“How do I know what class is the best? It hardly gives any information.”

It seemed the sword was back to its normal self because she received a reply this time. “It isn’t so simple child. There is no ‘best’ class. Each class can offer a wide variety of skills and abilities, and each and every person on Arkos has something different. You have to decide for yourself what it is that you want to become. Now, that isn’t to say that there aren’t weak classes. Take the Peasant class for example. That class doesn’t exist among elves. It is by far one of the weakest classes I have seen, giving minimal bonuses and less than desirable skills. However, I have heard a tale or two of legendary leaders or even warriors that possess the Peasant class. But this is not common.

“The Hero class is just the opposite. It is very rare, one that I have only seen twice. Those with this class are the ones you hear about in songs and in legend. The mere fact that you have the option to become a Hero is astounding. I would highly recommend taking it. Although, as it says, the Hero must walk a fine line or risk losing the gifts that support them.”

“How could someone like me even get a class like that? There is no way I could be anyone’s hero.”

“Don’t underestimate the powers that determine one’s destiny. Besides, each class, as far as I know, has certain and specific requirements that need to be met. One cannot simply gain a class that does not fit them, to the best of my knowledge.”

“So I should pick the Hero class then?”

“I will not make this decision for you. It is important you choose your own destiny, I have already said too much as it is.”

“Can you at least explain a little bit more about all of this? I mean this is all really new...and very sudden. It’s hard to make a decision when I know basically nothing about anything…”

Kass felt a sigh once more through their connection. “There isn’t time for me to teach you more human, we continue to waste precious time and...well...hmmm…” the blade went quiet for a second. “...I may be able spike your memory again to give you the information you seek, but the consequences may not be worth it. The pain will be brief but very intense, and you may or may not lose an arbitrary piece of knowledge or memory…”

“Again?”

“Oh... the last time you may have been unconscious…”

Shit. “You can’t be serious?! What memories did I lose?!”

“I am unsure what might have been lost, but I am positive you would not have survived had I not intervened. I taught you valuable sword skills that I would consider much more important in the present moment than some random memories.” The blade had a point, but she couldn’t help but be angry that some of her memories had randomly been stolen from her. She ran through a quick mental scan to see if she could find out what she was missing but nothing seemed out of place. I guess I wouldn’t remember if it were missing anyways.

Kass sighed and ran her hand through her tangled hair. The book still floated in front of her, unmoving. “Alright, do it. I can’t see myself surviving much longer without your help.”

“Are you certain?”

“Just get it over with already.” she mumbled, the suspense causing her some anxiety.

“Prepare yourself. This should only hurt a bit…” Power suddenly surged from the blade, blasting over Kass. Bright light erupted into her vision and it felt as if spikes had been driven through her eyes. She opened her mouth to scream but found that no sound came out. A familiar blackness washed over her then and her body sagged, going limp before it smacked into the rough floor with a wet thwack. “Damn. I must have miscalculated.”

“Arise young one! You must awaken!” Kass stirred slightly and pain seeped back into her life.

“Whyyy….” she groaned, wanting desperately to fall back asleep. “What did you do to me?”

“I seem to have underestimated the pain tolerance of a human. It was my only conclusion. Unless real damage was caused to your brain, but do not fret, it is very unlikely.”

Kass had other things to deal with at the moment than be mad at the sword again. As soon as she had become coherent again, information began flooding into her. It wasn’t the same sensation as the binding however. Less raw and more controlled.

She learned the basics of life on Arkos, of history and magic, and a brief overview of common classes and skills. Nothing crazy, just something she figured would be taught to a first grader. It quickly faded away and Kass found herself again.

“I got knocked out for that? You couldn’t have just quickly summed it up!? How long was I out?”

“A short time, not to worry. Explaining would have taken much longer. Time we do not have. I also did not want to explain such trivial things.”

“Alright alright. I get it. I’ll try to hurry.”

Kass spoke softly in the darkness, “Status.” She watched the book appear and float down in front of her, glowing faintly. It didn’t fail to amaze her. Still can’t believe there’s magic here. She flipped to the class page and glanced over the options again.

So many options. Hmmmmm… She chewed her lower lip in thought, trying to apply the new information she had just gained. Suddenly a vibration travelled through the ground beneath her, interrupting her thoughts. She would have brushed it off as nothing had it not been followed by another a second later. “Uhh, you feel that?” she said in a quiet whisper.

“Something is coming. You must keep me away from it. Kassandra, please, you must escape. Choose quickl…ur...ahh…” the voice of the blade cut away again, replaced by the same dark presence that clouded her mind. “BROTHER... COME…” the new voice boomed through her head, making it hard to think. Shit. That doesn’t sound good…

Kass pushed at the connection between her and the sword, severing it before the alien voice spoke again. She was on her own again and like always, in danger. Gotta pick one of these and then get the hell out of here.

Kass knew a hasty decision could come back and bite her in the butt, but she didn’t have time to choose carefully anymore. Who knew what she was going to run into next, and from what happened to the blade, Kass guessed it was probably something she should be worried about.

Ugh I’m so bad at quick decisions! She glanced from class to class quickly, unable to decide. Okay so no to the peasant class, sounds terrible. Fighter could be a good choice. Umm… Definitely don’t want the soulbound class with this creepy alien thing around. I don’t think dancer would be a good choice for me either, especially since I’m alone.

The vibrations had grown more intense in the few seconds Kass had wasted with indecision. She felt like a complete moron by staying where she was but she needed to choose and didn’t want to make the wrong one.

Blood mage sounds absolutely terrifying, so no. Wind runner could be really good but just doesn’t seem like a good choice for survival... I thought Delver might be the choice but according to the information from the sword it gives really bad penalties while above ground...no thank you. I really really don’t want the hero class either, but the blade seemed to think it was the best...the vagabond sounds...interesting. So that leaves hero and maybe the fighter or vagabond? Those descriptions are similar...although vagabond’s is a lot more cryptic.

Her heartbeat sped up when she couldn’t just feel the vibrations anymore, but heard the heavy steps too. Gotta decide K. No more time! She knew her time was up and with a final moment of hesitation, chose the Hero class. With a mental command that now felt natural she selected the class option and confirmed her decision.

New text appeared on the page before her.

Error. Soul is bound to Primal Demon entity. Hero unavailable.

What!!! No that can’t be! Oh shit. Kass swung her head towards the direction of the sounds and knew she didn’t have long. She quickly refocused on the glowing book, frantically searching for an answer, something telling her what she should do. None came. Pick dammit! Umm...Vagabond! I want Vagabond!