“The exact energy transitions contained in the [Fireball] spell remain elusive. However, by running electric energy through water to separate the hydrogen and oxygen ions, bottling said ions into a pressurized metal canister at a 2:1 ratio, enchanting a kinetic to thermal ‘firing pin’, and then launching it via the [Railgun] spell, I have been able to replicate the results.

Note: the energy introduced to the hydrogen and oxygen mixture sparks the chemical reaction to create water, which releases large amounts of energy. Too much pressure will prematurely catalyze this reaction. Please consult a high level [Alchemist] before attempting.”

-Excerpt from ‘The Science of Magic’

-

“I intend to purchase raw material and forge my own weaponry,” Bonehammer said, quick to the heart of the matter as usual. They tone was in no way welcoming, but they expressed their feelings about Quinn ‘tagging along’ nonetheless. “I will not need supervision or company.”

And with that, the dryad turned and walked away.

“My plans also don’t require supervision,” Ra’hel said, weaving her way to Snowflake’s side. She tucked a strand of her luscious, purple hair behind one of her delicate, pointed ears. Her hand touched his back and she pressed up against him, ever so slightly. “I might need some company though. Later.”

She turned to leave, treating Snowflake with a playful smirk and twinkling eyes before she left. With that, Snowflake and Quinn were alone, Mordai and Honey having dismissed themselves earlier.

“Well then,” Quinn said, grabbing Snowflake by the crook of his arm and leading him out into the city. “How long have you and Ra’hel been a thing?”

“Oh. Umm…” The question caught Snowflake by surprise, causing him to glance away. He looked back to see her emerald eyes locked to his, a playful smile dancing at the corner of her lips. It wasn’t the type of sparring he was used to, but be it far from him to shy away. “I guess that depends. Why do you want to know?”

“So you are seeing each other.”

“I didn’t say that.”

He grinned at her, enjoying their back and forth. Nevasca chose that moment to remind him of her presence. Her long, feathered tail snaked around his ankle and gave it a light tug, causing him to stumble. His head whipped around to glare at her. He was greeted by the wide eyes of a neglected kitten. Suppressing the characteristic sigh of the long-suffering, he reached down with his free hand to scratch behind her ears. She pressed against him, purring with satisfaction as they walked.

“Ra’hel seems very interested in you.”

Arm in arm, Quinn lead Snowflake through the city. Despite the unusual liberties she was taking with him, he felt comfortable with her. There was just something about her. Maybe it was the casual way she acted, so far detached from what he thought an angel would be. Maybe she had a holy aura or a Skill of some sort. Perhaps it was as shallow as a pretty girl flirting and being interested in him. Whatever the reason, he felt compelled to be open and honest with her.

“Yeah, I’ve gathered that, believe it or not. I’ve just had a lot on my mind with training and choosing a Class… Besides, there are a lot of other men around here with a lot more to offer than I have.”

It could very well be naïve to be so forthright, even if it was about something so trivial. The hard, bitter thing inside Snowflake screamed that he should bottle himself up. It told him that if he hid his vulnerability behind a spiked outer shell, that he would be safe. He ignored that small voice in favor of experience. After all, his willingness to be open with Angosin, Honey, and even Mordai had paid dividends.

“I think you might be underselling your charm,” Quinn said, incidentally pressing herself closer to him as they squeezed through a crowd. Her large wings were unwieldy in enclosed spaces. “A little bird told me you are inquisitive, a hard worker, and have potential to spare.”

“Speaking of being inquisitive,” Snowflake said, shifting with discomfort at the praise. He was nothing compared to what he had once been. “How did you do that?”

“Do what?”

“You know, appear out of nowhere, summon shadow creatures, teleport, et cetera.”

“A magician never reveals the tricks of their trade.” Quinn smirked up at him, giving him a side glance through long lashes. Had she been this much shorter than him before? “And a lady doesn’t tell her secrets. Not for free at least. Have you decided on your Class yet? I heard you were torn.”

