Chapter 4: The Elven City, Dormou (2)

“Jesus, that guy Arata is such a stick-in-the-mud, I tell ya. Every time I try and invite him to go drinking, the damn guy just turns me down!”

A particular salaryman angrily protested to his colleague nearby as they began making their way out of our workplace.

“Well, him and I have been at this same company for years, and I’ve never seen that guy not go directly home after work. You should probably just stop wasting your time with him, man.”
“Tch. Just rubs me the wrong way, ya know? Does he think he’s better than us or something?”

As I sat at a distance—hidden from their view—I could overhear my two coworkers complaining about me. It wasn’t something I hadn’t heard before. It’s not as if they were in the wrong about it either. I was a firm believer and practitioner of doing what I needed to do at work—as quickly as possible—so I could return home and do the things I actually wanted to do. I was already in my mid-20s and held a complete lack of a social life outside of MO. I didn’t really see any point in even attempting to fix it either. It would be a different story if they invited me to play some games together or something though, but even then, that was quite the tedious stretch.

Oh, speaking of games. I should probably start heading home now, huh? I promised those guys we’d hit up that dungeon tonight after all.

Gathering my belongings, I finally headed out of the office myself. As I exited the doorway, everything began to fade back to black. Such a scene came to mind as the current me, now in the world of Aerith, was still asleep. And as I finally awoke, I found myself staring toward an unfamiliar ceiling.

“Ah, geez, I must have actually passed out...”

Pulling myself upright in bed, I didn’t even bother getting out as I now sat at a crisscross. With a short time spent on stretching my arms for a bit, I then began inspecting my body. Despite how badly I felt prior to our conversation from earlier, I now felt completely rejuvenated somehow.

“Oh? I guess sleeping does wonders for you in this world. Like resting at an inn—your health being fully restored and ailments cleared—I'd say? No, no, no. I doubt it’s actually that simple. At the very least, I do feel like I’m in perfect shape.”

Maybe it had something to do with how the real body of Albel worked. In the real world, or more specifically my old world, I was already starting to get to that age where moving too quickly or weirdly wouldn’t end well for me. Sitting all day and night with improper posture didn’t do anything to help that either sadly. The body of Albel—on the other hand—felt as if it were in its conditioned prime.

“That’s definitely assuring. Can’t imagine being able to do anything here in my old body after all.”

As I took a short gander around and then toward my right, my eyes came across a slightly opened window. There was no light peeking through, which in turn told me that it could only mean that it was still before dawn. After such a restful sleep, I had a decent amount of energy for now though.

“It’s still a bit too early for the morning discussion, huh? Well, I should probably use this time to figure out that whole mystery with my status anyways.”

I immediately prompted the status menu and my information projected itself in front of me once more.

Name: [Albel]
Rank: [Human]
Level: [60 (MAX)], [N/A]
Class: [Divination/Wizard]
—SUB: [N/A]
Alignment: [Chaotic Good]
INFO:
Unique SKILL - [Extra Class]
Titles - [Goddess' Token],
[The Diviner]

Nothing had changed since yesterday, and the same additional information remained unexplained. My Level was already maxed out prior, Alignment was similar to what I had gone for in-game and my Class specified that I was a Wizard specializing in Divination magic. Everything of the usual seemed correct.

“Hm, putting that [Goddess’ Token] aside for now, [Extra Class] seems rather self-explanatory, right?”

It would make sense given the other information listed above the Unique SKILL. There wasn’t any other form of Class system in the game, as far as I had known.
Even the entirety of monsters abided by a similar system of being registered under a certain category depending on their type and fighting style—if any. A random monster that specialized in nothing would simply be registered as having the Class-type, Feral, to differentiate them between those that did.

“So, wouldn’t that mean I should have access to an additional class then? That would explain the SUB category and the extra Level slot.”

Though, the real question is; where in the world did I even get this skill? Maybe it had something to do with the leak about how the developers were going to introduce a new sub-Class system? Why would it be added at a time like this anyways?

“Hm.”

It didn’t make any sense at all, but it wasn’t as if the answer would come to me without doing anything. As I moved my status menu aside, it remained hovering in a translucent screen to my right. I figured it was about time to try and prompt the new and unknown skill.

“I guess I should just say it aloud, right? Activate: Unique SKILL, [Extra Class]—!?”

