering in the air. The monster corpses had remained untouched—there was no need to move them. By morning, the mana particles would dissolve their remains, leaving behind nothing but dust and the faint memory of battle.

Arianna had taken the first shower while he worked. Then, once she was done, his parents had insisted he go next. He hadn’t missed the way they had exchanged glances, clearly needing some time to themselves. He hadn’t questioned it, just nodded and done as he was told.

Afterward, he had said goodnight to Arianna, then later to his parents, before settling into Liam’s bed. He had to wait for the others to fall asleep.

Even now, he could hear his parents murmuring softly behind their bedroom door. He couldn’t make out the words, but their quiet conversation was a comforting background noise. The house, despite the chaos of the past day, felt safe again.

Still, his mind was restless.

His system stats had skyrocketed after the fight, not because he had suddenly grown stronger, but because the system had recognized just how much stronger he already was. It had underestimated him before, failing to account for his experience and mastery. Now, it was trying to catch up.

That’s how the system worked. It didn’t give power—it only categorized it.

Abilities, skills, and spells didn’t inherently become stronger just because their rating increased. The ranking system was nothing more than a reflection of the awakener’s own aptitude. Every new skill always started at low or basic, no matter the person’s real proficiency. Only through demonstration—training, battle, application—would the system acknowledge their true level.

The skill rankings followed a clear hierarchy:

Low → Basic → Beginner → Intermediate → Advanced → Expert → Master → Legendary → Myth

The system didn’t grant strength. It simply judged how well an awakener wielded their abilities.

The real importance of these rankings only became evident when it came to class evolutions.

At Level 10, an awakener had to choose an advanced class. The number of available evolutions depended on various factors—battle experience, titles, elemental affinity, mana saturation, and, most crucially, skill, spell and ability rankings. The higher the system deemed an awakener’s competence, the broader their potential evolutions.

Most people received one to five choices.

Geniuses were rumoured to have ten or more, but in his past, no one had ever confirmed such a feat.

His eyes flickered shut for a moment before he sighed and opened his status page, scanning the system’s current evaluation of him:

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Status Page:

* Name: Cassis Walker

* MS (Mana Saturation): 9%

* Race: Human

* Rank: F

* Features: Awareness (beginner), Energy Perception (beginner), Stamina Capacity (intermediate)

* Unique: None

* Level: 10 (+2)

* Class: Warrior

* Skills: Slash (Advanced), Stab (Advanced), Parry (Intermediate), Deflect (Beginner), Counter (Beginner)

* Ability:

* Elemental Affinity: Fire

* Unique: None

* Inventory: 10 m3

* Spells: Fire Blade (Beginner), Flame Burst (Low)

* Titles: [The One Who Returned], [Warrior of Flames], [Protector of the Weak], [Monster Bane I], [Superior Survivor], [Giant Slayer]

* Patron: Sapphire

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His gaze lingered on his spells.

That had always been a weak point for him. Warriors, like Rangers, started with their physical skills at Basic but their magical ones at Low. It was the opposite for Mages and Clerics.

In the future, he had trained relentlessly in swordsmanship, honing his physical abilities to near perfection. But his spells had always lagged behind. He hadn’t focused on them enough, and it had cost him dearly.

That couldn’t happen again.

The system would eventually recognize his true skill and restore his old rankings—his sword techniques would reach Master in time. But magic? That required deliberate effort.

His newest spell, Flame Burst, had already proven useful. He had used it first to blind the hobgoblin, then again to cook its heart from the inside.

It was powerful. But inefficient.

The second time, when he used it through his sword, it had cost significantly less mana than when he had cast it directly on the hobgoblin from a distance.

Arianna had been right.

Her explanation about mana control—how directing mana properly reduced waste and allowed for longer fights—had been spot on. His Mana Saturation had also increased, and he could feel the difference.

More importantly, he now had an Advanced Warrior Fire Mana Circuit Pattern.

