Mark stopped at the massive wooden counter, where a broad-shouldered, nearly bald giant lowered his rag from the counter. The man’s eyes ran over Mark’s iron-plated boots and up his body, stopping at his short sword. “You look like something that got tossed from a meat grinder,” the barman growled, his voice like distant thunder. “I’m Silas, the owner of this humble establishment. What can I get you, warrior?”
“A room for the night, a hot bath, and the best meal you have,” Mark replied, throwing five of the silver coins he took from the Goblin Taskmaster onto the wooden counter with a soft clatter. The barman’s eyes lit at the sight of the silver, and the tension in the room dissipated as the other bar patrons returned to their rowdy drinking and brawls.
“Five silvers, eh? That’ll get you a private room for two nights, a hot bath, and a plate of roasted venison with potatoes,” Silas said, sliding the coins into his belt as he spoke. “Have a seat by the fire, traveler. The girls will be right over with your meal.”
Mark nodded and made his way to the dark corner near the fireplace, where he took a seat at a free wooden table. He leaned back against the wall, resting his spear against the wooden pillar. The fire’s warm glow felt wonderful against his sore muscles.
Ten minutes later, a young waitress arrived at Mark’s table carrying a heavy wooden plate with steaming meat and hot, fluffy potatoes. She placed a large mug of cold water on the table and left. Mark ate heartily, finishing the plate in record time. Thanks to his military experience, he didn’t make a mess while eating. The meal was fantastic, better a thousand times than the tasteless rat meat he ate in the underground camp.
Suddenly, a system message appeared in front of Mark.
[You have eaten a meal of exceptional quality. Health and Mana regeneration increased by 200% for the next 4 hours.]
“Good,” Mark muttered.
The young waitress suddenly loomed over his table. Mark’s hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his short sword, but he stopped when he saw the man’s face. The stranger wore a dark blue robe, and a thick book was tucked under his arm. His features were sharp, and his thin glasses perched on the bridge of his nose.
Mark focused his vision on the man’s face. “Inspect.”
[Alden – Level 12 Town Clerk (Human)]
[Health: 180/180]
“May I sit?” the stranger asked politely, gesturing to the empty chair next to Mark. “My name is Alden, and I am the village registrar. The guards told me a survivor came down from the mountain ruins today. They said you slew a Goblin Taskmaster and a Shadow Panther by yourself.”
“I did what I had to do to survive,” Mark replied evenly.
“Indeed, it is remarkable,” Alden said, opening the thick book in front of him. “The ruins have been forbidden for several months because the monsters grew too aggressive. The fact you cleared a path through them speaks of your power. Oakhaven always welcomes strong warriors, and I have come to offer you a proposition.”
Mark leaned back, narrowing his eyes at the stranger. “What kind of proposition?”
Alden pointed at his chest. “You are currently Level 4, but your status shows that your Class is ‘None.’ That means you are still Unawakened. Once warriors reach Level 5, they have to choose their Class Path, which grants them unique abilities. If you register at the village, I can help you find the local trainers to hone your skills.”
A blue system message appeared before Mark’s eyes, confirming the man’s words.
[CLASS AWAKENING]
You are currently Level 4 (330/300 XP – Level Up Pending Confirmation).
Upon reaching Level 5, you will have to choose your Class Path.
The following basic Classes are available for selection:
Vanguard – Warrior type – Increases defense and allows you to equip heavy armor.
Skirmisher – Rogue type – Increases agility and lets you dual-wield weapons.
Tactician – Special class – Increases tactical awareness, granting bonuses to squads and terrain analysis.
Mark studied the offered classes. He was a soldier in his past life, a member of the Special Forces. He never engaged in reckless charges or hid in the shadows. He led his fireteam from the front, analyzing the battlefield and giving orders. The Tactician class was a natural fit.
“I see you are considering your options,” Alden said with a smile as he closed the thick book. “You do not have to decide this night. Get some rest, and come to the town hall tomorrow morning. I will introduce you to the martial instructors who can help you further your journey.”
With that, Alden bowed slightly and left, making his way to the front door.
Mark finished the water and stood, taking his spear and short sword with him. He climbed the stairs to the second floor, where a small private room awaited him. Inside, the wooden walls were spotless, and a feather mattress rested on the floor. A tub stood in the corner, filled with steaming water heated by Silas’s people.
Mark removed his bloodstained leather vest and sank into the hot water. He leaned back, letting the warmth soak into his skin as he stared at the ceiling.
Just twenty-four hours ago, he was dead. His body burned in a desert wasteland on Earth as his fireteam made their last stand. Now he was here, in a strange world called Aethelgard, leveling up like a character in a game. It was insane, but as Mark felt the power in his muscles, he realized he was not mad. He was a soldier, and a soldier’s job was to overcome any odds and win.
He stepped out of the tub, dried himself off, and slid under the feather blanket. For the first time since arriving in this world, Mark felt safe. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Tomorrow, he would reach Level 5 and choose his class. Tomorrow, his legend would begin.
ns216.73.216.176da2
and then Add to home screen.