《Dark Fantasia: The Unknown Non-visible Class》 Prologue Personally, I was initially very fond of stories and novels from other worlds. They created a special feeling within me. Until, as the saying goes, ¡°they stirred up a rebellion!¡± The hero was always a boy who either found himself in another world due to a sudden death from a truck, some kind of magic, or a mysterious and enchanting event. He either wakes up to realize he has become a baby or is revealed alone, or with a group from his own world, in the presence of a king. They are called heroes and are told they have a divine mission. They must defeat the villain of this world, who, due to pure wickedness and nothing else, wreaks destruction and devastation. Then either a system, like a video game, strengthens them. If that¡¯s not the case, they learn skills themselves and progress like a genius. Otherwise, they become a poor soul who survives by a miracle and grows stronger. Then, while embarking on their journey, they become entangled in the affairs of others and completely forget their duties and goals, as if they have no hidden intentions or personal objectives. They save girls and then, without knowing it, end up in harems. Unless they themselves are girls, then I won¡¯t even mention the clich¨¦s of male characters becoming dependent on and obsessed with her. The main character has a severe lack of morals and personal values, like a blank sheet of paper. Or worse, the author places themselves in the protagonist''s shoes and writes about their dreams and deficiencies.
After I realized this situation and became saturated with such laziness, I only read the best works. Until I was accepted into a top-tier public university in Tokyo. I chose computer science so that one day I could move toward game development and advanced programming. Soon, I was supposed to choose the software specialization. But in the worst possible way, they took all that from me. During one of the Wednesday afternoon classes, the power in the artificial intelligence workshop went out. The professor wanted to cancel the class when, to our disbelief, we were all frozen in place by an invisible force. Then a thick, gray fog enveloped us all. I couldn¡¯t see anyone. The air felt heavy on me. Two black arms emerged from the mist and approached me. Two hands, covered with dark scales like coal and with long, sharp nails. My body was trembling. My mind had shut down. One of those hands came toward my eyes and darkened my vision. Without knowing how it happened, I lost consciousness. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. My name is Jin Ryuji. I am a 20-year-old boy. My second year of university came to a halt like this. We became, as the saying goes, ¡°isekai-ed.¡± Oblivious to everything. I wish it were that simple.
I came to with strong shakes on my shoulders. My eyes were still heavy. The sounds seemed to be coming from a distance. With all my strength, I tried to blindly push away whoever was trying to wake me. And it was at that moment I remembered what had happened. Without hesitation, I opened my eyes. My classmate and close friend, Mizushi Okaya, with his large hazel eyes, let out a sigh of relief. The young boy turned to another direction and announced, ¡°He¡¯s come to.¡± Then he reached out a hand to help me sit up. I felt a bad dizziness. My chest and head burned. I blinked rapidly a few times and shook my head to see if it would get better. I heard a few footsteps and paid attention to my surroundings. With a glance, I realized that all the members of the class and even the professor were present. Our professor, Mr. Taka along with my close friend Murata Koji Akiyo, whose neatly combed hair was now quite disheveled, approached me. The professor knelt in front of me and asked about my condition. Okaya reassured both him and Murata. In this chaos, I had neither the ears to listen nor the patience to speak. I nodded to reassure them. The others were either standing or sitting beside dusty pillars. Sadness, fear, anxiety, and confusion were evident in all of us because we found ourselves in a stone room with only a few torches in the unknown darkness. Suddenly, there was a creaking sound, and then light shone from one side into the large room. At least the torchlight had prepared our eyes for the brighter light. We heard a male voice: ¡°Please follow me.¡± I had a strange feeling about all of this. 1. A Totally (Not) Cliché Welcoming The light coming from the door was blinding. There was a faint, musty scent coming from behind it, hinting at the age of the space beyond. Mixed with it was the reassuring aroma of fresh air and a hint of something fancy. ¡°we were expecting you, please follow me.