More information in this chapter along with the long awaited class. So Zu has like xxx amount of status points, let me know what you think they should go into. Also let me know what you think of the class, all of his final skills aren't there yet, but I find the class interesting. Any ideas for future skills let me know as well.

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Chapter Twelve: The Change

Ding! You’ve gained a class.

Zu’s body was burning hot, the sensation spread all across his body - from head to toe. A few crackling noises were heard, and blood leaked from his nose. Brent got up and shot a glare at the Church man who gave Zu the pearl. Zu started screaming in pain, and a white light came from his eyes and mouth.

“What the hell did you do!?” Brent asked the man as he shot up from his seat and rushed over to Zu’s side. He couldn’t let Zu die, how will he explain this when he returns to the Army? Besides, if Zu dies who knows when he’ll be hired again.

“Nothing.” The Church man said. “I’m simply giving him what he wanted, besides he had the talent anyways.” After telling Brent that, the Church man approached Zu.

“What if he dies? Didn’t you think about that? Who will hire me again!?” Brent started hammering the Church man with questions. They seemed to have a lot of concern for Zu, but it was mostly for him.

“Don’t worry, he’s just going through a slight change. After it finishes - which should be any moment now - he should be twice more powerful.” He took a side glance at Brent who was worried about Zu. “You can be considered lucky, only a few get to witness this. And those who witness usually die… however i’ve taken a liken to you.” The Church man causally said.

‘Die? What kind of event is this?’ Brent asked himself. What kind of transformation was happening to his employer that people would die over? Killing someone just because they are witnessing this is just too insane! Brent slowly places one hand on his dagger at his side while eyeing the Church man. It is better to be on guard against such a foe.

The Church man shakes his head. “There is no need for you to be on guard, I already said i’ve taken a liken to you. That means that you won’t die… at least not anytime soon.” He paused as he took a step back from Zu who stopped screaming. “Oh, he’s done.”

Zu started panting heavily and sweat dripped down his face. He had a few noticeable changes - regarding his body. One was that his short brown hair grew longer reaching his neck. It actually seemed to slightly shine as well. His eye color didn’t change it was still blue. However deep inside, there seemed to be this sort of white light. One of the biggest changes was his skin, all across his skin was this black type of ooze. It started leaking out of his body when he started feeling the burning sensation. However in the spots that there weren’t any ooze his skin color was lighter than before.

Brent looked at Zu who was starting to stand up. When Zu stood up, Brent had to look up at him. Before Brent and Zu were close to the same size, but now Zu is around six feet tall. ‘What’s that horrible smell.’ Brent squeezed his nose as he took a step back from Zu. “Bro… you smell like shit.”

Zu glanced down at his body and smelt himself. He shook his hand and wiped his tongue. “What is this!?” He asked while wiping away the black ooze covered on his body.

“That my friend is impurities. All the dirt in your body that was clogged up is gone, and now you should be able to sense things much better than before. However please don’t get that on my floor, go outside and i’ll cast a water spell on you. It would be a bother if I had to make a new home because of that filth.” The Church man told Zu while urging him out of the house.

Zu walked outside and noticed the new details. It seemed as if everything outside had brightened up, and he could even smell the air. It carried a sweet fragrance within it, that was cooling to his nose. Outside he glanced at a tree in the distance and he could see the lines that were on the bark. If he glanced down he could see the little ants that were on the ground. Zu was amazed by the new things he could see.

The Church man followed Zu outside and cast a water spell at him. He blasted Zu three times to make sure everything was off and he was all clean. Zu was drenched wet and his clothes were sticking to his body. ‘I can’t wear this anymore.’ Zu told himself as he took off his shirt.

He took off his shirt and his body was highly toned. You could clearly see the fine details of his muscles, unlike before. Zu glanced at Brent and the Church man before speaking. “Uh… can I get some privacy? Also some clothing…?”

“What you a small man?” Brent said while laughing. He didn’t give Zu enough time to answer as he walked back into the house.

The Church man nodded his head as he walked into the house. He came back a few moments later with a white robe that he passed to Zu before going back inside. Zu took off his pants next. He noticed the things below were different than before. When Zu first appeared and had a moment in the bathroom he noticed that he was somewhat hairy. However now, he hardly has any hair down below. There was still some black ooze on his body, but he started wiping it off before he tossed on the white robes.

‘What changed?’ Zu thought to himself. He understood that he changed his class, but he also had more blue boxes appearing. One after another they kept flooding his mind. Zu couldn’t even see what they were because his vision turned white.

“Status” Zu said in his head before a box appeared.

