After saying that to the others, I turned to Clyde again and, with a sigh, began to explain.

"Come on, if you end up choosing 'Squire', you'll be a kind of tank and you'll always be on the front line. But if you choose 'Student', you'll become a wizard. If you choose 'Spy', you can become a stealth assassin like me. And finally, if you choose 'Cook', you'll be at the back, supporting those at the front."

"Have you understood everything so far, or do you still have any questions?"

With a calm and indifferent countenance, I addressed my question to the four in front of me. I made a point of maintaining a careful neutrality, avoiding any gesture or tone that might frighten them or perhaps make them uncomfortable.

As soon as I asked the question, they didn't respond with words, but nodded, confirming that they had understood.

"Since no one has any questions, I think we can continue."

I commented, still keeping the same neutral expression on my face.

However, before I could continue, Clyde approached me and, with an unsure face, caught my eye.

"Lincoln..."

"What is it?"

I asked with an indifferent countenance, not understanding the reason for his expression.

"I'm sorry to ask you this, but I'm scared. Is it going to be like this from now on? Either we kill them, or they kill us?"

Clyde asked, in a slightly worried tone, as he stared at me.

Before answering his question, I let out a short sigh, already expecting this to happen.

"Man, I'd like to tell you that this is all just a long, drawn-out nightmare, but unfortunately, I can't, because it's not a lie, it's the truth. If you end up feeling sorry for them, you'll die; not least because they're irrational creatures and they don't care whether they kill you or not... So, I recommend that you learn to adapt to this new world you're going to live in."

As soon as I said those words, I could immediately see Clyde and the others' expression change to one of despair. However, before the situation got any worse, I tried to calm them down a little.

"But trust me... You don't have to worry about it, because we'll be there for you. And you don't have to fight either, if you don't want to, just choose a non-combat 'Class' and stay in the background, supporting those who will be on the front line."

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After I said that, Clyde approached me again and, with a serious face, put his hand on my shoulder and spoke.

"No, Lincoln. What kind of friend do you think I'd be if I abandoned you like that? I'd never do anything like that, partner. If you've chosen a 'Class' to fight in, then I'll also choose one that allows me to help you whenever you need me. I'll choose 'Class: Squire' and I'll be by your side, whatever you need. After all, I'll be the team tank, so you can count on me."

As soon as I heard that, a small smile formed on my lips, and I couldn't hide it. However, as everyone was still focused on the task of killing the goblins in order to awaken, no one noticed.

"Dude..."

I uttered those words while keeping a serious expression on my face, allowing silence to hang over me for a moment before continuing.

After I said that and paused, my momentary silence startled both Clyde and the others, who thought I was going to say something elaborate because of my serious countenance. However, I ended up shattering their expectations with a discreet smile.

"Don't you get tired of being the most perfect guy in the world?"

I asked that with a neutral look on my face, resting my hand on his shoulder and constantly trying to hide the smile that appeared on my lips.

As soon as they saw that what I was about to say was no big deal, both Clyde and the others let out a long sigh of relief.

"You know me, partner. It can't be helped, that's part of my charm."

Said Clyde, striking an eye-catching pose as he bragged.

"And there's more... If they like my clumsy way, who am I to complain?"

Clyde finished, flashing his typical white teeth at me.

I admit that I tried to hold back, but unfortunately after he said that I couldn't control myself and ended up giving a small smile, which this time didn't go unnoticed by Ronnie Anne and the others.

***

While Lincoln and Clyde were talking, they didn't even notice the looks on the faces of their other companions.

While Liam, Zach and Rusty stood there, staring at Lincoln with a perplexed countenance, they didn't even notice, but all three ended up thinking the same thing.

"I can't believe my eyes! Lincoln is smiling."

Among the three who couldn't believe their eyes, there was one person in particular who was looking at it with a slightly different countenance.

"What a beautiful smile!"

Ronnie Anne, slightly flushed, thought for a moment and then shook her head slightly to forget what she had just thought.

"What the fuck are you thinking, girl? Pull yourself together."

Ronnie Anne muttered to herself, turning back to face Lincoln with an even more embarrassed expression.

***

While Ronnie Anne was literally drooling over his smile, which in her eyes was beautiful, Lincoln, on the other hand, was still talking to Clyde.

"Now, could you show me what skills are appearing to you?"

I returned to the serious tone I had adopted earlier and asked again.

"But how do I do that?"

Clyde asked, a little confused?

"Just ask your system to close your class window."

I answered Clyde's question while putting my hand in my pocket.

"Fine! Close the class window."

After Clyde said those words, his system closed and went back to the main window, which contained his information.

"What now?"

Clyde asked, waiting for his friend's next steps.