¡± said the manly voice once more. The girls huddled like a flock of nervous birds, their murmurs rising and falling like a secret symphony. Then looked towards us and the professor. ¡°Who are you? where are we?¡± inquired Mr. Taka. his face became tense and his brows furrowed as he gestured for us to gather behind him. His jaw was set and he was Quick to become defensive, which i wouldn¡¯t blame him for. Yet we were disappointed as the shadowy figure faded towards a direction beside the door. Quite the trick i must admit, to force us out seeking answers. ''Could it be what i think it is?'' Such intuitions were easy to achieve after years of being a fan of light novels. "Mr. Taka, it is best if we follow. they must know something." Some of us, Including myself much to my dismay, nodded in agreement as Aira, our class representative suggested. I glanced at my two close friends, Okaya and Akiyo, who were dumbfounded. Unlike me, they were more into live-action movies. and their taste in the genre of novels? well, nothing like my particular fantasy ones at least. not one bit. "Yeah! who knows, maybe we are teleported into another world? Mr. Taka let''s proceed for now." It was Mako, another boy who joined our class this year. he was outgoing, extroverted and put on a cheery face most of the time. I, myself, never really figured how to communicate with him. after a while i gave up. he was a person of many friends and small talks. no, thank you kind sir. Also not to mention his above-average looks, which made him more likeable. A sharp jawline and spiky dark blue hairs were all it took for him to start dating a girl in our university a month after he transferred. Yet the attribute that would make him useful in our situation is that like me, he also used to ready a lot of Manga, Manhua and eventually web novels. and he was known for it. I talked about that hobby too, but oh well. I distorted my face after noticing some girls nodding after him. my friends also followed me. in a normal situation we would have laughed hard, trying not to be too obvious. but right now? we were essentially kidnapped. Finally most of agreed to exit through the passage, and those who were reluctant had no other choice to follow. "God, please let it be a prank for once." murmured Okaya, a sweat drop visible beside his right eye. as we came to pass through the big ancient doors, we found ourselves in a grand, expansive space beyond. As we step inside, our eyes widen at the opulence of the throne room. Golden walls adorned with intricate designs, and crimson flags which were hung proudly. each had a sword and a Leopard emblazoned on them, catching the light with a regal glow. The taste of metal lingered in the air, almost like pennies on the tongue, a reminder of the wealth and opulence within these walls. The doors behind us clanged shut, and the echoes reverberated through the throne room. Then we noticed Two neat rows of knights, their silver armor gleaming and reflecting the light from the golden walls. Dukes and counts stood proudly in their regal attire, their faces stern and determined. At the end of the room, on the gigantic, masterfully carved stone throne, sat a middle-aged king, his jeweled crown shining atop his head. His features were fierce and commanding, with piercing gray eyes and a bushy black beard. But his playful smirk indicated a mischievous side. I became uneasy and displeased with that indication, yet we were to show our most respectful behavior as the environment obliged us to. "At last! The heavens have heard our prayers, and our relentless efforts have not been in vain! Welcome, esteemed visitors from another realm!" proclaimed the king, his voice filled with pride and charged with anticipation. ''Well, here goes it.'' i wanted to sneeze, an urge calling to me to yawn. yet still the situation was real and serious. Ironic, so much that i could almost snort. while others needed time to process it all or were excited, I, even though seeing a dream of mine come true, wasn''t satisfied. No, lets rephrase it: it was more suspicious than a typical fantasy. I took a glance at the big Stoney throne. wondering where the Queen or the Children of the Royalty could be. Mr. Taka however, was still too defensive for our sake. Readjusting his brown coat and short gray hair, he indicated to move further. With deliberate, measured footsteps, we approached the regal patriarch. Each step felt heavier as we moved across the polished marble floor, our eyes fixed on the king''s imposing presence, his jewel-encrusted crown glinting under the grand chandeliers. I never grasped why they needed to be on even during the daylight too. Perhaps they simply wanted to avoid the hassle of managing them. