I would’ve screamed, if I had a body handy.

But I was shapeless, formless, just consciousness floating across an infinite void.

I ascended through a vortex of light, traveling at an incredible speed. My mind screamed for answers. Where was I? Who was I?

And then, her voice echoed in my mind.

“You’re finally here,” said the feminine voice from before.

I felt my body, or at least, an astral semblance of it, take shape. I felt awareness of my own hands, fingers, feet, and a heart that beat deep and strong.

“Who are you?” I forced myself to ask.

“I am the goddess of this world. I am the keeper, the sustainer, I am Aria of the Sun.”

“What? Who?”

“And you will be my champion.”

The last word echoed repeatedly behind me, as if a dozen, no, more, hundreds, a choir of Arias of the Sun circled me with her comforting presence.

“Why me?” I asked.

“Your soul has served me for a long time. In past lives, you were a great commander—a hero on this very planet.”

Images flooded my mind, including one, of a man who looked like me. He had my eyes, although his nose was a bit sharper and his eyebrows thicker. He wore a cape over silver armor emblazoned with intricate golden designs.

“Welcome back,” said another, distant female voice. I caught a fleeting glimpse of a woman with wavy black hair and a crown on her head. She had elven ears…

“And I need you,” Aria continued. “I have grown weak over the centuries. And others have waxed stronger.”

I felt a black sludge leak from the ground, covering the once glowing grass, withering it before engulfing it in tar-like fetidness.

“The enemy has gathered forces,” she said. “He’s overwhelming the subtle realm.”

A choir of angelic voices called at me.

“I need you.”

More horrifying images flashed in my mind: grotesque creatures, chimeras with multiple heads, fluids oozing from their endless legs. But what struck me most was how they were conceived.

My new body screamed in fright as I witnessed atrocities, sacrifices, torn necks of children and innocent women, old men and women tortured for evil. Unspeakable acts against the innocent. A man in black robes, in an old, forgotten desert, surrounded by pillars, his hands raised to the sky. A dark figure spanning into existence, an amalgamation of eyes and tentacles.

I instantly knew who he was: Hath Aman.

I had to fight that?

And I wouldn’t hesitate. In my life, through my life, I always had a deep desire to stop injustices. There were evil people in the world, doing unspeakable things.

And in this world, I had a chance to fight it.

I couldn’t let that happen. I couldn’t let that be.

“Bring me back into the world,” Aria hissed into my mind. “Bring my sun back, to light up this darkness.”

“I will,” I hissed. “If I get to stop this evil… I will.”

Options spread into my field of vision, letters, in a strange arcane script that slowly morphed into English.

YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE TACTICIAN SYSTEM:

Congratulations, you have been chosen by the goddess to infiltrate the enemy.

You will receive legions under your command, but first, you’ll be leading smaller units in combat operations.

There are two types of systems. Units and Tacticians.

[SYSTEM TYPE: TACTICIAN]

I found myself in the forest. I looked down, to find a scale model of that forest, with a heightened field of vision, like I was watching a grid on Google Maps. I soon recognized it as the forest where I’d been. The vision spread out for less than half a mile, but if I stepped forward, the grid moved along with me.

The system will be active whenever you summon it, and you can survey the terrain for about a quarter mile radius.

At that moment, I noticed figures moving around.

“I have a question,” I said into the void.

“What do you need to know?” answered the voice.

“Zyn and Alynna have systems, don’t they? Can they also survey the landscape?”

“Zyn is a good commander, but she doesn’t have the [Tactician’s system]. Since I have grown so weak, I have to give my energy to one tactician at the time. It is through my heart that you have access to this knowledge, and can give it to only one. You can share this knowledge with them, just as only Mother can communicate with me.”

“Understood,” I said.

I didn’t care about my flight. I… had something greater to do.

Those people I saw die… Those were things that shouldn’t happen.

“Now, you are not trained in combat,” the goddess said. “So I will give a bit more of my power to update your skills. Each of the units who enter this grid will be able to function within the unit system. It allows them to gain experience and progress faster than any regular individual, whether human or elven.”

Choose your class.

AVAILABLE CLASSES:

[Knight]

[White Mage]

[Mercenary]

As soon as I saw the word mage, I became tempted. “White mage? What would you give me?”

