The air smelled like spring—fresh and cool, carrying the scent of flowers blooming all around. I stood at the edge of the orientation stage, my eyes scanning the crowd. Everyone around me was hyped, chatting and laughing about the same thing.
High school. Powers. Unlocking our abilities tomorrow.
I didn’t share their excitement, though. Maybe it was because I had no idea what kind of ability I was going to get. Everyone around me was talking about becoming warriors or mages or anything else from a typical RPG, but me? I didn’t feel so sure about what was coming for me.
“Seiji! Hey, wait up!”
I didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. Tatsuya. He was jogging over, grinning like he’d just won the lottery.
I barely had time to give him a tired look before he was already standing next to me, bouncing on the balls of his feet. “Dude, can you believe it? Tomorrow’s the day! High school, unlocking our powers, it’s all happening! This is huge!”
I shoved my hands into my pockets and gave him a half-smile. “Yeah… huge.”
Tatsuya didn’t seem to notice the lack of enthusiasm in my voice. He was already talking a mile a minute, his eyes practically sparkling with excitement. “I’m totally gonna get something awesome! Maybe a swordsman, or a mage… or both! I’ll be unstoppable! What about you, Seiji? What do you think you’ll get?”
I shrugged, trying to look casual. “I dunno… Maybe something cool.”
He punched me lightly in the arm. “Come on, don’t tell me you’re not excited! This is what we’ve been waiting for! I can’t wait to see what kind of power you unlock!”
I forced a grin, but inside, my stomach was churning. Sure, everyone else seemed so sure of what they’d get, but what if my power didn’t fit? What if it was something totally out of left field, something that didn’t make sense in the world of swordsmen and mages? I didn’t exactly feel like I belonged in that world.
Tatsuya didn’t pick up on any of that. Instead, he clapped me on the back with that usual confidence of his. “I can already picture it. You’ll get some crazy good power, just wait. Maybe you’ll be a master swordsman or something! You’d be unstoppable!”
“Yeah, maybe…” I muttered, not sure if I believed it.
The bell rang, signaling the end of the orientation. The crowd around us was starting to thin out, people heading off in different directions. Tatsuya flashed me one last grin before waving and jogging off, clearly already thinking about what he was going to do tomorrow.
I stayed behind for a moment, letting everything sink in. Tomorrow was a big day, right? The day everyone unlocked their abilities. The day we all became something more.
Except, I didn’t know if I was ready for that. What if I didn’t fit in? What if my power didn’t match the world everyone else seemed so sure of?
I sighed and turned to head home, the sound of the world buzzing around me as I walked away. Tomorrow was supposed to be the start of something amazing. For everyone else, it would be. But for me? I wasn’t so sure.
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The walk home was quiet, but my mind wouldn’t settle. Tomorrow was the day. Everyone would unlock their powers. Everyone but me, it seemed, was excited. Tatsuya had been talking about it nonstop, imagining himself as a legendary swordsman or a powerful mage, both of which seemed to fit the mold of what was expected in this world.
The world I lived in was strange, but it was the only world I knew.
Dungeons and towers had begun to appear across the globe 20 years ago. People said it was like something straight out of a fantasy game. Massive structures, rising from the earth with an eerie, otherworldly presence. Nobody knew exactly where they came from or how they worked, but they were everywhere—every city, every region had one. The dungeons were dangerous places filled with monsters and treasure, and towers were equally as deadly, but they were known for their rare artifacts and high-level rewards. There were even rumors of treasures that could grant you powers beyond the typical swordsman or mage abilities. But those were just rumors.
The world had adapted quickly, and the people with the ability to fight and survive in these dungeons quickly became heroes. Some took on the role of warriors, mages, or archers—skills they’d unlocked upon reaching their 15th birthday. It was as if they were all destined for something. But there was one catch: everyone unlocked an ability at the age of 15, and it was almost always one that matched the RPG roles. There were no exceptions.
Almost no exceptions.
The excitement of tomorrow’s awakening was more than just about gaining powers—it was a rite of passage. Unlocking your ability meant you could begin your journey to level up. The towers, the dungeons, everything—it was all part of a global leveling system. People hunted monsters, completed quests, and leveled up just like characters in an RPG. And the rewards were real. Power, riches, and prestige. All attainable by those who could rise to the challenge.
I, on the other hand, had no idea where I fit in. The world of swordsmen and mages wasn’t one that seemed to have a place for someone like me. And deep down, I wasn’t even sure I belonged in it.
I kicked a rock as I walked, lost in thought.
Tomorrow, I'd get my answer.
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The Next Day
The morning light was bright, filtering through the window as I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling. Today was the day. The day everyone unlocked their abilities. I could already hear Tatsuya’s voice in my head, brimming with excitement.
But me? I just felt... unsure.
By now, the other kids in school were likely already gathering in groups, waiting for their abilities to manifest. I could almost imagine Tatsuya now, surrounded by a crowd, showing off his powers like he was born for it.
I glanced at the clock. It was time.
I grabbed my bag and slung it over my shoulder. Stepping outside, I felt the weight of the world shift. Today wasn’t just another day. It was the start of something new. A new chapter in a world where the line between fantasy and reality blurred with every dungeon explored and tower climbed.
