Alice stood panting, her chest heaving as fury coursed through her veins. Without a second thought, she reared back and delivered a solid kick to the plinth bearing their names. The impact rang through the room with a dull chime, and she winced slightly, but the anger in her glare didn't falter.

Ed arched an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Hulk smash?" he quipped.

Alice whipped her head toward him, her glare intensifying. "That bastard used my dojo days against me and turned it into something it wasn't! And then—" She jabbed a finger toward the now-humming obelisk. "—right when I lost my temper and went to attack it, I got sent back here. Some utter bullshit if you ask me."

Rose crossed her arms, shaking her head at her fuming friend. "You attacked a god?" she asked, her tone a mixture of disbelief and exasperation.

Ed chuckled, leaning against the wall. "Doesn't seem like the smartest choice, to be honest."

Alice shot him a withering look. "And I didn't even have some epiphany moment like you two did!" she snapped. "I just got toyed with."

Rose tilted her head thoughtfully, the frustration on Alice's face softening her own response. "Well, if you think about it... you might have," she said, her voice calm. "It didn't tell you that you'd passed until you attacked it, yeah?"

Alice frowned, the words sticking with her despite her anger. Rose shrugged and continued, "Maybe it had something to do with your fighting spirit, or pushing through when you're tested."

Ed shrugged nonchalantly. "Who knows? This place is weird. I'm sure you'll figure it out eventually."

Before Alice could riposte, the room began to tremble. The walls shook violently, dust falling from the ceiling as cracks of light appeared along the seams of the structure. With a grinding noise, the walls folded outward, each one falling like the petals of a blossoming flower. The room expanded, revealing a vast training hall bathed in an ethereal, shifting light.

The three of them spun around, taking in their surroundings, but their attention snapped to the center of the room. Standing there were three figures, humanoid in shape but made entirely of swirling smoke and darkness. The edges of their forms blurred and shifted, as though their bodies could dissipate at any moment.

Ed straightened, his hand twitching toward his side as if reaching for a weapon that wasn't there. "Well, this is new," he muttered.

Alice clenched her fists, her anger refocusing. "Looks like round two," she said through gritted teeth.

Rose took a step forward, her gaze locked on the shadowy figures. "Whoever they are, I don't think they're here to talk."

The figures shifted slightly, the darkness around them rippling, as though preparing to strike.

Rose, Ed and Alice all stared at the shadowy figures. Each of them found their eyes focusing on a different figure, something almost... familiar about the movements they were making. In perfect synchrony, the three friends felt a sharp pain in the back of their heads, and a new notification finally granting them a skill they'd been waiting for

New Skill: Analyze (Common)

Description: It does what it says on the tin.

As soon as the skill became available, it activated, and Rose gasped, before speaking out loud. "I think..." she began, her voice steady despite the dread building in her chest, "I think we're about to fight our own inner demons."

She pointed toward the first figure, its hulking, shrouded form dragging spectral chains behind it. "That's the Shade of Guilt," she said, the name rolling off her tongue as if she'd known it all along. The creature shifted slightly, its hollow eyes glowing dimly, sending a chill through the air.

Name: Shade of Guilt

Description: The Shade of Guilt is a towering, hunched figure cloaked in a constantly shifting veil of gray mist, its form flickering as if caught between existence and dissolution. Its presence is oppressive, a suffocating weight that presses down on all who face it. Two hollow, glowing eyes peer from its shadowed visage, radiating sorrow and self-reproach. Chains of spectral light trail from its wrists and ankles, dragging across the floor as it moves, clinking softly like a constant reminder of past wrongs. Its attacks are deliberate and slow, as if burdened by its own actions, yet each strike carries a crushing weight that mirrors the crushing nature of the emotion.

Her gaze turned to the second figure, its drifting, sorrowful form swaying like smoke caught in an unseen breeze. "And that's the Wraith of Remorse." Its haunting melody grew louder as she spoke, the sound clawing at the edges of her mind.

Name: Wraith of Remorse

Description: The Wraith of Remorse drifts like smoke, its translucent form elongating unnaturally with every motion. Its face is a mask of sorrow, featureless save for a pair of flickering blue lights where eyes might have been, shimmering like tears about to fall. Its movements are fluid yet hesitant, as though constantly pulled back by regret it cannot release. Surrounding it is a faint, haunting melody, like the echo of a weeping violin, a sound that pulls at the heartstrings of all who hear it. When it strikes, its blows feel like a pull toward the past, sapping resolve and clarity with each connection.

