“The choice of an initial class is the first real step for any aspiring Hunter,” Stella said. “The choice can, in my ways, define the path you’ll take from this day forward. You are given an array of classes based on the skills and spells acquired since the last upgrade. Since this will be your first time, everything you’ve acquired is available to you. When a Hunter earns level five, a tier one class becomes available. As you grow in levels, and learn new spells and skills, you’ll be able to further specialize your class. Everything you’ll become starts with this choice.”

“How often does this happen?” I asked.

“The first tier is unlocked at level five. Tier two classes are available at level ten, and then tier three classes at level twenty. There are certainly more down the road, but that information is not yet available to me at your current level. I would imagine as we reach higher levels, we’ll be able to see when the next tier opens up beyond that,” Stella said before continuing. “Most of the time a Hunter continues down a specific path like a Fire Mage at level five choosing to become an Inferno mage at ten, and then perhaps a Hell Caster at twenty. Ultimately, though, the choice is yours. Each time you choose a class you are able to specialize in one spell or skill.”

“Definitely something to look forward to,” I said. “It’s pretty interesting that my choices are defined by what we’ve been able to do so far. A part of me wishes we were able to get other spells back in Winterfalls to have even more options.”

“Many Hunters likely do just that,” Stella agreed. “Trying to get as many spells as possible before hitting a new class tier would seem a wise investment.

“Yeah,” I said as I eyed our surroundings. Nothing stirred so now would be as good of time as ever to pick my first Hunter class. There were likely hundreds, if not thousands of skills and spells within this game world, so the myriad of classes were no doubt endless. As Stella confirmed, I would be on the lookout for any spell I could pick up in the future. The more I had the more doors would open up in the future. “Ok, hit me. What classes are available?”

Stella smiled at me as I rubbed my hands together. “Happy to,” Stella said with a chuckle, obviously feeling my eagerness. “Oh, but don't forget about distributing your attribute points from reaching level four and five. You can do that now or later, if you'd like.”

I laughed, a small portion of my eagerness going a tad flat at the abrupt shift. Not to be deterred, I gave Stella a mischievous look, “Thanks, I can do that right away. Alright, let’s see where I am first.” Pulling up my character sheet was simple and, as I looked at it, I was reminded of the progress I had made from just this morning.

Character Status

Name: Xazorus.

Title: The Free.

Level: 5.

Race: Half-Elf.

Reputation: Views – 3,298. Followers – 36.

Strength: 11.

Dexterity: 10.

Constitution: 20.

Intelligence: 16.

Wisdom: 7.

Charisma: 8.

Luck: 7.

Health: 200. Mana: 160. Stamina: 155.

Spells: [Minor Healing Wave] level 2, [Minor Firebolt] level 2, [Minor Restless Slumber] level 2, [Minor Deflecting Shield] level 2, [Minor Flamethrower] level 2, [Minor Regen] level 2, [Minor Heat Blood] level 2, [Minor Boil Blood] level2.

Abilities: Mind & Matter, Dark Vision, Exalted Acceleration, Keen Senses, Adaptability.

Skills: Dual Casting level 3, Channeling level 3, Axes level 3, Tracking level 2, Stealth level 2.

Resistances: Disease 15%

Thinking back on my last fight with the troll, having a great deal more constitution seemed a wise decision. Having earned two levels simultaneously, meant I had fourteen attribute points to distribute. My highest stats were constitution and intelligence and, not seeing a better choice at the moment, I decided to split my points between those evenly. Having more health and mana wouldn’t be something I would likely regret. After all, more constitution meant a higher health pool, among other things. Likewise, it was clear that my magic played a vital role in my survival, so I would also need to increase that. The choice wasn’t really all that difficult.

Mentally distributing the points, and with the ten percent bonus from my Adaptability trait, brought my total Constitution to twenty-eight points and Intelligence to twenty-three. With the increase confirmed, my health pool shot upwards to two-hundred eighty with my mana pool near to two-hundred thirty. Seeing my Stamina increase as well, nearly to two hundred points, I was reminded that Constitution played a role in that resource pool. Though, I wasn’t finding it particularly useful and certainly not limiting at this point. Perhaps it was because I primarily used my magic in combats, but time would tell as I learned more martial skills.

