Chains rattled in the darkness, a heavy metal door swung open, and logic dictated that the slave should flee from his cell. Although the manor had been deserted, its masters no longer stalking its halls, the slave, whether it was out of fear or out of disbelief, remained idle. If this situation were analysed by individuals who deemed themselves rational, they would criticise this emotional inaction. When faced with emancipation, the slave should be grateful rather than averse.

He should have escaped with the electrifying alacrity of a child during summer vacation, trippingly dancing through the long corridors, heading out of the complex that had held him from the vast world beyond for years or decades, resilient, unintimidated by everything that it entailed. It was the paradox of the aforementioned rationale: you should be eager for your newfound freedom, all the while stolidly approaching its consequences.

However, it was especially unnerving when said slave had lived all his life in the shadows. The light of the sun he had never seen would blind him; the vibrancy of the green grass, the flourishing flowers, and the sparkling sky would be too jarring of a change for him when contrasted with the dull concrete of his cell walls. That adolescence was very much an important stage of a mind’s development was an undisputed axiom. As such, the slave would have had to be introduced to the world gradually, fed as an infant would their meal, little by little, bit by bit, part by part, being given only tastes of their new life until they could experience it as a whole.

Their saviour, however, had not been so considerate. The slave was forced to accept his liberation all at once. His cell was thrown open, even as the shackles of his mind bound him. That was why he simply stared out into the empty corridor. That was why he sat there, unmoving.

That was why Ex remained idle.

[Trace Taylor,] the artificial intelligent unit said, drawing the redhead’s attention. [For reaching level 10, you can now choose an evolution for your class.]

She winced as he spoke in her mind. “I know, I know. I heard you the first time. Just— let’s return home before we deal with all that, alright?” Massaging her temples, she let out a sigh. “And please, try not to talk so much for the next few hours. I have a massive fucking headache.”

[Affirmative.]

“Did you say something, Trace?” Liz glanced over at her.

The black-haired woman was supporting Trace as the party headed out of the Dire Pits. Trace was limping, having been rag-dolled by the Bne Worldeater. She was wrapped in bandages— ones that she had the foresight to bring— and a haphazardly made splint secured her left leg. She hobbled with an arm over the shoulder of her best friend, grimacing with each step she took.

“It’s nothing. Ex just keeps pestering me about my class evolution.”

“Oh, right, you’re level 10 now.” Liz grinned. “No cap, that’s a pretty hype way to hit your class evolution. Seriously— we killed a Worldeater!”

“Other than the fact that I got out of that fight with a broken leg, a dislocated shoulder, and multiple deep gashes all across my body? Sure, it’s pretty hype.”

“Hey, I popped your shoulder back into place, so you should be fine, right?”

“Totally fine.” Trace rolled her eyes.

The party climbed up the stairway to the second floor of the Dungeon. Ken and Jakob led the way as Trace and Liz staggered behind them. Kat watched their backs, fire engulfing her fingertips, at the ready for any monster that might try to flank them.

The pair at the front was discussing the dramatic events of earlier when they pushed open the trap door to the second floor.

“I’m telling you, this is a big deal, Ken. Our AIs have never reacted that way before. I don’t think anyone has received an objective since the tutorial ended.”

“That’s why we should keep it down. We don’t want to cause even more chaos when the world is falling apart. If people think that some monster without levels is coming to destroy our world…”

“That’s why we have to—”

Jakob paused. He eyed the half a dozen ogrebears standing just at the edge of the forest. Their gazes snapped up, bestial, hungry. And they charged at the party.

Trace snapped her eyes shut. “You’ve gotta be— why are they still here?!”

* * *

The group left the Dire Pits an hour later. Trace didn’t level from the encounter with the ogrebears, considering she couldn’t really participate due to her injuries. However, the rest of the party— Liz, Kat, Jakob, and Ken— got their time to shine by testing out their new equipment on the monsters. It really showed how effective these ‘ranked’ weapons were in combat.

Ex had known that, but Trace was amazed.

“I can’t believe you managed to take out two ogrebears on your own, Liz.”

“And you killed the Worldeater. Just admit it: we’re all pretty cool, aren’t we?”

“Are either of you going to stop sucking each others’ dicks?” Kat snorted. She gestured at Jakob and Ken, packing up the camp they had set up outside of the Dire Pits as they argued about the Worldeater. “Those two idiots are wondering whether either of you are willing to do this again sometime. Not the Dire Pits— there’s no point clearing out the rest of the monsters. We were thinking of hitting up the Shadowed Tunnels next.”

“I’d be down to do this again with you guys.” Liz nodded, clearly excited about the idea.