Finally, she pointed at the last figure, the fiery, chaotic storm that barely held its humanoid shape. "And that... that is the Avatar of Fury." The air around it pulsed with heat, the ground beneath its feet scorched and blackened with every flicker of its flames.

Name: Avatar of Fury

Description: A towering figure of molten rage, the Avatar of Fury radiates destructive energy, wreathed in fire and shadow. Its glowing, molten veins pulse with fury, and its burning eyes pierce with unrelenting wrath. Encased in blackened steel ablaze with flickering flames, it wields a colossal flaming greatsword and a storm-charged gauntlet, each strike a devastating eruption of power. Its mere presence crushes courage, an aura of relentless rage that consumes all who stand against it.

She turned to Ed and Alice, her expression grim. "Looks like we don't get a break after all. Let's hope we've learned enough about ourselves to stand a chance."

The shadowy figures advanced, their movements deliberate and menacing, and the tension in the air was palpable. Without a word, Rose found herself stepping forward, her body moving almost on instinct as she faced the figure dragging heavy spectral chains behind it. Each clink of metal echoed unnaturally in the training hall, the sound reverberating in her chest like a hammer striking an anvil. The oppressive weight of the creature's presence pressed down on her, but she squared her shoulders and charged forward.

She struck quickly, her fists snapping out in practiced movements, each hit landing solidly against the Shade's flickering, shadowy form. But every blow seemed to have no effect. Instead, the chains it carried grew heavier, snaking toward her and wrapping tightly around her wrists and ankles. Rose froze, startled, as the cold, spectral links coiled around her limbs like living things. She yanked against them, but they refused to budge.

She lashed out again, throwing punches and kicks in a frenzy of desperation, but her strikes only seemed to strengthen the chains. They glowed faintly now, faint runes etched into the metal casting a dull, silvery light. Her movements slowed further as the weight dragged her down, her limbs trembling with exertion. She stumbled, her knees hitting the floor hard as the Shade loomed closer, its hollow eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. It raised its arms, the chains rattling like a judge's gavel about to deliver a sentence.

Rose's breaths came in ragged gasps as the runes began to shift and shimmer. To her horror, they reflected scenes from her past—her parents' smiling faces as they drove her home that night, the screech of tires, the crash. She saw herself standing in the wreckage, too young, too helpless, clutching her mom's hand as the world shattered around her. Each link in the chain seemed to bear another moment, another memory where guilt had consumed her. She choked on a sob, unable to look away.

"I couldn't stop it," she whispered, her voice cracking. "I wanted to... but I couldn't."

The Shade's chains tightened further, its hulking form looming closer still. The weight felt unbearable, like she was being crushed under the full force of her guilt. Her hands fell to her sides, trembling as she sat on her knees, her head bowed. Her breath hitched, the urge to give in clawing at her.

But then, something shifted deep inside her. A small, flickering ember of defiance. Her memories switched to ones containing those who mattered most—Sinclair, Ed, Alice—and their belief in her. Her parents' faces flashed in her mind again, not twisted in pain but smiling, encouraging. They had loved her, unconditionally, even in their final moments. The thought brought a flood of emotions crashing down, threatening to overwhelm her, but she clung to that ember.

"I couldn't stop it," she repeated, her voice shaking, but stronger now. She lifted her head, meeting the Shade's empty gaze. "I couldn't stop it... but it wasn't my fault."

The chains faltered, their glow dimming slightly, the runes flickering as though uncertain.

Rose pushed herself to her feet, her legs shaking beneath her but holding steady. She clenched her fists, staring down the Shade. "You're part of me," she said, her voice firmer now. "But you don't define me. You don't control me."

The Shade hesitated, its form wavering as though weakened. The chains loosened further, their hold breaking as her words grew stronger. "I've carried you long enough," she said, stepping forward with renewed determination. "You don't get to keep me here anymore."

With a cry of defiance, Rose lunged forward, her fist striking the Shade square in its chest. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the room as the chains shattered into a thousand fading fragments of light. The Shade let out a low, echoing wail as its form dissolved into a swirling mist, leaving Rose standing alone, sweat-drenched and breathing hard but unbroken.

She looked down at her hands, the weight gone, replaced by a lightness she hadn't felt in years. The memories were still there, the guilt lingering faintly in the background, but it no longer consumed her. She had faced it, accepted it, and let it go. And for the first time, she felt free.

