*End of February*
Bloody hell, this took way too much time.
[Name: Ethan Shaw
Title: Traveler; Master of Self
Class: Apprentice Mage (10/10); Magician (5/5); Gambler (5/5); Thief (10/10); ...
MP: 450 - 475
Stats
Strength: 10
Agility: 30
Dexterity: 20
Perception: 25
Intelligence: 33 - 35
Wisdom: 29 -30
Charisma: 15]
Thank God for the new skills I acquired otherwise it would have taken forever.
[Unwavering Will (Rare) (7/60): At times the greatest strategy is to withdraw into yourself, to experience the clarity of mind in the moments before stepping forward. Once you are clear about what you wish to create, you can maintain a steady stream of thoughts – unwavering, resolute, and focused.]
This one appeared just after I managed to create One of Many Faces. It came in pretty handy to control my magic, levitating object has never been easier, just a thought and a bit of focus allowed me to levitate my bed. Although it's pretty intensive MP wise. Still, there is only so much repetition until progress slowed to a trickle.
The only reason I would continue this is to level up Unwavering Will by using much heavier objects. And to strain my body by channelling more magic in a shorter time. Thereby preparing my body to more intense magical use.
And then there was the skill I chose at level 6.
[Genius Mind (Rare) (12/60): The truly creative mind in any field is no more than this: A human creature born abnormally, inhumanly sensitive. To him... a touch is a blow, a sound is a noise, a misfortune is a tragedy, a joy is an ecstasy, a friend is a lover, a lover is a god, and failure is death. You think faster, harder, better, never stopping once. For progress is your God. An unforgiving one.]
This one was a bit weird for me, I chose it because it was the only rare skill offered and the other skills were underwhelming. There was no way in hell I would choose a skill like Dust Blowing for Merlin's sake. I know, especially now, that it could progress in surprising ways, even surprising me one day but I can already do that even if it is inefficient resource wise.
In hindsight, maybe cleaning my room using my magic led to the system offering this skill.
Anyway, Genius Mind is really useful, until now I couldn't really exert all of my enhanced intelligence. I had no idea how really, after all I may have been somewhat smart before coming here but the system enhancing my mind made it a bit overwhelming sometimes. I had to learn how to distract myself to not be bored to death and multitasking is really useful to accomplish that.
Now my mind is more focused than ever, learning to notice patterns and make connections faster than ever before. Hell the other day I caught myself calculating the speed of a falling ball from half remembered physics class, and I guessed right.
Frankly, those two skills will be the foundation I will use to learn Magic at a rate I never thought possible. I can't wait to get my hands on some magic books and a wand, then the real fun will start.
It is only now that I consciously understand how I those skills were on the list of offered skills. My actions influence everything I get through the system. My classes, my skills, their growth and maybe even unlocking new paths, or in this case, classes.
I stood and went to the window of my room, crossing my arms and absently looking through my basic magical skills.
[Mana control (Un) (20/40)
Mana sense (Un) (13/40)]
Barely enough to satisfy me.
I will have to find another way to progress, perhaps controlling animals? I did that before but is this the path I would like to go on?
No it isn't, at least not as a specialization or foundation. I may practice this but not extensively unlike raw mana manipulation.
Elemental magic then? Hmm, a definite yes especially ice and fire. It is easy to train as well as long as I am careful, and I don't Cole to notice what I am doing so I'll have to find a lighter and be content with freezing water.
I sighed, "Well, that's for later, I have other things to focus on." I said as I brought my skill selection.
[Choose a new skill!
Blur (Rare): Truly powerful magical users have been known to turn their Magic inward, transmuting the very composition of their own bodies for boundless energy and catlike reflexes. For you however, You barely have the knowledge and skill to enhance your reflexes and perhaps, if you are lucky, be faster. Grants 1% bonus to reflexes, you have 5% chance to go 1% faster, consumes 50 MP/sec.
Power Pressure (Rare): Your magical energy emanates from you, allowing you to reinforce any spells you cast in a 5 feet sphere around you. Many a powerful magical user know how to project their aura, often to intimidate any upstart who thought their peaceful nature meant weakness. It is only when they felt their own body crushed by sheer overwhelming mana, did they realize their folly. Grants a 5% bonus to any spell's effects, consumes 25 MP/sec.
Stun (Uncommon): Use your magical energy to shock your enemy for a brief moment, granting you a short window to either flee or strike. Must be in contact to function at first. Consumes 20 MP/cast.]
I hummed, "That's impressive."
I'll have to think carefully about this but from a brief glance I can already tell which one I'll take.
