Klarion’s eyes moved slowly over the pages as he compared the four Rare Classes he’d felt pulled to. Each one was powerful in its own way, each one offering a different path forward based on the different Essence types required to unlock them, as well as the general type of the class itself. But he could only choose one.
He had to get this right.
He started with the Lumina Cleric. There was something undeniably appealing about it. The idea of healing, of protecting others, resonated with him and the path he had been treading down back on Earth. He thought about Hatsune, about J-65, about Redrek and Valdre.
If he could heal using Light Essences and Nature Essences, he could keep them safe. He wouldn’t have to watch helplessly as his friends suffered. Such as last night when J-65 had collapsed from her injuries. If he’d the power to heal as a Lumina Cleric, then, he wouldn’t have had to wait for the Sentinel healer to arrive to help J-65. And that would just be the beginning. From what he could tell, the Lumina Cleric’s abilities were sure to be extraordinary for keeping his allies on their feet and in the fight, offering powerful healing, restoration, and even resurrection. He would be invaluable to any group. But its focus was clear: it was a support class through and through, designed to aid others more than to strike down enemies. He considered the information the author provided on the class again.
Lumina Cleric
(Healer Class - Rare)
Hailing from the celestial Coreworld of Aethelgard, nestled within the southern region of the Treverorum Empire, Lumina Clerics are beacons of holy grace. They channel pure Light Essences and Nature Essences to mend wounds, purge afflictions, and empower their allies. Their abilities are not merely magical; they are prayers made manifest, woven from the very fabric of hope. Within the Treverorum Empire, Lumina Clerics serve as battlefield medics, spiritual advisors, and even diplomats, their presence a balm to the weary and a symbol of unwavering service.
Focus: Healing, buffing allies, access to powerful resurrection and restoration abilities.
Stat Points per Level: Wisdom +4; Charisma +2
Free Stat Points per Level: +5
Essence(s) Required: Light Essences; Nature Essences
Ability Slots: Passive (4), Utility (4), Offensive (2), Defensive (6)
His gaze lingered on the ability slots: four Passive, four Utility, two Offensive, and six Defensive. The balance emphasized protection and support, not direct combat. While he liked the idea of having potent defensive and restorative abilities, the limited Offensive slots bothered him. Two wasn’t much. It meant his combat options would be restricted, focused more on keeping others safe than dealing damage.
Though he wanted to protect his friends and allies, he also wanted to be able to fight if the situation called for it. To be on the front lines, standing against his enemies, not just supporting others from behind. The Lumina Cleric’s abilities were incredible, but they wouldn’t help him confront his enemies head-on. And given everything that had happened with Chadwick and the other scions arrayed against him, he had a feeling he was going to need that capability.
So yes, the Lumina Cleric was an appealing class for a number of reasons, but he wouldn’t be picking it. He needed — wanted — to fight. To be at the front, standing against his enemies, not hiding behind someone else’s shield.
He flipped to the second class. Terran Colossus. As a class, it was the closest he could come to being a living fortress. Unyielding, unbreakable, capable of enduring any attack. If he’d been able to share the information on it with his friends on Earth, they would have agreed that it was a tank through and through, and Klarion could see the appeal. He wouldn’t have to worry about being overpowered. He could defend himself and others, holding his ground no matter what came his way.
Terran Colossus
(Protector Class - Rare)
Born from the primordial earth of the Titan’s Cradle, a world of towering mountains and deep caverns, a Terran Colossus is a living embodiment of resilience. Their connection to Earth Essences and Might Essences allows them to manipulate earth and stone, forming impenetrable defenses and unleashing seismic tremors. Within the Treverorum Empire, they serve as guardians of settlements, protectors of caravans traversing treacherous territories, and shock troops capable of shattering enemy formations. Their very presence anchors their allies, bolstering their resolve in the face of overwhelming odds.
Focus: Survivability, protecting allies, controlling the battlefield through earth manipulation abilities.
Stat Points per Level: Constitution +4; Endurance +2
Free Stat Points per Level: +5
Essence(s) Required: Earth Essences; Might Essences
Ability Slots: Passive (4), Utility (5), Offensive (3), Defensive (4)
Unlike the Lumina Cleric, the Terran Colossus had a more solid distribution of ability slots: four Passive, five Utility, three Offensive, and four Defensive. That distribution seemed to indicate the class leaned heavily on survivability and control. Five Utility slots meant he’d have a wide range of tactical options, especially with earth manipulation, in whatever form that took, but only three Offensive slots. Like the Lumina Cleric, its focus wasn’t on dealing damage. It was about outlasting enemies, about enduring through the use of Earth Essences and Might Essences.
