Stefan’s heart swelled further with each step he took toward the podium. There, Fahra, the tall middle aged town chief, stood for his birthday ceremony. It wasn’t everyday that a boy turned 13. Or, actually, maybe it was? The world was a big place, after all; there were a lot of boys. Shaking off his musings, he stared up at the woman and she smiled back at him.
“Have you decided what you’ll pick?”
Stefan nodded, and looked over his shoulders to see his parents, two figures both short and with average builds, one a woman with hazel eyes and hair a light shade of brown, another a mostly bald man with a dark beard and a wide smile. Stefan had inherited his mother’s freckles and pointy nose and his father’s eyes and hair, though he hoped he’d inherited it in colour only. They embraced as they looked on, at him.
He turned back to the town chief. “I want to be a healer, like mom and dad.”
Her smile broadened. “A fine starting class.” She motioned to husher him closer to the many-faceted crystal ball that stood embedded on the stone wall.
He was mesmerised by the ever-changing lights that bounced within. It was the first time he’d been allowed so close to the dungeon, after all. “May I?” Gingerly, he reached out to touch it.
Fahra nodded.
And, as he made contact, the world flashed black and then he floated in a white void.
“Welcome to the dungeon system induction.” The void spoke. “This is a program sponsored by the Seven to select and aid those who’d join them in the war. Do you intend to join their campaign?”
“Yes!” Stefan spoke, as he’d been instructed, and the void gained colour. Flashes of battle winked in and out all around him. Some held lone people, while others held parties and others armies. Some people were proud, while others were ragged, standing only with the strength of their conviction. Some fought with weapons, while others cast spells. Some fought rats, while others fought behemoths.
“Approval confirmed. As part of your initiation, you will be given a choice of a class, each gifted by one of the Seven. Know you may acquire further classes by proving yourself defeating dungeons. Your choices are as follows:”
The flashes of battle stilled and, of the infinite number of battlefields, a smaller infinity flew toward him, obfuscating the others. Each depicted a person holding some kind of melee weapon, a spear, a staff, a sword; one wielded only their fists and a couple others had weapons Stefan didn’t even know the name of. “Warrior. Warriors are those who stand in the thick of the fight. They are sturdy and capable of incredible feats of skill, strength, and endurance.”
Stefan’s eyes sparkled as he watched these people. His older sister was a warrior. He’d seen her carrying a couch single handed once. It made him feel a bit envious, but he knew it wasn’t his path. He could only look up to her.
Just as quickly as the images surged in, they streamed back and grouped together in the corner of his vision. Then, another selection came forth, this one of people with jeweled items, some wearing robes, while others wore armor, each and every-one wielding incredible magic. Some spewed elemental blasts; others conjured something out of nothing. One walked through a perfectly still battlefield, as if time had stopped for everyone but her. “Mage. Mages are those who use magic to bend the fabric of reality to their desired effect. They have knowledge and powers beyond the natural order.”
Stefan gulped as he watched a mage conjure a blast of purple magic that cleaved a building in two. That… that wasn’t Stefan’s path, no matter how intrigued he was by the mystical.
The mages were removed and new images surrounded him. This time, the people surrounding him didn’t fight alone. They were accompanied by beasts, plants, elementals, fay and monsters of all kinds. They had floating magic weapons and the strangest armor. “Bound. Bound are those that nurture and empower other beings so they can fight on their behalf. They have unique skills to aid in mutual understanding and connecting with either the animate or the inanimate and strengthen them to the utmost.“
Stefan reached out. Giving up on this class was the only one that truly ached. He’d always loved animals. To be able to talk to his dog and others, knowing he could support them and help them become something awesome. That would be incredible, but, no, he would become a healer. But, maybe, maybe he could pick it as a class later, if he ever proved himself to the Seven.
All too soon, the bound left, and another class’s images were brought before him. This time, they wore fancy armor or fabric, leading armies from the front or ordering them from the back. “Guide. Guides are those who appraise and empower others. Guides have skills that enable them to identify the strengths and weaknesses of others, as well as to grant temporary boosts to their attributes and abilities.”
And there it was, the worst class of all. The politician class. Although Stefan respected a lot of people with this class, like chief Fahra and other council members and regular townsfolk who’d taken Guide for a class for one reason or another, there were also people like Miss Karen, and although it might be unfair to discredit a whole group of people for a single person’s awfulness, well, Stefan didn’t care. He was not going to pick Karen’s class, ever. More than that, he’d like to have as little in common with that woman as possible.
