Mike opened his system menu, seeing a large button next to his race level that read in large, bold letters, “Evolve”. He pressed it with great anticipation. In that very next moment, he was within his soul. He felt almost trapped there, as his access to the outside was completely cut off. His mind reeled for a moment at the sudden and jolting entrance. His system menu was open in front of him, with 5 options on it, much like when he had first picked his class. He looked through the options, wondering what choices he was being given.
Bulwark
Specializing in the protection of others, the Bulwark is skilled in defense and crowd control. Gain +6 Fortitude and Constitution, +5 strength and agility, +4 Wisdom and intelligence, and +3 Charisma and perception per level. +9 free points per level.
Not exactly the direction I would like to grow in, Mike thought.
Reckless Berserker
Getting stronger throughout a battle, Reckless berserkers grow in power the more they are hurt. Sacrificing self preservation for power, one can reach great heights, or die quick deaths. Gain +10 Strength, +6 Agility, +5 Fortitude and Constitution, +4 Perception and Charisma, and +3 Wisdom and Intelligence. +9 Free points per level.
Mike liked the idea of ending fights stronger than he started them, but was certainly averse to taking hits just to do it. Even worse, he really didn't like the idea of his intelligence and wisdom falling even further behind and making his practice with magic suffer.
Barbarian
Wielding weapons with great vigor, the Barbarian can overpower foes with overwhelming strength, while their magic suffers as a result. Gain +10 Strength, +8 Agility, +5 Constitution and Fortitude, and +3 Perception, Charisma, Wisdom, and Intelligence per level. +10 free points per level.
Well this obviously had the same problem, while making it worse.
Infusionist Vanguard
Leading a group of many, you win fights through cooperation and leadership. Wars aren’t won alone, and the Infusionist Vanguard can use magic to make themselves and allies stronger. Gain +6 to Charisma, Intelligence, and Wisdom, +5 to Strength, Agility, Constitution, Fortitude, and perception per level. +12 free points per level.
This was the first one that made Mike look over it again. He liked that his magic talent was getting some recognition, and that his stats would be more balanced. He did not like that he was going to be tied to being in a group, similar to the Bulwark class. Despite the obvious downside, he was still leaning towards this class more than the others. His choice was all but made for him when he saw the last class on the list.
Mighty Infusionist Slayer
The mighty infusionist slayer finds no challenge in fighting those of his level, instead looking to punch above his Weight class. The Might Infusionist Slayer can use mana to enhance their body, supplementing the weakness of flesh for the power of magic. Gain +8 Strength, +7 Agility, +6 Constitution, Fortitude, Wisdom and intelligence, and +5 Charisma and perception per level. +12 free points per level.
There were just so many things Mike liked about this class. Firstly, he would be getting 61 points total from each level. Compared to the 55 the Vanguard class would give him, it was a big plus. He would also be more balanced, getting access to more magic than before. Big bonus number 2 was that he wasn't going to be tied down to growing in any particular way, other than fighting strong enemies of course.
He was glad to see that his class name would also sound pretty badass. Way better than “reckless berserker” in his opinion. He selected the class, feeling some parts of his being changed in ways he couldn't quite pinpoint. After picking his class, more choices popped up, showing options for his new profession.
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Enchanter
Improve items through the power of enchantments, using your power to enhance that of your creations. Gain +6 Wisdom and Intelligence, +5 Perception and Charisma, and +4 Constitution, Fortitude, Strength, and Agility per level. +9 free points per level.
Didn't even include him making things, hard pass, but nice to see his enchantment was good enough to get the profession offered.
Novice Bowyer
Mike didn't even bother reading the rest. He had likely been offered it for his poor attempts at making arrows with the bone shards he had.
Leather worker
Working with the pelts of fallen beasts, leather workers make well fitting armors fit for anyone. Gain +7 Perception and Agility, +6 strength, and +5 Charisma, Intelligence, Constitution, Fortitude, and Wisdom per level. +9 free points per level.
Better, but it didn't account for him making weapons, so it too was a pass.
Bone Smith
Take the bones from fallen foes, shaping them into implements to acquire more materials. Gain +8 Strength, +6 Perception and Agility, and +5 Constitution, Charisma, Fortitude, Intelligence, and Wisdom per level. +10 free points per level.
The same problem, but the opposite direction. It also had a very ominous description, which made Mike shiver a bit. Had people thought it was weird when he sat in a cave, making things from bones for hours on end? It was probably fine, Mike decided. The last class was once more the only choice that made any sense to pick, if for no other reason than he liked the name the most.
Arcane Artisan
Creating things with your body, and enhancing them with your magic, the Arcane Artisan is an extremely versatile crafter, making anything from armor magically enchanted for stealth, to a kitchen knife strong enough to slay powerful beasts, and cook them for a delicious meal. Gain +7 Wisdom and Intelligence, +6 Perception, and +5 Strength, Agility, Fortitude, Constitution, and Charisma per level. +12 Free points per level.
Mike felt like the description of the class was tailored to him, in fact he was certain of it, considering the knife in question was likely a more powerful weapon than his own hammer. He selected the Profession, and was met by a notification.
*Evolution complete, trait awakened*
*Evolution complete, class and profession skills granted*
That was it. It didn't even bother to tell him about it. He opened his status menu, about to select his trait and learn more about it when his eyes were practically dragged down to the massive numbers staring back at him.
Stats:
Strength: 149
Constitution: 105
Agility: 112
Intelligence: 59
Wisdom: 58
Charisma: 55
Perception: 76
Fortitude: 103
Every one of his stats had directly doubled from what they were before, except for Constitution and Fortitude. They had over doubled in size from what they had been before. He went back to inspecting his stat sheet, trying to figure out what caused this, when he once more saw his trait, with the N/A that had been there before now replaced by one word.
Indomitable
He investigated further, reading the description to it. His breath would have caught in his throat if it hadn't been for the fact that he didn't breath within his soul.
Indomitable
You are impossible to suppress, no chains can bind you down, and no man can make you kneel. Small wins mean nothing, as winning through complete domination is more your style anyways.
Effect 1: Gain +20% Constitution and Fortitude, applied after all other bonuses.
That was quite the bonus. Mike didn't know if the description was just flavor text or if it really meant something about him. One day he may find out, but for now he was glad for the enhanced survivability afforded to him by the trait. He then checked the skills he had been given, and was impressed by what he saw.
Enhance Self (Rare)
Circulate energy throughout your body at a steep mana cost, raising your physical stats by 10 percent.
Arcane Repair (Rare)
Use your mana to repair items, with the cost affected by the material and repairs required.
They both focused on his mana, and used it in ways he hadn't considered before. They were both rare rarities, which was always nice. He closed his menu, contemplating the changes, and exiting his soul. A moment later, his head hit the ground as he finished his fall that began as soon as he had started his evolution.