Perhaps creating summons in an enclosed space had been poor judgement, but the results far exceeded expectations. Marcus couldn’t have imagined that he’d be able to magic up a bear; not to mention one covered in quartz plating.

The bear, or rather Quartz-Plated Ursine, stood 1.5 meters tall at the shoulder, and was an astounding 2 meters long. He had no way to tell how heavy it was, but most bears weighed in the ballpark of 280 kilograms – without being covered in natural armor. Large sections of smokey quartz covered much of it's body, but was thickest around the chest and head areas. Quartz is a relatively hard mineral; without blunt weapons it would be difficult to bring the beast down. He’d felt an innate connection with the creature from the moment it came into existence, therefore, Marcus felt no fear; if anything, he was elated. Finding his once adequately sized shelter now insufficient he began to expand the room to fit the new addition.

Before there hadn’t been a need to create anything so large, but now space was much too cramped for his tastes. On the bright side, they would become crucial stopping points for other survivors headed back to the mountain; or at least that was the idea. Marcus soon lost himself in a shaping frenzy as he continually expanded the cavern network. His initial 6x6x3 meter hovel had now doubled in size, but he wasn’t even done yet. Rooms began to be segmented off from the main gathering area, each the size of the original space and contained raised platforms for bedding materials. Doors wouldn’t be possible, at least for now because molding small pieces remained beyond his skill; although he did form the doorways for later.

In the end Marcus was left with 150 square meters of space, about the size of a medium-sized, single-story home. During the process of Stone Shaping what he was now calling an outpost, he’d discovered reinforcement of his constructions was possible by using the excess material generated during the procedure. Which was certainly fortunate, not only did it reduce the chances of collapse, but because otherwise he’d have had to shove it all outside instead.

All-in-all, two hours had passed, but for future peace of mind it was a bargain. Eventually Marcus returned to the main area where his summon remained completely still – likely awaiting instructions. Mildly embarrassed that he’d lost track of his objective so easily, he used the opportunity to inspect the construct.

Quartz-Plated Ursine | Level: 12 | Type: Artificial Mana Construct | Mana Constructs are artificial duplications that are characteristically larger, smarter, and more durable than their natural counterparts. Artificial creatures summoned through mana take on unique features depending on aspect type used during creation. Quartz-Plated Ursine embodies earth aspect characteristics, which included heavily increased armor, and Constitution. -Created by amateur summoner, Marcus Diamandis.

Strangely enough he hadn’t received any new notifications when he had summoned the bear. Either the summon was incomplete or he’d messed up somehow; nothing stood out until Marcus tried issuing commands.

Once directed to move forward the Ursine did as told until it hit a wall. What wasn’t intended was for it to continue pressing into the wall to such an extent that clawed paws began to rip stone floors apart. Marcus told it to halt, before starting to ponder the reason for it being stupid rather than what the information had stated regarding its mental acuity.

At least for the time being, his Ursine would function as a mount; if anything, its physical standard was up to snuff. While fighting the kobolds he’d discovered that shaping any part of their body was impossible, at least while they remained alive that is. Marcus was curious to see if it would be feasible on a summon because he had been the creator. Stone Shape proved to not work, but Inorganic Fabrication did the trick, and shortly thereafter a groove appeared on its back; perfect for sitting in.

Earth would soon end its first day of Integration, and with it the introduction of not only paths, but classes. Marcus had no idea what he’d end up with - likely something related to magic at the very least. Exhausted after not only a day of travel, but bluntly a ridiculous amount of Stone Shaping - he fell asleep.

Marcus awoke in another place, devoid of any defining characteristics, utterly blank. Color didn’t necessarily exist here either, endless expanses of white or black had been the cliché, but the space just lacked any substance. Before he could further reflect on his location, a notification appeared; thankfully it seemed to explain the situation.

Congratulations on surviving your first day of Integration, and welcome to initial Class selection. You will be prompted with a list of options detailing various Classes you may choose. These opportunities are born out of a consolidation of your past accomplishments, deeds, and suitably after the last 24 hours, combat aptitude. Fear not, struggle is not the only path to exaltation, options do exist for other professions. Chosen Rites are consumed by class selection, and similarly to Rites are irrevocable.

