Chapter 4 Rewrite

Chapter 4

"Before I bring up the available classes, you should be made aware of basic class information in The System, as it does differ marginally from the games on Earth you're used to."

"How so?"

"Initial class selection is important, however the class you choose, will not remain your class forever. As you gain experience from various actions you will level up. This is fairly similar from what you know currently. You gain stat attribute points, and you'll be given choices between skills. Some options may be new skills or spells, others may be upgrades or even side grades of what you currently have."

"Okay, yeah. That's all sounding familiar. So, what's different?"

"Drew Wright, the important part is how you use your skills, abilities, and spells. You will be offered new options when you reach certain levels. The System will offer you choices based on how you've used your current skills, abilities and spells. An example can be thought of like this. You choose to use the emberbolt spell to defeat an enemy. Rather than aiming at the beast or monster in question, what if you used it to ignite the ground around the enemy instead? When The System gives you those options, it may offer a wall of flames spell to you because you previously used emberbolt in a similar manner."

"So, the system actively adapts to my fighting styles?"

"Negative. It simply gives you choices based on your actions, the will you put into the action, and what your desire for the action was. This influences the choices you're given. Nothing is forcing you to choose the wall of flames spell, if you'd prefer then you can choose a different option. You may never see the wall of flames option again, or maybe you will."

"You're always a helpful font of knowledge Spock, thank you."

"Indeed, that is my purpose. Additionally, as I mentioned previously, the class you start with today will not always be your class. Just like how you are given skill choices based on your actions, the same logic applies when you upgrade your class. My point is this, the classes available to you right now are limited and basic in function, however over time you may end up being given class upgrade choices far different than your starting class."

Interesting. It sounded like he was given a lot of flexibility when choosing how to use his class, and it may become something specialized as to how he wished to defend himself and eliminate threats.

Additionally, from the sound of it, his overall intent in why he made said choices may matter as well. Drew was pretty sure that his nerdy gamer friends would be tickled pink over this information. He enjoyed games sure, but he was never what people would consider hardcore, at least not since his childhood.

He was sure there might be a way to game The System into a specific build if he wanted it, but he wondered if growing more organically was a better option. Wasn't he supposed to ask Spock something? Oh yeah!

"Hey Spock, when you mentioned leveling up and everything, do you mean my race level or is it a class level?"

"I can only give you basic information in the tutorial. The detailed answer is outside the scope of this, but I can give you the basics. Simply put, race, class, and profession levels are all gained separately. I cannot discuss professions right now either. I apologize but that's the extent of what I can tell you on the subject."

"Damn. Alright, fair enough. I still have a lesser boon available, I think. What can I use it for in regards to class selection?"

"Lesser boons can be used to purchase additional starting skills."

"Awesome, that will prove useful. I believe I'm ready to look at the class choices for spellcasters."

"One moment please."

Caster
A basic starting class that focuses on mana manipulation and magical combat, favoring mental stat attributes over physical ones. This class is wide in scope and not yet specialized in any specific school of magic. Casters may use any weapon their physical stats will naturally allow; however, many choose to use staves or wands to amplify their abilities. While the starting skills lack any defensive options, additional options may open up as experience is gained. Casters are most well-known for using destructive and powerful spells.
Per level bonus attributes: +1 PCT, +1 INT, +1 WIS, +1 WIL, +2 Free points.

Neophyte
A basic starting class that focuses on support and defense of themselves and others. Neophytes are most well-known for removing afflictions, healing injuries, and amplifying the power or defenses of others. While the starting skills lack any offensive options, additional options may open up as experience is gained. Neophytes may use any weapon their physical stats naturally allow for; however, many choose to use staves, one handed maces and shields to amplify their abilities and provide limited offensive capabilities.
Per level bonus attributes: +1 PCT, +1 INT, +1 WIS, +1 WIL, +2 Free points.

"After all the crazy amount of race options there were, I was almost expecting a similar experience in class selection."

"As I said previously Drew Wright, class selection is more limited and while starting classes are basic, they allow for growth."

Hmmm. It looked like the neophyte was a healer, and while that would probably be smart in order to protect his family, if he was lacking in the offensive department nothing would ever die.

