B.F.HUUPS
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Chapter 59
🕑 Added 2025-08-14 21:08:59 +0000 UTCMaterializing in the obsidian hallway, his thoughts drifted back to the fight. He still felt… weird. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t happy, but the way the crow died had been a little bittersweet. Couldn’t it have just hurled an insult at him?
And the crowd. What was up with that? Or what the announcers said?
Still, he was stuck in the trials for now, and that’s where his mind needed to be. Whatever the multiverse had waiting for him, he could deal with that when he got to it.
I should probably ask Douglas.
Finding the assistant shortly later, he questioned him about the arena. Apparently, it wasn't entirely unheard of to unlock hidden quests with the trial, or any System quests for that matter. They usually had special conditions for triggering, though, which made Aaron wonder. What was the reason he had triggered the arena fight?
He also asked about the crowd and the announcers, but Douglas just shrugged and said the multiverse. When pressed, he had told Aaron he wasn’t allowed to provide any further details. The trials were to help him get stronger, not teach him the secrets of the multiverse. He would have to wait until after the trials for those answers.
But he let Douglas go after a bit. Sooty wasn't much help either, and while Mo’han had learned a lot in the Tutorial, the lessons hadn’t been about the multiverse itself.
Sighing reluctantly, Aaron decided to drop it and get to his Class evolution.
Big Game Grappler ( E grade Evolution ) The Big Game Grappler searches the multiverse for ever bigger prey to wrestle into submission. Impossibly strong and hardy, the class is for those who wish to bend others to the will of their strength.
+8 Strength +4 Vitality +2 Fortitude +4 Free Points +1 Point to each remaining Stat, for a total of 6 additional points. The class provides 24 points in total for each level.
Starter Skill: Unbreakable Grip. Unbreakable Grip takes hold of a target with an iron-like grip. This Skill cannot be broken by any means besides killing the Big Game Grappler, and gradually drains all energy sources of the target.
Spellbound Headhunter ( E grade Evolution ) The Spellbound Headhunter is a sniper with their hands, landing spell-infused strikes to the head whenever they please. This class is deadly and efficient at ending fights early.
+5 Dexterity +5 Wisdom +3 Strength +4 Free Points +1 Point to each remaining Stat, for a total of 6 additional points. The class provides 23 points in total for each level.
Starter Skill: Spell Binding Fist. Spell Binding Fist allows the Spellbound Headhunter to bind any spell they know to their fists. Not only does this allow them to unleash the spell when they strike an enemy, but it also keeps the selected spell precast for instantaneous release.
Pugilist Ravager ( E grade Evolution ) The Pugilist Ravager is known for their deadly and relentless barrages of powered strikes that can overwhelm just about any defense. They represent a combination of power and endless endurance.
+6 Strength +4 Fortitude +4 Agility +4 Free Points +1 Point to each remaining Stat, for a total of 6 additional points. The class provides 24 points in total for each level.
Starter Skill: Barrage of the Frenzied. Barrage of the Frenzied allows the pugilist to strike instantaneously as long as they have energy to power the Skill, but does not increase the power of said strikes or their movement speed.
Barbarian Boxer ( E grade Evolution ) The Barbarian Boxer is a wild and unpredictable melee combatant who seems to ignore pain altogether. Able to withstand impressive attacks, the barbarian boxer should not be underestimated, for their rage-filled attacks can decimate their enemies.
+8 Vitality +6 Strength +2 Fortitude +4 Free Points +1 Point to each remaining Stat, for a total of 6 additional points. The class provides 26 points in total for each level.
Starter Skill: Ferocious Rage. Ferocious Rage considerably dulls damage taken by the barbarian, and even allows them to continue past their usual limits without dying, whilst increasing their strength and SP, but also fogs their thoughts with a red rage.
Empty-Handed Energy Monk ( E grade Evolution ) Following the path of the empty-handed, this monk employs superior precision and grace, but with a twist. Drawing on abundant sources of energy, they power their attacks beyond what should be possible.
+5 Strength +5 Agility +5 Fortitude +4 Free Points +1 Point to each remaining Stat, for a total of 6 additional points. The class provides 25 points in total for each level.
Starter Skill: Spectral Fist. Unlike a normal punch, this strike takes the form of the user’s fist and turns it into a ranged attack, creating a partially transparent, fiery missile empowered by the user’s energy. What makes this Skill special is that the energy used to form the spectral fist is a replica of the user’s fist, allowing them to store stamina within the mana shell of the Skill itself, and by doing so, using both energy sources at range.