*****

Across the room, Ed circled his own demon, its shifting, smoke-like form darting just out of reach with every swing. His fists sliced through nothing but air, and the Wraith reappeared behind him, silent but oppressive. The smoky trails it left in its wake seemed to tighten around him, an intangible cage pressing down on his chest. He swung again, his movements sharp and desperate, but the Wraith dissolved before he could connect, re-forming on his other side.

The haunting melody began softly, like a far-off violin playing in a minor key. But with each missed strike, it grew louder, more dissonant, the notes clawing into his mind. Whispers threaded through the music, indistinct at first, but then growing sharper, clearer. Faces began to surface in his thoughts—people he had wronged, times he had failed, moments he could never take back.

Ed faltered, his fists lowering slightly as the weight of the memories bore down on him. The melody surrounded him now, the whispers merging into an unrelenting litany of regret. He saw the look on his mother's face the day he lied to protect himself, the pain in his friend's eyes when he didn't stand up for them, the disappointment of a teacher who believed in him when he had let them down. The Wraith swirled closer, coiling and uncoiling like a predator toying with its prey.

"I didn't mean to..." Ed muttered, his voice barely audible over the growing cacophony. He staggered back, his balance failing as the Wraith loomed over him. Its form rippled and stretched, the whispers twisting into accusations that gnawed at his resolve.

"I get it!" he yelled suddenly, his voice hoarse and raw. He dropped to one knee, clutching his head as if to shield himself from the onslaught of sound. "I made mistakes. I've done things I can't take back."

The melody faltered, just for a moment. The Wraith paused, its form flickering faintly.

Ed looked up, his breathing ragged, his hands trembling. "But I've spent my life trying to make up for them," he said, his voice steadier now. "Every day, I've tried to do better. That's all I can do." He pushed himself to his feet, his legs shaking beneath him, but he stood tall.

The fog around him seemed to thin slightly, the melody softening as the Wraith wavered, its edges blurring. Ed clenched his fists, his gaze locked on the shifting figure. "I'm not perfect," he said, his tone firm now, filled with a quiet resolve. "But I'm not giving up. Not now. Not ever."

The Wraith lashed out, a tendril of smoke whipping toward him, but Ed sidestepped it, his movements deliberate—controlled. He planted his feet, drawing in a deep breath, and struck out—not wildly, but with precision. His fist connected with the Wraith's core, and the figure rippled violently, the melody collapsing into a low, mournful hum.

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He struck again, each blow landing perfectly. The Wraith flickered, its form unraveling, the whispers fading into silence. With one final, decisive strike, Ed shattered the Wraith completely. It dissolved into the air, the oppressive fog lifting entirely.

Ed stood there, his chest heaving, his fists still clenched at his sides. The echoes of the melody lingered faintly in his mind, but the weight of the memories felt lighter now. He knew they would always be there, a part of him, but they no longer controlled him.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, he straightened, his resolve unshaken. "I can live with that," he muttered to himself, turning back toward where Rose and Alice fought their own battles.

*****

Alice found herself staring down a raging inferno of fire and shadows, the Avatar before her a chaotic storm of fury given form. Its strikes came fast and relentless, each one blazing with a raw, uncontained energy that seared the surrounding air. Alice met it head-on, her fists and feet moving in a blur as she countered every blow with her own. For a moment, she felt like she was holding her ground, evenly matched against the storm.

But the longer the fight dragged on, the hotter and fiercer the flames became. Every strike she landed only seemed to make the Avatar grow larger, its form blazing brighter and more unstable. The heat was suffocating, the ground beneath her feet scorched and cracking. Sweat poured down her face as the air burned in her lungs.

"You want a fight? Fine!" Alice shouted, her voice raw with determination. She lunged again, throwing her entire weight into a flurry of blows. But the Avatar didn't weaken—it roared in response, its flames surging higher, forcing her to stagger back.

The realization struck her like a slap to the face. Her anger wasn't defeating it. It was feeding it.

Her fists lowered slightly as she stepped back, her chest heaving, the oppressive heat bearing down on her. "You're me," she muttered, staring at the blazing figure with narrowed eyes. "But... I'm not just this."