If he was being honest with himself, fireballs were also way cooler than healers anyways. Plus, if the tokens relied on his loved ones believing his words in order to function then he needed something flashy. No one was currently sick, so it wasn’t like that would work.

He guessed that he could go around healing people but that sounded like it would be a really bad idea if doomsday was coming. He’d have religious nuts camping outside his property wanting him to heal their great Mee-maws canker sores. Yeah, not a good choice for him.

"I think I'm going to go with the Caster, it seems like a better choice for me."

"Understood Drew Wright."

Simulations complete.
Parsing data.
Results conclusive.

"Oh man, here we go Spock. Cross your fingers!"

"I'm not familiar with what that will accomplish Drew Wright."

"It's for good luck man, everyone knows that."

"Luck is not a real stat attribute."

Simulations indicate proposal will increase resource efficiency by 23.745%.
Data indicates newly integrated worlds with System Guides have a 14.683% increase likelihood of survival within 365 Earth Days.
Proposal accepted.
System Guide known as Spock will be granted freedom. System Guide Spock will be granted a starter class and will exit tutorial introduction with Drew Wright as both are transported to the point of origin.
Efficiency and survival rates greatly increased. Drew Wright will be refunded 1x Greater Boon as compensation for proposal.

"You hear that man!? You get to be a real boy now!"

Spock let out his breath loudly. He must have been holding it for a while there. His lower lip was trembling a bit and a barely noticeable tear draped down from his left eye. While he may be as stoic as his namesake, it was nice to see some emotional relief coming from him.

To be fair the guy hadn’t exactly lived a normal life, he probably wasn’t capable of processing emotions well. That, and this was a huge deal, he had a chance at a real life now. Under The System and a doomsday sure, but that was seven more days than he would have lived prior, and that was just the worst-case scenario. No way in heck would Drew be letting him bite the bullet under his watch.

While the refund was much appreciated, ultimately it was a fair sacrifice for his freedom and life. Drew would have been fine if he didn't get it back, but this was definitely a fine surprise. Thanks Mr. or Mrs. System!

"Drew Wright, you have my gratitude, I owe you a great debt. I am unfamiliar with the feelings inside my body right now, and I seem to be leaking fluid from my eyes. How can I repay you?"

"Repay me? Just be my friend man. Friends don't count favors, and it's the least I could do for your help here."

"You wish to be... friends with me?"

"Yeah man! Of course, I do. Who else is going to help you get accustomed to Earth. You heard The System; you get to come home with me."

"I... I do not... have words... currently. Thank you."

Tutorial Introduction closure beginning in 10 Earth minutes.

"Shit. Okay, sorry man, we both have to get through this quickly. I choose Caster. I'd like to spend my boons on additional skills."

"I... Understood. I will begin my choices as well."

Greater Boon activated.
Lesser Boon activated.
Skill selection menu opening.

*DING!*

Holy crap on a cracker. That was a huge skill list. Time to just take a quick peek and scroll for a second. Scrolling, scrolling, scrolling. There were thousands of skills! Ohhh that looks pretty. NO! He only had ten minutes left, or even less now. Spock said he could filter through this stuff, right?

"I can filter through the skill menu, right? Also, what skills does my class start with?"

"That's correct. Focus your mind on what filters you wish. Caster starts with manabolt and mana manipulation as skills."

"Thanks!"

Even he sounded rushed, maybe he received boons as well? Or maybe he was trying to decide on a class. Manabolt sounded like a standard magic missile, and Drew was not sure what the other skill did but he thought he would have a decent idea. Okay, first things first. What did he need to protect himself and his family? Hmmm, well there weren’t many family members, and he wasn’t sure how many beasties they should expect.

If the number of coyotes, deer, and hogs that came onto their property on a regular basis were any indication, then he’d assume a large amount. So, the first thing he needed was some kind of pet. Mages get pets, right? Alright focus on the spells that would let him control or summon a pet.

