The cold classroom's windows showed snow drifting across the grass perimeter of the Academy. Within seconds, the snow multiplied, a storm beginning to pick up.
The clouds were dark and foreboding, with their large, fluffy exteriors and their rapid coverage of the New York area.
Before Mr. Cassidy could form a proper and logical response to the situation, another surprise took the whole class.
Click.
| System Initialized |
| Waiting for further user input |
The blue, game-like interface from before appeared again—this time it stuck, like an annoying pop-up ad.
Different from the others, Illia, Malric, and Juniper all saw a vote confirmation screen.
| System Initialized |
| Start Tutorial? |
| Waiting for further user input: 0/5 |
| Yes | | No |
Before they could discuss it, the zero transformed into a one, then a two. Without much hesitation, both Malric and Illia pressed "Yes."
This brought it to 4/5 and immediately started the tutorial.
The screen before everyone changed to a video feed.
In the video, a human man in a white lab coat stood on an auditorium stage. Behind him, a black wall showed a small projection of light.
"Hello humans, or whatever you call yourselves now. The recent upheaval around the globe was caused by the Codex!" Behind the man, the dim projection shifted into a slideshow.
"This device we created will induce the gradual growth of our home planet to match that of other First-Class planets. This will happen in phases."
Before the man continued, he paused to let the information sink in.
"Now, many people will die — just from exposure to the special energy called mana. Others will die due to the creatures reintroduced into the wild to further stimulate growth. After this pre-recorded video has been translated and displayed, you will pick your journey. We would never leave our chosen survivors without some kind of help. Around the world, fragments of the Codex will act as safer zones — and even growth multipliers. Alongside this, the Codex will provide you with classes to overcome extremely hostile environments."
Smiling like he hadn't just dropped earth-shattering news, the man ended with, "Good luck," before the video cut out.
With the video gone, a list of possible paths opened up.
Malric, having played enough video games to know a good team needed balance, called his group into a loose circle of shifted desks.
"So we clearly need to play into our strengths while also keeping ourselves alive with good balance," Malric said, sharing his analysis with the group.
Scrolling through the list, John spoke his mind. "If this is like a video game, I want to be able to punch people reeeeallly hard. Like in Street Fighter."
"I want to be support," Illia said. For the first time, she had taken initiative and secured her position.
"So we have a front-lines DPS and a support. We should probably have someone who can block or deflect incoming attacks," Malric said, hoping someone would speak up. Seeing no one did, he continued listing the roles they still needed. "We need at least one more support — which I'll gladly fill — and another DPS. Something with range, like a gun or magic or whatever."
"What's the last role?" Juniper asked.
"We either need another tank or someone who makes stuff. More of a back-lines support instead of combat support," Malric responded, sharing his thoughts.
"I know you play plenty of video games, but why should we do what you say?" Juniper asked. She wanted to be support too — but she preferred the holy-healer cliché she always played in her free time.
"I'm picking this brawler class," John said before selecting his class.
Seeing this, Filip took it upon himself to fill the back lines. "Yeah, can I support from behind? I don't really want to fight."
Trying to prevent more John scenarios, Malric quickly said, "Just find a class or path or whatever you like, and let's discuss. Don't do what John did."
Browsing for a while, Malric was looking for an all-around buff and healing class — something versatile but not too weak.
| Nature Sentinel |
Get along with nature and be its protector and protected. You have better strength, flexibility, and speed in the wild.
'Mmm… definitely not for me.'
| Echo Commune |
Commune with echoes of the past and spirits of the dead to let them fight for you.
| Summoner |
A weak version of a prestige class…
'What's up with that short description?'
| Warden |
Protect your area and heal those within. Those that fall under your protection take less damage and share their experience with you proportionally.
Finding exactly what he wanted, Malric looked up from his list to see he was the last one they were waiting for.
"Alright, let's hear our picks. I'm going for a Warden. It's a defensive support position that also can heal those under my protection." Malric then turned to Juniper — the one he was most curious about.
"Uhh, I want to be the Cantour of Oath. Basically, if I swear an oath or emotionally help others, I gain temporary or lasting boosts," Juniper explained. This class was as close to a battle priest as she could find.
Between Malric and Juniper, Illia shared her decision. "Mm, I want to be a Moment Seer. I will gain nudges on the future and buff you."
Skipping over Malric, next in order was Filip.
"I want to be a Provisioner. That way, when all of you are tired or cold, I can be the one to have the right stuff on hand and ready to go. I'll basically be the logistical guy," Filip finished with an awkward smile.
As Filip finished talking, Amina chimed in. "What are you guys talking about? I was assigned a class. I couldn't pick."
"That's weird, we all got to pick. Maybe you just got unlucky," Malric theorized.
"It's fine. I got a cool class anyway. I specialize, from this day forth, in blowguns!" Amina said in a triumphant manner.
"Nerd," John immediately shot her down.
"Be quiet, muscle brain," Amina quickly shot back.
With an impeccable poker face, Malric thought, Aren't we all nerds? I mean, we all go to a super prestigious academy… while trying to figure out why Amina hadn't been able to choose her class.
After around a minute had passed, another blue message screen popped into existence.
| Tutorial stage 1: Complete |
| Starting tutorial stage 2 |
With the end of the abrupt message, the classroom lights flickered and went out—only to turn back on again a moment later.
"The backup generator must have…" Malric trailed off.
BANG.
The classroom door slammed against the frame, its lock struggling to hold. Malric and the rest saw a large white beast flash past down the hallway, followed seconds later by a pack of huge wolves in pursuit.
"Everyone, please stay calm," Mr. Cassidy said, trying to cap the panic before it could spread—which he actually managed to do—until Jasmine burst out in a frenzied, high-pitched scream.
"AAHHH WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!"