The system pulsed softly in front of James, its glow steady and almost… approving.
Congratulations.
You have successfully acquired a class.
James exhaled slowly, steadying himself against the wall as another window unfolded before his eyes.
---
Class Acquired
Name: Summoner
Class Rank: Unknown
Description:
The living bridge between the physical world and every other plane of existence.
Skills Granted:
Designated Summon
Random Gacha Summon
Dismiss Summon
---
James stared at the description for a long moment.
"…A bridge?" he muttered.
The words felt heavy, far heavier than a normal class description should. Every other plane of existence didn't sound like something meant for a beginner, or even a human. His brows furrowed as unease crept in.
Before he could think further, a thunderous crash echoed from outside.
James flinched.
Grimacing through the lingering ache in his body, he forced himself upright and limped toward the window. Each step reminded him how close to death he'd been just minutes ago. With trembling hands, he pulled the curtain aside.
And froze.
The world had changed.
Buildings burned in the distance, flames licking the sky as black smoke coiled upward like living things. The sky itself had darkened unnaturally, clouds swirling as if stirred by some unseen force. Screams echoed faintly through the streets below, mixed with roars that were unmistakably inhuman.
Monsters roamed freely, hulking silhouettes tearing through cars, smaller shapes darting between alleys, dragging people screaming into the shadows.
James swallowed hard.
"This is… Earth?" he whispered.
Unread Notifications Detected.
The system's voice snapped him back. In the upper-right corner of his vision, a small mailbox icon glowed red, pulsing insistently.
James opened it.
Windows exploded into view one after another.
Achievements.
More achievements.
He skimmed through them quickly—most were familiar in nature. Stat increases. EXP bonuses. Survival milestones. Useful, but nothing shocking anymore.
Until two stood out.
---
Achievement Unlocked
Lucky Chest Selection Box Acquired
---
James nodded. Another one.
Then the final window appeared, heavier than the rest.
---
Unique Achievement Unlocked
The Dominator
Description:
Achieve Level 10 within one hour.
(Effect altered by class. If no class is present, effect increases all stats and EXP gain by 500%.)
Effect:
All summoned entities' stats and EXP gain increased by 500%.
---
James's eyes widened.
"…So my summons level too," he murmured.
The system confirmed it immediately.
Summoned entities possess individual stats and can level up independently.
A slow smile spread across James's face, not wide, not manic, but sharp with realization.
"This class…" he whispered. "It's not weak at all."
Carefully, he opened his inventory and selected one of the glowing chests.
---
Lucky Chest Selection
Choose one reward:
•Instant Healing Potion
•Life-Devouring Dagger
•Steel Armor Set
---
James didn't hesitate.
"Healing potion."
A small vial filled with thick, crimson liquid materialized in his hand. He inspected it briefly, no strange smell, no ominous aura. Just… power waiting to be used.
He uncorked it and drank.
The effect was immediate.
Warmth flooded his body, rushing through his veins like liquid fire, but without pain. His wounds sealed shut in seconds. The gashes on his abdomen and back vanished as if they had never existed. Fatigue drained away, replaced by strength, clarity, and breath that came easy.
James let out a shaky laugh as he straightened fully.
He checked his status.
His stats had skyrocketed, nearly all hovering close to a hundred.
Class bonus.
Achievement multipliers.
Runes.
Everything had stacked.
"…That explains it," he said quietly.
He opened the second lucky chest.
This time, his choice was deliberate.
"Life-Devouring Dagger."
The weapon appeared in his hand, sleek, dark metal etched with faint crimson veins.
---
Life-Devouring Dagger
Effect:
•Inflicts Bleed, reducing enemy HP by 3% per second for 5 seconds
•10% Life Steal Effect
---
James tested the balance, nodding in satisfaction.
"This'll keep me alive."
Only then did his nose wrinkle.
"…I smell terrible."
Dried blood. Sweat.
With a sigh, James headed to the bathroom and took the quickest shower of his life, scrubbing away the remnants of pain and panic. When he emerged, clean and steady, he returned to the window.
The city was still burning.
Monsters still roamed.
Humanity was still screaming.
James clenched his fist.
"If reality can change," he murmured to himself, eyes hardening,
"then so can I."
And this time-
He wouldn't be left behind.