“The power to protect and deflect attacks. You may be able to find more mages across your travels and recruit them. I can only split my power so far as to give you one class at the time. As a white mage, you could heal and raise magic shields.”

“It’s useful, but… I don’t feel it.”

“But what does your heart tell you, young Arthamium?”

What was that name, was that my past life? For whatever reason, I felt like it was a part of me. It didn’t feel alien at all.

“Let your soul decide,” Aria’s voice echoed around me. “If you choose wrongly, you will never achieve your full potential. You should also know that these are starting classes. You may increase your level, at around 10 of every class, you will be able to ascend. For instance, White Mage would become Magistrate, Mercenary would become Condottiere, and Knight would become Paladin.”

Paladin sounded epic.

I did as she told me and let my soul decide. It all made sense, memories of me as a child imagining I was on an errand, or under King Arthur’s command.

And it just felt right.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

I chose [Knight].

Something happened to my brain. And my body. I had always had toned muscles because of my constant sports training, but in the past few years I’d grown a bit of a belly and love handles. Too many hotel buffets. And just like that, with the snap of a finger, my belly was gone, I felt sharper in my reactions, my muscles grew a bit thinner, but I could feel them tense up like a panther, full of explosive energy.

“Are you ready to bring me back into the world?” Aria said, and for a moment, I could see her face. She looked young, much younger than I’d expected. Almost like a child, with long green hair and long elven ears.

She smiled at me, and before I could mutter another world, I was thrown back into the world, as if pushed into a cliff.

I blinked as I found myself standing before the Mother, my new body humming with energy. My surroundings felt sharper, more vibrant, as if the world itself had been filtered and enhanced.

My body moved as though it had been fine-tuned, and the injury on my sides was completely gone.

“Looks like someone’s leveled up,” came a voice from behind me. It was Lariel, who hovered over me with a wide grin. She glanced at me bright eyed.

“And a knight! Classy.”

“Bah, knights are overrated,” Alynna said.

“But… your statistics seem alright,” Zyra mused from the door, standing with her arms crossed.

“Statistics? Right. It’s a system.”

How could I even do that? Aria hadn’t explained. I simply wished to see the grid, and it displayed in my mind.

I managed to see the surrounding area, but… I didn’t in fact manage to see other elves aside from the ones in the room. I assumed since they were not combat units I didn’t need to get into the private life of random elves.

Zyra seemed a bit reticent. She took a deep breath and examined me up and down.

“So, tactician, huh? Do you even have any experience?”

Mother’s voice broke the air. Every single person in the room turned in surprise.

“He has been chosen because of who his soul has been. In his past life, he resided in this world. Aria herself chose him. Accept your goddess’ will.”

“But a past life is a past life, “ Zyra protested. “He doesn’t remember anything.”

“The goddess is wise beyond your understanding, child,” Mother replied.

Zyra narrowed her eyes.

Now this was something I didn’t want to get into.

I suddenly felt something. A connection toward Lariel. I stared at her. There was an aura around the blonde elf, as if she were calling me.

NEW PARTY MEMBER: Lariel Larion.

I felt a warmth in my chest. Somehow, they knew. It wasn’t just the goddess who had acknowledged my new class—it was as if the energy in me resonated with them too.

“I accept you,” Lariel said with a grin, her tone teasing. “By the Goddess, I do accept you as my tactician.”

Suddenly, her statistics displayed in front of me.

[NAME: Lariel]

[CLASS: Elven Archer]

[LV 3]

[EXP: 10]

[HP: 18/18]

[DATA]

[STR] 4[SKILL] 6 [SPD] 5[LUCK] 9 [DEF]1

Then, I felt something in my mind tug me toward Alynna. I looked at her, and found that her data was also available.

[NAME: Alynna]

[CLASS: STEPPE CHIEFTAIN]

[LV 6]

[EXP: 10]

[HP: 23/23]

[DATA]

[STR] 7[SKILL] 6 [SPD] 5[LUCK] 6 [DEF]3

“You noticed?” I asked, feeling a bit awkward under their scrutiny.

Zyra chuckled. “Hard not to. I can see the energy around you. You’ve gained strength, but you’re still green. A mere level 1.”

