JOB CLASSES UPON ENTRY

Ninety brought up the next section on the job Stone Statue, listing the available job classes for new adventurers:

Thief – Agile and stealthy, excels in speed and quick attacks.

Archer – Long-range specialist, precise and deadly from afar.

Acolyte – Healer and support role, crucial for team survival.

Mage – Master of elemental magic, high power but fragile.

Merchant – Specializes in trade, resource management, and item crafting.

Gunner – Wields firearms, offering powerful ranged attacks. Fighter – Uses raw strength, hand-to-hand combat, and endurance.

As they reviewed the options, a sudden glow pulsed from one of the statues in the room.

The Gunner statue.

Ninety's eyes narrowed. "Looks like we have a Gunner among us." He turned to the others. "So… which one of you just got chosen?"

Audi reached out, pressing his palm against the glowing Gunner statue.

Nothing happened. His Tree Necklace remained unchanged.

He frowned and turned to Dodge. "So… it's you."

Dodge hesitated before stepping forward. The moment his fingers touched the statue, his necklace shimmered—its form shifting, morphing into the shape of a pistol.

A notification appeared before him:

[First Job Acquired: Gunner]

Dodge studied the pistol symbol with a skeptical expression. "What's the difference between this and my shotgun?"

Ninety smirked. "Simple. With the Gunner job, you can now use skills. That's the big difference."

Audi clapped Dodge on the shoulder. "Congrats, man."

Still processing, Dodge flexed his fingers, the weight of his first job settling in.

Meanwhile, Audi, never one to give up easily, tried touching every statue in the room.

Nothing.

He sighed. "Well… worth a shot."

Dodge exhaled, shaking his head. "So, I'm a Gunner now. That was fast."

Ninety nodded. "Yeah, but it's just the start. After acquiring a First Job, there are quests you'll need to complete to progress further."

Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

He then gestured toward the holographic display again. "So, for the clan—would you like to join one? I can give you a tour of the available ones. You can apply for most clans ranked five to ten, but if you want to get into the top four, you'll need to be a Second Job or exceptionally talented."

Dodge crossed his arms. "I'll pass for now. Need to think it over."

"Fair enough," Ninety said. "Let's just wait and see what job Audi gets."

Dodge and Ninety Explain About Clans

"You just got your First Job, so I suggest you go and apply to clans ranked five to ten," Ninety advised.

Dodge thought for a moment. "I want to join the 2nd Clan… The Eternal."

Ninety raised an eyebrow. "The Half-Vampire clan? You want to join them too? You can try, but most of their members are only accepted once they've passed the 40th Floor."

After waiting for thirty minutes, Ninety sighed. "Some adventurers take more than an hour before a statue reacts to them. Dodge, let's take a walk. I'll explain some of the clan details while we wait."

Dodge shrugged. "Alright."

Time passed, and Audi continued circling the statues. Still, nothing happened.

Frustrated, he grabbed his necklace and inspected it closely. His breath hitched—

Its design had changed.

The Tree Necklace was now a Skull Necklace.

A wave of cold air rushed through the room. Audi's eyes darted around in confusion as the statues… moved. Their heads turned toward him, their carved faces smiling.

Then, in a blink of an eye—

He was gone.

Dodge and Ninety returned shortly after.

Dodge stretched. "Yeah, I’ll pass on choosing a clan for now. I’ll rethink it later."

"No rush," Ninety replied. "What about Audi?" He glanced around. "Wait… where is he?"

Dodge frowned. "Wasn't he just here?"

They scanned the room, but Audi was nowhere to be found.

A chill ran down Ninety’s spine. "Something's not right…"

On the 60th Floor

Jazz and Raven arrived with the other adventurers.

Jazz was knocked out and unconscious, along with several others.

Raven narrowed his eyes. "So, this is the only one I got—a First-Class Mage. Jazz, the descendant of Aglias."

The Queen observed him closely. "Well, Raven… he does look like your Aglias."

She turned to her attendants. "Let them rest and prepare them for the Providence War."

Ford and Prius' Decision

Ford: "Why don’t they want us to tell everyone what happened on the 20th floor?"

Ford: "I already told Audi that Jazz is gone… but he’s too weak right now. We can’t wait for him, Prius."

Ford: "Hanzo told me they’re planning to take revenge for Patty. If we want to find Jazz, we need to go with them."

Prius: "I agree."

With their decision made, Ford and Prius arrived at Continental, their expressions firm with determination. The room quieted as they stepped forward.

Ford: "Where’s John?"

Adam (Vice Leader of Continental): "He’s in a meeting with Uno."

A heavy silence followed before Ford took a deep breath and spoke.

Ford: "We’re quitting." His voice was steady. "From today onward, we will no longer be part of Continental."

A murmur spread through the gathered members, disbelief rippling through the room.

Adam: "Can’t you at least wait for John?"

Prius crossed his arms, his tone unwavering. "We’re joining the Mercenary Clan—Bloodhounds."

The room fell into stunned silence.

Ford: "Hanzo is with us. Together, we’ll take revenge for Patty… and we’ll find Jazz."

Without another word, the two turned and walked away, leaving behind their former clan—stepping toward a new and uncertain path.

Audi.. Where am I? What is this place?