Eradin could scarcely believe his eyes as he read the description in front of him
Item: Class Guide (Unique)
A class book allowing for a one time class change.
Grants the class: Lydia’s Child (Unique)
Abilities & traits outside the scope of the system. Unique tier granted.
A unique class… and granted in the form of a skill book. He shook his head, stunned. Low tier skill books were rare enough. The few his father owned were for common skills like spark or mana bolt. He hadn’t even heard of a person bearing a unique class. Just how much was this thing worth?
His father voiced similar thoughts as he worked to wipe the sweat pouring down the back of his neck. “I must say, I wasn’t quite expecting an item such as this. I’ll be completely honest here, I don’t know if I can buy this off you. I’ve never seen something quite like it.”
The man nodded as if expecting the answer. “How much money do you have on hand? My party doesn’t care all too much about the selling price. As long as we can get the payment quickly, we’ll let it go for a good price.”
Amon licked his lips, his eyes taking on a hungry glint. He adjusted his glasses, “In that case, I’ll see what I can do. If you’d excuse me for a moment, I’d like to take a moment to discuss this with my son.”
“Go ahead.”
Amon walked up to Eradin, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Could you join me in the back for a second.”
“Ahh, alright.”
Eradin chanced one last glance back at the customer before following his father. They walked past various shelves of trinkets and oddities before passing under the curtain that separated the storefront from the warehouse. He took a seat on a low standing table, resting his arms beside him. He voiced the question he had been holding in, “Are you going to buy it?”
A pained expression came over his father's face. It was an odd sight to see. Amon was a man who followed his passions, a person filled with the endless energy of optimism. No matter the situation, his face never failed in wearing his manufactured smile. Eradin had thought he hated it but right now he found himself dearly wishing for its return.
“I’m willing to bet big on this Eradin. I know for a fact that that book is worth more than this entire shop. There’s no doubt in my mind regarding its value.”
“Eradin shook his head dumbly, “More than the shop. That’s hard to believe. Is it really that much?”
A grim expression covered Amon’s face. “That item is priceless! We have nowhere near enough money to buy it. In fact I’m slightly concerned he might take offense to my low offer.
“Why would he bother coming here then? Why not sell it to someone else?”
Amon’s face turned dark. “There is a good possibility he stole it. I don’t trust his story for a second. I mean what kind of dungeon spits out unique class books?”
It made sense, Eradin thought. Afterall, there were surely better places to sell a magic item than a mid tier adventurer’s shop. “Why risk it though? What happens if the original owner wants it back. We’d have lost the shop for nothing.”
Amon grimaced. “Eradin, do you still want to become an adventurer?” He peered into Eradin’s eyes, his expression for once in his life, deadly serious.
Eradin gulped, his voice came out in a whisper. “Yes.”
His father smiled, tension falling from his shoulders. “Then I’ll try my best. Stay in the back. Don’t come out until I say so.”
A spring of hope bubbled up from his stomach. His father would support him… give up his life’s work to give him a chance.
A massive smile overtook his face. He wrapped his arms around Amon. He might have been imagining it, but his eyes felt slightly wet. “You don’t have to do this. I want to be an adventurer, but not like this.”
Amon smiled hugging his son back. “I know you don’t want to be a shopkeeper, son. I know that you’ve had a tough time this last year. Let me do this for you. We can always get the shop back.”
Eradin hugged his father tight, tears freely flowing down his face.”
“I’m sorry dad.”
Amon smiled, closing his eyes. “Don’t be.”
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The cloaked man stood waiting, examining a lamp powered by glowstone. Amon wiped his eyes and summoned up his trusty shopkeeper smile. He scurried forward. “Sorry for the wait! If you’re ready I have an offer for your item.”
The man turned, regarding Amon with a calculating gaze.
Outwardly, he seemed completely at ease, his bubbly smile unwavering. If one looked inwards however, it was a different story entirely. It took all of Amon’s might just to keep his smile in place. He felt the edges of his lips tremble, their corners strained and twitchy.
Stay calm! Stay calm!
He took a few deep mental breaths to collect himself. Remembering the look of hope that Eradin had worn, he steeled himself. The words tumbled from his mouth, “Two hundred gold coins! I’ll give you two hundred gold coins for the class book!”
