Chagrined, Joe shook out his hands and apologized to Master Keeroq. “I’m sorry, but this kind of thing has been happening a lot.” Joe ran his hand through his hair and pulled it away from his face. He looked down at Bixby, “Actually, you know I really should have seen this coming. I mean why wouldn’t whoever is doing this want to force me to take a specific Class?” Joe absently tapped the desk top with a finger. “Although, why the dick move of letting me spend hours looking through the Classes and finally picking one, only to yank it out from under me at the last minute?”
“Rules.” Master Keeroq noted.
“I’m sorry what?”
“Rules. The System is based upon rules. It is obvious that something has broken them, but perhaps it cannot circumvent them altogether.” Master Keeroq steepled his fingers together once more. His visage again one of the unflappable educator.
Joe’s eyes narrowed. “So how does this fit your theory?”
“Perhaps the forcing of the Class had to take place when you chose. The act of pushing your Mana and Experience into the Class is what allows you to merge with your chosen Class after all.”
Joe picked up the train of thought, “Ok, so when I chose the Class, and opened up my Mana and Experience, that was when the interrupt could happen? So, whomever did this can’t just do what they want. They can bend the rules or even break them a bit, but they cannot wholesale override the System?”
“Precisely.” Master Keeroq studied Joe for a moment and then said, “Young sir, this is highly unorthodox, but seeing as it is my duty to assist you in any Class related issues, perhaps you would care to elaborate upon your experiences? I would gladly share any insights that I may glean from your experiences.”
Joe sighed and sat down at the unmarred desk. “Sure. This whole thing is nuts, but you’re the first person to offer to actually help me and not just defer it to some other time or place.” Bixby sat next to Joe once again and Joe placed a hand on the dogs ruff. The relief at the contact was tangible and Joe allowed his shoulders to relax somewhat. The next hour was spent with Joe recounting what happened to him and every time he could recall of the System glitching out.
Master Keeroq asked a few questions for clarification but otherwise listened raptly. At the end of Joe’s tale, the Class Master stood from where he had knelt the entire time Joe was telling his tale and steepled his hands once more, lightly tapping his fingers on his lips. He stood in thought for a moment and then said, “I have not heard of such things being possible.” At Joe’s crestfallen look, he quickly added, “However, that does not mean that no one has.” He stared intently at Joe for an unnervingly long time then finally said, “Young Master Sherman…” The use of Joe’s name caused Joe’s eyebrows to raise in surprise. “I am bound by duty to assist in all matters related to Classing. I do not get involved in my student’s personal affairs as a matter of principle, yet I feel compelled to assist you in solving as much of your dilemma as is possible. To that end, I will converse with my peers and with the Class Guild and see if there are any answers to be had.”
Joe felt like a small weight had been lifted from him as it seemed that he had finally found an ally in trying to understand the System glitches that had been plaguing him. “I… Thank you.”
Master Keeroq nodded and said, “Now, since there are no answers forthcoming, might we continue your Classing? You have a Class despite it not being the one you chose. I suggest, for the time being, that you accept what cannot be changed. You may choose a secondary Class at this time but be warned that progressing in two Classes takes twice as long as your Experience will be split between them.”
“And I can’t change the Class I have?”
“Unfortunately, no. You will have the option when you reach Advanced Rank to reclass if you like or to take a branch of the Class you currently have now. I will say though, that seeing as how your current Class was forced upon you, it may happen again.”
Joe nodded understanding and agreed, “Yeah, I think you’re right.” He sighed and took a moment to collect himself. “Okay.” He rubbed his hands together. Let’s take a look at this Class.” He patted Bixby who licked Joe’s hand and then turned his attention to the screen.
