The year was 3067. Without the slightest bit of warning, the world experienced an unprecedented turn of events. A majestic yet alarming change. Space-time itself unfolded, revealing purple coloured rifts, portals, gateways to other worlds. What followed afterwards...
[Subject is required to choose Class that matches the Innate Mana.]
Twenty percent of the world's population aged 15 and above each received this message in the form of a purple holographic square. Of course, for most of them, their first instinct was to do exactly as the message said. The result, a transformation unlike any other. All of them turned to, in a word, superhumans with special abilities according to the so called "Classes" they chose. This era would thus later be known as the Great Age of Warriors. As if caused by the birth of these superhumans, another message popped up.
[Required number of Warriors has been acquired, as a result, the Harmonia System has successfully synergised with the world's Cosmic Core. Now starting the Trial of Independence: The First And Last Dungeon Break for said Warriors to prove their strength in order to prevent the subjugation of this world. From the portals that have appeared, known formally as Dungeon Gates, invaders from another world will come out and reek havoc. This phenomenon is disturbing the balance of the world. Warriors must now use the abilities that they have acquired to exterminate all the invaders. Once that has been accomplished, the Gates will close and balance will be restored.]
Just as well, what could only be described as monsters numbering in thousands came out from each Gate all around the world. The Warriors, well some of them anyway, without a second thought, spurred into action, and after a long and lengthy battle, the world's subjugation attempt by the otherworldly invaders was prevented. Afterwards, the third and last message was sent.
[Pass. The invasion has been successfully dealt with. The balance of the world has returned. The Trial of Independence has been completed, Warriors will now be rewarded based on their contribution. A large number of new Gates will now appear, however, they will not undergo any Dungeon Break. Furthermore, more Warriors will be chosen to act as the world's protectors, shielding it from the invaders. The invaders seek to dominate the world, as such, Warriors are advised to grow strong to clear the Gates by exterminating the invaders from within. Each time a Gate is cleared, it will close and disappear. Once the last of the Gates has been cleared, the world will be saved. Good Luck Warriors, May The Blessings Of The Deity Of Harmony Shine Upon You.]
"And that's how the Great Age of Warriors began 76 years ago. How was that, did you guys love it?"
"We really loved it big brother! Warriors are so cool, and super strong too!"
"You're also gonna become a Warrior too, right big bro!?"
"Yep, but my Mana Capacity is a little low so I might not be able to choose a strong Class like other Warriors."
"I don't believe that. I think big brother's going to become a really strong Warrior, the strongest in the world even!"
"Hehe, Thanks for that Yuha, I hope I become strong too. Then I can be able to protect the three of you like a big brother should"
My name is Raid, and the three kids I was storytelling to are Anny, Buka, and Yuha. They're three of the 91 kids that live in this orphanage. I used to live here too, but a year ago after I turned 18, I had to go out and start fending for myself. Even when the orphanage's caretakers offered to help me out with the pay for my studies, I decided not to go to college and instead look for a job. I managed to acquire two of them, one as a caretaker in this very orphanage I grew up in and another one as a cashier at a convenience store. It's decent pay, and because of that I was able to rent a stable enough apartment.
"Welp, time for me to hit the road...stay frosty folks."
"Aww, you're leaving already big bro?"
Buka seemed genuinely sad as he said that. Well, we might not be blood related, but I really do see him as my little brother. Anny and Yuha are my two cute little sisters too, heck all the 91 kids in this orphanage are basically my siblings.
"Yeah, sorry spot."
I brushed Buka's head a little to cheer him up.
"As soon as I choose my Class I gotta start packing to head to District-2, but don't worry, I'll still come back and visit every now and then whenever I can."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
"Hehe, okay then, we'll wait for you. You better keep your promise big bro, or I'll also have to Awaken as a strong Warrior and then kick your butt!"
"Oooh, scary. I better not break my promise then."
"Hehe, that's right! Bye then big bro!"
"Bye big brother" Anny said, with a bright smile on her adorable little plum face.