“Alright, with that,” Stella looked to be reading an invisible screen before her before continuing, a bright smile plastered on her canine mug. “Notifications coming at you.”

Notice! The following options are available to be selected as your Tier 1 Hunter class. Please know that this change is irreversible and these particular classes may never become available again. Follow your path and choose wisely, Hunter. Please select your Tier 1 class.

Note - After selecting a Tier 1 Hunter Class, any additional levels gained thereafter will automatically increase several attribute points as indicated in the class descriptions below.

Options Available:

Spell/Skill Tier 1 Class

Axes >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Berserker

Minor Boil Blood >>>>>> Necromancer

Channeling >>>>>>>>>>> Channeler

Dual Casting >>>>>>>>>> Spell Slinger

Minor Heat Blood >>>>>> Thaumaturge

Minor Deflecting Shield >> Divergent

Minor Firebolt >>>>>>>>> Magician

Minor Flamethrower >>>> Fire Mage

Minor Healing Wave >>>> White Mage

Minor Regeneration >>>> Revivalist

Minor Restless Slumber >> Enchanter

Stealth >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Rogue

Tracking >>>>>>>>>>>> Stalker

Seeing the list of all the spells and skills I had acquired, along with the corresponding available classes, reminded me of everything that had transpired in such a relatively short period of time. I had been just a plain non-player character just earlier that morning after all. So many options were available to me, though, my gut helped me eliminate some of the choices right off the bat. My eyes passed over Berserker which was available because of the seriously bad-ass axe I had received from Stouter and Stella, I felt confident my desired Hunter path was carried through the use of magic and spell casting. So, Berserker, Rogue, and Stalker were all out of the picture as they were certainly all melee-based. Several other choices didn’t strike a chord with me either so were initially discarded.

Still, the more I thought about it, this choice was going to have profound and lasting effects on my future in this world.

“Hmm,” I said with some hesitation. Stella gazed at me uncomprehending my internal thoughts. “So, could you show me a few of these, though I doubt I’ll be picking them. I want to see everything available, though I’m ninety-nine percent confident I’m going to choose a magic-based class.”

“No trouble at all,” Stella said as I asked for information on Berserker, Rogue, and Stalker. She continued speaking as the information appeared in my vision, though I kept my attention fixed on her as the information she shared was quite interesting. “It’s quite normal that some classes are dismissed out of hand. In fact, most Hunters already have a particular class type in mind when they first enter the World and take it slow, avoiding level five, until their desired spell or skill has been learned. While this can lead to the early deaths of some Hunters, most are able to at least choose a class similar to what was originally desired.”

Nodding at Stella, I turned my attention to the three classes presented from the martial and physical skills I had learned to this point. As I expected, none were down the path I was seeking, though my eyes did hover over the Rogue for a period of time. Magic called to me in this world, but sneaking around and attacking my enemies from the shadows did have a certain appeal to it. Maybe one day I would adapt some of those elements into my new life, only time would tell.

Berserker – Class Description – The Berserker is a whirlwind of ferocity, utilizing axes of all types to destroy any foe unwise enough to stand against the storm of wrath that boils to the surface whenever battle commences. Berserkers excel in combat, capable of delivering heavy damage while shirking off, or downright ignoring, the damage their foes can inflict in return. Axe skills level 50% faster. Damage dealt with axes is increased by an additional 50%, all damage resistance is increased by 25% and maximum health receives a persistent 25% increase. In early levels, a Berserker will be able to enter a raged state, further increasing damage dealt to their foes, but at the cost of less control over one’s animalistic nature. Plus 2 Strength and plus 1 Constitution per level.

Rogue – Class Description – The Rogue strikes from the shadows with overwhelming physical damage, often ending a fight before their target even realizes death has descended. Rogues excel in delivering large amounts of damage while in Stealth and primarily use daggers, short swords, and, eventually, poisons to devastating effect. All martial skills level 25% faster. Damage dealt while in Stealth is increased by an additional 50%, Stealth no longer drains Stamina and the Rogue is 25% harder to detect. In later levels, a Rogue will bypass most, if not all, defensive measures designed to keep out enemies, whether magical or physical in nature. Plus 1 Strength, Constitution, and Dexterity per level.

