The morning sun rose gently over the island, casting long shadows across the beach. The waves lapped softly against the shore as Kei leaned against a tree, twirling his Wave Flowing Dagger idly by its string. His Resonant Mask rested casually on his forehead, and his mind churned with thoughts of the System’s offer.
Mia sat cross-legged a few feet away, her Balance Talisman glowing faintly in her lap. She seemed lost in thought, her Celestial Hammock folded neatly beside her. The weight of their choices pressed heavily on them both.
MORNING TRAINING
Kei broke the silence with a grin. “Alright, enough brooding. Let’s train before the professions melt our brains. Maybe some action will make things clearer.”
Mia smirked, grabbing her twin-blade scythe as she rose gracefully. “You’re just stalling. But fine. Let’s see if your ‘thinking in motion’ strategy actually works.”
They moved seamlessly into their routines. Kei practiced his Wing Chun, each strike and stance flowing like water, enhanced by his Rhythmic Cycle breathing technique. His movements carried a distinct rhythm, his body resonating with the surrounding environment.
Mia countered with her Tai Chi, her movements slow but deliberate. The synergy between her Balance Talisman and Equilibrium Breath stabilized the Essence around her, enhancing her precision and control.
When their training ended, they returned to their camp by the fire, both invigorated and pensive.
WEIGHING THE CHOICES
Kei leaned back, tossing a pebble into the fire. “So, we’ve got Alchemy, Rune Master, Tamer, Artificer... and Blacksmith. Five professions, and each one’s a game-changer.”
Mia gave him a curious look. “You’ve been quiet about Blacksmithing. Is it even in the running for you?”
Kei grinned, flipping his dagger effortlessly. “Oh, it’s more than in the running. There’s something... satisfying about making stuff with your hands. Crafting weapons, forging gear—turning raw materials into something badass.”
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Mia raised an eyebrow. “You? A forger? I thought you’d go for something flashier, like Rune Master or Artificer.”
Kei chuckled. “Yeah, they’re tempting. But they’re too complicated. Blacksmithing—no, crafting—feels simple. Practical. Build it, test it, break it, and make it better.”
Mia smirked. “So, it’s less about the glamour and more about the hands-on work?”
Kei nodded, a rare seriousness in his tone. “Exactly. Imagine forging something that saves someone’s life. That’s worth more than all the runes and gadgets in the world.”
MIA’S THOUGHTS
Mia tapped her Balance Talisman thoughtfully. “Alchemy still feels right for me. Refining Essence into something useful fits with Balance. But what if I mess up? Healing potions could turn poisonous, or buffs could become debuffs.”
Kei grinned, his humor returning. “Then you’ll be the first Chaos Alchemist. Turn allies into frogs, turn enemies into... slightly bigger frogs. It’s all good.”
Mia shook her head, laughing softly. “And if you mess up forging a sword?”
Kei twirled his dagger with a shrug. “Worst case? I end up with a really sharp paperweight.”
THE DECISION
After a quiet moment, the System’s chime resonated in their minds.
[System Notification: Choose Your Profession.]
Kei straightened, his expression resolute. “Alright, I’m doing it. No second-guessing. I’m choosing... Crafter.”
The System responded immediately:
[Profession Selected: Crafter.] [Abilities Unlocked: Basic Forging Techniques, Essence Manipulation in Metalwork.] [Tools Provided: Essence Hammer, Resonant Anvil.]
A shimmering blueprint of a small forge appeared in Kei’s mind, along with the faint hum of a Resonant Anvil materializing beside him.
Mia gave him a sidelong glance, a small smile on her lips. “Crafter, huh? Guess you’re really committing to this.”
Kei picked up the Essence Hammer, its surface glowing faintly with runes. “Yup. Time to build some stuff and see where it takes me.”
MOVING FORWARD
With their decisions made, they began preparing for the next challenge. The fractured zones were growing more dangerous, and their new professions would play a critical role in their survival and growth.
Kei gazed at his newly acquired tools, the excitement of possibility glinting in his eyes. “First project? A weapon that’s as cool as it is deadly.”
Mia chuckled, shaking her head. “Just make sure it doesn’t explode.”
Kei flashed a grin. “No promises.”
As the fire crackled between them, they felt the weight of their choices lift slightly. The world was changing rapidly, but now they had new paths to explore—paths that could shape not only their futures but the fate of Earth itself.