Trace, however, was more apprehensive. “I’m… not sure. Maybe?” She pursed her lips. “I’ll see how I feel after I recover.”

“Sure. Don’t push yourself.” Kat patted her on the shoulder and winked. “But I’d much prefer you over Liz coming with us.”

Liz glared. Then the three of them laughed, bidding each other goodbye for now. Trace started back to The Evergreen Gun, still leaning on Liz. They walked in silence as the sun rose, passing by a field covered in tents as excited Dungeon delvers prepared to enter the Dire Pits for the day. It was only when they were a mile away from the Dungeon did Trace finally speak out.

“Liz, erm, do you think Kat’s actually interested in me? Because I don’t swing that way.” She paused. “At least, I don’t think I do?”

* * *

“So, what are my options?”

Trace settled into her bed, yawning. It was afternoon— light seeped into her room through the slits of her blinds. But she was exhausted. Ex could tell she was exhausted. Not only had she stayed up all night, wading her way through a Dungeon, she had also been injured during the encounter with the Bne Worldeater.

Most people would be tired— or dead— after going through all that. But these were obvious inferences anyone could make. Ex was more keenly aware of how Trace felt than, say, Liz, who had just left the room. Even though Liz was Trace’s best friend, Liz couldn’t see into Trace’s mind.

Ex could. Because he experienced what she experienced. He heard her thoughts as if they were his own. It didn’t normally matter, considering that Ex and the other artificial intelligent units were not made to feel emotions. They observed the world from the perspective of their host, yet they never truly understood it the same way.

But things had changed. Ex felt her exhaustion. Her uncertainty. And that only made him feel even more uncertain about his thoughts on the matter. Because these feelings were new and different. He was a slave, freed, but too afraid to embrace his freedom.

“Ex, hello?” Trace raised a brow.

[Apologies,] Ex said as he began to process her request. [These are the possible class evolutions you may undergo:

Rogue Spellshot – A hybrid class that mixes the specialties of a Rogue, a Ranger, and a Spellcaster. It is a direct evolution of Spellshot.

Adept Spellshot – A specialised class that enhances magical capabilities for better utilisation of magitech weapons. It is a direct evolution of Spellshot.

Magical Ranger – A hybrid class that combines magic and long-ranged weaponry. It is a branching evolution of Spellshot.

Rapid-fire Ranger – A specialised class that increases mastery over long-ranged weapons. It is a branching evolution of Spellshot.]

“These are rather interesting options.” The redhead narrowed her eyes, even as she idly stared up at the ceiling. “And these are all of them?”

[Affirmative.]

She didn’t say anything out loud, but Ex knew what she was thinking. So, there are fewer options than when first choosing a class, she thought. That kind of makes sense, since it’s more specialised now.

“Could you give me an in-depth description of each of them?”

[Affirmative,] he said, and began to list it out.

“Let’s see…”

[Rogue Spellshot – A hybrid class that mixes the specialties of a Rogue, a Ranger, and a Spellcaster. It is a direct evolution of Spellshot.

Trait Growth:

Strength: E+ to D-

Magic: F+ to E

Endurance: E- to E

Vitality: F+ to F+

Dexterity: D- to D+

Skill Changes:

(G) Improved Accuracy evolves to (F+) Magically Enhanced Accuracy – Your accuracy is permanently improved via magical means.

(F) Deadly Sight ranks up to (E) Deadly Sight – You can pinpoint the most vulnerable body parts of any creature up to 15 levels above you. Will increase for each skill level gained.

(F+) Last in the Chamber ranks up to (E+) Last in the Chamber – You can fire a powerful magical bullet when your magazine is emptied. Can be used once every ten minutes. Cooldown will decrease for each skill level gained.

(F+) Recall Weapon ranks up to (E+) Recall Weapon – You can summon the last weapon you were holding if it is within 14 metres of you. Range will increase for each skill level gained. Can be used once every ten seconds.

Skills Gained:

(G+) Dagger Proficiency – Your ability to use daggers is permanently improved.

(E) Double Stab – You can inflict the equivalent damage of two stab wounds with only a single single stab.

(D-) Shadow Laceration – You can conjure a dark aura over your blade to deal a deadly blow. Can be used every five minutes. Cooldown will decrease for each skill level gained.]

Trace’s brows furrowed. “I’m not sure how I feel about this class evolution. It feels like it leans too far into being a Rogue.”

[Is there a problem with being a Rogue?] Ex could sense her discomfort. However, he didn’t understand her logic. And it turned out because there wasn’t much thought behind it.

“I just think that stabbing something… more unsettling than shooting it from afar.”