The Avatar paused, its fiery form flickering faintly, as if her words had reached some part of it. But its flames surged again, its blazing arms lashing out with renewed intensity. Alice barely dodged in time, her feet skidding on the scorched ground. Her instinct was to lash back, to meet fire with fire, but she stopped herself. Her hands trembled as she forced herself to take a step back.

"Fury isn't the problem," she said, almost to herself. Her voice was steady, though her body still shook from the strain. "It's not the anger. It's letting it run wild. It's letting it control me."

The Avatar lunged again, its fiery arms swinging down with crushing force. This time, Alice didn't meet it with a reckless counter. She sidestepped smoothly, her movements controlled, her mind sharp. The flames barely grazed her as she turned, planting her feet with deliberate precision.

She inhaled deeply, her stance shifting as she steadied herself. "Fury can be a tool," she said, her voice stronger now, her gaze locked on the Avatar. "But it's not the one in control. I am."

The Avatar roared, its flames intensifying in a desperate attempt to overwhelm her. But Alice didn't flinch. She moved with purpose, every step and strike calculated. Her first blow landed with precision, sending ripples through the fiery form. She followed it with another, her fists sharp and deliberate, each strike weakening the Avatar's flames. It faltered, the blaze dimming as her control grew.

"I'm not just my rage," she said firmly, her voice cutting through the roar of the flames. "I'm my focus. My discipline. My strength."

With one final, calculated strike, Alice drove her fist into the core of the Avatar. The flames shuddered violently before collapsing inward, the inferno shrinking into a small, flickering ember. The shadowy form crumbled, its embers scattering like ash, leaving Alice standing in silence.

She stayed still for a moment, her breaths steadying, the heat dissipating around her. Her anger was still there, simmering like a steady fire in her chest—but for the first time, it felt contained. Controlled. A part of her, but no longer the thing driving her.

The oppressive presence of the training hall lifted as Alice turned back toward Rose and Ed. They stood waiting for her, both of them battered but steady, and Alice met their eyes with a small, tired smile.

"Let's vacation somewhere else next time," Alice said, brushing soot and ash from her sleeves. Her tone was dry, but the exhaustion in her voice was impossible to miss.

"Agreed," Ed muttered, stretching his sore shoulders. "This place has a thing for playing with your emotions."

Rose sighed, running a hand through her tangled hair. "Yeah, not a fan of this at all. But how do we leave?" She looked around the expanse, still half-expecting another trial to manifest.

Before any of them could answer, the ground trembled slightly, and a new plinth began to rise from the earth, its dark surface smooth and glowing faintly. It appeared almost exactly where the first one had been, standing tall and silent as if waiting for them.

"Well, I'm guessing that's our next step," Alice said, stepping toward it cautiously. Rose and Ed followed, each exchanging wary glances.

"Think it'll end this madness?" Rose asked, her fingers hesitating just above the surface of the plinth.

"Only one way to find out," Ed said with a shrug, placing his hand on it first. The others quickly followed suit, their hands touching the surface together.

The moment their fingers made contact, all three of them froze. The world around them seemed to blur as a screen materialized in front of each of them, glowing softly. The text on the screen was crisp and clear, but it took them all a moment to process what they were seeing.

Then Ed broke the silence with a loud whoop of joy, nearly making both women jump out of their skin.

"Seriously, Ed?" Rose said, glaring at him, though her irritation was mixed with curiosity. "What's got you so excited?"

"They're class screens!" Ed exclaimed, unable to contain his grin. "We're being offered classes!"

Alice blinked at her screen, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten as she read the words glowing in front of her. Rose's annoyance faded as she focused on her own screen, her expression shifting to one of cautious excitement. The trials were over, and now the rewards had finally arrived.

Rose stared at the glowing screen in front of her, three options hovering in the faint light. No descriptions, no explanations—just the rarity rating beside each one. She let out a long sigh, her frustration barely kept in check. Of course, the System couldn't make this easy.

Elementalist (Uncommon)

Warden of the Elements (Rare)

Tempest Weaver (Rare)

As she glared at the first option, Elementalist, it expanded and provided a succinct yet comprehensive summary.

Elementalist (Uncommon):

Elementalists harness the raw power of nature's elements, channeling fire, water, air, and earth into potent offensive and defensive spells. They are versatile casters capable of adapting to a wide range of combat scenarios by drawing on the strength of their surroundings. Elementalists excel at controlling the battlefield, creating hazards, and unleashing devastating bursts of elemental energy.

It was, it turned out, more simple than she'd realised, and so she selected the other two in turn.