Stun is out, I can probably recreate it if needed or just brute force it. Plus, I'll have access to the stupefy spell once at Hogwarts so it makes it perhaps not useless but redundant. Power pressure is extremely useful unsurprisingly, a flat percentage bonus to any spell I cast is overpowered as hell even if costly. The thing about this is I can probably recreate it with effort. I already can emanate magic around me, it is not unthinkable I could recreate an inferior form sooner rather than later. As for blur…
Well, it's probably impossible to recreate.
At least safely.
I eyed the "transmuting" inside the description. To my knowledge, transmuting comes from transmutation which is in the realm of alchemy or transfiguration. I still remember how strict McGonagall supposedly was in the books. What did she say again?
I coughed, "Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts. Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned." I said in my best imitation which is quite good if I say so myself.
I allowed myself a little grin before focusing back. Both Blur and Power Pressure would be wonderful additions to my repertoire and while I tend towards Power pressure for sheer badassery, I have to think about long term gains here.
Still that doesn't mean I can't take notes on those skills and work on them later.
Blur it is!
[Skill gained! Blur (R) (1/60)
Essence of Self (R) (18/60); Genius Mind (R) (12/60); One of Many Faces (R) (4/60); Blur (R) (1/60)
Stealth (Un) (36/40); Throwing (Un) (30/40); Trapping (Un) (25/40); Dagger arts (Un) (17/40); Lockpicking (Un) (24/40); Pickpocketing (Un) (31/40); Crafting (Un) (16/40); Sense Treasure (Un) (30/40); Sixth Sense (Un) (26/40); Cold Read (Un) (25/40); Mana control (Un) (20/40); Mana sense (Un) (13/40)
Singing (C) (20/20); Cooking (C) (16/20); Showmanship (C) (18/20)
Choose a new class: Fighter - Singer]
"That's it?" I muttered incredulously.
So I was right, I reached the Class Wall I theorized about.
"Damnit, I hate when I'm right about those things…"
First things first, is it possible to delay this?
I watched as the screen disappeared and a little icon blinked into existence on the bottom right of my vision. Mentally focusing on it brought back the class selection screen.
Time to brainstorm then.
_________________
"Someone, anyone, please end my suffering."
It's been a few days since the Class Wall situation, and I am ready to bash my head on a wall until either death or unconsciousness claimed me.
I went to the local library every day after school to research any way to unlock a new class. The system presented this new life as the Game of Life and is big on choosing your own path, paving your own way and all that shit. So, I thought that maybe by researching definitions and what paths certain classes represented could help me but nothing worked.
Nada, niet, zilch, null, rien.
If this is the Game's way of making me insane it's working.
Or ascending into a Buddha.
Maybe.
I sighed explosively.
"Are you alright lad?"
I blinked and turned to see an old man standing there and looking at me half amused, half worried.
I looked back at my table.
Yeah I'd be worried too if I saw a kid working like squirrel who drank unhealthy amounts of caffeine with at least a dozen books with notes sticking out of them by the dozen.
Or a hundred.
Hn.
"I am sir, just a bit tired."
"Is that so?" I nodded. "What can be so important that you've been cooped in here for the past week?"
I looked back at him, this time taking him in seriously. He looked like a generic older gentleman, white hair gently combed back and receding a bit and a neatly groomed beard with a moustache. His face was weathered with laugh lines deeply edged onto his face.
"An important question."
"What kind of important question?" Stubborn old codger.
"The kind about the future."
An air of understanding washed over his face, "Ah."
Ah indeed.
He sat down on the chair in front of me, "A bit young to start with those kinds of questions. Nothing wrong about it of course, just unusual."
"I'm often told I'm unusual." I said flatly.
"Indeed?" he raised an eyebrow, "Well, perhaps starting early could help you in the future. So!" He clapped his hands eagerly, "What is the conundrum that befuddles you so?"
Seems we're doing this then, "I've been wondering what kind of Path I should take in the future. What kind of job if you will."
"It doesn't look like a simple 'what kind of job I want to do' question."
"It isn't."
He hummed, "When you talk about a path, is this what you want to be as a person? The future you want realized?"
I nodded as I slumped back in my chair, "The thing is, I know the general direction I want to go in but don't like the definitions I found." I waved my hands in the directions of the book.
He took a book and opened at a random page, reading I assume my notes. "Those are some extensive notes… So, the problem is that you don't agree with what others define as what you want to be?"
That… is a greatly simplified explanation but overall? He's right though, so I nodded.
"It's simple then," he chuckled, "you just have to define what you want to be yourself!"
"I'm sorry, what?"