Summon Imp (Grade - Inferior)
Imps are small demonic creatures that possess great intellect for their size. They are capable of casting the emberbolt spell as well as casting supportive magic that can boost the summoner's health points slightly. Imps are physically weak, and some caution should be used when working with them as they are clever. While they cannot purposely harm their summoner, casters with weaker mental stats may find themselves instead serving the Imp's purposes rather than the other way around. Magical reagents are necessary to perform the summoning ritual to help imps cross dimensional planes.

Summon Shadowhawk (Grade - Inferior)
Shadowhawks are small hawks that have great affinity for the element and magic school of shadow. Basic beast instinct determines their actions, but when summoned they can be given simple commands. Shadowhawks are often used for scouting or acting as distractions for their summoners to follow up with ambushes or other damage sources.

Raise Dead (Grade - Inferior)
A staple spell for the magical school of necromancery, with great affinity for the elements of shadow, undeath, and life. Raise dead allows the caster to utilize any corpse to create a servant. Contrary to popular opinion, at inferior grade this spell does not summon the original soul of the corpse, but rather creates a unliving servant with basic beast instincts. Risen dead are telepathically commanded by their caster, and their caster may share basic senses of sight and sound from their servants. Risen dead can perform manual labor and combat, their effectiveness is limited only by the mind of the caster, and their own instincts when not given commands.

Hmmm, it looked like there were a few more pet spells but he was running out of time and he needed to make selections fast. Demons seemed pretty cool, but he definitely wouldn’t have access to magical reagents, at least not in the near future.

The shadowhawk might make sense for scouting or an ambush combat build, but he was a spellcaster. Raise dead... that was a bit morbid. But on the bright side the servants themselves sounded immensely useful and versatile. Plus, if it only required corpses... well he did live in the country, dead stuff was all around if he went looking for it.

Plus, there was that cemetery 5 miles down the road. The soul part of the information was interesting, but Drew guessed that meant that humans really did have souls. Screw it, he didn’t have time to be picky with the time issue. Raise dead!

Raise Dead (Grade - Inferior) selected. Please choose 2 additional skills.

Oh dang, he got two more? He guessed that was from the greater boon. Okay, he needed something defensive. What about a mana shield or something?

Mana Shield (Grade - Inferior)
Grants a thin shield of mana around the caster. This shield is weightless and will not encumber agility or spellcasting abilities. As the caster incurs damage, their MP will drain at a 1:1 ratio of damage:MP. This is a staple defensive spell for most casters, and while basic in complexity, most casters find it easy to modify and upgrade as the caster grows in experience.

Okay great! Perfect. It looked like the menu had a couple more, hmmm... he wondered what others were available.

Tutorial Introduction closure beginning in 3 Earth minutes.

Shit, no time! He chose to go with the mana shield.

Mana Shield (Grade - Inferior) selected. Please choose 1 additional skill.

Yeah, yeah, he knew. Alright ahhhhh, he hated time crunches. Think. What did he need? He needed a spell that he could use against multiple enemies, maybe something less flashy. That way he could pick them off as the risen dead took care of them and tanked them for him. So, something fast, quick to cast, deadly, but also silent...heh...no! Keep thinking...screw it, he went with those filters.

Corruption (Grade - Inferior)
A devastating spell that can be instantly cast. Corruption deals damage over time, starting with minor damage and ending in horrific displays of internal and external damage done to the target. The spell is non-intrusive and thus many targets never know when they've been inflicted with this insidious spell.

Yeah, yeah, that's fine. Drew picked that one. He needed to talk to Spock before they got out of there.

Corruption (Grade - Inferior) selected. All skills selected.
You may leave the Tutorial introduction at any time.

Tutorial Introduction closure beginning in 1 Earth minutes.

"Hey Spock, we're almost out time bud, hope you have everything selected because we need to chat really fast!"

"Indeed, I finished my selections 2 minutes ago."

"Alright quick, if we're getting teleported back to my house, I need you to be super, super quiet. No noise, okay? My wife and my mom might be sleeping and I don't want them hearing strange voices and think we're getting robbed. Just follow me when we get there okay? This is super important because we own guns and I don't want to see anyone get hurt."

"Understoo..."

Tutorial Introduction closure beginning imminent.
Teleporting Individuals Drew Wright and System Guide Spock to point of origin.

Great more blackness.