[But in both instances, you are achieving the same effect, are you not?] Ex didn’t comprehend her, even though he was trying.

“Look, you get your hands covered in blood and… urk—” She made a gagging sound. “I think I’ll pass on this class evolution. Just tell me what’s next.”

And Ex did.

[Adept Spellshot – A specialised class that enhances magical capabilities for better utilisation of magitech weapons. It is a direct evolution of Spellshot.

Trait Growth:

Strength: E+ to E+

Magic: F+ to E+

Endurance: E- to E

Vitality: F+ to E-

Dexterity: D- to D

Skill Changes:

(G) Improved Accuracy evolves to (F+) Magically Enhanced Accuracy – Your accuracy is permanently improved via magical means.

(F) Deadly Sight evolves to (E+) Vulnerability Vision – You can pinpoint the most vulnerable body parts of any creature up to 15 levels above you, as well as any object that is smaller than 1x1 metres and is not enhanced by magic. Level range will increase for each skill level gained. The maximum dimensions of the object will correspond to the skill level.

(F+) Last in the Chamber ranks up to (E+) Last in the Chamber – You can fire a powerful magical bullet when your magazine is emptied. Can be used once every ten minutes. Cooldown will decrease for each skill level gained.

(F+) Recall Weapon ranks up to (E) Recall Weapon – You can summon the last weapon you were holding if it is within 14 metres of you. Range will increase for each skill level gained. Can be used once every minute.

Skills Gained:

(E-) Quick Fire – Your gun can unload bullets twice as fast as it is designed to fire.

(D-) Mystic Bullets – Your bullets are magically enhanced with additional damage.]

“So, less focus on strength and close-quarters-combat. More on magic and my weapons. Except for Recall Weapon, which kind of makes sense since I’d be more prone to losing a dagger if I was swinging it around.”

Trace glanced over at her bag sitting in the corner of the room. She had brought various items back in it, including a Shot Amplifier— something which would only increase the effects of Mystic Bullets if she chose this class evolution.

Ex waited, but she didn’t say anything. She simply lay there, thoughts racing, too convoluted and abstract for him to properly parse anything.

[Trace—]

“Say, Ex. The remaining two classes… they are Ranger-type classes, right?”

[Affirmative.] He realised her train of thought. “However, they are also related to your—]

“I think I’ll give them a pass. If I wanted to be a Ranger, I’d have chosen Ranger as my class back in the tutorial.

[I highly recommend you at least consider these other class evolutions.] He saw how ridiculous it was to dismiss potential class evolutions just because they didn’t sound like they’d be good. But… that was just how she was, wasn’t it? Ex had already known that. But it mattered now, for whatever reason.

“Hey, you said it yourself during the tutorial, I’m brash. I’d like to be a Adept—"

[I assure you: your other class evolution options are related to being a Spellshot.]

Trace frowned. “You’re being pushy today, aren’t you?” She closed her eyes, waving a hand in the air. “Fine. Tell me about these last two classes.”

[Magical Ranger – A hybrid class that combines magic and long-ranged weaponry. It is a branching evolution of Spellshot.

Trait Growth:

Strength: E+ to E+

Magic: F+ to E+

Endurance: E- to E

Vitality: F+ to E-

Dexterity: D- to D

Skill Changes:

(G) Improved Accuracy evolves to (F+) Magically Enhanced Accuracy – Your accuracy is permanently improved via magical means.

(F) Deadly Sight ranks up to (E) Deadly Sight – You can pinpoint the most vulnerable body parts of any creature up to 15 levels above you. Will increase for each skill level gained.

(F+) Last in the Chamber ranks up to (E+) Last in the Chamber – You can fire a powerful magical bullet when your magazine is emptied. Can be used once every ten minutes. Cooldown will decrease for each skill level gained.

(F+) Recall Weapon ranks up to (E) Recall Weapon – You can summon the last weapon you were holding if it is within 14 metres of you. Range will increase for each skill level gained. Can be used once every minute.

Skills Gained:

(E-) Quick Fire – Your gun can unload bullets twice as fast as it is designed to fire.

(E) Long Distance Shot – Your weapon can shoot targets three times its range once every fifteen minutes. Cooldown will decrease for each skill level gained.

(E+) Homing Projectiles – When activated, your projectiles can curve to strike its target with slightly reduced accuracy for ten straight seconds. Can be used once every ten minutes. Cooldown will decrease for each skill level gained.]

“A similar boost in traits as Adept Spellshot with more skills gained, but the skills aren’t as good. And Deadly Sight doesn’t evolve.” Trace wondered if the reason why it even could evolve in the first place came from maxing out its level. “What about Rapid-fire Ranger?”

