Soul Sword

[Jonathan's POV]

<<January 14, 2023>>

<<Manila, Philippines>>

Waking up, I felt an unfamiliar feeling that I wouldn't have thought I would ever be feeling in my entire life; peace. The feeling of complete peace washed over my entire being and for the first time in my entire life, I felt like I could finally breathe. Coming from the life I've lived, it was definitely a strange feeling. But it's undeniably pleasant and welcoming. I would've never imagined myself smiling the moment I woke up, but here I am, doing just that.

Blinking away the sleepiness in my eyes, I then reached out to my side, only for it to be cold and empty. Suddenly jolting me to full awareness, I swiftly sat up, only to be struck by reality and by the fact that I was all alone. Panic started to surge in my heart, only for it to immediately calm down, when I saw a piece of paper on the bedside table. Grabbing the paper, it read:

[Morning sleeping beauty!

I didn't want to wake you up since you look so peaceful, sleeping. I just went out to quickly tend to a few things. I'll be back once everything's been taken care of, so you don't have to worry. Just continue resting up and relax, okay?

- Eli (^^,)]

Reading the words written by this special person, I felt like my heart was gonna burst. The huge grin on my face says it all. I really couldn't pinpoint the exact emotion that I'm feeling at the moment, but all I know is that every word written on that piece of paper made my heart swell in extreme happiness. Carefully placing the piece of paper back to the bedside table, I then let out a deep breath, as I stretched out my limbs. Turning my gaze to look out the window, once again a smile lifted from my face. Who would've thought that the night before, I was so broken and shattered.

Getting up from the bed, I walked to the bathroom to relieve my bladder and also take a quick bath. But as I passed through the floor-to-ceiling mirror, on my way to the toilet, I suddenly halted in my tracks. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I was left stunned in disbelief. I couldn't even tell whose reflection I was looking at. I definitely know it's me, but at the same time, it felt so unfamiliar looking at myself. I might sound really conceited saying this, but I was mesmerized by the reflection I was looking at. I noticed that I grew taller. I was 5'8 before but from my rough estimations, I might be about 5'11 to 6 feet now. My body became even leaner and toned, and I couldn't find a single trace of fat on me. My muscles became more defined from top to bottom. I was shocked to even see my "thing" grow in size and length, that I became concerned if coach was feeling sore this morning because of me. I mean, I tried to be as gentle as much as possible, but with the size, I have right now, anything it enters is bound to be sore. Again, I'm not being conceited, just stating facts.

Anyhow, I was immediately pulled back to my senses when my bladder started demanding attention. So, I rushed off to the toilet and did what I was being demanded to do. After finishing my business, the size of the bathroom caught my attention. Living poor all my life, I've only ever fantasized about living in a comfortable house, with a nice clean bathroom. Now, I'm in one, grander than what I've ever imagined. Looking around, I marveled at the size and grandeur of this hospital bathroom.

When I spotted the giant bathtub, I became so excited. I've always wanted to try taking a bath in one of those. So, without waiting for a second longer, I began filling the bathtub with water. When I located where the essential oils were, I didn't even bother looking through them and just started mixing in a little bit of each bottle. After everything was set, a relaxing and soothing fragrance began filling the whole bathroom. I then stepped in slowly into the warm water, one foot after another, before soaking in my whole body. I let out a deep exhale, as the warm water relaxed every part of my body. The fragrance from the oils I dumped in, helped relax my mind.

While soaking in the tub, I decided to check on my status and skill windows, to see if there were any changes, like there were in my body and appearance. Calling out the status window, it immediately appeared before me. And let me tell you; if the changes in my body greatly shocked me. The changes in my stats and skills literally blew my mind off the roof.

[Status Window

Name: Jonathan Nightingale

Level: 1

Class: Soul Sword <<Mythic>>

Title: The Duke's first-ever vassal.

HP: 1250/1000 (+250)

Mana: (------) (+500)

Stats:

STR: (-) + 50 | AGI: (-) + 50 | INT: (-) + 50 | VIT: (-) + 50 | DEX: (-) + 50 | LUCK: (-) + 50]

[Title: The Duke's first-ever vassal.

You have the honor of becoming the Duke's first-ever vassal. And as such, your responsibilities are going to be much greater, than the ones after you.

Bonus Stat: STR: +50 | AGI: +50 | INT: +50 | VIT: +50 | DEX: +50 | LUCK: +50]

Title bonus: +100% bond gain with the Duke]

[Skills:

- Transcended Tenacity (Unique Skill)

You have complete immunity to all kinds of negative and abnormal status effects.

- Soul Sword (Passive) | (Active) (Cooldown: None) (Mana: None)

You have the ability to equip and wield a soul sword to your will.

(Passive): Your stats will be greatly affected depending on the soul sword equipped.

(Active) (Cooldown: None) (Mana: None): Equip, unequip, and change soul swords.

- Soul Accessorize (Passive)

You can turn your soul swords into various accessories, for them to be equipped as such.

