I let out a startled cry as the light hurt my eyes. As they adjusted, I was finally able to read what the screen said.
Welcome.
You have entered the Realm of Tirovalta.
Name: Calvin Jones
Age: 16
Race: Human
Class: Undetermined
Attributes: Hidden
Please select a class to proceed.
All class options have been tailored to your skills and personality.
[Class Selection]
* Apprentice Mage (Common)
You have the potential to manipulate the multiverse.
* Carpenter (Common)
Everyone needs a home and you can provide them.
* Squire (Common)
Every great knight was once a squire.
* Mauler (Uncommon)
Hammers can be used for creation or destruction.
* Scribe (Uncommon)
Spoken words are powerful. Written words are eternal.
* Soul Summoner (Hidden)
Anyone can summon but you can manifest.
What the hell is going on? If I hadn’t been in the middle of walking home, I’d think this was all a dream. God knows I’ve fantasized about something like this enough. Interesting that it seems laid out like a roleplaying game.
Wait a second, why am I 16? I’m 32! As if it had heard my thoughts, a second screen appeared.
Your age has been reverted to 16. The Realm of Tirovalta will be entering an age of turmoil in roughly a decade. Regardless of class choice, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in preparation.
Age of Turmoil? Does this system or whatever expect me to be some kind of hero? That sounds Awesome! I wonder what else I can get information on? Maybe the class system? I wish it weren’t so bright though. With those thoughts two additional screens appeared. It was starting to get a little overwhelming. The first screen was a welcome sight,
Would you like to switch to dark mode? Yes/No
I quickly selected yes and the screens faded to a light gray against the blackness surrounding me. Much better, I better check out this other screen.
[Class Overview]
Every resident of Tirovalta is assigned a class at the age of 16 which determines where they will start in life. Classes are assigned different levels based upon their rarity and complexity. The levels are Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, and Legendary. At 16, it is very rare for an individual to be assigned a class higher than Uncommon.
Okay, there’s not a lot of useful information in there for choosing a class. But there are a couple things that might give me some hints. First, it seems like classes are usually assigned, not chosen. Maybe this is because I’m from a different world? I wonder if everyone will have access to the system? However, the biggest tidbit wasn’t what was in the description, but rather what wasn’t. It made no mention of Hidden Classes. Must be something special, I should probably choose Soul Summoner, manifestation sounds interesting at least.
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I closed all the screens that I’d opened since arriving until only the character sheet remained. I hesitantly reached out and selected Soul Summoner from [Class Selection]. Immediately another screen appeared.
You have chosen a [Hidden Class]. Please select a second class which will be public. The secondary class will provide only basic skills and traits. You will not be able to utilize it to its full potential.
[Secondary Class Selection]
* Apprentice Mage (Common)
You have the potential to manipulate the multiverse.
* Carpenter (Common)
Everyone needs a home and you can provide them.
* Squire (Common)
Every great knight was once a squire.
* Mauler (Uncommon)
Hammers can be used for creation or destruction.
* Scribe (Uncommon)
Spoken words are powerful. Written words are eternal.
Interesting, so Hidden means truly Hidden. That could make things tricky in this new world, I’ll have to keep that to myself until I find someone I can trust. Looks like I have the same options as before. The system said that people are usually offered Common Classes at first, so I should ignore those and focus on my Uncommon options.
Mauler or Scribe. It’s obvious that both are more specialized versions of my Common options. Scribe from Apprentice Mage while Mauler seems like a combination of Carpenter and Squire. My head was swirling with thoughts of what all this could mean. After what seemed like hours, but was probably closer to minutes, my mind settled enough that I could think a little more logically about all of this.
Okay, what do I know about all of this so far. One: there’s going to be an Age of Turmoil; doesn’t sound great but like it could be a good adventure. Two: I’m a Soul Summoner; still not sure what that is, but sounds like a magic class. Three: I’ll be getting training in whatever I choose and these options were tailored to me. Four: I don’t know anything about how all of this works; I don’t think I want to make any concrete choices that pigeonhole me yet. I need to strive for balance right now.
Scribe seems like another magic user. That might push me too far in that direction and I could find myself lacking when it comes to protecting myself. Come to think of it, why was I offered so many magic classes anyway? Maybe it has to do with being educated? Carpenter and Mauler made much more sense on that front. I liked to work with my hands and build things which lends itself to the Carpenter Class. And like the description for Mauler says, hammers can be used to create or destroy. I guess hitting a creature with a hammer isn’t all that different from hitting a nail. At least I hope it’s not. Well, if I want to remain balanced for now, I better choose Mauler and add some martial skills to the mix.
Congratulations. You have chosen your classes which have imparted the following skills: Basic Crafting, Empowered Swing, Soul Marks, and Manifest Soul. Your character sheet has been entirely unlocked, please reference it for any changes.
The system didn’t need to tell me twice. I immediately closed the pop-ups and stared at my character sheet.
Name: Calvin Jones
Age: 16
Race: Human
Level: 1
Class: Soul Summoner (Hidden), Mauler (Uncommon, Secondary)
Health: 15/15
Mana: 12/12
Attributes:
* Strength: 5
* Dexterity: 4
* Vitality: 3
* Resilience: 6
* Wisdom: 7
* Intelligence: 6
Skills:
* Basic Crafting (1/4)
* Empowered Strike
* Soul Marks
* Manifest Soul
I had to focus on each of my skills individually to get a more in-depth description:
Basic Crafting (1/4): You know the basics of most crafting skills. As you grow in this skill, specializations and mastery will become available.
Empowered Strike: When wielding a hammer, infuse your strikes with mana to give them superhuman power.
Soul Marks: As you learn the intricacies and depths of your own soul it will engrave itself upon your skin.
Manifest Soul: You may manifest your Soul Marks into reality for a time.
As I finished reading, a new pop-up appeared.
Attention: You are being transported to the Realm of Tirovalta. Memories have been implanted to simulate the first 15 years of life on Tirovalta. Please accept when you are ready to proceed. (Accept)