As quickly as they came, the guides left and were replaced by something far more appetising. Healers, finally! They all looked different, some wearing armor and standing behind a party against a monster, while others wore robes and kneeled before the injured in halls. The one thing that united them all was that, where they went, wounds closed, diseases were vanquished and, sometimes, even limbs were regrown. “Healer. Healers are those who save lives. They have skills to revitalise and rehabilitate themselves and others.”
That was the one. The power Stefan had longed for ever since he was little and first saw his parents’ miracles. Ever since his father healed his bruised knee. “How do I select it?” The void didn’t answer. He trembled in anticipation. Did he have to wait for the void to finish its presentation? He could scarcely wait.
New images replaced the last. “Crafter. Crafters are those who make wonders. Crafters have skills that enable them to invent and construct weapons and tools to aid them and others in battle.”
“Cool, but I want healer, please!”
Finally, it was the last class’ turn. “Hunter. Hunters are those who seek. They have skills that enhance their senses and the speed and reflexes to act upon them.”
The myriad archers were jumbled together and tossed to a corner like all other classes before the void spoke again.
“Which of these Seven classes do you choose to at-?”
“Healer!”
“-tain. Healer class requested. Are you certain you wish to beco-”
“Yes, I’m sure!”
“Healer class emparted; Status view skill emparted. Stride forth, and may you overcome all challenges. The Seven await.”
Stefan blinked, and he was back outside, staring at his trembling hand hovering over a crystal. He stiffened as Fahra placed hand over his shoulder.
Her eyes glazed over for a second. Then, she looked into his eyes and smiled. “Congratulations, Healer!”
“Thank you!” He beamed before rushing to the greatest moment in his life so far. “Status view.” He mumbled, and a screen appeared before him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Status:
Classes:
Healer - lvl.1
Attribute Points:
Strength - 1
Agility - 1
Vitality - 1
Resilience - 1
Magic Power - 1
Mana Reserves - 2
Senses - 1
Skills:
Status view
| Healer class skill choice available |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
His heart raced. He’d taken his first real step. He was a Healer!
Stefan’s father tackled him into an embrace.
His mother grinned as his spindly father lifted his chubby self off the ground. “We’re proud of you, dear.”
His dad placed him back down and grabbed his shoulders. A tear ran down his smiling cheek. “This is just the beginning son! Come, let me and your mother prepare you a meal. We have much to discuss!”
His mother turned to the town chief and bowed slightly. “Thank you for your time, Fahra.”
His father followed after, placing a hand over Stefan’s head and ensuring he did likewise.
Fahra nodded. “I wish you the best of luck, Stefan, and look forward to seeing you use your skills for our town.”
Then, he was sandwiched between his parents and dragged back home.
***
His mother sat down with two bowls of dessert, handing one to Stefan as his father did the dishes. “So, you’re half an adult now.”
Stefan paused a spoonful of mousse halfway to his lips. “I am?”
She smiled. “You are.”
“We aren’t going to have that talk; are we? I’ve already read the anatomy books; I know how it works.”
His mother choked. “What? No, I mean, maybe we should, at some point, but that’s not what I meant.”
His father laughed. “You walked right into that one, honey!”
She glowered.
“So, if not that, what’s this about, then?”
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
She snorted. “What else? We’re putting you to work!”
Stefan jumped. “Really? Finally! I’ve been studying for so long!”
“Ha!” His father pointed at his mother. “You owe me ten copper.”
She rolled her eyes. “We’ll see how excited he is after a day’s work.”
Stefan crossed his arms. “My own mom bet against me.”
His dad nodded. “She’s pretty heartless like that.” and earned a shove.
“Can we get back on topic?”
“What? The talk? You heard him; he already knows about the birds and the bees.”
Stefan laughed. His mother didn’t.
Realizing she was serious, his father cleared his throat and Stefan sat up at attention.
“So, as I said, we’re putting you to work now.” Her hazel eyes looked him over to confirm he was listening.
He nodded.
“You’ve already studied what needed studying. It’s always good to refresh your knowledge, but what you really need now is a skill.”
He nodded.
“You should be able to pick your first class skill. Unless you already have?”
He shook his head.
“Good, then, go ahead and open your status screen.”
“Status View,” Stefan whispered and the same screen as before opened. His eyes were glued to it.
“You don’t need to say a skill’s name to use it.” His father pointed out.
“We can help him with that later.”
His dad shrugged.
“See that line in the skill section telling you that you have an available skill?”
“I do”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Healer class skill choice available
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Focus on it; imagine it’s a door and try to pry it open.”
Stefan’s head jerked back as a new screen overlapped the first.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Healer Class Skills available:
Healing touch - Channel
Regeneration - Buff
Eliminate Pathogen - Active
Eliminate Poison - Active
Remove ailed flesh - Active
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Yes!” He cheered.