Status Window Name:ZuAge20 Race:High HumanGender:Male Class:Divine-????Level:8 Sub-Class:Farmer Honor/Infamy:+75Nobility:None Title: - HP:550Mana:500Stamina:260 Strength:40Vitality:20 Dexterity:40Agility:20 Intelligence:30Wisdom:40 Faith:10 Luck:10Charisma:10 Attack:50Defense:50 Stat Points Remaining: 85

Ding! You have evolved into a High Human

High Human High Humans are very rare even in this age, however their strength is twice that of a normal human. High Humans have a lifespan of five hundred years at a minimum. High Humans are able to perceive the world differently and their talent is unlocked to the fullest. However being a High Human means that you will have a more difficult time when it’s time to increase your stats. Humans receive ten stat points per level, but High Humans only receive five points every other level.

High Human Body Your body has changed and all the muscles in your body can unleash their full potential. You are able to sense man to the highest degree and your skin is as hard as a rock. Five senses are increased by 50% All current stats before the change were doubled. You received a 100 on HP/MP/Sp. Life Span is increased. Every time you level up you will receive an additional 100 increase in HP/MP with a 20 point increase in Sp.

‘What!? I’m no longer a human? Or well I am… but just a stronger version? Doesn’t that mean that those two inside are the same as me!?’ Zu told himself in a super higher tone. He couldn’t believe it, the changes to his body were way too dramatic. All of his stats were doubled and he gets an additional fifty points into his HP and MP along with an additional ten for Sp. This is just too good to be true.

Zu starts feeling all over his body starting with his chest. It is much firmer than before and he can really feel his muscles contracting and releasing. He rubs his stomach and he can clearly feel the bumps and curves on his stomach that shows he has abs. All of his biceps, triceps every single muscle in his arm is slightly bigger than before. Zu touches his face and feels the middle of his forehead. There is something in it, it feels like a small circle. Zu remembers that the Church man had the same thing in his forehead. ‘How am I going to hide this!?’ Zu asked himself. He still has to travel back to his village, how would others look at him if he returns like this?

Zu calms himself down and thinks for a moment. ‘Divine ????... what is that? What type of class is this that it won’t even give me a full name!? And what the hell is up with this Farmer as a sub class? Wait… what is a subclass anyways? I don’t remember picking one!’

A sub class is something that most players in Azure get after they change their class. Once they reach level then and change their class, they are able to pick a sub class. Sub classes refer to actual jobs in Azure online. They range from a farmer, to tailor, alchemist all the way to a merchant. There are a wide variety of classes a player can be, but they can only pick one sub class.

Zu was already a farmer before so when he gained a sub class it would naturally pick his job for him. It is unchangeable and he will be forever stuck with it. A subclass doesn’t add any extra stat points or does anything to your body. You don’t learn new spells either. It is only a form of living in this world to make money. Most of the players in Azure online will become a mercenary.

Zu calms himself down once again. He can’t take in all of this at one time, it is simply too much at once. ‘I should ask him.’ Zu says to himself as he begins walking in the wooden house.

Once he steps inside, Brent is out cold lying on the ground. The Church man is grinning at Zu and their is a stunning beauty by his side. Long black hair that flows over her shoulders. A snow white face and beautiful purple eyes that draw you in. On her forehead is also a golden pearl.  She is simply stunning, way better than the ‘Jumpers’ Zu has seen.

Zu looks over at Brent who is unconscious and points at him. The Church man shakes his head. “At least I didn’t kill him. It’s better if he doesn’t hear what I have to say.”

“Welcome to the league.” The female Church member says. Her voice is like sweet music to the ears.

“League? What league!?” Zu asks.

The Church male waves his hand at Zu gesturing for him to come take a seat. Zu walks over to him and sits down on a stool. He has to get every bit of information out that he can, while he can.

The Church man taps his finger on his chin. “Where should I begin… Oh. How about we state our names.”

Zu nods. “I’ve already told you my name is Zu.”

“Right.” The Church man nods and points the to stunning beauty next to him. “This is Bella, she's the same as us as you’ve probably guessed.” He points his finger to himself. “I am David.”

“Ok, Bella and David. What is this league, and why am I a High Human?” Zu asks as he tilts his head.

“Oh, so you already know you are a High Human, makes it even easier.” David says as he clasps his hands together. He looks at Bella for a moment.

Bella rolls her eyes as she spots David looking at her and takes a deep breath. “High Humans, we are humans that are basically better than the rest. I’m going to take it you know about Ive and Idin correct?” She ask Zu. Zu nods his head. “Right, their sons and daughters came from them. A direct bloodline of them, which we see as our gods. When Pandora used her spell on the children, their lifespans were reduced and they were tempted by greedy desires.  These are Pride, Envy, Wrath, Gluttony, Lust, Sloth and Greed. When Ive and Idin sealed their desires away it was ok for a time, but then it was released again. When they could no longer control the children, they gave up. Those children then created us the humans along with a few more races. Some races evolved, and some just died out. However the human race is one of the most devolving races there is. Instead of us advancing like the others, we continued to lose our life span.” Bella explained to Zu.

