As I sat there, wondering what I should do first, Celeste actually made the decision for me.
"Heal the hole in your stomach moron!" She said, and I immediately jumped up from where I was laying down, casting a healing spell on myself as I did. I probably should have dealt with that to begin with, and I was very glad to feel the pain from it fade away. I took a look and saw the crater had at this point mostly stopped burning, so that shouldn't be an issue.
"You don't have to be rude about it you know."
"I'm not going to watch you beat the odds like that then die to an infection because you were stuck in your own head, now get to somewhere safer and I can explain the class system for you." I nodded and decided the best option would be to go check on the shelter back on the top floor, heading over to the staircase. After several flights of stairs and much complaining from my already tired body, I made it to the door of the shelter. I popped it open and ran in, sitting down in the hallway leading to the main area. As I clicked on the notification from earlier talking about classes, a list of them appeared on screen, separated into different categories.
Common Tier: These classes are offered to every Guardian Fighter
Brawler
Mage
Marksman Uncommon Tier: These classes are offered for achieving specific tasks.
Medic
Pyromancer
Martial Artist
Weapon Master
Technician
Scout
Rare Tier: These classes are offered for specific tasks being completed many times. Explosive Expert
Fire Cleric
Monk Legendary Tier: These classes are given out for extremely specific and hard to complete tasks.
Monster Hunter
Battle Medic
Mythic Tier: If you are offered one of these classes, it means you have progressed as a guardian much faster than others and are willing to take extreme risks. These classes are the strongest there are, but they each have extreme drawbacks, so take caution when choosing.
Avenger
Star Cleric
"Uh, am I supposed to have two of those mythic classes?"
"Normally no, but it's not a bad thing to have options. So, the classes give you some enhancements and extra skills to start, but after that you'll have to level them up. The first few levels will just be killing a certain number of enemies, but after that the requirements get more specific. When you do level up, you get a few different choices of new abilities to gain, passive or otherwise, and eventually you usually get the option to choose a specific specialization. Let's take a look at some of the classes and I'll run you through the ones I've seen." She said, and so I tapped on the ones at the top to see what they did.
It turns out, the common classes were pretty lame to start, providing basic bonuses to either physical weapons, martial arts, ranged weapons or magic. Celeste told me they actually could get pretty good later on if you chose the right specialties, but I wasn't going to waste my time on them. The uncommon tier was similarly disappointing, but it was actually interesting seeing all the requirements to obtain classes.
You could get a class for healing people, burning things, even just observing your surroundings well enough. The Explosive Expert in the rare tier did seem interesting, but having to buy all those grenades seemed expensive, and I was worried about collateral damage.
I almost took the Monk class straight away, as the many hours I had spent watching anime as a child compelled me, but Celeste convinced me to look at the rest of the classes first. The epic tier was where things started getting really crazy. I took a look at the Battle Medic first, and it seemed like a rather nice fit.
Battle Medic: Legendary Tier Class
The Medic is one of the most important members of a team or rescue effort, keeping people healthy for the fights to come, but they often have the problem of being frail without things to compensate. The Battle Medic solves this issue by balancing the healing power of a Medic with extra staying power and physical prowess. This does make them slightly worse healers, but they can stay around for much longer.
Obtainment Method: Heal a certain amount of people and kill a certain number of entities within a small timeframe.
Benefits: Increase to Durability, Increase to Strength, Increase to Mana Capacity, Small Increase to Healing Power, Bonuses to Unarmed Combat Access to Spell: Regen*
Note: Any abilities with an * next to them scale with your rank.
"Well, that seems pretty much perfect right? That's everything I want to do." I said, and Celeste squinted at the menu, having popped out onto my shoulder a little bit ago
"That's true, but we should still look through the rest first. I've only ever seen one Guardian get a Mythic class, and it wasn't either of these, so getting information on them will be useful. The Mythic ones also tell you how many people ever took the class, so if that information isn't already in our database, I'd like to add it." I shrugged but went along with it, taking a peek at the Monster Hunter class.
It was offered for killing a tier of entity higher than SAIA, but the bonuses were honestly way too boring for me, just generic stat and weapon bonuses for killing large entities. I finally got to the Mythic Tier and opened up Avenger first.
Avenger: Mythic Tier Class
Claimed by 54 Guardians, 4 Currently Active
An Avenger gains fuel from hatred, always fighting in remembrance of those who have fallen. To obtain this class, one must go through sorrow and heartbreak, having to kill an entity far above one's level that has also slain those who the Guardian wished to prote-
I closed the window in a flash, looking away from the menu as Celeste turned to me.
"I'm sorry. I'm guessing you don't want to be reminded of what happened?" Celeste nodded, and I shook my head, suddenly feeling the exhaustion from all my previous battles kick in.