Umbral Warden
Wardens are both the protectors of the natural world and the enforcers of justice. They are often looked upon as traveling judges and if need be, executioners. Much like Paladins, Wardens will hold the line for allies and use their strength as a bastion for the weak. Most cultures will pay close attention to a Warden’s words while a few will even defer to a Warden’s judgement. Wardens will usually specialize in a specific element to aid them in their duties. An Umbral Warden commands the powers of Shadow and Death to defend the weak and cull the world of the most dangerous of threats. They are extremely durable with a survivalist instinct that many focus into a specialized combat style, often boosting their powerful attacks with an elemental edge. The combination of their Shadow and Death attuned abilities and their martial prowess gives the Umbral Warden a unique place amongst an adventuring party. Wherever an umbral Warden travels, their strength travels with them, and new causes make themselves known. There is never a shortage of those who need protection, for the strong always seem to stand above the weak.
Joe read the description a few times then asked, “Why did I not see this in the original list of Class options?”
Master Keeroq’s eyes focused on the air before him indicating he was looking at his own personal screens. “It seems that Umbral Warden is a rare Class that is usually only accessible to those that were born in a System controlled dimension and raised and trained specifically for it. There is a Guild that governs the Wardens.” He pursed his lips, “I suppose since Wardens are much like Paladins in that they are wandering adjudicators, naturally there must be accountability, hence the Guild.”
“Okay, so here’s the weird thing. My swords and armor were apparently once owned by an Umbral Warden. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. Someone really wants me to be a warden.” Joe cocked his head reading the description once more. “Honestly though, it does kinda fit me. I think I still would have preferred the Umbral Stalker, but I think I can deal with this. Bix?” Joe looked down at his companion. Bixby raised an eyebrow and gave a woof of agreement. Joe chuckled, “Yeah, when in Rome right?” He turned his attention back to Master Keeroq, “Alright then, what’s next?”
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Master Keeroq easily settled back into his formal demeanor. “You are now Level One and can choose your first Skill, Ability and Spell.” The large screen shifted and Joe saw a new list of information.
Umbral Warden (Basic Rank)
+1 Strength per Level
+1 Constitution per Level
+1 Willpower per Level
+3 Statistic Points per Level for free distribution
+10 Health per Level
+5 Stamina per Level
+5 Mana per Level
+1 Skill per every 5 Levels
+1 Ability per every 5 Levels
+1 Spell per every 5 Levels
He really did not feel the statistic bump as he was used to the large jumps from earning the achievements and titles, but he could see the massive increase headed his way once he used all of his experience. Below the basic leveling information was the Skill, Abilities and Spell trees. Each one had a single option at first level. Once he reached level five, he could see that the options would become broader. His only option for his first Skill was Survival, which caused Joe to laugh out loud. He thought it was redundant but realized quickly that the single Tier stacked with his already Tier five skill, pushing it to Tier six. This gave him a sixty percent proficiency with the skill. He wasn’t sure he knew any more than before, but he decided not to complain. His Ability option was called Warden’s Instinct.
Ability: Warden’s Instinct
This ability allows Wardens to intuitively feel peril whether in combat or social situations. It is often used to “feel” for the truth when investigating other beings.
Lastly, his first level Spell was Umbral Blade.
Spell: Umbral Blade
The Umbral Warden is never without a weapon as long as they have Mana. They may summon a black dagger formed of shadows. The Umbral Blade acts as a tangible weapon and can be parried and blocked by armor, however, if the blade does Health damage to an opponent, it will drain 100 points of Mana from the victim. This spell costs 50 Mana to cast and lasts for 2 minutes per casting.
Okay, it’s a holdout weapon spell. I can see how that would be useful for a first level person without access to something like my swords. Joe nodded to himself then looked to Master Keeroq. “It says I have three points to allocate to any statistic. I assume I can just focus on the ones I want to upgrade and add the points?”
“Correct. And once you are done, you will need to assign a Class to Bixby. Soulbound companions are very rare and they have a special set of rules. They may be assigned a Class based upon yours. Their choices are far more limited than what you have access to, but they are meant to be supplemental and supportive to your Class. As you level, so will Bixby, although depending on the Class you choose for him, his gains may be different.”
