Kain surveyed the building as he entered, taking in the modest surroundings. The front display area was small, roughly 25 square feet, filled with an air of neglect. On the right wall, a few weak-looking weapons were displayed—just three in total. Kain assessed them and quickly concluded that they wouldn't last long; a couple of swings, and they would surely break.
his left, there was a cobbled wall with only a single door in the middle, while front and center stood a small wooden bar with another door behind it. The entire area was marred with black shoe prints and fingerprints, a stark reminder of the work that needed to be done.
Kain took a deep breath, feeling a nervous energy coursing through him, and confidently strode towards the left door that Vulcan had indicated. Upon opening it, he was greeted with a surprisingly clean space, containing a handy straw broom and a pile of rags neatly stacked against the wall. At least it's clean in here, he thought to himself, feeling slightly relieved.
Grabbing the broom, Kain began to sweep the floor, but after a few moments, he realized that his efforts were ineffectual against the stubborn grime. The prints just wouldn't budge. Determined to make a difference, he resolved himself to scrubbing the floor with one of the rags instead.
Kain took to the task with fervor, kneeling down and pushing hard against the floor, trying to remove the remnants of dirt and grime. He lost track of time as he worked manually, completely absorbed in the rhythm of cleaning.
After about ten minutes of scrubbing, he paused, feeling utterly exhausted. He collapsed back onto the floor, the exertion taking its toll. It dawned on him then, amidst the fatigue, that he had completely forgotten about his hunger. His stomach growled in agreement, a painful reminder of his earlier quest for food.
Kain lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling, feeling defeated. What am I doing here? he thought, a wave of despair almost washing over him. But deep down, he knew that he needed to push through this moment of weakness.
He could feel a renewed determination rising from within him. Getting this job done would not only earn him something to eat but also help him build a foundation for the new life he was trying to carve out. With a deep breath, he gathered his strength, got back on his knees, and continued scrubbing the floor, resolving that he wouldn't let fatigue—or hunger—drive him down.
As Kain continued scrubbing the floor, he heard the creak of the door.can stepped back into room, carrying a loaf of bread. He tossed it to Kain without a word and returned to his work in the forge.
Kain's reflexes weren't fast enough to catch the bread; it landed on the floor with a soft thud But hunger consumed him, and before he really thought about it, he pounced on the bread like a wild animal. He snatched it up and began to eat with a ferocity that would impress even the fastest competitive eaters. The soot-covered fingerprints and the fact that it had rolled on the ground didn't bother him in the slightest. For Kain, who had come from a modern world, the experience of being truly hungry was foreign and uncomfortable. This was survival.
He choked down the dry, gritty bread, forcing it past the scratch in his throat. With each bite, he felt a mix of gratitude and urgency, aware that he needed fuel to keep going. After finishing the last remnants, he sat there, allowing the meager meal to settle in his stomach. Kain waited another ten minutes to give his body time to process the food, breathing deeply as he tried to stave off the uncomfortable sensations of emptiness.
Finally, reality set back in. I'd better get back to work, he thought. The task of cleaning up after Vulcan was proving to be more difficult than he anticipated. The soot, grime, and general disarray of the workshop were daunting. He realized that Vulcan's work was intense and messy, and it required diligence to keep up with it.
With newfound energy fueled by his brief meal, Kain returned to the rag and broom, resolved to do a better job this time. He attacked the floor with a mix of vigor and focus, scrubbing away stubborn smudges and sweeping up the remnants of Vulcan's handiwork. He began to understand that every stroke of the rag was a step toward building not only a cleaner environment but also a potential rapport with Vulcan.
As Kain worked, he replayed the interaction in his mind. He knew that if he hoped to gain Vulcan's trust and perhaps earn a steady supply of food, he needed to prove himself capable and reliable. And so, he lost himself in the task, determined to restore order to the forge, taking each moment as a learning experience—a chance to build character and strength in ways he never fully appreciated before.
Kain wiped the sweat from his brow, breathing heavily after finishing his sit-ups. The last one had come awkwardly; he practically fell back to the floor instead of sitting up properly. But regardless, he had completed them—10 out of 10. The squats were an unusual feat as well. He had finished the count by cleaning up while swatting at stubborn dust, but at least they counted toward his workout.
Looking around the workshop, he assessed his efforts. The place still bore signs of neglect, but it looked slightly better than it had before. Dust and dirt remained stubbornly embedded in the corners, and the soot was relentless, but it was a start.