Stalker – Class Description – Similar to a Rogue, the Stalker prefers to strike at foes from great distances while remaining undetected. Stalkers excel in raining damage upon their foes while remaining safe against all but the longest-ranged counterattacks. Ranged skills level 50% faster. Damage from ranged attacks is increased by an additional 50%, accuracy from ranged attacks is increased by 25% and maximum stamina receives a persistent 25% increase. In later levels, a Stalker ability to strike from afar will exceed all but the most powerful of attacks, and almost no foe can remain hidden from their tenacious determination. Plus 1 Constitution, Dexterity, and Luck per level.

“Thanks, Stell,” I said after reviewing each in turn. Each was interesting in its own right, no doubt, but was not in line with where my heart was taking me. “Okay. Let’s get serious. Can you give me information for all the other options?”

“Yup, here you go,” she replied before several pages of notifications bombarded my vision.

Necromancer – Class Description – While a Thaumaturge focuses on both direct damage and damage of time spells, a Necromancer primary focuses begins with their damage over time spell line. Necromancers excel in causing massive amounts of damage over prolonged battles. Damage over time spells level 50% faster. Damage of time spells deal 100% additional base damage and are 25% harder to resist. In later levels, a Necromancer will also begin to dabble in spells that can bring undeath to his slain enemies, forcing them to rise and serve the caster. Plus 1 Intelligence, Wisdom and Luck per level.

Channeler – Class Description – A Channeler’s focus is to continuously rain down devastating magic upon their enemies, never relenting or allowing their enemy to counterattack. They excel in turning any direct damage spell into a continuous stream of raw energy. The channeling skill and all direct damaging spells level 25% faster. Channeling requires 50% less mana to cast and deals 50% additional damage. In later levels, a Channeler begins to understand the unending depths of the arcane and can create new, more powerful, effects through force of will alone. Plus 1 Intelligence, Wisdom and Luck per level.

Spell Slinger – Class Description – A Spell Slinger’s primary focus is to overwhelm their opponents with an endless barrage of spells. They excel at being able to continuously cast spell after spell to all that oppose them. All spells level 25% faster. Dual casting spells require 50% less mana to cast and deal 50% additional base damage. In later levels, a Spell Slinger begins to understand the unending depths of the Universe and can create new, more powerful, effects through force of will alone. Plus 1 Constitution, Intelligence, and Luck per level.

Thaumaturge – Class Description – A Thaumaturge’s focus is centered on their ability to damage foes through destructive and damage over time spells. They seek versatility as opposed to a narrower focus like with other spell casters. Direct and damaging over time spells level 25% faster. Both spell types deal 50% more base damage and are 25% harder to resist. In later levels, a Thaumaturge will fine-tune their destructive talent into assaulting large groups of enemies. Plus 1 Intelligence, Wisdom and Luck per level.

Divergent – Class Description – A Divergent’s focus is primarily on defense, never allowing physical and magical attacks to land. Ever elusive, the Divergent is an exceedingly difficult foe to lock down and can escape even the most powerful attacks by the smallest of margins. Defensive spells and skills level 50% faster. Counter-attacking spells and skills deal 25% additional damage, are 25% harder to defend against, and dodge is increased by a flat 25%. In early levels, a Divergent begins to understand the most inner workings of arcane and physical deflection and will begin bending all attack types back upon their foes. Plus 1 Intelligence, Wisdom and Luck per level.

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Magician – Class Description – A Magician’s focus is primarily to throw out spells of destruction, regardless of spell type. A Magician never stops in their desire to acquire all types of magic. Direct damage spells level 25% faster. Direct damage spells deal 50% more base damage and are 25% harder to resist. In later levels, a Magician begins to dabble in the art of summoning elemental creatures to do their bidding, serving as both defender and fighter to any that would try to bring harm to the caster. Plus 1 Intelligence, Wisdom and Luck per level.