Aaron mused over the options with a wide grin, but was distracted as Sooty came bouncing along.
“Aye, I can feel it, bossman. Ye gone and reached the E grade, haven’t ye?”
“Sure did,” Aaron smiled back. “Trying to pick my class now, actually.”
“Alright, let old Sooty hear it out then.”
Aaron read out the options.
“Not bad. Could be better,” Sooty nodded thoughtfully. “Ye got any thoughts on it?”
Barbarian Boxer immediately stood out because of its 26 stat points per level. It was only 1 additional point over Empty-Handed Energy Monk, but there were 75 levels in the E grade, which meant 75 additional stat points in total. That was a pretty serious boon, especially given that he’d gain additional points atop that thanks to his Titles. Problem was, a rage-filled barbarian was the complete opposite of the style he had been cultivating. In fact, he thought it was a bit weird he had even been given the option. Then again, paths were less defined at the lower grades, from his understanding, and as such, the options provided were generally more flexible.
Besides, dealing bulk damage was something he was pretty good at, so it wasn’t entirely unexpected to be given Class options that excelled at raw power projection.
“Well, Big Game Grabbler and Barbarian Boxer are probably out. Neither of them suits me. Pugilist Ravager sounds fast, and Spellbound Headhunter is pretty similar to what I’ve been doing. Empty-Handed Energy Monk sounds alright, and it is more or less what I’ve been doing.”
Wait, Yendal is Yendal the Empty-Handed, Right?
“Hmm. Spellbinding attacks are usually pretty strong, if ye have strong spells. Spells generally work a little differently from normal Skills, and can often take longer to cast. Even being able to hold one spell precast and binding it to something else can be a pretty big advantage.”
“Yeah, I don’t have any spells,” Aaron nodded, his thoughts still on Yendal.
“Well, it ain’t great then, bossman. Though you will no doubt get spells at later levels if you pick the class.”
“And the Ravager?”
“Sounds pretty good. Instant strikes won’t be easy to avoid, obviously. That said, anything that breaks the rules like that costs a lot of energy. And unless your base strength is very high, expect your strikes not to have a lot of power. Of course, you can infuse them with stamina or mana, but if the skill is too expensive, that could be a problem.”
Aaron nodded. That sounded problematic, and he mentally crossed Pugilist Ravager off his list. He didn’t have overwhelming strength, and already had expensive Skills to use mana and stamina in combat. Did he want to spread his energy even thinner? The last thing he needed was something else draining him. Lightning-fast, unavoidable attackers would obviously be good, though, however, were they needed? His path was already about predictions and using strategy to land strikes. Speed would make it easier, but it felt like a deviation, especially if it became his greatest energy sink.
Without saying a word, his thoughts drifted back to the monk again. Was there really any other option if the monk Class was related to Yendal? Sure, he didn’t have to pick it. But the lessons he had learned from her had taken him this far. It seemed silly to diverge from that now.
Besides, the Class sounded good. It was right up his alley and even came with a ranged attack, which would be a nice addition to the Skills he already had. After all, fighting at a distance could be very useful in the right situation. Not to mention it gave him the ability to use stamina at range. That was pretty cool, considering he had almost twice as much SP as MP.
And the Stats weren’t half bad either. Strength, Agility, and Fortitude were pretty much exactly what he needed for preselected Stats. And with 4 free points per level, he could fairly easily make sure Perception and Dexterity kept pace, especially since all of the stats would get 1 point anyway. Meaning he could both Stats by 3 every level if he wanted to.
Aaron had a lot of buffing Skills and good defensive Skills, but he had just one offensive Skill. Well, Oozagh’s Breath kinda fit the bill, but not really. It was situational at best and very powerful.
Having another legitimate offensive Skill that also filled a gap in his current skillset was very enticing. Then again, he had to admit some of the other Skills available were pretty tempting, even if they didn’t fully suit his style.
Like Unbreakable Grip. With Aaron’s regen, he could grab hold of somebody and drain them as he regenerated. It actually sounded like a viable option, but he didn’t want to lock himself into the path of a wrestler.
He had already half made up his mind, but this was an important decision, and so he scrolled over the list.
Eyeing the options one last time, he locked his selection in and accepted the prompts to become an Empty-Handed Energy Monk.
