I blinked in surprise. "Skills? Professions? Why have I not heard of this before?"

Korrok nodded. " "You haven't heard 'bout skills and professions yet 'cause there wasn't any need. Up until now, your fights didn't require such knowledge. But as you're stepping into bigger shoes, every skill, every bit of knowledge you've got could be the thin line 'tween life and death. These quests ain't just for show. They're meant to test what you're made of. Many don't make it past their first. It's the tournaments way of sifting through who's worthy of such gifts, and who’s not."

I took a deep breath, trying to conceal the unease I felt. "So, how do I all of this?"

Korrok’s lips curved into a small smile. "To get started on skills, just focus on 'skills' in your mind. It'll show up on your HUD. Works the same for quests. It's all there, waiting for you to grab hold."

Taking a deep breath, I focused on the word 'skills'. Almost immediately, an overlay of skills materialized before my eyes. Each skill was listed neatly, accompanied by a number. I

"Teaching," I mumbled to myself, my eyes falling on the number next to it. "Seven? I spent years in a classroom and all I get is a seven?" A twinge of disappointment gnawed at me. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t seven, 10 maybe. Before I could dwell anymore on it, something else caught my eye.

"American Football and European Football, both at six?" I felt a flush creep up my cheeks. It was a bit embarrassing that my knowledge of sports was so near to my skill in my own profession. Not that it wasn't useful, but still...

As I scrolled further down the list, another entry stood out—Medieval Hand-to-Hand Combat at a seven. That made sense given my hobbies back on my world and my recent adventures, but it also gave me pause. Seven felt like an accomplishment, but how high did these numbers go?

Korrok must've sensed my question. "Skills go up to twenty. Getting to eleven means you're among the elite, but that's a steep hill to climb. Past ten, it's a hard fight for every single point."

"Twenty's the top? Challenge accepted." I pondered the skill system, my gaze flitting back to my Teaching skill. It was unsettling to realize that my years of experience equated to a measly seven on this scale. Near teaching was my public speaking skill; it was at seven also; I guess that made sense. I was a lecture-style professor, after all. I noticed there appeared to be a scroll icon at the top and bottom edges of the skill window. I mentally ‘clicked’ all the way down and saw that I had many lower skills I wouldn’t have even thought about, from cooking at three to bungee jumping down at one. That made me chuckle. Eleven is where Korrok said things got interesting, then I had a new goal in sight. Not just for hand-to-hand combat but also for public speaking and teaching. I was sure that there were many benefits to getting those skills as high as possible.

“Okay, I guess I am ready to look at my quest options, let's see if there's a 'save the world and get overpowered by default’ package?” I mused.

"Just thinking 'quest' should bring up what you need to see.” Korrok guided.

"Just think 'quest' and it shows up? What sorcery is this?" I quipped.

I did as he directed, and the quest overlay immediately appeared. Displayed were five options, each with its title and a brief summary. The fact that I had a HUD in my mind that was constantly updating information still blew my mind. Incredible!

Korrok began guiding me through the options. "Let's start with The Obsidian Tower," he began, introducing me to the formidable challenges ahead. "It isn't just some mundane structure. This colossal monolith, age-old and revered, stands sentinel in an eerily silent forest. Crafted from obsidian, blacker than the darkest night, it once served as a bastion for an ancient sorcerer, his aura still palpable within its shadowy confines. Every chamber, every corridor is alive with spells, magical constructs that still obey their master's final orders, ever ready to thwart intruders. Complex puzzles, both arcane and enlightening, are strewn across the tower. Treacherous traps that seem to defy reality itself lie in wait to ensnare the unsuspecting."

He paused briefly, letting the gravity of his words seep in, then continued, "Your journey through this tower won't just depend on sheer power, but also problem-solving and persistence. Every ounce of your analytical skills will be vital to traverse its perilous halls and outsmart the tower's guardian: a golem crafted entirely of obsidian. Overpowering it requires more than just strength. You'll need strategy, intelligence, and perhaps a dash of fortune."

"Next on the list is The Shrouded Vale," Korrok says, his tone adapting to describe the next challenge. I leaned in, eager to know more. "In this place, nature is the enemy you face. The Vale is this hidden valley, almost consumed by a thick mist that you can almost touch. It's where beings, as mysterious as they are fast, reside. Wind spirits with sharp wits and creatures that seem to flow like mercury in the fog. These spectral creatures offer a distinct type of challenge, pushing your agility and quick reflexes to the max. Within the Shrouded Vale, there's simply no place for any slip-ups."

He lowered his voice, adding an element of caution. "Your test culminates in the Vale with a showdown against the tempest elemental. Born from anger and storm, this being moves with a force and swiftness that demands the quickest reflexes and the most immediate counter-attacks if you're to stand a chance."

"Thirdly," Korrok said, introducing another daunting challenge, "there's The Understone Labyrinth. Hidden beneath a rugged mountain expanse, the Labyrinth sprawls with dim tunnels and vast caverns. It's not merely about navigating or finding an exit. It's a test of pure survival. Filled with beings that haven't glimpsed sunlight, they possess senses beyond our understanding. Loose stones could plummet, burying you if you're not careful. The maze of tight passageways can easily mislead you into danger, or worse, into the dwelling of the Stone Drake."

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

At the mention of the Stone Drake, I noticed a particular glint in Korrok's eyes, a blend of reverence and apprehension. "This colossal creature carves through solid rock as if moving through air. Facing it isn't just about physical might. It's a challenge of perseverance, of grit, and more than anything, the determination to remain unbowed, even under immense pressure."