The idea of being an immovable object was appealing, but the more he thought about it, the less it seemed to fit. The Terran Colossus was powerful, yes, but it was also static. Defensive. Klarion didn’t just want to endure his enemies. He wanted to beat them, soundly and completely. To take control of his own destiny, not just react to whatever was thrown at him.
He knew he would likely kick himself down the road for giving up on the opportunity to take a class with higher defensive options, but he knew he couldn’t pick the Terran Colossus. Defense was valuable, but it was not enough on its own. Given his fighting style to this point, whether it was against the Storm Wolves or in his sparring with Hatsune, he found himself pulled more in the direction of having overwhelming power and speed, ideally to such a degree that his mere presence on the battlefield would be enough to strike fear into the hearts of his foes.
Perhaps then he’d have fewer actively working to kill him.
Thankfully, the final two classes that he felt drawn to seemed to line up with those desires a bit more than the first two he had set aside.
The first was called Stormforged Champion. Just the name alone stirred something inside him. Lightning speed, devastating attacks, overwhelming force—it was a duelist’s dream. He imagined himself moving like the wind, striking faster than his enemies could see, his blows landing with the power of a thunderbolt. It was exciting. Powerful. Exactly the kind of class that could turn him into a force to be reckoned with.
Stormforged Champion
(Striker Class - Rare)
Forged in the heart of tempestuous storm worlds like Volgoth, Stormforged Champions are warriors who channel the raw power of Lightning Essences and Air Essences into their strikes. Their movements are as swift and unpredictable as a lightning strike, and their blows carry the force of a crashing thunderbolt. Within the Treverorum Empire, they serve as elite shock troops, leading the charge into enemy ranks, and as duelists, their lightning-fast strikes overwhelming their opponents. The crackle of energy that surrounds them is a testament to their volatile power, a force that can both inspire awe and instill terror.
Focus: Swift melee combat, vanguard of the charge, controlling the battlefield through lightning and air manipulation abilities.
Stat Points per Level: Dexterity +4; Strength +2
Free Stat Points per Level: +5
Essence(s) Required: Lightning Essences; Air Essences
Ability Slots: Passive (4), Utility (5), Offensive (5), Defensive (2)
Unlike the first two classes, the Stormforged Champion’s ability slots were more aggressively arranged: four Passive, five Utility, five Offensive, and only two Defensive. It was all about speed and overwhelming damage, about getting in close and fast to end the lives of enemies before they knew the Stormforged Champion was there. It sounded fierce, dynamic, like a force of nature given form, which made sense given the requirements for Lightning Essences and Air Essences.
Five Offensive slots meant a wide arsenal of powerful attacks, and five Utility slots suggested incredible mobility and versatility. But only two Defensive slots… that was a problem. Klarion’s fingers drummed against the page. Two Defensive slots meant limited protection, a high-risk, high-reward fighting style.
Like the description said, it was a duelist’s class, no doubt about it. Designed for single combat, for flashy, high-stakes battles. His examination of it made him think it was meant to be wielded by someone who belonged to a House that would be able to limit their engagement in violence to the dueling yard. Or perhaps someone who would go on to serve in the Legions as part of an elite strike force. But then again, perhaps one of those situations would summarize the life he might go on to live after his time at the Academy and after he was able to protect those he cared about back on Earth.
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It was tempting. So very tempting. But was it the right choice?
That brought him to the Valiant Sunlord. Klarion’s fingers brushed over the name, his heart beating a little faster. The description was powerful, filled with words like “radiant” and “courage.” As he read over the description again, it seemed to him that it was a class meant for more than just fighting. It was about leading, inspiring, and protecting. It seemed to be a bit more versatile, capable of dealing devastating damage and supporting allies both. Most significantly, it also seemed like it wasn’t just about winning battles; it was about lifting others up.
