The rhythmic sound of waves brushing against the shore created a serene contrast to the turmoil in Kei’s mind. He sat cross-legged near the fire, idly spinning his Wave Flowing Dagger by its string. The flickering flames danced in his eyes as he stared into the distance. A few feet away, Mia lounged in her Celestial Hammock, the faint glow of her Balance Talisman pulsing gently in time with her breathing.
The storm had passed, the Primal Essence Beast defeated, but its memory lingered like a shadow over the calm night.
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REFLECTIONS ON THE FIRST FULL ZONE
Mia broke the silence first, her voice soft but thoughtful. “Do you think about the Abyssal Shore zone? About what it... taught us?”
Kei paused, the dagger’s spin slowing. “Every day. That wasn’t just some fight—it felt... bigger. Like we crossed a line we can’t go back from.”
Mia nodded, her eyes fixed on the horizon. “And the rewards. They weren’t just items. The System gave us something... more.”
They both knew what she meant. Beyond the experience points and loot, the Abyssal Shore had unlocked something entirely new: Profession Classes. Unlike combat classes, these focused on crafting, resource manipulation, and innovation. It was an opportunity that neither of them had expected—but neither had acted on yet.
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THE SYSTEM’S OFFERING
The System’s notification from the Abyssal Shore still echoed in their minds:
> [Profession Classes Unlocked.]
> [Choose from the following professions to begin your mastery of crafting and resource manipulation.]
The options were as diverse as they were overwhelming:
* Alchemy: Masters of potions and Essence refinement, capable of creating consumables that enhance recovery, combat, and Laws.
* Crafter: Artisans of weapons and armor, specializing in forging items infused with Essence and Laws.
* Rune Master: Enchanters who inscribe powerful runes onto objects, amplifying their effects and creating intricate enchantments.
* Tamer: Bond with and enhance Essence-infused creatures, commanding Riftborn and other mutated beasts.
* Artificer: Engineers of devices and constructs powered by Essence, blending technology and magic for innovative solutions.
Kei sighed, tossing a pebble into the fire. “I still don’t know what to pick. They’re all so... specific. And useful. How are we supposed to decide?”
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Mia smiled faintly, leaning back in her hammock. “I thought Rune Master would’ve been your first choice. Flashy, unpredictable—fits you perfectly.”
Kei grinned, leaning back on his hands. “It’s tempting, but have you seen what Artificer can do? Building crazy gadgets to blow stuff up—or just make life easier? That’s living the dream.”
Mia tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. “Alchemy feels right for me. Refining Essence, finding harmony in chaos... it’s a natural fit.”
Kei raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, but are you ready for exploding cauldrons and unpredictable potions? I’ve seen movies. That’s how mad scientists are born.”
Mia chuckled softly. “And crafting enchanted toys isn’t risky?”
They laughed, the weight of their choices momentarily lifted.
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THE MASK RUMORS
Kei adjusted his Resonant Mask, only to pause and slide it off. He stared at its smooth, featureless surface for a moment before setting it beside him.
“You know,” he began, his voice uncharacteristically quiet, “I’ve been wearing this thing so much, I almost forgot what it’s like to just... be me.”
Mia glanced at the mask, her lips curving into a small smile. “It suits you, though. Makes for a cool alter ego.”
Kei smirked. “Like a superhero?”
Mia shrugged. “Or a villain. Depends on who you ask.”
Her tone shifted, turning serious. “You’ve heard the rumors, right? About the white mask? Someone saw you take down that guy with the axe during the trials. The story’s been spreading ever since.”
Kei blinked, his smirk widening. “Seriously? What are they saying?”
“They’re calling you a ghost,” Mia said, leaning back in her hammock. “A glitch in the System. Word is, you moved so fast, even the Laws couldn’t keep up.”
Kei burst out laughing. “A glitch? Me? I’m just a guy with a knack for being awesome.”
Mia smirked faintly. “Maybe. But you’ve got a habit of leaving an impression.”
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THE WORLD’S SHIFTING LANDSCAPE
Their conversation turned to the transformations sweeping across the world. The Essence storms, the treasures, the evolving fractured zones—everything felt like it was building toward something monumental.
“Do you think we’ll ever see it all?” Kei asked, watching the stars. “The treasures, the zones, the storms... everything Essence is changing?”
Mia’s Balance Talisman pulsed gently. “It’s not about seeing everything. It’s about understanding it. The more we understand, the better we can survive.”
Kei nodded, his grin returning. “And the better we can pick our professions. I mean, alchemy? Blacksmithing? Taming Riftborn? The System really wants us to be overachievers.”
Mia chuckled, shaking her head. “We’ll figure it out. For now, we just keep learning.”
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THE WEIGHT OF CHOICE
As the fire crackled between them, Kei picked up his mask again, turning it over in his hands. “You know,” he said, his tone quieter, “maybe this mask isn’t just an alter ego. Maybe it’s a reminder.”
Mia tilted her head. “Of what?”
Kei slipped the mask back onto the sand. “That we’re more than what people think. The world might see me as some ‘System glitch,’ but I’m still just a guy trying to figure it out.”
Mia smiled faintly, her voice steady. “Then let’s figure it out together.”
The two sat in silence, the weight of their decisions settling over them. The world was changing, and so were they. Their professions would shape their futures, but for now, they took comfort in knowing they didn’t have to face it alone.