What kind of rubbish is he spewing?
"It's just as I said lad. If you don't like what you find you just have to create what you want yourself." His smile was wide and joyful, "If nobody has a definition of what kind of man you want to be then you just have to create that definition. Be the man you want to be."
I blinked.
"That makes too much sense. Why didn't I think of that?"
"Sometimes you need a soundboard to really think things through. No matter how unusual you are." He got up slowly, as he muttered something about his back. "Well lad, I'm glad I could help you. Perhaps we'll see each other again. Do tell me if you found your path."
"I will, thank you sir." I nodded seriously.
"No worries, it was my pleasure." He sent me one last smile before turning and leaving, his hand waving over his shoulder.
I sat there for while just thinking.
I can be kind of stubborn when I want to, don't I?
That you can.
'Back again?' I thought with a half-smile.
He chuckled, I'm always here, you know that.
'I know.'
So? What do we do now?
'Now? We track down a certain book.'
I got up and went to the back of the library to an isolated corner where fantasy books of all kinds were. Once there I found the book in question tucked in between two giant books. It was unadorned, nothing special about it really, it was inside that was important.
This was a lore book for roleplaying game, kind of like dungeons & dragons. This was a significantly detailed work and contained many explanations about the different continents, gods, kingdoms but more importantly classes.
And even more important magical classes like Warlocks, Sorcerers and Wizards.
I took it back to my table, slowly leafing through it. Not instantly jumping to the classes page but imbibing myself of the history here.
'Honestly the lore was great, it is a shame that I can't find the game. Would have made a great pastime.'
I read carefully each pages until it was almost time for me to go back to the orphanage. I'm honestly glad I lied to Cole about the time I finished school, mentioning having homework in groups to do.
When I finally finished the book I set it back gently. Letting my hang on the back of the chair, I stared at the ceiling as I pondered on what I read.
What is the class I want to unlock first?
Wizard obviously, it what I am going to be soon and what I can progress in the most rapidly. But what is a Wizard?
According to fantasy a Wizard is a magic user, oftentimes an old man with a long beard using a foci, a staff most often but wands are used almost as often. They study Magic in towers, form academies, are hermits. Most of the time they are wise, giving advice to the main character.
What about a more mundane definition?
If I look to the etymology, a Wizard is a mix between 'wise' and 'ard' combining into 'Wizard' which means philosopher or sage in late middle English. So, in a sense, even if for some reason I am no longer able to use Magic I will still be a wizard because I am 'sage' of the magical arts or even for example history.
For a more direct definition, a Wizard is someone who is an expert at something or who has great ability in a particular subject.
Following this train of thought, a Wizard uses his knowledge and great skill to manipulate the force that is known as Magic to affect the world around them.
"Hmm, I feel like I'm on the right track but not quite there yet." I murmured.
I thought about Warlocks and Sorcerers. A Warlock is a Magic user who made pact with a higher force to acquire powers that aren't theirs originally. A Sorcerer is a Magic user who's Magic comes not from outside but inside, they use their Magic instinctively and accomplish feats that are beyond the realm of reason, feats which do not follow the inherent laws of the World.
Perhaps something in between then?
A wizard is a Magic user that draw their magical power from the World, manipulating the universe through their interactions with the natural laws of magic and physics.
[Congratulations! You unlocked the tier III class: Wizard!]
Heh nailed it.
[Choose a new class: Fighter - Singer - Wizard
Congratulations! You are now a Wizard!
Wizard: A wizard is a spellcaster who researches and studies, gaining knowledge and Magicks independent of gods or powerful beings. Learning from esoteric tomes of Magic, they manipulate the universe through their interactions with the natural laws of magic and physics. They draw deep from the Mana around them to fuel their cores to cast spells. Gives +2 intelligence/+2 wisdom/+2 perception/+100 Mp per level.
Name: Ethan Shaw
Title: Traveler; Master of Self
Class: Wizard (1/15); Apprentice Mage (10/10); Magician (5/5); Gambler (5/5); …
MP: 475 - 575
Stats
Strength: 10
Agility: 30
Dexterity: 20
Perception: 25 - 27
Intelligence: 35 - 37
Wisdom: 30 - 37
Charisma: 15]
I smiled, progress once again.
[Warning! Tier III classes and up do not receive skills every few levels as they are a reflection of who you choose to be. Only you can decide what you would like to learn or not. As a compensation, you will learn skills falling in the concept of the class much more rapidly. May you walk evermore on your Path.
Note: Certain unique classes may receive skills but they are few and far between.]
Bummer.
