CHAPTER 45 BEYOND
I don’t know how long I sat there.
At some point the man had given up trying to get me to heal the dead girl. Likely coming to the realization that it was too late.
My vision was still blurry through my tears as I tried to push myself to my feet.
My legs felt weak causing my legs to crumble before I’d even gotten halfway up. Fiona caught my wooden arm and heaved me up to my feet, but didn’t let go either, likely realizing that I’d probably fall back down without support.
“Come on,” She whispered softly, “Let’s get you back to the rest of the group so you can relax for a moment.”
I didn’t respond in any way, my mind feeling completely overwhelmed by everything that was happening.
What felt like only a few short seconds later she was setting me back down on the ground and knelt down next to me.
“Go ahead and take a minute or two and then you should start classing up. There’s not much of a point in waiting longer and we’re probably going to sit here for another hour or two anyways. Once you’re done we can plan our next steps.”
I didn’t focus too hard on where she went after that, she just kind of faded from my peripherals as I sat there.
I had known I wasn’t all that strong. It’s been made readily apparent everywhere I went. Even when I received my first classes, it was in the presence of people in the seventh tier. Even when I got the Heart of Nalthien implanted in my chest, it didn’t do all that much to close the gap between me and the people around me.
I wasn’t strong enough to realistically take on people in the third tier, I was barely capable of taking on people in the second. And apparently I wasn’t strong enough to save a person from near death. How long would it take for me to finally get to the point where I could?
I guess I was progressing pretty fast, I’d only been in this world for… What? A month? I was already at the second tier. Which I guess was pretty fast. It just didn’t feel like it was fast enough.
I’d already had too many close calls in my time here that only got pulled through by deus ex machina bullshit and it all started in the fucking mole cave. Time after time past that point I’d been saved through sheer luck in circumstances I would’ve died in had I been on my own.
I had also noticed something strange about my own behavior on the battlefield earlier, but for the life of me I couldn’t seem to remember.
What was it again?
I sat there pondering for a moment before it came to me again.
It was that moment with the archer. I derived enjoyment from that altercation. I’d been having fun.
I wasn’t sure how to feel about that. In and of itself it wasn’t particularly strange. But it allowed me to find that itch that had been bothering me. Something that I felt wasn’t right. Magic. Something was affecting me subtly. Changing my personality away from fear to excitement. I had gone in there afraid, and after nearly dying and barely managing to avoid one attack from someone in a much higher tier I had essentially thrown caution to the wind when they still could’ve killed me in one hit. That was definitely not like me at all.
I let out a bone-deep sigh, I guess I could worry about this some other time. I should probably start by looking through the notifications I had gotten and see about what to do from there.
‘Ping’ [Soldier Level 233 / Laborer Level 153 / Blade of Valor Level 23] Has been slain - experience divided amongst group. 5 ability points awarded for killing with a team.
‘Ping’ [Soldier Level 153 / Farmer Level 143 / Discipline’s Blade Level 13] Has been slain - experience divided amongst group. 5 ability points awarded for killing with a team.
…
‘Ping’ [Soldier Level 232 / Serf Level 202] Has been slain - experience divided amongst group. 5 ability points awarded for killing with a team.
‘Ping’ [Soldier Level 353 / Blade Fighter Level 333 / Blade of the Disciple Level 323] Has been slain - experience divided amongst group. 5 ability points awarded for killing with a team.
‘Ping’ [Lightning Sorcerer] Has leveled up 17 > 18
…
‘Ping’ [Lightning Sorcerer] Has leveled up 24 > 25
‘Ping’ [Enchanted Bladefighter] Has leveled up 16 > 17
…
‘Ping’ [Enchanted Bladefighter] Has leveled up 24 > 25
‘Ping’ [Disciple of Nature] Has leveled up 11 > 12
…
‘Ping’ [Disciple of Nature] Has leveled up 24 > 25
I was actually kind of surprised about that one. My healer class definitely saw a lot of benefit today, gaining 14 levels to max out compared to the 8 or 9 needed by my other two classes.
‘Ping’ [Identify] Has leveled up 2 > 3
…
Ping’ [Identify] Has leveled up 5 > 6
I had made sure to constantly be running identify on every person I could even if I didn’t take notice of their levels. For identifying what was probably several hundred people, I didn’t get as much as I thought I would have. It is what it is I guess.