He almost scoffed at the name. The system really sucks at naming things. But at least he knew exactly what it was.

He wasn’t going to try it out yet, though. He didn’t have time for it yet.

He pushed that thought aside and turned his attention to his titles.

Five titles.

That was a lot to gain in such a short time.

Yes, the battles had been intense—they had fought for their lives—but in his past, he had fought just as hard, harder, and had never been rewarded like this.

Why?

The answer was simple. Because he had been weak. Or rather, because humanity had been weak.

In the past, two-thirds of the world’s population had survived the first wave—just barely. The system had called it “completing the first trial” and had given everyone the [Survivor] title, which slightly increased health regeneration.

There had been no world announcement. No protection for children as a reward. No sign that anyone had actually overcome the first trial the way the system had intended.

Which meant…

There must have been achievements they had missed. Technically, the first wave wasn’t even over yet. The apocalypse had started at 4 PM two days ago. The first wave lasted exactly 48 hours. Which meant it would officially end tomorrow afternoon.

But there were no more monsters left in a 1-kilometer radius around them.

He frowned.

That meant the system had forced them into combat.

Jessica’s cries had reached too far. Monsters ten kilometres away had reacted to her screams? That wasn’t normal. It was impossible. The system must have amplified her voice to make sure they fought.

He exhaled sharply. No point thinking about it now.

He couldn’t change what had happened. All he could do was make sure they got the best possible outcome.

Should he start meditating tomorrow, building his mana circuit properly?

Or should he teach Arianna and his family some self-defense skills?

Arianna definitely needed training with her proclivity to run off into battle as a healer. He had to smirk again when he thought of her new title [Chaotic Healer]. She had almost given him a heart attack in the last battle by baiting the hobgoblin gaining the skill Baiting as a result. He didn’t want her to use it.

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Maybe she should have chosen Ranger.

She clearly wasn’t the type to stay out of fights.

That thought made him scowl. She shouldn’t have had to fight at all. But they wouldn’t have survived without her. She had healed them. She had played bait. She had saved all of them.

It made him furious.But there was nothing he could do about it.

He was the one who brought her to this world.

He was the reason she was in danger.

And that was a guilt he would carry forever.

He pushed those thoughts away and refocused on his titles:

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Titles

* [Monster Bane I]

Given to an awakener who has slain 100 F-rank monsters.

Bonus: Your attacks against F-rank monsters are more effective, and some F-rank monsters may choose to flee instead of fight.

* [Protector of the Weak]

Given to an awakener who has successfully completed the first trial.

Bonus: When fighting in defense of dependents or someone at least 10 levels weaker than you, your attack, defense, and mana & health regeneration increase by 10%.

* [Warrior of Flames]

Given to a warrior who wields flames like his sword.

Bonus: Manipulating the fire element becomes easier.

* [Superior Survivor]

Given to an awakener who has finished the first trial early.

Bonus: Increased health and mana regeneration.

* [Giant Slayer]

Given to an awakener who has killed a monster more than 20 levels higher than them.

Bonus: When fighting a monster more than 20 levels higher, your attack, defense, and mana & health regeneration increase by 20%.

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Cassis let out a slow breath.

These were good titles. Far better than anything he had gotten in his past future.

Titles were the only instance where the system actually enhanced an awakener’s abilities.

No matter how much someone trained or levelled up, they would never see a direct numerical increase in their attack, defense, mana, or health regeneration—except through titles.

Titles were important. They stacked. They could even combine under the right circumstances.

But no one really understood how they worked.

Scientists had once called them "invisible stats." Everyone knew they existed. They had to. Strength, agility, intelligence, and other physical and mental attributes—just like in games—had to be there. But the system never displayed them.

Still, the effects were obvious.

An awakener who earned a title granting increased defense could feel the difference when they took a hit. Someone with a mana regeneration boost could fight longer without running dry.

Cassis had never fully understood the mechanics of it all. But he didn't need to.

