18 Chapter 18: Maestro (1/2)
Wilhelm's dark eyes couldn't help but light up at the string of notifications that appeared in his line of sight. He momentarily forgot about his mangled body and collapsed onto the ground, landing on his buttocks.
His body was wounded significantly. However, he was especially excited about the new ”feature” in his status. A small smile even formed on his lips as he whispered to the magical thing inside of his head.
[Evolution point: Once a sufficient amount of experience has been acquired, you will be awarded one. The human body is incapable of withstanding your current strength, nor is it possible to hold more mana. Thus, you must choose one of the options below if you wish to survive and gain more strength]
[1. Kitsune tail; increases adroit and dexterity]
[2. Imp horns; increases mana sensing capabilities]
[3. Maestro's metacarpus and fingers; Increases techniques and abilities with the hands]
[4. Tauren tusks; Increases strength and durability]
[If a choice is not made within twenty-four hours, the system will choose for you. Your future choices will become determined based on your decision—choose wisely]
Wilhelm heaved a deep sigh of exasperation as he fell onto his back, peering up at the ceiling. His prior enthusiasm was just about washed away once he realized that it was a critical turning point for his future.
Considering the fact that the system supplied him with a timer, and an ultimatum, it was inevitable that he acquired at least one of the four. He could also assume that the selection would be altered depending on the person's feats and difficulties, similar to when choosing a secret class.
If his memory served him correctly, then the reason both Tauren horns and Kitsune tail appeared, was due to his past interactions. His bouts with the many monstrous rabbits and his concern of the terrifying minotaurs. As for the Imp horns and metacarpus, he was completely unaware.
His best guess was either the monster that he had encountered at the flame-lake or the coffins at the bottom. Both were significant and note-worthy times in his life, but he just couldn't comprehend how that monstrosity would have anything to do with imps or music composers. From the video games he had played in the past, imps were generally low-tier creatures.
Wilhelm felt as though he was at a loss. Each choice seemed to be quite interesting, but he didn't want to make the wrong decision. He had learned his lesson from carelessly choosing the undertaker class.
Not to mention the fact that his body still ached, which hindered and interrupted his thought process. Blood dripped from his open wounds and plummeted to the ground, forcing him to rip up parts of his loincloth and bandage them.
He nearly looked like a mummy at this point, full of bandages and wounds. Whether or not he could decide upon an option quickly could potentially become a life and death matter. He required rest and immediate medical attention.
With that in mind, a wry smile suddenly appeared on his lips as he inwardly crossed off both tauren and imp horns. He wouldn't be able to blend back into society with gigantic tusks coming out of his forehead.
On the other hand, imp horns increased his mana sensing capabilities, but that seemed to be quite useless at the moment. Not a single ability that required mana was currently in his arsenal, so he was very reluctant to choose a future that wasn't even guaranteed.
As for the other two options, he was intrigued by both. On one side, he would gain dexterity and better balance, coupled a conspicuous tail. On the other, he would receive more agility and better use of his hands.
As it stood, both choices would benefit him tremendously. However, the possibilities of a sizeable fox-like tail inhabiting his body for the rest of his life irked him. And judging by what the system said, his subsequent evolution choices would be dependent on this one. The chance of becoming an actual fox-like creature didn't bode well with him.
Thus, he eventually settled on the most mysterious of the bunch, Maestro's metacarpus and fingers. Once he reached this conclusion, his evolution point disappeared, and another announcement rang in his ears.
[Maestro's metacarpus and fingers have been chosen, the host will be put into a deep slumber for ten hours]
Before Wilhelm could react, unparalleled drowsiness assaulted him. His vision went black, and the last thing he could remember was a burning sensation on his hands. He felt as though he was trapped in absolute darkness until a small light appeared.
Distraught, he reached out towards the light as if his life depended on it. His fingers inched closer and closer until finally, he grasped the ball of light. Immediately, he could feel the suns warmth and a fresh breeze blow past his face.
A vast and endless savannah appeared in front of him. Strong gusts of wind swaggered the blades of grass, and the squirrels chittered from the trees behind him. Lovely birds swooped across the sky and sang a melodious tone.
The strong scent of wildlife and crops invaded his nose as he stared at this scene incredulously. In front of him, a large, wooden piano resided. It seemed to shimmer and standout abnormally well within the surroundings.
Suddenly, a sweet voice entered into his ears, ”Doffy, your fingers are so beautiful. You were practically destined to become a pianist,” A gorgeous maiden said from behind him, she carried a small book and smiled admirably.
Wilhelm wanted to reply, but he couldn't. In fact, he soon figured out that he wasn't able to control the body he incorporated at all. ”Doffy” responded with a nod of his head and blushed ever so slightly, to Wilhelms dismay.
The young maiden chuckled at his response and began to teach Doffy how to play the piano. Every day, for months, they did the exact same thing. Even if it rained or was too hot, they never took a break. Eventually, the young boy surpassed the maiden and was unable to be taught by her anymore.
Over time, their relationship seemed to distance itself, and Wilhelm was forced to watch every single moment of it. The young boy grew into a man, but he had lost the very thing he sought after, the love of his life. Every day, he would continue to play the piano in the same location, practicing.
However, one day, the maiden returned. She carried a happy smile on her face as she hugged Doffy, assuring him of their mutual love. Happiness seemed to sprout within Doffy's heart as he didn't hesitate to propose to the lass, right then and there.
Of course, she accepted, and they began to live a happy life in a nearby village, no worries to speak of. That is, until one day, a group of knights which rode on imposing horseback appeared. Thunder struck the grounds, and heavy rain fell onto the lands as if even God was weeping.