Fire Mage – Class Description – Unlike a Thaumaturge, the Fire Mage’s focus is centered on their ability to damage foes solely through fire-attuned spells. They seek a singular focus and never stray from the sweltering power that blazes from their core. Direct damaging fire spells level 50% faster. Fire spells deal 100% more base damage and are 25% harder to resist. In later levels, a Fire Mage will fine-tune their destructive talent into assaulting large groups of enemies. Plus 1 Intelligence, Wisdom and Luck per level.

White Mage – Class Description – A White Mage’s primary focus is on the rejuvenation and restoration of others. They seek to cure the most virulent and destructive curses and diseases, while also harnessing curative power that can restore even the most damaged wound as if it never occurred. Healing spells level 25% faster. Restorative spells heal 50% more base damage and include a 25% regenerative effect of the health restored. In later levels, a White Mage’s power crosses into the divine and will allow even those in the footsteps of death to continue fighting for a short time. Plus 1 Constitution, Intelligence, and Wisdom per level.

Revivalist – Class Description – A Revivalist’s primary focus is on the rejuvenation of others. They seek to overwhelm any curse, disease, or poison with sheer regenerative magic, usually outlasting all but the most epidemic level of spells. Regenerative spells level 50% faster. Regenerative spells heal 100% more base damage and last 25% longer. In later levels, a Revivalist’s healing powers will be capable of healing beyond a target’s maximum health, to an extent, and will keep a target alive unless all traces of their restorative magic have been spent. Plus 1 Constitution, Intelligence, and Wisdom per level.

Enchanter – Class Description – An Enchanter’s focus is on mesmerizing and charming all those around him, bringing order and control to even the most disorderly of battlefields. They become experts in magical manipulation of both friends and foes. Crowd Control spells level 50% faster. Crowd Control type spells are 100% harder to resist and last 25% longer. In later levels, an Enchanter will begin to understand the complexities of controlling the minds of their enemies, causing them to fight and die at the behest of the Enchanter’s whims. Plus 1 Intelligence, Wisdom, and Luck per level.

“Wow,” was the only thing I could say to begin with. My available classes and choices were a bit overwhelming to say the least. “It’s hard to know where to begin. Each one brings with it a lot of power, with some going down a singular path like fire magic, or damaging over time spells, while others are broader like all damaging or healing type spells.”

Stella nodded at my assertion and remained patient, floating next to me. Her eyes never left me, seemingly ready to answer any question that I may have. Her calm demeanor helped relax some of the budding anxiety welling in my stomach. Information overload was high and the feeling of how impactful this decision would be for my entire future threatened me with indecision. My eyes met hers, a hint of terror in mine giving way to her unwavering support. Something passed unspoken between us and a bit of her calm crept into mine. Holding a deep breath for a moment, I let out a long sigh. I wasn’t alone in this and I trusted Stella to not lead me down the wrong path. Nodding my appreciation at her my eyes once again read over the many options.

“I’m not going to lie, I’m drawn right away to the Necromancer class. The feeling I had when I cast my heat blood spell against the troll, and then when it turned into boil blood sparked something, right here,” I said as I gently tapped my chest. “I don’t want to move too quickly, so let’s go through each if you don’t mind, before I... we, make this choice.”

“I’d be happy to,” Stella said, again with a calmness in her voice that stilled my not-so-racing mind now. “But that reminds me though, know that when you pick one of these classes, the corresponding spell or skill will become specialized.”

“Specialized?” I inquired, prompting Stella for more information.

Stella pondered a moment before continuing, “Specializing in a spell or skill further develops the power it can bring forth into the World. For spells, it can increase the damage dealt, bring about new effects, increase its duration, or all of the above really. For skills, it is quite similar, but essentially makes it more powerful. There is no way to know for certain, as the System makes the changes the moment after you select your new class. So, I can only make an educated guess with your options, though I hesitate to as I could be way off the mark. Perhaps what would be most helpful now is if I explain how it went for Stouter when he selected his tier-one class. At level five, with the same axe you now wield, Stouter selected the class linked to his axe skill. For him, the available class was called a Sanguine Warrior.”

