The Weight of a Choice

The journey back to town was long, but compared to the fight they had just survived, it felt almost peaceful. Almost.

Arlan kept his hands in his cloak, his mind racing.

A class change.

This was the first major turning point in their growth, but it wasn't just a power boost—it was a choice.

For Tomas, Leila, Beren, and Mira, it was a step forward in their respective paths as warriors, archers, and mages.

For Arlan?

It was a trap.

If he wasn't careful, the system would expose his true class.

Bones clicked softly on his shoulder, as if sensing his unease.

Arlan exhaled. One step at a time.

Returning to the Inn

By the time they reached town, the sun was dipping low on the horizon. The streets bustled with traders, dock workers, and adventurers returning from their own quests.

The inn was a welcome sight—a warm glow spilling from the windows, laughter and clinking mugs echoing from inside.

Tomas immediately headed toward the counter. "Food first."

Mira grabbed his cloak, stopping him. "Class change first."

Tomas groaned. "Mira, please."

Leila smirked. "You can eat after you evolve, big guy."

Beren chuckled. "I bet he passes out before finishing dinner."

Tomas shot them a glare. "That happened once."

Mira rolled her eyes. "Come on. Upstairs."

Reluctantly, the group filed up to their rented rooms, exhaustion settling into their bones.

But there was something else—anticipation.

Tonight, they would take their first step toward true strength.

Inside the room, Tomas flopped onto a chair. "Alright, how does this work?"

Mira leaned against the wall. "You just open your status screen. The system should prompt the class change."

One by one, the group activated their status screens, a soft chime ringing in their minds.

Then—

[ System Message ]

You have reached Level 10!

Select your Class Advancement:

Tomas whistled. "Whoa. It's actually offering choices."

Mira nodded. "That's normal. The system adapts to your fighting style."

Leila tilted her head. "What did you guys get?"

Tomas leaned forward. "Alright. I got Shield Knight and Iron Guardian."

Leila raised an eyebrow. "Shield Knight sounds boring."

Tomas grinned. "That's why I'm picking Iron Guardian."

He tapped the screen—

A shockwave of force rippled from his body, nearly knocking his chair backward.

Tomas gasped. A brief surge of power coursed through his limbs, making his muscles denser, stronger. His skin prickled like stone, a faint silver sheen lingering before fading.

He exhaled. "Oh. That felt amazing."

Beren smirked. "Hope you're ready for mine, then."

[ System Message ]You have reached Level 10!

Select your Class Advancement:

Beren read his choices aloud. "Berserker or Warbringer."

Leila grinned. "Oh, we know what you're picking."

Beren chuckled. "Yeah. Berserker."

The moment he confirmed his choice, a wave of red-hot energy exploded outward. His veins burned, his heart pounded like a war drum, and for a brief moment—his vision tinted red.

Then it passed.

Beren cracked his neck, rolling his newly enhanced muscles. "Oh yeah. This is good."

Leila's eyes gleamed. "My turn."

[ System Message ]

You have reached Level 10!

Select your Class Advancement:

Leila scanned her choices. "Hawkeye or Shadowstalker."

Mira crossed her arms. "Shadowstalker?"

Leila grinned. "Yeah. Sounds mysterious, right?"

She tapped her choice.

The room dimmed—shadows clung to her form, wrapping around her limbs like living smoke. For a brief second, she disappeared entirely, before reappearing with a sharp, knowing smirk.

Tomas let out a low whistle. "I hate that. I hate that you can do that."

Leila winked. "You'll get used to it."

Mira opened her status screen—

Then frowned.

No class change prompt.

[ System Message ]

Class Advancement Requirement:

Trial Required

Tomas blinked. "Wait, you didn't get yours?"

Mira scowled. "Pyromancer requires a test."

Leila smirked. "Let me guess—you have to prove you won't burn the town down?"

Mira rolled her eyes. "Something like that."

Beren grinned. "So, what? You go to the guild, blow something up, and you get your class?"

Mira exhaled. "Something like that."

Arlan leaned back, watching their reactions.

The others were excited, energized by their new power. But Mira…

She was frustrated.

"Guess I'll visit the guild tomorrow," she muttered.

Arlan hesitated before pulling up his own status screen.

[ System Message ]

You have reached Level 10!

Select your Class Advancement:

His blood turned to ice.

For everyone else, the system had offered clear, expected options.

But his?

[ System Message Glitching ]

Error.

Path Recognition Detected.Unique Class Advancement Available.

His screen flickered. Two choices appeared.

[ Gravebinder ] - A necromancer who forges permanent bonds with the dead.

[ Pale Reaper ] - A hunter of life, gaining power through slain foes.

Arlan stared.

If anyone saw this—

He slammed the screen shut.

No one noticed.

He forced himself to breathe.

He couldn't pick either of these here. Not now. Not in front of them.

He would wait.

Tomas stretched. "Alright, we survived. We got stronger. Now… food."

Leila snorted. "Someone's priorities are very clear."

Beren stood. "He's not wrong, though."

Mira sighed. "We'll figure out my trial tomorrow."

Tomas clapped Arlan on the shoulder. "And you? You change yet?"

Arlan forced a grin. "Not yet. But I will soon."

Bones clicked softly, almost knowingly.

Arlan ignored him.

Because whatever choice he made next… it was going to change everything.