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. "Do enlighten us, chosen saviors! Has the divine principle bestowed its mighty blessing upon you as it guided you into our world?" ''In such era and historical settings they do have such ways with words, don''t they?'' "Greetings, your majesty," Mr. Taka began hesitantly, glancing around with uncertainty. "May I inquire where exactly we are? And what, if anything, is happening here?" His voice wavered between curiosity and apprehension. He articulated our shared question with exceptional skill, which was only to be expected from a professor holding three degrees in linguistics and related fields. ¡°Ah, indeed! Forgive the indiscretion. The Apostle will unveil the profound reason for your arrival in our realm, oh divine saviors.¡± Then, the king gestured with a commanding sweep of his arm, beckoning a hooded figure from among the noble dukes and counts to approach. Adorned in white robe, he wore a luminous golden crescent moon necklace, radiating. The Apostle was a young woman of otherworldly beauty, her features striking and finely chiseled. Her ears elongated to graceful points, and her eyes shimmered with vibrant hues of glowing green. Could she be an elf, a being of ethereal grace and ancient wisdom? Some of the boys, including Okaya stood transfixed, awestruck by her presence. With a graceful motion, she tucked a strand of her cinnabar red hair behind her pointed ears and offered a poised nod to the king. Then, with an air of elegance, she turned to face us fully. ¡°Honorable guests, the fate of our realm hangs by a thread. The Demon Lord Jae¡¯zal, a wicked and formidable adversary, seeks to annihilate all civilization. By the grace of our Almighty God, we have been granted the sacred boon to summon you. We implore you to aid us in this dire hour, to safeguard all that is holy and dear to our hearts.¡± There it was, It was going exactly as could be expected. but there was a disturbing difference. perhaps it was just due to the fact the she was an Elf, but i had a subconscious thought that called her out. i hope that it is only my mind playing games with me. i hope that she is not acting. But that wasn''t all. This is the real world, not a fictional trope! Yet it seemed exactly as shallow as one. But bothering to criticize it all would be such a hassle. And even worse, could spell jail time for offending the royal court. Meanwhile everybody was flabbergasted. When was the good part starting? I was looking forward to getting powers or acquire a job- or maybe a class(?) which i was, like every fantasy game fan, some times curious about. Wait... Are we supposed to get excited? What happens to our past life? Mom and Dad would be so sad and devastated! I hate my own mind and way of thinking sometimes. But how long are we going to go on such journey? And even after we fulfilled our duty... Can they really send us back? My heart Clenches in my chest. Once again it burns. Is nobody else thinking about what i think? "And to enable this, each of you has been bestowed with a divine blessing upon your entry into this realm.¡± She grasped her golden necklace, whispering what seemed to be an incantation while her eyes closed. as if to call upon a higher authority. In that pivotal moment, one by one, we witnessed translucent, shimmering panels materializing before our eyes. they were electronic system windowed screens, each displaying vital information about our person. The closest i could describe was a ''player character profile''. a picture of us minimized on the top left. our name, age, gender, all written right next to it. then there was the Level. Which was 1, much expected. Then there were two bars, first one was green and full, ''HP'' indicated right next to it. The one under was blue, called ''MP''. Alright! All good till here! and the class was... "Huh?" was the first sound i made since i first woke up in this world. It couldn''t be- I stood in a mix of bewilderment and dread as I dared to gaze at the screens before everyone else. seeing the different pinkish color added to my confusion. mine was green, and most importantly: there were only two question marks in front of my Class name. "What''s wrong?" Professor Taka abruptly asked, which got the attention of Mako and my friends too. The Apostle had narrowed her eyes in interest- no! - skepticism too. Why was the throne room so small now? Why was it so crowded? My fingers went cold, and my stomach felt empty. At that moment, as if everybody had lost interest in their own system window screen, gathered around. all my 15 classmates and our professor in addition. What i heard next made me feel lost even more: "He''s a what now?" "Ah! He is a bard!" "Like, a musician?" As others naturally made a discussion about it, my