“Well, that just sounds awesome,” I said bluntly.

“It certainly was,” Stella continued. “His class increased damage caused from one-handed axes, while also drastically increasing the blood loss from his slashing attacks. Even better, any bleeding effects caused by his attacks healed him for a small portion of the damage over time component. Additionally, it stated that in later levels blood loss from his opponents would in turn empower Stouter further, granting a haste-like effect for a short while.”

My eyes widened at the benefits of such a class. Stella nodded appreciatively at my response before continuing, “The specialization that went in tandem upgraded his simple axe skill into a ‘hemorrhaging axe.” Essentially, this caused nearly all of his attacks to gain a powerful bleeding effect and, as you can imagine, it harmonized well with his new class. He was a force to be reckoned with, all the while regenerating damage with every swing of his axe. Up until the end, he only had difficulty with monsters that were incapable of bleeding, like one particularly tough rock elemental I won’t get into right now.”

“I can imagine how powerful he was at his prime. I’m all the more encouraged to see how my own spells will be specialized when we get to that.” I was feeling quite a bit better and had calmed greatly as I listened to Stella talk about her friend. A touch of excitement touched my eyes, as I once again focused on the choices before me.

“So,” Stella said seeing the gleam in my eyes. “Which class would you like to talk about first?”

“Let’s do Necromancer last, so…” I said, scrolling through the list. “Let’s start with Channeler and Spell Slinger, as they are a lot like each other. Both are impressive in that they would allow me to cast a lot of spells in succession, either one after another or one long stream of power. The drawback, though, is choosing either one would hamper the benefit from having such a powered axe, which has been a bit crucial to our success so far, I’m not unhappy to admit.”

“Uh huh,” Stella nodded at my spoken thoughts. “Also, it likely wouldn’t work with any damaging over time spell that you mentioned you are enjoying so far. Either class would help you not have to worry about running out of mana as you would otherwise when using those skills constantly, but also comes with the cost of not leveling up as fast as the other classes.”

“Ok, moving on then,” I said as my eyes lingered on another two similar classes. “I’m certain we can rule out both White Mage and Revivalist. Both would do wonders in a group, sure, but each is more of a support class. I don’t see us teaming up any time soon.” This last comment had me looking at Stella pointedly.

“With how most Hunters are, I highly doubt it,” Stella replied. “People like you and Stouter are uncommonly rare, from what I can see. While the System doesn’t grant me knowledge of specific Hunters in the world we now share, I do know how most will operate. Best guess is another Hunter would attack you if given the opportunity eighty to ninety percent of the time, though Hunter versus Hunter is not as common as you might expect.”

“Good to know, I suppose. Usually player versus player, as I’ve known it in my past, can be quite dangerous when compared to fighting monsters at similar levels.” My eyes scanned the list, looking for other classes that were similar or I could rule out easily. “Magician and Fire Mage were pretty common spell caster types from my past life. Fire spells can also be quite powerful, though I’m curious if many higher-level mobs will have more resistance to that type of magic as I’m used to.”

“Yes, fire resistance is one of the more prevalent resistances later on, but the innate ability those two classes have that lower resistance balances some of that out,” Stella said as she hovered next to me, eyeing the system message with me.

“The Magician’s ability to later on call forth a pet elemental does feel intriguing,” I mused.

“Even more so considering what we just talked about with the likelihood of grouping up with other Hunters,” Stella affirmed.

“Still, between fire magic and my damage over time spells, I think I’m leaning more towards the latter,” I said with a small shake of my head. “So that leaves Divergent and Enchanter next, as I’m unlikely to pick Thaumaturge over Necromancer.”

“Divergent could be interesting,” Stella strode forward with the next options to consider. “You can’t be killed if you can’t be hit, after all.”

“True, but that defensive role seems more reactive in nature,” I said, running my fingers through my dark hair. A glimpse of the fading sun shone through the leaves over our heads, reminding me that we would soon be at nightfall. “I feel like I want to be more, I don’t know… active in a fight. I’m sure it would be hell trying to fight someone like that, but it doesn’t speak to me, you know?”

