Oddly, Cyrus felt different after that last bout, like he passed a bottleneck that he had been stuck at for some time. He was rewarded with that answer upon looking at the System menu.
*Level up to 30! – Free points awarded*
*Class options unlocked. Class choices unlocked, note that any decision made will be a permanent choice*
That’s what his breakthrough was, Cyrus could feel the empty space in his body from finally being able to choose a class, it was like he needed to fill the blank slate with color. Without wanting to hesitate, he looked through his class options.
*[Swashbuckler] – From having wielded a rapier from the start of your combat journey, this class specializes in specific combat tailored to this weapon. Swashbucklers are known for being swift and difficult to catch, while their health is lower, any slow enemies would meet the creator from a duel with this composition. Each level grants – +3 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence, +1 Charisma, +1 free point*
Overall it wasn’t a bad choice, the highest stat input would go directly where he wanted the highest number to be. Speed was already everything to Cyrus and the rapier already worked well as his primary weapon. He was slightly disappointed that one of the points would be wasted on Charisma each time, as he had little need for his words rather than action, but he could make do. There was a downside however, the class emphasized the need for using the rapier specifically. If there was ever a situation where the weapon he used changed, there could be unseen adverse effects.
*[Fallen][Rare] – Born from hatred and sworn to deliver the finishing blow to any that would stand in the way of their goal, the Fallen do anything for themselves. A selfish fighter that would betray their comrades for coin, but not someone who is weak. Each level grants - +1 Dexterity, +5 Strength, -2 Charisma, +1 Constitution, +1 free point*
This was a simple response, most definitely not. While the stat point in strength were very impressive, losing charisma like that was not an option for him. While he did say that he didn’t care much for the stat, losing and going deep into the negatives was likely not a good outlook either. If it came down to him actually needing more charisma in the future, he would have to waste his free points attempting to balance out what he could.
[Avenger][Epic] – Knowing betrayal is difficult, it can plague the heart and mind to ultimately consume an individual. If controlled, you may take revenge on those who wronged you and those who wronged others. The evil planted in your enemies fuels the fire to your rage, leave no betrayer behind. One on one combat will come easier. Each level grants - +3 Strength, +4 Dexterity, +2 Constitution, +2 free points*
Holy shit, this choice was far better than the previous ones. The stat points were prioritized exactly where he had desired, on top of that there were 2 more free points available after each level. Choosing a class would grant him those stat points, on top of the 2 he gets from any initial level up. Besides the class points, after passing level 30 individuals are given 5 free points per level instead of the previous 2. The difference between levels was truly great.
There was little reason to keep reading through the classes, while there were a couple rare ones that looked alright and gave good stats, this one resonated with what he wanted. Almost like the class was tailored for his future designs. He selected the Avenger class and instantly started feeling the changes in his body from choosing a class. It was as if the Void magic and his class clashed inside his soul to take up as much space as possible. Peluna and Albus seemed to have an idea of what was going on and chose to wait by the benches patiently for him to finish.
The internal clash stopped as abruptly as it started, and he was granted with more welcome prompts.
*Class granted: [Avenger]. Status: [Epic]*
*Skill: [Prey] – Single out a target as your prey, deal significantly increased strength against your prey. Your target may feel they have been singled out and become aware of the sudden disparity*
*Skill: [Grip of death] – Eyes are said to convey emotion. Yours may make the target feel as if you’re grabbing their heart. May cause sudden paralysis. Cooldown: 5 minutes*
*Passive Skill: [Instinct] – Few can see into the future. While you may not be able to, your heightened senses will allow you to feel the presence of danger from a current or future attack.
Cyrus was shocked at the boons he was granted just from obtaining a class. This was the difference between those who leveled up and those who were at the bottom of the ring. While he was still nowhere close to the top, he had gained a huge increase just from passing the first bottleneck at level 30. The skill [Prey] was essential for him, especially due to Serence and Billo having a party that were all higher leveled then him at the time.