"For your fourth choice," Korrok shares, his voice taking on a gentler cadence, "you have the Whispering Halls. Nestled in the core of a moonlit lake, it stands as a somber relic of a time long past. This isn't your usual dungeon brimming with beasts to confront or snares to evade. The Halls harbor spectral shades, echoes of a lost realm frozen in time. These ethereal residents don't yearn for conflict, but they're open to dialogue, responsive to displays of charm and intelligence."

Korrok's gaze deepened, becoming more earnest. "Your ultimate challenge in the Halls isn't a contest of weapons or sorcery, but a dialogue with the spectral queen herself. She craves not violence, but tranquility. To appease her, I'd need more than just charm; I'd need true compassion. Grasping her anguish, understanding her dilemma, is the sole path to bringing her tormented spirit peace."

He moved on, his voice resonating the gravity of the final test. "Lastly, there's The Inferno Coliseum. Picture an age-old arena at the edge of a bubbling volcanic chasm. The earth sears underfoot, the atmosphere weighed down by oppressive warmth and the looming danger of an approaching eruption. This Coliseum represents a scorching trial of both vigor and valor. Here, challenges are answered not in dialogue but in the ringing of steel, in the sheer force of might."

His demeanor darkened as he proceeded, "Your most formidable test awaits you in the Coliseum's center: a duel with the Firedrake, a dragon with scales shimmering in molten fury.” I nodded my understanding; if I were to choose this quest and attempt to defeat this monster, I'd have to harness every bit of strength, every ounce of stamina, and every drop of determination I have within me.

By the time Korrok had finished his descriptions, I felt both overwhelmed and excited. The array of adventures, challenges, and adversaries was both intimidating and alluring. Each quest seemed tailor-made to test a different facet of my abilities.

I took a moment, processing the magnitude of everything Korrok had described. Five distinct journeys, each presenting its unique set of challenges, awaited my decision. My gaze met Korrok's, questions swimming in my eyes. He seemed ready, a hint of wisdom and anticipation gleaming in his stare.

Taking another deep breath, I asked, "Korrok, which of these paths do you think I should take? Which one do you feel suits me the best or promises a more fulfilling experience?"

Korrok settled back, folding his arms, seemingly measuring me with a renewed scrutiny. His gaze was filled with contemplation.

"That’s a tough one," he began, his tone solemn. "Every quest comes with different challenges. Some may be more for you than others. But given you've just been named a Stormbreaker Barbarian, here's something to ponder."

He let the words hang in the air for a moment, amplifying the anticipation. "The Inferno Coliseum might be the best fit for you. It's harsh and treacherous, but it's also direct. A place where pure might may win the day, you may be able to just brute force it. The skills you possess now and will in the future as a Barbarian would be highly beneficial. Plus, it is another gladiator-type environment. You already have experience in that, and if you were to emerge victorious against the trials and best the Firedrake, the gains would be something truly special."

He took a pause, then continued, "If you're looking to stretch yourself, to see what you're truly capable of, then maybe The Obsidian Tower or the Whispering Halls are more your speed. They require more than brawn. You'll need to think, to strategize. They'll test you in ways you might not expect.

Then, Korrok leaned in, his gaze firmly holding mine. "’course I’m just providing instruction, the final decision is on your head. The journey you embark upon be your own, not mine. Must be you choose it willingly, not because of my pesterin’. This is your deal, your tale to tell. Course I would be better off if you did well" And he finished with a laugh.

Feeling determined, I mentally selected the Inferno Coliseum from the HUD display. " This is my choice, the Inferno Coliseum. If there is anywhere I am going to get overpowered, it’s there, look at that name, totally an overpowered name.” I said, feeling confident.

Korrok nodded with respect, "That's a bold move," he nodded, an edge of respect in his voice. "Choosing the hardest road from the get-go, I like it."

A soft chime echoed in my mind, signaling the confirmation of my quest. The title "Trial by Fire" appeared prominently in my HUD, outlining my primary objective.

I looked at Korrok, the reality of my choice settling in. He reassured me with a clap on the back, his jest-filled comment lightening the mood. As we headed to the chow hall, the promise of a new adventure and the impending challenges of the Inferno Coliseum stayed at the forefront of my mind.

Quest: "Trial by Fire"

Primary Objective:

1. Complete the Inferno Coliseum to confirm your class.

A heavy realization settled over me as I stared at my newly acquired mission. My journey was now irrevocably charted; there was no way back.

Korrok, noticing my contemplative stance, leaned in, patting my shoulder reassuringly. "Good luck, you damn fool," he remarked, his tone teetering between jest and genuine admiration. "You've selected the toughest challenge."

The weight of my choice was palpable, but an underlying thrill coursed through me. Part of me eagerly anticipated confronting the Inferno Coliseum's challenges, eager to assert my value. Even though danger and uncertainty loomed, I felt armed and ready. My adventure had truly commenced.

However, amidst this determination, a sudden wave of nausea took hold. I looked to Korrok, my expression morphing into one of distress. "I think I'm about to be sick again. Or maybe it's just nerves. Or maybe it's hunger? It could be hunger."

Korrok studied me for a moment, tilting his head slightly. "Lad, you probably are hungry."

"You reckon?" I repeated, my brow creasing. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it had been a long time since my last meal.

"Come on," Korrok announced, rising to his feet. "Let's head to the chow hall."

I chuckled, still feeling light-headed. "Chow hall?" I said, following his stride. "How do you even know that term?"

Korrok shot me a look, "How do you know that term? Around here, we've got many names for a place to eat, but me and mine like that one."

His words swirled in my mind as we made our way to the chow hall. With each step, the pangs of hunger grew more acute, and by the time we got there, I didn't particularly care about what was on the menu.

The provided 'porridge' was remarkably bland, nearly void of flavor. But my hunger was so overpowering that it barely registered. It wasn't until I had polished off my initial serving and contemplated getting seconds that I became acutely aware of the many eyes on me.