‘Ping’ [Mana Sense] Has leveled up 2 > 3
…
‘Ping’ [Mana Sense] Has leveled up 14 > 15
‘Ping’ [Electric Sense] Has leveled up 1 > 2
…
‘Ping’ [Electric Sense] Has leveled up 18 > 19
Definitely had gotten tons of levels on those skills. Shouldn’t take too much longer to get them to the second tier.
‘Ping’ [Sword Apprentice] Has leveled up 1 > 2
…
‘Ping’ [Sword Apprentice] Has leveled up 15 > 16
Wow. Definitely got way more in that then I was expecting, guess it kinda stands to reason given that it’s a more active skill that requires more risk to the user than something like a sensory skill.
‘Ping’ [Wood Manipulation] Has leveled up 7 > 8
One level there. I guess that’s better than nothing, given that I wasn’t actively working on the skill in any way.
‘Ping’ [Accelerated Thoughts] Has leveled up 1 > 2
…
‘Ping’ [Accelerated Thoughts] Has leveled up 9 > 10
Nice, completely maxed out.
I went ahead and spent the 10 points to level it into the first tier. No point in waiting.
‘Ping’ [Accelerated Thoughts] Has leveled up 10 > 11
Perfect.
‘Ping’ [Rest] Has leveled up 1 > 2
What? What skill was this?
Wait. That was the skill Karif had me pick up weeks ago! This thing only just now leveled? You have to be kidding me. I completely forgot this thing even existed, there just never seems to be a point to use it. It’s not like you can make use of it in the middle of a fight or anything like that.
Absolutely ridiculous.
I sighed, pulling up my status to take a look at everything that’s changed.
Name: Alexander King
Ability Points: 795
Tier 1 Class - [Lightning Sorcerer] - Level 25
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Ability - [Strike of Lightning]
Ability - [Paralyzing Blast]
Ability - [As Fast As Lighting - Passive]
Ability - [Wreathed In Lightning]
Ability - [Chain Lightning]
Tier 1 Class - [Enchanted Bladefighter] - Level 25
Ability - [Enchanted Perseverance - Passive]
Ability - [Mana Strike]
Ability - [Enchanted Redirection]
Ability - [Enchanted Accuracy]
Ability - [Mana Flurry]
Tier 1 Class - [Disciple of Nature] - Level 25
Ability - [Natures Protection]
Ability - [Healing Blossom]
Ability - [Elements of Nature - Passive]
Ability - [Natural Selection]
Ability - [Nature’s Touch]
Ability - [Barrier]
Ability - [One With Nature]
Enhancements -
[Point Blank] (Level 25)
[Weapon Proficiency] (Level 25)
[Quickness] (Level 25)
General Skills -
Tier 1 [Identify] - Level 6
[Rest] - Level 2
Tier 1 [Mana Sense] - Level 15
Tier 1 [Electric Sense] - Level 19
Tier 1 [Sword Apprentice] - Level 16
[Wood Manipulation] - Level 8
Tier 1 [Accelerated Thoughts] - Level 1
Status -
Vig - [1118]
End - [896]
Str - [986]
Dex - [1079] (1465) (2198)
Agi - [898] (1284)
Int - [1104]
Wis - [1213]
Health - 14534/14534
Stamina - 11648/11648
Mana - 12130/12130
Looking at the overall number of my stats I was doing pretty well. Things were starting to break into the thousands. Which felt pretty good. And yet it still hadn’t been enough. How high were the stats of people in the third tier if what I had now wasn’t enough to compare?
I didn’t even know her, why was I so broken up about this? No small amount of people died out on that battlefield and yet I wasn’t mourning any of them. But the one time I fail to heal someone and they die on my watch it causes me to break down?
I couldn’t make sense of my emotions right now. Everything was in turmoil.
I let out another weary sigh as I struggled to pull myself together in any meaningful way. I should probably just do what Fiona said and start classing up. And yet for some reason I didn’t want to either. It seemed like something I might come to regret? Or maybe it was that I regretted not classing up earlier.