“No, I get it,” Stella said as she nodded. “So, that leaves us with Enchanter, and Necromancer of course.”

Pursing my lips, I nodded back to Stella. “Enchanter seems pretty badass. Being able to control the flow of battle can be paramount. If we ever had to fight a group of enemies, which seems likely as we’re currently solo, it looks like I would be able to lock most of them down and only have to fight one at a time. Even better, later on being able to charm an opponent and turn it against its friends is the definition of turning an enemy’s strength against it.”

Stella turned away from the list and we locked gazes. She voiced her concern about the class, just before I did. “All great benefits, though this class, more than others, would be quite vulnerable at lower levels. Sure, resistance to this type of magic is granted with the class, but one badly failed resistance could quickly lead to your demise.”

“True enough,” I agreed. “Though, if we could make it to higher levels, an Enchanter would be a very powerful class, I have no doubt about it. Like some of the other available classes, this is more of a support class. I feel like only later on would I become a truly viable solo class. Don’t get me wrong, this one is at the top of the list, but I don’t think it’s a good fit for me in the here and now. Oh, and I only have a single crowd-controlling spell currently so the class would essentially be wasted until I got more powerful ones.”

“You’ll start earning spells soon when you level, but we’ll get to that a little later,” Stella countered which had me looking at her curiously. “For now, I think you’re right. We need you to be powerful and able to be a solo Hunter for what could be a long time. So, that leaves Necromancer, what do you think?”

“Well, let’s take a quick look at Thaumaturge,” I said before looking together at the Necromancer class. “I shouldn’t ignore it because Heat Blood feels weaker to my new boil blood spell.” Stella nodded for me to continue. “Thaumaturge feels similar to Spell Slinger in that spells wouldn’t level quite as fast as the other classes, but it had the versatility that could be a huge benefit as I continued to progress. I can see myself casting both direct damage and damage over time spells in the near future, so would suit my spell casting pretty well. I also like that later on a Thaumaturge looked to be able to take on large groups of monsters, likely damaging them all for some serious numbers. That was all well and good, but as we’ve mentioned I’m a solo Hunter currently, for the foreseeable future. Taking on such large groups could be akin to suicide.”

“Alright,” Stella bobbed her head. “Necromancer.”

“The way I read it, especially considering what it gains ‘in later levels’, seems to be a powerful solo class. In my experience from my past life, it was almost unparalleled in that respect. Only something like a Magician could come close. I knew that here, the Game, wouldn’t line up like those that I’m used to, but I believe I’m close.” Stella nodded at this, so I continued my train of thought. “Not only that but there’s something about these damage over time spells that just speaks to me. The ability to cast it, then weave in other damaging spells, or even apply my powerful axe to my foes… just feels right, you know? Even better, if I get to summon a skeleton pet later on, it makes it even more powerful.”

“Finally,” Stella said when I paused. “Such a class that specializes in a certain type of magic, this one DoTs, you’ll level those spells at the fastest rate and be doing twice the base damage. The extra ability to lower enemy resistances to these types of spells is sugar on top to sweeten the deal.”

“Yeah, I think that’s the sum of it,” I said as I mentally selected Necromancer. A yes/no option appeared, ensuring I confirmed the selection. Turning to Stella, we locked eyes once more. I knew the choice was ultimately mine to make, but I would be a fool to not let Stella’s guidance help guide me. She nodded at me, a slight smile on her fur-covered face. I made my choice and selected Necromancer as my class.

Congratulations! Tier 1 Class Unlocked - As a Necromancer all of your damage over time spells now level 50% faster and deal 100% additional base damage. All spells of this type now automatically bypass up to twenty-five magical and non-magical resistances. All spells of this type have had their tooltips and information automatically updated. Class bonuses will be retained permanently, regardless of future class choices. Welcome, Necromancer. The World is open to you unlike ever before. Let your enemies tremble as your power consumes the very essence that holds them to their mortal coil.

Congratulations! You have specialized in the Spell, [Minor Boil Blood]. It has been upgraded to [Lesser Blood Boil], *Specialized*.

