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"Right then." Luci sat up a little straighter on the sofa. "What kind of Class are we looking for? I have plenty of options for you to choose from, but I need to know more about your desires." He grinned widely at the word desires, letting the word linger.
"I must admit that I'm a bit torn. On one hand, I feel like spreading to other stat types would dilute my power, but I also feel that trying to stick with just psionic Classes would be a mistake." They'd talked about the topic the last time she'd been here, and she had ended up taking two psionic Classes, but that had more to do with the Classes themselves, and them working with the same stats was more a happy coincidence.
"Well, let's explore that, shall we? You already have two Classes with the same stats. Most people that double up, so to speak, have two Classes from the same stats and use their third Class, which they don't get access to until level 500, to explore new options. The people who have stuck with one stat type when getting their third Class are pretty much limited to mages, and that's just because magic is so versatile. You have the benefit of doubling up straight from the beginning, while also already gaining the versatility of another stat grouping, which is the best of both worlds. And considering the rank of your race and two Classes, and the fact that you have an extra Class, you’re already high on stats.” He tapped the table for a moment before continuing.
“I dislike reducing things to such crude math, but how about doing a little comparison.” Luci declared. “You have a total of 37000 stat points currently. Let's take someone high-end, like your brother for comparison. He's an angel, which means A-ranked race, and Seraphim starts at B-rank. He would've had about 16500 stat points at your level, which means you already have double his stat points, and that’s without considering the base they’re improving. Now, the benefit from an extra Class will lose relative value stat-wise as time goes on and the number of Classes increases, but most people won’t have your brother’s stats either. You get my meaning?” He asked.
“Yes, but I’m not going to be comparing myself to average. I’m comparing to other Champions, who got their own blessings from their summoner. I doubt their Classes will be low ranked.” She argued.
“Well done. I was worried for a second you wouldn’t catch that.” Luci grinned again. “But, and this is important, the other Champions work a little different. If you’ll recall, they didn’t choose to start from the beginning. They didn’t level normally They were given the Classes and stats that I deemed appropriate. They can level to increase their power further, but they didn’t get a full retroactive accounting of everything they would’ve gotten if they had started from the beginning normally. This is what most gods don’t realize. A Champion summoned at the height of their power means you get someone very powerful and very skilled. Someone special, if you will. On the other hand, if that person had reached that same level through the System normally, they would almost certainly be more powerful. With a few exceptions of course.”
“So, you’re basically saying that I’m going to be more powerful than them once I do reach their level?” She asked.
“Not necessarily. They all have something that makes them special. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been summoned. I’ve translated that ‘special’ to a Skill to the best of my ability, and some of those Skills are…hard to replicate or match by others. Just like your [Gift of Permanence]. It's hard to quantify such a huge increase in effective Vitality. But yes, in theory, you should be stronger at the same level, especially considering this is you we're talking about." Luci's smile was clearly confident in her.
"Now, that all being said, if you want to avoid spreading your stats too thin, I can offer you two paths to go down. You already got offered the [Biotic] Class last time. That one is high rank and will help you with sticking to just Psionic Classes. Usually, people who'd like to be single stat grouping will run out of good Classes, and so will you after this if you pick the [Biotic].” He pulled out a deck of cards and tossed the same card she’d seen before her way.
[Path of the Biotic – Trainee – Rank S-??? Elements: Gravity – Stat Classification: Psionic. Biotics is the ability to create mass effect fields to rend their enemies or empower themselves. Biotics can manipulate and throw their enemies around, create gravitational vortices to tear obstacles or enemies apart, or create protective and empowering barriers. From Human Vanguards to Asari Matriarchs and Krogan Battlemasters, biotics can offer varied benefits to the wielder. Stats: Strength 5, Vitality 5, Agility 5, Perception 5, Psionic Power 10, Psionic Control 10, Tolerance 20, Psi 10, Free Stat Points: 0]
She picked it up and refreshed her memory. “The downside being that most of the things the Class does, I can already achieve with my Farseer Class Skill-wise.” She pursed her lips. Which was more important, stats or Skills?
"Basically. There are other Psionic Classes, especially those that focus on mental powers, but that one is the highest ranked, and you've never cared for mental powers before. Well, aside from protecting yourself against them that is." Lucifer had seen her past and knew her quite well. "I suppose something gravity-focused could work, but those tend to also overlap with your [Telekinesis], and if I’m not mistaken, you’re aiming to gain gravity manipulation with either of your current Classes anyway, right?”
"Right. I was actually hoping to accomplish that during this evolution actually, but that remains to be seen. The [Biotic] is all about gravity manipulation, which is partially why I wanted to pick a Class first."
“A good idea.” He nodded.
“You said you could offer me two paths, and this was the first one.” She prompted.
“Right. The other way is to pick a Class that’s not necessarily Psionic, but uses mostly stats that you already have.” He suggested.
“Elaborate.” She prompted again.
