I Am The Exception

We spent a week in town helping them get back on their feet. Requests to help with menial labor flooded the board from a lack of manpower and quests to bodyguard during herb gathering. Monsters were attracted to the smell of blood, causing adventurers to be stationed as guards. There were honestly, so many things to keep track of, but I left it all to Wilharrow.

("He is the Hero after all. He can handle it.") [Solace]

After taking several requests, building up our travel funds, Raon had something to say mid-meal.

"Oh. Hey, guys. I need to do a |Class Ascension Trial|." [Raon]

"What?" [Solace]

Wilharrow nodded.

"It should be around that time. What level are you now?" [Wilharrow]

"Eighty." [Raon]

"Alright. We'll see you later." [Wilharrow]

With that, Raon finished his meal and returned to the dorms he rented in the Adventurer's guild.

"...You guys wanna explain the |Class Ascension| thing to me?" [Solace]

"Did you not know?" [Wilharrow]

"It's where the gods send you a trial to complete. You can either change your class entirely or branch out into a stronger sub-class." [Fina]

"So kind of like Leon's |Bloodthirster| class?" [Solace]

Leon shook her head.

"Bown wit if." [Leon]

I couldn't understand her with her mouth full. Like, when is she not eating? Actually, was she even taught manners?

"What?" [Solace]

Leon swallowed.

"Born with it." [Leon]

"Blessed by the gods you are." [Wilharrow]

"We're getting off track. Please continue explaining Fina." [Solace]

"Regarding |Class Ascension|, you are transported to another plane of existence to take it. Only upon acceptance. After completion, you return to where you accepted the trial." [Fina]

Now I get why Raon went into his room.

"How long will Raon be gone?" [Solace]

"Until he gives up or completes the trial." [Wilharrow]

"You can fail?" [Solace]

"It's difficult. Or so I've heard. The trials are randomized and it depends on the individual." [Wilharrow]

That made me curious about my own.

"How do I get a |Class Ascension Trial|?" [Solace]

"You reach level 80." [Wilharrow]

…I was already level 121.

("Spirit Guide, is there any chance that you didn't tell me I can do a |Class Ascension Trial|?") [Solace]

"Response: The spirit |Solace| cannot undertake a |Class Ascension Trial| due to not having a |Class|." [Spirit Guide]

So I wasn't even at the starting line. I needed credentials.

("Spirit Guide. How do I obtain said |Class|?") [Solace]

"Response: Reach level 150." [Spirit Guide]

Now that's crazy.

("Spirit Guide. Theoretically, at what level would I get a |Class Ascension Trial|?") [Solace]

"Response: Permissions locked." [Spirit Guide]

("Permissions locked?!") [Solace]

By what?! A paywall?! Am I getting trolled by the gods?! Is Hema in on this? And why are my level requirements so high?!

"I might also need a |Class Ascension| soon. How about you guys?" [Wilharrow]

"Two more levels." [Leon]

"I'm also very close. I need five more levels." [Fina]

"And you, Alt?" [Wilharrow]

I wasn't sure how to explain it to them. I guess I'll tell them the truth.

"I need like… almost thirty levels." [Solace]

"Wow. You're level fifty? And you're that strong?" [Wilharrow]

"I was taught well by my master." Solace]

Technically I wasn't lying. I was 29 levels away from hitting 150.

"Since we're all pretty close to |Class Ascension|, let's stay in this town until we all complete it. Ah, with the exception of Alt since it may take a while." [Wilharrow]

"Sounds reasonable." [Solace]

If I was actually level 50 I might feel left out, but the |Experience| required for me to level up now is much higher. So, efficiency wise… it's better to not wait for me. Besides, I'm pretty strong without a class. I'm not coping by the way.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

For the next two weeks, we remained in the town. Raon successfully completed his |Class Ascension|, but appeared to be quite haggard. Leon did it with ease. Or so I think because she had an indifferent expression as per usual when she returned. Fina looked surprised when she suddenly popped out of thin air. Wilharrow came out with tears streaming down his face.

"What the hell did you guys go through?" [Solace]

We sat at a round table inside the Adventurer's guild. It kind of became the norm to gather there for some reason.

