Standing in a field of grass, surrounded by a crowd of people McOris Fiels looks around, trying to come to grips with this new reality. The whole crowd is facing one direction though, while some people are starting to panic he looks towards where everyone was obviously positioned to be able to see. In front of the crowd is a raised platform with 9 beings positioned on top of it. Each looked completely different from everyone else there.
The one standing in the middle of the group was tall. 10 feet tall easily, thin and lanky with a angular face covered in scales. Its hands were more like claws, though with opposable thumbs. The fingers of each hand were covered in rings of a variety of cuts and styles. It wore a a diaphanous black robe filled with stars of red an unusual style, something similar to a toga, and yet with a half hoodie seemingly designed to cover the back of the head while still showing off a row of spines above its brow.
To the left of the one in the middle is another being, this one much shorter, only 3 feet tall if that. Looking like a child next to the others on the podium, and yet its eyes were fields of stars, its skin a mottled black like the depths of the night, it had a staff as tall as it was made of a gnarled piece of something that might have been a vine, but seemed incredibly solid colored black as its skin.
Opposite the short one is being of more human height, but wider by far 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Fur covers what parts of it can be seen outside of its thick plate armor. It has 4 arms with oddly normal looking hands, in its bottom two hands it has shields while its top two hands hold a heavy looking hammer, with a spike on the other end. Its armor and weapons are all covered in glyphs that sparkle in the light of dawn.
One more step to the right is a being of human proportions but made entirely of what appears to be ruby. Its entire body is sharp angles and flat planes. Where a face would be for a human is instead two glowing spots in an otherwise flat surface, burning with an inner blue fire. It has a belt full of tools of various types, similar to, but just slightly off from anything on earth.
On the other side there is another furred form. This one taller and much thinner than the other, wearing an outfit made almost entirely of something that appeared to be leather, obviously designed with ease of movement in mind. On its back is a bow of strange design, at its waist some kind of pistol with a gem glowing with a soft light where a magazine would normally be. Pouches and quivers adorn the being in a cluttered hodgepodge. It stared out at the crowd before it with predators eyes, watching everyone there.
Standing one more layer to the left is another being made of crystal. This one appeared to be made of something akin to onyx. Its hands had nails as sharp as knives, and even standing there plain to see it seemed to disappear into the background if you didn't pay attention to it. It held deathly still even as its the dark glow of its eyes seemed to shift about the mass of people before it.
One back from the edge on the right is another of the short statured beings, skin just as dark, but eyes of gold and silver. It had a drill in hand, and clippers on its belt. A brand poked out from behind its back. Dressed in a set of thick, yet soft cloth. It stood there calmly, looking not out at the crowd gathered before it, but at the fields that surrounded it.
At the far left of the group is a 4 eyed being with no apparent nose and an oval mouth. Its body is thin and its limbs spindly standing around 6 feet tall, it nevertheless showed its strength carrying a massive rucksack on its back, pouches at its sides, bulging outward as if stuffed full. It wears a richly decorated robe covered in gems and silver thread.
On the far right is another of the 4 eyed beings. This one wears a similar robe, but of a plain cut and design, in simple blue. It carries with it a book and some kind of pen, and continues to write into the book even as it looks out over the crowd arrayed before it.
Before long the tall being in the center raised its hand, and silence fell over the crowd, as everyone there found themselves compelled to look upon the being and listen to its words. "Welcome people of Earth. This safe zone is designated for adult batchelors and batcherlorettes of zone 42. This group dynamic should allow you to form the groups necessary to accomplish the goals that will allow you to leave this safe zone and create places for your own people to grow."
Leaving the safe zone!
Goal 1/?:
Obtain a starter class.
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Reward:
Choice of free first skill based off class chosen.
