Moving through the vitality class list was fairly quick. There were classes that specialized in pure stat increases, classes that tried to make the body more durable, hybrid classes that combined either vitality with strength to make them a bit more offense focused or combined agility with vitality to create dodge tanks, and classes that relied on various weapons and armor.

None of those directly appealed to Adam, especially at low rarities. If he had to choose a flavor it would have been straight vitality increasing classes so he could pair it with his pseudo-skills. He didn't want to get bogged down in just protecting.

If Adam was being honest, he was also disappointed that there weren't classes on his list that combined magic with tanking. Mage tanks were a cool idea, although Adam knew they would be squishier than a traditional tank and probably require a lot more skill synergy and coordination to be effective.

Really, he just wanted some spells. Not because he felt like he needed them, it was just that people wanted what they didn't have. It would be the novelty. Really, he knew he didn't need much from the class path he was building due to all the advantages he already had. Getting a third class in combination with his partial class memories was the rich getting richer, and Adam wouldn't deny it.

Besides, the rarity and power of vitality classes he was dismissing were still higher than any other human would be offered. Probably higher than other races had too, since he had never heard of the "impossible" rarity before. He would need to cautiously ask Lashtam and the Unklarn what they knew about higher rarities.

Either way, even though he passed by impressive classes as they went through the epic, mythical, and legendary rarities, most felt too much like throwaway classes when considering his purpose. Vitality just wasn't what was needed to kill invaders. These classes would just allow him to take more damaging hits.

For the first time, Adam realized he was spoiled. Even with all the suffering and difficulties he had been through.

At least since he had managed to network Cruxannith's soul with his own, using her for the class and titles, he felt like he could grow. Prior to that it didn't matter how much stronger he felt, it had been inevitable that he would fall behind and become obsolete. And worse, unable to accomplish his goals and the demands of his soul.

Now, he was able to grow, and any class he took would boost that growth and allow him to surpass those around him.

Did anyone else in the universe have self-healing, top end strength and damage, mobility, and the ability to mess with people's souls, bypassing traditional defenses? Adam definitely couldn't mention to anyone, even his friends who were marveling at his list, that he looked at these defender classes as just a weak throw in. Brittney practically had hearts in her eyes as she drooled over some of the classes that they passed.

The best case for Adam would be a class that would boost other stats along with his vitality, so the class could benefit his whole kit.

"What if…"

"He could…"

"This type…"

His friends were really into this, but as Adam read, watched, and listened to their discussion on how different classes would benefit him the most, he felt a little bored. [Protector] had been his original choice when the [System] first arrived, to make sure he stayed safe and didn't have to put himself out there, but after all he had experienced and fought through, defending others while they did the damage wouldn't satisfy him. Having to listen to the voice of future Adam embedded in his soul would drive him mad if he played the role of tank.

As if to agree, his soul began shouting, "CONQUER!"

"I know, I know," he whispered to himself, hoping the corruption would leave him alone for a bit.

Even with his negative thoughts, he perked up a bit when they got to the impossible classes. Adam recognized how miraculous it was to be able to select one. Each class was in Tier 2, containing even more strength than the impossible classes from the other stats.

With curiosity, Adam checked what he was offered in that rarity.

Impossible classes: Tier 2:

[Impervious Supporter] A combination of strong defense as well as above average healing will allow you to stand your ground against even the strongest enemies, while ensuring your allies are both protected and kept healthy. Future classes in this path will allow you to decide whether to strengthen your healing abilities or to branch off into buffing allies or debuffing enemies.

Status Increases per level: 30 vitality, 20 wisdom Requirement: Heal the fatally wounded 4 times while standing between your allies and an enemy at least 3 tiers above you.

"Does anyone want to point out the requirements there?" asked Carlos. "The fatally wounded Adam healed to meet those was himself. Not the best for a tank to keep getting that wounded."

"That's like a traditional paladin build," suggested Brittney. "Becoming a healer and a tank. The combination rarely works for primary tanks. Usually better as a supplementary one."

"If you need to put out that much healing, then the group is already in trouble or has lost its healers," added Brandon. "I understand the benefit of hybrid players, but this combination is usually the weakest of them all."

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"Unless you have the strength to solo the enemy, which darling does have," said Andrea with confidence.

Adam could agree that this class wouldn't be as bad with his pseudo-skills as for someone without them. However, spending half his skills for healing would be a waste with his blood berserker pseudo-skills. Too much overlap. Even if he aimed for buffing or debuffing, it was still a waste since he already had a lot of ways to increase his strength, even with their drawbacks.

"Meh," said Tom dismissively. "I can't see the boss standing around making sure everyone else is topped off on health with an invader standing right in front of him. What's he going to do, charge them and instead of hitting them he'll throw heals to people behind him?"

"That does seem dumb," agreed Randall. "I'm not sure what type of person really would want a class like that. If the group can't find a healer, then they shouldn't be there to begin with."

Most others agreed with those sentiments. As amazing as the class might be, it felt unnecessary. They moved on to the next option.

[Army Destroying Shield] Some races believe the best defense is a good offense. Your shield is not just for stopping attacks, but for dishing out damage. This class line will improve your offensive presence as well as your protective skills, allowing you to use your shield to punish your enemies for standing against you and clearing the way for your allies.

