“Hmm... Something definitely changed!”
---
Name: Lucas Tharla
Age: 16 years old
Race: Human Tier 1
Gender: Male
Class: God of Fire and Heat
Subclass: King Authority
Subclass: None
Subclass: None
Level: 23 (6010/40000)
Stats:
Agi: 22
Str: 40
Int: 30
Vit: 46
Unallocated Stat Points: 0
Skills:
[Clawing Fang: Manifest a temporary long claw for 30 seconds. (2 uses/day) Grade 1!]
[Fireball: Summon a fireball and launch it at a target!]
[Knight's Blessing: Bestow the class of a kingdom knight upon a living creature. (1 use/month) Grade 1!]
[Knights Summon: Summon the kingdom knight to guard the king. (1 use/month) Grade 1!]
[Royal Blood: Protection of the spirit. (1 use/month) Grade 1!]
[Subordination: Mark a living creature as a follower of your domain. (2 uses/day) Grade 1!]
Unallocated Skill Points: 23
Coins: 57000
Achievements Completed: 8 ᐁ
[Silver] Class Change in One Week
[Silver] Sixty-Eight to Discover the Class Change Building.
[Gold] Forty-Eight to Discover the Auction Market Building.
[Gold] Eliminated One Level 2 and Nine Level 1 Zombies in Two Days.
[Platinum] Eliminate Four Level 2 and Forty Level 1 Zombies in Four Days.
[Platinum] Eliminate One Level 3 and Ten Level 2 Zombies in Five Days.
[Platinum] Retrieve One of the Artifacts Before Phase 2 Started. (Crown)
[Mithril] First to Clear a Level 8 Dungeon.
Items: 9 ᐁ
Basic Dagger [Common]
Appraisal Magnifier [Uncommon]
Holy Bracelet (0/3) [Rare]
Steel Jain [Rare]
Inventory Pouch (98/100) [Epic]
Fire Ring [Heroic]
Hurricane Ring [Heroic]
King's Crown (Artifact) [Heroic]
Fire Robe [Legendary]
---
“I've had a class forced upon me, Lucy. Not that I dislike it, but it's a bit annoying that one of my extra class slots has been taken away.”
“People would pay a fortune to have that, you know.”
Lucy mumbles quietly, her head still resting on the sofa, her gaze fixed on the ceiling.
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“The notification mentioned that I was supposed to be a lord or something. But because I had the king class scroll in my possession, it automatically recognized me as a king. At least, that's what the countless notifications said.”
“You heard all of that last night and still slept like the dead. I was so scared, you know.”
Lucas shakes his head slightly as he speaks, his voice soft.
“I didn't choose to be unconscious. My body probably couldn't handle the immediate transition from regional lord to the king. As for the notifications, we're already accustomed to the sound, so I probably wouldn't have noticed them even if I wasn't unconscious.”
Lucy's eyebrows furrow.
“It said something about giving me the ability to hold king authority. I'll explain the details later, but essentially, it grants me abilities that only a king possesses. Well, it forcefully promoted me by taking my class scroll.”
“Lucas, don't make it sound casual. You obtained a class called king. Do you have any idea how big a leap that is from being a lord? Or maybe you already knew.”
“Of course, I knew. But I mean, it's not like I'm way ahead of you. According to the notification, the lord class depends on the strongest individual in an area. Since my stats are higher than yours, that's why I got the class. And it's just a coincidence that my scroll was found.”
“Huh? Aren't we on the same level?”
“Yes, but just before the day transitioned into phase 2, I was in pain. So, I drank the plus 10 vitality potion. I think a few seconds after that, I started feeling slightly dizzy.”
At this point, Lucas is idly toying with the soymilk package. He sets Cale, Meri's younger brother, aside and stands up. Meri is probably finishing up dinner by now. Her presence is almost magical; she's been in the kitchen on floor 2 for quite some time, yet not a single sound has reached Lucy's ears. It's truly astonishing.
“Really? I didn't even realize. I assumed she was still sleeping since Cale was with you.”