"Yes, bye big brother" Yuha followed looking equally cute.
"Bye guys, y'all better grow big and strong, okay? And Buka, make sure to protect Yuha and Anny, got it?"
"M-hm! I will big bro"
So I left. As I approached the orphanage entrance gate, an old man was standing there as if waiting for me.
"So you're leaving already, huh?" He said.
Gam Sukala was his name, he's a retired Warrior. Old man-Gam is what I call him though, he didn't like it at first but he slowly got used to it.
"Huh? Old man-Gam, don't tell me you're actually gonna miss me?"
I said that while smirking.
"This brat" He said, smirking himself too "You've grown quite arrogant over the years, huh? What happened to that little brat who used to call me "daddy", crying his eyes out whenever he had a nightmare."
Damn, shots fired.
"Ah c'mon old man, don't just blurt out my dark past like that. How am I supposed to get a girlfriend if people hear you talking that way about me."
He's right though, sure I may act all arrogant right now but the truth is, this man has been like a father to me, raised me ever since I was basically an infant. I was told he found me one night, out in front of the orphanage building's front door while I was no more than three months old, give or take. I was in a basket with a note written "His name is Raid" so yeah, I never knew my biological parents, not even how they look or sound but to be honest, I don't care. The caretakers at the orphanage that raised me my whole life, now those are my real parents.
"Oh, so is that the real reason you're moving to District-2? Cause you wanna get yourself a girlfriend, ah okay now I see"
"Well, I did hear that there's some seriously pretty girls there"
"Well now, you don't say, maybe I should head over the too" He said that while harbouring the most mischievous smile I've ever seen from him.
"Don't joke around like that"
"Heh, yeah well, even if I could leave. I highly doubt I would. The Youth Preservation Orphanage, this is where I truly belong. This'll always be your home too kid, never forget that, okay?"
"I won't. Thanks for taking care of me all these years...dad"
"Hey now...what's this? You choose now of all times to call me that...you tryna make me cry or what?" He chuckled.
"Sorry, I'm just...really grateful, you know?"
Now I feel like crying.
"Well... I'll be off now"
"Yeah, well...a-about damn time!. Go knock 'em dead, alright kid?"
Heh, look at this old man. Is he some kind of tsundere? Weird.
"You got it, old man"
So I left.
I went straight to my apartment driving the luxury car old man-Gam gave me for my 18th birthday. After I arrived, I headed to my room then locked the door.
"Alrighty, now it's time to choose a Class"
As soon as I said that, a purple square like hologram popped up in front of my face, it's contents:...
Name: Raid
Surname: ???
Affiliation: Awakened Warrior Candidate
Innate Mana Capacity: 3077
Accumulated Mana Capacity: 328
Overall Mana Capacity: 3405
Strength: 825
Speed: 937
Health: 854
Intelligence: 910
[Choose Class?]
[~Yes~ or ~No~]
My Mana Capacity is relatively low compared to other Warriors. When I first Awakened as a Warrior Candidate, I was 16 years old. Three years worth of Mana training, and all I've managed to accumulate is 328 Mana Capacity. Even average Warriors have shown to be able to accumulate ten times the Mana in that amount of time. As I suspected, chances are, I'm not gonna be able to choose a strong Class for myself.
I found myself wondering if I should go for it or not. Maybe if I keep training a little more then, I'll be able to increase my chances by stacking up my Mana Capacity a little bit more....
"No! If I keep procrastinating this any longer, I might end up as a middle aged man who still hasn't chosen his Class just 'cause he isn't satisfied with his Mana Capacity. Right here, right now! I have to choose, it's now or never! Just...please don't be E-Rank, gimme D-Rank at least, I promise I'll be satisfied!"
I pressed the Yes' button. What came after was a despair unlike any other. A realisation that I am, irrefutably...WEAK!
"What the heck is this!!?"
