Chapter 4: The Path of Ascension

The echoes of the Stone Behemoth's defeat still reverberated in the air as Lucas stood amidst the rubble. His chest heaved, and his muscles ached from the exertion of the battle. The giant's body, now reduced to a pile of stone and dust, no longer posed any threat.

Lucas wiped the sweat from his brow, still processing everything that had just transpired. The strength it took to defeat the Behemoth, the immense pressure he'd felt during the fight—it was unlike anything he'd ever experienced. He had barely escaped with his life.

Yet, here he stood, victorious.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the Trial of the Ascendant.

You may now choose your Class.

**Available Classes:

Warrior: A master of combat, with high defense and powerful physical attacks.Mage: A wielder of arcane powers, capable of devastating spells and high magical potential.Rogue: A stealthy and agile fighter, skilled in surprise attacks and traps.**

Lucas stared at the options. Warrior, Mage, Rogue… Each class had its advantages, but the decision was enormous. This choice would define his path in Eternum—it would shape his skills, abilities, and even his future.

The Warrior class would grant him strength and durability. It was a straightforward approach to combat, perfect for someone who wanted to stand at the frontlines, smashing enemies head-on. But that wasn't his style. The Mage offered power, intellect, and versatility. Spells could change the tide of any battle, but Lucas wasn't sure if he wanted to rely solely on magic. Then there was the Rogue—quick, nimble, and deadly in the shadows. Perfect for sneaky tactics and precise strikes.

But as Lucas reflected on the battle with the Behemoth, one thing became clear: his instinct had always been to get in close, to strike fast, and to rely on agility rather than sheer brute force.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

You have selected the class: Rogue.

**You have gained the following skills:

[Stealth][Backstab][Trap Making]**

Your agility has increased significantly. Your Luck stat is now more effective.

You may upgrade your skills as you level up.

Lucas nodded to himself. Rogue it is.

The sudden surge of power was tangible. He could feel it coursing through his veins—the newfound agility in his limbs, the sense of heightened awareness. It was as if the world had slowed down, and he could see everything with perfect clarity. He flexed his fingers and felt an almost instinctual understanding of the knives and tools that would soon become his preferred weapons.

The moment the system locked in his class choice, a new notification appeared.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

Your next objective: Proceed to the Ascendant's Hall to claim your reward and learn about your future path.

Follow the path through the Guardian's Lair to find the Hall.

You will face trials along the way.

Time remaining: None.

"Ascendant's Hall," Lucas muttered under his breath. So there's more to this than just choosing a class.

He turned to look at the path ahead. It wasn't the same as when he had first entered the ruins. The stone walls had transformed, now pulsing with faint light. The air felt charged with magic, and the atmosphere was thick with a sense of destiny.