The second I activated the skill, a massive menu appeared before me and caught me off guard. Yet, before I could even register what exactly I was looking at—another smaller menu decided to pop up in front of me as well.

EXTRA CLASS EXCHANGE:
Please select one of the following Classes in the list provided.
Note: Any Class selected will start at the base level of "1".
Please keep in mind that in the event you wish to exchange Classes at a later time, any experience or levels gained on the previously selected Class will be reset. The newly selected Class will start at the base level of "1" as well.
In the event where the chosen Class is directly similar to one's original class, the level cap for the original Class will instead be increased.
The newly unlocked level cap in this situation would become "70 (MAX)".

The explanation provided for the skill allowed for me to get the gist of how exactly the skill worked. It seems my assumption had been correct. It was fairly similar to the leaked content that the developers were planning on introducing.

“Which means...I can choose any Class on this list, huh?”

I could feel myself getting giddy once more, similar to how I felt when I first read the leaks. I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed testing out different setups and tactics with Divination magic, and this would only open the door further to many more options.

“It looks like I can’t retain experience if I decided to switch though. That’s a bit of a letdown.”

Was it due to keeping a balance? Being able to switch from capped Class-to-Class with just the chant of a skill definitely did seem overpowered.

“That aside...”

In the event where the chosen Class is directly similar to one's original Class, the level cap for the original Class will instead be increased.

“Leveling from 50 to 60 was an absolute pain in MO due to the restriction of needing certain quests fulfilled first before you could even go on to the next level. I can’t help but feel cautious on whether it would be the same here...”

It definitely didn’t state anything otherwise either. Moving my focus to the list behind the notice, I quickly scanned the contents. The list was quite massive and seemingly held every single Class I knew from MO. My eyes lingered on certain ones, here and there, to the point where I had lost track of time before I knew it.

“Ah.”

I could now catch a faint light coming from the right-side window. Seeing this, I realized that I wouldn’t be able to make any decisions as of yet. I simply closed the menu on that though, throwing my body back onto the bed.

“Well, there’s no need to rush it just yet. I need to make sure I pick one that works best with my original Class after all.”

I settled myself once more on the comforting bed, lost in thinking as I then slowly began to drift toward going back to sleep. A few more hours wouldn’t hurt, I thought. Though—before that could seemingly happen—a knock came from the door to my room.

“Sir Albel, we’d like permission to enter.”

A familiar voice greeted me with a question from the other side.

Hm? That sounds like one of the maids from yesterday. They seem rather early—huh!? I didn’t even notice how bright it was already outside!

It was far brighter outside than I had realized, leading me to believe that I actually had fallen back to sleep for a short while longer.

“Ah, I’m awake! You can enter...”

As the two of them entered, one remained silent as a purple-haired maid began talking.

“We’ve come to deliver you this basin of water, in order for you to freshen yourself up. We also have clean garments for you to change into.”

She handed me a set of clothing as the one behind her walked over to place the water basin on a nearby table.

“I appreciate it, thanks. I’m assuming we’ll be heading to the dining area after this, right?”
“Yes, Lady Marna and Captain Vaalyun are already on their way over as well.”

Mentioning the other two, she and the other maid then repositioned themselves nearby the doorway after completely their given task.

I see, everyone must be early birds here. I was kind of hoping I’d be able to sleep in a bit more actually. Hm? These clothes seem like the perfect size for me too. Did they take my measurements with just their eyes or something? What dependable maids...

“Is something the matter, Sir Albel? You’ve gone silent.”
“Ah, nothing at all. I’ll get ready immediately then.”

As I quickly made my way to the water basin, I washed my face and mouth. Grabbing ahold of the clothes once more, the purple-haired maid expressed a rather sudden proposal.

“Allow for us to assist you with changing your clothes.”
“No, no, no. That’s definitely not going to happen.”
“Understood.”

The two maids remained standing there, just watching my every moment still.

Oh boy.

“Um, I’m going to get changed now.”
“Understood.”
“...And I’m taking off my pants.”
“Yes, we see that, Sir Albel.”
“And that’s the problem!”

After finally mustering up enough courage to direct them out of the room, they stoically listened and complied. I then quickly switched out of my original clothes and headed out. I actually didn’t necessarily even need the clothing provided to me since I had all of my personal items in my inventory—which included casual clothing. Even so, I still decided to just allow them to accommodate me for the time being.