[Report: Subject's Mana Capacity is very low, the lowest ever recorded. The only Class that matches the Subject's Mana Capacity is the F-Rank Class: Blacksmith.]
[Choose this Class?]
[~Yes~ or ~No~]
"You're kidding right!? The infamous Blacksmith Class, the only F-Rank Class in the world. No one has ever chosen it because no one has ever had to! Ever since the very beginning of the Great Age of Warriors 76 years ago. You're telling me my Mana Capacity is that low that my only option is an F-Rank Class!!?"
I screamed my lungs out while scratching my head, I knew I wouldn't get a strong Class sure, but this is just...
"This is just total madness, madness I tell ya!... Three years, three whole years of painstaking Mana training, heck I even trained my body beyond it's limits in order for it to be able to handle the Mana well, all those push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, all that weightlifting and for what!?"
Innate Mana Capacity refers to the Mana one receives from the get go in one go when they Awaken as a Warrior Candidate. From then on, they can decide whether to choose a Class right then and there if they're satisfied with their Capacity or to undergo Mana Training to gain more Mana Capacity. The Mana Capacity gained through Mana Training is known as Accumulated Mana Capacity. I spend an entire tireless three years training to increase my Overall Mana Capacity through Accumulated Mana. So yeah, it sucks big time knowing this is all it amounts to. The weakest Class.
~Sigh~
"Haaah, do I really have no choice?"
All in all, this is the Great Age of Warriors so even the weakest Warriors are treated with the utmost respect by normal people. Simply being a Warrior grants people privileges normal folks can only dream of. However, it goes without saying that weak Warriors are still treated like bugs by stronger Warriors.
"Now if I become the weakest Warrior in the entire world, just how much bullying am I gonna have to endure?"
I weighed my options. Really racked my brain around the issue, you know? It was either give up or give in.
Conclusion? I caved. Gave in completely.
There's no doubt I'll recieve some serious unmotivated hostility from other Warriors but hey, what can I say. Thou bridge art be crossed once I get to it.
So I, once again, pressed the 'Yes' button.
"Now, let's see what's in store for the weakest Warrior!"
[Report. Class chosen. Now redesigning Warrior info...]
Name: Raid
Surname: ???
Affiliation: Awakened Warrior
Class: Blacksmith
Rank: F
Level: Locked
Mana Capacity: 3405
Strength: 825
Speed: 937
Health: 854
Intelligence: 910
[Now accumulating Class info...]
Class: Blacksmith
Skills:
• Craft E-Rank : Can craft equipment, weapons and amour from scratch as long as the necessary products to do so are present.
• Repair D-Rank: Can fix broken equipment, weapons and amour.
• Weapon Fanatic E-Rank: Possesses a moderate level of understanding of how various weapons operate.
• Treasure Hunt E-Rank: Can expertly locate mines with products and minerals for crafting within a 150 kilometre radius. Tip: Mines found in dungeons have the best products.
• Mine E-Rank: Can expertly mine products and minerals for crafting.
• Item Space D-Rank: Limited space to store equipment, weapons, armoury, products, minerals, etc...
"Item Space, wonder if there's anything in it right now..."
Item Space D-Rank contents:
• Hammer of Unknown Origin: A fiery and sturdy hammer that the Subject can use to craft equipment and the like... its origin is unknown, it possesses a small yet strong ego and emits an otherworldly energy signature. It's Grade cannot be measured yet due to how little information is known about it. It has completely acknowledged the user as its master.
• Great Pickaxe: A strong and sturdy pickaxe with magical properties. Its Grade is unknown due to its bizarre and foreign properties.
• Great Shovel: A strong and sturdy shovel with magical properties. Its Grade is unknown due to its bizarre and foreign properties.
• Dragon Furnace: A furnace that can produce flames powerful enough to melt down almost any metal.
• 600 kilograms of iron to get the Subject started. Sixty bars of iron in total, each weighing 10 kilograms.
• Everchanging Anvil: A special anvil that can change into any desired shape to be able to produce any desired weapon.
