Chereads / The Science and Magic of a Reincarnated Genius / Chapter 96 - The Job allocating ceremony

Chapter 96 - The Job allocating ceremony

The forest was quiet, its stillness amplifying the rustling of leaves underfoot. Claire knelt near a patch of wild herbs, her hands carefully plucking the necessary plants for the potion. She couldn't afford to lose Nina—not like the others.

"Claire! Claire! Where are you?" Maxwell's voice rang through the trees, frantic and searching.

Claire froze for a moment, silently apologizing. I need to do this, Maxwell. I have to help Nina.

"There you are!" Maxwell's relieved tone broke her thoughts as he emerged from the brush.

"How... how did you find me?" Claire asked, startled.

"You're always like this. It wasn't hard to figure out where you'd go," he replied, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "You're heading to the forest to gather herbs, aren't you?"

Claire nodded. "Yes. I need them to make a healing potion for Nina."

"I figured as much. I'm coming with you."

"No, you should stay here. It's not safe," Claire protested.

"That's exactly why I need to come," Maxwell insisted. "I want to protect you."

"You do know there are monsters lurking around, don't you?" she asked, her tone sharp.

"Yes, I know,"

"Then aren't you scared of dying?"

"I should be asking you that question," Maxwell countered.

Claire sighed. "I'm not scared. And even if I were, someone has to do this for Nina."

"Then if you're not scared, I'm not scared either," Maxwell replied with a smile.

Claire reluctantly. "Fine. Let's go quickly so we can return before the monsters become active—and before Sister Mary finds out."

"Agreed," Maxwell said, motioning for her to lead. "I'll follow you."

As they moved deeper into the forest, Claire couldn't help but feel a small sense of relief that Maxwell insisted on coming. She glanced at him briefly. I just don't want to lose Nina the way I've lost the others.

"Claire," Maxwell said after a while, breaking the silent search. "The job allocation ceremony is next week, right?"

"Yes," she replied absently, scanning the ground for more herbs.

"Are you excited?" he asked.

Claire hesitated before answering. "Not really."

Maxwell frowned. "Why not? You could end up with an amazing job like Hero or Sage."

Claire stopped and turned to face him. "You know those jobs only appear when the Demon Lord of Calamity is about to return. We're not ready for a disaster like that—not so soon."

Maxwell scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, I know. But don't you want a life outside the orphanage? A chance to pursue your purpose?"

"No," Claire said firmly. "I want to stay at the orphanage and take care of the children."

"Seriously? You don't even itch to see the outside world?" Maxwell asked incredulously.

"I don't," Claire replied, her voice rising. "I don't want to lose my family again!"

Maxwell raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, calm down. I get it."

Claire softened slightly. "The orphanage is my purpose, Maxwell. If I leave, who will take care of the children?"

Before Maxwell could respond, Claire pointed ahead. "Look. Those are the herbs I need."

"Great. Let's gather them quickly and head back," Maxwell said.

Claire nodded. "This isn't enough. I see more over there. You gather from this side, and I'll grab those."

Claire glanced at Maxwell, a soft smile forming. "Thanks for coming with me. I really appreciate it."

"Alright," Maxwell replied, stringing his bow with ease. "If you see anything dangerous, yell for me."

The pair worked in tandem, searching the forest for the herbs Claire needed. Each plant she picked had a purpose—one could make a relaxing tea, another would add flavor to meals. She hummed to herself, mentally cataloging the potential uses of the herbs when a low growl sent a chill down her spine.

She froze, her basket of herbs clutched tightly.

"Claire, watch out!" Maxwell's shout rang out as a Dire Wolf lunged from the shadows, its sharp teeth glinting in the dim light.

Time seemed to slow as Maxwell drew his bow and let loose an arrow. The projectile struck into the wolf's flank. The beast growled in pain before retreating into the shadows, but Claire's heart pounded with lingering fear.

"We need to leave—now," Claire urged, her voice trembling. "Before its pack finds us."

They ran, dodging roots and brambles, their breaths coming fast and uneven. By the time the orphanage came into view, their legs burned from the exertion. Without wasting a moment, Claire rushed to her small workbench and began preparing the potion Nina desperately needed.

