Chapter 14
Chapter 14
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: 2. Job
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I'd decided to choose a class after all.
Not a basic one, but a recommended class. The reason was simple. In novels and such, dual classes, hidden classes, and rare classes always packed way more punch than basic ones. Sure, they probably wouldn't be easy to level up. Even just looking at the descriptions made the pros and cons crystal clear.
The gladiator class lacked 'Refined Swordsmanship' and 'Martial Arts Secrets.' That probably meant restrictions on learning martial arts or acquiring skills. The magic swordsman class came with a warning about ending up in an 'in-between state.' Both could reach mastery and be fine, but otherwise, they'd get out-sworded by pure swordsmen and out-magicked by mages—turning into useless jacks-of-all-trades.
'First classes to rule out...'
Poisoner, Strategist, Berserker, and Assassin were off the list.
The Poisoner got bonuses for using poison but had limited melee capabilities. The Strategist boosted magic power but tanked defense and close combat. The Berserker had magic sealed off entirely. The Assassin tempted me a bit, but it didn't fit my fighting style. What I wanted was a class that could handle any situation while excelling in combat.
That left two options.
[Swordsman] and [Righteous Thief].
These were the only two worth considering.
At first glance, Swordsman seemed fantastic. But digging deeper revealed its complexity. Even magic swordsmen, who balanced sword and magic, warned of mediocrity. Swordsmen had to master sword arts and shamanism from the start, plus dozens of adaptive techniques.
It probably appeared because of all the skills I'd acquired. I hadn't used some yet—like linguistics, traps, magic resistance, and discernment—but even in the early game, that arsenal could be my trump card in any pinch.
Righteous Thief sounded iffy name-wise, but it was solid.
Top-tier physical stats and basic magic. Unlike magic swordsmen's even split, it leaned heavy on melee with fewer penalties. Still, it was a tough call.
'Cannot use cowardly means.'
Everything else was great, but that one line gave me pause. No clue how broad "cowardly" was, but losing traps and poison alone would gut my combat edge. After agonizing, I decided.
'Swordsman it is.'
If I were like others, short on cash or info, I wouldn't risk it. But with ranking potential, I'd be top-tier. Tutorial quests' massive rewards and exclusive first-clear bonuses? Leverage those right, and I could make Swordsman shine.
Even in the worst case, I'd outperform average.
"I wish to change to Swordsman."
"The fee is 50,000 guild."
I handed over the 50,000 guild without hesitation. Philip couldn't hide his shock. That wasn't a day's earnings. Streets were full of folks starving without 10 guild, yet here I was with 50,000 already.
"Congratulations on your path as a Swordsman."
"Hooh."
I'd expected class skills, but the all-stats boost and proficiency bumps were bonuses. +18 to stats? Perfect. And most skills had ticked up slightly—especially Mid Poison Technique, Martial Arts, and Three Materials Sword Technique, now at B-rank.
The new skills looked solid too.
Self-Advancing Step (E)
Grade: Magic (Upper)
Type: Active
- A precise yet explosive footwork. Off-beat rhythms and direction shifts beyond common sense confound foes.
Endless Curiosity (E)
Grade: Rare (Lower)
Type: Passive
- Swordsmen crave knowledge across all fields. No match for specialists, but versed in everything to some degree.
- Skill growth speed -10%.
- Seamlessly combine diverse skills for synergistic effects.
"Satisfied?"
"Yes."
Self-Advancing Step was great, but Endless Curiosity felt iffy. I didn't fully get the synergy bit, and the -10% growth speed nagged me.
Still, if my unique skill Concentration's "10% enhanced effect on focused targets" applied to growth, it'd zero out. No big worry.
"Don't get complacent—refine your craft. You could attract the great ones' gaze."
"Thank you."
I was itching to test these in combat. What did Self-Advancing Step feel like? How would Endless Curiosity play out?
As I headed out, a gaze made me turn. Two people: a beauty with faint-red ponytail, and a muscle-bound hunk like a gym rat.
At first, no idea why. Then it hit me.
'They're geared up!'
She had twin swords on her back—fancy, not basic longswords. He wore leather armor straining against muscles and wielded a 2m spear.
They'd stopped because of my coat.
"Hey."
"What?"
"Chat? My treat for a meal."
"Pass."
"Hey, miss! Where you going? Just talk!"
"......"
I'd stopped, but Ponytail ignored him and kept walking. She didn't make it far.
"Hey. Our boss wants a word."
Dozens loitering near the Job Change Temple swarmed, surrounding her. A swaggering guy grabbed her shoulder. She scowled.
"Let go."
"What?"
"Won't say it twice. Drop it or lose the arm."
"This bitch blind? Or brain-damaged...?"
Fwosh!
It happened in a blink. I saw it, but reacting? Different story. She drew a back-mounted sword, spun half-circle, and slashed down-up.
Blood sprayed mid-air, an arm hit the ground. The man's scream echoed through the city.
"Aaaargh!"
"Wanna live one-armed? Keep blocking."
"Hiiik!"
"M-Move!"
Like they'd never crowded her, the men parted. She flicked blood off her blade impassively and walked off. Her killer vibe after the instant amputee left folks breathless in horror.
"Stop."
"Tch."
My sneaky escape amid the stares? Busted from the start. The brute, still gawking at her, glared at me.
"What do you want?"
"You seem sharp."
"No idea."
"Cut the act. That coat and sword? Stellar Tutorial performance. Out of the Job Change Temple? Maybe classed already."
I wasn't the only thinker. Mocking others while hogging first-clears? Time to reflect. I played dumb.
"Beats me."
"Hmph. One question first. My title's 「Leader」. Yours?"
"Nothing special. 「Brave Survivor」."
I dropped the title I'd heard from Young-gi with a straight face. The man's tension eased a bit.