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Chapter 13: The class Awakens
As the dust settled around them, Aeron found himself staring at the body of the Sand Ravager. The beast's massive form was already starting to dissipate, its essence breaking down into XP and materials.
Aeron took a step back, and the system's voice came to life.
—[System Notification]—
XP Gained: 5,000
Skill Points Gained: 2
Material Dropped: Sand Ravager Scale x5, Sand Ravager Venom Sac
—[New Ability Unlocked: Wind Blade]
Description:
A focused attack that unleashes a sharp wind blade, dealing damage to enemies in a straight line. Deals physical and magical damage. Can be used in conjunction with other abilities.
Aeron blinked at the prompt. His mind spun with possibilities. Wind Blade—was this because of his class, or had the battle triggered something deeper?
The system's notifications kept coming.
—[Hidden Class Progression]—
Phantom Blade Level 2
Progress: 50%
Phantom Step Level 3
Progress: 30%
The system's voice continued to speak, its tone indifferent but efficient.
—[Side Quest: The Hidden Power]
Objective: Explore the Sunken Ruins and uncover the secret of the Hidden World Boss.
Progress: 10%
Sylva gave him a strange look. "You're getting used to this system talking, huh?"
"Not really," Aeron replied, frowning at the constant stream of prompts. "But it looks like we've made progress."
"Tell me about it," Hobbles said, brushing sand from his clothes. "I'm still trying to figure out how you're moving faster than a lightning bolt and slicing things like a meat cleaver."
Aeron smiled wryly. "It's this class. It's... kind of like the system's throwing new things at me faster than I can keep up."
"New things?" Sylva raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
He didn't answer right away. The system had unlocked a new skill—Wind Blade. Was it a mistake or a purposeful enhancement?
The voice of the system made itself heard again.
—[System Notification]—
New Objective Added: Find and acquire knowledge of the Ruins' Guardian.
This was the push Aeron needed. The system wasn't just passively helping anymore; it was actively guiding them. There were no more random encounters; this felt like a deeply interconnected mission.
Sylva looked at Aeron with determination. "Let's keep moving. The ruins aren't going to uncover themselves.
...
As Aeron and his companions continued their journey through the Ashen Wastes, the system buzzed with constant updates. Aeron could feel the weight of the notifications every time they appeared, but now, it felt like they were more than just information. They were a roadmap—each level a step closer to something unknown.
—[System Notification]—
Level Up!
Aeron
Level: 10
XP: 12,500/15,000
Stats: Strength +2, Agility +3, Intelligence +1
Aeron felt a strange sensation sweep through him. It was as if his body had become lighter, his thoughts sharper. Every movement felt more precise.
Hobbles, walking beside him, groaned. "I'm still stuck at Level 8. This is bull!"
The little goblin glanced at Aeron's progress, his green face scrunching in annoyance. "How are you leveling so fast?"
Aeron shrugged. "I don't know. I think it has to do with the class. It's not normal."
Sylva chuckled softly. "I think it's more than just the class. You've been pushing yourself harder than most. Your training isn't just about leveling. It's about growth."
Aeron nodded. She wasn't wrong. The system's progression felt tied to more than just numbers. Every skill, every ability, had a purpose, and as he leveled up, his abilities felt more natural, more in sync with him.
—[System Notification]—
New Quest Available
Title: The Trial of Strength
Objective: Defeat a level 15 creature in the Ashen Wastes.
Reward: XP, Rare Materials, Skill Points
Aeron's mind sharpened. A trial. A test. He didn't need to think twice.
"We're taking this trial," he said, turning to Sylva and Hobbles.
Sylva raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? A level 15 monster could be a challenge."
Aeron smiled, a flash of determination in his eyes. "I'm ready. We're all ready."
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The Trial Begins
They ventured deeper into the Wastes, the sun slowly beginning to dip below the horizon. As they walked, Aeron could feel the energy of the land shift. Something was drawing them forward—a presence that made his skin tingle.
Then, they saw it.
A huge creature emerged from the shadow of the rocks ahead. It looked like a massive sand-worm, its segmented body lined with rows of sharp spines that seemed to shimmer like obsidian. The air seemed to vibrate with its presence, and it reared up, towering over them.
—[System Notification]—
Level 15 Sand Colossus
HP: 10,000/10,000
Weakness: Head (Critical Spot)
"Alright," Hobbles muttered. "That thing's got more spikes than I care to count. But I'm ready. Let's bring it down."
Aeron grinned. The fight was on. He focused, and the system chimed in again, like an active force urging him on.
—[System Notification]—
Active Skill: Wind Blade
Phantom Blade (Level 2)
Cooldown: 30 seconds
Aeron didn't hesitate. His blade flashed, unleashing a wave of energy that cut through the air and slammed into the Colossus' side. The creature recoiled, but its skin was thick.
Sylva was already charging in, her daggers glinting in the fading light as she darted around the creature. Hobbles, ever the opportunist, was firing bolts at its legs, trying to slow it down.
The creature hissed, angrily thrashing, its spines swiping across the air with deadly precision. Aeron dodged just in time, his agility now an asset thanks to his level-ups.
He saw the opening. The creature's head was slightly exposed as it twisted in frustration. He focused.
—[Active Skill: Phantom Edge]—
The blade in his hand shimmered as it sliced through the air like a phantom, slashing at the Colossus' exposed head.
—Critical Hit—
The creature let out a roar of pain, blood spurting from the gaping wound in its head. It collapsed to the ground, trembling violently before finally lying still.
Aeron exhaled, his heart racing. "We did it."
The system hummed.
—[System Notification]—
XP Gained: 10,000
Skill Points Gained: 3
Material Dropped: Sand Colossus Spine x3, Sand Colossus Scale x5, Colossus Venom
---
As Aeron took a moment to catch his breath, the system pulsed with new data, a reminder of just how much power was in his grasp.
—[Level Up! Aeron]
Level: 11
XP: 2,500/20,000
Stats: Strength +3, Agility +2, Intelligence +1
New Skill Unlocked: Phantom Dash
Description: Teleport short distances, leaving behind a decoy.
Aeron felt the energy rush through him. Phantom Dash—this was another ability he hadn't expected, but it fit. The system was molding his progression like a sculptor shaping marble.
Hobbles clapped him on the back. "Alright, alright. Now that was impressive. I'm starting to feel like I'm the one lagging behind."
Sylva gave a soft laugh. "You're not far behind. Keep working, and we'll all be leveling up together."
Aeron smiled, but his thoughts were already drifting to the next stage of the journey. The ruins were close. The world boss was somewhere within, waiting. This was only the beginning.
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