Five brilliant pathways stretched across Soma's vision.
FIGHTER.
CASTER.
SUPPORT.
RECON.
TAMER.
Beyond them lay an intricate network of branching paths that seemed to continue endlessly, disappearing into a shimmering darkness filled with locked symbols and unfamiliar names.
Soma stared at the magnificent Class Tree.
He had spent years studying the progression systems used throughout Hallowcrown, but seeing the interface in front of him was an entirely different experience.
It was like standing before a map of every future he might ever have.
And somehow, he was expected to choose where to begin.
Holy shit.
[An understandable reaction, Master Soma.]
How many classes are there?
[The Class Tree contains numerous available and potential advancement paths. The precise number may change as additional paths become accessible.]
Soma leaned closer.
He could make out dozens of names beyond the five initial branches. Some were familiar from his studies, while others were completely unknown.
The pathways nearest the top shone with clean white light.
Farther along the branches, the colors grew richer and more elaborate.
Some nodes appeared to be guarded by enormous locks.
Others were connected by multiple pathways, suggesting that certain classes required more than one specialization.
This is incredible.
[The five illuminated foundational classes are your current choices. These are the same starting classes available to ordinary Awakeners.]
Right. Fighter, Caster, Support, Recon, and Tamer.
[Correct. Unlike an ordinary Awakener, however, you will eventually be able to acquire additional class paths rather than being permanently restricted to your first selection.]
Soma looked toward the branches disappearing into the distance.
And eventually I can unlock all of them?
[That is the potential of Boundless. However, I must emphasize that potential is not the same as immediate access.]
I know, I know. Training, challenges, requirements, and probably several mountains' worth of experience.
[A colorful but reasonably accurate summary.]
Soma chuckled.
He examined the five options again.
What would you choose, Syscilia?
[Given your existing combat training, any of the foundational classes could be useful. However, considering the gifts you have received, I would recommend either Tamer or Caster.]
Because of the ring and pendant?
[Precisely. The Signet of the Packmaster would complement Tamer progression, while Sage's Blessing could provide significant advantages along magical class paths.]
Soma rubbed his chin.
Both were tempting.
His years training beneath Igor had given him considerable physical combat experience. He could already use a sword, shield, and bow with a degree of competence that most newly Awakened youths could only dream of.
Choosing Fighter might seem natural.
But he didn't necessarily need a Fighter class to swing a sword.
What he lacked was access to abilities that his physical training could never provide.
Do we have any way to get another class before the trial?
[There are still unrevealed items within the Pantheon Chest. At least one may be relevant to class development. Additionally, your Divine Gacha can potentially provide extraordinary progression rewards.]
Soma raised an eyebrow.
As in a second class?
[It is possible.]
Well, that's interesting.
He looked at the Tamer branch.
The Signet of the Packmaster rested comfortably against his finger, its deep green gemstone reflecting the light of the Divine Class Tree.
He remembered the many creatures he'd studied in Uncle Zane's bestiary.
Direwolves.
Drakes.
Magical foxes.
Great birds large enough to carry armored riders.
Monsters with abilities that could change the outcome of an entire battle.
A capable familiar could offer something that no amount of personal training could replace.
Another set of eyes.
Another combatant.
A companion.
All right. I think I've made my decision.
[Which starting class would you like to select?]
Tamer.
The other pathways dimmed.
A luminous green light surrounded the Tamer branch.
[INITIAL CLASS SELECTION]
[TAMER]
[Confirm Selection?]
[YES / NO]
Soma studied the prompt.
Here goes nothing.
Yes.
A bell rang.
The Tamer branch shifted from white to a brilliant emerald green. Thin lines of light traveled upward through the tree, illuminating several previously hidden nodes.
[TAMER CLASS SELECTED.]
[CLASS PATH ACTIVATED.]
[CLASS LEVEL: 1]
[CLASS POINTS AVAILABLE: 1]
Soma smiled.
Well, would you look at that.
The display changed.
[TAMER]
[Foundational Class]
[A class specializing in the handling, bonding, training, and development of familiars and contracted creatures.]