“She woke up even before any of us. I saw her about an hour after I woke up. She wanted to make food for us as a gesture of thanks, so I gave her the ingredients, mainly rice, and canned food. I didn't want the perishable stuff to go bad in my pouch.”
'So, all I need is a base?'
'It appears this phase is encouraging cooperation with others, seeking out potential. But what can I really contribute?'
'I've tried joining groups twice, and both times I got hurt. It's not exactly enjoyable. Well, the plan was always to establish my own base. Joining others is risky, especially after two not-so-pleasant experiences. The third time might not be a charm.'
“Will four be sufficient?”
“For what?”
“The base I mentioned earlier?”
“Oh... yeah, having a base is a good idea. Four or more, I don't mind. I'm indifferent. Aunt Meri, would you like to join us?”
“We'd be more than happy to join you two, miss.”
Internally facepalming once more, he can almost imagine cringing at her at some point in the future.
“Meri, do you know of a suitable place where we could establish our base?”
“Hmm... A suitable place. Are there any specific criteria, sir?”
“Criteria? I think it would be great to have some greenery, fresh air, and a somewhat enclosed space for easy defense. It would also be convenient if it's close to here and near a river.”
“Ah, a place like that. I believe I have just the spot. Around three miles from here is a university. It's quite a lovely location, situated along a street with multiple buildings in a row. The university is spacious and beautiful, spanning five floors. It even has an open area in the center.”
“Ahh! That university!”
Lucy's exclamation follows Meri's description.
“You're familiar with that place?”
Lucas inquires, sounding as if he's the only one here who doesn't know, though, in truth, he hasn't paid much attention to local universities.
“I don't just know about it; it's my dream university. I've always wanted to study there. It's an aspirational school for many students. If you heard about the achievements of their graduates, Lucas, you'd probably be interested too. It's a private university, so it's not huge, but that's actually perfect for us. I think they have around 5,000 current students. On Sundays, most of them probably won't be around.”
“It's been a while since I've heard you talk so much. Are you sure it's as amazing as you say?”
“Absolutely, Lucas. I agree with Meri. It's a fantastic place, especially with that big tree in the center of the university's open space. Oh my God, I've always wanted to see it.”
“Ahem... Okay then, lower your voice, Lucy. Even Cale is giving you strange looks because of your enthusiasm. Finish your lunch. We're leaving in an hour, so eat up, pack your belongings, and if you need to use the bathroom, take care of it. The journey will be quite long.”
“Meri, can you return any unused items so I can store them away? Food doesn't exactly restock itself these days.”
“Of course, sir.”
“Lucas, you're treating her like a maid. Remember, she's older than us.”
“Hey, it's not my fault. She wouldn't even let me help with cooking. How was I supposed to know where the leftovers were? Just keep eating.”
As Lucy returns with a handful of items, Lucas takes them from her and puts everything back into the pouch.
“Lucas is right, miss. Without both of you, I can't imagine when Cale and I would have tasted real food again. Please enjoy it today. I put my heart into preparing this as a token of gratitude. It's quite emotional for me too. The world changed so suddenly. I wasn't as courageous or resourceful as you both, so I figured I could at least help with household chores.”
“Meri, you don't need to thank us. Lucas can cook, too. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you asked for help.”
Meri smiles awkwardly, her hand touching her neck. “I'll take you up on that, sir.”
“You know, you can drop the 'sir' and 'miss' titles. We're four years younger than you, Meri. It feels a bit strange.”
Lucas suddenly interjects as he finishes putting away the leftovers.
“Well, I won't push you, Meri. Just do whatever makes you comfortable, I guess.”
Meri nods, and as soon as Cale finishes his meal, she guides him to pack their belongings.
Left alone in the kitchen, only the two of them remain in an awkward silence.
“Lucas, you sounded pretty agitated just now. Are you alright?”
“Did I? I suppose the confusion from all this phase 2 stuff is getting to me. I might sound irritated. Well, please apologize to Meri for me too. I don't want my words to distract her.”
Saying that, Lucas leaves the kitchen and heads to the bathroom for a shower.
'I'm not usually like this...'