Everyone was asked to pick a spot in the expansive space. It was large enough that every student got at least a meter's worth of space in all directions.
At the flip of a switch, the ground soon changed from its black background to white and a tile opened to present boxes in front of them.
"That would be your uniforms for the beast weapons class," the teacher said. "They are also made of beast crystals so they would provide low-level protection. Be careful not to damage yourself or your classmates."
"Yes, sir!"
A one-meter-wide enclosure was created around them to allow them to change into their uniforms and it went down after five minutes.
Ian flexed his arm and muscles in the uniform. It was also blue and cut to fit his size perfectly. It wasn't tight-fitted, and it was flexible enough for him to move freely in. He was a little excited to start using the beast weapons. He could hardly wait.
"Choosing your beast weapon is a crucial part of your beast weapon journey because you aren't going to be choosing a weapon you like, but a weapon that is well-suited for you and your ability. Some of you might have your own weapons so feel free to use them, and for those who don't, you can choose from the variety here."
The walls slid down to reveal a whole set of weapons hung on it. There was a variety of them from swords, spears, bows, crossbows, gauntlets, daggers, and even chains. All of the bladed weapons were hung on the wall to the right while the blunt weapons were hung to the left.
"Wow," Ian said as his eyes sparkled. This was the first time he had ignored his stoic public demeanour and openly expressed his emotions. He could feel the excitement growing in him and he desperately wanted to touch them. It took a lot of willpower to hold back and wait for permission.
"You can browse through them and choose the one you like," he said. "Get moving then, you don't have all day."
No one needed to tell Ian twice as he rushed to the wall for bladed weapons and started scanning the weapons on it.
"I need someone that would help me fight at long to mid-range and still help in close-range fights," he thought. "I'll need a blade for starters, then I need something to help me fight mid-range and long-range also. There's no weapon that can do that, is there?"
"Ding!" the sound of a notification went off in his head and the familiar screen appeared in his view.
[New Quest: Reach Level 10 within ten days.]
[Rewards: Unlock a new sub-race.]
[Additional Reward: ??????]
[Penalty: LE will be reduced to five months. Energy will start and remain at 50% for a week.]
[Additional rewards would be given if the quest is completed before ten days.]
"W-what the hell is this?" Ian blurted out loud.
"What? You don't like the weapons on the wall?" the teacher asked with a frown as he walked over to him. "You should have brought something better from your home then. Do you know the sacrifice it took the military and the forgers of these weapons? Who are you to criticize them?"
He instinctively looked at Ian's watch and saw that no lights were on, causing his frown to deepen."
"No, that's...."
"Shut up,!" he hissed before Ian could explain. "Get out of my class! These weapons would barely be of any use to a weakling like you anyway. Go learn an ability or something, or are the abilities available here too inferior for you?"
"That's not...."
"I said shut up," he growled, veins bulging at his temple and extending a little into his bald head. "Get out! Weaklings are not welcome here! Especially, not disrespectful and unappreciative ones like you!"
Ian stood frozen on the spot, perplexed by his present situation.
"He doesn't have a level and he dares to complain about the weapons here?" a student complained.
"That's how trash behaves," another chimed in. "I bet he came here expecting some top-class weapons to give him an instant boost. He's too weak to even work himself to the top without relying on weapons."
"I'm sor-"
"Get out," the teacher warned. "If you make me repeat myself then I would take disciplinary action against you and I assure you, you don't want that on your first day.
Ian stood in confusion for a few more seconds before letting out a sigh. "Well, that ended really quickly. All of my dreams and expectations rose and crashed in a second."
He slowly stalked out of the class and closed the door behind him, once again being treated unfairly because he was weak.
"He wouldn't treat me like that if I was weak," he thought. He could feel a lump in his throat and his eyes watered as he tried his best to hold back tears.
He laid back on the wall and gripped his chest as his self-hatred reached an all-time high again. But after experiencing death once, he couldn't find the courage to wish for death again. He just needed someone or something to blame for this. Anything to make him feel even a little bit better.
"This system is the cause," he thought angrily. "It's ruining my already ruined life! What the hell is this thing!"
"Ding!"
[Quest Reminder: Find out more about the Chimera Race.]
[Reward: 5 exp]
"What the hell?!" he yelled, unable to contain his anger. "What on Earth is wrong with this stupid thing?!"
He slapped his hand around his mouth immediately as he quickly realized he was in the school halls and he could arouse suspicions with his erratic behaviour.
"Fine," he thought as he sighed. "I'll play your game."
He hurried down the hallway as he headed to the only place he was hoping to get information on this mysterious Chimera race and a little insight into his present condition. The library.
Unknown to him, a figure dressed in the same outfit as the Beast weapons teacher had been watching him from a corner as he smoked.
The figure grinned as he watched the boy run in frustration. "So he is the one, huh?"