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
He inwardly cringed, reflecting on his words. This was his life’s work he was offering, his shop, the items, everything! He gave himself a mental slap, hardening his resolve. If it was for Eradin’s dream, it would be worth every coin!
He flinched as the man started laughing. His heart sank, his smile fading. He should have known better. “I’m sorry, I know it's not enough, but it’s really all I can do.”
The man shook his head, chuckling. “No, no, I’ll gladly take two hundred. I was just surprised by your energy.”
“Amon’s mouth hung open, “Wait really? You’ll do two hundred gold serpents?”
The man nodded, “Yes, like I told you my party is eager for the split. I assume we’ll have to go to the treasury?”
Amon nodded, still not able to believe his good fortune. “Yes, if you’re willing, we could make the trip right now.”
The man scooped up the book, returning it under his cloak. “Let’s do that.”
Amon scurried to the door, heart racing. He held it open, a beaming smile filling his face. The bell jingled. “After you.”
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Eradin stared at the book held within his hands. Running his fingers across the dark leather cover, he felt the indentations and pattern of the leather. He took in a deep breath, the smell of ink and paper filling his nose.
He traced the title, his fingers following the flowing script of the long lost language of the ancients. What did they mean? Was there anyone still alive that still knew? He doubted it. The ancients were long gone, their very bones ground into dust and sprinkled across the land. Other than their architecture and the occasional magical artifact, not much remained as a sign of their existence.
His finger came to rest on the heavy metal clasp of the book, its structure locking the pages closed. He hesitated, the skin of his hands growing moist. The feeling of unrest continued to rise in his chest, the discomfort building to a crescendo.
He peeled his hand off the clasp, placing the book down beside him.
Sighing, he lay back onto his bed. He glanced towards the window. The sky outside had grown dark, the twin moons peeking just above a heavy layer of grey clouds. The glowstone orb hanging from his ceiling cast a steady yellow light across the room.
He couldn’t do it. When his father had returned to the store with the book in hand, Eradin had nearly cried. It was too much. He didn’t deserve it. He had told him he didn’t deserve it! Yet he had still done it.
Eradin knew he was a bad son. Over the past few years he had actively worked to distance himself from his father. He refused to answer his questions when asked. He didn’t talk about himself or what he had done that day after coming home. He never told him where he was going or what he was doing. He truly was an awful son.
He groaned, smothering his face under his pillow. Why had he done it!
He kicked his feet, knocking over a pile of blankets. It was infuriating! All this time, he had made it clear he hated being a shopkeeper! He had done the jobs assigned to him with dragging feet. He complained loud and often. So why had he done it!
Eradin turned his gaze from the roof and focused back on the book. It screamed to be opened, promising power, strength, and ability. If he gained a unique class, he’d easily be accepted into the adventurer’s school. He’d be able to join Alan, make new friends, live the life he always dreamed of.
He growled, clenching his fists as he punched his pillow. “Damn it, why is this so hard!”
A knocking sound pulled him from his thoughts. He heard his dad shout from the floor below, “One second please.”
Peeking out his window into the street below, Eradin watched curiously as a man wearing the robes and insignia of the mage guild stood at their front doorstep. The man’s eyes roamed upwards, meeting Eradin’s. The shadow’s of the porch lamp hid his features from view.
Eradin frowned, watching as the door opened, a sliver of light illuminating the doorstep. The two exchanged greetings. The faint murmur of speech drifted up to his window but he couldn’t quite make out the words. He watched as his father’s features grew tense. After a few more moments, he gestured for the man to follow him inside.
Watching the door close, Eradin returned to his bed. Who was that? What business did the mage guild have with his father?
He jumped as he heard a knock on his door. Taking a second to collect himself, Eradin hurried to the door. Turning the knob he found himself standing face to face with his father. Amon looked worried, his lips drawn tight in a thin line.
“Dad? Who’s the man downstairs.”
His dad hushed him, drawing a finger to his lips. Pushing past him, he pulled the door closed behind him, the latch catching with a soft click. His voice came in a whisper, his eyes darting back and forth between Eradin and the door. “Eradin, have you used the class book yet?”