Smarter people than him had spent years theorizing about it before the world ended. He only needed to use the system efficiently.

Pushing the thought aside, Cassis turned to something more immediate. His new items.

Reaching level 10 had given him access to an inventory—a basic 10m³ storage space.

Arianna should have gotten the same upgrade, but with her exhaustion, she had probably missed it.

Accessing the inventory was simple. All he had to do was think about it.

Inventory.

In an instant, he felt the system respond. He stretched out his hand, and the first item materialized into his palm—

A sword. Flaming Sword.

Arianna had given him this weapon during their last battle.

It had once been an ordinary blade, but by channeling massive amounts of fire mana through it—first with Fire Blade, then with Flame Burst—he had fundamentally changed it. The system had recognized the transformation.

And, as a result, it had been strengthened.

[Flaming Sword]

* Affinity: Fire

* Effects:

* Easier to channel fire mana through it.

* Fire-based attacks cost less mana.

* Increased heat resistance—the blade won’t weaken or break under extreme temperatures.

* Rank: F/E

It was far from legendary, but for an F or E-rank awakener, it was a solid weapon.

Satisfied, he returned it to his inventory and pulled out the second item.

Experience Sharing Bracelet (Unbound)

A thick, silver bracelet appeared in his hand. It looked simple—nothing ornate, no markings, no gemstones.

But when he checked its description, his breath caught.

[Experience Sharing Bracelet (Unbound)]

* A bracelet that can be divided into two.

* If the bound awakener wears one half, and a dependent under 14 years old and under level 5 wears the other half, the awakener’s experience will be transferred to the dependent.

It was another reward to protect children. Cassis’s grip on the bracelet tightened.

Had everyone in their group gotten one? Because if they had, then… the possibilities were endless.

The system had already said that only children under 14 were protected. Teenagers weren’t—they had to fight for themselves.

But with this bracelet…

They could level up the older children before they turned 14. They could train them, strengthen them, give them a fighting chance before the system’s protection was gone.

That was huge.

But—

There was a catch. The bracelet had to be bound to one awakener. And that meant whoever wore it would be giving up their own experience while wearing it.

Cassis exhaled sharply. It was a huge sacrifice. Levels weren’t just numbers. More levels meant more power. Every level-up infused an awakener’s body with more mana, strengthening their invisible stats.

Because experience—at its core—was nothing more than mana absorbed from a defeated foe.

A properly built mana circuit meant an awakener could absorb more mana—more experience—when they killed an enemy.

Once enough external mana or experience was accumulated, the system would level them up, and itwould be distributed to their invisible stats.

At least, that was the leading theory. One that had been formed at the end of the world. Back when it was already too late.

Cassis stared down at the bracelet in his hand. Was he the right person for this job?

Because if he bound the bracelet to himself…

He would be slowing down his own progress. And right now, every level mattered.

Having finished his review of his gains in the last battles Cassis listened carefully, waiting for any signs of movement.

The house had finally fallen silent.

No voices, no footsteps, not even any screeches of monsters – they had kill all monsters in their vicinity.

Satisfied that everyone was asleep, he slipped out of bed and made his way downstairs, moving with the quiet precision of someone long accustomed to the dark.

The living room and yard were littered with monster corpses, grotesque forms bathed in the pale light of the moon.

Cassis wasted no time. Drawing his sword, he set to work, carefully cutting away valuable materials. He hadn’t mentioned it to his parents, but some of these creatures held resources that could be of immense value—particularly to alchemists.

Upon reaching level 10, awakeners gained access not only to class advancements but also to professions. Unlike combat classes, which determined a fighter’s strength, professions were centred around crafting, production, or service. There was no awakening level for these professions, just the system telling someone doing a particular action that it considered as part of a profession asking the awakener if they wanted to choose this profession. Professions also weren’t static, they could evolve, change or even be exchanged for another profession at any time if the requirement was reached.

Alchemist was one of the most valuable, in his opinion.