With a grim demeanor I pushed forward unto my ascension.
Once again the color faded from my vision leaving me with a monochromatic site, sounds faded away to nothing.
My status warped again to display three separate columns each giving me my options for classes.
I took a deep breath. Alright, I thought to myself, let’s get to work.
[Kineticist]
Requirements - At least 100 kills using the elements.
Kineticist brings to bear the might of the four primal elements, call them forth at your leisure.
+5 Vig, +4 End, +6 Str, +9 Dex, +6 Agi, +10 Int, +10 Wis per level.
Interesting, if the stat gains on it were better I might be interested. Hardly seemed better than my current class in the first slot however. Maybe pile for you.
[Animist]
Requirements - Meditated in nature for 12 hours without breaking concentration.
Animists delve into the deepest parts of nature and seek to know it on a more intimate level than the average person.
+6 Vig, +6 End, +6 Str, +6 Dex, +4 Agi, +9 Int, +9 Wis per level.
I already have a nature based class. No thank you.
[Fulgur-Evoker]
Requirements - Killed 15 demons including killing a tier 2 in single combat.
Evokers are specialized in long range destructive magics that blast their opponents with no reprieve.
+5 Vig, +4 End, +5 Str, +9 Dex, +9 Agi, +11 Int, +11 Wis per level.
That wasn’t horrible, but honestly not much better than what I had. I still have a couple more classes to sift through, I’ll put this one in the maybe pile as well.
[Lightning Adept]
Requirements - Over 250 kills with Lightning, killed people in the second tier unaided, killed people in the third tier unaided.
You called. Lightning answered. The air crackles with the power of lightning and you seek to harness it, much to the dismay of those who stand against you.
+9 Vig, +9 End, +7 Str, +8 Dex, +7 Agi, +13 Int, +13 Wis per level.
Holy… My first blue class.
I chuckled lightly to myself. It felt kind of strange to be excited about a blue when I already had a purple class. But to be fair, I hadn’t really earned that class. It had been gifted to me, this was one I had earned on my own merits. It was nice to see. And it had pretty good requirements and stats tied to it. This was more than likely the one I would choose, barring the last one being absolutely amazing.
Although given trends that was likely to be the case, the layout seemed to be worst to best. I didn’t mind, it allowed me time to get hyped about the really good stuff.
Last one, let’s see.
[Battlemage - Lightning]
Requirements - Killed 300 in the first tier, killed 200 in the second tier, killed 100 in the third tier. Killed multiple opponents in the second tier unaided. Killed multiple opponents in the third tier unaided. Fought and survived a large scale conflict. Have [Accelerated Mind] in the first tier.
You’re the scourge of the battlefield. All is within your range, and within your range you are all-powerful. Lightning dances at your fingertips and leaps to your targets with prejudice. You also are capable of fighting from up close, enhancing yourself with your power you exceed the speed and strength one expects of the average mage.
+9 Vig, +10 End, +7 Str, +7 Dex, +9 Agi, +13 Int, +13 Wis per level.
Well shit. That was definitely a jump in capabilities that’s for sure. And I’m practically in love with that description. It seemed like it could mesh really well with my spell-blade vibe going on. Hell, I had no reason not to take this one that I could think of.
With a smile I locked it into place, it would take effect once I got all three and fully ascended. For now I’d just leave it in case I changed my mind for some reason.
Next class! I was excited now, who knows what delicious goodies I’d find. Any previous depression I’d been feeling was washed away by the excitement for new classes and skills.
[Fighter]
Requi-
No. I’m not regressing back from a green to a gray class. Next.
[Mana-Marshal]
Requirements - Sword skill in the first tier. Killed at least ten opponents with mana based blade techniques, fought while wearing armor.
You’ve armored yourself to the utmost and wade through your foes with impunity. Your blade cleaves with not just physical strength, but is aided by mana to cut through sturdier opponents with little difficulty.
+10 Vig, +10 End, +8 Str, +8 Dex, +5 Agi, +6 Int, +4 Wis per level.
Huh, that was kind of an interesting description. It’s certainly what I’ve been doing, but not exactly what I’ve been aiming for either. A rather amusing outcome, it’ll go into the maybe pile though. Although it’s gonna sit at the bottom and will probably be one of my last picks barring all else.