The tall being continues "At this point you should see a System message telling you the first goal for leaving this safe zone. Those of us upon this platform are your trainers while you are here. Each of us have trained in all the basic skills the system gives out as choices for obtaining your first class, as well as many of their higher forms. We will teach you what you need to know in order to pick the right class and starting skills for you, and guide you to your futures in the system. I am Xerthul, my class is Master of Ceremonies. I can start you on the path of the Socialite. To my right is our Mage specialist, Ruko an Arcanist. My left has Zeebo an Armored Alpha, trainer of Warriors. To his left is Roobu, a Creator of Wonders, and the one who will start your path as a Crafter. To Ruko's right is Arbela, a Dark Hunter, who can start you on the Ranger's path. Her right has Brandish, Silent Stalker and the one who can help you to become a Rogue. At the end there is Zzander, Merchant Prince, who would be happy to help you to become a trader of goods in your own right, likely in the hopes he can get a good deal with you later. Standing next the right of Roobu is Ander, a Resource Scout, here to teach you in the ways of a Gatherer. Last but not least is Ssindry, an Information Specialist, and our Administrator." As Xerthul gives each name, the person in question bows, waves, or otherwise indicates who they are.
"Now before we split up for our own areas and give you the chance to get your classes, let me answer some frequently asked questions of people recently brought into the System. Yes, this is a permanent change. Yes, if you are not careful the monsters that are outside the safe zone can and will kill you. Yes, that goes for all of you. Yes, you will have to leave the safe zone, and the sooner the better for you and your planet. Every day you spend in the safe zone, is another day for the horrors the System keeps in check to grow stronger without you. This safe zone design was created because it was found to lead to significantly less loss of life than going without, even with the disadvantage of the time lost in it. Yes, there are ways to communicate with others via the System, though the cost can be exorbitant depending on distance. Eventually you will be able to use System currency to buy permanent communication hubs, or if you have Crafters that decide to go that route, you will be able to build your own. We are here to get you started in the System, to give you a chance to begin to grow before you face the full fury of the outside zones. The safe zones are created relatively near each other, but you will have to work together to clear a path to each other. This is intentional, and is meant to foster cooperation. Your species will need it in order to survive and thrive with these being from beyond. The Form these monsters take is based off the collective conscousness of your species. Your tales, fables, stories, myths, and legends will all be pulled from in order to give them a form your species can understand. Without the System, these horrors are immaterial and can not be destroyed, but can still bring death and destruction to you. Now, we will split up, and go to our respective areas of the safe zone, from there you can ask us the questions you have related to the classes you can get, and the skills you'll be able to choose from, so that you can make an informed decision. When you make your choice let us know, and we will direct you in how to obtain your class." Finally done speaking to the group Xerthul walks off the podium, and heads off to where a proper stage has been set-up behind the podium. The rest of the trainers each go to their own area, designed with their class in mind.
The crowd is silent at first, before breaking out in murmuring, the enforced calm of the Master of Ceremonies is still in effect, and the people are coming to grips with everything far faster than McOris expected, including himself. Finally able to walk, move, act again, he decides to head out for Zeebo's training ground.
As he approaches, he finds that many other people have gone for the same thing. Zeebo has everyone practicing with a seemingly never-ending series of practice weapons available from inside a shed. The goal is apparently to give them a chance to see if close-combat is actually something that fits them. Upon entering the shed, McOris finds that its significantly bigger on the inside, filled with all manner of melee weapons, a seemingly endless collection, as there are stand after stand, in every direction, as far as the eye can see, save for where the door is, standing freely in the center of the area. Looking around, McOris finds and grabs a sword, the classic tool of the warrior. Stepping out of the shed, he goes to find a sparring partner, along the way he sees many others fighting, and some getting hit. The weapons look fully deadly, and yet, they leave at worst a bruise on even the strongest of hits. Apparently this training ground is very effective indeed.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Finally he approaches another person looking for someone to practice with. "So, should we just start? Or is there something special we are supposed to do?" McOris asks the other guy
He responds with a shrug. "Everyone else just starts that I've seen, but I haven't asked."
