As the liaison narrated her story, I found myself captivated by Elyria. Her hair flowed down in gentle waves, the color reminiscent of dawn's first light. Her heart-shaped face was framed by this cascade of shimmering strands, highlighting her smooth, fair skin. Her large, almond-shaped eyes were deep blue like the ocean.

Her expression, framed by neatly arched eyebrows and a smooth forehead, radiated calm confidence intermixed with a lively intelligence. The playful scattering of freckles across her cheeks contrasted beautifully with her radiant complexion. Her smile, gentle and inviting, curved her full, rosy lips slightly upward at the corners, lighting up her entire demeanor.

Elyria stood with an elegant grace, her slender build and relaxed yet confident posture speaking of a balance between strength and agility. Her form-fitting leather armor, both practical and aesthetically pleasing, complemented her figure while hinting at her readiness for combat. The sword in her hand and the guitar slung across her back were symbols of her dual nature – a skilled warrior and a gifted bard.

Her story, as told by the liaison, entranced me. Elyria was a song, a melody encapsulated in a human form, every note of her existence resonating with an allure that was impossible to ignore. Her thirst for knowledge, her relentless pursuit of understanding the culture, the people of every tribe, resonated with my own thirst for understanding.

Her longing for a melody as elusive as the morning dew reflected my own desire for the strength to survive in this unfamiliar world. Her determination to share her music with the world, to help others create their own symphonies, mirrored my own desire to make a mark on this world, to leave something of value behind.

As the liaison's words began to fade, I found myself troubled. The choice between Elyria, the bard whose knowledge and charm promised a unique and varied journey, and Korrok, the warrior whose resilience and strength could prove invaluable, was not a decision to be taken lightly.

"Give me a minute. I'm trying to decide if I'm more scared of picking the wrong mentor or just talking to princesses. Spoiler alert: might be both." The liaison gave a nod of understanding, leaving me to my thoughts. The spectral images of Elyria and Korrok loomed in my mind as I grappled with the choice that would undoubtedly shape my path in this world.

The silence that swelled in the wake of the liaison's departure hung heavy in the room, pressing against me from all sides. It was a daunting, demanding quietude that sought to penetrate the deepest recesses of my psyche, coaxing my thoughts and emotions to the surface. The lingering echoes of Elyria Songweaver and Korrok Stoneheart, the radiant bard and the towering warrior, cast long, spectral shadows at the edges of my conscious mind.

Elyria was truly captivating, her hair, the color a beautiful blonde that reminded me of the sun, flowed around her in gentle cascades. Her eyes, a vibrant blue, shone with knowledge beyond her youthful appearance. Every feature, every curve and line of her countenance drew me in, a moth drawn towards a bewitching flame. I did not like the feeling. It caused a pang of bittersweet realization to shoot through my being. Her beauty rivaled that of my beloved girlfriend, Ruby. Who I have probably lost. The comparison, though unintentional, put a bitter taste in my mouth, a mingling of admiration and mourning.

Guilt, coiled around my heart. My girlfriend, my everything, was not a part of my world, and yet, here I was, entranced by the allure of another woman. The fact was a cold, sharp blade that punctured my heart, flooding it with guilt and sorrow.

Yet, as Elyria stirred an inner turmoil within me, Korrok, in his own way, acted as a beacon, a lighthouse in the churning storm of my emotions. His presence, immutable and steadfast as statue, resonated with mine. His eyes held the wisdom of countless battles fought and won, of hardships endured and overcome.His presence made me think of a journey speckled with challenges, yet brimming with lessons. Lessons that I, a newcomer in this strange world, could absorb and utilize to find my own footing.

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With a voice that echoed like a clarion call through the silence of the room, I declared, "I choose Korrok, the Marauder." It was a decision carved from grief and guilt yet imbued with the hope of growth. I knew then that this was merely the start of a grand odyssey, a journey that I prayed would help me unearth and hone my own strength in this unfamiliar world.

