Properly, I should find some quiet spot, carefully weigh all pros and cons, analyze everything thoroughly, and only then make my choice.

That's what I wanted to do... But then I remembered that I don't take the easy way out. If the System is offering such a unique opportunity, it would be a sin not to take it.

Patrick's gonna flip his shit. Though he's also got some fancy-ass class.

Congratulations! You have chosen the [Mystic Knight] class!

Received bonus increase +1 STR, +1 INT, +1 PER.

You received the active ability [Hex.]

Active effect: you transform the chosen target into a sheep for 5 seconds. Cooldown—24 seconds.

WARNING! DEPENDING ON THE TARGET'S MAGIC RESISTANCE LEVEL, THE SPELL DURATION MAY BE REDUCED OR THE SPELL MAY BE CANCELED.

The note is highlighted in red font. I knew this: it would probably work at full strength on the pay-to-win noob, but someone like Patrick... I'd be lucky if he transformed for 0.0001 seconds.

Hex is quite a common spell and very useful. Leveling it should be a priority.

I distribute the level points and happily call up my stats to assess overall progress.

Name: Unknown07 (Dean Carter).

Level: 10.

Race: Human.

Class: Mystic Knight.

XP: 12/1,823.

HP: 3,162/3,162.

MP: 15/17.

STR: 10.

AGI: 8.

INT: 17.

VIT: 8.

CHA: 7.

PER: 13.

Abilities: [Blessing of the Goddess of Luck (Passive)], [Quick Strike (Active, level 4)], [Ignition (Active, level 1)], [Hex (Active, level 1)].

Traits: [Arachnophobia], [Undead Buddy], [Novice Mage].

The progress seems substantial, but also somehow still crappy... Well, at least I can show off my special class.

I put half of the last points into strength, need to bring it up to match the other main attributes.

But Ignition didn't level. There's a chance that like with Zara, spells will also level up when gaining levels, but even with the blessing I shouldn't get my hopes up too much. Not even gonna mention getting new ones.

Also, along with pure spells, I'll receive combat abilities like the first one. Should look into getting good melee weapons.

I close the window and turn to Zara.

"Congratulate me, I now have a class too!"

"Mage, like you wanted?"

"They offered it, but also this weird class popped up—Mystic Knight. It's like this unique combo of warrior and mage. In the long run, it's way better. Since I didn't want to waste my first ability, I went with it. We'll see if that was the right call."

"Wow, sounds interesting! They didn't offer me anything unusual. So we keep our party roles?"

"For now yes, I'll tank and combine physical damage with magical. However, I'll be better suited as the main damage dealer, we need to expand the party anyway."

"Got it, hope we succeed with that."

"Also—watch this."

I point my gloves at her and try to transform mana into a spell. It doesn't come as easily as with ignition.

"Uhhh... Did you learn a new pos—"

She doesn't finish speaking—I finally manage to release and apply Hex.

With a funny white flash, Zara transforms into a small sheep, lands smoothly and bleats loudly. All her gear, including the staff, is also considered part of the target and doesn't fall off, otherwise it would be very imbalanced.

I timed it—after three seconds Zara transformed back. As a sheep she only managed to look around and bleat once more.

So even players my level can have decent magic resistance.

"OWWW!" she cried out, regaining her balance. "That was unexpected and very strange."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"Are you okay?" I suddenly got worried. Probably should have warned her.

"Y-yeah, just a bit unusual due to such an abrupt change in perception," she giggled.

"How did it feel?"

"I suddenly felt much shorter and lost the ability to do anything except move slowly on all fours. However, the viewing angle stayed the same and there was no discomfort. I don't know how to describe it exactly."

"Okay, next time I'll warn you about the trick. This is Hex, I got it for choosing the class. As you can guess, very useful spell in combat."

"Yeah, if that tentacle mass turned into a sheep, it would have been easier for us."

We laughed.

"So, what's next?" she asked.

"Selena still around?"

"Yeah, having tea with Julia."

"Need to talk to her. You noticed the fog's gotten thicker somehow?"

She looked around.

"Hmm... Yeah, something like that."

"In other parts of the village it's even denser. Need to figure out what's going on, it could be dangerous. Selena must know the local quirks."

"Then let's go."

We entered the mansion and soon arrived in that same dining hall. Julia and Selena were having a nice talk and eating pies, of which very few remained.

"Hello again, Lady Selena!" I began. "Your talisman indeed proved very valuable, I'm extremely grateful for the gift."

There's not much point in thanking an NPC, but that's just my character.

"I had no doubt it would be useful to you," she replied warmly. "Is there anything else I can help you with, noble heroes?"

"Yes, we're planning to move on, but I noticed the fog around the village has thickened considerably. What's causing this and is it dangerous?"

"Oh, it's starting again..." she muttered sadly. "About two-three times a month, fog entities break through our lanterns' energy protection and go hunting for residents. Unfortunately, not everyone notices in time and we often suffer losses. Someone has probably already died."

"Oh, I just came from the central square through the main gates and didn't see any bodies," I noted.

"You never do—one way or another the creatures lure you into the fog and devour you there, leaving nothing behind. I can't even imagine how horrific that kind of death must be."