• Various planks of wood.
• Various fabrics: Leather, cotton, silk etc...
After reading the contents, I decided to take out the hammer to check it out.
"Well, this doesn't look so bad. Maybe I can even use this to fight, should the need arise. The pickaxe and shovel can work too, I don't think the System would've mentioned their Grades unless it acknowledged them as possible weapons. Speaking of...wonder when I should start crafting some weapons to check out my skills. Sucks that I won't get to use those weapons though but you gotta work with what you have I guess"
[Report. Class choosing process has ended. Due to the long neglect the Blacksmith Class has gone through over the years, its contents were slightly changed and a few advanced features were added, however it was decided that the Class would be deleted from the Harmonia System after a certain time, that time has come. Hence from this day forward, the Blacksmith Class will no longer be found in the Harmonia System.]
"Oi maan. Wakanda shidis dis?"
"You're telling me that I'm officially the only Blacksmith in the entire world!? So even if another poor sap like yours truly, with low Mana Capacity shows up, they'll at least be able to get an E-Rank Class!? Boy, this just keeps getting better and better..."
Of course, I was being sarcastic.
"Hah, whatever...I should start packing to head over to District-2"
So I started packing, three suitcases worth of clothes and blankets filled the entire back of my car. Afterwards I gave my former landlady the key to what now used to be my room, bid her farewell then left. I had already quit my cashier job so all I had to do now was formally leave District-3, this country's safe zone and head straight to District-2, where most of this country's dungeons are located. It was a six-hour drive, I found myself slightly getting sleepy halfway through, so I kept making a few stops to buy some energy drinks along the way. When I finally arrived. I stopped by a hotel and rented a room for the week.
"Alright, let's get settled"
I started unpacking.
"I'm gonna have to see about buying myself a house once I officially register myself as a Warrior. Speaking of which, I should head on over there, right now. The Warriors Association, but first, I'll take my skills out on a test drive and see about crafting a weapon"
I conjured out my hammer from the Item Space Skill and thought about conjuring out the Dragon Furnace but I then noticed that the space in the room was not enough, so I moved my bed out of the way to make some room.
"I probably shouldn't be doing this in a room I'm only renting for the week but whatever..."
I pulled out the iron, a single bar, weighing 10 kilograms. I then conjured out the furnace along with the anvil then started melting away the iron. I decided to make a sword. No, it was really more of a blade to be specific. For some reason it was fairly easy to comprehend how to make it; its shape, density, durability, everything just felt like it naturally came to me. Must've been the Weapon Fanatic Skill. After completely melting the bar of iron, I poured the molten along the anvil to design the blade's shape. After it started to cooldown I started hammering away to refine it more, I further advanced the refining process by sharpening its required edges. I finished up then returned the furnace, hammer and anvil back into the Item Space.
The blade had an incredibly sharp cutting edge, it's handle made of strong wood coated and tied tight with strands of leather. Honestly, it looked like a work of art, shining ever so elegantly. Once again, I was sad that I wouldn't be able to use it.
[Report. Hidden Quest: First Product, has been completed, now calculating rewards...]
[Craft Skill has advanced from E-Rank to D-Rank, Weapon Fanatic Skill has advanced from E-Rank to D-Rank. Mana Capacity has increased by 17. Strength has increased by 14. Speed has increased by 11. Health has increased by 15 and Intelligence has increased by 20. Subject has also gained a Sub-Skill for the Weapon Fanatic Skill known as Bladework. Now redesigning overall Warrior info...]
Name: Raid
Surname: ???
Affiliation: Awakened Warrior
Class: Blacksmith
Skills:
• Craft D-Rank : Can craft high level equipment, weapons and amour from scratch as long as the necessary products to do so are present.
• Repair D-Rank: Can fix broken equipment, weapons and amour.
• Weapon Fanatic D-Rank: Possesses a high level of understanding of how various weapons operate, including how to use them in battle.
••Bladework C-Rank: Possesses a certain level of mastery with blades.
