As Zen and his friends joined the crowd, the anticipation in the air was palpable. The sun had risen higher, casting a warm glow over the gathering. Each participant fidgeted with nerves and excitement, their futures hanging in the balance of the forthcoming ceremony.
As the last stragglers found their places, a hush fell over the crowd. The observers stepped forward; their voices amplified by magic to reach every corner of the square.
"Welcome, citizens of Roxford, to the Day of Awakening," one of the observers began, his voice commanding attention. "Today marks a pivotal moment in your lives as you step into adulthood and claim your destiny, and may you serve the kingdom well."
The crowd murmured in agreement; their eyes fixed on the stage.
"We will now commence the Awakening Ceremony," the observer continued. "Each of you will be place your hands on the pedestal and be presented with the classes chosen by the System based on your affinity and potential."
With a wave of his hand, the elderly man from the Adventurer Guild stepped forward, his staff glowing faintly with magical energy. He began to call out names, each participant stepping forward to receive their assigned classes.
One by one, the youths of Roxford learned their fates some cheering loudly that the class they wanted was available and others downcast that the class they wanted never showed. Jake, the aspiring blacksmith, grinned proudly as he was granted the [Blacksmith] class. David's face lit up with joy as he received the [Warrior] class, fulfilling his dreams of becoming a skilled warrior.
Zen's heart raced as he waited for his turn. His mind buzzed with anticipation, wondering which classes would be revealed to him. Would he follow in his father's footsteps as an [Mage], or perhaps carve his own path as a [Spell Sword] like his brother?
Finally, his name was called, and Zen stepped forward with bated breath. The observers consulted their scrolls, their expressions unreadable. As he placed his hands on the pedestal the surroundings went black, and a screen popped up in front of him.
[Ding!]
[Integrating System Procedures]
[Analyzing]
[Classes Available- {Mage} 89% Compatible {Swordmage} 78% Compatible {Spell Sword} 92% Compatible]
'I wish to be a {Spell Sword}'
[Interference Detected!]
'What?'
[Error] [Error] [#*#&$%$]
[List Will Be Purged- New Class detected!]
'WAIT NO WHY!?! I CHOSE SPELL SWORD!!'
{Blood Hunter} 100% compatible [Only Class Available, No Selection Required]
[ You Have Been Granted The {Blood Hunter} Class]
Zen's heart sank as the words flashed before his eyes. {Blood Hunter}. The name sent shivers down his spine.
"Zen Daemon," the woman from the Adventurer Guild announced, her voice ringing clear. "Your class is..."
The tension mounted, hanging heavy in the air.
"... {Blood Hunter}." As soon as those words were spoken both Observers sharply glanced at Zen, then looked and nodded to each other.
As the realization set in, a wave of disappointment washed over Zen. This wasn't the path he had envisioned for himself. He had dreamed of wielding magic and swordplay with finesse, not delving into the forbidden arts of blood magic.
But as the weight of his new class settled upon him and the memory of the System messages fading away, Zen felt an unnatural sense of clam stirring within. Perhaps this was fate's way of guiding him down a different path, one filled with challenges and trials unlike any he had faced before. As he glanced at the Crowd, he couldn't spot his mother and aunt Shay amongst them, and Jake and David avoided his gaze like the plague. Youths whispered about in hushed tones among the people of Roxford.
With a nod of acceptance, As Zen stepped back into the crowd the youths parted making sure to give him a wide berth, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The sun bathed the square in a warm golden light, casting long shadows across the gathered youths. But for Zen, there was only one path ahead: the path of the Blood Hunter.
Once Zen was off the stage, one of the observers spoke to the elderly mage in a loud commanding tone.
"Continue with the Ceremony"
As the ceremony concluded and the crowd began to disperse and whisper about Zen's class, Zen made a silent vow to himself. He may have been granted [Blood Hunter] despite his wants, but he would do whatever it takes to harness its power to become the hero he knew he was meant to be.
"Zen Daemon" the elderly mage in dark purple robes spoke to him before he could leave the area. "Follow me the Observers would like a word with you" from his tone and gaze it was clear he was expecting nothing but compliance. We walked till we reached a horse drawn carriage surrounded by a dozen of the kingdom's soldiers.
"What about my mother, she would be worried if I just left?" Zen asked.
"We will pay her a visit and notify her of your current situation" He spoke quickly "Now Get In" he commanded.
Reluctantly Zen followed through.
As Zen stepped into the carriage, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of his stomach. The atmosphere was tense, and the presence of the kingdom's soldiers only added to the gravity of the situation.
The carriage lurched forward, the sound of hooves against the cobblestone streets echoing through the enclosed space. Zen sat in silence, his mind racing with questions and apprehensions about what awaited him. With nothing else to do, it was time to see his new class and skills.
"Status"
As Zen uttered the word, a faint glow emanated from his palm, casting a soft light in the dim interior of the carriage. A translucent interface materialized before him, displaying a series of menus and options.
[Status]
[Name: Zen Daemon] [Race: Human]
[Class: Blood Hunter]
[Level: 1] [Experience: 0/100]
[Health: 90/90] [Mana: 60/60] [Stamina: 90/90]
[Strength: 08] [Agility: 12] [Dexterity: 10]
[Endurance: 09] [Intelligence: 12]
[Skills:]
[Unknown]: [Passive] [Blood Pact] lvl1: Forms a mystical bond with the target, allowing the hunter to track his prey over long distances [Cost 25 Mana] Current Range 50 meters.
[Blood Manipulation] lvl1: Manipulates the blood of enemies within 2 meters, causing damage over time or debilitating effects. [Cost 2 Mana a second]
[Blood Sense] lvl1: Able to sense living creatures withing 5 meters [Passive]
[Bloodlust] lvl1: Enhances physical stats by 20 percent for 5 minutes, fueled by the adrenaline rush of battle [Costs 30 mana] Cooldown: 1 hour.
As Zen examined his status, a mix of emotions swirled within him. Despite his initial disappointment at being assigned the Blood Hunter class and seeing some of his low stats, he couldn't deny the potential power it offered.
As the carriage continued on Zen's thoughts turned to his mother and Aunt Shay. 'Why weren't they there at the ceremony? Is it because of my class? Will they abandon me too?'