"And how long does this fog thickening last?"

"It varies, generally from a couple of days to a week. Young man, you're very fortunate to have made such a journey and remained unharmed. Though you are strong heroes, I would advise against continuing your path at this time. No one truly knows what dwells in the fog. Stay here with me until everything settles down."

Well, that's not great news. I'd love to stay or log off, but need to save Patrick.

"Thank you for the information, Lady Selena! Unfortunately, we can't afford to stand still. We have a very important mission that our friend's life depends on. Tell me, how far does the fog extend from the village into the forest and do you have something like portable lanterns?"

"I understand your duty. The fog has no exact boundary, but at this time, to get beyond its limits, you'll need about half an hour. I'll give you the large portable lantern I have, it will reduce the risk of entity attacks. If it's not a secret, which part of the forest are you heading to?"

"Thank you for your care, we're going to the Dead Grove," I said confidently.

"Oh, that's a very dangerous place, many obstacles and monsters await you. Take care!"

"Grandma, can I go with them?" Julia suddenly interjected into the dialogue. This turn made all three of us stare at her in shock.

"What are you saying, granddaughter?" Selena gasped. "Absolutely not. The deep forest is extremely dangerous, you have no business there."

"But maybe grandfather is somewhere there right now. What if he found the Elixir of Youth but got trapped somehow and can't get out? I want to know what happened to him, and if needed, find the Elixir myself," she protested resolutely.

"No! You're very small, inexperienced and fragile. Even heroes won't be able to protect you from forest creatures in serious danger."

"Grandma, I actually fought pretty well against that creature that devoured you and took your form."

Their argument continued for about ten minutes, eventually Julia manipulated Selena into believing in our divine-granted incredible power with Zara, absence of risks, and our need to have a local "guide". Initially I was shocked and didn't understand why Julia was so eager to come with us, but the more she mentioned the elixir, the clearer it became.

"Fine, if the noble heroes agree to take you in their team, you can go with them as support. But you must not step away from them for a moment! And you'll return with them too."

The System didn't keep us waiting long:

[Global Quest] Unlocked.

"Elixir of Youth"

- Legends say that somewhere in the Old Forest flows a spring of the Elixir of Youth, a mythical substance granting eternal life. Residents of the Bewitched Forest may assist in its search.

Wow, this quest is even global? I expected some quest chain, but this is even better. Mechanically it's the same type as the Dagger of Madness quest, they're even listed right next to each other. One way or another, you can find this elixir using your abilities and location features.

I don't quite understand where it might be useful, but I'll keep it in mind. Taking Julia is optional. In theory, if we refuse now, we can return later and offer to go. However, in our situation every pers... party member is critically important.

"No problem," I agreed. "On our way to the Dead Grove we'll help you search for the elixir, but we promise nothing. Just don't separate from us, and even if you don't find it, we'll escort you back."

I opened the party window—Little Red appeared under Zara again.

Though it's not stated, better not let her die. A permanent NPC ally is valuable. I think Patrick will open one extra portal for her.

Julia was delighted, Selena gave her several more strict instructions and fervently asked us to look after her granddaughter. I'm not planning to get into any more adventures requiring high levels. There shouldn't be any danger for her.

Then Selena brought us that lantern. It's quite large, needs to be held by the handle on top.

Little Red dumped all the pies from her basket onto a plate, filled it with useful things and reported ready.

We said our final goodbyes to Selena and, following her directions, made our way to the second gates that opened toward the forest depths. The lantern lit well, no one from the fog attacked us, including possible friends of that pay-to-win noob.

Once beyond the gates, which were guarded twice as well as the main ones, we lined up in the old formation and moved along the laid road. I don't think there are particularly strong mobs in the fog. Now that I have magic, we should fend them off without problems.

"Ooh! I want to pick those flowers and make a headband!" Julia declared cheerfully and rushed toward some lilies.

"Hey, are you kidding?!" I protested. "Did you forget what happened to me on the way here? Get back here right now!"

"I just need fifteen or twenty. Don't worry, Dean, I'll be quick."

"No, come back!"

I shoved the lantern into Zara's hands and rushed after Julia—thankfully it was just a couple steps away.

"Hah, won't catch me!" Julia smirked, skillfully dodging and not letting me grab her hand.

I wanted to curse at her, but a bigger problem came up—I tried to grab her mid-jump, but right behind the flowers there was... a fucking cliff. Which I launched myself into at full speed.

"DEEEEAN!" I heard Zara's scream before rolling down through the fog.

Maybe I should have listened to Selena.

I prepared for the worst scenario and reached early for my sword to fight back against these fog creatures. But my fall lasted barely two seconds, I managed to brake when the surface leveled out.

Didn't hurt too bad. I rolled down a fairly gentle slope, can easily climb back up using my sword for support. But the fog here is thick as hell, can't see anything past an outstretched arm.

"I'm okay, I'll climb up now!" I shouted upward, dusting myself off and getting to my feet.

Standing fully upright I looked around to make sure there were no enemies nearby. And immediately went pale.

Right in front of me was a tall house. A house with a thatched roof.