I got up, neatly stored my notes in my backpack and put back the books I borrowed. I kept the lore book and went to the librarian. She saw me coming and smiled, "Hello again, dearie. Did finish your homework?"
"I did, thank you for your help, you were invaluable."
"Think nothing of it, I couldn't let you search all alone when you were working so hard."
"Still it's the polite thing to do."
Her smile widened, "You're such a good boy, my grandson could learn a thing or two from you. He's five years older than you and can't properly thank people, I swear!" She huffed.
She looked at her watch, "You should probably hurry back home, it is starting to get late."
"I will, I just had a question. Do you know where I can get a copy of this book?"
"Oh! Where did you find this? I thought it lost…" her gaze seemed far away for a moment before a nostalgic smile appeared, "I doubt you'd find a copy anywhere, dear. This was made by a young man more than a decade ago, he came here everyday hoping to publish his book. Worked from dawn to twilight, he did." She shook her head, "Always working and smiling, a bresh of fresh air I say."
She gave me the book back, "You keep this, I'm sure he would like you to have it."
I thought about asking what happened to him but I have a feeling it didn't end well. I certainly didn't need my cold reading skill to know that.
She must have seen me hesitate because she put a hand on my shoulder before asking me, "What is it?"
I hesitated again but decided to ask, comforted by her gentle smile. "Did he publish his book?"
She shook her head, "He did, for all of a week before he died in a car accident. What you have here is the… What did he call it? Lore book? Well, something about the story of the world the history took place in. In fact, I have the book just right here!" She exclaimed before turning in the direction of a desk.
I followed her, taking in the book in my hand in a new light.
'If this was here either the library itself needed it or, logically, since she has the book in her desk…'
"Aha! I knew it was around here!" She had keys in her hand while the other held the book in question. It was average in every sense of the word, brown, carefully maintained with a cover.
"Here." She smiled as she handed it to me. I carefully took it and read the title.
'The Guiding Light?'
I opened the first page and like I feared, there was a signature on it.
To my first and most precious reader, Tiffany.
This…
"I can't take this." I said firmly, already knowing she won't let me refuse it.
"You will." She said matter of factly, as if it was as natural as the sun rising in every morning.
"Please, ma'am I can't." I hated pleading but this is too much. Why wouldn't she want to keep his memory with her? I can tell he meant a lot to her and yet…
She kneeled before me, put her hands on mine and gently pushed the book towards me. "Take it, I am sure he will be happy his book found someone who will enjoy it, wherever he is." I looked at her questioningly, "I saw the fantasy books you took on the side, enjoyed yourself, hmm?" she winked and I tried my best to keep a blush from rising.
I didn't see a level up notification so I probably wasn't very successful.
I sighed, "Alright Ms. Tiffany, I will take care of it."
"I'm sure you will." She nodded, looking supremely satisfied.
What is it with women looking satisfied when men followed their orders? First Rose and now her. Maybe I attract them? All women can't be like this for Merlin's sake.
"Go on now, dearie, Time to go home."
"Thank you, Ms, Tiffany and goodbye."
"Goodbye Ethan, be careful."
"I will."
I slowly made my way outside, clutching the precious gift.
You're still just a cub.
'What do you mean by that?'
You're soft. Always have been.
'If I am soft then you are too, no?' I heard him chuckle bitterly.
I am. I am also cruel, capable of atrocity Tiffany, Eric and Rose would recoil in horror just hearing of them.
'That means I am cruel too.' When he responded his voice was quieter than I ever heard.
You are.
I pondered upon that on the way to the orphanage. I already knew my thoughts in the past had sometimes went over line, a line I couldn't return from. The thing is I never knew if I was always capable of these things or if what I went through changed me so deeply.
My alter was silent on the issue.
I walked through the crowd, enjoying blending myself in it.
'How do you know for sure?' It wasn't that I didn't trust him, after all, who can I trust if I can't even trust myself? Still I had to ask.
I simply do. Every moment, every breath, I hear our thoughts swirling in chaos, drowning in an ocean of repressed emotions. Someday we won't be able to keep them back anymore.
Someday we will break and when we do…
I didn't need to hear the end to know where this was going. Especially now that I have Magic and I won't stop myself from getting stronger. And since Magic is especially sensible to emotions…
Well a big boom is the least of my concerns.
I sighed, "Bloody hell." And this was such a good day.
You forgot something.
'What?'
You know that wizards study the laws of physics as well as Magic, right?
'Yes? what does it have to do with-"
"Shite." I ignored the indignant squawk of some old crone.
'I'm gonna have to do maths!'
I heard a fond chuckle.
Idiot.