"I would have done better if I had some water," Kain muttered to himself, feeling the dryness in his throat. But it doesn't matter, he reminded himself. As long as I get some food.
Just as he took a moment to catch his breath, Vulcan emerged from the forge, surveying the area with a critical eye. After a long moment, he let out a disapproving click of his tongue. "You did only that in five hours. Tsk, tsk."
Kain's frustration bubbled inside him. "I could have made it look better if I had some water and better cleaning supplies," he shot back, hoping to defend his work.
Vulcan raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "You should have just asked or gone to the river right behind the workshop."
Kain blinked, momentarily thrown off guard. River? Right behind? He hadn't even realized. Before he could respond, Vulcan continued, his tone turning more serious. "Don't try to fool me, Kain. You know as well as I do that a river runs right through the city. It also serves to separate people. All the unworthy, unskilled people are on this side of the river, and all the talented folks are on the other side."
Kain listened, pondering Vulcan's words and the implications they carried. The idea of a river dividing social classes cast a shadow over his perception of the world around him. His next question hung in the air, half-formed in his mind. What did it mean to be talented or unworthy?
"Are you saying that just cleaning up a bit isn't enough? That I need to prove my worth more?" he asked, a hint of defiance creeping into his voice.
Vulcan stepped closer, looking Kain squarely in the eye. "Nothing in this world comes without effort and proof. Want food? Show me you're worth it. Keep cleaning, and if you need water, go to the river. Use what's available to you. Just don't expect handouts without putting in the work."
Kain understood the man's perspective. It felt harsh, yet there was wisdom in his words. The river was a resource, and he had to use every tool at his disposal to succeed. With a nod, he acknowledged Vulcan's guidance. "Alright, I'll do that."
Kain felt a surge of curiosity and urgency. "Vulcan, I want to know more about these talents," he said, looking the blacksmith directly in the eyes.
Vulcan looked momentarily confused, as if he hadn't anticipated such a question. "I know that schooling isn't available on this side of the river," he began, "but it's clear that we all have natural abilities. For example, I was born with the talent of hammering. When I hammer, it feels more intuitive, like the metal responds to my will. It's effective for shaping it into the desired form, but I still need to improve my other skills as well."
Kain nodded, absorbing the information. The idea of innate talent resonated with him. He had often seen people excel in areas where they seemed quite natural without much effort, and now he could understand that it wasn't just random—it was a talent, a gift.
"These innate abilities are far more straightforward to develop than others," Vulcan continued. "Before you ask, skills are different. You can obtain them by meeting specific criteria. For instance, to gain the skills of a swordsman, you need to swing a sword continuously. It's all about practice."
Kain felt a flicker of excitement as Vulcan described the process. "Jobs are key to fast-tracking your skills to the next level. Once you reach level 10 on a skill and max it out, it evolves into a more advanced form. Your choices now can shape what abilities you'll excel in."
"I'm ready to get started," Kain declared with renewed determination. "When can I pick a job, and what are the available positions?"
Vulcan took a deep breath, as if preparing to unveil an important truth. "There are many paths to choose from," he said, his voice steady and firm. "The primary choices can guide you towards your future. I'll mention the most common ones first:
Swordsman - Masters of the blade, skilled in combat with a focus on agility and technique.
Frontliner - Those who take the brunt of the battle, protecting allies with heavy armor and resilience.
Brawler - Combatants who rely on brute strength, skilled in unarmed fighting and raw power.
Mage (select element) - Those who wield arcane energies, specializing in the mastery of magical arts and elements.
Rogue - Stealthy and cunning, proficient in deception and tricks of the trade.
Priest - Healers and supporters, adept at using divine powers to aid others.
Warrior - Versatile fighters with a balance of strength and skill, utilizing various weapons and tactics.
Vulcan looked at Kain, his expression serious. "Each path offers its own set of challenges and rewards. It's essential to choose a job that aligns with your innate abilities and interests. The choice you make now will shape not only your skills but also how others perceive you in this world."
Kain felt a rush of responsibility at the weight of the decision before him. Each choice carried with it the potential for greatness or failure. He thought carefully about what he wanted to achieve and the talents he might have, pondering the paths that lay ahead.
"Can I take my time to decide, or is there a limit?" Kain asked, knowing this was a critical moment in his new life.
Vulcan shook his head. "Take your time, but not too long. The sooner you commit to a path, the sooner you can start working toward mastering your skills. Consider what resonates with you," he advised. "Once you decide, you will need to begin your training."
Kain nodded, feeling the weight of possibility on his shoulders as he contemplated his options.
