"Welcome home brother." Alex grinned

... I couldn't be happier knowing that my family was safe and that finally there was some great news ahead of us. The next few days would prove crucial to our future.

The twilight was unnerving. The crunchy break of the thick layer of ash under our feet made us move that much more cautiously. Thick layers of clothes abounded the forms of all three of us, as the chill in the air was made evident by our visible breath. We were all hesitant, for fear that we may incite the hordes of undead that were surely hidden around out, out of sight. Occasionally we'd witness a small shift in the shadows around us, indicative of some creature trouncing about. Likely one of the numerous undead that haunted what we've come to call, "The Zone".

Only a few days had passed since me, Kevin, Rachel, Jackson, and the man we've come to know as Harrison arrived at what we've now tentatively called 'The Community'.

After we had arrived at Alex's house, it became clear rather quickly that his house was not going to be big enough for the nineteen of us. While only three days have passed since we all had our small reunion, we had progressed rather quickly in ensuring that 'The Community' would be safe. The first matter of business was, of course, informing everybody about what Kevin and I had dubbed 'The System' most were rather skeptical at first, but as we explained our reasoning, they became more convinced, and the last nail in the solidifying of our argument was when we invited everybody to say or think the word 'Status'. It was no surprise that afterward, their questions abounded.

Kevin and I had silently agreed that telling everyone every small detail would likely do more harm than good, particularly when we were referencing how the whole 'Apocalypse' had begun. Only a small group of people we had trusted with more detailed knowledge knew the entire truth. Kevin jokingly called us 'The Council', but the name stuck. The members of the community who held the most weight were included. Kevin, Rachel, Jackson, Alex, my Father, Dante, Antonio, and myself. Alejandro had been invited but had opted to stay out of our meetings in preference to remaining aloof of any governing affairs of the community. The last member that we were interested in including was Harrison Tucker, the National Guard soldier that we had rescued from the Refugee Shelter at Riverside Station. Even though Harrison was still bedridden, it had turned out the man was actually grateful to us more than anything. He still jokingly referred to our intervention as a 'kidnapping' though. We only laughed along with him. After all, humor was in short supply after everyone had witnessed so much death in the past week.

It was difficult at first, but at the end of the first day, everyone had been able to choose a [Class]. Most had already actually had the requisite amount of experience for a class, but without the ability, or at least the know-how to access their [Status], they had been unable to select a class. Alex was the most peeved at the revelation of classes and what the experience system actually did. To mine and Kevin's amusement, he had killed over a dozen undead while making his way back to his house after the cemetery had been imbued with a massive amount of mana following the initial mana wave. It was surprising really to find out that using any conventional firearms was not recognized by the system, and as such, the experience gain was extremely negligible if not nonexistent.

His gun would still be useful if it ever became necessary, but after explaining classes, I had showcased my newfound strength by lifting the Humvee partially off the ground. It doesn't sound nearly as impressive, being able to lift and tilt a vehicle a few feet off the ground, until you consider the fact that I didn't look like a bodybuilder by any stretch, and the Humvee must've weight over 5,000 pounds. On the contrary, I was suspicious that my strength had increased to the point where I could probably lift nearly a ton, and if I wasn't careful I'd find myself breaking things. Luckily my new sword was made with a high-strength stat in mind. So it wasn't that bad.

Regardless, Alex had ended up choosing the [Warrior] class and was still upset to find that with the amount of undead he had killed, he should've earned quite a few levels already. My Father, without knowing had chosen the [Warrior] class as well. It was surprising to find out that once he had said [Status] that he had already had a unique class, [Battle-Farmer]. I knew my father had grown up and worked on a farm when he was a kid and throughout his early life, so somehow that, and his actions against the Undead had unlocked the class. I don't know how he had automatically selected it, but I was under the assumption he had accidentally made the selection while in the battle. Sometimes when a unique class is unlocked, one will receive a notification. At least, that's how it worked in the game. It was that revelation that had appeased Alex's questions over how he had apparently grown stronger in their fight against the undead when the invasion started.

Everyone else had also selected their own classes upon gaining some experience. Those who opted for a combat role went out with Kevin and I on our frequent patrols around the house as we slew what undead we found meandering too close. Worryingly enough, they were definitely drawing closer. As a result of our excursions, Dante had ended up gaining access to a more unique class, [Soldier]. Likely because of his history in the military. The skill was similar to a [Warrior] class, except it had added buffs for when working as part of a group or unit.

Everyone else ended up choosing a class after they were taught the [Appraisal] skill. I had them focus on my sword, and voilà, they gained access to the skill. Interestingly enough, quite a few of them gained access to classes that I was surprised to see, and after my advice, they made their sections. Notably, Jackson had chosen the [Apprentice Blacksmith] class, Rachel had ended up choosing [Mage] after I helped her with sensing mana, and then several others throughout the community had chosen [Apprentice Builder], [Apprentice Teacher], and [Apprentice Priest]. Some of the younger members of the community had been advised to refrain from a class selection.

