Chereads / Netorare: Consequences of Choice / Chapter 21 - Profession

Chapter 21 - Profession

In a fantastical realm of this game, one's chosen profession serves as a gateway to the path they desire. For example, if one aspires to become a warrior, they will eventually specialize in various subclasses such as marauder, rogue, or beast warrior, among others.

However, there is a unifying aspect across all professions: the level of proficiency and mastery one achieves. This is divided into seven distinct categories: [Dormant], [Mesial], [Adept], [Ascended], [Champion], [Glory], and [Celestial].

Each category represents a milestone in an individual's journey towards the pinnacle of their chosen profession.

As they progress, they not only refine their skills but also unlock new abilities and techniques, further distinguishing themselves within their respective fields.

The pursuit of excellence is a never-ending quest, as even the most accomplished masters continue to hone their craft in the hopes of transcending their current limitations and reaching the elusive realm of the Celestials.

***

[Lvl. 1]

Mind Clarity (Rare Rank) (Passive)

Leech Experience (Epic Rank) (Active)

Shop: ??? (Lvl.60)

[Blessings]

Moonlight Arts (Unique Rank) (Passive)

***

Exuding an air of composure, Sucura approached the elegant receptionist within the Adventurers' Pub and inquired in a refined tone, "Might you know where I can find a skilled dagger user who could serve as my mentor?"

The receptionist appraised him for a moment before posing a question "Are you seeking a job posting to find someone who can guide you?"

Sucura responded with equal composure, "Indeed, that is my intention."

Maintaining her professionalism, the receptionist inquired, "What remuneration are you offering?"

"5 gold dai coins," Sucura responded serenely.

Raising an eyebrow in surprise, the receptionist scrutinized him and remarked, "That's quite a generous sum." She then added, "Would you like me to announce this opportunity immediately?"

Sucura gave a subtle nod of affirmation. Without hesitation, the receptionist cast a spell to amplify her voice, capturing the attention of the surrounding adventurers.

"Attention, skilled dagger users! A fellow adventurer seeks guidance in your expertise and is offering a reward of five gold dai coins for your services."

Sucura slightly flinched at the announcement, not expecting such a public display. Suddenly, the adventurers looked in their direction, though only a few were present in the inn.

"Blimey… that's a fair few drinks," muttered a man with a prominent paunch as he nursed his beer in the early morning.

Another adventurer observed, "He must hail from a minor noble lineage."

Some adventurers resumed their activities, while others scrutinized Sucura, murmuring amongst themselves.

"Hey, Hugo! It's easy money. There's no other dagger user in the pub besides you. You're a [Mesial] rank in the assassin profession; that should be enough," a man said, grinning.

He added, "He looks like a wealthy young master, probably from a clan, and wants to learn new things."

Hugo scrutinized Sucura and whispered back, "He looks suspicious, though. There's something about his features that gives me an uneasy feeling."

"You're letting your imagination run wild. Or would you prefer to slay 30 Redwolves on Vreola Mountain? As I see it, this is a compromise situation. Besides, judging by his aura, it appears quite weak," the man encouraged his friend Hugo.

Hugo contemplated for a moment and sighed inwardly, feeling coerced by his companion.

He approached Sucura and introduced himself, "I'm Hugo, a Thief of [Mesial] rank. I possess a certain level of expertise with a dagger. Will that meet your requirements?"

Sucura regarded him and replied nonchalantly, "That will suffice."

Hugo nodded and addressed the receptionist, "Miss Lolita, may I request the use of the training grounds?"

"You may, but the associated fees will be deducted from the remuneration," Lolita informed him.

"This gentleman will assume the cost," Hugo stated, glancing at Sucura. Sucura regarded him placidly and offered a discreet nod to the receptionist, consenting to the arrangement.

***

Sucura gazed upon the training ground, which was adorned with an array of square-shaped platforms meticulously crafted from enchanted stone.

Each platform varied in size and height, and though they appeared to be arranged haphazardly, they concealed a secret order known only to the most adept of mages.

The sun cast a warm, golden light upon the platforms, accentuating the intricate runes etched into their surfaces.

Scattered throughout the area, lifeless scarecrow-like dummies stand sentinel, their straw-filled bodies swaying gently in the breeze.

These tireless sparring partners were designed to aid trainees in honing their combat skills.

Despite the vast expanse of the training ground, only a handful of individuals could be seen practicing their craft.

Approaching the platform, Hugo and Sucura locked eyes, each gripping a single dagger in their hands. Hugo broke the silence, his gaze unwavering. "What are your thoughts on the dagger and its various uses?" he inquired.

Sucura took a moment to contemplate before responding with a tranquil tone. "The dagger serves multiple purposes, including assassination and survival. In the hands of an assassin, it's a lethal weapon for stabbing and slashing. For survival, it's useful for hunting, skinning animals, and other tasks. However, its weaknesses become apparent when facing head-on against formidable warrior subclasses, such as berserkers or marauders."

Impressed, Hugo nodded. "That's an excellent analysis." He gestured for Sucura to attack him, a grin spreading across his face. "Show me everything you've got."

With a slight tilt of his head, Sucura agreed. "Very well." He rolled up his sleeves just enough to allow for unrestricted movement and assumed a battle-ready stance. His eyes narrowed, focusing intently on Hugo.

Hugo couldn't help but think to himself, 'There's something different about him, but his aura remains weak. Perhaps I'm just overthinking things.' He shook off the thought and prepared for the impending duel.

With unwavering eyes and an air of determination, Sucura lunged forward at Hugo, his movements fluid and precise. In a swift, calculated motion, he aimed a vicious stab at Hugo's right chest.

Anticipating the attack, Hugo executed a sudden dodge, narrowly avoiding the blade. However, it was merely a feint. In an instant, Sucura changed tactics and delivered a powerful kick to Hugo's abdomen, channeling every ounce of strength he could muster.

"Urgghk!" Hugo choked, coughing up saliva mixed with blood as he staggered back, momentarily disoriented. His vision blurred, and he hadn't expected Sucura to use his legs in the attack.

As Hugo tried to regain his focus, Sucura appeared before him, his eyes remaining cold and impassive. Hugo barely had time to register the powerful strike aimed at his head before he managed to block it.

*Clank!*

"You! Wai-" Hugo's words were cut short as Sucura launched into a rapid succession of stabs and slashes, executing five precise attacks within a single second.

Hugo managed to block the first four, but the fifth slash forced his dagger upward, causing him to lose his grip. His stomach was left exposed and vulnerable.

Seizing the opportunity, Sucura closed the distance and struck Hugo's open stomach with a devastating blow.

Hugo hurtled backward once more, grimacing in pain and gasping for breath as he fell to his knees. Before he could recover, Sucura advanced, grabbing Hugo's head and delivering a brutal knee strike.

*Crack!*

Hugo's head snapped back, and he crumpled to the ground, unconscious from the overwhelming force of Sucura's relentless assault.