“No. I-“ Snowflake cut himself off, deciding there was a difference between being open and relentlessly complaining about an issue. At this point he felt like he asked everyone he met for their opinion on the path, or paths, he should choose to dedicate his life to. “It’s hard.”

“Mmm, hold that thought.” Quinn stopped outside a store with a sign featuring a hammer descending to hit a spool of thread instead of the usual anvil Snowflake saw featured outside blacksmiths. It was odd. “This is the [Blacksmith] that made my sword. His wife is a [Seamstress] that makes high quality anti-bullet armor. I suggest investing for the Dungeon.”

The explained the thread. However, it begged another question.

“A [Seamstress] making armor?”

“Yeah,” Quinn said, pushing inside with him in tow. The shop had several racks and displays featuring a variety of weapons, clothes, and armor. Nevasca detached herself from his side to wander the store full of shiny wonders. “She spins metal into thread then weaves it tight enough that the tensile strength can stop bullets. Armor made with [Smith: Increase Density] is tougher, but requires massive amounts of strength, a good enchantment, or a Class that specializes in heavy armor.”

Snowflake considered that. After a moment he caught himself nodding along. It made sense. When he infused chemical energy into his body to reinforce himself, or into his club and shield to strengthen them, he was essentially increasing the tensile strength via chemical bonds. Strong, high density material, be they forged or woven, would have the same effect without the required Source.

“I thought Skills and spells made guns obsolete. Why would I need armor specifically to stop them?”

Quinn released her grip on Snowflake’s arm and moved to examine the various wares on display. As she did so, she shot him a puzzled look.

“Guns? Sure, but the [Bullet] spell is so simple and effective that everyone uses it. Not to mention upgrading it to [Modified Rail Gun].” She paused to heft a spear, forged into one solid piece of metal. Staggering under its weight she heaved back into place. With a dramatic sigh and wipe of her brow, she continued as if nothing had happened. It made Snowflake chuckle. “As for defending against those, there are definitely Skills and Spells that work, but armor is effective and cheap!”

Snowflake moved to examine a row of shields, careful to stay within eye and earshot of Quinn. He tried to lift a tower shield into position, but struggled even with his new found strength. It weighed far more than its size would suggest. An effect of the Skill Quinn mentioned? [Increase Density] was it? A glance over revealed the angelic being in question watching him struggle, a small smirk on her lips. As casual as he could be, he asked the question burning through his mind. One that shone far brighter than his idle curiosity about Skills.

“Could you teach me those spells?” He winced even as he said it. The raw desire in the words was impossible to conceal.

“Oh?” Quinn cocked her head to the side like a puzzled puppy. Her golden hair fell in cascading waves like a field of wheat in the summer, touched by the wind. “Honey hasn’t? No, no that makes sense. After all, what is the point of a chucking a metal ball at someone if it bounces off or they can heal it in seconds? That’s just her style.”

She put a finger to her chin, looking up into the side, considering. After a few moments she gave her answer.

“I’ll write the energy transitions down for you anyway. It could come in handy. Without a magic-based Class you won’t earn the Skill for it, but a smart guy like you should be able to figure it out in no time regardless.”

Snowflake hadn’t even realized he forgot to breathe. He moved to voice his gratitude, but a low rumble of a voice interrupted him. Looking to its source, he found a mountain of a man looming behind a counter he had glazed over while focused on Quinn. The man’s rippling forearms, crossed over his chest, were scarred with numerous cuts and burns. They also dwarfed Dave’s, even when he was swollen with unchecked rage.

“One bag of bullets and one steel-weave vest,” the man said, uncrossing his arms to tap the counter with a loud thunk. “If I am keeping track correctly. Anything else or do you plan on chatting all day?”

“There he is!” Quinn whirled, unperturbed by the man’s attitude. Her wings fluttered as she spoke. “My favorite [Blacksmith].”

“Hmph,” was the [Blacksmith’s] only reply.

“Yeah, actually,” Snowflake said, taking a deeper look at the store around them. Over the past few weeks he had become familiar with wielding a club. It was a convenient tool to pass pockets of kinetic energy through, providing range and a solid weapon as well. However, he had a few ideas for improvement. “I need a shield and a metal club. Maybe one with an edge?”

