Ding!
The chime echoed in Zane's mind, a signal he was beginning to recognize well. However, this time, the sound carried an air of finality. The system's voice, calm and neutral, followed shortly after:
System Notification: "The system update has been completed. New functions for the Beast Tamer and Magician classes have been unlocked."
Zane frowned in curiosity. "Zeron, what just happened?" he asked, addressing the ever-present voice of his system manager.
"As you've just completed your class awakening," Zeron explained, his tone as calm as ever, "I have tailored the Eclipse Core's abilities specifically to align with your chosen paths. This will make them more manageable and easier for you to comprehend."
Zane tilted his head. "Why is there a need to do this? Why can't I just use the Eclipse Core's abilities directly?"
Zeron's reply carried a weight Zane hadn't expected. "There are certain fundamental requirements to wield the Eclipse Core's energy. In reality, you shouldn't even be able to get near the core. Its power is vast and would have devoured you entirely. Yet, due to some strange twist of fate, you've managed to fuse with it. This fusion awakened me, the system manager."
Zane's eyes widened. "Then… you're saying it's only because of you that I'm still alive?"
"Precisely," Zeron said. "While I cannot fully manifest, I am able to control certain aspects of the Eclipse Core and channel its power in ways that benefit you. This is the reason for the system's existence."
Zane's thoughts raced. The implications were staggering. He couldn't help but ask the next question: "When will I be able to fully control the Eclipse Core?"
Zeron's voice turned solemn. "Control? That will take time. I estimate that you will gain partial control when you reach the Grandmaster stage in your professions. Until then, its energy will remain beyond your reach."
"Grandmaster stage…" Zane repeated. He sighed, his gaze turning inward. "That means I have to go through Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Master stages—each with ten levels—just to reach it. That's a long road ahead."
He recalled stories of Grandmasters, figures so powerful that they often became Deacons of mid-tier cities in Meron. He was aiming for a level of power that seemed unreachable a few days ago.
"So," Zane said, his tone shifting to one of eager anticipation, "what are these new abilities the system has unlocked?"
"Open your status window and see for yourself," Zeron replied, an edge of amusement in his usually even voice. "I've also made changes to the system interface."
Zane summoned the familiar translucent window. It hovered before him, the faint hum of its energy filling the room.
Unique-tier System
User: Zane Valor
Race: Human
Classes: Apprentice Beast Tamer (Primary), Apprentice Mage (Primary)
Affinities: Fire, Void, Light
Strength: 8
Agility: 10
Intelligence: 14
Spirit: 18
Elements: Fire, Void, Light
Skills: Valor's Fire Embrace Art (Novice), Infernal Dominion (Novice)
Items: Eclipse Core (Active)
As Zane scanned the display, his brows furrowed. The only noticeable changes were the name "Unique-tier System" and the removal of a generic language proficiency skill.
"I don't see anything new here," he said, frustration creeping into his voice.
"Touch the Beast Tamer class," Zeron instructed calmly.
Zane hesitated. "But… system windows aren't interactive. They—"
"Just do it," Zeron interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Still doubtful, Zane reached out and touched the hovering interface. To his astonishment, the window shifted, revealing new information:
Beast Tamer Class
Beast Incubation Space: A personal dimension capable of nurturing and evolving contracted beasts. Time flows ten times faster within this space.
Astral Bond (Unique): Allows the user to form contracts with beasts regardless of elemental affinities, breaking conventional limitations and sharing some of the basic skillset of the contracted beast if a high level of compatibility with the beast is achieved.
Number of Beasts Contracted: 0
Zane's jaw dropped. The implications of the Astral Bond skill alone were mind-boggling. He could form bonds with beasts of any affinity—a feat unheard of in the history of Beast Tamers.
"Zeron," Zane said slowly, "other Beast Tamers can only contract beasts that share their elemental affinities. Why can I do this?"
"It's another benefit of the Eclipse Core," Zeron replied. "Its energy surpasses the natural laws of this universe. With my guidance, you can access its potential, though only in limited ways for now."
Zane's heart raced as he imagined the possibilities. He turned back to the window, eager to explore the Magician class next. Touching the corresponding section, new information appeared:
Magician Class
Element Comprehension Space: A meditative dimension where the user's comprehension of elemental laws increases tenfold. Time within this space flows differently, allowing extended study sessions in mere moments.
Mana Weave (Passive): Enhances mana efficiency, allowing complex spells to be cast with minimal energy expenditure.
Zane stared at the screen, his mind buzzing. The Element Comprehension Space was revolutionary. It would allow him to deepen his understanding of Fire, Void, and Light elements at a pace far beyond the norm.
"Does this mean I can also grow my spells faster than other Mages?" Zane asked, the excitement in his voice barely contained.
"Indeed," Zeron affirmed. "Your growth will outpace most Mages of your rank. But remember, power without control is meaningless. These skills are only tools. How you use them will determine your destiny."
Zane pondered Zeron's words. They weren't just about the system; they felt like a deeper truth about life itself. "What's next?" he asked finally. "Should I start training right away?"
"Not yet," Zeron said. "Your body and mind need to adjust to the recent changes. Pushing too hard now could lead to unforeseen consequences. Rest, then prepare for the trials ahead."
Zane nodded reluctantly. He was eager to explore his new powers but knew Zeron's advice was worth heeding. For now, he decided to focus on absorbing everything he'd learned.
He turned his gaze upward, as if looking toward the unseen Zeron. "What will I be capable of when I'm able to fully control the Eclipse Core?"
"That," Zeron said, his voice carrying an uncharacteristic warmth, "is for you to discover. For now, focus on mastering what is in front of you. Your journey has only just begun."
Zane nodded, determination lighting his eyes. With the power of the Eclipse Core and Zeron's guidance, he was ready to embrace the challenges ahead—and he couldn't wait to see what awaited him in the future.
As the system window faded, the faint hum of its energy dissipating, Zane's thoughts raced with anticipation. His path was daunting, but for the first time, he felt truly prepared to face it. The world beyond awaited, and Zane Valor was ready to carve his place in it.