Karma stared for a long moment before throwing her head back in a hearty laugh. “Exactly, like cockroaches! But let's move on, or we'll be here all day. Daemons are the longest-lived of the races, followed by dragonkin, elves, fairies, dwarves, giants, orcs, beastfolk, and finally, humans. The individual racial perks vary depending on the kind of sub-race you have as well.”

My head throbbed from the influx of information. Pressing a palm to my forehead, I asked. “What race would be best for helping people? I'm guessing this world has healing magic, so are there any that are naturally proficient in that?”

She made a so-so gesture with her hand. “There is healing magic, but it's centered around your magical element. Light is the most common element for healing, but it isn't the only one, despite what people commonly think. Nature affinity also allows for healing, though it can be a tad bit more…colorful thanks to its methods.”

I raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean by colorful?”

Instead of answering, she flicked her hand, and the castle scenery melted away. In its place formed a grove with two men standing next to a pond of crystal-clear blue water. Particles of light floated from nearby flowers, adding a shimmering quality to the air. Karma nodded to one of the men.

“Watch the druid. It's easier to show you than try to explain it.”

I watched as time seemed to resume, though no one noticed our presence. The taller man bore a set of moose-like antlers branching outward from his sandy brown hair. His clothes were plain robes, with a few pouches dangling off the leather belt cinched at his waist.

His companion had long rabbit ears and feet, his fur matched the darker shade of his hair. As they moved closer, I noticed the rabbit cradling his injured arm. Blood welled along his fur, and the moose man shook his head fondly. “You truly need to be more wary with your health, friend. That Lunar Wolf almost did you in.”

The rabbit bowed his head sheepishly and said nothing as the other laid a hand on the wound and closed his eyes. Particles of light swirled, circling the hand now resting on the injury. With a few muttered words, the lights scattered again. The rabbit pulled away, revealing a thick layer of moss covering his arm.

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“Is that sanitary?” I asked. Karma nodded.

“Just as much as light magic healing is. Once that rabbit beastfolk peels the moss away, he'll find a fully healed arm.”

Handy indeed. Depending on the spells available with nature affinity, I could see numerous benefits over light elemental healing.

The clearing disappeared, returning us to the black nothingness. Karma continued. “So if you're set on being a healer in Nexus, your race doesn't really matter, only your magic type does. We can decide that now. I presume you'll want light?”

She flicked her wrist, a ball of light appearing in her palm. Before she could do anything with it, I shook my head. “No, actually. I'd prefer nature affinity.”

She stared, the light fizzing out like a wet match. “You…want to heal with moss?” Disbelief drenched her tone, and I nodded.

“I do. I'm guessing the spells I can learn depend on my affinity, right? I'd prefer nature-based ones, especially if there's something that lets me grow my own food.”

I'd suffered through starvation and malnutrition for most of my life. Never again.

Focusing on Karma, I caught a brief twist of sympathy on her features before she smoothed them out. She smiled and shook her head. “You'll never have to worry about going without. Not while you're my Chosen. You want plant affinity? Done. I'll make sure one of the spells you start with is ‘Crop Growth’ too.”

I blinked. “That kind of spell actually exists? I thought I'd have to find seeds and use some kind of fertilizing spell to make them grow quicker.”

She winked. “That's exactly how it usually works, but making a new spell is hardly difficult for me. Use the spell on healthy dirt, and it'll grow some basic crops from the region you're in. It won't be able to grow things out of season or in the wrong climate, though.”

I nodded, appreciating the effort. “Thanks, I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Being able to grow food will also be nice in case I run into someone who needs it.”

If the world she was sending me into was as full of corruption as she suggested, I would undoubtedly encounter starving and injured people in every town. Better to be prepared and have everything I'd need ahead of time.

She hummed, drawing us back to the topic at hand. “Alright, that still leaves your race. You'll probably want something fast and adaptable. Beastfolk have plenty of options for that…”

She trailed off, uncertainty pinching her brows. “Though perhaps that isn't such a good idea. There’s a lot of mistrust and hatred toward beastfolk right now. You'll likely be met with hostility and even some attempts on your life.”

Actually…

“No, that's perfect.”

Karma eyed me as one would a patient who'd escaped from a mental institute. “You want people to try and kill you?”

I shrugged. “Well, part of my job description will be hunting down assholes, right? It won't take much hunting if they're actively coming to me. It'll make my job easier in the long run.”

I'd seen enough prejudice in the poor areas of town to know how ugly it could get. This would undoubtedly draw the worst sort to me, and I could make that work in my favor.