"Dammit, this is like having an existential crisis," Jake groaned, rubbing the sides of his head. He looked back and forth between his friends, "You think I'd find some clarity if we headed into town?"
James shrugged, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. He stretched out on the grass, eyes focused on the cloud-filled sky, "We just need a class that can hit hard. Pick something that makes your heart race, mate."
Jake let out a huff of frustration, turning his gaze to Daniel, "Danny, how'd you figure this out? What did you even choose? I feel like I'm navigating a labyrinth."
Daniel's lips twitched into a smirk as he accepted the new nickname, gradually pulling himself to his feet. "I chose Biomancer," he said, his tone casual. "You just mentally select the class, like you've been navigating the menu options this whole time. Don't worry, it won't immediately lock in the selection. You can read through the summary, and if it feels like a good fit, you confirm it."
Jake sighed in relief, his posture relaxing, "I thought it would instantly lock in my choice the moment I touched it with my mind." He explored the Biomancer class, scanning its description for inspiration.
Biomancer: A mage who specializes in manipulating and shaping living organisms. They can control plants, summon creatures, and heal wounds. They have a deep connection to nature and can infuse their spells with life energy for enhanced effects.
"But don't go getting complacent, Jake. We're sitting ducks out here, and we still have a ton of stuff to work out, like this mana regeneration thing," Daniel warned, his words cutting into Jake's newfound calm.
Jake shrugged him off, "Relax, Danny. I think I've got a handle on it. Necromancer, here I come." He set his mind on the Necromancer class, eagerly scanning its description.
Necromancer: A mage who commands the powers of death and the undead. They can raise and control skeletons, drain life force from enemies, and cast dark spells that inflict curses or diseases. They have a deep connection to the realm of death and can commune with spirits.
James and Daniel exchanged skeptical glances, and James voiced their concerns, "I'm not sure about that one, Jake. Necromancers are usually more about crowd control, not dishing out heavy damage. What about an Elementalist? That sounds badass!"
Jake scoffed, "You said it was my choice! Elementalist sounds generic. I could control all the elements and boost our survival chances, but where's the thrill in that? I want something that resonates with me. We're in a screwed-up reincarnation scenario, but when in Rome, right?"
Their silence spoke volumes until James decided to break it, "Alright, your call. You'll figure it out eventually. Maybe being a Necromancer has some cool perks," he conceded, trying to inject some optimism into the situation.
Jake's decision solidified, and he was enveloped in a swirling cascade of light, signifying his class selection.
*Choose from these three skills:*
Raise Dead: Summons skeletal or zombie minions from the remains of fallen creatures to serve the Necromancer. The minions can be commanded to attack enemies, defend the Necromancer, or carry out other tasks as directed.
Life Drain: Drains the life force from a target, weakening them and transferring the energy to the Necromancer. This spell can restore the Necromancer's health or be used as a damaging spell against enemies.
Cursed Chains: Conjures ethereal chains that ensnare and restrain enemies, restricting their movements and sapping their strength. The chains can also inflict ongoing damage or weaken the targets over time.
Jake's eyes sparkled with a strange mix of wicked delight and exhilaration. "Alright, chaps. I'm locking in 'Raise Dead' as my inaugural skill. Damn, this is going to be awesome!" He directed his newfound necromantic prowess toward the lifeless panther-like creature, his hand sending a cascade of black light toward the creature. As if sparked by this mystical energy, the panther began stirring, its form rejuvenating with a semblance of life.
New notifications appeared in Jake's mind:
Mana: 0/5
*Your minions are everlasting until slain. You have no maximum minion limit. Minions presently possess 80% of their past health and damage values. Regular usage of this skill can augment its potency.*
"Hell yeah, this power is batshit insane!" Jake erupted, brimming with untamed enthusiasm. "I can spawn an infinite horde of minions. Once we figure out the mana regen thing, we'll command a frickin' undead legion!" As if validating his declaration, the resurrected creature sauntered towards Jake, its demeanor calm. Jake ran his hand over its rough fur, a satisfied grin on his face.
James, ever the cautious one, chimed in, "The class surely has some balance mechanics. Don't let your cockiness paint a bloody bullseye on our backs."
Jake's smirk widened at the challenge, "Like that one time you practically signed our death warrants in our previous life? Guess you've graduated as an expert in that field, huh?"
James looked taken aback, "Mate, can we not dwell on the past? I'm trying to atone, alright?"
Jake shrugged, the gleam in his eyes still teasing, "I'm not holding any grudges, unlike our friend Danny here. Consider it water under the bridge. Speaking of which, James, you said you chose a warrior, right? What's the official class name?"
Daniel shot Jake a sharp glance at his snide comment, his lips thinning. James didn't let the interplay distract him and answered, "Elemental Guardian."
Jake burst into a round of hearty laughter, "You suggested I go Elementalist, and then you snag an elemental class for yourself? You're hilarious!" He flicked through the class description:
Elemental Guardian: A battle mage channeling the elements to augment their defensive capabilities. They excel at integrating elemental magic into their close-quarters combat, employing elemental shields and armor to soak up damage. Elemental Guardians can dispatch elemental strikes, erect barriers of fire, ice, or earth, and utilize elemental energy for defensive strategies.
Daniel snorted, joining in the jest, "Yeah, you're an idiot, James."
Unfazed, James retorted, "I thought it was helpful advice! Can we prioritize now? I'm injured, famished, and dog-tired from all the running. Let's find a place to rest and get some food, pronto.
Daniel's gaze was unwavering as he pointed toward the dense foliage, "We're heading into that forest over there. Our priority should be to level up and recruit more minions for security. We have no idea what kind of shitstorm awaits us in the town."
James grumbled, rubbing his temples, "Are you serious? I'm knackered, man. All I want is a moment of bloody respite. Surely the townsfolk won't turn away a bunch of kids in distress?"
Daniel's response was biting, laced with coarse intensity. "James, your damn choice ain't worth shit. We're marching our asses into that forest, end of fucking story.
James threw his hands up in exasperation, "That's bloody unfair, mate! I'm not an automaton. Maximizing survival means ensuring the well-being of everyone in the group. You can't be this blinkered. Jake, what's your take on this?"
Daniel turned to Jake, his eyes hard as steel, "Don't let his whinging influence you, Jake. The forest is our best shot."
Jake was trapped in a mental tug-of-war, 'Damn, this is a predicament. Which side of the fence should I fall on?' He mused internally, feeling the weight of the decision on his shoulders.