[Myrmidon]
Requirements - Fought shoulder to shoulder with other sword bearers. Defeated someone in the second tier in single combat.
You’ve achieved camaraderie in your strive to master your weapon, you’ve fought alongside those following the same path and formed bonds that will last.
+7 Vig, +9 End, +10 Str, +10 Dex, +9 Agi, +4 Int, +4 Wis per level.
This one just seems insulting. Bonds that will last, and yet the ones it was talking about weren’t beside me right now were they? I couldn’t in good conscience choose this one.
[Path of the Iron Blade]
Requirements - Have a sword technique in the first tier. Have killed 50 people in the first, second, and third tiers each with only your sword.
You’ve diligently trained in your mastery of the blade. Your prowess knows no bounds and in your avaricious desire to hone your technique you’ve challenged yourself against opponents many would’ve have said were beyond you and come out on top.
+10 Vig, +10 End, +10 Str, +8 Dex, + 8 Agi, +5 Int, +5 Wis per level.
Very nice, another blue. Although at this rate, I might go with the marshal one. So far these mainly seem to be physical classes, and I want to stick with a mana focus if I can. Keep the spell-sword vibe going.
[Blade Dancer - Lightning]
Requirements - Enchanted your blade with lightning, Have slain 100 people in the first, second, and third tiers each. Have [Accelerated Mind] in the first tier.
Your lightning has become the blade that you wield, it grants you speed beyond that of your peers, strength beyond that of your opponents, and reach beyond those who would underestimate you. Eloquence is your name. And you wield it with fury.
+10 Vig, +10 End, +8 Str, +8 Dex, +9 Agi, +8 Int, +8 Wis per level.
Goodness, that one seemed a little angry at the end there. Although, in a way it seems to reflect my mood recently. I’ve been pretty angry recently, about a lot of things as well. But this was also kind of the class I was looking for, it’s a blue, it focuses on spell-swordy stuff, and it gives me lots of stats. Also, just like the battlemage class, it had [Accelerated Mind] on there as a req, which is definitely a path I want to take. Not a lot more I could ask for, I’ll take it.
Alright, third class. I glanced to the last column and just like last time, I only had a few options to choose from. All of which were purples.
[Nature’s Chosen]
Requirements - Leveled an epic grade nature class to max.
Nature has chosen you as its emissary to the world. It’s reach will encompass the world and embrace all those it cherishes.
+15 Vig, +12 End, +8 Str, +9 Dex, +10 Agi, +16 Int, +17 Wis per level.
Uhhh… Interesting, seems kind of ominous though. What’s up with all these nature classes being so freaky? Let’s take a look at the other one
[Druid of Nalthien]
Requirements - Leveled an epic grade nature class to max, race is elf.
You seek to protect the Heart of the Ancient from the forces that would use it to destroy the world.
+20 Vig, +20 End, +20 Str, +20 Dex, +20 Agi, +20 Int, +20 Wis per level.
No. I said this last time, but no. I don’t care how enticing the stats are, I’m not devoting my life to protecting you. If our goals are the same, that’s great. But I’m not giving you an ‘in’ to controlling my actions.
[Nature’s Adept]
Requirements - Leveled an epic grade nature class to max, race is elf, have a nature manipulation skill.
You’ve embraced nature’s power and use it to enhance, not just your own life, but the lives of those around you.
+14 Vig, +13 End, +11 Str, +13 Dex, +15 Agi, +18 Int, +18 Wis per level.
Okay, now this I could get behind. This was a good class, no seemingly ulterior motives. Good stats as well. Yes sirree I’ll take this one.
I selected the class and panned over everything I had so far.
[Battlemage - Lightning]
[Blade Dancer - Lightning]
[Nature’s Adept]
Yeah, I believe I’m happy with these choices. I thought idly to myself.
Alright, let’s get this show on the road and see what’s changed about my status.
I confirmed my desire to select these as my new classes and let the grayscale world I was in fade away.
Color poured back into my sight again I could already see things weren’t the same as I had left them. Fiona faded from her position as everything slowly came in to focus properly.
As the world fully focused in and my senses started processing sounds again.
I was met with an earth-shattering roar.