Chapter 6: The Rise of Classes
The countdown ticks away, each passing second a reminder of the approaching storm. The Tower is no longer just a mystery — it has become a crucible where ordinary people are reshaped into something more. But not all will rise to the challenge.
Before me, the system assistant's screen flickers with reports from within the Tower. Notifications flood in as players unlock their first classes. Their paths, once undefined, are now beginning to solidify. The Tower is forcing them to choose, and their choices will dictate their fates.
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System Assistant: Administrator, class awakenings have begun. Players reaching Floor 10 are selecting their first classes. Data shows an overwhelming preference for combat-oriented options.
I lean forward, my eyes scanning the list of available classes being reported worldwide. Unlike before, these classes are simpler, more foundational — but their potential is undeniable.
List of Basic Classes:
Warrior: Masters of physical combat, wielding swords, spears, axes, or blunt weapons.
Mage: Practitioners of elemental magic, harnessing fire, water, lightning, and other natural forces.
Rogue: Agile and stealthy combatants, masters of subterfuge, speed, and precision strikes.
Healer: The heart of every team, possessing the power to restore health and cleanse negative effects.
These are the building blocks of power. They may seem basic, but simplicity hides potential. While the world focuses on these "beginner" classes, I know there are paths hidden beyond them — paths that only a few will discover.
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System Assistant: Your sister, Isabel, has reached Floor 10. She is currently in the selection process for her first class. Data predicts a 60% likelihood she will choose Warrior.
I smirk. Isabel has always been headstrong. She thrives on direct confrontation, never one to play the role of support. Images of her wielding a greatsword or a heavy spear flash through my mind. She doesn't just want to win; she wants to dominate.
But she isn't alone. Thousands, perhaps millions, of players around the world are reaching the same point. This choice will mark the beginning of their true journeys. Some will grow stronger, others will be left behind.
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System Assistant: Current countdown: 29 days, 12 hours, 45 minutes.
Time marches on. The world believes that the players have an entire month to prepare, but I know better. It's not just about clearing floors. Players must adapt, grow, and master their classes. Those who fail to do so will be devoured by the monsters that emerge.
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Inside the Tower — Floor 10
The air hummed with quiet intensity as Isabel stood before a glowing interface. Her heart pounded in her chest, not from fear, but from anticipation. The display floated in front of her, showcasing the four available classes.
Her eyes moved between them. Each choice glowed softly, its details displayed clearly for her to see.
[Warrior] — Master of weapons and physical might.
[Mage] — Harness the power of the elements.
[Rogue] — Swift, deadly, and unseen.
[Healer] — The power to heal wounds and cleanse ailments.
Her eyes lingered on the Warrior option. Her gaze sharpened, her lips curling into a grin. "Simple, direct, and powerful." She clenched her fists. This was who she was. No hesitation. No doubt.
She reached forward and pressed the option.
System Notification: You have chosen the class: Warrior.
A surge of energy rushed through her, filling every fiber of her being with strength. Her muscles tensed, then relaxed, but she felt lighter, faster, stronger. The faint glow of light surrounded her body before slowly fading into her skin. Her senses sharpened, and her breathing grew steady.
She glanced at her hands, curling her fingers. The weight of her weapon felt more natural, like it had become an extension of herself. Her balance shifted, her stance solidified. Everything about her movements felt… right.
Her eyes narrowed, her grin growing wider. "This is it. I'll climb higher than anyone." Her voice was filled with resolve. She stepped forward, confidence radiating from every move.
She wouldn't stop here. Floor 10 was just the beginning.
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On Earth — Global Changes
The rise of classes sent shockwaves across the world. Online forums exploded with information as players shared their new identities. Videos flooded social media, showing players wielding swords, casting magic, and demonstrating their newfound power.
News Reports:
"The first Warrior from the United States has cleared Floor 11! Footage shows them cutting down monsters with ease!"
"A Mage from South Korea has been spotted conjuring a lightning storm to wipe out a monster wave!"
"BREAKING: The first Healer has been identified in France! Their ability to restore health has already made them a prime recruit for elite teams!"
Governments scrambled to recruit these rising stars, offering them contracts, sponsorships, and benefits. With the countdown ticking, nations were desperate to secure strong players for the inevitable conflict ahead.
System Assistant: Administrator, report on global player awakenings by class is available. Displaying data.
A screen appeared before me, listing player awakenings by country.
Worldwide Class Awakening Report
Warrior — United States (32), South Korea (18), Japan (21), Brazil (27), Germany (19)
Mage — South Korea (25), Japan (23), United Kingdom (15), France (18), India (20)
Rogue — United States (28), South Africa (14), Russia (17), Mexico (22), Singapore (9)
Healer — France (31), Italy (12), India (14), United States (16), Japan (8)
The numbers weren't final, but they gave insight into the growing trends. Predictably, combat classes like Warrior and Mage saw the highest numbers. But I knew from experience that Healers and Rogues would eventually prove just as vital.
I stared at the list, noting which countries had the most awakenings. Each new name would be a future player, a future threat, or perhaps, a future ally.
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Back to Me — Watching the World Change
I sat in front of the screen, arms crossed. The system displayed live footage of players demonstrating their classes. From swordsmen clashing with monsters to Mages launching fireballs, the world was captivated.
System Assistant: Administrator, would you like to track high-potential players?
I leaned forward, gazing at the live feed of Isabel cleaving through monsters with swift, controlled strikes. Her expression was sharp, focused, and full of determination.
Me: "No," I replied. "Track them all. Every single one. The world is too focused on heroes. I'm interested in the ones who will rise from the shadows."
System Assistant: Tracking protocol activated.
System Assistant: Note: Potential threats and rising figures will be flagged for review.
I glanced at the countdown.
29 days, 10 hours, 15 minutes.
The world had one month to prepare. Governments might think they had control. Players might believe their new classes would be enough. But I knew the truth.
When the monster gates opened, no title, contract, or government protection would matter. The monsters wouldn't care about fame or fortune.
Only strength would matter.
And only those who understood that would survive.
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End of Chapter 6