"It… It was terrible, Alt. I had to escape some sort of… monstrosity! For three days, I could not sleep. If I got caught, I died and was reborn. Within a maze that changed every thirty minutes, I made it out with pure luck." [Raon]

So Raon was traumatized. Also, that kind of sounded like Maze Sprinter.

"Leon? How about you? How was your trial?" [Solace]

She shrugged.

"I had a talk with an oldie. He gave me a peach." [Leon]

So she just got a freebie.

"And Fina?" [Solace]

"I did a puzzle. I didn't think it was correct, but I guess I got it right! It was pretty fun if I have to be honest." [Fina]

Fina played around I suppose.

"What about you Wilharrow?" [Solace]

"I watched a play. It… was so moving." [Wilharrow]

Wilharrow wasn't lying when he said the trials were random.

"Seriously?! While I was suffering, you guys had a blast?!" [Raon]

He slammed a hand on the table in frustration.

"Calm down. All that matters is that we all passed." [Wilharrow]

"Passed my ass! This is outrageous!" [Raon]

You know what? I'd also feel pretty pissed if I was him.

"Putting our trials aside, what classes did you all get?" [Wilharrow]

Hearing the question, Raon crossed his arms while huffing.

"...You go first." [Raon]

"My class remains as |Hero|. All of my stats have risen and I've gained a few skills." [Wilharrow]

"Like?" [Solace]

Wilharrow replied with a smile.

"You will find out when you see it." [Wilharrow]

"Wow. Not even going to reveal it, huh?" [Raon]

"It's a bit unorthodox so please understand. So, what about you?" [Wilharrow]

"I went from |Martial Artist| to |Blade Master|." [Raon]

That was surprising. Someone who uses only fists switched to weapons.

"How does that work?" [Solace]

"I'm a dual wielder now. I have skills specializing in holding two swords at once." [Raon]

"...Except you don't own any swords." [Solace]

"I can just buy some." [Raon]

"I guess." [Solace]

"Wanna spar after I buy it?" [Raon]

"Sure." [Solace]

I was confident I wasn't going to lose. I mean, my stats DID increase by 3 times. It'll be like kicking a toddler. …Was it called that? It's been a while since I've heard metaphors or whatever from Earth. Maybe it had something to do with candy? Am I getting affected by Ashtal?

"Oh, right. Fina's class was |Freelancer|, right? Did you change it?" [Wilharrow]

"You remembered?" [Fina]

"I remembered too." [Solace]

I blurted it out. I don't know what came over me, but I felt like I needed to say it. Ugh, it's embarrassing just remembering it.

"Don't be surprised… I got |Evocator|." [Fina]

Wilharrow and Raon's eyes went wide open.

"You got a |Unique| class?!" [Raon]

"It's on the same level as my own." [Wilharrow]

So we now have another |Hero| class member in our party.

"What does it do?" [Raon]

"It's supposed to make me use the abilities of my spirit. Or make it stronger? I'm not sure. I haven't summoned my spirit lately for… various reasons." [Fina]

She must be talking about mana cost. Also, she can use some of my abilities?! Does she know? Can she see my skills? I was lowkey panicking inside.

"...Were you not able to select any other classes? You should have had three choices. |Evocator| doesn't seem like a good choice right now." [Raon]

Fina frowned at him.

"It's my choice. I like it." [Fina]

Raon put his hands up in defeat.

"Okay. Don't get mad at me please." [Raon]

"Leon, did you change your class?" [Wilharrow]

She shrugged.

"|Devourer|." [Leon]

Wilharrow let out a weak chuckle.

"Another |Unique| class…" [Wilharrow]

"She already had a |Unique| though." [Raon]

The name was… fitting. |Devourer| fit Leon to a T.

"I'm assuming it relates to… eating?" [Wilharrow]

Leon gave him a thumbs up. Wait, who taught her that? I didn't know that sign existed.

"Eat. Get strong. Enemy attack. Receive. Get strong. Hit. Heal." [Leon]

So it turns out that consumption makes her stronger, AND she still kept the passive effect for |Bloothirster|.

"I think I've heard enough." [Raon]

He stood up from the table and nudged me.

"Let's go buy some swords. I wanna spar." [Raon]

"Say less." [Solace]