Vulcan continued, the weight of his experiences shaping his words. "And there are artisans, too. You can choose to become a blacksmith, tailor, builder, cook, enchanter, or alchemist. I could name a few more, but you get the idea. The classes you choose tend to be based on your natural talent."
He paused for a moment, leaning against a nearby workbench. "Take me, for instance. I was born with the talent for hammering, which gave me the option of becoming either a blacksmith or a skull crusher. I went with skull crusher because it sounded cooler, even though it wasn't as impressive as it seemed. It ended up giving me a passive skill called Skull Crusher."
Vulcan smirked, clearly referencing a humorous part of his past.
"Skull Crusher: 15% more damage to the head.
It's nice, but you can't always hit the head. So here I am, on this side of the river, even though I was born on the other. Your talent decides where you live in this city, and I chose based on bravado rather than practicality."
Kain listened closely, understanding the choices that could shape his future and the destinies of others around him. "You must have some interesting stories from your time as a skull crusher," he said, intrigued.
Vulcan waved a hand dismissively. "Everyone has tales, but that's not the point. What matters is recognizing your strengths and making them work for you. That's how you survive."
Kain nodded, feeling the weight of the decision draw closer. "So, how do I get a job?" he asked, eager to take his first step into this new world.
Vulcan straightened up, appearing ready to impart crucial information. "I was getting to that. But first, you must reach level 10 in any of your chosen skills. You can start working toward that goal ASAP, but choose wisely. Each job comes with its own skills and requirements to level up."
Kain felt a tinge of nervousness mix with excitement. "What if I choose something that doesn't suit me?"
Vulcan's gaze softened slightly. "That's why you need to reflect on your natural talents and aspirations. If you choose a path just because it sounds good without consideration, you might find yourself struggling. Take time to consider what you want to excel at."
Kain took a moment, feeling the gravity of the situation. Suddenly, he didn't just see himself as a survivor in a new world, but as someone on the verge of crafting his own destiny. "Okay, but how do I know what my innate talent really is?"
Vulcan gestured toward Kain's hands and then the tools around him. "You can test your abilities with the tools of the trade. Experiment; try smithing if you want to pursue blacksmithing, or see if you have a knack for cooking or crafting. Your abilities and preferences will reveal themselves through experience. Sometimes you'll feel drawn to a particular craft even if you haven't practiced it before. Try things out; that's how you'll know."
Kain felt invigorated by Vulcan's guidance. "I want to explore my talents and give this a full shot. I'll start with the basic skills and then choose a job that resonates with me," he said decisively.
"Good," Vulcan replied, nodding approvingly. "Then let's get to it. With hard work and the right mindset, you'll find your place in this city, one way or another. Remember, your journey starts now—don't be afraid to embrace it."
Vulcan continued, "Once you reach level 10, your interface will reveal various opportunities tailored to your skills and interests. You'll need to explore these options carefully. The world beyond is competitive, and the right job could lead to even greater heights."
Kain nodded, trying to absorb this new information. "So, what happens at level 10? Is it just about finding a job?"
Vulcan imprinted a sense of urgency in his voice. "It's not just about the job; it's about your potential. Each level you ascend brings new challenges and abilities. At level 10, you'll unlock deeper insights into your passions and strengths. This awakening allows you to harness your unique talents, making you stand out in a crowded field."
Kain felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. "And how do I prepare for this awakening? What if it doesn't happen? What if I'm not good enough?"
"Preparation is key," Vulcan replied, an encouraging tone replacing the urgency. "Focus on your skills and interests now, even before you reach level 10. Embrace your uniqueness. Acknowledge that everyone progresses at their own pace. Participate in different activities, and discover what fuels your enthusiasm. This will not only aid in your awakening but will also enhance your confidence and skills."
Kain took a deep breath, feeling the weight of expectation lift slightly. "So, I should just be myself and explore what I like?"
"Exactly," Vulcan said. "Trust the process, and remember that each step is essential. Level 10 is just the beginning, but you won't get there unless you invest effort now. The world will not be waiting for you, Kain. Engage with it now, and you'll find paths that resonate with you."
Kain smiled, feeling a spark of determination ignite. "Okay, I'll start by reaching out to my interests. Maybe I'll take up Blacksmithing, or maybe enchanting they sound cool. Thank you, Vulcan."
"Do what feels right. You might have the potential to carve your own path. I believe in you," Vulcan replied, encouragingly. "Now, go forth and prepare for your own awakening."