Role: Frontline Tank and Damage Dea
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The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest floor as Kenzai walked with his new companions. Despite their brief time together, he could already sense the bond between the group. Each of them carried themselves differently, their roles clearly defined by their respective strengths.
"Alright, team," Korrin said, stopping in a small clearing. His voice carried authority, and his hand rested on the hilt of his glowing greatsword. "We'll make camp here for tonight. Valeria, set up perimeter traps. Tyren, secure us a magic barrier. Gorrath, gather firewood. Kenzai…"
The warrior paused, his sharp gaze locking onto Kenzai.
"Stick with me. We need to talk."
The rest of the group dispersed into their tasks with practiced efficiency. Kenzai followed Korrin to a small outcropping of rocks.
"You're strong, Kenzai, no doubt about it. But you don't have a Class, do you?" Korrin asked bluntly.
Kenzai raised an eyebrow. "A class? Like what you guys have—Warrior, Mage, Archer?"
Korrin nodded. "Exactly. Every adventurer under the system gains a class after completing their first major trial. It defines their strengths and the skills they can grow into. But you… you're different."
Kenzai flexed his claws, his sharp nails gleaming in the faint light. "I've always been different."
"Classless doesn't mean weak," Korrin continued. "But it does mean unpredictable. The system usually guides us—skills, abilities, progression. You… you're walking blind."
Kenzai smirked faintly. "I think I prefer it that way."
Korrin let out a short chuckle. "Fair enough. But stay sharp out there. The system isn't always kind to outliers."
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The Next Morning
The group moved in formation through the thick forest, the damp scent of moss and earth filling the air.
Valeria led from the front, her emerald eyes scanning the surroundings while her bow remained drawn. Tyren walked beside her, a faint glow surrounding his fingertips as he maintained a defensive spell. Korrin marched steadily with his greatsword strapped across his back, while Gorrath brought up the rear with his axes gleaming in the morning light.
Kenzai walked slightly apart from the group, his predatory senses sharp as he scanned the forest with glowing eyes.
"So, Kenzai," Valeria said quietly, falling back to walk beside him. "What do you plan to do? You're strong, but without a class, you won't grow properly under the system."
Kenzai glanced at her. "Is that how it works here? The system decides how you grow?"
"Pretty much," Valeria said with a shrug. "I'm an Archer. My path focuses on long-range attacks, agility, and precision. Tyren's a Mage, so his growth depends on his mana pool and spell repertoire. Without a class, it's… well, chaotic."
Kenzai smirked. "Chaos doesn't bother me."
Before Valeria could respond, a sharp whistle pierced the air. Korrin raised his fist, and everyone froze in place.
From the dense underbrush ahead, faint growls reverberated through the air. Crimson eyes glowed in the darkness.
"Dire Wolves," Tyren whispered. "At least six of them… no, more."
Korrin drew his sword, its runes lighting up with fiery energy. "Get ready!"
The wolves burst from the underbrush in a flurry of fur, teeth, and claws.
Valeria loosed an arrow, striking one wolf between the eyes and dropping it instantly. Tyren raised his hands, chanting quickly as a pulse of arcane light burst outward, halting the advance of two more.
Gorrath let out a deafening roar, charging into the largest wolf with his axes swinging wildly.
Kenzai surged forward, his claws extending as he slashed through two wolves in a single fluid motion. His movements were savage yet precise, his body adapting instinctively to avoid bites and claws.
One wolf lunged at Tyren, but Kenzai intercepted it mid-air, grabbing it by the throat and crushing its windpipe with a sickening snap.
"Thanks!" Tyren gasped, stumbling back.
The last remaining wolves hesitated, then turned tail and vanished into the forest. The clearing was filled with the heavy panting of the adventurers.
Korrin surveyed the scene, his sword still glowing faintly. "Everyone alright?"
A chorus of tired affirmations followed.
Tyren wiped sweat from his brow. "Those were coordinated. Wolves don't usually attack organized groups like this…"
Valeria frowned. "Something is wrong with this forest."
Kenzai's glowing eyes scanned the surroundings as a faint, primal energy stirred within him. His instincts whispered of something deeper, something ancient calling from the heart of the forest.
Korrin sheathed his sword. "We press forward. Whatever's causing this chaos, it's waiting for us."
As the group began moving again, Kenzai glanced at his clawed hand. The faint glow of his unique power shimmered briefly, and a single thought echoed in his mind:
Class or not… I'll carve my own path.
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End of Chapter 20