"Theoretically, a person can master any class as long as they possess the corresponding Duty Crystal and, for special classes, the required unique artifacts. They could switch between classes freely in battle."
"But that's just theory and fantasy. Everyone knows how rare Duty Crystals are, and advancing a class requires immense time and effort. You can't have it all—when you choose one class, you can't invest heavily in another."
"There are indeed fated prodigies who can master two or three classes, but for most ordinary people, chasing the elusive dream of multi-classing is less practical than honing the class they already have."
"As for you, you can only master the Emberfire class and can't acquire other standard classes. So, your current task is…"
Sudiya listened to Lucille's lecture, her eyelids growing heavy.
She felt foolish. She'd known Lucille was helping her grow stronger, requiring her to follow his instructions and complete rituals to advance her class. But she hadn't expected lectures.
The moment Lucille started explaining Duty Wielder theory, an overwhelming drowsiness hit her. She fought the urge to slump onto the desk and sleep.
Seeing Sudiya's head droop lower and lower, Lucille sighed and stopped the lesson.
He knew pressing on was pointless. It was better to move to practical training—Sudiya's favorite part.
"Little Princess, wake up. We're going to the second floor," Lucille said, tapping her head.
"The second floor?" Sudiya's head shot up, as if she hadn't been dozing at all. "Right now?"
Seeing the excitement in her eyes, Lucille felt it would be a crime not to indulge her. He nodded affirmatively. "Right now."
"Yay! I love practical training!" Sudiya leapt from her chair, grabbing Lucille's hand and rushing toward the door.
As the classroom door swung open, she spotted Night Star and Aina passing by, heading somewhere unknown.
"Oh?" Aina noticed Sudiya and smiled. "Your Highness, off to the second floor again? Be careful not to wreck the training grounds."
"Don't worry, I've got it under control!" Sudiya replied confidently to Aina, though she cast a nervous glance at Night Star. Still, she didn't let go of Lucille's hand, pulling him toward the central teleportation array.
Watching Sudiya's eager haste, Aina couldn't help but chuckle. She glanced at Night Star, teasing, "Miss Night Star, you can't possibly miss the Little Princess's intentions, can you?"
"So what if I see them? What if I don't?" Night Star replied, her expression unruffled.
"If they really got together, what would you think, Miss Night Star?" Aina pressed, unsatisfied with the vague response.
Night Star turned to Aina, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Aina, the eager one here is you. So anxious to probe into our relationship?"
Aina froze, then quickly denied it. "N-No, I'm not!"
"I just… can't stand someone else cutting in! You were here first, Miss Night Star. Why should Lucille so easily accept another woman? Even if she's a princess, it's not fair!"
"You saved my life, so of course I'm on your side. Just say the word, and I'll support you wholeheartedly!"
Night Star burst out laughing. She hadn't expected Aina to spin such a story. "No need. Lucille and I aren't lovers, nor do we have that kind of interest. You don't need to worry about it."
"R-Really?" Aina's face fell, disappointed. "I thought… Well, if you say so, I guess it's just a free pass for another woman."
She emphasized the last five words, drawing them out one by one.
Night Star couldn't be bothered to respond. She just wanted to leave and get to her actual business.
"Lucille, be careful."
The moment they entered the practical training phase, Sudiya transformed.
Having completed her "Class Manifestation," flames roared around her, yet they didn't burn her skin. Most of her clothes, however, had been reduced to ashes, revealing her snow-white skin wreathed in fire.
She extended a finger, conjuring a small flame. With a wave of her arm, the flame expanded into a fiery serpent, surging toward Lucille with a wave of heat.
Lucille watched the serpent approach calmly. At the last moment, he dodged with a swift sidestep, then exploded into motion, closing the distance to Sudiya with such speed that he left afterimages.
Lucille was still an ordinary human, but with the Golden Ring, having absorbed the strength of several Duty Wielders, he had transcended ordinary limits.
He had no special abilities—just a stronger body, faster speed, and fiercer bursts of power. But he was confident this was enough to defeat any Tier One Duty Wielder.
Seeing Lucille approach, Sudiya remained composed. She'd already planned her move, summoning a ring of fire to encircle herself.
To reach her, Lucille would have to pass through the flames.
But Sudiya's control over her flames was still imperfect. The fire ring had gaps—insignificant to most, but glaring weaknesses to Lucille.
He didn't even slow down, slipping his arm through a gap. Before the flames could touch him, he grabbed Sudiya's face and slammed her to the ground.
Sudiya let out a cry of pain, and the flames around her dissipated. She lay on the ground, dazed, taking a moment to struggle back to her feet.
"That hurt…"
"Your openings are too obvious," Lucille critiqued mercilessly. "Blind defense won't solve anything, especially when it's so flawed."
"I've already gotten this far. Isn't that pretty good?" Sudiya protested.
"And even when you're hurt, don't stop your mana flow. That'll make you lose faster and kill any chance of a comeback."
"But… it really hurt, Lucille. You didn't hold back at all."
"Your enemies won't hold back."
"Hmph!" Sudiya pouted, letting out a small huff.