Valiant Sunlord
(Striker Class - Rare)
The sun-drenched peaks of Mount Cinderheart on the volcanic world of Ignis XI is the original source of the Valiant Sunlords, who embody the radiant power of the sun in the flames they wield. They are no mere spellswords; they are living conduits of Fire Essences and Might Essences, channeling purifying flames to smite their foes from up close or at a distance. Their weapons blaze with incandescent light, and their presence inspires courage and dispels despair. Within the Treverorum Empire, Valiant Sunlords are revered as commanders who lead their forces with righteous fury and unwavering conviction. Their dual nature as both fierce combatants and inspiring leaders makes them a force to be reckoned with on any battlefield.
Focus: Explosive melee combat, overwhelming damage in-close or at-range, enhancement of allies’ abilities.
Stat Points per Level: Strength +2; Intelligence +2; Charisma +2
Free Stat Points per Level: +5
Essence(s) Required: Fire Essences; Might Essences
Ability Slots: Passive (4), Utility (4), Offensive (5), Defensive (3)
Its ability slots were the most well-rounded of the classes he had felt drawn to: four Passive, four Utility, five Offensive, and three Defensive. Unlike the Stormforged Champion, which was clearly focused on the offensive, the Valiant Sunlord struck him as a class capable of flipping roles as needed. Given the description of the class, and how it possessed five Offensive and four Utility slots, it likely meant he would be able to fight powerfully and creatively, weaving together attacks and supportive abilities. All while having one additional Defensive ability slot compared to the Stormforged Champion.
He felt pulled to the Valiant Sunlord. Beyond the distribution of ability slots, he thought it would be cool to possess a Fire Essence and a Might Essence, to be able to imbue his attacks with searing flames and bolster his allies as well. It was a leader’s class, meant to inspire and protect, to fight alongside others rather than alone. And that was when he realized it was that aspect of the class that was pulling him to it the most. The Valiant Sunlord wasn’t just about fighting. It was about standing for something. About being someone worth following.
Even as amazing as the Stormforged Champion might be as a class, that wasn’t what he needed for the path he was walking down. He needed power, yes, but he needed to be a leader, too. That combination of needs meant that there was only one class of the four that he could pick to unlock.
The Valiant Sunlord.
The more he thought about it, the more he liked it. The Valiant Sunlord matched what he wanted—strength and leadership, the power to fight and to lift others up. As he made up his mind, he pushed aside his brief wondering if there were other options. He could seek out Yona, asking if there were other classes he could unlock, maybe even something more powerful than Rare. But… could he trust her? His gut told him he could, but he had been wrong before. Hector was proof of that. But even if he could trust her, would it be worth the time? He needed to get stronger now. Not later, not someday. Now.
Making the decision even worse was the fact that, even if there were higher classes, could he even unlock them? Perhaps in the future, something like that might be possible, or perhaps he might evolve his class somehow. The primer had hinted at such in more than a dozen places amongst the section on Rare classes, without overtly going into the details. But that was not something he could count on, and what the primer had been clear on was this: Rare classes were already difficult to obtain. So for now, the fact that anything higher would require even more rare materials, Essence attunements, and specialized ritual chambers… it just wasn’t practical. Not when he was already surviving assassination attempts.
Klarion took a deep breath, his gaze returning to the Valiant Sunlord. It was the right choice. He could feel it. He wanted that power. That responsibility. He wanted to protect, to lead, to be more than just a fighter.
He closed the primer, his decision made. He would become a Valiant Sunlord. Beyond the class description and information about the class, the name itself felt right somehow. It contained a promise of power and purpose. Which was what he needed if he was going to survive.
As he leaned back in his chair, the tension in his shoulders that had gradually accumulated the longer he was bent over reading finally started to ease. Then he remembered the promise he had made to his friends. He’d have to remember to bring the Primer with him next time he went out, to share it with Redrek and Valdre like he’d promised. They likely already had some idea what kind of class they wanted to unlock, but still, they deserved to have every opportunity to see if there might be another class that better fit them.
Klarion closed The Path of Power: A Comprehensive Guide to Imperial Classes Common to Rare with a quiet thud, exhaling as he set it back on the side table next to the food he had brought up with him for J-65, now long cold. His gaze drifted toward the sleeping Star Elf. She hadn’t stirred since he had begun reading. If not for the steady rise and fall of her chest and the relaxed expression on her face, he might have worried something had gone wrong with the healing that Sentinel had given the Star Elf. But the Sentinel healer had commanded that they not provide her any additional healing. So all he could do was wait until she woke by herself.