"Well, there's a grouping of Classes that might fit your purposes, that falls under the category of Superpowered Individuals. You've never actually gone through the normal path either as a Superhero or a Supervillain, but no one can argue that you've always been someone with powers that could be considered superpowers just due to the virtue of who and what you are. That's why you've also qualified for the best Classes in the category, as you’ve pretty much done all the important achievements like saving the universe.” He laughed at that.
“How would those work?” She asked with a frown.
“That depends on the specific Class, but many of them take some of the stats you already have and use them as Class stats. For example, Strength or Agility from Physical stats, or Willpower and Charisma from Social stats. Some of the superpowered Classes might force you to take one or two extra stats. Let’s give an example. A Class that uses magical superpowers might take Magic Power and Magic Control from Magic stats, but instead of using mana as fuel, you’d use Vitality and Willpower. On the other hand, another Class that summons objects similar to your hard-light constructs in addition to other superpowers, would use Strength, Vitality, Willpower, and Charisma as the Class stats. Those four are the most common combination. A telepath or a psychic would use Psionic stats." Luci summoned images of certain individuals as examples, but Seraphiel didn't recognize any of them. It was possible she’d seen them somewhere in her past, but had simply forgotten.
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“I sense that there’s a catch. Otherwise, these Classes would be more common.” She felt that this solution was too easy.
"Well, there's actually a fair number of such individuals in many parts of the universe. You just haven't run into them. The acquisition conditions also tend to be a bit challenging. That said, there is the fact that these Classes tend to be rather narrow in focus. You can't have all the superpowers. A powered individual focused on magical superpowers, for example, usually isn't very good at brawling or anything beyond magic really." Luci looked a little vexed. "There's also the fact that these Classes usually don't start at very high rank. Usually, any superpowered individual starts with a fairly generic Class with fairly generic powers, that they could then specialize into something much more powerful when hitting Class evolution. A lot of their starting Skills would be generic increases in Physical stats, flight, improved perception, and that sort of thing.”
“However, you mentioned I would have qualified for the best Classes in the category?” She asked.
"Yes. However, that does come with the downside that you would have to pick your exact direction right now. I think one of the Superpowered Classes might be great for you, but I question whether you should perhaps save them for level 500. That way you have time to ponder and maybe do some research on the subject instead of making the decision with limited knowledge right now. Would also allow you to get a boost in your new stats, should you choose a Class with them.” Luci recommended.
“Which brings us back to those other stats. You already know the general direction I’d go, right?” She asked.
“Well, before we go fully into other stats, I do have some good news. You’ve been considering Paladin for a while, right?” Luci sidetracked a bit.
“Riiiight…” She hesitated a bit.
“Well, the religious Classes work a little bit differently as well, and the exact stats depend on the exact Class, much like the superpowers. Paladins happen to use both Charisma and Willpower, in addition to two new stats, Conviction and the one all religious Classes share, which is Connection, which describes their connection to their chosen deity. And it wouldn't make any sense for your connection with Mother to depend on a stat controlled by the System, so that's up to you and Her." He shrugged a bit. "Which could be both a good thing and a bad thing. Good in that you'd only have a single new stat to sink points into, and theoretically you could have the connection maxed out right away. Potentially bad because…well…Mother."
Seraphiel had to clear her throat at the idea. "What does the connection control?"
“Well, when the connection is high, your powers will be more effective in just about every way. When it’s low, you might not even be able to use some of the higher-ranking powers.” He looked a bit sympathetic. “Theoretically you’re Her Champion, so the connection can’t become much stronger than that, but…”
“Does it have to be Her?” She asked in a slightly pouting tone, just to make sure. “I mean, paladins generally serve the Light, and Light is a god in this universe, right?”
Luci chuckled. "You're viewing paladins from the lens of the Draenei, and I don't blame you considering your past, but you already know there are many kinds of paladins. They don’t have to be forces for good either. They just need to have conviction in whatever they’re doing. Although, the darker and more evil paladins usually carry the name Blackguard. And theoretically, it doesn't have to be Her, but do imagine how peeved she'd be if you're Her Champion and the paladin of another deity." His mirthless chuckle sounded almost manic.
“Yeah, that wouldn’t go over too well." She shuddered at the thought.
“Well, returning to the other Classes, some that I would imagine you actually taking are a mage of some sort and maybe Autarch. Maybe something vampiric? No? I think blood manipulation would look good on you. You have thousands of other choices, but those are the ones I’d recommend based on the powers you most commonly used in the past.” Lucifer finished.
Seraphiel pursed her lips in thought while taking a sip of the drink that had sat in her hand for a while. “I think the teachers are right in that I should probably lean into the Guardian aspect, and Paladin hits that to a T. My Vitality is simply too much of an advantage. Paladin also happens to be a very flexible Class that brings in only a single new stat, despite the obvious potential issues with Mother.” She tapped the glass against the sofa a bit. Paladin’s abilities also happened to be one of the powers she’d most frequently used after gaining them. “The superpowers are intriguing, and you’re right in that I should probably pick one of them next, but I’ll go with Paladin for now.”