It was Antonio and Alejandro that had selected the [Builder] class, likely activated from their experience as construction workers. Kaitlyn, my Mom, and Atasha, who was Dante's wife, had chosen to become [Teacher]'s. Then there was Apinya, a Thai immigrant who was with Dante and the others when they were assailed by the undead. Apparently, he had been cleaning the church next to the cemetery when the undead began to come out of their graves. He had been running around the intersection of Main st. when everybody started waking up, screaming his head off about how the dead were coming back to life. Understandably, nobody believed him until it was too late.

The guy proved to be fairly eccentric though, but I had to give him recognition for the fact he was extremely pious, likely earning him the [Apprentice Priest] class in the first place. It would be useful though, since, with the class, he should also have access to light magic and healing magic. Which, would prove decisive against the Undead. He did have a firm philosophy on pacifism but seemed to take exception when it came to 'purging the evil from the souls of the dead. So he was useful on a number of occasions, especially since he was so... Excited when it came to casting his magic. At his level, though he was only able to cast [Lesser Heal Wounds] and luckily enough, a [Turn Lesser Undead] spell.

The Community really was doing quite well for itself, and I couldn't help but smile slightly as I turned my attention back to my surroundings.

Kevin, myself, and Dante were currently trudging through a layer of ash that had already risen up to our ankles. We all had most of our skin covered, and a cloth wrapped around our faces to try and restrict the intake of the particles currently falling from the sky. It literally looked like some sort of black winter had descended upon the area, even though it was supposed to be the middle of the summer. I knew a part of it was due to the Mana Zone, and it's chilly characteristic, but I knew that the ashes that had risen from the destruction of Worcester and much of the surrounding forests were also culprits to our situation. The sun was blotted out, and we could only see maybe twenty feet in front of us because the falling ash was so thick. It was only a reminder that our world had become a living hell in only a matter of days.

The [Demon Champion]'s carnage could not be overstated, and the effects the advent of the system had on the area were also pretty terrible.

The reason the three of us were out here trudging through the ashes was because we were looking for survivors, per my Father's earnest plea. He had known many of the neighbors, and no doubt was extremely concerned. So far, however, we've only seen the walking dead. Even worse than that, it was clear that a growing number of them were no longer members of the 'decaying' type. It could only mean one thing, and I was choosing not to dwell on that.

As a matter of reminding myself, I pulled up my [Status] screen once again.

Name: Thomas Parker [Genesis]

Tier 1 - [Juvenile High-Human Paragon] Level: 6 | Experience: 115.32 / 288.59

Race: High-Human

Titles: High-Human Paragon | Genesis

Health 256/256 ( +42 / hour )

Stamina 187/198 ( +33 / hour )

Mana 260/260 ( +42 / hour )

Attributes:

Strength: 44

Constitution: 28

Agility: 22

Wisdom: 28

Intelligence: 34

Unique Attributes:

Charisma: 11

Free Attribute Points: 14

Skills:

Appraisal T1 - Level 2

Basic Sword Proficiency T1 - Level 4

Basic Mana Manipulation T1 - Level 2

Basic Elemental Affinity T1 - Level (3)

- Fire Elemental Affinity - Level 3

- Water Elemental Affinity - Level 1

- Earth Elemental Affinity - Level 2

- Air Elemental Affinity - Level 1

Leadership T2 - Level 2

Paragon's Influence T3 - Level 2

- Paragon's Tether

- Paragon's Charge

- Paragon's Bestowal

??? - Level 1

Free Skill Points: 6

My Stats had already increased an exceptional amount, and after witnessing the level changes for some of my skills, I had mentally categorized them by what Tier the skills were. [Leadership] had granted me 50 Experience points when I had leveled it up yesterday. It appeared that it simply leveled whenever someone was involved in combat with me. [Paragon's Influence] on the other hand immediately leveled as soon as I used it on Kevin, granting me an additional 100 Experience Points, denoting it as a 'Greater Skill'. Despite its unique nature, I could only assume that at higher levels the tier would increase dramatically. It was very well a possibility the skill could evolve into a much higher tier. As a result of its level increase, the other three subsidiary abilities gained their own slight buffs. It was actually quite fascinating now that I recalled when I had used [Paragon's Influence] on Kevin.

«Two Days Prior»

"Kevin," I announced as I knocked lightly on the edge of the open door frame. Kevin was laying on a bed in one of the three guest rooms that Alex had in his house. With so many of us, it had been agreed that for everyone to have a place to sleep, we'd all sleep in rotations while using the beds until we could secure the surrounding houses. It was clear to all of us that nobody would likely be using the abandoned homes for the foreseeable future.

He looked over at me as he dislodged his eyes from what was likely his own [Status] screen.

"What's up Thomas? Kinda late, don't ya think?" I knew he was just messing around though.