"It's not that. I just... I didn't like how much I wanted to kill that thing. I didn't enjoy it, but I don't think I've ever felt more animosity towards something. I don't want that to be my entire life. I'm sorry, this is stupid, let's read the rest." I went to open the description again, but Celeste put a paw on my hand, stopping me.
"Liara, no, that is entirely fair. Setting boundaries in this job is important, this class most likely takes a very specific kind of person, and if that's not you it's fine. Let's just take a look at the last option." I smiled at Celeste, my eyes admittedly feeling a lot less dry than usual and clicked on the Star Cleric. I assumed it would be some fire-based healer from the name, but the description told a more complicated story.
Star Cleric: Mythic Tier Class
Claimed by 4 Guardians, 0 Currently Active
A Guardian, at its core, is a protector. They are meant to find those who cannot help themselves, and keep them safe, at any cost. The Star Cleric takes this to the furthest extent possible for a Guardian. To be a Star Cleric is to be like a star itself, burning brightly for a time before eventually fading out. They receive massive benefits to combat, healing, magical ability and mana capacity, but these come at a great cost. Their ability to heal themselves is decreased immensely, and these benefits, aside from the mana capacity are weakened severely until activated via Metamorphosis, a unique ability only Star Clerics can access. This ability allows the user to temporarily access the full extent of their power, and also physically transforms the user's body.
"Ugh, another transformation? I already got turned into a chick today, just because I like having big legs doesn't mean I want to roll the dice again."
"Keep reading, the description is a lot longer than the rest were, it most likely goes into detail on that. Hang on, what did you say you liked?"
"...no idea what you mean, let's get back to reading!" I looked back to the description, blushing while trying to forget I ever said that.
The power granted by this ability, along with the aforementioned physical changes, come in evolving stages, which manifest differently for every user. But even these benefits don't come for free, as when the ability is activated, a strain is placed on the user that continuously grows as they use it, which also changes depending on the user. They may slowly lose control of their actions, fully devolving into an animalistic rampage, or they could begin to lose more and more physical feeling in their body, before eventually being unable to move in the slightest.
It is imperative that if someone chooses this class, they must have other Guardians they trust helping them in combat. Star Clerics are sacrificial in nature, made to give every single thing they can to help their teammates, in the hopes that when the light they shine inevitably burns out, the people they trust are ready to save them in return.
Obtainment Method: Heal enough people and kill an entity above a certain rank. These requirements get exponentially harder over time, starting from when you first form your contract.
Benefits: Minor/Major Increase to All Physical Abilities, Minor/Major Increase to Magical Potency, Major Increase to Mana Capacity, Major Increase to Healing Potency, Major Decrease to Self-Healing Potency, Access to Metamorphosis*, Access to Various Other Abilities
Note: Any abilities with an * next to them scale with your rank.
Note Two: Unlike other classes, this class has no specializations. Instead, abilities are made depending on how Metamorphosis manifests in the user.
"Well, that's slightly disappointing. I was hoping for more with the Mythic classes, but I suppose there is a reason they are given to risk takers. So, it seems our choices are between the Monk and the Battle Medic." Celeste said. I gave her the most baffled look I could manage.
"Are you crazy? This class sounds absurdly good, it's pretty clearly the best option."
"Inari, I am not going to let you choose that class. As powerful as it seems, it is also absurdly dangerous, and you have access to other good options. I was mostly interested in reading the Mythic classes for the database information, I planned on dissuading you from choosing any Mythic class. But from the looks of it, taking that class is even more risky and stupid then most Mythic classes. Besides, you already said you wanted the monk class, didn't you want to shoot a turtle out of your hands or something?"
"What? No, that's just the name of the attack."
"Well, being a Monk will let you do it, so it's settled!" Celeste said, sounding oddly panicked while she swiped through the menu as quick as she could. I snapped out with my right arm and grabbed her off my shoulder, before sitting her small fox form beside me.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
"Celeste, while that is a dream I've had ever since I was a child, it's just something I think is cool. If I'm going to be out there saving lives, I want to have the best tools to do it. If that means putting myself in a bit of danger, I'm willing to do that."
"I said no, Liara. In the small time that I've known you, you have proven yourself to be far too willing to risk negative impacts to your well-being just to help others."
"Well yeah, that's literally my job now, of course I'm fine with doing that!"
"You cannot help anyone if you are dead, and from what I've seen it will be a miracle if you live another ten minutes if you don't listen to me!" At this point, I was standing up as Celeste was somehow floating in midair in front of me, both of us quickly raising the volume of our voices.
"Do you really think I'm that incompetent? Why the hell would you choose me as a Guardian if you think I can't take care of myself?!"
"Obviously you can take care of yourself, I wouldn't offer a contract to someone who isn't ready to do what you've done today!"