Status Increases per level: 26 vitality, 24 strength Requirement: Single handedly fell 4 enemies or more at least 3 tiers above you while protecting others.

"That class seems more like Adam," said Lamar.

"Except for the shield part," pointed out Nick. "I'm sure Adam can use a shield, but it would limit the other weapons he could use. I guess for him it could be like punching people with a giant fist."

"It doesn't even say the shield has to be big. Could we make fist sized shields for him?" asked Carlos.

"What do you think, honey?" asked Alissa.

Adam thought about it for a minute before answering.

"The stats are good. Lots of vitality and lots of strength. It would limit my weapon choices though, which doesn't play into my hands, but it is an option.

"I'm sure we could push the definition of shield," added Lucas. "Spikes, blades, protrusions. Maybe it would even accept swords if we made the guard into a full shield. Your strength will be able to handle it easily. Finding weapon combos that work might even be fun. Like that sword, spear, hammer thing that you used against the Drathan."

"True," agreed Adam. "I'm just concerned about finding materials for the shield on Earth that will actually hold up to the amount of strength I'd get. It would also limit how I could fight. Let's see what else there is."

[Longstanding Stronghold] A more traditional defensive role, this class focuses on being an immovable object. Future classes in this path can span the width of armies, making you a true stronghold for all your allies to gather around. Armor will be the medium through which you can stand strong in the face of any sized force.

Status Increases per level: 44 vitality, 2 strength, 2 agility, 2 wisdom Requirement: Stand in the middle of an enemy army of thousands, at least one tier above you, and refuse to fall.

"Seriously, the level of cheat you have to be to earn these," complained Carlos.

"Don't begrudge the man for being strong enough to save us and put down our enemies," said Lamar, pushing back against Carlos.

"It just seems like some of these requirements demand the person to be flat out stupid," said Randall. "Why would anyone be willing to try that."

"And yet the boss has easily done that tons of times," praised Tom.

Joseph shrugged. "It could be fun with the right weapon."

"As a defender?" pointed out Randall.

"Naw, that'd be boring," admitted Joseph. "I'd want my spear."

"Anyway, that doesn't seem like the current Adam's cup of tea," said Lucas.

"I can't argue," agreed Adam.

"Maybe before the [System]," smirked Nick. "You'd stand there hoping they didn't notice you so you could take a nap."

Adam just shrugged at that, and several laughed, picturing Adam sleeping while invaders ran past him.

"There's one more left," said Adam. "I'm surprised I got more Tier 2 impossible class options than any other stat type."

"Yeah, well, I can't see a Tier 1 meeting any of these requirements to begin with," said Brittney.

"I can't see anyone doing any of these," said Andrea, "unless they had some kind of trick. Like gaining two classes that aren't considered classes while everyone else in the world is leveling for their lives."

"Sounds about right," affirmed Adam as he moved to the last listed class.

[Omni-capable Emperor] There are many ways to protect. Some protect through shields. Some through might. Others protect through clever words and connections to people. To be a protector to all, one must rule. This class focuses on all forms of protecting.

Status Increases per level: 14 vitality, 9 strength, 9 agility, 9 intelligence, 9 wisdom Requirement: Meet the [System] requirements to be a sovereign in the first tier. Have all stats reach 200 before gaining your first class.

"Now that is truly impossible!" gasped Lucas. "This is just crazy!"

"That's the one!" said Adam with elation. "Balanced stats. No idea what the skills for it will be, but I doubt it'll overlap what I already do. This is the kind of class I want. Even the soul corruption approves of it. It's practically purring at the class."

"Congrats!" said Lamar, patting Adam's shoulder.

"This sounds like you, darling."

"Yeah, boss. No one else in the universe deserves this class but you!"

Adam's smile couldn't be wider. He felt lightheaded, as if it was too good to believe. A sense of satisfaction and rightness settled into his soul.

Without any hesitation he touched the class.

[Omni-capable Emperor] class select. Confirm selection: [Yes / No]

"Yes! Definitely yes!" cried Adam.

Class evolution proceeding…

Adam and his friends waited. A few seconds passed. Then a minute.

"Uh, maybe it's just taking so long because it's such as awesome class?" suggestion Tom nervously.

"Yes, like it has a bigger patch to download," added Brandon hesitantly.

Never looking up from the prompt, Adam's expression changed as moments passed. He went from excited to nervous. Now he was getting angry.

"Did evolving ever take you guys this long?" he asked his friends after a another minute passed.

Everyone shook their heads or answered negatively. Adam felt the anger building. He had experienced a delayed response once before. When he originally selected a class and found out his soul was corrupted. That meant that something might be wrong this time too.

Like that original time, he tried clicking on the prompt. Then he tried to mentally hit the back button on it. He tried moving the display to go back to looking at the class lists. Nothing he did changed the displays. He couldn't even reposition them in the air. Just when Adam was about to explode in fury, all the displays disappeared but one.

[System Conduit] conflict occurred. Evolution unable to proceed. Class [Protector] retained.

"WHAT?!" shouted Adam.

"What the hell is a [System Conduit]?" asked Joseph.

At the same time Brittney shot to her feet, arms raised in excitement, and a happy look on her face.

"I won the betting pool," she shouted, to everyone else's shock.

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