[Starting Class Point: 1]
Two choices appeared beneath the description.
[EXP BOOST — LEVEL 1]
[Increases experience gained by the user and eligible bonded companions by 5%.]
[STRENGTH BOOST — LEVEL 1]
[Increases the user's STR attribute by 5%.]
Soma leaned forward.
Only two choices?
[Only two currently available starting bonuses. Additional skills and class enhancements may unlock through development and Class Advancement Challenges.]
Fair enough.
He examined the Strength Boost.
Given his existing training, an additional five percent could be useful.
But the experience bonus caught his attention.
Wait. Syscilia, the Signet of the Packmaster already gives bonded companions an experience boost, right?
[Correct.]
How much?
[Twenty-five percent under its current conditions.]
Soma's eyebrows rose.
Twenty-five?
[Yes.]
And if I select EXP Boost, would that stack with the ring?
[Both effects may be applied simultaneously. Their combined bonus for eligible companion experience would currently total thirty percent.]
Soma nearly choked.
THIRTY PERCENT?!
[Yes, Master Soma. Twenty-five plus five equals thirty.]
Soma stared at the interface.
I KNOW HOW ADDITION WORKS!
[Your reaction suggested otherwise.]
I was commenting on how ridiculous that is!
[Then perhaps you should have said so.]
Soma closed his eyes.
You're a smart-ass.
[Thank you.]
That wasn't a compliment.
[I choose to interpret it positively.]
He laughed.
Fine. I'll take the EXP Boost.
[Confirm selection?]
Confirm.
The green pathway pulsed.
[EXP BOOST ACQUIRED.]
[SKILL LEVEL: 1]
[EXPERIENCE BONUS: +5%]
[CLASS POINTS REMAINING: 0]
[PROFILE UPDATED.]
Soma leaned back against the wall.
That's going to be useful.
[Indeed. Furthermore, you may eventually improve that bonus through additional class development.]
So five percent isn't even the limit?
[Correct.]
He looked down at the Signet again.
Not only am I going to be broken, but apparently my familiar will be too.
[You have not acquired a familiar yet.]
Details, Syscilia. Details.
[A rather important detail for someone who has just selected Tamer.]
Soma snorted.
[Next, we should activate your initial affinity.]
Soma sat forward.
Now we're talking.
[Your Awakening has established compatibility with all known affinities. However, only one may be activated through your initial selection.]
How does that work?
[Simply tell me which affinity you would like to activate. I will configure the Divine System and initiate the necessary changes within your mana channels.]
Soma blinked.
Wait. That's it?
[Yes.]
I just tell you what I want, and you unlock it?
[The process is somewhat more complicated than that, but your explanation is sufficient for practical purposes.]
Does it hurt?
[I am uncertain. I do not experience physical pain.]
Soma stared.
You're an ass.
[Perhaps. Nevertheless, I require your selection.]
Do I really have to do all the work around here?
[You were the one who requested control over your choices.]
Fair.
His thoughts returned to the five foundational classes.
Tamer would allow him to develop a companion, but a familiar alone wouldn't be enough for every situation.
He needed a way to protect himself.
And more importantly, he needed a way to protect others.
He remembered Samantha.
His mother.
His siblings.
The people he'd fought to keep safe.
Then his thoughts briefly drifted toward another world.
Toward a falling statue.
Toward a girl reaching for him.
His expression grew serious.
Syscilia, what do you think about Healing affinity?
[An excellent choice.]
Really? Even with Tamer as my starting class?
[Class and affinity need not serve identical purposes. A Healing affinity would provide restorative magic that could benefit both you and your contracted companions.]
That's what I was thinking.
He glanced toward the waiting chamber.
But will I be strong enough to defend myself during the trial?
[Your physical attributes already exceed those of an ordinary newly Awakened individual.]
By how much?
[Your unmodified base attributes currently measure approximately twenty-five points each.]
Soma froze.
Twenty-five?
[Correct.]
I thought most new Awakeners started somewhere between one and ten.
