"These are all children."

The skeleton's voice was feminine, but extremely different to the soothing voice that Nera had grown used to hearing as he scoured the farmer's market for food. Lysander's mother had always been a kind woman, giving the orphan freshly baked bread to share with his sister despite him rarely having anything to trade for it. He regretted hiding during the attack, though he knew that he couldn't have saved her without placing Ramie in danger. And as much as he hated himself for not fighting, his sister always came first.

"W-well... young, yes," the acolyte laughed nervously. "But almost all of them are of age. They can earn their keep just as well as I, your grace."

Ramie clutched Nera's hand tightly as the skeleton strode forwards, stopping in front of the boy and peering down at him, the lights within her hollow sockets flaring as he felt distinctly probed. "A level three [Thug], are you?" She asked, a distinctive tone of interest entering her voice. "It appears that I can't tell your name unless it's given to me. That... or you don't have a name. Tell me your name, child." Attempting to scan her in return resulted in only a single message that immediately put him on edge. It was like nothing he'd ever seen before.

§ysꞇэm Эrror - Эntity N∞t θ0uñδ. P└эαs|| C0ntΔc┥ Æ¢áñ©—áÍÞæŘ--

"Nera, your holiness." He spoke, not letting his voice waver for a moment. "What the, er, priest said? It's true. I'm willing to do what I have to in order to keep us safe. Taking an unsavory class to do that was a sacrifice that I made for my sister's sake."

"Nera, then. Tell me, Nera. How did you acquire this class?" The lack of judgment in The Wanderer's voice was as confusing as it was disturbing. Would his god not look down on him for his actions?

"Simply put, I tried to steal some food for my sister. A man caught me... and so things escalated. He rose his hands to me. I fought harder, and the class unlocked. I'd do it again to stop her from going hungry and I'm willing to accept punish--"

"So would you say that you unlocked the [Thug] class by beating a man who was acting within the law? Or was it that the assault itself was the defining action? Or, perhaps, that you attacked him to keep that which you had stolen? I've seen many chaka that possess the class and, from what I have seen of them, I cannot imagine that they have a strong concept of 'property' or 'law'. Why do you think that your actions resulted in the class unlocking for you?"

"Are... you not going to punish me for my sins?" Nera asked, confused. The others shifted awkwardly as the skeleton sank to his height.

"You did it to survive. I would do no different. Provided you don't steal from me and respect my laws, I have no quarrel with you. All that I am concerned about is learning how you gained your class, its benefits and any potential drawbacks. From what I understand, it is a class that will cause society to look down upon you. There is no society here, so that is an acceptable loss. But how could my minions gain it for themselves and what exactly they would be gaining, that is what I am interested in."

"I... see." Nera felt a pressure lift from his conscience. The Wanderer didn't care about small crimes, so long as they were committed in the pursuit of surviving? Then he had nothing to fear. "I believe that I gained the class because of the sum of all of my actions, but probably mainly the fact that I fought the guy to keep the stolen food. If I'd managed to steal it without being caught, I'd likely have unlocked [Thief] or something similar. If I had seen him with the food and attacked him for it, that probably would have given me [Thug] just as easily as I gained it."

"I appreciate your willingness to be so forthcoming, Nera. As a [Thug], I assume that you may gain skills that are useful in combat. I've only been able to identify the use of [Power Strike], however, which is a skill that my skeletons may learn without taking your class."

"If I may," Memna interjected. "The main reason to select a class is due to the capstone skill given to you upon reaching the maximum level in the class. In monsters, this works somewhat differently but I'm not privy to the mechanics of monster classes and so you'll have to learn about those by yourself with any assistance I can give. However, in Nera's case, he likely chose the class with no regard for its capstone skill and instead focused entirely on the ability to gain skills, knowing that it would assist him in life to possess them. As such, he's less equipped to explain his class as I am my own." Memna ignored the look that Nera gave him, offering a diplomatic smile. "That's not to say that he isn't capable of explaining, just that one tends to only know what the capstone skill is by being told by somebody else or obtaining it themselves. For example, the [Acolyte] class is commonly gained by engaging in acts of worship towards a deity or following an established priesthood. My capstone skill will allow me to perform rituals established by you with greater effect... although, I only know of a single ritual that could be performed while you were recovering from death. The [Rite of Siphoning] may not be needed any more, now that you have returned to us."

"We will speak on this rite in private." The Wanderer said interestedly before scanning over the rest of the orphans. "Only one more of you has a class. You are welcome to stay here - my minions have been ordered to treat you as a welcome visitor. You are not, however, visitors. You will make yourselves useful. Do not enter the crypt below as I will not guarantee that you will survive the attempt. The blue chaka is my minion - she was not involved in the attack. She will not harm you. Now... you," she pointed to Lysander as Nera ruffled his sister's hair soothingly, "I would like to speak to you about your class. The rest of you will follow Memna."