His fingers tapped absently against his knee. There were so many questions he wanted to ask her, not least of which was why she had gone so far to protect him. But he couldn’t ask her anything until she woke up. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be much past when he returned with Hatsune from the Hall of Bonds to select some servants for Blacksword Manor.
A soft knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. He glanced up just as Hatsune stepped inside, her movements quick and assured, her expression alight with barely contained excitement.
“That assistant librarian we met the other day was able to help me. I found it,” she said, the excitement clear in her words. “A class that fits me perfectly—and it will work well with the sword art I — we — want to learn, Whispers of Black Steel.”
Klarion felt a surge of satisfaction at the Leporine’s excitement. Granted, he hadn’t expected her to be able to track down a class in a single visit to the Central Archives, but still, he was happy she had been able to do so. He smiled. “That’s great,” he said, standing from his chair. “I think I’ve found mine, too.”
Hatsune’s ears twitched as she studied him, eyes going from the book he had been reading and back to his face. “Really? What did you pick?”
He chuckled, stretching his back before meeting her gaze. “We’ll talk about it in a second. I want to hear about yours first.”
A wide grin came to Hatsune’s face. “Alright, but I think you’re going to like this.” She stepped closer, her ears flicking with the excitement she still felt at her success. “It’s called Yamabushi Shadowblade.”
Klarion nearly froze in place at the name of the class. Shadowblade was innocuous enough, but Yamabushi… He had come across the word before, back on Earth in an old book that he had read when he had gone through his ninja manga phase — Yamabushi, legendary warrior-monks who balanced martial prowess with mysticism, blending stealth, combat, and other esoteric arts. But why was that word associated with a System class an entire universe away from Earth? Another question that he was not sure he would find the answer to anytime soon. He wanted to think on it more, but pushed it aside when he saw that Hatsune’s smile was starting to crack in the silence of his non-response.
“That sounds like a wonderful class.” He said quickly, trying to cover for his pause. “I think it suits you.”
Hatsune’s smile returned, then sharpened. “I thought so too. It’s perfect for me—agility, precision, and the ability to strike when least expected. I’ve always leaned toward speed and finesse in combat, and this class enhances that.” She crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly. “And unlike some of the other classes I looked over, a Yamabushi Shadowblade isn’t just about taking out a target. It’s about knowing when to strike and when to wait. It’s about control.”
Klarion smiled his excited bodyguard. “Sounds deadly.”
“That’s the idea,” she said, her eyes gleaming. “And it should make me into a more powerful bodyguard as well.”
He nodded as he finished his stretching. “Alright, now that you’ve told me yours, I think I’ve figured out the Rare class I’m going to unlock—Valiant Sunlord.”
Hatsune’s brows lifted. “Sounds powerful,” she noted, her tone impressed before turning a bit wry. “It’s good that you’re aiming for a Rare class, given how actively your enemies are pursuing you.”
Klarion exhaled, nodding. “Yeah, I thought so too. It’s strong, but more than that, it’s a class that’s meant to fight alongside others, not just for personal strength. It’s about leading, protecting, and pushing forward.” He looked from the Leporine to the Star Elf still sleeping in his bed. “It’s not a class for someone who fights alone. It’s a class for someone who stands with others.”
“Your class requires special materials, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah,” Klarion said, reaching out to grab the pouch of gold coins that he had won in the duel. “I will have to gather what’s a number of things according to the information in the book. As much as it would be more convenient, attunement to at least one of each Essence type alone won’t be enough for me to unlock a Rare Class.”
“Any idea where to start?”
“I have a few ideas.”
Hatsune gave him a knowing look. “You’re going to ask Valdre and Redrek for help, aren’t you?”
“Of course,” Klarion admitted. “They’re resourceful and likely know quite a bit more than me, and I promised to share the primer with them anyway. But that is later. Perhaps tomorrow or the day after.”
“The Hall of Bonds?” Hatsune asked.
“The Hall of Bonds,” he confirmed. “With the thirty Coins of Service I received in the Dungeon, I hope to select some servants to turn Blacksword Manor into more of a home.”
“You’re really settling into this whole ‘lord of the manor’ thing, huh?”
He rolled his eyes at her casual disrespect. Not that he would change it. He was enjoying the fact that she had increasingly left the cold formality aside. “I just don’t want to live in an empty house.”
She grinned. “Fair enough.”
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