She shifted toward Mother.

“I could respect your choice, my goddess, but he’s not even ready.”

The Mother locked eyes on her. “Goddess speaks, follow this man. There are many things he must learn. And you must guide him too, for he knows not our customs.”

Zyra gritted her teeth. “But this is not fair. I… do not intend to raise myself and claim to be better. But yes, now I am better, I am more prepared. My skills are superior. I could prepare him, alright, but tell her to let me be in command. Our people need us. Why don’t you give me the skills? Why doesn’t she name me as her tactician? I have prayed many nights for this.”

“The goddess is wise,” Mother declared.

Zyra stepped closer, her sharp gaze making me stand a little straighter. “I won’t join in. I will prove that this is not an optimal choice. Nothing personal, kid. You say you have chosen to be a knight, haven’t you?” she said. “Prove that you won’t hide like a child. You must be tested.”

“Tested how?” I said, hesitating.

“Wait, one moment,” Alynna said. “You’re saying that your goddess has chosen him as… A tactician?”

“More than that,” Zyra replied. “He’s supposed to become her general. And he’s chosen a class.”

“I mean, he’s good. He killed two elves. But he doesn’t have any sword training. Or do you?”

I shrugged. “I did some jian sword wushu when I was like twelve, but it was only sword forms. I’ve never sparred…”

“I have no idea what you have said,” Alynna replied. Alynna’s smile was sharp and predatory. “But we could do something about it. You could show me what you’re really made of.”

Did this mean what I thought it meant?

“Spar with me,” she said with a wink. “A friendly spar. It’s exciting!”

I didn’t know why it felt so natural to me. My hand tightened around the hilt. There was a slight tremble in my fingers, not from fear, but from anticipation.

Zyra offered me her sheathed sword, a green jewel gleaming on the pommel.

I took the sword, feeling a strange connection to it the moment my fingers wrapped around the grip. It felt like an extension of myself, as if it had always been mine. The weight was perfect, balanced, and as I moved it slightly, I could feel the air hum around it.

I tried to whirl it, and take the sword kung fu stance I knew in my childhood. But somehow…

I whirled, imagining enemy combatants coming at me. I parried, blocked, thrust and sliced.

Zyra cocked her head.

Where had that come from? I stared at my hands. I had never studied the sword, especially that kind of sword. And that hadn’t been jian sword technique.

“Should we take it outside?” Alynna asked?

“Wait,” I said.

“Come on! Just a quick duel.”

“Don’t we need, like wooden swords, or something?”

“That’s for children,” Zyra said. “And still kind of dangerous. You should be able to control it. After all, it seems like the Goddess herself has primed up your instincts.”

I was hesitant. But why did I have this numb reassurance, mixed with the usual adrenaline pump that I got when doing sports. Alright, I was supposed to spar with a lady. A lady who could’ve gutted my belly in an instant just hours ago.

“If you say so,” I said through my teeth.

I shouldn’t be afraid to spar. And why… did I feel so comfortable thinking of it?

As we walked out of the treetop, I looked down and noticed a crowd had gathered. All of them elves, beautiful people in green and gold colored clothes, chatting among themselves.

“The goddess… the goddess has spoken about this man,” were the words I managed to hear.

“But he’s not Alabenian.”

“We have… drawn quite a bit of attention haven’t we?” I said.

Lariel pranced down the stairs, her legs glorious and her ass, better not to think about it because I’d be walking around with a horn between my legs in front of the whole village.

“Great news!” Lariel shouted, spreading her arms wide. “You won’t believe what just happened.”

Zyra moved toward her, raising her voice. “Hey, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

But Lariel wouldn’t stop. “The goddess has chosen her tactician!”

The crowd gasped, every single eye fixing on me.

“Is this true, commander Zyra?” asked a wise looking male elf, wearing silver robes.

She gave Lariel an annoyed look. Lariel’s glance, however, looked like she was about to mockingly stick out her tongue.

Zyra cleared her throat. “The goddess has, indeed, chosen him, as during his past life he was a great general under her service. However, he still has a lot to prove.”

“Come on,” Alynna said in my ear. I nodded and walked down the stairs.

“If you don’t mind,” Zyra said. “We will discuss some matters.”