While his current level was higher than what Serence and Billo were when they first met, he little doubts that they had just been standing still all this time. They also had a party of adventurers backing them up, making Cyrus more than outnumbered. He didn’t feel as if he would run anymore though, the skills that Albus had taught him were more valuable than all the System skills he had gained from his class.
The [Grip of death] skill felt ominous, but it may prove itself extremely useful, especially against stronger enemies. If he were ever in mortal danger, he would be able to use it to at least give the enemy some pause. Considering his fights with Albus as an example again, it only took one second to end up on his ass from making a mistake.
The passive skill [Instinct] was hard to place a finger on. It almost sounded like luck would play into the skill, there were no real guarantees he’d be able to actually sense danger or see it coming if the attack didn’t happen yet. Even with those conflicting emotions, he couldn’t help but feel more alert than before. Maybe it was all in his head, but he would take whatever he could get.
He finally decided to get off the ground from where he lay, deciding that laying on cold hard rock wasn’t the best of ideas. Then again, he hadn’t felt that he had been uncomfortable for whatever reason. That probably had something to do with the fact he ended up on the ground after each of his sparring sessions with Albus. It was becoming like a second home.
As fun as he was having lying on the ground, he figured it was time to move on from his downed state and moved to where Albus and Peluna waited on him.
“It’s about time you got your class, care to share with the rest of the class?” Albus greeted. Sipping on the boiling water cup in his hands.
“I guess it should be fine telling you two, I received the [Avenger] class setting, it was set to Epic status too. Are you familiar with it?” Cyrus asked the pair. Albus’ reaction was simply to laugh after hearing the class while Peluna seemed more confused.
“I haven’t heard of the class, getting epic right out of the start is super rare though! You’re so lucky Cyrus!” Peluna smiled warmly at him, putting a hand on his shoulder in congratulations. Her kind aura always seemed to put him at ease, even during all this strife she never once seemed mad or upset about the situation she was put in. He could almost say that she was pure hearted in that sense.
Though he did like her attitude, the kindness that she emanated wasn’t going to do any good for him. Kindness wasn’t going to kill his enemies, nor was it going to help him get stronger. If anything, it would serve as a weakness for when he finally got out of here. There was no reason for him to abandon the path of blood being paved for him, the choosing of his class would only serve to enforce his decision.
“I’m impressed that you got an Epic class right out of the gate, it’s extremely rare for someone to attain that status. Most people only get to epic rank after it evolves at a much higher level. I only received mine at level 150. You would do well not to go spouting your class to other people without reason, it can say a lot about you.” Albus warned him, being serious as he does whenever his lecture carries a greater weight than usual. It was always in his better interests to listen closely when Albus adopted this kind of tone.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
Albus relaxed after finishing his short but meaningful lecture, crossing his legs in his seat before continuing. “Now that you have your class, I think it’s time you and Peluna returned to the surface. While I would love to help Peluna get her last level until 30, she needs more combat experience besides myself to break through.”
“Return already? But I thought you told me I needed to land a strike on you for me to be ready?” Cyrus remarked in shock, this hadn’t at all been the game plan or what he expected.
“Truthfully? That was just you would seriously try to hit me with your attacks, I never really expected you to hit me. My level is way too high for you to strike me before attaining your class. With that epic ranked one, I’m confident you could.”
“Leave already? Honestly, I’m kind of sad to leave after just a couple weeks Albus. Staying with you two down here has been a whole lot of fun.” Peluna says with a sad expression. The time spent with each other down here had been enjoyable, but all good things come to an end.
“It almost hurts that you knew I wouldn’t be able to strike you at the time, but Peluna’ s right that it wouldn’t be the same without you. Why not just come with us?” Cyrus asked, while it would suck to leave him down here, he wasn’t nearly as attached as Peluna clearly was. However, having him around would help immensely.