Classes Available:

©Novice Warrior – Primarily melee specialists focused on the use of martial prowess. Bonus: Weapon Skills and Abilities improve at double normal rate. Primary Attributes: (Strength, Constitution, and Agility) ©Novice Mage – Arcane casters of the lowest order, weakly manipulate basic elemental forces. Bonus: Manipulation Skills and Abilities improve at double normal rate. Primary Attributes: (Intelligence, Wisdom, and Perception) ©Apprentice Engineer – Moderately skilled builder lacking any specific expertise; extremely useful for building ordinary structures. Bonus: Constructions overseen posses elevated quality. Primary Attributes: (Intelligence, Perception, Luck) (U)Novice Magi-Tech Engineer – Quasi-magical craftsman who combine mundane and magical materials by utilizing techniques of both specialties. Bonus: Item Capacity of created items greatly increased. Primary Attributes: (Intelligence, Wisdom, Perception, Luck) (U)Terramancer – Arcane casters focused singularly on Earth aspect manipulation; often specialize further into offensive, defensive, or supportive specialties. Bonus: Skill in manipulation of Earth aspect mana improves at double normal rate. Primary Attributes: (Intelligence, Wisdom, Perception, Constitution) (U)Pyromancer - Arcane casters focused singularly on Fire aspect manipulation; often specialize further into offensive, defensive, or supportive specialties. Bonus: Skill in manipulation of Fire aspect mana improves at double normal rate. Primary Attributes: (Intelligence, Wisdom, Perception, Charisma) (S)Apprentice Matter Reshaper – Exceptionally rare are those who stretch, prod, and shape the fundamental building blocks of inorganic matter. Often possesses extensive understanding of numerous mana aspects, bending each to their will, in, and out, of combat. Each of these spellcasters are unique; one may forge weapons of war, altering the very molecular composition of their next masterpiece - while another warps environments to their whim, altering geography moment to moment. Bonus: Manipulation skills of all types outside of metaphysical concepts improve at double normal rate. Primary Attributes: (Intelligence, Wisdom, Perception, and Constitution)

Marcus immediately discarded the first two options; he had no desire to become a warrior or run of the mill mage. Those two novice classes would become extremely common very soon as their requirements had likely just been to survive - something he’d far exceed; no need to follow others.

His third and fourth choices gave him some amount of heartache, they were clearly influenced by his past as an engineer. While useful in their own spheres of influence, he’d already decided his path forward and it was going to be an active one. Building impenetrable defenses would be incredible, but also a long-term goal with heavy expense on resources. Besides, Marcus couldn’t save people hiding behind the safety of walls, no, he’d have to venture beyond them.

Terramancer and Pyromancer were two flavors of the same class. The former focused on earth, the latter fire, and while they had been key parts of his survival thus far, even now he only possessed a handful of spells within their boundaries; making them unappealing.

As he’d been going along, class rarity had steadily increased along with complexity. The final choice continued that trend, and was well worth the wait; even the System had left the best for last. Outside of casting Scorching Ray and Tendrils of Earth, another class of spells had been exploited on a much larger scale - shaping. Stone Shape, Inorganic Fabrication, and Mineral Synthesis had been cornerstones of his journey, not to mention his new physique. Crystals were now a fundamental part of himself, and this class showed it. Not only had his path as a Crystal Lord been a factor, but also his new understanding of what it meant to carry a legacy within himself.

Even if he chose to ignore everything else the class had skipped past Rare into Special; assuming classes followed the same grading system as Dungeons. Considering everything thus far, logic would dictate that rarity determined overall power level – bluntly meaning it would be stupid to take anything else. Saying that could lead someone to believe Marcus didn’t want this class, he most certainly did. Not only did it strengthen his ability to create but hinted at opportunities to do much more. On that note, Azarti himself had made it clear how much potential lay within pursuing this avenue, and after further consideration finalized his selection.

Class Apprentice Matter Reshapter chosen. Rite of the Arcane detected, fusion commenced…Complete. Calculating skill progress…Complete. Final alterations in progress…Complete. Initial class selection has concluded, you will shortly regain consciousness in your last location. Continue to exalt yourself and limitless rewards shall be bequeathed up thee!

Marcus once again came to inside his outpost, and for several long seconds just elected to exist. After having gathered his thoughts once more, he braced and opened his status; immediately becoming overwhelmed.

[New Class assigned: Apprentice Matter Reshaper]

[Rite of the Arcane becomes Rite of the Manipulator – (+6 Intelligence, Wisdom, Perception per level, +2 Constitution per level.) Changes are NOT retroactive.]

Spell Synthesis Detected – ®Inorganic Fabrication and (U)Stone Shape have fused generating ®Inorganic Shaping. Skill level of each respective spell have combined and assigned to Inorganic Shaping. No new path points are created in this process.

Spell Mutation Detected – (U) Mineral Synthesis has mutated due to class changes becoming (U) Mineral Purification. All skill levels remain unchanged. No new path points are created in this process.

New Spell Learned – ®Inorganic Shaping – Level. 30 | The earth beneath your feet sings out in beautiful melodies, uncannily synchronized and balanced for individual performances. Each discrete sound represents something new, and unquestionably unique. Allows for the molding, manipulation, and identification of naturally occurring inorganic matter. Examples include: Stone, metals, crystals, etc., Spell levels reduce mana consumption, raise efficiency, and at higher levels, allow fabrication of hybrid substances.