The words of my choice seemed to echo into the ether, vibrating with unspoken gravity. An audible shiver pulsed through the room, as though the environment itself were bracing for a cosmic shift. And from the nebulous edges of the shadows, a form started to coalesce. The towering silhouette of Korrok solidified, as ancient and resilient as the mountains themselves.

His movements had a unique rhythm, each stride a ballet of muscle and bone, a testament to battles endured and victories hard-won. His gaze, as sharp as chipped flint, clashed with mine in a moment of mutual appraisal, an unspoken understanding woven through the air between us.

"Korrok, the Marauder," he rumbled, his voice resonating with the authority of a warrior tempered by trials.

"Korrok, the Marauder, and I'm Everett, the increasingly bewildered. Do we bow or shake hands, or is there an official ceremony involving swords and dramatic declarations?"

He ignored my quip and moved right in. "You fight with a skill not often seen among the fresh recruits. Unique, you are. No wonder the highborn lass has taken a shine to you."

His words caught me off guard, causing me to falter. "Taken? With me? What lass?" I queried, my curiosity igniting.

“The lass is none other than the Iron Hegemony's princess, second in line to the throne. Young, fierce, and with a mind for war. Seems your way of battle has caught her eye, a rare thing since she seldom graces tournaments with her presence. She’s likely here because her kingdom is in charge this time."

His words spun a new dimension to the situation, one I hadn't anticipated. But before I could digest this revelation, Korrok motioned towards me. "Now, Everett. We need to determine your class."

Agreeing with a nod, I offered, "We could discuss that in my room."

His response was a deep, resonant laugh that bounced off the walls. "Recruits don't get the luxury of private quarters, Everett. The guards had you in the washroom, cause you can't seem to hold your liquor—or whatever it is causing your ailment. You black out, unaware, and now the whole barracks is grumblin’ over the lost convenience."

"Well, if I ever run for office here, remind me to lead with the 'blackout and purge' story. Really humanizes the candidate." I waited for a smile or really anything from Korrok, after a few seconds of nothing I continued. “So, discussing classes here, or is there a special room for revelations and life-altering decisions? I hear those come with better acoustics." The corners of Korrok’s lips twitched into a wry smile. Finally! He seemed like an okay sort really, I think we can work together.

Korrok leaned in, his eyes scanning mine for a hint of understanding. "Ever accessed your HUD, lad?"

I frowned, trying to recall among the onslaught of information I'd received since arriving. "HUD? I'm not sure I've... wait, like in a video game?"

Korrok frowned, “I’m not sure, I guess maybe, I don’t know. Everybody is equipped with a Heads-Up Display. It's your guide, your tome of knowledge, and your link to the System."

“Wait system?” I interrupted, “what do you mean system.”

He motioned for me to concentrate. "Just think or say 'class selection' out loud, if you got the stomach to keep goin’."

Feeling a bit self-conscious, I uttered, "Class selection."

Almost immediately, my vision shifted. A semi-transparent window hovered in front of me, listing various classes. The options seemed endless, each one more intriguing than the next.

Korrok observed my reactions, a hint of satisfaction in his gaze. "Now, after choosin’ your class, we'll delve into the many abilities, trades, and quests laid before you. The Immortal Tournament offers a chance at a class beyond what's within reach for most folks. But first, a quest to confirm your choice. Your HUD will guide you to your… provin’ ground."

I blinked, trying to process it all. "Confirm? So, I can't change my class afterward?"

He raised a brow, amusement evident. "Aye, there's room to evolve, adapt, and even upgrade, if fortune favors you. But the path you start on sets the course. Determines your strengths, challenges, and the allies you'll find."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. It was a lot to take in, but the anticipation was undeniable. As I delved deeper into the class options on my HUD, I saw a tab label ‘recommended choices’. I mentally ‘clicked on it’, I was ready to make one of the most important decisions of my young life.