“No, I told you that I ran away in order to hide from the forces on the surface. If I returned than they would be on me before I had a chance to fight back, I have little intention of living that sort of life. After another nights rest, you’ll leave and make your way to the surface.” Albus states, leaving no room for argument on this stance.
Peluna and Cyrus share a pointed look, deciding to leave the point there for the time being. They continue to enjoy each other’s presence in silence, casually taking bites of meat from the platter in the center while drinking their water. That is until Cyrus breaks it.
“Didn’t you say that I would have to make an oath to complete a task before we returned to the surface? What was it that you wanted me to do?” Cyrus asks him.
“I’m glad you brought that up, when you return to the surface, I have a target that I want you to eliminate. Considering the class you ended up with, I’m sure by the time you have more strength that you’ll have a small chance at being able to win.”
That task was actually beginning to make Cyrus a bit nervous. If Albus wanted him to kill someone, it would have to be an individual with more power than himself. At the very least able to keep the robed magic warrior from being able to get close enough. While it could be because of the people hunting him, that didn’t make the task any easier. Who was to say those same hunters wouldn’t turn their sights towards him?
“I guess I can handle that, it’s probably simpler than something else you would cook up for me to do. Who is it?”
“I want you to kill the leader of the Free Empire, King Kyro Chrome.”
A cup shattered.
“The King?!”
“Why would yo-“
Albus held up his hand as if to pause any more reactions and to keep any cups from shattering. “I know this seems like a shock, but I’d like you both to reserve your judgement until after I’m done talking.”
Both Cyrus and Peluna sat back in their seats, doing as he said so that he could talk. Cyrus was more than concerned, he was basically being asked to kill one of the strongest people in the country and an S ranked adventurer no less. He was a mere level 30 who barely knew what he was doing in the world.
Despite Albus and his calm attitude, there was absolutely no way Cyrus was going to be able to calm down his rapid heart. The man they were talking about killing was simply beyond his wildest dreams. On the bright side, at least he wouldn’t have to look very hard to find him.
“King Kyro is said to be one of the strongest fighters in the entire kingdom, as such he goes unchallenged by anyone in fear that they will die by his sword. As such, this makes for the perfect cover, no one would dare push back of the authority of the strongest man. The real king, does not stand on the throne.”
“If you’re saying that, then that would mean that someone is posing as the real king Kyro, where did the real one go?” Peluna asked him.
“The real Kyro, to the best of my knowledge is either dead or being held hostage really well. There are little places that you could keep a person as powerful as him without the help of the strongest of artifacts. No one less than a master rune crafting dwarf would be able to create a prison able to disable his abilities. He truly was a monster.” Albus said with a heavy sigh, the weight on his shoulders becoming clear as he was burdened with knowledge.
“You say this as if you know him.” Cyrus inferred, seeing the for long expression written all over the man’s face.
“I did, once upon a time. I used to be one of them members of Kyro’s party when we were traveling and exploring dungeons. During those times, I watched him grow from a promising candidate for the throne to a master swordsman with the highest skill I’ve met. However, I would never say that my abilities were below him. We learned swordsmanship together after all, so in a way, you’ve experienced and learned some of the way that he fights.”
“I’m shocked that you knew the king, but this also means someone was powerful enough to subdue him. How did that happen?”
“I never found out for sure, but one day when I was being hunted, I returned to the capital in order to ask for his help. His eyes didn’t even show a hint of recognition and his habits were wrong. In addition, like you Kyro is a Void mage and uses it for his primary fighting style. When him and his guards fought me, there was no Void magic being used.”
“So in other worlds, you don’t want me to necessarily kill king Kyro, rather you want me to kill the imposter on the throne.”
“Yes, that’s what I want. If possible, I’d like for you to find the real one, dead or alive and learn his fate for yourself. If you can’t find him though, then I can live with that too.”