Hours passed as she worked, carefully mixing the ingredients until the concoction was complete. Her hands trembled with exhaustion, but her determination never wavered. Finally, she carried the potion to Nina's bedside.

"Here, Nina. Drink this," Claire said gently, holding the cup to the young girl's lips.

Nina scrunched her nose at the taste. "It's yucky."

Claire chuckled softly. "I know, but how do you feel now?"

The seven-year-old paused, then smiled faintly. "Better. Thank you, Claire."

"That's good," Claire murmured, brushing a strand of hair from Nina's face. "Now get some rest. I'll bring you food later."

As Nina's eyes fluttered closed, she whispered, "Love you, Claire."

Claire's heart swelled with warmth. "Love you too, Nina."

A week later, Nina was fully recovered, her laughter filling the orphanage once more. Relief to Claire as she prepared for the job allocation ceremony. Standing beside Maxwell and Sister Mary, she felt a mix of excitement and apprehension.

"Claire, Maxwell, are you ready?" Sister Mary asked as the carriage arrived to take them to the Holy Capital.

"Yes, Sister Mary," they replied in unison.

The luxurious carriage ride was a new experience for Claire. She had always believed such extravagance was reserved for nobles, and the attention made her feel both special and out of place.

"Why do we need to go all the way to the Holy Capital?" Claire asked curiously. "There's a church near the village."

Sister Mary smiled. "The capital's church is where the High Priest performs the baptism ceremony. It's tradition, and it will only take half a day to get there."

Upon arriving in the Holy Capital, Claire was awestruck. The grandeur of the city, its towering spires and bustling streets, was unlike anything she had imagined. That night, they rested in accommodations finer than anything Claire had ever seen, though she found it difficult to sleep with the weight of the upcoming ceremony on her mind.

The following day, the candidates gathered in the grand hall of the capital's cathedral. The High Priest, an elderly man radiating authority stepped forward to address the crowd.

"Young ones, before we begin, let me tell you the story behind this sacred ritual," he began, his voice resonating through the chamber. "Nearly fifteen years ago, the Demon Lord of Calamity descended upon our world, her power unmatched, her heart a bottomless pit of cruelty. Her reign of terror was a nightmare—death and despair spread like a plague.

"But just as all hope seemed lost, a great light illuminated the skies. The gods descended, their majesty banishing the darkness and their might vanquishing the demon's hordes. Though they left us a prophecy—the Demon Lord would rise again—they also left us a gift: the Voice of the World and the promise of a Hero who, with four gifted comrades, would save us."

The High Priest paused, his eyes washing the crowd. "Today, you will be baptized and hear the Voice of the World. Through it, you will receive your jobs and wield its power to shape your destinies."

The ceremony began. One by one, candidates entered the chamber, emerging moments later with their newly assigned jobs.

When Maxwell's turn came, he rushed in, and as soon as he was in, he was out of the chamber with a grin. 'I got Hunter!' he announced proudly.

"Next Claire of Schrive Village"

Claire's heart pounded when the words landed. She stepped into the chamber, where a priest pricked her finger, allowing a single drop of blood to fall into a strange device. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a luminous screen materialized before her eyes—the Voice of the World had spoken.

[STATUS SCREEN]

Name: Claire of Schrive Village

Gender: Female

Race: Human

Level Information:

Overall Level: 1 Racial Level: 1 Job Level: 1 Class Level: N/A

Vital Statistics:

HP: 100/100 MP: 200/200

Attributes:

Strength (STR): 10 Intelligence (INT): 25 Vitality (VIT): 10 Dexterity (DEX): 5 Luck (LCK): 9 Agility (AGL): 12

Combat Stats:

Attack (ATK): 10 Defense (DEF): 10 Physical Attack (PHY ATK): 10 Magic Attack (MAG ATK): N/A Physical Defense (PHY DEF): 10 Magic Defense (MAG DEF): N/A

Resistances:

None

Magic Attributes:

Light Magic, Wind Magic

Traits:

Angelic Blood, Predetermined Path, Celestial Blessing

Skills:

Medicine and Potion Making (Lv. 2), Herb Gathering (Lv. 3), Botany (Lv. 3)

Magic Skills:

N/A

Titles:

Saint to Be, Orphan

"She is here! I can't believe it—she is here. The Saint is finally here!" the voice boom through out the chamber.

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