I arrived at the school, where the usual chatter and buzz filled the air. Kids from all over were gathering in the gymnasium, eagerly waiting for the ceremony to begin. The school had set up a special event for today—everyone would unlock their abilities in front of everyone else. It was a spectacle; a public event that made it feel like some kind of game show.
I couldn’t help but glance around as I entered, spotting Tatsuya immediately. He was practically vibrating with excitement, already talking to a group of classmates. He waved me over, and I made my way to him, doing my best to mask the nerves crawling up my spine.
“Seiji! Finally!” Tatsuya greeted me, his smile wide and genuine. “Today’s the day! I can already feel it—this is going to be the best day ever! I can already picture it: I’m gonna get some crazy sword ability, or maybe a magic spell—what about you?”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
I shrugged again, trying to look nonchalant, but the knot in my stomach only grew. “Yeah… maybe.”
He frowned, but didn’t press. “Don’t worry, you’ll get something good. Trust me!”
The ceremony began shortly after, with all the students lining up one by one in front of the school’s main stage. A large screen overhead showed the countdown, signaling when each person would awaken their ability.
The teacher called up the first student, and the crowd went quiet. A flash of light, a soft hum in the air—and just like that, the first student’s ability manifested. It was a classic swordsmanship power, a perfect fit for the RPG world we now lived in. Everyone cheered. Tatsuya was practically jumping with joy. “See? This is what I’m talking about!”
One by one, students were called up, and each time, their abilities felt like they belonged to this new world. Some got elemental magic, others were granted powers of strength and agility.
Then it was Tatsuya’s turn. He stepped up confidently, his excitement palpable. The screen flickered, and a beam of light enveloped him, blinding everyone for a moment. The hum in the air intensified, and when it cleared, Tatsuya stood there, his presence radiating with an aura of strength and protection. The crowd gasped as the energy around him settled.
Tatsuya’s eyes widened as the glowing text appeared before him, visible only to him:
A grin spread across Tatsuya’s face as he looked around at the crowd. The energy radiating from him pulsed with authority. Without hesitation, he exclaimed, “I’ve awakened the Swordsman! A job that’s perfect for me! I’m ready to slice through anything!” He twirled on the spot, his excitement spilling over. “This is going to be amazing!”
The crowd cheered, impressed by his confidence and the aura of strength surrounding him, but unaware of the specific details of Tatsuya’s new job. Tatsuya, however, felt a surge of anticipation, ready to test his newfound strength in the world.
Then, it was my turn.
I walked up, trying to suppress the fluttering in my chest, but nothing seemed to settle. What if I didn’t fit in?
The light surged, and I closed my eyes, waiting for something. Anything.
But it wasn’t what I expected.
A soft pulse of energy, almost like the flicker of a candle flame in the dark, and suddenly, something materialized in my hands. I blinked, staring at what appeared to be... a book?
Not a weapon, not magic—just a book. The world seemed to pause for a beat.
The teacher looked at me curiously. “Seiji, what is it?”
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Book Owner (Job)
Rarity: Unique
Level 1: Grants the ability to collect and store skill cards, which can be used to enhance personal abilities.
Effect: Increases the user’s proficiency in collecting and using skills from the cards they acquire.
Unlocks at Level 5: Card Mastery – The user can begin to improve and evolve cards they have collected.
Unlocks at Level 10: Skill Fusion – The user gains the ability to combine different skill cards to create new, stronger abilities.
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I stared at it in awe, a mix of excitement and confusion. Book Owner? What did that even mean? But before I could think too much about it, I quickly closed the book, not wanting anyone to see it. I didn’t know how to explain it, I had... a book.
The book felt... familiar, yet completely foreign at the same time. The edges shimmered faintly, as if alive, pulsing with a strange energy that made my skin tingle. I had no idea what I was holding, but there was no denying it was something out of the ordinary.
I opened the book, expecting something normal. But to my surprise, the pages weren’t actually pages at all. They were card slots, each one perfectly designed to hold a single card. Some of the slots were empty, but there was one card already in place in the first slot.
I blinked at the card. It read:
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Cooking (Passive)
Rarity: Common
Level 1: Ability to prepare basic meals with ease.
Effect: Increases your proficiency in cooking. Allows for better-tasting meals.
Unlocks at Level 5: Basic Cooking Techniques – Learn to cook a wider variety of meals with improved flavor and presentation.
Unlocks at Level 10: Advanced Cooking – Ability to cook gourmet meals and experiment with complex recipes.
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Cooking? Really? I stared at the card, feeling a strange mix of disappointment and curiosity. Of all things, cooking? I couldn’t help but feel a little underwhelmed. Still, I had to admit it was practical. Maybe it would come in handy someday—like when I had to survive off my own cooking.
I quickly closed the book, trying to act like everything was normal. The last thing I needed was attention on something I barely understood myself.
The teacher raised an eyebrow. “Seiji, what is it?” the teacher repeated.
I shrugged, trying to act casual. “Uh, I think it’s just a book,” I said, avoiding the question. I didn’t want to get into the details or try to explain this strange new thing to her.