Joe allocated his free statistic points and smiled, “You hear that Bix? You’re about to get some Class, finally. You’ve been a barbarian far too long.” He chuckled at his own joke while Bixby sighed and raised an eyebrow. “All kidding aside, let’s see what your options are.” Bixby barked and Joe’s eyebrows went up. “You’ve already picked one? Since when?” Bixby barked and woofed, “Wait, you’ve been looking through them while I was dealing with my first level?” Joe turned to Master Keeroq, “I swear he is so much better at all this than I am and he's a dog.” Bixby woofed in annoyance, “Sorry, Sapient Canine.” Joe placed his hands on his hips, “Alright then Mr. Too Good To Be A Dog anymore, what did you choose?”
The main screen changed and showed a new Classes information.
Void Hound
The Void is what lies between. It is the force that makes up the space between dimensions and binds them together. The Void Hound is born of the spiraling chaos of creation and destruction. It can perceive the unseen layers of reality and move through the world as a phantom. The Void Hound is a creature of balance, by turns a nurturing and caring defender or a brutal and unrelenting avenger. Death follows the howl of the Void Hound.
“That’s… kinda scary my dude.” Joe said after reading the description. He shrugged, “But I gotta say, it does fit. You’re already the Alpha of the Void Wolves, so this makes total sense.” Bixby snorted in agreement. Joe turned back to Master Keeroq, “Do I have to do something here or does Bixby?”
Master Keeroq stepped before Bixby and peered down at him, “Ultimately, Bixby is the one to choose, however, you,” He indicated Joe, “must be the one to initiate the choice. Just as before, reach out with your Mana and Experience and connect with the Class. Imagine a bridge or channel between the Class and Bixby. Bixby in turn must concentrate on the Class and entwine his own Mana into the choice.”
“You ready buddy?” At Bixby’s nod, Joe sat back down at the desk and placed a hand on Bixby’s head. “Alright, here goes…” Joe concentrated and felt the eerie connection of his Mana and Experience again, but this time it flowed differently. Instead of covering his body with the strange energy sensations, a tendril of power flowed from Joe to the Class and back into Bixby. Joe could feel Bixby tense up and even feel the moment he chose the Class. In a rush of energy and power, the choice was made and Bixby changed.
As Joe sat there, hand upon Bixby’s head, the influx of energy suffused the dogs body and Joe felt and saw the change. Bixby’s fur flowed thicker as his body grew. The already dark fur became pitch black. Any remnants of the brown markings that indicated his past self as a German Shephard were erased. His muzzle lengthened, his teeth grew dark like obsidian and his shining bright blue eyes became like a black void filled with stars and the irises a fearsome blood red.
Joe sat in mute astonishment. Bixby was now enormous. He was nearly five feet at the shoulder and nearly nine feet long. His fur had taken on a black hue that looked slightly unnatural, as if light did not reflect off of it properly. He turned to face Joe and let out a bark that was deep and resonant. That startled Joe out of his surprise. “Holy fuckballs Bix! Look at you! You are one badass looking dude!” He stood to walk around Bixby to check him out from all angles, “Oh man, I can’t wait for you to get a look at yourself in a mirror. All the monsters and bad guys are going to piss themselves when they see you coming.” Bixby let out a few deep woofs and Joe laughed, “Right. If they see you coming.” Joe knelt and hugged Bixby, the feeling was both new because of Bixby’s altered size, but also reassuring. Joe was glad that their connection had not been changed or diminished. He took Bixby’s face in his hands, “I know I sound like a broken record, but I am sorry I dragged you into this whole world, but I hope you know that I love you and that you’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” Instead of snorting in derision of Joe’s emotional outpouring, he licked Joe’s face and nuzzled him closer.
The two sat like that for a while until Master Keeroq cleared his throat. “Would you like to continue?”