"Your grace," came another male voice. Erich. Nera knew what he'd want to speak about before he opened his mouth, but he didn't speak up. The boy's reasons were his own, and Nera was prepared to do the same if - or, more likely, when - it was asked of him. Besides, at the age of sixteen, Erich was old enough to do as he pleased. "I do not yet possess a class, but I do have knowledge of how to obtain one."

"Then I shall speak to you as well." The Wanderer replied. "The rest of you will be called upon as needed.

----------------------------------------

The Master watched as the other youths followed Memna to the bell tower. That left her with the two who possessed knowledge for her.

"We will start with you - the level three [Farmhand]. Begin with your name, then tell me what you know."

"Lysander. I'm the son of a farmer and a baker and so I got to helping around the fields. I unlocked my class soon after and my father..." his face hardened for a moment and he sighed shakily, "my father encouraged me to take it. He said it was a better beginner class than some of the other farming-related classes you can start with, and since I'd be inheriting the farm and its duties one day I'd need a strong base to work with. I mostly listened to him and my mother for my one skill choice, since they'd know better than me. My capstone skill will provide a small boost to all farming activities as well as inherently increase my stamina and strength somewhat. It's not the most useful outside of growing stuff, but it will make me a little stronger too."

"So your class isn't hard to gain. It, obviously, assists in growing food. You'll be important for keeping the rest of the humans fed." She nodded, noting down what he had told her. "Now for you."

"Erichthonius," the other boy stated, running a hand through his short, black hair. "My father was a guard. I'm aware of his class, [Fighter], which is unlocked through combat and martial training. My father had almost reached level 10 when the chaka attacked." He all but growled the last three words. "I don't know the capstone skill, but as a rank one class it is unlikely to be enormously powerful. Perhaps it would've made the difference, though." His eyes flicked up to her, meeting her without a trace of fear. "I would like to become a [Fighter]. I have been training towards unlocking it since I was determined to be 'ready.' My father said that most monsters cannot gain a class until they reach a high rank, but I can become a [Fighter] and tell you what skills I can choose from first. All I want in return for giving you this information is for you to let me fight alongside your soldiers when you wipe the vermin out."

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"Very well. Do you have a weapon of choice?" The Master asked, storing away everything he'd told her with the rest of her class knowledge.

"The sword. Just like my father." Erichthonius responded.

"Go outside. There, you'll find a pile of weapons. Take a sword and find the tallest skeleton there. His name is Ajax and he will spar with you."

Lysander seemed as if he was about to protest, but then he sighed and placed a hand on the older boy's arm. "Stay safe, Erich." He said softly. Erich shook him off, sneering.

"You don't stay safe in war." He bit back, storming off towards the doors. This is hardly a war, but I'll take his attitude. He could be a powerful soldier if I can secure his loyalty.

"Well, then. I have things to do. I'll call upon you when your assistance is required. We will be reclaiming farmland soon enough, both to deny food to our enemies and to secure a source of sustenance for those among us who require it." Waving Lysander away, she called to her unnamed chaka through their link. When she arrived, the two stepped down into the crypt. It was time to interrogate their prisoner.

It had been some time since the chaka had been dragged down into the darkness. Enough time for him to adjust to his new circumstances, in The Master's opinion. Yet, as she strode forth to meet him, he let out a panicked shriek.

"Shut up. I can't hear myself think with that racket. I have questions and you are going to answer them." The Master growled, the blue chaka eyeing its red counterpart curiously. "How many of you are there?"

"Bone man... kill me anyway!" The red chaka shouted, panicked. "Why tell if just die?"

"Spiteful little thing, aren't you." The Master played with her skills as she spoke, almost calling on them but stopping before they hit the point of no return. Both [Osteobolt] and the new skill that she had chosen; [Osseous Reconstruction]. "I never said that I was going to have you killed."

"Is obvious!" He cried, "you kill the others! Then you kill me! Stupid chief not take you serious and now I die for his mistake!"

"If he's so stupid, then why don't you work for a smarter master?" The Master motioned to the blue chaka, "I am not opposed to allowing your kind to serve me."

"You have clan... that much clear. But clan mark already Scarsnout! If have two clan marks... hated by all for betraying first clan, or laughed at for clan being conquered by other."

"Clan marks. Explain these to me."

"You don't know?" He frowned. "All chaka have clan. All chaka have clan mark... we Scarsnout Tribe. Have... scar on snout. We new but strong! Or, thought we strong."

"You expect me to believe that nobody has ever chosen such a simple mark before your tribe?"

"Maybe they have. But here, in Rhaem, only one Scarsnout Tribe."

The Master took in this information. It wouldn't help her kill, but it seemed that chaka took their tribes seriously. "And you would rather die than betray your tribe?" She asked, her voice level.

The chaka sagged silently, held upright by the two skeletons. The Master prepared to fire her [Osteobolt] when he finally spoke. "No... Raknak not rather die." He whimpered. "Raknak... join your tribe. If you promise you not kill him."

"Then tell me what I need to know." The Master snapped. "How many of you are there? Are there any surviving humans?"