An alchemist could, given time and materials, create healing potions, poisons, and other potent elixirs. If he could find one early and sponsor them, he would secure exclusive access to their creations. That way, Arianna wouldn’t have to waste CP on healing and could concentrate on other things.

And alchemists weren’t the only profession worth seeking out.

Blacksmiths could forge weapons and armour, leatherworkers could craft durable gear, and fletchers could produce high-quality arrows. There were even professions like tacticians, scholars, and strategists, whose knowledge could be just as vital as any blade.

Unlike combat classes—typically falling into the four main categories of Warrior, Ranger, Mage, and Cleric, although there were exceptions like hybrid classes that combined the skills of two or more classes—professions were limitless. They were shaped by an awakener’s life experiences, skills, and even their actions since the apocalypse began.

An awakener also didn’t have to choose between levelling their combat class or their profession as professions strictly levelled by doing related tasks.

Cassis worked efficiently, gathering as much as his inventory space would allow. By the time he was finished, his storage was nearly full.

Satisfied, he sheathed his sword and made his way back inside.

Upstairs, he entered the bathroom, washing the blood from his hands and blade.

He had been doing this kind of work for so long that he had instinctively avoided staining anything else—just his hands and his weapon.

As he stepped into the hallway, passing his own room, a sound stopped him in his tracks.

A muffled sob.

Then—

"No… no… please don’t… stop…" The hair on the back of his neck rose. Arianna. Something was wrong. He knocked lightly on her door. No response.

The quiet, broken whispers continued, interspersed with ragged, tearful breaths. His chest tightened. Without hesitation, he stepped inside.

Arianna lay curled in his bed, her face twisted in anguish, tears slipping down her cheeks as she pleaded in her sleep. A nightmare. But not just any nightmare.

Cassis moved to her side and shook her gently by the shoulder. She didn’t react. His frown deepened. "Arianna," he called softly.

Nothing.

A sinking unease settled in his gut. This wasn’t normal. He shook her harder, his voice growing more insistent. "Arianna, wake up!" Still, she remained trapped in whatever horror held her mind captive.

Panic edged into his movements as he grasped her shoulders, his voice firmer now. "Arianna!" At last, she gasped awake.

But when her eyes met his, there was no recognition. Her breath came in short, uneven bursts, her pupils dilated with fear. Cassis reacted instinctively.

He gripped her shoulders tighter, leaning in until their foreheads touched. "Arianna," he murmured. "You’re awake."

For a moment, she just stared. Then something clicked. Recognition flickered in her eyes, and the next instant, she broke down completely. She clung to him, sobbing into his shirt with an intensity that made his heart ache.

Cassis said nothing, only wrapped his arms around her, holding her as if he could shield her from whatever ghosts haunted her mind.

He ran his fingers through her hair, rubbed slow, reassuring circles on her back and shoulders, whispering soothing sounds in an effort to calm her.

She cried until her voice failed her, until the sobs were nothing more than shaken breaths against his chest. And still, he held her.

She was utterly exhausted, her body drained from both the nightmare and the flood of emotion that followed.

Cassis moved slightly, intending to lay her back down so she could rest. The moment he shifted, she panicked. Her body tensed, her grip on his shirt tightening in desperation.

Her wide, fearful eyes locked onto his. "Don’t leave." The words were barely above a whisper, but they stopped him cold. He hadn’t planned to leave. He had only meant to help her settle. But she wouldn’t understand that right now.

So instead, he simply climbed under the covers, pulling her closer without a word. Arianna immediately pressed herself against him, as if needing to confirm he was real. Cassis rested his chin atop her head, wrapping his arms around her securely.

Her breathing evened out, her body finally relaxing as sleep reclaimed her. And though exhaustion tugged at him as well, Cassis remained awake for a while longer, staring at the ceiling, his mind filled with unspoken thoughts.

But even as he lay there, one thing was certain. He wasn’t going to let go.