Warden of the Elements (Rare):

Wardens of the Elements are protectors and guardians who merge elemental magic with resilience, wielding the elements to shield allies and smite foes. They embody the harmony of nature, balancing destruction and protection with skillful precision. With enhanced durability and elemental synergy, Wardens thrive in prolonged battles where their adaptability shines.

Tempest Weaver (Rare):

Tempest Weavers manipulate the chaotic fury of storms, weaving lightning and wind into devastating attacks and swift movement. Masters of speed and precision, they unleash bursts of electricity to disorient and destroy while evading counterattacks with agility. Their unparalleled control of storm magic allows them to dominate the battlefield with relentless, electrifying power.

Her eyes lingered on each name in turn, but her gaze kept drifting back to the last one. "Tempest Weaver," she murmured under her breath. It had a weight to it, a sense of chaos and purpose that she couldn't ignore. Taking a deep breath, she reached out and selected it.

Class: Tempest Weaver (Rare)

Description: Harnessing the raw, untamed forces of nature, the Tempest Weaver commands the elements with precision and purpose. Born of chaos yet tempered by discipline, this class blends the primal fury of storms, fire, and frost with the artistry of balance and control. Drawing on the Norse traditions of seiðr and the elemental power of the realms, the Tempest Weaver bends wind, water, flame, and earth to their will, creating devastating combinations or protective shields to safeguard their allies. Each spell is a strand in the weave, crafting a tempest that reflects the wielder's will and mastery over the chaos.

Classes increase the level bonus attributes granted for your race. Tempest Weaver gains the following per level, replacing your racial bonus.

+ 2 Constitution

+ 7 Intelligence

+ 6 Willpower

+ 3 free stat points per level

New Skill: Infernal Gale (Rare)

Description: Summon a devastating whirlwind of fire and wind, combining searing flames with the relentless force of a storm. The Infernal Gale spreads across the battlefield, burning and battering enemies caught within its path. This spell embodies the chaos of the Tempest Weaver, unleashing the destructive beauty of fire and air in perfect harmony.

Effects:

Mana efficiency improved by 1%

Area of effect damage enhanced

Across the room, Alice frowned at the list in front of her, crossing her arms. "Uh, guys, do you have anything other than three choices with just rarity listed?"

Ed glanced up from his own screen. "Nope. Got the same here. Just three names and the rarity."

Rose shifted awkwardly, realizing she hadn't even thought to tell her friends what she's discovered "Yeah... I had the same thing. If you focus on each name, it'll expand and give you more information. But, uh, I already chose mine." She hesitated before adding with a small grin, "I took Tempest Weaver, and I got a really cool skill that makes fire tornadoes."

Alice raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "How did you know what to pick?"

Rose shrugged, feeling a little sheepish. "I didn't. I just got really excited. Ya know?"

Ed leaned back, shaking his head with a small laugh. "Well, that's as good a reason as any, I suppose." Selecting each one he looked at the available classes, reading out the details after Rose filled them in on the options she'd been given.

GroveKeeper (Uncommon):

GroveKeepers are stewards of nature, using their magic to nurture life and protect the sanctity of their surroundings. They excel in defensive and restorative abilities, creating safe havens while hindering enemies with nature's subtle power. GroveKeepers thrive in battles where patience and strategy ensure victory.

Beastwalker (Rare):

Beastwalkers channel the spirit of the wild, forging deep bonds with animals and fighting alongside them as one. They take on the traits of beasts, gaining speed, strength, and ferocity in combat. With their primal instincts and fierce allies, Beastwalkers dominate the battlefield through sheer tenacity and teamwork.

Primordial Druid (Rare):

Primordial Druids wield the ancient and untamed power of nature, blending elemental magic with the primal strength of beasts. They embody the balance between life and decay, using nature's raw energy to devastate enemies and shield allies. With their mastery of destruction and renewal, Primordial Druids are the living embodiment of nature's might.

Only one of those felt right, so that's the one he chose.

Class: Primordial Druid (Rare)

Description: The Primordial Druid is a guardian of nature's ancient and untamed forces, wielding the raw power of the elements and the primal instincts of the wild. Rooted in the old ways, this class taps into the unbroken cycles of life, decay, and rebirth to strike a balance between destruction and renewal. With the strength of the beasts and the magic of the elements, the Primordial Druid shapes the battlefield, protecting allies and unleashing nature's wrath on those who threaten the balance. Whether calling down storms, summoning vines, or fighting with the ferocity of a predator, the Primordial Druid is nature's vengeance made flesh.