“Healers start out with five skill options; right?” She turned to his father, who nodded. “Do you know what all of them do?”
“I do!” Stefan focused on a skill to ‘pry open the door’, as his mother had called it. and the screen shifted.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skill description:
Healing touch - Channel
Channel mana through your hands to heal the target’s HP (scales with Magic power)
Range: Contact
| Choose skill |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was exactly as he’d studied.
The front door creaked open. “Hang on for a second; I’ll be right back.” His sister called back as she walked past the kitchen. She wore her plate armor and held her helmet in her hand. Her face, that resembled Stefan’s so much, was half hidden behind dirt and dried blood.
“Melly!”
“Huh?” She staggered back. “What is it, mom? My party’s doing the post run debrief.”
“You ran the dungeon again today?” Father sighed.
Metal clinked as she crossed her arms. “I did. Greman couldn’t do it next week and I want to get to level 10 some time this decade.”
“How many times have we told you not to rush into things?” His mother berated.
Melly’s jaw tightened, and, at first she seemed simply angry, but then Stefan saw the dried blood, her crusty dark hair, the rips in her braces and the bags under her eyes and realised how tired she must be. “Welcome home, sis.”
Her shoulders slumped. Her voice softened. “Hey, Stef. I hope you had a good day.”
Stefan frowned. Had she forgot about his birthday? He dismissed the thought. He was being selfish. She was busy and had a lot on her mind; that’s all, no need to make a big deal out of it.
She turned back to their parents. “Look, we can talk later. I really need to get back to my party. Stef, I’ll see you in a bit.”
His father tried to follow Melly as she left but his mother held his wrist. “Later. We’re talking to Stefan now.”
He turned back to Stefan, his brow creased, and grunted before he sat down. “Sorry, son. Your sister, she’s at that age where it’s difficult for me to understand her sometimes.”
“I get it.” Stefan said, though he really didn’t; but people needed that kind of reassurance every once in a while and he lost nothing in giving it.
“Have you decided which skill you’ll pick, Stefan?” His mother took his father’s hand.
“Regeneration.”
His dad smiled. “Smart boy.”
Her mother tried to hide the same cheer. “Why not Healing Touch or Eliminate Pathogen?”
Stefan brought back the reasoning he’d been doing ever since he first read the skills years ago. “Eliminate Pathogen is powerful; it can rid someone of a cold or infection, or most illnesses in one go. But, it’s limited to illnesses; it can’t do anything for open wounds or broken bones, or anything like that. It has the same problem as the other two skills, Eliminate Poison and Remove Ailed Flesh; it’s over-specialised, which isn’t a bad thing, exactly, but it means it’s not great for your first skill. If you only have one trick, it should be useful in as many situations as possible.” He looked to the left to see his father was nodding, which gave him some momentum. “While you can’t heal an illness with Healing Touch or Regeneration, you can help the patient’s body remain healthy until either another healer is available or their immune system is able to get rid of it by itself. As for why I should pick Regeneration over Healing Touch, it’s because it’s more efficient. It takes less mana to heal the same damage.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skill description:
Regeneration - Buff
Spend mana to cast on a target. The target will heal overtime (scales with Magic power) for a duration of 120 seconds.
note: Cannot be reapplied on target for the same duration.
Range: 2 metres
| Choose skill |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Those are good points.” His mother nodded. “But it trades speed for that efficiency. If someone’s in critical condition, they might not have the time for your spell to take its full effect. Would you trade their life for a couple points of mana?”
Stefan frowned. “No, but you and dad will be around. I’ll only be healing minor injuries and aches and pains for a while.”
She shook her head. “That’s your sister’s way of thinking. You’re thinking that it’s too unlikely that there ever would be an injured person only you could save, and you’re right; it’s improbable that such a thing would happen before you reached level 5 and got a new skill, but it’s not impossible. Worst case scenarios happen all the time, Stefan. You can’t prevent them, but you can prepare for them.”
Stefan nodded. Although, there was something that hit him the wrong way about the argument, or maybe it was just the way his sister had been brought up as an example of what not to do that left a sour taste in his mouth; it might even have simply been a moment of fleeting rebellion. Either way, he wasn’t swayed.
“I see your point.” He fled eye contact. “But I’ve already picked the skill.” He lied, before turning it to truth. He focused on the Choose skill prompt and the screen closed, leading back to his home status screen, wherein a new skill was featured. He had now learned Regeneration.