• Treasure Hunt E-Rank: Can expertly locate mines with products and minerals for crafting within a 150 kilometre radius. Tip: Mines found in dungeons have the best products.
• Mine E-Rank: Can expertly mine products and minerals for crafting.
• Item Space D-Rank: Limited space to store equipment, weapons, armoury, products, minerals, etc...
Rank: F
Level: Locked
Mana Capacity: 3422
Strength: 839
Speed: 948
Health: 868
Intelligence: 930
"Huh?"
I felt like saying "Wakanda shidis dis" again, but this time with a smile.
"I just got a battle-type Skill. I thought I'd never be able to get one with this trashy Class but I legit just got a battle-type Skill! Don't tell me! Everytime I make a weapon, am I gonna get a battle-type Skill that matches said-weapon!!?"
I thought to myself, this Class might not be so bad if that's the case.
"Holy crud! Not to mention, this blade is just made of normal iron. If I use better minerals, won't the weapon be stronger thus increasing the possibility of me gaining an even stronger battle-type Skill!?"
A smile formed across my face, it wasn't exactly an innocent smile. Rather a very sinister one.
"No way josé. I gotta try this out!"
I hurriedly made a sheath for my blade then got ready to head on over to the Warriors Association.
[Report. Subject is required to provide the recently created blade with a name, afterwards the Grade of the blade shall be measured.]
"A name, huh? Alright, I'll go with First Dawn"
As I uttered these words, an engraving appeared on the blade. There it was, clearly written on its left side: First Dawn.
[Naming of the blade is successful. Now measuring the Grade of the great iron blade First Dawn. First Dawn has been measured to be a First Stage Super-Grade Weapon.]
"Super-Grade!? That's a weapon only B-Rank Warriors and above can use. Considering I'm an F-Rank, the lowest of the low, I shouldn't even be able to touch it!
I unsheathed the blade then started launching strikes and slashes all around.
"Is this because of the Weapon Fanatic Skill? Crazy..."
I sheathed back the blade then walked out of my room and headed to my car.
After going inside my car, I drove to the Warriors Association, took about 40 to 50 minutes to get there. Once I did, I couldn't help but be in awe of its magnificence, it was an incredibly large building, about twenty stories high. Multiple people were coming in and going out. It went without saying, all of them were Warriors. Well, more specifically, most were Warriors. Those who weren't must've been just normal employees that work there.
"Busy"
I climbed up the small wide stairs surrounding the front of the building then went inside.
"Holy..."
I was fairly amazed at how crowded it was yet incredibly spacious at the same time. There were numerous reception tables, enough to accommodate everyone. I headed on over to one of the ones with a board written 'First Time Registration'. There was a total of 18 people ahead of me. Compared to my own expectations the line was fairly small. I waited patiently as each Warrior got their Warrior ID, among them, about 5 were registered as B-Ranks, the rest were C-Ranks, then it was my turn.
The receptionist was a nice looking beautiful young woman, looked around three years older than me.
"Good evening sir" She said with a bright yet thin smile.
"Please fill this form with the required information and place your hand on this crystal sphere to measure your Rank"
She handed me the form and the crystal sphere, in the form, the required information was my name, surname, date of birth, ID number, signature, cell number and Warrior Class. The crystal sphere was known as a Rank Measure. I wrote in everything that was necessary then placed my hand on the Rank Measure.
Each Rank of a Warrior is represented by a colour. White for F-Rank, grey for E-Rank, green for D-Rank, blue for C-Rank, purple for B-Rank, orange for A-Rank, red for S-Rank, maroon for SS-Rank, and black for SSS-Rank. So I'm sure you can imagine the surprise on the woman's face when she saw what the Rank Measure showed for me when I placed my hand on it. That elegant persona she'd been showing until now changed completely. Makes sense, I mean, I'm the first and only F-Rank in the world. She quickly took the form after I filled it out then checked it out.
"Blacksmith" She said.