We left the chattering crowd and advanced deeper into the forest.

“Do we really need to do this?” I asked Alynna.“You’re supposed to be a fighter,” Alynna replied. “Why would you be afraid?”

“Surprisingly, I’m not afraid. It’s just the rational part of my mind telling me, this is stupid.”

“Well, tell him to shut up.”

Alynna moved to the center of the clearing, drawing her own blade with a fluid grace that spoke of years of training. Her eyes locked on mine, and I could sense the intensity in them. Her curiosity seemed to have grown with every passing minute. “Alright, tactician knight. Let’s see what you’re really made of.”

I took a deep breath, focusing on the sword in my hand.

We circled each other for a moment. What had taken over my feet? I stepped like it was second nature, keeping a perfectly even distance, moving along with every step she took.

And then she attacked.

Her blade came at me fast, a blur of steel aimed at my side. I barely had time to react, instinct taking over as I raised my sword to parry. The clash of metal sent a jolt through my arm, but I held firm.

She didn’t say a word. Part of me wanted appraisal. I wouldn’t get it.

I felt the sword in my hand shift slightly, almost as if it was adjusting to my grip. I moved with it, my feet shifting on the ground as I stepped forward, swinging my blade in a wide arc. Alynna dodged easily, her body twisting out of the way like a shadow.

"Predictable," she taunted, her voice light.

And then, she swung at my head. A jolt of fear sprang into me, suddenly quieted by something I couldn’t discern. I raised my sword to meet her, stepping back as another swing came at me from above, and below.

Something had happened to my reaction time. I was more alert, faster, although, with the third blow I stumbled back and fell on my ass.

Alynna chuckled.

“Interesting…” she said, stretching her hand. I grabbed it and leapt to my feet, shaking off the dust off my trousers.

I gritted my teeth, feeling the thrill of the fight rise in me. I moved again, this time more fluidly, my sword responding quicker than my mind could process. I went for her left side, then immediately switched direction, catching her off guard.

What was happening? How was I fighting so well?

Our swords met again, and this time, I pushed harder. Something was there, in the depths of my mind. It was as if most of those movements were second nature. I sometimes caught myself doing jian sword techniques, stretching my opposite hand to gauge the distance, lifting my knee for whatever reason I could never understand in the original traditional forms, but my instincts were sharper than they’d ever been.

She stumbled back, just slightly, her eyes widening for a fraction of a second.

“Better,” she admitted, wide eyed.

But she wasn’t done.

Alynna moved faster than I could see, closing the distance between us in an instant. Her blade came at me from above, and I barely raised mine in time to block. The force of her strike sent me skidding back, the earth beneath my boots grinding as I struggled to hold my stance.

“You’re improving,” she said, her voice steady, but I could hear the faintest note of approval. “But you’re not there yet.”

Alynna lunged at me again, and this time I anticipated it. I sidestepped, swinging my sword in a counter-arc. She blocked, but I could see a flicker of surprise on her face.

A third flurry continued, with alternating blows and trusts. I struggled to keep my footing, and found myself with her blade, once again, pressed against my neck.

“Not bad,” she said, pulling the blade back into its scabbard. “I’d give you a four out of ten. You parried all my basic swings.”

I nodded, my chest rising and falling with exhaustion, but also with a sense of accomplishment. The session had pushed me to my limits, but I could not stop staring at my own hands. Was this really me doing all these blocks and these accomplished sword fighting techniques?

Zyra stepped forward, her usual frown replaced with something more thoughtful.

“He’s not bad,” she admitted begrudgingly from the sidelines, her arms crossed. “But he’s still unrefined. Relying on instincts alone isn’t enough. You’ve got a head start, Connor McKinney. I can’t say I’ll accept you as my tactician while you’re not ready. But… we’ll see.”

I could hear the doubt in her voice.

“I admit, you’re much better than I expected. Thank the goddess. I will instruct you, but be ready to be replaced in case something goes wrong. I will speak to the council and we’ll start our work immediately.”

“I appreciate that,” I said. “But… what work?”

Alynna clapped her hands, crouching, her ponytail flapping. “I’m not gonna be a simple scout anymore. It’s about time I get my revenge!”