“Shields to your left. Edged clubs right in front of you.”

“These are swords.” Snowflake peered at the rack of bladed weapons in front of him, unable to resist stating the obvious.

“Indeed.”

“I was hoping for something more club-like, but a bit sturdier. Almost like a sword but thicker and with flanges in a cross formation like a mace down the entire length, except for the handle.”

“I got maces, war-hammers, and war-picks. If you’re trying to get the most out of a skill like [Reverberating Strike], I’d suggest a mace.”

Snowflake studied the weapons the [Blacksmith] indicated. With his meagre knowledge of melee weapons outside of swords, axes, and spears, the decision was not a hard one. He did not have enough information to compare the pros and cons of each weapon or the potential circumstances where it would be useful. So, he did as the man suggested and picked out a hefty, flanged mace. A few experimental swings left no doubt in his mind that it would be useful for breaking bones and crushing skulls.

As he browsed the available shields he considered the Skill the [Blacksmith] mentioned, [Reverberating Strike]. It sounded like a Skill that created echoes of itself, most likely a type of kinetic energy. He wondered if he could emulate it by creating a ‘packet’ of kinetic energy that had multiple smaller packets inside that would strike in rapid succession. Would it be more effective than a single large burst?

Mind lost in the mechanics of the world around him, it took Snowflake a bit longer than it should have to choose a shield. The tear drop shaped kite shield he decided on was a bit too large and heavy for him, but he trusted his body to soon rise to the challenge with some well utilized chemical energy.

Snowflake handed the [Blacksmith] his guild card and the cost of the equipment was added to his growing debt. He left the shop clad in a heavy vest of woven metal covered in black cloth, with his new mace at his side and shield slung across his back. Nevasca made a point of positioning herself between him and Quinn.

He ruffled her feathers, teasing his protective companion. She mrow’d at him in discontent at the treatment, so close but so far from the pets she craved. It was adorable.

“Well, with that sorted I think we should go to the Guild Archive. You mentioned you were having some Class difficulty,” Quinn said, watching their interaction with a slight smile. “They have a catalog of known Classes and their descriptions. For a nominal fee you can browse, but it costs extra to find out the Class requirements.”

“Wow, that’s-“ Snowflake began, surprised. After acquiring equipment he thought they would go their separate ways. This was much better. “Thank you. That is extremely helpful.”

“Mmm,” Quinn’s agreement was noncommittal. “Angosin told me to give you a helping hand if you still seemed lost. He is quite interested in your future development.”

“Are you two close?”

“You could say that.”

Sensing a sore subject, Snowflake steered the conversion back to the two promised spells. Quinn pulled out a piece of paper and scribbled down a quick formula, explaining as she did so.

“The [Bullet] spell could technically be done by by loading a bunch of kinetic energy into any small object, but without a spin and the proper shape the accuracy will be unpredictable at best. If you were lazy, you could get a metal tube with a spiral grooved on the inside to make the bullet spin, but since you’re not I’m writing down how to use electric energy to create and manipulate electromagnetic fields. Use those fields to levitate and spin your bullet. Then it is only a matter of proper placement of kinetic energy.”

Snowflake nodded along, thinking that perhaps his focus on chemical and kinetic energy had left him lacking in other areas.

“Make sure to focus on those electromagnetic fields because they are the key to the [Modified Railgun] spell. You are using interlocking positive to negative magnetic fields in addition to the initial kinetic boost to propel objects at a high speed. Some people like to back their bullets with thermal energy for increased piercing power and to make healing wounds more difficult, but that step is extra.”

By the time Quinn finished, they had reached the Guild Archive. Quinn led him down a side corridor to a small room with a few tables and plush chairs. An attendant took his Guild card and charged it for access. With that, he was another step deeper in debt. Snowflake decided to consider it an investment into his future.