I smiled, "Of course it is," I laughed and then walked over and sat down at the edge of the bed. "Well, you were asking me the other day about whether or not I could make you a [High-Human], remember?"

That caught Kevin's attention, as he quickly sat up and looked at me directly in the eyes. "Don't tell me you actually found a way?" he said excitedly.

I nodded, "Yep, pretty sure that when your dumbass almost got yourself killed trying to save me at the bridge the other day, it somehow got you to meet the conditions for a racial evolution. At least, when I checked earlier you were eligible for it."

Kevin's grin only grew wider, "Hot damn man, alright, hit me with it. Make me your damn slave!" He yelled out animatedly, but also in a joking manner.

I went into a full-throttle laugh, "Kev- Kevin." I couldn't help myself. "I'm pretty darn sure you would have no desire to actually become a slave." I laughed.

He smiled in return, "C'mon though, you gotta admit, becoming whatever a [High-Human] still sounds pretty damn cool."

"I guess I see your point," I said pointedly, with a grin still plastered on.

"Anyways, are you ready man?" I asked Kevin.

"As ready as I'll ever be I suppose!" he replied, the excitement hardly wearing off.

"Here goes nothing then!" I said.

While focusing on Kevin, I activated [Paragon's Bestowal].

Skill [Paragon's Bestowal] has been activated.

The required requisite conditions have been met by [Kevin Reyes]:

Confirm Racial Evolution of [Kevin Reyes] to [High-Human]?

[Yes] / [No]

Yes. I selected.

Racial Evolution of [Kevin Reyes] from [Human] to [High-Human] has begun.

Calculating...

Calculating...

Success!

[Kevin Reyes] has been added to your genealogy.

[Kevin Reyes] has been granted title [Bloodline of the High-Human Paragon]

Calculating...

[Kevin Reyes] has been granted an additional two free attribute points per level obtained.

Calculating...

[Kevin Reyes] has accepted the Mythic Class Evolution of the Tier 1 [High-Human Paragon's Warrior] class.

+ 8 Strength, + 6 Constitution, + 1 Agility per level.

Skill: Paragon's Inspiration has been granted.

Description: The presence of your Paragon will invigorate you in combat.

Calculating...

You have the ability to automatically view the stats of anyone who holds the title [Bloodline of the High-Human Paragon].

Do you wish to view the increased stats of [Kevin Reyes]?

[Yes] / [No]

The barrage of information caught me off guard immediately, but from what I understood, it all meant very good things. With Kevin's new class his stats had practically doubled, as he didn't only just receive stat increases based off of being a High-Human, but also somehow being evolved into a High-Human with my ability has triggered additional conditions for a much rarer class. I couldn't help but to be pleased, so of course I wanted to see his stats.

So, I accepted the invitation.

Name: Kevin Reyes

[ High-Human Paragon's Warrior ] Level: 3 | Experience: 24 / 172.5

Race: High-Human

Titles: Bloodline of the High-Human Paragon

Health 204/204 ( +36 / hour )

Stamina 90/90 ( +9 / hour )

Mana 34/34 ( +7.5 / hour )

Attributes

Strength: 30

Constitution: 24

Agility: 6

Wisdom: 5

Intelligence: 4

Free Attribute Points: 12

Skills:

Basic Archery Proficiency T1 - Level 1

Basic Weapons Proficiency - Level 1

Warrior's Cry - Level 1

Basic Mana Manipulation T1 - Level 1 New!

Paragon's Inspiration - Level 1 New!

Free Skill Points: 3

Kevin's stats had practically doubled since before the evolution. So of course, I was pretty smug about the results. Him on the other hand? Well, he was writhing in pain on the bed. I laughed though because I knew the exact feeling he was going through. When your stats increase by that much compared to your old ones, it's definitely gonna be uncomfortable.

Pop

Aaaand, there goes one of his bones.

"You doing alright there Kevin?" I grinned at him.

"Oh, shut the hell up!" Kevin yelled back out at me.

He continued to twist and turn for the next minute until finally, the pain went away. Now that I knew what to look for, I could tell he had definitely gotten a bit taller, he had also lost quite a bit of weight, or, rather, his fat had instead transitioned into muscle. That Strength attribute did quite some work, and he had suddenly gone from a stocky, and a bit chubby to having likely grown a few inches. He must've been about six feet tall now, and his muscles had been pulled taut and expanded a bit. Definitely a beast of an evolution. As I looked at him, I could tell he was just as impressed with himself.

"Happy now?" I asked.

His smile only widened as he clenched his fists. "Oh, most definitely man. I feel like I just went Super Saiyan!" he responded.

Aaaand, there he goes making another anime reference. That was Kevin though, and I could only laugh.

«Present»

I smiled under the mask that was wrapped around my face. I knew I could count on Kevin to surely back me despite whatever happens. Perhaps we really do have a chance in this strange new world we've found ourselves in?