"Then why are you treating me like this?!"
"Because I refuse to lose another fucking person I care about to their own moronic self-sacrificing tendencies!" Celeste screamed, her fox form distorting into a blob of pure mana, shaking with rage. I instantly dropped to the ground and crawled backwards away from her, eventually reaching the exit to the shelter before curling up into a ball and shutting my eyes.
"I'm sorry I'm so sorry I promise I'll fight back just please stop yelling!" I said absurdly fast, tears already streaming down my cheeks. Why did it always have to get like this I just wanted to relax for once why I can't just be a normal person-
"Liara! Just calm down for me, everything's fine, no one's gonna yell anymore." A voice said, cutting through the alarms ringing in my brain as I felt someone wrap their arms around me, stroking my head. I managed to open my eyes and saw Mia, the guard from earlier holding me, an extremely concerned look on her face. I put my head into her shoulder and sobbed, trying to make myself remember what was really happening. I was in an entertainment center on another planet, I wasn't back there, I was fine. After a little bit of time passed, I felt composed enough to lean back look at Mia again, noticing Celeste wasn't behind her
"Fuck, I'm sorry about that. I, uh..." I tried to take a moment to say what I wanted, but she simply shook her head.
"Hey, it's alright. I know you didn't freak out that badly just because of that contractor of yours, but I don't need to know why. You feeling any better?" I gave as much of a smile to her as I could and nodded.
"Yeah, I think I am."
"Glad to hear it. Now then, contractor, I know you can hear me. Quit hiding in her head and get the hell out here." She said, and after a moment Celeste reappeared, head lowered in shame.
"I'm sorry. I didn't think that would cause that big of a reaction from you, but I should not have lost my temper in the first place. I am a machine first and foremost, my sentience is just to help with my tasks, so I should make sure my emotions are not inhibiting that." I sighed and put a hand on her head, absentmindedly scratching it. It didn't feel like normal fur, but it was nice.
"Celeste, you're fine. I'm not gonna say that was okay, it wasn't, but you're allowed to have emotions and make mistakes. I was yelling at you the same way, I just reacted worse."
"I am sorry about this as well, but I do have to ask what that was about, just to make sure it will not affect you mid combat." She said. Mia went to interject but I held a hand up, and she backed off.
"Listen, you just said something that was really similar to something I've had yelled at me before. It's a really bad memory, but I didn't know it affected me that badly. As long as you stay away from that subject matter, we should be fine."
"Okay. I suppose I should explain why I said that. And don't say that I don't have to, I owe you an explanation at this point. I don't know if it's a problem with how I'm programmed or what, but I have a history of Guardians I choose sacrificing themselves for others. I know that's what a Guardian is supposed to do, but I cared about all of them. I was their main line of support, I should have been able to do enough so they didn't have to sacrifice themselves." Celeste was clearly getting more and more distressed, so I turned to look at her fox form.
"I don't know the full story with all of those people, but I know they were all capable of making their own choices. If they genuinely thought that was the best way to save people, then that was their call to make. You don't need to blame yourself for that."
"I don't know how much that really helps, but it does feel nice to hear you say that."
"I understand I'm not going to fix your issues with one conversation Celeste, it's fine. I'm guessing that's why you took a break for a few years?" I asked her, and she nodded.
"You are correct. It did help a lot, but now I'm worried that everything is going to go the same way again."
"Listen, if you don't want me to take this class I won't. But I can't do my job as effectively as I could if I don't have your full trust in me. I need you to know that I can understand my own limits, and if I ever don't, I trust you to be able to tell me. How does that sound?" She took a moment to think, before eventually looking back up at me.
"Okay. I trust you. It's your call in the end, choose whatever you think is best." I smiled and gave her another head scratch as I looked back at the menu, Mia looking over as well. I moved back down to the Star Cleric and clicked on it, scrolling to the bottom and selecting the choose option. It gave another brief warning which I read and then clicked past.
You have selected your new class: Star Cleric
Please wait one moment...
"Eh? Celeste what am I waiting for?" I turned to look back at her, but she was gone. Or rather, I wasn't where I was supposed to be. I was on a street corner in the beginnings of the night and judging from all the people walking around and the decorations, I assumed it was some kind of festival. There were all kinds of festivals happening in and around Tokyo all the time, so it took me a moment to place what it was.
It was rather hot outside, so it must take place during the summer, and I was pretty sure I could see the diet building pretty far in the distance. Since there was a parade going on, I assumed this must be the Sando Matsuri, but considering it was the middle of January, I wasn't entirely sure this was all exactly real.