The first order of business was to find the description of the Classes he had already earned access to. The first entry read thus:

[Soulbound]: This Class is focused on the passive and active enhancement of a Soulbound Companion(s). It is suspected to lead to greater soul melding. There is a notable rarity of Awakened who risk this Class.

Other than confirming that having multiple Soulbound Companions was possible, the entry was less than helpful. The mention of risk was notable, but it was easily explained by the comment on soul melding. If Nevasca died, the parts of her soul that overlapped with his would surely die as well. No, that Class would put too much pressure on her to achieve his goals for him, putting her in harm’s way in his stead.

[Body Enhancer]: A well-documented generalist Class that supercharges the body’s natural ability to adapt to stressors. An average of early level gains projects this Class to induce extreme changes at higher levels.

He was torn. This Class seemed so practical to his continued survival. As long as he lived through a dangerous encounter or ‘stressor’, he would grow stronger. Over the last few weeks he had learned to love the feeling of waking up stronger, faster, and tougher than he was the day before. It seemed ideal for [Adaptability], but… There was no magic.

He pushed those thoughts to the side and looked up two of the Classes he was curious about.

[Beast Tamer]: Dealing in the capture, training, and general development of animals, beasts, and various monsters, this Class is known or harnessing the power of System-developed creatures. Skills granted by this Class are known to vary greatly due to the specificity of tamed creatures.

[Mage]: A well-documented generalist Class that combines series of energy transformations, known as cantrips, to create larger effects, known as spells. An average of early Rank Ups suggests that this Class specializes early on in its development.

Snowflake heaved a sigh as he read the entry for [Beast Tamer], feeling wistful. In another life he would have liked to be a [Beast Tamer]. He could imagine himself spending his days coaxing magical creatures to join his menagerie where he would take care of them, learning the secrets of their magic and teaching them their true potential. But no, this was a violent world and he had responsibilities.

Magic waited for him, trapped in his old world. He couldn’t abandon her. Practical reasons of the time finding and training creatures, the resources required to house and feed them, and the effort it would take, flitted through his mind. He had to get strong fast to pursue his goals, and this Class was not the vehicle to carry him there.

The [Mage] Class was just as disappointing, but in a whole other way. In brief, it was pathetic. There was nothing in its description that hinted of anything he couldn’t do on his own with time and effort. Cantrips and spells were available to everyone who had access to Source, even if the System didn’t acknowledge them. Just because he didn’t have the [Kinetic Burst] spell did not mean he could not control his Source into producing a burst of kinetic energy. At least [Body Enhancer] could push him beyond his natural limits.

Considering what Classes would suit his Unique Skill, Snowflake thought back to his conversation with Angosin after his ‘encounter’ with Robert. Angosin had suggested a Class, magical in nature, which would spread the effects of [Adaptability] to others instead of just himself.

[Beast Tamer] was one of his suggestions but the other… [Conjurer]? No. [Necromancer]? Perhaps, but it was not his style. After almost an hour of thinking and searching, Snowflake stumbled upon Angosin’s second suggestion, and his future Class.

[Summoner]*: This Class is theorized to break the barrier between worlds to summon living beings from the other side to aid the caster. Although this Class is documented, information is scarce. *Requirements unknown. Specialization unknown. Class consolidation/ Rank Ups unknown.

This was it. Even before he grew powerful enough to reclaim his old world, he could break through to reclaim Magic from the other side. Creatures from strange and wonderful worlds would come to his beck and call. It was as mystical as it was mysterious.

He would scour the Dungeon Library for information on how to break the barrier between worlds. There was no doubt in his mind that if he could take a big enough step in the right direction, the System would grant him the Class.

Now all he had to worry about was passing the Guild assessment tomorrow, paying off his debt to the Guild, and avoiding death at the hands of Dave, Robert, and their compatriots.

Snowflake took a deep breath. He closed the book of Classes in front of him and heft the heavy tome in his hands. Satisfied with the weight of it he brought it to his forehead with a quick, firm movement. He repeated this motion until a very polite attendant told him to stop trying to bash his face in with the books or he would be removed from the premises.