"Get a class as a necromancer?" Arthur was stunned. "System, what does this mean?"
"[Simply put, you will become someone who wields the power of a necromancer]," the system replied briefly.
"Necromancer…" Arthur narrowed his eyes, staring intently at the panel.
The Eclipses who had awakened their abilities possessed various powers. Some could control fire or water, while others had unique abilities—controlling insects, exhibiting extraordinary strength, and so on.
Just like in the game, the Eclipses were ranked from SS, S, A, B, C, D, E, to F.
Arthur had been just an ordinary person, with no chance of becoming an Eclipse. He didn't have special abilities like the others.
But with this class, he could join their ranks and gain powers like theirs.
Suppressing his racing heartbeat, he accepted the gift and let the blue light wash over him.
A few moments later, he opened his eyes, feeling a new current flowing within him—mana.
Mana coursed through his body like interconnected rivers.
'So this is what having superpowers feels like,' he muttered in wonder.
He had once thought awakening his abilities was impossible, yet here it was, happening before him. It felt like a vivid dream in broad daylight.
His gaze shifted to the last light. Without hesitation, he touched it. The light slowly dimmed, revealing the final panel.
[Congratulations, Master. You have obtained a special ability: Appraisal.]
"Appraisal?" Arthur's eyebrows furrowed slightly.
Before he could think further, the panel turned into light and flowed into his body.
Arthur closed his eyes until the light completely vanished. When he opened them, a mysterious status panel appeared before him.
[Status]
Name: Arthur Morgan
Age: 20 years old
Race: Human
Level: 1 (F-rank)
Class: Necromancer (Lv. 1) Progress: 1/1000
Statistics: 100 (HP), 250 (MP), 50 (Strength), 10 (Agility), 40 (Endurance), 150 (Intelligence)
Skills: Soul Summoning (Lv. 1), Slave Seal Implantation (Lv. 1), Appraisal (Lv. 1)
Bonded Subordinates: Goblin (Lv. 1)
Storage: —
"This…" Arthur was stunned. "System, does the Appraisal skill let me see my own status?"
"[Correct, Master. That skill allows you to view your own status. By the way, you might be wondering what the (Lv. 1) next to each status means. I'll explain,]" the system replied indifferently. "[It indicates the level of your class and skills. Each time you level up, your power increases. For example, look at the Bonded Subordinates column. It says 'Goblin (Lv. 1).' At Level 1 of the necromancer class, you can bind up to thirty subordinates.]
"[If you want more, you'll need to upgrade your class to Level 2. This applies not only to your class but also to your level and skills. The progress works the same way—reaching Level 2 requires 1000 experience points, which you can earn by completing main and side missions in the novel worlds you'll enter in the future.]"
Arthur nodded slightly, seeming to understand. Then his gaze shifted back to the Bonded Subordinates column, and he asked, "If subordinates are bonded to me, how do I increase their levels?"
"[The stronger you are, the higher their levels will be. Oh, and I almost forgot—if you bond with monsters or creatures stronger than you, they will naturally weaken and adjust to your level. Keep that in mind, understood?]"
"I understand, System. Thank you." Arthur couldn't help but smile.
The system's explanation was clear, concise, and easy to understand.
Still, Arthur studied each of his skills carefully to deepen his understanding.
The Appraisal skill allowed him to view his own status panel as well as others'. However, since he was only level 1, many features were limited or inaccessible.
By completing missions in the novel worlds he entered, his skill levels would naturally rise through the rewards he received.
Meanwhile, the Soul Summoning and Slave Seal Implantation skills were innate to his Necromancer class. As his class level increased, both skills would automatically improve.
This meant he didn't need to rely on experience points from mission rewards to level them up.
'Level one is equivalent to Eclipse rank F, right? That's a solid start,' he murmured with a faint smile.
For those who had just awakened their abilities, the initial rank naturally began at F.
To advance further, they needed to collect Tessera Crystals and harness the energy within to strengthen themselves.
Tessera Crystals were a type of crystal obtained by killing monsters. The appearance of monsters didn't always have negative consequences.
In fact, there were several positive effects—one of which was driving human civilization to its peak over the last ten thousand years.
To support the lives of the Eclipses, each country had built artificial portals connected to dimensions where monsters frequently appeared.
These portals often served as training grounds for both junior and senior Eclipses to hone their skills.
Additionally, the portals were a source of income for Eclipses who hunted Tessera Crystals. They could sell the crystals for high prices or use them to strengthen themselves.
Arthur's situation, however, was different. Instead of relying on Tessera Crystals as a source of power, he only needed to complete the main and side missions in the novel worlds he would enter later.
Once he felt he understood everything, he turned to the side and raised his right hand.
"Appear," he muttered softly.
Whoosh!
A black circle materialized, and a moment later, a one-meter-tall goblin appeared.
Its skin was jet black, and its glowing blue eyes radiated an oppressive aura. The faint energy emanating from its body made the surrounding air tense.
"Greetings, Master," the goblin said in a deep, resonant voice.
Arthur suppressed his heartbeat and gave a small nod.
"What is your name?"
The goblin paused for a moment before shaking its head. "I have no name, Master."
"No name, huh?" Arthur narrowed his eyes. "Very well. From now on, your name is Ruberd."
"Ruberd" was an ancient word meaning "terrifying." Given the goblin's oppressive appearance, the name seemed perfectly fitting.
"Ruberd?" The goblin blinked in surprise, then smiled faintly. "What a wonderful name… Thank you, Master!"
[Ding! Congratulations, Master. You have named your first subordinate and received a reward of 5 MP!]