Eradin shook his head, eyes wandering to his bed. His book still lay where he had left it, the metal clasp still locked tight.
“Not yet, I’ve been kind of-
“Use it now!” Amon’s voice was strained, his whispered tone growing fast. “You need to use it fast! The man downstairs claims to be from the mage’s guild. He says they’re looking for a stolen magic book. You need to use it before he notices or he will take it back!
His father’s breath came hard and fast, his face visibly flustered. He paused for a moment, adjusting his slipping glasses. “I’m going to go back down now. I’ll do my best to stall him for a bit. Use the book!”
Amon turned, his hurried steps carrying back through the door. He shut it behind him, the click sending shivers down Eradin’s spine.
Standing still for a second, he rushed towards his bed. Grabbing the skill book he hesitated for just a moment.
If they take this back, it will all have been for nothing. He couldn’t allow that to happen. His father had put his trust in him and he was going to show him that he could be trusted!
He forced the clasp open, the oiled hinge snapping easily into place. Turning to the first page, a sea of blue filled his vision.
New class available: Lydia’s Child (Unique), would you like to obtain this class?
Eradin clicked yes.
Warning: Unique class contains abilities and traits outside the scope of the system. Would you still like to gain this class?
Eradin barely read the text, mentally smashing the ‘yes’ button. A final blue screen filled his vision.
Congratulations, you have obtained the class Lydia’s Child (Unique).
A warm rush of both relief and heat spread through his body. He exhaled, tension falling from his shoulders. Warmth bubbled up from his core, the feeling filling his chest. His skin tingled, the burnt smell of ozone filling his nostrils.
He could feel the mana in the air with a new intensity, the energy stirring his muscles. He felt strong! Powerful! He flexed his hand, marvelling at the new strength he felt within his limbs.
A scream shattered the silence. Eradin rocketed to his feet. Dad! Eradin slammed open his door as his body flew down the stairs. Reaching the bottom, the warm scent of blood filled his nostrils. The crimson liquid pooled across the hardwood floor, staining the boards red. His father lay face down in the center of it all, a massive hole taking place of what should have been his torso.
Eradin retched, bending over as his stomach left him. Tears filled his eyes as a boiling blood surged through his veins. His head throbbed, the tendons in his neck pulled taught like steel cords.
“You!”
The man he had seen from earlier stood in the center of the living room, holding an ethereal arm of glowing red aloft in the air. Within the man's clutches was a glowing flame of blue, its center, weak and flickering. He looked young, pale skin covering a sharp but attractive face. His angular features coupled with his close cut hair, gave him an intimidating appearance. Eradin couldn’t help but shiver as his gaze fell upon him.
The man looked towards Eradin, pausing in his activity. He smiled, white teeth standing out against his red robes. “Ahhh, you must be the son.”
Eradin shivered, feeling as if he had been dunked into a bucket of ice water. He clenched his fists, unable to speak. His fingernails drew blood. “You bastard!”
The man smiled, closing his hand. The blue flame extinguished with a hiss. “Where is the book?”
Eradin’s clenched his teeth, his vision swimming. His eyes burned like coals. “I’m going to kill you!”
Rushing forward across the blood stained floor, Eradin pulled from deep inside him. Through pure instinct he drew upon the power of his new class, the rushing of blood filling his ears. With a savage scream Eradin threw the punch. Dark energies swirled around his fist, the bone’s within glowing under the pale purple light.
“I see, I was too late.”
Eradin grunted, an impact on his chest causing his motion abruptly come to a halt. A burning heat seemed to spread out from his stomach. Looking down, he screamed, a glowing red arm left jutting from his chest. Stumbling backwards, the arm ripped out of him. His scream morphed into a pathetic gurgling.
His power seemed to just disappear, his legs giving out under him. Blood flowed from his lips as he slumped to the ground. His vision sideways, he watched in mute horror as a set of black boots began to pace towards him. Blood rippled with every step that brought them closer.
I’m going to die, he thought as he watched the boots approach. His vision turned red. He gurgled a laugh, blood bubbling from his lips. I’m about to die.
The realization struck him, but it no longer seemed significant. His thoughts began to muddy as his eyes lost their focus. A single tear rolled down his cheek.
Father...