These are pretty comfortable anyways.

It was a mesh of white and blue robes, similar to what Marna was wearing yesterday. It was a bit too stylish for me, but I wasn’t particularly bothered by it.
We then finally made our way toward the dining room. Along the way, I took in the architecture of the Elven Castle. Having been too busy yesterday—mentally—I wasn’t really able to take in its full glamour and atmosphere. Even though it was called a castle, it was more like a lavishly built mansion, one packed full with history. It was seemingly infused and surrounded by dauntingly large and rich sequoia trees that webbed their way through the building. We were at the peak of the city as well, and despite it being past dawn, the long hallways remained dim and even still lit with magically-infused lanterns that adorned the walls.

The trees all around here must really be blocking out all of the light, huh? Hm? Now that I think about it, I haven’t really seen any others besides the Princess and her entourage. I wonder where the King and Queen are? Does she even have siblings?

Pushing those thoughts aside, we finally arrived at the dining area. I was immediately greeted with a smiling Marna and a still grumpy looking Captain Vaalyun.

This guy. It feels like he’s holding a grudge just for the sake of holding a grudge. He doesn’t even have a single, justified reason for holding a grudge in the first place!

“Oh! Good morning, Sir Albel! I hope you had a very pleasant rest last night. You definitely seem more full of health than you did yesterday. And those robes! They suit you perfectly. Mm, that’s good!”
“Ah, good morning, Marna. And yes, I was able to get a decent amount of rest and I am feeling a lot better now. I appreciate the hospitality.”
“Mm! Mm! It’s no issue at all.”

As I made a slight bow in her direction, she happily nodded her head in affirmation. Captain Vaalyun—on the other hand—kept his eyes closed and arms crossed at his chest. He seemed as if he had no intention or Interest in greeting me whatsoever. Not only that, he was more armored than yesterday for some reason now.

Does he always eat breakfast like this? Seems like it’d be a pain, wouldn’t it? Well, live and let live, I guess.

As one of the maids directed me to my seat, which once again was across from the other two, I followed and sat down. Luckily, the table this time around had already been covered with readily available food to eat. Some I could barely even recognize or even tell what they even were.

“Mm! Let’s eat first, then we can get back to our discussion once more. Is that fine with you, Sir Albel?”

With a cocked eyebrow, I glanced back across to Marna in response to her unexpected question.

Oh, what’s this? She’s asking me this time? I assume that was already the plan.

“Yes, I don’t mind—!?”

The moment I responded; an abrupt tremor from an aggressive and sudden movement came from Captain Vaalyun’s direction.

“Please wait one moment, Princess!”
“What is it, Vaalyun? I don’t appreciate the fact that you’re interrupting the start of our meal. It’s bound to be about something mundane, at that.”

He made a slight bow in Marna’s direction and continued.

“My apologies, but I cannot afford to wait any longer. Understanding the true nature of this human should have been the utmost priority from the beginning! Given the ritual yesterday, I let it lie, but now...”

After initially launching from it, the Captain finally moved away from his seat and began making his way toward me with a menacing pressure and stride. Stopping near my immediate right, he gazed down at me and spoke in a stern tone.

“Human! I challenge you to a duel. There’s no better way to truly discern your enemy than in combat. I won’t allow for you to refuse either.”
“...!?”
“Vaalyun! Have you lost your mind?!”

With an enraged delivery, Marna had now launched from her own seat as the glare of her golden eyes now settled on Vaalyun.

“Princess Marna. This is a direct order from the Elven King himself. I must abide by it.”

The vestige of that previous glare promptly disappeared as she seemingly realized what the Captain had implied.

“Father...? There’s no way he’d...”

I could see that Marna had no further say in the matter, but thankfully, that had also answered my question in regards to their King at least. He did exist, and he himself potentially still held doubts about the one they summoned as well.

If that’s the case, it seems like I won’t be able to avoid this issue—no matter what. But...that’s fine, since...

I had yet to even test out what I could do in this new world myself. This would be the perfect way of finding out exactly that. I had no reason to decline—nor did I even want to in the first place. I slowly lifted myself from my chair and turned toward the Captain. I could see his eyes slightly squint in my direction in response.

“A bit demanding, but I understand. Captain Vaalyun, I accept that challenge.”