The Warlock is the weakest of the magical classes, inferior in every aspect.
"That is absolutely amazing," the girl said brightly.
"We didn't even learn each other's names yet," I pointed out.
Unlike Wizards, Warlocks have fewer spell slots.
"Oh, right. My full name is Khazer Abyojdj Al Bayan, but just call me Al Bayan," she announced.
"And I'm Sven Laokard," I replied.
"What? You're a Laokard? Please forgive my disrespect," Bayan said, giving a slight, formal bow.
Unlike Sorcerers, Warlock spells are weaker. Sorcerers are born with their spells; they control them better from birth and never lose concentration.
"Hey, we were getting along fine," I said, holding out my hand to keep her at a distance and shaking my head. "I'm your friend. You don't have to treat me like that."
"Thank you, you're so kind," she said, then reached out and pinched my cheek.
I swatted her hand away. She decided it was best to walk me home. We walked through back alleys I didn't recognize. Classes are supposed to be an intrinsic part of a person. Fey and certain types of ghosts can perceive one's statistics, and by absorbing their essence, you might activate a Class or see your stats. But this is all so strange. Why did I acquire a Class just by touching a fairy? That's nearly impossible.
"Is this your mansion?" Bayan asked.
"Yes," I confirmed.
"I hope you don't get scolded too badly."
"I hope so too. Well, see you later."
"Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
I walked toward the house. How was I going to explain going out clean in the morning and returning completely filthy in the evening? Whatever, hopefully, she won't beat me like my first mother used to.
I slowly opened the mansion door and carefully closed it behind me. When I turned around—
Ahem—ahem.
I just as slowly turned back.
"Care to explain yourself?" said Marie Laokard, clearly irritated.
I quickly started improvising.
"I was playing Lagloggng with the children outside," I said.
"And after?"
"After that, we all went out to the river past the city and swam."
"Fine."
She walked past me to the left. I hoped it would be this easy next time. Perhaps it's normal here for children to leave in the morning and return late in the evening. I calmly headed to my room, threw the dirty clothes into the laundry, and went to the bath.
Warlocks acquire their spells from their Patron. They can even enhance their Patron's skills and make them better than the Patron's own. No contract is needed for this. The Patron might not even know I'm drawing on their power. Though, the various types of Patrons (subclasses) can be quite diverse.
I wished for the Hexblade Subclass. You get a brutal black blade—a sword that transforms based on the wielder's personality and fighting style. A cool concept: the sword that is all concepts. My eyes were getting heavy, and I felt them closing. And the entity from the Shadowfell doesn't ask for anything in return. You just get the sword and learn spells from the sword itself.
I woke up the next morning. My skin was oily, my hair was greasy, and my eyes hurt. I wish I had never woken up.
I got up, went to the bathroom, washed my hair, face, and teeth. I put on more respectable clothes and headed downstairs for breakfast, where I saw Mother. She was dressed, made up, and clearly impatient.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing, your father is just arriving," Mother Marie said.
I headed to the dining room, but I wasn't allowed to get food.
"Elkar, could you please serve me?" I asked.
"My apologies, but Madam Marie Laokard has ordered that no one is to touch the food until Lord Arthur Laokard arrives," said Elkar, the maid, a Goliath by race.
I went to lie down on the sofa in the living room. I accessed the system, checking my stats:
Name: Sven Laokard Race: Human Class: Warlock Subclass: ??? Traits:Perfect Eye, Resilient, Aberrant Mind
That field will probably show question marks until I find a Patron. Maybe I need to have a reputation or an achievement first. Though, how do otherworldly beings even know about me? Maybe they use divination. Well, I'll ask later. I need to buy my first skill from the shop.
SACRIFICIAL BLADE (EPIC)A small, basalt blade with golden cobwebs and a red stone at the bottom.When you draw your Patron's circle and cut something, the offering will be instantly transported to your Patron.Requires the Warlock Class to purchase.PRICE: 50,000 Bao
Damn, where would I hide it? I can't exactly say it was a gift, or they'll ask who it was from.
BATTLE PASS!!!LEVEL 1: 10,000 Bao !!! LEVEL 2: Cup with Gift !!! LEVEL 3: Enhancement Stone !!! LEVEL 4: 10,000 BaoLEVEL 5: Inventory Slot POINTS: 146/200
What?! Why did the rewards change? I need to ask...
"Sven, your father is here!" Mother Marie called out.
I got up from the sofa and went outside. Standing there was my father, Arthur Laokard, the fourth strongest man in this kingdom of Mordely.
He wore a white shirt with three buttons undone, topped by a blue doublet that gave him the look of a pirate. An eye patch over his left eye completed the look. His hair was slightly long but didn't cover his eyes, and his sideburns transitioned into a short beard. Particles of dust seemed to swirl around him. For some reason, he was looking at me sternly.
"Hello, Father," I said.
"Sven," Father Arthur replied curtly.
"How was the conference?"
"Fine," Arthur answered, frowning slightly.
"Why are we standing around? Let's go to the table," Mother Marie urged.
She pulled him inside. Why is he so gloomy? I hope he didn't recognize me.