“So that’s why we eventually die out from old age.” Zu says.

Bella nods as she continues. “The Human race which started losing our long lifespan needed a way to increase it, but how? Our ancestors spent years trying to find a way, until they came across a box. It was no normal box, it was a golden box that had purple writing on it. Them being who they are were naturally attracted to it and opened it. Inside they found twenty five of these golden pearls.” Bella points to her forehead. “Naturally being curious as to what it was, they used it for multiple things. Some tried to break them, others sold them, and one person ate it. After the others witnessed the change in his body, they tried to get their golden pearls back. However it didn’t work, and instead those who had them used them for themselves. Naturally they too changed, and with their change they knew they were different than the rest. They felt better, superior but they were still humans. Thus they named themselves High Humans.”

“Ah, that's where the name comes from. So what’s this league?” Zu asks.

Bella felt her tongue trying up - or so she said - and let David finish up. “Well, those twenty five golden pearls never grew more or less. When one of us dies, a new pearl will be born. The pearl you swallowed was the eighteenth one. However ‘we’ searched all across the world for the other pearls and collected them. We have a code, only those who have certain requirements are able to join us. You, yourself have fit those requirements.”

Zu points his finger to himself. “Me? Ha, I’m nothing but a farmer. I doubt I would highly qualify to become a High Human.”

David shakes his head. “We care not about your job, but your physical talent and magical. You have the skills required to become one of us. Concentration, Nimble Hands, Mana Control, Reaction. As long as we can find someone talented enough that has those, they will be able to join us.”

“Why? Why does one need to have those specific skills?” Zu asks. If he never met Clare and gave her that quest, he would have never been able to become a High Human. He made a self note that if he ever met her again, he had to thank her and the others.

David scratches his cheek. “Well… it’s because of our class. You’ve noticed it right? If you don’t have the required skills then you wouldn’t be able to gain that class. If we just randomly gave the golden pearls to people without knowing their talents, then they would only be basic people with superior strength. In the past we did do that, until it was later discovered that we could gain even more strength if we had certain skills. Some have more than others, and some have less. However everyone is given a Divine class, which none have.”

Zu nodded his head, he somewhat understood. To become a High Human you needed a golden pearl and you had to consume it. However if you don’t have certain skills you will only become an upgraded version of the basic classes. But if you have certain skills you will be given a Divine class which is better than the rest.

“So, where are the others? And you never answered my question about this ‘league’.”

“As i’ve stated before. You are the eighteenth person to become a High Human. Are numbers are low, but finding people with these requirements are harder than it seems. Not to mention those ‘Jumpers’ cannot qualify because they aren’t actual beings of Ive and Idin. They are simply creations. Finding them are hard, but the ones who are still around all have a Divine class.” David finishes up as he shoots a glance at Bella.

Bella rolls her eyes as she takes his place in talking. “This league isn’t something that's a secret to the world. Everyone knows of it, but no one knows who’s in it besides the actual members. They know we exist, and they know our power. Each one of us is a member of the Church, but we aren’t like them. We aren’t priest, clerics, bishops, none of that. We are there to guide them and help them out. Currently there are eighteen members of the league, including you. Our league is called Divine’s last hope.”

“If i’m a member, how do I know the other members?” Zu asks.

“You’ll know. If you don’t, they’ll know you. When a Two or more High Humans meet you’ll feel their presence. Our ability to perceive things are greater than normal. However…” Bella sighs as she continues. “We aren’t the only league. As David said earlier, there was a box with twenty five golden pearls. However there were multiple boxes spread across the world that were found. We have no idea what the others did with them, we only know the name of their league. Currently there are five leagues including ours. Theres the Blind Shadow, Valiant Bravery, Mystics of the lost and Otherworlders. Each one of them has some kind of object they consume to help them evolve even further.”

“Really? Does that mean i’ll be able to sense them as well?”

Bella shook her head. “No, we cannot sense them. However now that you are one of us, you cannot get too involved with the other humans. Don’t mess with the worldly affairs, just continue to live your life as normal.”

David got up out of his seat and went to a cabinet. He opened it and grabbed a white book with a cross on it. He handed to book to Zu, who accepted it. “That is all of our knowledge gathered over the years. You should read it when you have time. Also… you cannot tell anyone about what you are. The less people that know, the better.”

“Eh, why?”

“...Because they will hunt you down for that peral. When they evolve into High Humans they gain a longer lifespan along with incredible strength. Who wouldn’t want that?”

Zu nods. He glances at Brent who is still on the floor unconscious. ‘Better not tell that guy.’ He looks at David and Bella who are smiling. “Anything else I should know?”