"You really are a Blacksmith Class"
"Yeah, my Innate Mana Capacity was on the low side when I Awakened and even after training my butt off, I was only able to get a small amount of Accumulated Mana so, the Blacksmith Class was really my only choice. What's wrong, is it impossible for me to be registered since I'm so weak?" I asked. Honestly I sure hoped not.
"Uh...no sir. Not at all. This is the first time I've seen anything like this so it's just that...please forgive my rudeness, but are you sure you want to be a bona fide Warrior?"
"Oh yeah. Don't worry, I'll be careful, if I notice any sign of serious danger, I'll just....run away, haha"
Awkward. There was literally no other word for how I was feeling right then.
"O-okay then, as long you're absolutely sure, just be careful, okay. Warriors like yourself are the pride of this world afterall. As an F-Rank, you're only allowed single clearance in F-Rank and E-Rank Dungeons only, if you wish to enter higher Ranked Dungeons then you must be a member of a party of at least five Warriors. I personally highly advise you to join a party even for F-Rank and E-Rank Dungeons though"
She then gave me my Warrior ID, it had the same picture as my ID card, next to the photo was my name, Class and Rank.
"Thanks, I'll be sure to consider it"
"Okay, have a nice day sir"
"Thank you, you too" I left as soon as I said that then headed for my car. Before I went in, though, some guy stopped me. He had a very large built, looked almost 8-feet tall. Becoming a Warrior must've increased his height. His muscles looked like they'd shred his shirt at any moment.
"Hey there fella." He said. There were three other guys behind him. From the looks of how they dressed, I guessed they were an Archer Class, Mage Class, And Assassin Class. The leader wasn't wearing any noticeable Warrior attire so I couldn't tell what his Class was but if I had to guess I'd say a Knight or maybe a Tank.
"Me and my buddies, you know we couldn't help but notice when you registered as a Warrior over there"
Of course you couldn't.
"You're the first F-Rank in history afterall. You know what that means, right? You're basically the weakest Warrior in the world right now. Whaddya say big brother helps you out a little, if you join my party, I'll give you 6% of the earnings, pretty sweet deal right?"
Big brother he says, and the 6%, sweet deal my ass.
It's obvious what he's after. He just needs someone to fill in the gap in his party, once that's settled, he'll be able to go in a high Ranked Dungeon he isn't allowed in alone because of his Rank. Then of course, what ever treasures we find, he'll take for himself, along with these three "buddies" of his of course, darn idiots are like sheep, standing there chuckling while their boss is trying to pull one over me. The only F-Rank in the world is easy prey after all. I bet that's what he's thinking. Let's see, how do I deal with this?
"Oh no, that's okay, I don't plan on going to any high Rank Dungeons anytime soon anyway, but thanks for the offer though, I appreciate it"
I hurried and went inside my car then drove off. There was an E-Rank Dungeon almost 50 kilometres from here. I decided to go there for my first venture as a Warrior. I really don't want to join any party, I'd hate to receive some unwanted hatred as a result of holding people back because of my weak Class.
"That's right, all I need to do now is to see just how far this Class is going to take me, I'll mine and craft as much as I need to!"
I arrived at the E-Rank Dungeon site, parked my car then stepped out. The site had a fence made of steel bars surrounding it with a small gate in the middle. On both sides stood two guards with Verification Tools to verify a Warrior's ID legitimacy and Rank. I went to one of them. The jerk looked genuinely flabbergasted as he checked to verify my ID. I guess I should get used to this, people are always gonna be surprised when they see the first F-Rank in history. He handed me back my ID after he was done, and unlocked the small gate then I walked through. About five metres away, there it was, the Gate. It was my first time seeing it up close. It was grey in colour.
"So the colour of the Gate also corresponds to the Rank"
It didn't seem like anyone else had entered it before me. Good then. I won't be in anyone's way and no one will be in my way either. A deep inhale and exhale as I calmly walked through the Gate.
"Alright, let's get this show on the road"