Aaron felt a huge influx of power as he passed into the E grade. His muscles tightened, and he felt his awareness heighten.
In fact, it was so much that he was actually more impressed at his own achievements than he had been previously. To gain this much power… he really was fighting at a huge handicap, and this was just the bottom of E grade. How much stronger would he be by the time he reached the grade’s peak?
“Ye didn’t, did ye? After all ye said to me… ye gone and done it, haven’t ye?”
“Oh shit, sorry Sooty. I don’t know what comes over me. I swear, it’s like I’m possessed. It's just an impulse. Before I even think about it, it’s happened.”
Sooty glared back. “It’s like I don’t even know ye.”
“A-ran!” Mo’han Khan appeared from another room, his six arms outstretched. “So, you’ve done it! You’ve reached the E grade. As expected from something of your calibre. I didn’t doubt you for a second, friend!”
“Thanks mate. It’s been quite the ride.”
“So, what now for the great A-ran?”
“Not so great, but thanks for the glaze. Anyway, I’ve got a god to impress. After that, I say we kick back and enjoy some universe-wide entertainment. What do you think?”
“Sounds like a plan!” Mo’han fisted the sky. “Show that god what you’re made of. Perhaps I’ll have even decided on my own god to take a blessing from by then.”
“Really? Sounds like you’ve thought about it?”
“I’ve had a passing thought or two,” Mo’han smiled.
“Holding out on me, huh? Alright, big fella. I’ll be looking forward to hearing about it.”
“As will I! Now go, A-ran! Prove your might. Carve your name in legend for your ancestors to sing for generations to come!”
“Alright, calm down. I’ll do my best.”
But before Aaron left, he decided he wanted to test out his improved inspect on Mo’han.
Mo’han Khan [ Level 98 ]
Titles: [ Behemoth Slayer ] [ Sector Prodigy ]
Behemoth slayer? Sector Prodigy? Wait, what’s my title?
Aaron brought up his own status page. It was labeled as the first title he had earned: Shadow Trials Trailblazer and Stamina Control Prodigy.
I see. With a simple thought, he was able to change it to either Mana Control Prodigy or Vitality Control Prodigy, but decided to revert it back.
Ultimately, he didn’t see much point in changing it right now. Shadow Trials Trialblazer didn’t mean much since people would likely figure it out themselves. And if he wasn’t going to be known as a prodigy, then stamina was probably the best. It was the most obvious for his build, and gave away the least information about him.
Whether or not his other titles could actually give insights away that would be detrimental was unclear, but why take unnecessary risk? After all, he wasn’t here to show off.
“Okay, well, meet back here in–”
“No rush, A-ran. Take your time. See you in a while.”
So, he’s already expecting me to take a while with Yendal, it seems. Fair enough, I suppose.
Sighing, Aaron turned. He had a feeling his new skill would be more useful than he had previously thought. But he had also maxxed out his active skill slots. If the next level up provided another good active skill, it would be a little bit of pain. Optimally, he wouldn’t exchange a skill until he had filled everything out, but he might not get a chance.
No point in getting distracted. I’ve got a god to impress.
With that thought, he made his way to the trial dial and activated the Trial of the Challenger, and as expected, he selected Yendal.
The world turned and twisted, and he found himself staring down the god from across a steaming swamp. Bamboo stalks rose from the gnarly, bubbling swamp beneath him, and Aaron tested them by bouncing to and from a couple.
Okay, so that’s how this is going down. Fine by me.
Yendal just stood there, but her passive and indifferent gaze was absent. A foreign crease bent her brow.
“Alright, Miss Goddess, let’s get this done,” Aaron said, stretching. “But I should warn you, I’ve been practicing.”
Yendal’s brow twitched with irritation, and Aaron got the feeling he shouldn’t have said that.
Comments
Codered999
To I guess be fair to Sooty, it's not the deciding on his own bit that bothers. It's the sudden silence and mental train self conversation and justification where Sooty isn't even told that Aaron intends to pick specific class and why.
Sleek Elite
my bad, fixed it!
Broodling
hmm? wasn't Mo'han level 98? or am I trippin?
Jouni Osmala
Well. Aaron, should simply, tell Sooty. That Aaron first eliminated two options. Then Sootys information eliminated two other options. So there was only one left and he picked that so that Sooty was truly helpful in that decision.