[That is common among lower-ranked Awakeners. Higher-ranked individuals may possess substantially greater starting attributes.]
What would someone with an SS-rank class have?
[There is considerable variation, but an individual of that classification might begin with attributes around fifteen to seventeen points before other modifiers.]
Soma frowned.
So I'm only about ten points above them?
[A difference of ten points is substantial, Master Soma.]
I suppose when you put it that way...
[Furthermore, your equipment, blessings, class bonuses, and future development will affect your effective capabilities.]
Soma nodded slowly.
He was beginning to understand the scale of what he'd received.
All right.
He took a breath.
Healing. I choose Healing as my first affinity.
[Selection received.]
A new window appeared.
[AFFINITY ACTIVATION]
[HEALING]
[Confirm Selection?]
[YES / NO]
Yes.
[Activating Healing Affinity.]
A warm sensation formed deep within Soma's abdomen.
At first, it felt almost pleasant.
Like sitting beside a fire on a cold winter morning.
Then the warmth spread.
Through his chest.
Along his arms.
Down his spine.
Into his legs.
Soma shifted uncomfortably.
Uh... Syscilia?
[Yes?]
I'm getting really warm.
[Your mana channels are adapting to the newly activated affinity.]
It's like being wrapped in a heated blanket.
[An interesting comparison.]
A heated blanket someone forgot to turn off.
[The process is nearly complete.]
Soft green light began radiating from Soma's body.
He stared as gentle wisps of magical energy drifted around his hands.
The warmth intensified briefly.
Then subsided.
A soothing sensation settled through his muscles.
[HEALING AFFINITY UNLOCKED.]
[INITIAL SPELL ACQUIRED.]
[MINOR HEAL]
[Skill Level: 1]
[Mana Cost: 10 MP]
[Effect: Restores minor injuries and alleviates limited physical strain.]
Soma's eyes widened.
No way.
He raised his hand.
A small sphere of green light formed above his palm.
It flickered uncertainly, responding to his concentration.
Soma focused on the sensation of warmth moving through his fingers.
Minor Heal.
The light spread over his body.
The stiffness lingering in his shoulders eased.
The fatigue from his long morning diminished.
It didn't completely restore him, but he felt noticeably better.
He stared at his hand.
Holy shit.
[A successful first casting.]
I actually did it.
[You did.]
Soma laughed.
This is incredible!
[Healing magic will be especially useful if you eventually resume the tactical leadership responsibilities you held during your previous life.]
Soma paused.
You mean as a strategist?
[Yes. A leader who can defend himself, coordinate companions, and assist with healing possesses considerable versatility.]
He considered the idea.
Huh. I hadn't even thought that far ahead.
[What was your primary reason for choosing Healing?]
Soma looked toward the green light fading from his fingertips.
I wanted to make sure I could take care of my familiar.
There was a brief silence.
Then Syscilia answered.
[An admirable reason.]
Soma smiled faintly.
Well, I can't exactly summon a companion and then let the poor thing get torn apart, can I?
[Speaking of companions...]
A new notification appeared.
[TAMER STARTING BENEFIT AVAILABLE.]
[FAMILIAR GACHA ACCESS GRANTED.]
Soma sat upright.
Wait. Already?
[Yes, Master Soma. As a newly selected Tamer, your Divine System has provided a Familiar Gacha opportunity.]
Hold on. If an ordinary Awakener chooses Tamer, do they get a free familiar too?
[No. Most Tamers must locate, approach, and establish a bond with a suitable creature.]
Soma blinked.
During the Awakening Trial?
[For many newly Awakened Tamers, the trial provides their first opportunity.]
That's dangerous!
[It can be. However, the introductory floors are designed to allow candidates to become familiar with their new abilities under monitored conditions.]
Still. Trying to convince a wild monster to become your friend sounds like a great way to lose a hand.
[I would recommend a more diplomatic approach.]
You don't say.
The golden wheel icon appeared before him.
[Divine Gacha — Familiar Summoning Available.]
Soma grinned.
All right, Syscilia.
[Yes, Master Soma?]
Let's see what kind of partner fate has waiting for me.