The crackling fire painted the night in flickering shades of orange and gold. Kei leaned back against a rock, twirling his Wave Flowing Dagger idly as if it were a toy. Across from him, Mia swung gently in her Celestial Hammock, the faint glow of her Balance Talisman casting a soft shimmer around her.
The storm had passed, leaving behind the stillness of the night—and the weight of decisions.
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PROFESSION BANTER
Mia tilted her head, breaking the silence. “You know, I’m surprised you’re not jumping at the chance to be a Tamer.”
Kei raised an eyebrow, a grin already forming. “Oh? And why’s that?”
Mia smirked, her tone teasing. “Because you’d get to be a Pokémon Master.”
Kei froze for a moment before bursting into laughter. He clutched his sides, nearly dropping his dagger. “Okay, first of all, that’s brilliant. Second, you’ve officially made it impossible for me to pick anything else without feeling like I’m letting Ash Ketchum down.”
Mia chuckled softly, her voice carrying a playful edge. “It fits you, though. Think about it—commanding Essence-mutated creatures, shouting catchphrases, and throwing... I don’t know, Essence Balls?”
Kei pretended to consider it, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “And then I’d have to go on a journey, collecting badges and giving motivational speeches about the power of friendship. Sounds like a lot of work.”
Mia smirked. “You’re already halfway there. You’ve got the speeches down.”
Kei shook his head, still grinning. “Nah. I’d end up with a rebellious Pikachu that ignores me half the time. I’ll stick to sharp objects, thanks.”
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WHAT IF WE COULD CHOOSE MORE?
Kei flicked his dagger into the air, catching it effortlessly. “But seriously, why do we only get to pick one? What’s stopping us from learning them all?”
Mia raised an eyebrow, her hammock swaying slightly as she thought. “I guess the System limits us so we focus. Besides, knowing you, trying to master five professions at once would just end in disaster.”
Kei leaned forward, his grin widening. “Or... it could end in me being awesome. Just imagine: Alchemy, Rune Master, Artificer, Tamer, and Blacksmith. I’d be unstoppable.”
Mia gave him a pointed look. “Or you’d blow yourself up.”
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Kei shrugged, unbothered. “Worth it.”
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MIA’S ALCHEMY THOUGHTS
Mia tapped her Balance Talisman, her expression turning contemplative. “You know, if I pick Alchemy, what happens if I mess up? Like... could I make exploding potions? Or pills that turn people into frogs?”
Kei snorted, clearly amused. “Now I really want you to pick Alchemy.”
Mia rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “I’m serious. With Balance as my thing, wouldn’t it make sense for a bad potion to do the opposite of what it’s supposed to? Like... a healing pill that makes you sick?”
Kei snapped his fingers, feigning excitement. “I’ve got it! ‘Mia’s Mystery Mixtures. Results not guaranteed.’ You’d make a killing.”
Mia laughed softly, shaking her head. “If that’s my legacy, I’m blaming you.”
Kei gave her a mock salute. “Gladly. And hey, if you do make exploding potions, we’ve got an instant battle strategy.”
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THE WEIGHT OF PROFESSIONS
Despite the lighthearted banter, the weight of their choices hung in the air. The Profession Classes weren’t just about skills—they were pathways that could shape their futures, giving them an edge in a world rapidly transforming.
Kei picked up his Resonant Mask, turning it over in his hands. “Do you think the System’s testing us? Like, throwing all these choices at us to see how much we’ll overthink it?”
Mia leaned forward slightly, her hammock swaying. “Maybe. Or maybe it’s trying to push us—to see what we’re capable of.”
Kei twirled his dagger again, his grin softening. “So... what’s your pick? Alchemy and frog pills?”
Mia tilted her head thoughtfully. “Alchemy feels right. Taking raw Essence and refining it into something useful... it’s like finding balance in chaos.”
Kei nodded, tossing his dagger up and catching it without looking. “I’m leaning toward Rune Master. There’s something about carving magic into stuff that just feels... cool.”
Mia smirked. “Not Artificer? I thought you wanted to build gadgets.”
Kei shrugged. “Gadgets sound fun, but runes feel more direct. Besides, Artificer might get too complicated. I like to keep things simple.”
Mia raised an eyebrow, her tone playful. “Simple, huh? Says the guy who turned a monster fight into a bouncy house.”
Kei laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, it worked, didn’t it?”
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THE WORLD CHANGES
As the fire crackled between them, their conversation shifted to the world’s rapid transformation. Essence-rich zones continued to appear, birthing treasures, monsters, and mysteries.
“Do you think the world’s always been like this?” Mia asked quietly. “Or is this... unnatural?”
Kei stretched, leaning back to gaze at the stars. “Unnatural? Maybe. But who’s to say what’s normal anymore? The world’s just leveling up—like us.”
Mia nodded, her Balance Talisman pulsing softly. “I just hope we’re ready for what’s coming.”
Kei smirked, flipping his dagger into the air again. “If we’re not, we’ll get ready. Trial by fire, right?”
Mia smiled faintly. “You make it sound so easy.”
Kei closed his eyes, his grin returning. “Not easy. Just inevitable.”
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THE NIGHT’S QUIET RESOLVE
The two sat in companionable silence, their minds racing with possibilities and uncertainties. The System had given them tools, but it was up to them to decide how to wield them. Their professions would shape their futures, their choices carving paths into the unknown.
Whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.