“One Paladin incoming.” Luci pulled another card from the deck.
[Oath of a Paladin – Squire – Rank B-??? Elements: Light, Holy -Stat Classification: Religious, Paladin. Through time and space, Paladins have stood as the stalwart defenders of their beliefs, be those beliefs good or evil. Paladins are healers, protectors, avengers, and scholars, protecting themselves and others with the force of arms and the power of faith. Stats: Strength 10, Vitality 10, Willpower 10, Charisma 10, Conviction 10]
"Oh, don't pout like that," Luci noted her expression. "I told you last time that Paladin starts as a B-ranked Class. It's already beyond fair that you got two high-ranked Classes, and we both know this one is going to evolve into a higher rank as soon as the Class hits the first evolution at level 50.”
She decided to change the subject, even as she lamented the usefulness of only 50 stat points per level. “So how do the Paladin stats work exactly?”
"Ah, this one is interesting. Paladins have many potential Skills that affect people other than you as well. I should say in addition to you. You're a beacon, of either hope, despair, or many other things. Either way, Charisma is the measure of the effectiveness of those abilities. It improves how large of an area you can influence, as well as how effective those abilities are. This includes healing Skills. Conviction is the power stat for Skills that affect you. Together they determine the power of Skills that affect enemies. I already explained Connection, though I should mention that it's ranked the same way as Classes and Races. Willpower is the fuel of your abilities. You don't lose Willpower when using abilities, but every time you use Paladin Skills you are strained, both mentally and physically. This strain is resisted and countered by Willpower. You can power through a lot just by toughing things out, but eventually, that strain will begin to hinder you both physically and mentally, and eventually, you'll just collapse."
She realized something. “Wait doesn’t this mean the Class will be affected by [Push Through] and [Charm of the Firstborn]?”
“Those two, as well as [Graceful], and even [Star Of The Show] if you’re performing. It’s almost like someone’s been planning this whole thing. Paladins also tend to place quite a bit of importance on armor Skills, and oh would you look at that! Certain armor Skills even come with a hefty Charisma bonus! It's almost like someone's been pushing those types of Skills your way for a while now. Imagine that!" Luci's voice was very sarcastic.
“Mother damn it!” She cursed. “You’re really going to force me into using skimpy armor, aren’t you?”
“Perish the thought! I’m simply giving you the options. That one of the options happens to be objectively superior is hardly my fault.” He laughed at her happily. “Face it sister, you’re predictable.”
She grumbled a bit. “Class evolutions. Go.”
"Well, I believe you were told that this evolution is all about getting a new Class, so don't expect something super major, but yes, you do get to make improvements. The Classes themselves don't change much aside from the customary doubling of gained stats." He flicked two cards her way again.
[Path of the Seer – Novice Farseer – Rank S-??? Elements: Varied - Stat Classification: Psionic. Farseers are most often known for their cast psychic powers. They can see the future and manipulate events so that they most suit their future. A Farseer was commonly a Warlock that got lost to the Path of the Seer the same way as the Exarchs are wed eternally to the Path of the Warrior. You’ve become a full-fledged Farseer, even if a new and weak one. Stats: Free Stat Points: 280]
[Shinmei-ryū Kamigoroshi – Retainer – Rank SS-??? Elements: Void, Time, Destruction, Hard-Light - Stat Classification: Psionic. A school of swordsmanship originally created to combat magic users and demons. The original style has been improved and perfected upon by a being that has slayed gods to be more widely applicable. Stats: Strength 20, Vitality 20, Agility 40, Perception 40, Psionic Power 20, Psionic Control 40, Tolerance 20, Psi 20, Free Stat Points: 100]
“I’d like to use this change to combine the three weapon arts of Shinmei-ryū into one. I think I’ve reached a sufficient point for that, right?” She requested. It had been annoying having them as separate Skills.
“Hmm, I think that’s just barely within the limits of what’s permissible, but don’t expect any of the other Skills in the Class to evolve.” Luci had put on his bargaining face. “That’s going to leave you with two free Skill slots. I can already see what you have in mind for those.”
“You did call me predictable before, so I would be disappointed if you didn’t.” She shrugged. “For the Farseer, I think I might have pushed things a bit last time…”
Lucifer nodded emphatically at that.
“So, I’d just like to improve one Skill and give a boost to one General Skill. [Martial Arts] fell behind weapon skills before, and I’d like to improve my Telekinesis further.” It was her main Skill and she wanted it to reach the best level as soon as possible.
“Deal.” Luci declared. “I think we’ll meet again soon to discuss your new Class.” He promised and she was suddenly sent back to her new body.
She also wasn't alone. "Hello, Mother." She stated politely.
“Hello. I think we should have a word, my paladin.” The Goddess smiled at the word.
Seraphiel had been afraid of that.