Ethan stumbled slightly, his breath catching as the notifications echoed in his mind. His hands remained pressed against the cool surface of the crystal ball, which now pulsed faintly with a dim light before returning to its inert state.
[Second Class: Mage]
[Description: The Mage class grants unparalleled mastery over elemental and arcane energies. With access to a wide range of spells, the Mage thrives in versatility and raw power, making them a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.]
[Achievement: Dual-Class Wielder]
[Effect: All stats increased by 5%]
Ethan's pulse quickened as he took a step back from the awakening stone, his thoughts a chaotic swirl. A second class? He had only intended to experiment, to confirm whether his results could remain hidden—or if this would somehow expose him. Instead, the stone had offered him something entirely unexpected, a gift of staggering potential.
A Mage. The thought echoed in his mind. Unlike his Summoner abilities, which revolved around controlling creatures from other realms, the Mage class promised direct power—arcane mastery he could wield with his own hands. Fire, lightning, barriers, and spells yet unimagined were now within his grasp.
Ethan flexed his fingers. He could feel the difference already. His senses felt sharper, his movements more precise. [Dual-Class Wielder] wasn't just a title—it was a big upgrade to his stats without an increase in his levels.
His gaze flicked to the now-dormant crystal ball, its swirling light having faded to stillness.
Ethan took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. As incredible as this was, he needed to play it cool. If the vendor suspected just how much he'd gained from this, the man might rethink their deal—or worse, spread rumors.
And rumors were the last thing Ethan needed right now.
He was about to turn around and leave when he suddenly thought of something and touched the awakening crystal again. His hand pressed firmly against the crystal. It was cool, unassuming, yet thrummed faintly.
For a moment, nothing happened, and Ethan wondered if the stone had truly gone dormant. Then, faintly, the light returned. Threads of silver and gold began weaving within the crystal once more, slower this time, almost reluctant. Ethan's heart raced.
Was it reacting again?
A notification flashed across his vision.
[Ding! Error. Awakening Failed]
The faint glow within the crystal ball flickered erratically before fading completely, leaving the room dim and eerily silent. "Cough. Cough. Have you played with it enough?" The vendor's voice interrupted his thoughts.
Ethan turned to see the vendor standing in the doorway, his arms crossed and a bemused smirk tugging at his lips. "Didn't think you'd take so long," the vendor added, his tone teetering between irritation and amusement.
"What'd you do? Unlock a second class? Maybe a third and a fourth one? Lad, no matter how many times you try the awakening stone, every individual can awaken only once in their lifetime. It is the rule of the gods. Stop wasting both of our time and get the hell out of my shop already."
Ethan forced a calm expression, masking the turmoil swirling in his mind. He let out a sharp exhale, giving the vendor a measured look. "Relax. I was just curious," he said with a shrug, stepping away from the crystal ball.
The vendor's smirk remained. "Curiosity doesn't come cheap, kid. You've had your turn with the stone. Now take your scroll and scram before you start testing my patience."
Ethan nodded. He grabbed the Mana Bolt scroll from the counter, tucking it into his bag. He and Lia then promptly left the shop. Once outside, the noise of the bustling market swallowed them. The two of them silently walked back to the inn but on the way, Ethan decided to make a detour.
"Let's go to a nearby bar."
"Bar?"
"Tavern." Ethan corrected himself.
"Yes, Master." Lia nodded.
The two of them walked to a nearby tavern. Thankfully it was still crowded even though it was morning. Apparently, a lot of people were celebrating the shutting down of the portal and the averting of a deathly crisis that could have wiped out their entire Kingdom if left unchecked.
The tavern buzzed with life, its dim interior warmed by the chatter of patrons and the occasional clinking of mugs. Ethan pushed open the heavy wooden door, the scent of ale and roasted meat wafting over him. Lia followed closely, her hazel eyes darting around the room, taking in the boisterous crowd.
The pair found a table tucked into a corner, away from the loudest voices but close enough to blend into the background. Ethan slouched slightly in his chair, his thoughts still lingering on the awakening stone and what it had revealed. Lia sat across from him, her expression a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"Master, why did you want to come here?" she asked, keeping her voice low to avoid drawing attention.