McOris smiles, and proceeds to hold his hand out palm up, then curls his fingers a few times, in a come at me, gesture. His partner does so, and McOris swings his sword in a two handed grip from left to right, swinging fit to knock the others head off. A swing that is promptly ducked under and McOris finds himself sporting a new bruise across the face from the others quick strike, before he dances out of range. They go at it again, this time McOris on the defense. His partner attacks, swinging low, and McOris lowers his sword to defend against it, only for the other's sword to change angles and come back high, swiping across his chest. The two continue for another few passes, McOris is determined to win at least one exchange.
Zeebo looks on, nodding at his partner, and sighing at McOris attempts. Finally, after dozens more passes McOris is too exhausted to continue, and covered in bruises. Zeebo walks over to the two, and turns to other. "Boy, you seem suited to the Warriors roll, if you wish to continue, wait for me by the dummies at the far end." Turning back towards McOris, "As for you. You have heart boy, but you've got no sense of balance, no feel for your weapon. I suggest trying something else, go and look for another teacher."
McOris is less than pleased at this turn of events, but acquiesces. He's got more options, and he's sure something will stick. Reaffirmed of purpose, he heads towards Arbela's training area. Here he is sure, he'll find his way. The test here is to use any of the provided ranged weapons to attack their designated targets. There are dozens of sets, and a far smaller crowd testing them than were at the Warrior's area, though that may be because so many have already passed. McOris starts with the bow and arrow. A classic, picks up the bow, puts the arrow to the string, and fumbles it. One of the others there walks over and shows him how to hold with to a polite, if embarrased thanks from McOris. Finally holding things correctly, he tries again, and manages to fire the arrow. In the general direction of the target, if nothing else. Luckily, there is no one behind it. He tries again, and the arrow soars past the target again, on the other side this time. He continues until the quiver is empty, never hitting the target once. Overshooting it, undershooting it, too far to the left or right.
After that failure, he moves on, throwing daggers. An excellent choice. What could be cooler? He picks up the brace of daggers near the target, its not nearly as far away as the bow's target. He's sure to hit it this time. His very first throw in fact does hit the target, barely, on the bottom of it, with the hilt. His next tries are significantly worse.
Shuriken, ninja weapon of choice. Meant to be accuretly surely, even in the hands of a novice. No such luck.
Throwing axes. A man's man weapon. This is what he needed to start with. He hefts an axe, getting a feel for the weight, he rears back, for the windup, and launches forward. The axe thuds to the ground, right next to his foot. Apparently, he needs more work on timing the release. Sheepishly, he tries again. This time it actually gets near to the target, for certain definitions of the term "near" but he's sure its a sign he'll get it eventually. He continues until his arms are tired. Managing to sink the axe in the target once. Happily he looks at the tests expections, listed behind the target. Apparently just one hit is actually not very good. At least out of 50. Dejected, he moves on.
Stealth is his way. So he heads for the rogues encampment. This time, its an obstacle course. Filled with strings and bells. Apparently, the goal is to get through without ringing any. He can walk again, he can move. His body feels as great as it ever has. He's got this in the bag, how hard could it be? After the fifth time he's found himself entangled in the strings, with bells ringing clearly all around him. He decides that maybe this isn't quite right for him either.
Apparently, physical pursuits aren't his strong point. Spending years in a hospital after the accident apparently left him unable to actually use his body they way he wants, even after it was fixed. Determined to be able to do some kind of combat, even if its not the physical kind like he wanted, he heads to Ruko's area. There he finds barely a dozen people still working on getting a class. This test seems simple, create a ball of mana in ones hand. The process described is easy enough. Metitate on one's body, notice the new energy that's been added to it since the System came to the planet, and once you get a feel for it, move the energy like you would any muscle to bring some of it to your hand.