- Soul Collector (Passive)

Gain soul coins for every life taken. The number of soul coins gained will depend on the strength and power of the life taken. The stronger the life form, the more soul coins gained. Soul coins can be used to purchase items at the Soul market.

When taking the life of stronger life forms, there is a slight chance of obtaining a soul crystal, which you can use to enhance your soul swords.

Soul Coins: 0

- Soul Market (Passive)

You can have access to the soul market.]

The changes were immense. My previous class, being a warrior, now changed into the <<Mythic>> class, Soul Sword. Seeing the word "mythic" beside my class, greatly surprised and confused me. I didn't even know that <<Mythic>> classes were a thing. Thinking long and hard about it, I came to the conclusion that coach must've been a <<Mythic>> class as well. I mean, it's only the only explanation that made sense, with all the drastic changes that happened to me.

Reading through the changes, I mostly understood everything. The only thing I'm confused about is, there's nowhere to find information on where to obtain a soul sword since they're the core of the class. Even my base stats and mana depend on them, so much. Not wanting to dwell on it for too long, I just decided to just wait for coach to return since he might know a way for me to get a soul sword.

Leaning back, I let out a deep breath. As I starred at the beautiful ceiling, I then, once again, started marveling at the fact that in just one night everything has completely changed. It was so drastic, that even my name changed. But if it wasn't for those changes, I might've long since drowned in my own misery. And I really couldn't appreciate and thank the coach enough, for saving me. If it weren't for him, I don't know what might become of me. And I don't even wanna imagine the "what could've been."

If giving and living my life to and for him was the only thing he's asking for in return, then I'm more than happy to do so, with my entire being.

***

[Elijah's POV]

<<January 14, 2023>>

<<Manila, Philippines>>

Entering the "hospital suit", a lovely fragrance welcomed me as I got a huge waft of it the moment I stepped inside the room. With paper bags in both hands, I walked further into the room and immediately noticed that the bed was empty. Just as I was about to look for Jonathan, the man himself walked out of the bathroom, looking absolutely divine. His body glistened as droplets of water slid down his sculpted body, Jonathan stood before me with only a towel wrapped around and dangerously hanging low from his hips. I swear, I might look calm on the outside, but on the inside, I'm having major blood loss from excessive nose bleeding.

Upon laying eyes on me, Jonathan swiftly walked towards my way and wrapped his strong arms around me, enveloping me in a warm embrace. At first, I was surprised by his sudden gesture, but then I started getting concerned.

With a soft voice of concern, I asked "You okay?"

Jonathan nodded before saying with an equally soft voice "Yeah. I just wanted to show you how thankful I am for keeping your word. And also, I missed you."

Hearing what he said, I let out a soft chuckle "I wasn't even gone that long."

"Still!" Jonathan said stubbornly but in an adorable way, making my heart melt.

"You had a lot of changes happened to you, but I didn't know that being clingy was one of those changes," I said teasingly so that I could calm my raging heart.

"You like it though," Jonathan said with utmost confidence.

And with that, I had to shut my mouth. I had no rebuttal because he's speaking the truth, only the truth and nothing but the truth, your honor. I would be downright lying my ass off if I completely denied his claim because I do like this clingy side of Jonathan. Although we barely know anything about each other; now, we have all the time in the world to do so. And discovering this side of Jonathan, honestly almost melted me in a puddle of mush, because of how adorable he is.

I actually felt bad not being able to embrace him back since both of my hands are currently occupied with the paper bags I was carrying. Thankfully, it didn't take long before Jonathan's stomach to start demanding attention. Chuckling, I slowly stepped out of his embrace.

"You still haven't had anything to eat since last night. Change first while I put out the food that I brought." I said as I handed him the paper bags with his clothes in them, which Jonathan quietly took as his face still burned in embarrassment, from what his stomach did.

As I was taking out the food I bought, from the paper bags, I caught a quick glimpse of Jonathan changing out in the open, like it's the most natural thing to do in the world. I ain't complaining though, since I got to appreciate his equally sculpted back and his tight buns of steel. When Jonathan caught me admiring his assets, a confident smirk appeared on his face.

"Liking what you see?" Jonathan asked in a nonchalant way as he continued putting on the clothes I bought for him.

Not wanting to disappoint him, I answered as honestly as possible. "I don't like it, I love it! And very much at that."

Hearing my reply, the smirk on Jonathan's face became even bigger and borderline cocky. And what could I say, I love confident Jonathan, as well. It's sexy and hot. But then a sudden random thought entered my mind.

"Jonathan would totally rock a nipple piercing. It would really look good on him, plus it would add to his already amazing appeal."

What I didn't know was, after I thought of it, the bead in my inventory suddenly appeared into thin air. It shimmered brightly before zipping over to Jonathan. The next thing I knew, I heard a loud yelp coming from Jonathan.

"What the heck?!" Jonathan exclaimed as he turned to me with a deep frown on his face, full of confusion. When I saw his chest through, my eyes widen when I saw an obsidian black nipple barbell attached to his left nipple.