“Yes actually there is. As you know there are advancements in these ‘classes’ as those ‘Jumpers’ call it. Well, you don’t have another advancement, you are already in your final form so to speak. However as you contribute more to the league, your ranking will go up and you will gain access to more of our knowledge and some skills.” David told him.

“Contribute? I have to pay you guys?” Zu said shockingly.

David and Bella laughed. “No, you pay with secrets. Either lost spells, or hidden knowledge across the world. However if you want to pay you can as well.” Bella tells Zu.

‘Speaking of skills… I wonder what mines are.’ Zu thought to himself while wondering what sort of new skills he’s gained. He knew that he must have gained something amazing after all this talk with David and Bella.

“What sort of skills do I have?” Zu asked them.

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They both shrug their shoulders. These two seem to be in sync, they did it at the exact same time. “No idea, we each are different. As i’ve said before, different skills allows us to have different classes. When I checked you before for your talent, you had the basic requirements. The only other person who had the basic requirements is John, but he didn’t tell us what sort of class he has. All we know is he can wield a sword and magic at the same time. Not like those fake magic knights, he literally uses his sword as a wand. Not to mention he has like what…  five fly swords?” David says as he looks at Bella.

“It’s six to be accurate.” She replies.

“Yeah… six. Each one can control an element, however he is still weaker than us.” David replied in a happy grin.

“So, don’t tell anyone about the league, and contribute to increase my ranking, and don’t get involved too much with the humans affairs. Anything else?” Zu asks while looking at David and Bella.

“Nope, that pretty much covers it all. When you have a chance, pass this to the Church back at the village.” David says as he hands Zu a black envelope.

Zu grabs it and looks it over. It looks highly plain. “What’s it say?”

“Nothing much, just telling them we haven’t finished our mission.” David replies.

“Mission? What mission?” Zu asks.

“Nothing. Don’t worry about it.” David says. He walks over the Zu and touches his shoulder. “Just tell them you met us as we were going to the next town.” David’s eyes look weird. They were glowing red and it scared Zu making his heart skip a beat. Zu slowly nods his head. “R-right, met you while you went to the next town…” Zu glances at Brent on the floor and points his hand at him slowly. “What about him… I can’t leave without him.”

“Oh, he should be waking up any moment now. Once he is, you can leave.” David glares at Zu once again. “Remember, we were going to the next town.” Zu nods his head again.

David lets him go and smiles as he walks back to his stool. Zu waits patiently for Brent to wake up so they can leave. He already completed his mission, and there was no need to stick around. Besides, it seems David really didn’t want to be found at all.

“Skills.” Zu says to himself.

Spoiler :

Skill List Skill:Rank:Class:MP/SP Consumption:Description:Effect:CoolDown: Teaching(P):BNone600Teach others anything you know even skill relatedNone50s Farming(P):EFarmer0Farming Knowledge and skillsAbility to grow fruit and vegetables increased by 50%0 Concentration(P):ENone0Pick up on slight movementNone0 Reaction(P):ENone0React Faster than normal+2 Attack Speed, 5% Chance to automatically dodge0 Dodge(A):ENone0Roll out of the way85% Chance to dodge2s Nimble Hands(P):ENone0Your hand speed is faster than normalAttack Speed +30 Mana Control(P):ENone0Control the flow of manaNone0 High Human Body(P):CHigh Human Trait0Superior species that is naturally gifted50% increase to all senses and 3% chance to surpass your limit when your hp is below 5%0 Quick Strike(A):ENone25Quickly strike your foeNone3s Battle Cry(A):ENone30Lets out a fierce roar that fills the hearts of your foes and increases moral of alliesInflict stun and Fear on any foes in 5 meters along with a 15% decrease in movement speed. 30% increase to allies mortal.160 Patience(P):ENone0Can keep control and wait things out+5 Wisdom +5 Dexterity0 Calm Mind(P):ENone0Keeps your mind clear+5 Wisdom +5 Intelligence0 Counter Blow(A):ENone10Counter and melee attack that comes at you75% Chance to stun4s Heal(A):DDivine - ????50Heal you or an allyHeals yourself or an ally by 50 points10s Cure(A):DDivine - ????50Cure almost any ill status on you or an allyCures any bad status on you or an ally20s Holy Smash(A):DDivine - ????100Smash your foe with holy energyDeals damage to any foe and has a 10% chance to stun10s Curse(A):DDivine - ????150Curse a foe or allyAllows for a random bad status to be inflicted on a foe or ally30s Divine Break(A):CDivine - ????500Breaks any spell/physical attack coming your way while inflicting holy damage to any foe in 10 metersBreaks any spell/physical attack and has a 25% chance to break the minds any foe in 10 meters60s