"There... many! Raknak not know how many, but whole tribe here. Tribe finally settle on human lands after many years travel round Rhaem. Tribe... small if you look at other tribes. But still big. Many. And..." he thought briefly, "maybe humans. Not see any though. But tribe not done clearing village, so is possible."

The blue chaka finally spoke up. "...Are there other tribes nearby?"

"Only one. But, Flametail Clan to north very large. Live on Mount Kord. Mostly red skin like me. Nearby, though... only one. Ironbite Tribe have only two camps. Their mark is... take fang out and put metal fang in its place. Dark gray skin. Big High Chief of Scarsnout say they enemy, but we not fight yet because strong. What your tribe?"

The Master shrugged. "My chaka do not have a tribe yet. I only have a single chaka under my control. Two, now that you will be pledging yourself to me. Do you know how to do that?" He nodded weakly and she awaited the notification. The moment that he did so, she accepted. While she would not trust the red chaka fully, a new minion could prove useful. The skeletons released him and he fell to the floor, gasping. "You made the right choice, Raknak." She stated, "now, pick yourself up and follow me... and show me your status." I'll heal his hand later as a reward for hard work. Plus, I will be able to see how effective it is at healing a being with flesh.

Raknak - Level 4

Race: Chaka

Type: Chaka {Minion}

Class: Fighter 4/10

Affinities: None Titles: None Body Integrity: 84% Soul Integrity: 100%

An uncivilized and monstrous creature. Chaka are vermin that must be exterminated at all costs.

Their crude mimicry of language is a ploy used to ingratiate themselves with sapients.

Upon letting your guard down, these foul beings will undoubtedly strike you in the back.

This chaka was created by an unnamed dungeon.

[Skills]

Current Effects: Broken Hand

Skills - Raknak - Level 4 Chaka Power Strike Lv. 3 {Martial}

Your usage of melee weapons in combat has been rewarded.

You imbue your next strike with unaligned energy, striking harder and faster than normal.

Second Wind Lv. 1 {Martial}

You may take a deep, infused breath that restores a moderate amount of your stamina.

This allows you to continue with any strenuous activity past your natural limits.

"Hm. I suppose that you won't be of much use until your hand has recovered." The Master shrugged, leading the two into the church above. "As for you," she turned to the blue chaka, "you're going to need a name now that there are two of you... this will do."

Unnamed Chaka has been renamed to Tetra.

It's a pity that I need a spawner to create a Paragon. I'll need to study these creatures more fervently. Their loyalty would be somewhat more assured with a strong, guiding hand that obeys my commands. She mused, eyeing the excitable blue chaka. Tetra was practically vibrating with excitement. "Tetra, continue to attempt to unlock classes. Raknak... ascend the tower. If there is anything to report, you will come directly to me. Am I understood?"

The two responded in almost perfect synchronization. "Yes, Big High Chief!" They barked, rushing off to perform their duties. A chorus of shouts followed Raknak's entrance into the tower. Ah, right... I forgot to tell them. I'll let him explain himself.

The Master found herself drawn to the graveyard, observing Ajax spar with the boy.

The difference in skill between the two was clear, but Erichthonius at least appeared to understand the basics. Moreso than she did, at any rate. It was unclear just how much Ajax could remember of his life, with him unable to speak, but he seemed more than competent thus far. Weak in power, perhaps, but strong in skill. He had traded his maul for a simple blade, eschewing the use of his skills during the spar and focusing on honing his swordsmanship. While the boy was outmatched, Ajax was not attempting to finish their sparring session quickly - it was as much a learning - relearning - experience for him as it was for Erich. Even if the boy were to perish down the line, this would have been an ultimately beneficial exercise for her champion.

Ajax parried the boy's strike efficiently, stepping to the side and aiming to strike him in the chest with the pommel of his blade. Erich ducked to the side, recovering into a fighting stance, when he paused. "Ah, one moment. I got my class." He said simply, his eyes focusing on something in front of him. "That confirms it," he said to The Master, apparently having noticed her approach. "The Will has given me the [Fighter] class. You unlock it by... fighting, I suppose. Sparring, training and fighting. Thank you for assisting me." He smiled thinly, offering a salute to Ajax - the same that he had performed in service to The Master. Ajax returned the gesture, a low hum emitting from his skull.

With that, Erichthonius turned to The Master and dropped to one knee. "Now, please, allow me to assist in reclaiming my home."

Erichthonius, Level 1 Warrior, is pledging his allegiance to you.

[Accept] [Decline]

Once again, The Master accepted. "Excellent. My expansion is reliant on my 'anima' income. I must use this resource to claim more land. I gain anima through the death of beings killed by my minions. I will have to test if you are considered such by... what was it that you called it? The Will? In fact... I have a lot to learn, now, it seems. Either Memna has been withholding information... or he's not as knowledgeable as I assumed. Now, come. We have farmland to claim."

She summoned a small group of her minions, ensuring that one of her ghosts was keeping a spectral eye on Raknak, and left the gates of the graveyard for the first time in a thousand years.