My theory was proven when eight year old me walked around the corner, holding my father's hand as we watched the parade. So, this was clearly another memory, but why the hell was I here? I walked over to my younger self and was thankful no one could see me, as the appearance of a real life kitsune at a festival like this would probably cause a lot of panic. The young me looked up at my father and pointed over to a group of women dressed in yukatas, doing some kind of traditional dance I didn't know the name of. I heard myself try to speak in Japanese to start, but after fumbling for a bit they just ended up switching back to English. It was funny that I only got the hang of Japanese after I left Japan.
"Dad, what kind of dance are those girls doing?" I asked him excitedly, and he looked over and smiled.
"I'm not sure son, there's quite a few dances like that at different festivals, but we could look it up later if you want. They must have practiced for a while, they're very good at it."
"I know! I wanna do that when I get old enough!" I said, and my dad chuckled.
"Well, usually men and women have different dances, so why don't we go look around and see if we can find a group doing that version instead?" He said, and I watched my enthusiasm deflate immediately.
"Oh, okay then." I said dejectedly, knowing better then to try and push back on that. I actually didn't remember talking to my dad about that on that night. That felt like something I should remember, but I decided to push that thought to the side now. I could worry about the implications of that, well, never.
"Let's find your mother first, I don't know how we keep losing her in this. Oh, never mind. Honey!" My dad yelled, waving over to someone. My heart sank, and I whipped around to what he was looking at. Sure enough, there was my mother, looking as beautiful as she always did. She wore a traditional yukata, despite the fact she wasn't from Japan.
She always tried her best to adapt to my dad's culture, he said that was one of the reasons he married her. She had long blonde hair the same way I did now, and she was around the same height as my father, so she was extremely tall for a woman at around 6,2. I realized now why my face looked odd to me in the mirror, it was like a younger version of hers.
I could already feel my eyes tearing up, and I knew hearing her voice would be too much, so I walked away quickly, losing myself in the crowd. I was waiting for the moment everything got weird again like the last memory, but it didn't seem to be happening, so I just kept walking and enjoyed the different sights.
"Excuse me, miss?" Someone said in Japanese. I kept walking, assuming it was just more idle chatter, but for some reason it sounded a lot louder than everything else. Weird that my super hearing didn't work in a memory, but oh well.
"Miss? Over here!" Okay, that time I know that sounded louder. I turned around to see a woman wearing a normal looking yukata, but she held a mask over her face. It was a kabuki mask, a lot different looking then the one my grandfather had in my last memory, but the woman was clearly looking at me. I slowly walked over to her, extremely confused.
"Um, hello? How exactly can you see me?" I asked back in Japanese, a little slower than I'd like. I really needed to practice more.
"This dream of yours is powered by your own magic, and Guardians aren't the only ones able to use magic. I simply snuck my way in. I, or should I say we, have been tracking you ever since we felt you come into existence a few hours ago. I have to say, I actually wasn't expecting this to work over such a large distance, but I am glad it did." She said, moving out of the shadows where she was standing. I was somehow more confused than I was before.
"Okay then, new question, who the hell are you?" I asked, and the woman smiled and took off her mask, revealing... someone I had never met before. I don't know what I was expecting. She looked like your average Japanese woman, except her eyes were slits, much like mine.
"Who I am is not important, what matters more is who are we. And we are what you can call your sisters in kin. We simply wished to send a message to you to let you know you should come find us. Take this and memorize it." She handed me a slip of paper with what appeared to be an address on it, and I looked back up at her.
"Okay, I have absolutely zero clue what’s happening here. I was told regular people could barely do magic even with tools, how are you doing this?” I asked, but as I did, I felt an odd pulse in the air. The woman looked around as this happened and turned back to me.
"It seems we are out of time, the systems you Guardians use must know what we've done. Trust me Inari, we wish to help you, and you will have to find us so we can do so. I’ll see you soon, keep a good hold of that."
”Wait, you haven’t answered anything! At least give me a name!”
“You can call me Yui.” As she said this, I felt the pulse from earlier happen again, and suddenly I felt everything go black. When I opened my eyes, I was simply inside the hallway of the shelter with Mia looking at me in shock.
"What the fuck was that?! You just disappeared for two minutes! Your little fox just said you were fine then vanished!" I went to respond to her, but as I did Celeste's voice rang out in my head.
"Don't tell her about what just happened! I cannot explain why right now, but it is important she does not know about what you just went through at the moment. You should be able to explain it to her later." She said, and while I wanted to fight her on it, I figured it wasn't worth it for now, and looked back over to Mia.
"Uh, for some reason I can't tell you right now. But yeah, I am fine, don't worry. Now come on, let's go get these people ready."
"You cannot possibly think I'm just gonna forget about that happening!" She yelled as I began to walk back into the shelter.
"Trust me, I'll tell you later. For now, I gotta call a friend, get everyone rounded up." I said, getting ready to call Arc. It was time to get these people the hell out of here.