His mother gripped the bridge of her nose. “Rashness is going to kill both our-”
“Rashness is a young man’s way.” His dad patted his mom’s back. “Congratulations on your first skill, son. Every skill selection is a momentous occasion. Make sure to put just as much thought on them as you did your first one.”
“I will.” Stefan replied, grateful, though distraught by the tone of defeat in the man’s voice.
“Good!” He smiled as he rose. “I’m going to get some paperwork done before retiring for the day. Make sure to rest well; you’ll be joining us tomorrow.”
***
Stefan sat on the steps to the front door, watching the silent streets lit only by sparse mana lights. It was a new moon that night.
“What do you think, Hash?” Stefan rubbed his dog’s belly. “Did I choose the right skill?”
The beagle tilted his head.
He smiled. “You know, I considered becoming a tamer for a second. I pictured the two of us adventuring together, fighting epic battles. Or, more likely, we could just stand back, become better friends, live a calm life, like my parents; I don’t think I’d make much of a fighter, after all. I-” He leaned against his hand. “I’ve spent all this time looking forward to this day, but now I’m not sure what to do next. Well, I will heal people; it’s what I’ve always wanted and that hasn’t changed; but should I just do as mom wants and work with them? Should I do that forever or just for a while? If so, how long of a while?” He rubbed his face. “Urgh! I guess I can always decide tomorrow.”
He sat with his dog for some time before a silhouette approached. He squinted to make out a familiar figure. “Melly, is that you?”
His sister waved. “Hey, kiddo, I’m sorry I took so long. The meeting ran long today. How are you doing?”
Hash tackled her legs and pranced around her as she made her way to sit beside Stefan.
“I’m alright. I think mom and dad are a bit mad at both of us right now, though”
“Wait, why would they be mad at you? Don’t tell me you became a warrior too.” She poked his side.
“No!” He rubbed at the spot. “We both know I’d be a terrible warrior.”
She shrugged.
“Wait, so you did remember. For a bit, I thought you’d forgot my birthday.”
“What kind of sister would forget her brother’s induction day!”
“Why, you, of course.”
“Brat!” She shoved him.
“Pig nose!” He rebounded.
“For the thousandth time, we have the same nose!”
He shrugged.
“Besides, Leran doesn’t mind it. He calls it boopable.” she mumbled.
Stefan faked puking.
She rolled her eyes. “Anyway, I’m sorry I wasn’t there for the ceremony, but I didn’t forget. In fact, I got you something.” She removed her backpack and started rummaging its pockets.
Stefan frowned. “A gift? I’m not 15 yet.”
“I figured I could give it to you early. Here.” She handed him a small pouch.
He stared at her as he tugged on the strings. As he turned to look inside, he found a small polygonal crystal inlayed with complex metal strings, a mana battery. It was maybe 2 cm across and shone ever so slightly. He’d seen some of these before. His parents kept half a dozen of them locked away in one of the clinic’s drawers. They were incredibly useful things for anyone with a magical class but they were also expensive. He marveled at its beauty.
Melly smiled. “I knew you’d like it. I saved up for a while, but only got enough for it last week. I hoped to get a bigger one, where you could store enough mana for a day's work, since Debbie is always low on mana, and mom and dad always keep some in reserve just in case, too. I wanted to make it so you wouldn’t have to worry about it as much when you’re just starting out. Alas,” she sighed. “your sister’s plans were foiled by equipment maintenance and potion costs and the like; I could only get you a lesser spellcaster’s mana battery. People say dungeon runs are profitable, but they forget how much it costs to do them safely.” She rubbed her shoulder.
“Regeneration,” He whispered, pointing a hand at Melly. It wasn’t a flashy skill; it didn’t have any obvious visual effects like some of the others. It did what it was meant to do without flare or fanfare. He smiled as he watched her relax gradually. It was the first time he’d used a healing skill. The first of many.
“Thanks.” she sighed.
He nodded. “You were pushing yourself for me, then, to get me this? Is that why you were out almost everyday?”
“What? No!”
He frowned.
“Well, maybe I pushed just a little harder than usual,” she leaned back. “But the big reason why I’m pushing myself is because I want to level up. I want to get stronger, to be more, to go beyond what anyone thinks possible!” She reached out an open hand, as if to grasp the stars.
“You want to see what else there is to life, other than this.” he whispered.
“You get it!” She pushed his shoulder. “My little brother can dream; who’d have thought!”
He rolled his eyes, but couldn’t help himself from smiling. “I’m not sure I could do what you do, though, Melly. Going into the dungeon? Fighting monsters? I saw images of them at the induction. I don’t think I’d be able to stand up to them.”
She shrugged. “I’ll stand up to them for you, then.”