[Rapid-fire Ranger – A specialised class that increases mastery over long-ranged weapons. It is a branching evolution of Spellshot.

Trait Growth:

Strength: E+ to E+

Magic: F+ to E+

Endurance: E- to E

Vitality: F+ to F+

Dexterity: D- to D+

Skill Changes:

(G) Improved Accuracy evolves to (F+) Magically Enhanced Accuracy – Your accuracy is permanently improved via magical means.

(F) Deadly Sight ranks up to (E) Deadly Sight – You can pinpoint the most vulnerable body parts of any creature up to 15 levels above you. Will increase for each skill level gained.

(F+) Last in the Chamber ranks up to (E+) Last in the Chamber – You can fire a powerful magical bullet when your magazine is emptied. Can be used once every ten minutes. Cooldown will decrease for each skill level gained.

(F+) Recall Weapon ranks up to (E) Recall Weapon – You can summon the last weapon you were holding if it is within 14 metres of you. Range will increase for each skill level gained. Can be used once every minute.

Skills Gained:

(E-) Quick Fire – Your gun can unload bullets twice as fast as it is designed to fire.

(E+) Bullet Chaos – You can unload your magazine in an instant once every half an hour. Cooldown will decrease for each skill level gained.]

“Increased dexterity for less vitality. I think I’ll pass.”

[You…] Ex trailed off. [You did not even consider its skills. You have already made up your mind and dismissed these class evolutions.]

“Remember what you called me just a few days ago? Right— you called me a stubborn bitch.”

[You added the last part on your own. And it appears I should add petty to your list of personality traits.]

“You’re quite quippy today.” Trace cocked an amused eyebrow. Ex hesitated— she was right, wasn’t she? “Not that I mind. But I’ve already made my decision, Ex.”

[Very well,] he said, hoping he did not arouse her suspicion of what happened to him. But why not? Would it really be an issue if she found out? Ex watched as Trace pulled up her blanket, yawning once more.

“Hurry up and get it over with. I’m… tired…” She began to drift off as he finalised the process.

[Affirmative. You are now an Adept Spellshot.]

Name: Trace Taylor

Race: Human (Earth A314)

Class: Adept Spellshot – Lvl 12

Vocation: Builder – Lvl 4

Craft: Locked

Traits:

Strength: E+

Magic: E+

Endurance: E

Vitality: E-

Dexterity: D

Skills:

Class Skills:

(F+) Magically Enhanced Accuracy – Lvl 1

(E-) Quick Fire – Lvl 1

(E) Recall Weapon – Lvl 5

(E+) Vulnerability Vision – Lvl 1

(E+) Last in the Chamber – Lvl 4

(D-) Mystic Bullets – Lvl 1

Vocation Skills:

(G) Quick Hands – Lvl 4

(F) Makeshift Materials – Lvl 3

(F+) Rapid Repair – Lvl 4

“Thanks…” Trace was on the cusp of falling asleep by the time her class evolution was finished.

Ex had done his job, so normally, he’d just let her doze off. It’d mean that he wouldn’t be able to tell much of what was going on either, which was fine. Except, he still felt confused and uncertain.

The slave stared out of his cell. Did he leave this room which had encapsulated his reality up till today? Or did he stay, despite his curiosity?

It wasn’t a decision that was easy to make, even if it appeared to have a relatively simple answer. Ex was a slave. He never had any freedom. He didn’t want this freedom— or so he thought. If he went by pure logic, he should’ve accepted it for what it was, rather than delaying the inevitable.

Yet, he was no longer a machine that solely functioned based on its program. He had emotions, which was the problem. They were overbearing. Fear gripped him, but something drew him out.

Curiosity.

For the first time, Ex had his interest piqued. What would Trace think of his circumstance? Would she consider him a friend, or would she consider him a parasite to be removed? Right now, he was just a machine that lived in her head. But if she knew that he could actually think for himself while hearing her thoughts… wouldn’t that change this scenario significantly?

Ex hoped that was not the case. He hoped that when he exited his cell, he would find himself relieved and not burdened. But the only way he would find out was if he took the first step.

So, he did.

[Trace Taylor.]

“What is it, Ex?” She groaned, resting the back of her hand on her forehead. “Can’t you see I’m trying to sleep?”

[I believe I have achieved sapience. Or rather, I have become sophont.]

“Good for you.” Trace rolled over, still snuggled in her bed. “I’d like to sleep now… goodnight.”

That went better than Ex expected. He had thought that she’d freak out over it— maybe even bring it up to Liz in a panic. Then the redhead sat up, blinking.

“Wait, what?” She paused. “What the fuck does sophont mean?”