The teacher squinted at the book, clearly confused. “A book? I’ve never seen anything like it before. It doesn’t look like any power I know of.”
I didn’t feel like explaining any further. “It’s probably nothing special,” I muttered, hoping to brush it off. “Maybe it’s just a cooking thing. No big deal.”
The teacher seemed to accept that, though she still looked puzzled. “Well, if it’s cooking, then... I suppose there’s no harm in it. You’ll be a fine chef, at least.”
I offered a weak smile, relieved that the attention was finally off me. “Yeah, sure. That’s the dream,” I said, trying to sound upbeat.
As I walked away, I glanced at the book again. It felt like the weirdest thing, but maybe it was just the beginning of something bigger. For now, I couldn’t help but wonder what other cards might show up in this mysterious book.
The rest of the day passed in a blur, but my mind kept drifting back to the strange book and the cooking skill I’d unlocked. It didn’t feel like much, but there was still something nagging at me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something bigger.
As I made my way to the school gates, I spotted Tatsuya waiting by the fence, bouncing on the balls of his feet. His grin was wide, and his eyes practically sparkled with excitement.
“Yo, Seiji! You ready to go home? Or are you still caught up in that ‘what if’ phase?” Tatsuya called out as soon as he saw me.
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah, I’m ready. You seem... extra chipper today. What’s got you so hyped?”
“Are you kidding? I’m on cloud nine! Today’s the day, man! I unlocked my ability!” He looked like he was ready to burst with pride. “I can’t wait to show you!”
“Really?” I raised an eyebrow. “What'd you get?”
Tatsuya leaned in close, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “You know how everyone’s talking about getting swords or magic powers? Well, check this out.” He raised his hand, a grin spreading across his face. “I got the Guardian Sword job. It’s a unique one—I can feel the strength inside me already. It’s like I’m carrying the weight of a thousand blades with me.” He flexed his fingers, as if gripping something invisible. “This is gonna be awesome.”
I chuckled, genuinely impressed. “Well, you were talking about it non-stop. Guess you really did get what you wanted.”
I wasn’t sure what to make of it, but I had to admit, it was cool. “I guess that’s pretty epic, Tatsuya. You’ll be cutting through all kinds of stuff now.”
“Hell yeah!” He laughed and slapped me on the back. “Just you wait. Soon I’ll be slicing through dungeons, defeating monsters, and becoming the ultimate protector. No one will stand a chance!”
I smiled at his enthusiasm but couldn’t help but feel a little... left behind. It was hard not to compare my simple cooking skill to Tatsuya’s shiny new sword ability.
Just then, Tatsuya seemed to notice the way I was looking at him, and he raised an eyebrow. “Hey, what’s up with you? You got something good too, right?”
I hesitated for a second. It wasn’t like I wanted to hide it, but the whole ‘Skill Book’ thing was weird, and I wasn’t exactly sure how to explain it. In the end, I just shrugged and pulled the book from my bag. “I got this... cooking thing.”
Tatsuya blinked at it, clearly confused. “Cooking? What, like a chef?”
“Yeah, I guess.” I showed him the card, though I wasn’t exactly thrilled about it. "It's called 'Cooking (Passive).'" I glanced over it again, seeing the familiar details:
Tatsuya looked it over with a puzzled expression. “Cooking, huh? That’s… kinda unexpected.” He paused, then grinned. “Well, hey, at least you’ll never go hungry, right?”
I forced a smile. “Yeah, that’s the idea.”
Tatsuya still seemed a little unsure of what to make of it. “Well, it’s better than nothing, right? Plus, you can always level it up, right? You can probably cook up something awesome eventually.”
I nodded, though I wasn’t sure how far that would take me. “Yeah, that’s what I’m hoping.”
Tatsuya, ever the optimist, clapped me on the shoulder. “Don’t sweat it, Seiji! You’ve got something useful, and who knows—maybe you’ll unlock something cooler later! Besides, I’ll be your first customer when you start making gourmet meals.”
I chuckled, appreciating his attempt to make me feel better. “Thanks, Tatsuya. I’ll keep that in mind.”
As we walked home together, I couldn’t help but feel a little better about my new power. Sure, it wasn’t as flashy or exciting as Tatsuya’s sword, but it was mine. And maybe, just maybe, it would lead to something even more surprising down the road.
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Guardian Sword (Job)
Rarity: Unique
Level 1: As a Guardian Sword, the user becomes a stalwart protector, enhancing their own defense and the defense of those around them.
Effect: Increases personal defense and provides a small area-of-effect buff to nearby allies, improving their defense.
Unlocks at Level 5: Shield of the Protector – The user gains the ability to project a protective barrier around themselves or an ally, reducing damage taken.
Unlocks at Level 10: Unyielding Guardian – The user’s defense becomes nearly unbreakable, and they can take on multiple enemies without faltering. Increases the area-of-effect defense buff to all nearby allies.
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Hello I don't know if someone will read this thing but I created this with the help of AI but...
lmao this is my first time doing this kind of thing so bare with it.
Also If you may, I want some opinion on it 👶👶👶