[Lesser Blood Boil] (*Specialized*) A blaze of magical energy strikes into a target within 100 feet. The target is afflicted with the debuff "Lesser Searing Blood" which causes the victim’s blood to boil at an extreme temperature causing massive internal damage. After 60 seconds the target's blood cools and the debuff expires. The spell causes 80 (up from 40) plus 2n damage immediately and then every 6 seconds thereafter, where ‘n’ equals intelligence. Additionally, spell damage has a small chance to stun the target for 2 seconds each time damage is applied. Cost: 45 mana. Cast Time: 1.0 seconds. Cooldown: 1.0 seconds. Duration: 60 seconds. Plus 10 feet maximum range, plus 8 base damage, and plus 1% additional chance to stun the target per spell level. Specialized Effect added, ‘Blistering Surge’ debuff.

‘Blistering Surge’, If the target dies before the spell ends, the target’s veins violently burst outwards, showering all nearby targets within a 10-foot radius in boiling blood. Those enemies received 35% of the remaining damage divided evenly among them. Note – This total damage dealt cannot exceed the original target's maximum health.

Note - As a Necromancer, the spell automatically bypasses up to 25% magical and non-magical resistances and deals 100% additional base damage.

Utterly stunned, my jaw was hanging open as I read my specialized spell’s new description. “Hot damn! Shit,” I exclaimed as I threw my hands out wide. Paying no mind to the startled Stella just off to my side, my eyes read and reread the spell's information. “This is my absolute new favorite spell. Not only does it last twice as long, but essentially has a huge area of effect to all nearby creatures if the monster dies early.”

“But why did it become a ‘lesser’ version?” I continued, “I’m not complaining, mind you. It was just unexpected.”

“Yup, each new class tier and new specialization is one of a Hunter’s most important power gains. Just wait until you reach level ten and get a tier two class,” Stella said with a fierce grin. “As to the lesser upgrade, I’m guessing it's because the system upgraded the spell's total duration. Higher tier spells usually do significantly more damage or, in the case of DoTs like this one, they last quite a bit longer.”

“No kidding,” I said. “I’m betting that unless a mob is something akin to a boss-level monster, this spell is going to wreak havoc on them and, with that fantastic specialization, anything unfortunate ally around it.” Finally able to take my eyes off the spell’s description, I turned to my floating companion. “I fucking love it.”

That brought an abrupt laugh to Stella’s lips, “Oh my, I don’t think I’ve heard you speak like that yet.” Shaking her head in amusement, I could only shrug in response.

Eying the spell and feeling its power ready to spring forth at my command was exciting. That giddy part tingling with excitement dampened for a moment though. If the stark reminder of what happened to my family in Winterfalls hadn’t crept back into my mind, I would have said I was quite enjoying my time with Stella thus far. Shaking those memories away, at least for now, I reoriented on my present circumstances. It was as if I was finding my rhythm, my stride in this new World, in this Game as a fresh Hunter. My life had been turned upside down, not to mention feeling like I had been thrown off a cliff, but in this moment, I felt at ease with Stella hovering by my side.

I reached over and pulled her close, before placing her on my shoulder. She nudged the underside of my hand, prodding me to gently stroke her tiny neck. She seemed to be matching my mood equally.

“It’s you and me, Stell, up against the World. Are you ready to get back onto the hunt?” I asked as I arched my back, limbering up. Stretching my neck side to side, I readied myself. My axe’s reassuring weight in my hand, my magic ready on my lips.

“Absolutely,” Stella replied simply.

I had a confident grin on my face as we gazed out at the world around us. The sound of rushing water next to us gave us courage. The gentle breeze of the air whistling through the forest, abound with thousands of vibrant leaves, steadied our resolve. We were just getting started, but now, more than ever, determination lanced through the space between us. Stella and I, together, would bring justice to those who sought to bring harm to others in this World. Duke was one such Hunter and would focus our direction, for now. Though, any wicked Hunter that crossed paths with us would feel the touch of our valor. I was going to be a Hunter who would strive for truth, about himself and those around him, and use the strength granted by the System to achieve that end. I was ready for war.