That was a pretty tall order to complete. Albus was essentially asking him to kill someone of the highest station. Even if Kyro was an imposter, the capital wouldn’t know this information and would also be pitted against him. This man and his allies were leagues above his own strength and therefore there was really only one way this would succeed.
Cyrus needed allies, several of them if possible and as many as he could get his hands on. Hopefully powerful individuals that would be able to support him. Though he imagined finding people who would believe this story were far and few between. Telling someone to kill the king of the country you lived in was bound to cause some discomfort.
If he was going to find people like that, provided they actually existed, then he was going to need to keep getting stronger first. The strength he obtained now was a mere fraction of what he was going to require in the future. Getting to E rank at level 50 would be his first steppingstone. But there would likely be little impact on those around him until he got to D rank if he were to guess. All he had now was the second lowest rank and a good class, not very much to work with.
Peluna was very helpful to him and the support magic she had would likely be a great boon in the future. But like him, as she was now, she was also very weak. Peluna had obtained level 28 during their training period and was close to getting her class as well. She had no obligation to stay with him though, and he believed that she was likely to return to her family after that finally got out of the dungeon.
“I could try and accomplish the task, but that’s going to take time. Like you said, this imposter is a king and probably more than 10 times my level.” Cyrus replied hesitantly, knowing what this could mean.
“I’m sure you’ll try your best, as long as you complete it within one decade than the blood oath will go away.”
*Albus Slythe is offering you the blood oath – Kill the imposter on the throne. If not completed in [10 years] your life is forfeit. Accept? [Y/N] *
There were plenty of reasons not to swear the blood oath, but in the end, he would not be alive if it weren’t for Albus. So at the very least he could try and give back what he was given. Stealing his mind for the decision, Cyrus accepted the blood oath.
*Blood oath sworn – 10 years remaining*
“Thanks for doing this, Cyrus.” Albus spoke with a sincere smile on his face.
“Don’t thank me yet, I’m more likely to die trying than to succeed, but we’ll see anyways.”
Peluna butt her head into the conversation as well. “Don’t say that! I intend to live a long life, so we’ll make sure to kick this imposter’s booty straight to the moon! Or don’t tell me you intended to try this without me?” She raised her eyebrow at him, as if already anticipating her answer.
In truth, he was shocked at her sudden declaration of war against the imposter she decided to include herself in. “P-Peluna, you really don’t have to volunteer for this, it’s not really your fight.”
“Oh come on, after all we’ve been through you really think I’m going to leave you behind. Besides, who’s going to heal your dumbass whenever you go and get yourself hurt? I’m pretty good at it already and you give me tons of levels” She teased him, poking the side of him where she had healed just before.
Cyrus, for all this seriousness couldn’t help but chuckle a but, her silliness was getting through him pretty well. “Glad to know that I’m nothing but a walking level for you. With you on board, out victory is all but assured.”
“As long as you know.” Peluna said with a triumphant smirk, huffing as if it were obvious, she was right.
“Glad to see you two sweet peas decided to stay in a pod. If anything, now is a more then good time for us to get some sleep.” Albus commented on the pair.
Cyrus could only help but roll his eyes at the first comment, deciding that it would be pertinent for him to get some sleep. Peluna however, wore a small lighthearted smile and chose to stay for a little while longer. She insisted she was okay, so Cyrus chose to leave her be. There would be plenty of time for talk on the road he decided. Despite having sworn the blood oath, Albus looked more depressed than before when he talked about the situation.
It was as if he hadn’t spoken his mind fully, clearly there was something bothering him, but Cyrus once again chose not to press the point in his case either. After all, he had closed the door on his two companions on numerous occasions when they tried to pry into his own private life. The little information they gleamed out of him was of no use when it came to discerning his life on earth.
At first, he might have felt guilty if only a little when he had been blocking them, but now there was nothing. He had more important things to worry about than what someone wanted to know about his past, like how in the hell he was going to kill that imposter king. As he lay down on his makeshift bed, he decided he needed to start somewhere. Getting to the surface, would work for now.