It was then, that my brain started shouting, "I just thought about it. I wasn't expecting it to actually happen! Like, this just got more dangerous for me!"

As I was mentally worrying and shouting at myself, the confused expression on Jonathan's face suddenly brightened up. Seeing the curious expression on my face, Jonathan started to explain all the changes that he got as a hunter, from his stats to his new class, to his new skills; everything! He also showed me his status window and skill window, so that I could further understand what he was trying to say. Then finally, he explained to me his worry about where he could obtain a soul sword. But just now, after the nipple piercing appeared, he suddenly got a notification, stating that he has obtained his first soul sword. Everything went by so fast, that I felt like I got whiplashed. I was so flustered, that I'm still gathering my thoughts from the massive information that was just dumped on me. Especially right now, since my brain still isn't functioning to its full potential because of lack of food. So, I told Jonathan to get changed first, then we'll continue talking while we're eating.

After Jonathan finished putting on all his clothes, I was also done with preparing the table. On the table at the mini-dinning area of the hospital suite lay a feast. I didn't know what Jonathan would like to eat, so I just bought a little bit of everything. As my eyes lay on Jonathan, his eyes sparkled upon seeing the feast prepared before him.

"Go on, eat as much as you want." I urged him. As I didn't want to hold him off any longer.

Without a second delay, Jonathan took a seat and began inhaling food. Just looking at Jonathan, a bittersweet feeling bloomed in my heart. Just the thought of him not being able to eat and starving in the past, and now seeing his excited face upon seeing so much food. I was happy that now, he could finally eat at much as he wants, at the same time I also felt sad that he had to go through so much hardships in the past. I put a mental note to always prepare a lot of food so that Jonathan could always eat to his heart's content.

As I was watching Jonathan busy himself with eating, I noticed that the shirt I bought for him was a little small. The plain black stretchable cotton shirt hugged and clung to his form, almost like a second skin. The shirt outlined every inch of his body, including his new nipple piercing, making him look extremely hot and spicy. Thankfully, other than the shirt, everything I bought for him, fitted him well.

Finally getting my much-needed nutrients, my brain finally started processing all the information Jonathan told me. It was then that I got this feeling that I'd already heard all the information that he told me, somewhere, a long time ago. And then it finally struck me, all the information that Jonathan told me, perfectly describes one of the very first OCs that I made when I first dipped my toes into digital art and writing. Then, as if I was enlightened by a revelation, all the pieces finally started coming together. Everything has had to do with my unique skill, "Transcended Creative Imagination". And just like that, I perfectly understood how Jonathan's class works, because I practically made it.

Explaining everything to Jonathan as we eat, I wasn't even surprised by the response he gave me.

"If you can do that. Then aren't you a little too overpowered?" Jonathan said in great disbelief, which I completely understand. If I heard people could make classes, I would've reacted the same way, if not even more.

I then told Jonathan to keep this information a tight lip secret or else people would hunt me down to the ends of the earth if they knew. Jonathan, being the reliable vassal that he is, swore to carry my secret to his grave.

After that whole revelation, I asked Jonathan to check the info on his first soul sword. As he did, Jonathan almost spat out the food in his mouth, when he saw the information of his first ever soul sword.

[Equipment:

Weapon: None

Armor (Upper): None

Armor (Lower): None

Armor (Feet): None

Accessory 1: <<The Torn of Vengeance, Endrance>> (Accessorized) (Bound) (Lvl:1)

The manifestation of vassal Jonathan's extreme longing for vengeance from those that wronged him. His longing for vengeance has grown steadily over time, making it stronger and more powerful, eventually gaining its own identity as a soul sword. Taking the form of the whip sword, Endrance will seek out all enemies that stood and opposes its master.

Soul Sword Stats:

HP: 2250/1000 (+1250)

Mana: 0/0

STR: 200 | AGI: 200 | INT: 0 | VIT: 250 | DEX: 200 | LUCK: 300

Soul Sword Skills:

- Vengeance (Passive)

Every successful consecutive attack on an opponent gains a stacking bonus of 2% physical damage and attack speed. Stacks last up to five seconds.

(Max stacks: 100)

- Grudge (Passive)

Every damage taken from opponents will grant a stacking 2% HP recovery per second to the caster. Stacks will be removed once HP is full.

(Max stacks: 5)

- Vendetta (Active) (Cooldown: 10 Seconds) (Mana cost: none)

Marks opponents with Vendetta. Opponents marked with Vendetta take 10% increase in physical damage and armor penetration from the caster.

Every successful kill on an opponent marked with Vendetta grants a 20% movement speed to the caster, for 5 seconds, that decays over time.

- Retribution (Toggle Active) (Cooldown: 2 seconds) (Mana cost: none)

Enters the state of Retribution. While in this state, the caster gains 100% physical damage, 20% attack, and movement speed, 100% Critical rate, and 150% Critical damage. While also in this state, the caster receives 5% max HP damage per second. The skill automatically switches off when the caster's HP reaches 10%.

Accessory 2: None

Accessory 3: None

Accessory 4: None

Accessory...]