New Spell Learned – (U) Mineral Purification – Level. 13 | Many attempt searching for the highest quality ores and natural resources, each perfect from their inception. Rather than endlessly hunt them, you instead create by gathering smaller, imperfect pieces, to forge a greater whole. Allows merging of materials sharing the same type – while in the process removing impurities from each sample; creating purer substances at the cost of mass. Increased levels allow for the purification and aggregation of higher quality resources.

“Well that’s unexpected, I didn’t know it was even possible for spells to combine. In any case, both are just straight upgrades to each effect, so no harm no foul I’d say. Fortunately, I don’t need to look through the entire status page, none of my attributes have changed directly, but I’m receive twenty attributes instead of fifteen per level now with this new Rite.” Marcus rambled aloud.

“Ah crap why did I even say anything…I nearly forgot about paths opening up too.” With a sigh he paged over to the paths screen.

Armed Combat – (0/50), Beginners Path – (0/25), Crystalline Bones – (0/200), Earth Aspect – (0/50), Fire Aspect – (0/50), Light Aspect – (0/100), Magus – (0/50), Mana Molding – (0/100), Void Aspect – (0/100)

Marcus suppressed an urge to scream, why oh why had he complained about not having path options! Now he was sickly with choice, every path listed was appealing, outside of maybe Armed Combat. He’d evidently need to prioritize, otherwise none of these would ever get finished. In addition, if Crystalline Bones set the trend, earlier path investments would unlock further options later. He promised himself he’d pick up a ton of random skills to farm path points -at least until he found the limit of how many were allowed.

Marcus only had sixty-eight PP, leaving him with several options he could finish immediately. First, he removed anything that cost more than fifty points eliminating everything but, Fire Aspect, Earth Aspect, Magus, and the Beginners Path. Of those he knocked off the last on the list, leaving him with the aspects and Magus to choose from. Each aspect would either make manipulating its mana type easier, teach him new spells, and of course increase attributes. Magus on the other hand felt more open ended and all-purpose. Thinking on it, Marcus HAD been trying to build a stable foundation before specializing too hard, making the option more appealing. Mulling it over for a bit, Marcus decided to finish the Magus path now. Primarily because any effects would more than likely be positive, and to also get an idea of what paths that weren’t related to the Crystal heritage functioned.

Every ten points added an additional three Intelligence, two Wisdom, and finally one Charisma of all things; totaling out to fifteen, ten, and five of each attribute respectively. At fifty nothing happened other than a new path being added to the list, plainly called Magus II – (0/100) and followed the addition he received another cryptical notification.

Mana bubbles in your veins, fueling acts of arcane might. Never underestimate the power of willpower, an experienced Magus can turn the tides of battle by force of will alone – enacting change through the Aether itself. Further study is required to master the art of mana, are you prepared for the long journey ahead?

“Do I continue dumping PP into Magus or do I revisit the aspects? Who knows how bad it is in Denver and that path could end up just lengthening once again…? I need something more concrete. With my new class Earth Aspect is likely my best bet if I want immediate gains. Fuck it, its random chance either way, aspect it is.” Marcus said.

He added his remaining PP,18, into Earth Aspect and received absolutely nothing, not even attributes. Cursing at his luck, Marcus could do nothing but become frustrated.

“I’ll just need to gamble on the reward upon completion. I’ve already committed to it, no sense in stopping now. You know it was quite rude of them to wake me up for this, but whatever, I need to rest and reset for tomorrow,” he grumbled.

Lying down Marcus quickly fell asleep once again, mildly anxious, but also excited for what the next day held.

Other than class selection, the night had passed blessedly calm. Sunrise began early around 5am, causing Marcus to rise with it; immediately prompting him to gathering his things. Shortly afterward he began to open his shelter to depart. Immediately he was able to tell the difference between the old spell and new - before the stone had felt like he was forcing himself through molasses, but now stone was a soft clay that parted effortlessly.

With his newfound ease the gap opened quickly, allowing both he and his incomplete summon to exit - followed immediately with a resealing of the entryway with a thin layer of stone. Once closed, Marcus added a trail marker and plaque near the door to clearly mark its location for future use. The plaque read:

You’ll find safe shelter near this marker - 2 meters to the left lies a thin layer of stone sealing an outpost of my own creation. Inside plenty of safe space exists for large parties; ventilation in the roof for fires is included, but be warned – the smoke will be easily spotted. Be courteous, if you posses the skill reseal this location after use please do so; at the very least conceal it to the best of your abilities. -Marcus

Upon finishing up, Marcus mounted the summon, directing it to begin moving. Despite having to constantly tweak the path of his impromptu steed, he was moving at an average speed of 30 mph, rapidly eating at the distance to his destination. By the early-afternoon Marcus could spot Denver on the horizon – it was burning.