Chapter 294 (2/2)

“Especially for someone trying to defend a village.” David said, his voice still low. “Simon, that Class does not suit you.”

Suddenly Simon felt a sinking feeling in his chest. That was what this was about…? That he wasn’t strong enough for a combat Class…?

With his hands balled into fists, he said. “There are more Class skills and higher stat gains. Plus the Class is focused on water. I know I’m not…. Not very brave, or strong, or- or fucking like you, but I can learn, and then-!”

“Yea, you could. But you would not be happy. Learning to hurt others… is not worth it, when your gifts lie elsewhere.” David said quietly, his eyes closing. Abruptly, David seemed to have aged several years, the developing wrinkles in the corners of his eyes clear.

The girl started clapping. “Wow, so philosophical. Well, I’ll tell you another little secret, although this will hurt a bit. Mr. Emo Philosopher here is right, in a way: the Class skill you get is powerful enough, in its way, to raise the score that high. And-”

Grunting, the girl leaned forward, then tumbled to the ground, beginning to flail. David chuckled, then turned to Simon. “What she wanted to say, I bet, is that the skills you get every 10 levels will be similarly powerful. But of course… it’s your choice.”

Was it really his choice…? Simon supposed so, but he was faced with two choices, and he hated it. It felt like he was choosing between the person he was, the spoiled, useless brat before the System came… and the person he wanted to be.

Strong, confident, able to defeat enemies and help people. Powerful water magic, healing, protective spells… everything could be his, if he chose the Wave Defender. All he had to do was face his fear and fight.

Pressing his eyes closed, Simon, for the first time, forced himself to look at the image of that child, chased by the hippopotamuses, about to die. For that boy, didn’t he have to fight? Wasn’t he angry enough at the unfairness of the world, that he would fight for that kid?

But looking at the child, instead of that anger, there was only a cold dread. A thick layer of fear settled in his chest, stifling his ability to breathe. How could Simon ever hope to fight these monsters, even with a Class…?

Feeling somewhat defeated, Simon selected Dreamer.

Congratulations! You have received the Class of Dreamer. You have gained the skill Astral Projection Lvl 1. You may learn 12 additional skills to these and those you already possess. Skills may be forgotten to learn new skills. +6 Health per Level, +16 Mana Per Level, +6 Stamina per level. +2 Reaction, Wisdom, or Control per level (these points may be distributed between 2).

Astral Projection, Simon mused. But before he could try it, he was interrupted by the girl hopping to her feet and clapping.

“Perfect! Welcome to Star Crossing. There are some things I need to personally take care of, but I’ve assigned Thea Glasshammer to assist in helping you level, when she returns from visiting the Wild Hunter. She’s the one that brought you in, yes? Hopefully you will get along well. For now, feel free to fight some weaker monsters in the surrounding areas, and familiarize yourself with your new skill. Good luck~”

She turned to leave, and then called over her shoulder. “Oh and you… I sorta hope you don’t go insane from the pain and die, yanno?” Then she was gone.

David actually chuckled, and the two of them walked out of the main inn, receiving some surly looks from the guards. Apparently they had not done themselves any favors by attacking that dick head.

“Hey...thanks.” Simon said lamely. “I…. I think you are right, but I just wanted….”

David only nodded.

Simon scratched his head, as the two of them pushed their way through the stalls towards the edge of the Village. “If you could talk this whole time, why haven’t you….? Did I-”

David gave him a look, but it contained all the meaning it needed. I didn’t talk because I didn’t need to.

Nodding lamely, Simon followed the older man into the woods, thinking that he wished David would talk more, while simultaneously wishing he wouldn’t. The silence was nice, and Simon didn't feel the pressure to answer, but… it was a bit lonely. Still… at least they were doing this together.

Simon’s smile was bitter. Everything was like this for him. He both liked and hated every option, which meant he was just never satisfied. He had hoped that this would change with the System, but life was still life.