Classes also increase the level bonus attributes granted for your race. Tempest Weaver gains the following per level, replacing your racial bonus.

+ 3 Strength

+ 3 Agility

+ 3 Constitution

+ 2 Intelligence

+ 3 Willpower

+ 1 Endurance

+ 3 free stat points per level

New Skill: Earthen Surge (Rare)

Description: Harnesses the raw strength of the earth to create a rippling wave of stone and soil that erupts from beneath your enemies. The Earthen Surge shatters defenses and leaves the terrain difficult to navigate, leveraging the unyielding force of the earth itself.

Effects:

Reduces enemy movement speed by 15% for 5 seconds.

Damage is enhanced by 10% against shielded enemies.

FInishing, Ed—along with Rose—turned to Alice. She looked back and began to talk through her options.

Brawler (Uncommon): Brawlers are masters of unarmed combat, relying on raw strength and agility to overpower opponents. They deliver devastating punches and kicks, using their bodies as weapons to dominate in close-quarters combat. With a straightforward and relentless approach, Brawlers excel in toe-to-toe battles.

MistWalker (Rare): MistWalkers are elusive fighters who blend shadowy movements with precise strikes, using stealth and misdirection to confound their enemies. They excel at evading attacks and striking from unexpected angles, turning every fight into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Their connection to the mist grants them an almost spectral agility and cunning.

Breaker of Chains (Unique): Breakers of Chains embody the spirit of liberation, using unarmed combat to shatter barriers and dismantle oppression. They strike with overwhelming power and precision, breaking through enemy defenses with ease. This class symbolizes unyielding strength and the holder must have the will to inspire freedom in both combat and purpose.

Her gaze lingered on the last one, her fingers twitching slightly at her side. There was something about it that resonated deep within her, as though it was meant for her and no one else. Which, I guess it must be, if it's unique, right?

Without hesitation, she made her selection

Her vision flashed briefly, and her heart skipped a beat as the name solidified in glowing letters. She clenched her fists, a surge of energy coursing through her.

Class: Breaker of Chains (Unique)

Description: The Breaker of Chains is a master of unarmed combat, embodying freedom, strength, and the will to overcome any obstacle. Fueled by relentless determination, this class excels at breaking through defenses and disrupting enemies with devastating punches, kicks, and grapples. Drawing inspiration from Norse legends of unyielding warriors, the Breaker of Chains turns their body into a weapon and a symbol of liberation. With every strike, they shatter the chains of oppression, both literal and metaphorical, and inspire allies to fight with renewed vigor.

Classes also increase the level bonus attributes granted for your race. Breaker of Chains gains the following per level, replacing your racial bonus.

+ 5 Strength

+ 6 Agility

+ 4 Constitution

+ 3 Endurance

+ 4 free stat points per level

New Skill: Mountain's Embrace (Rare)

Description: Channel the unyielding strength of the mountains to fortify your body and unleash a devastating close-range attack. With Mountain's Embrace, your strikes hit with the weight of a landslide, while you temporarily harden your defenses to withstand even the fiercest blows. This skill reflects the Breaker of Chains' ability to stand immovable, like the very peaks of Midgard, and strike with unstoppable force.

Effects:

Increases physical resistance by 15% for 6 seconds.

Deals crushing damage to enemies within a 10-foot radius.

Reduces enemy movement speed by 20% for 4 seconds

Ed let out a loud harrumph once Alice finished explaining her class perks. "It's kind of unfair you get more stat points. We each only get 18 per level, and you get 21."

Alice shrugged with a smirk. "I'm unique after all. Who would've thought?" She winked at him, clearly enjoying the moment.

Rose, in turn, looked bemused for a moment, before pointing out, "It's 22, Ed. Not 21. Don't worry, we'll teach you to count, eventually."

Rose stretched and sighed. "I don't know about you two, but I'm ready to go home and rest. My tutorial quest has been marked as complete and it says that I can go home as soon as I click accept... so I'm going to do that now and go get some sleep, finally."

The others nodded in agreement, equally worn out. Without hesitation, they accepted their completed quests.

When the world shifted and they were back at their starting point, they froze. Sinclair was sprawled on the porch, surrounded by empty beer bottles, fast asleep.

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