He's spent years in bed just trying to move a muscle. He hopes this time, he'll have more success. He sits down, crosslegged on the ground, closes his eyes, and begins to feel out his body, one sensation, one muscle at a time. Gradually his breathing slows, his focus turns ever inward, until eventually he feels something new. He focuses on this new sensation, trying to understand it, come to grips with it. Slowly he prods at the feeling of potential inside of him. It is small, but there, circulating through him. He first tries to squeeze the muscles around it, trying to change the flow, but it just flows through unimpeded. He continues to try a variety of different things to get the energy to move, until eventually he just gives up trying to do something to it. Instead he simply tries to will the energy to his hand, and here he finds success. Its sluggish, the energy seemingly unwilling to move, but move it does. His open palm slowly fills with a green energy that casually forms a sphere as it grows. He stares at it in fascination. Amazement crosses his features as he stares at mana, at actual magic. Here it seems, he can succeed. He can be a force that actually does something instead of just reacting to everything around him.
He notices though that the energy inside him seems drained, significantly less than it was when he started. He tries to will the energy in his palm back inside, but it doesn't seem to work. The energy simply bleeds off into the air around him. He's not certain if that actually does anything to the local area, but hopes if so its nothing bad. He stands up, and walks to a tent that has a sign hanging over its opening, "Successful applicant enter here." Apparently this is where he needs to go to actually get his class. He walks in and finds much like the shed from the Warrior area, this tent is much larger on the inside. Or, maybe it would be better to say that the tent's entrance doesn't actually lead to the tent, but to some other structure entirely. Inside is a room with walls, floor, ceiling. The tent flap behind him the only indication of a tent he can see. There is only one way forward, and he walks along the path. Inside are a variety of decorations, from furniture sized for something of Ruku's size, to pieces large enough for beings bigger than Xerthul. Eventually he comes to a room with a few other people inside of it, waiting apparently to also become mages.
As soon as he walks in, the door the others are stopped at opens, as if the person on the other side was waiting for him. For all he knows, they were. From beyond the doorway, which even open, is covered in shadow walks Ruko. He looks at all of them and nods to each. "Congratulations Earthlings on passing my trial for becoming a Mage. Magic is the greatest tool of the System, and with it, you will be an incredible force for your planet. Never let some Warrior tell you otherwise." He says with a smirk for Warriors at the end. He walks towards the center of the group of waiting people. "Now then, it is a simple process for gaining a class. Though kept from you until this point to help ensure you do not pick something you are unsuited for. In order to obtain your class you must first access your status screen, indicate your currently empty class, and then choose from the basic options the System provides you. To open your status screen, simply think Status. Do so now." The group look at each other at first, nonplussed at how easy this apparently is. Shortly though, they turn to their own thoughts and do so. Status McOris thinks to himself.
Name: McOris Fiels Class: None, please choose Race: Human Level: 0 Age: 20 Exp: 0.00% Organization: None Health(Regen): 80/80(.5/s) Mana(Regen): 170/170(1.2/s) Stamina(Regen): 100/100(1.0/s) Strength: 6 Willpower: 10 Constituion: 5 Mental Fortitude: 12 Dexterity: 5 Mental Acuity: 10 Perception: 8 Charisma: 7
Woah McOris thinks to himself, seeing his status. Its just that easy? Still though, he looking at his stats, he can see why the more physical classes didn't work out for him. He's pretty proud of his mental stats though, those should make being a mage a piece of cake. Looking up from his status screen, he sees Ruko looking around at all of them, with some kind of emotion on his face he can't identify. Hopefully a positive one.
Seeing that everyone has their status screen open, Ruko continues, "Now you'll see that your class is currently set to None, please choose. In order to do that, all you have to do is focus on the class section of your status screen and the options will pop up. From there its the same process for choosing your class, simply focus on it. Go ahead and choose Mage now."
McOris nods to himself, and focuses back onto his status screen, pretty happy with how it seems to get out of his vision when he doesn't want to be looking at it. Simply staying in his peripheals until he tries to focus on it. Now looking at his screen again, he focuses on the class portion and a new window pops up.
Choose your Class
* Warrior - melee physical combatant
* Ranger - ranged physical combatant
* Rouge - stealthy combatant
* Mage - magical combatant
* Socialite - charismatic support
* Crafter - item creation support
* Gatherer - resource accumulation support
* Administrator - general support
* Trader - merchantile support
Mage McOris focuses on. A new window opens in front of his eyes, and his life changes forever.