Chapter 23: Choosing the Main Class
A sudden interface appeared before Akira, glowing more intensely than usual:
[Available classes have been determined. Displaying now...]
[First Choice: Elemental Mage]
Description:
A mage who controls the forces of nature to unleash powerful and diverse magical attacks.
Capable of summoning elements such as fire, water, earth, and wind to enhance combat abilities.
Requirements: Unique physical constitution + affinity with two elements.
[Do you wish to advance to this class?]
[Yes] [No]
[You possess the potential to enter this rare class. It has been granted to you.]
Alice said in awe:
"As the description says, this class is perfect for multi-element mages! It even increases the chance of acquiring additional elements later on… only a handful ever obtain it!"
Akira asked:
"But the requirements say two elements?"
Alice replied confidently:
"The system never presents an impossible class. Nothing is granted without reason."
"Then how…?"
Alice nodded toward the glowing sphere resting in the corner.
"See that? That's the solution."
Akira approached it and lifted it in his hand. Its interface appeared:
[Item: Dungeon Core]
[Rank: E]
[Description: Goblin Dungeon Core]
[Ability: Can be used to distort laws and produce anything you desire]
[Note: The effect depends on the core's rank and power]
Alice said excitedly:
"Perfect! This solves the second element problem!"
"Should we use it now?"
She shook her head.
"No. We don't know what will happen to the dungeon if it loses its core."
Akira sighed.
"I forgot about that… then let's move on to the next option."
[Second Choice: Dark Mage]
Description:
A mage who commands darkness and black magic. Capable of manipulating shadows and executing devastating attacks.
Requirements: Affinity with the Dark element.
[Do you wish to advance to this class?]
[Yes] [No]
Akira said:
"This one's obvious… next."
[Third Choice: Duelist]
Description:
A combatant specializing in melee combat and weapons. Relies on speed and precision to deliver powerful attacks.
[You have demonstrated exceptional swordsmanship, reaching a level of mastery achieved by very few.]
Requirements: None.
[Do you wish to advance to this class?]
[Yes] [No]
Alice commented:
"A common class… nothing special."
Akira nodded.
"Next."
[Fourth Choice: Spellblade]
Description:
A fighter who uses magic to enhance melee combat. Combines physical strength with magical attacks.
[This class is granted only to those who possess both magical talent and swordsmanship. You qualify for both.]
[Do you wish to advance to this class?]
[Yes] [No]
Alice said seriously:
"The Spellblade is a rare and powerful class… but its drawback is that it requires double the experience to progress."
Akira pondered:
"I thought combining paths would create weaknesses…"
Alice smiled knowingly:
"No. As ranks increase, stats tend to balance out. That gives you an advantage against those who rely on a single stat. This class becomes stronger over time."
She added:
"True… you may face enemies with strange abilities, making battles harder at times, but it remains one of the strongest classes available."
"Let's keep it as a final option."
[Fifth Choice: Warrior (Tank)]
Description:
A durable fighter capable of withstanding heavy damage. Excels in defense and physical combat.
[You meet the minimum requirements, but this class is not recommended.]
[Do you wish to advance to this class?]
[Yes] [No]
Akira and Alice together:
"…"
"…"
"Then why was it even offered?"
"Probably… just to fill the list."
[Sixth Choice: Chosen of Shadows]
Description:
Uses shadows as an extension of their power. Capable of swift ambushes and free manipulation of shadows.
Requirements:
– Affinity with the Dark element
– Experience of death
– Killing stronger enemies
– Using their deaths as a source of power
– Shadow manipulation skill
Then, an unfamiliar message appeared from the system:
[Shadows are not mere reflections…
When souls perish, shadows remain alive.
The shadows have observed you, and they favor you.
Thus, they grant you their power.
Wield the shadows as your weapon, and bring destruction upon this world.]
[Do you wish to advance to this class?]
[Yes] [No]
Akira asked while staring at Alice:
"Do you understand any of this?"
She slowly shook her head, surprise evident on her face.
"No… this is the first time I've ever heard of such a class."
She continued:
"I'll explain as best as I can. This class closely resembles one called 'Shadow Mage,' which is considered rare. It allowed control over shadows to the point of forming armor nearly impossible to penetrate."
"If we consider the requirements… I believe this class surpasses it."
"Then this will be our choice."
"It would be a good choice, but the real problem lies in future requirements."
She continued:
"As I said before, the stronger the class, the harsher its growth conditions."
"If you seek power—power sufficient to destroy this world, as described—then this is the optimal path."
"..."
"Alice, if I choose this class… is there a way to fulfill all the requirements?"
Alice answered confidently:
"Yes. But… it's not just about meeting the requirements. The real question is—are you willing to risk your life to achieve them?"