first instinct was to play it cool. Maybe there was an error? After all, as a computer science student and someone with profound knowledge towards fantasy progression system for players, this should be just an inconvenient mistake by this world. right? I wish i wouldn''t be proven wrong. And in the first place, why am i getting worried? maybe it gets fixed after some time. maybe i will just need to travel with another player always to help me read what is not shown to me. A bard? The least expected magical class, but welcome nonetheless. The amount of Charisma it would give is what i like the most about it too. With a hand wave, i quickly dismissed the screen. which fortunately made the crowd of classmates surrounding me disperse too. I only wish that it is just an inconvenience and nothing more that cannot be handled. Although, let us be optimistic as usual! Maybe this means i have a hidden and powerful class! A key to something far greater... Or far worse... Why not wait? For now it is going to be my secret. A secret between me and this so called "Fantasy World". 2. Knowing Your Ways The Elf woman was still pinning me down with her gaze. ¡°Pray tell, young Ryuji, what is it about your blessing that captivates the heart and stirs the imagination?¡± "You know my name?" I snapped. ¡°I was granted but a fleeting glimpse into the tapestry of your souls. Fear not, for my intentions are woven with threads of reverence.¡± "It is nothing, I just didn''t expect becoming a musician with magical prowess." I tried to sound disappointed and confused. If as everyone else who looked at my system screen said, I was a bard, then my Charisma would give me an advantage on deception- on second thought, why am i unconsciously treating everything as a game? Maybe i should, though. We have little to no real information about this world and it''s laws. The king and his court were growing increasingly impatient, their eyes fixed upon us, anticipating an answer¡ªor perhaps a pledge of our allegiance to their realm. Clearly no being present in the throne room saw this question coming: "And what would happen if we refuse to partake in this, let''s say, mission?" Okaya snapped. i should have warned him about his temper and tone. He was clearly annoyed, so were we. but what good would it do to start acting arrogant? I was worried for nothing it turned out, as one of the dukes gave us a clear answer: "Regrettably, we are powerless to intervene should you choose to shy away from this sacred quest. However, such a refusal would surely bar your passage back to your own realm.¡± "What does that mean?!" we gasped in union, all of us were taken aback! ¡°So you summoned us to this realm, yet you would not allow our return until we vanquish the demon lord?" Mr. Taka accused. The Apostle, sensing the king¡¯s growing displeasure at the sudden uproar, stepped forward to restore calm. ¡°Please, noble heroes! Do not fret! It is not that we would refuse to send you back; rather, we cannot. The boon to return to your world will only be granted upon your success in vanquishing the villain! We are truly sorry for this predicament.¡± ¡°That is utterly ridiculous! How can you justify such a selfish course of action? Who will take responsibility for the consequences of your decisions?¡± we nodded to Mr. Taka''s statement. But this was only the beginning of a tide of human emotions. ¡°We had our own lives and loved ones back home! You have taken everything from us!¡± Aira cried out. A few girls also started to cry and shed tears as big as pearls. I thought to myself, maybe instead of being summoned, If we had died and reincarnated, it would have been a bit less of a toll. We all had things we held dear to us back in home. Not to mention the future that laid before us as the young generation. it is going to definitely take months, if not years, to be done with this ''demon lord crisis''. If they decided to act with such selfishness, even if there was not much of a choice, then we were allowed to also do the same. ¡°Couldn¡¯t you appoint heroes from your own world and give this weird blessing or system or whatever to them instead? Why go through the trouble of summoning people from another world to confront the demon lord in the first place?¡± It was Akiyo, breathing heavily out of a suppressed fire of rage inside him. The king, deciding to handle the uproar himself, banged his fist on the stone throne, the sound echoing through the grand hall like a thunderclap. ¡°Order!¡± he commanded, his voice cutting through the murmurs and cries of discontent. ¡°It was indeed a desperate measure we had no choice but to take. The divine blessing required individuals not originating from our universe. Even if we tried, our heroes wouldn¡¯t gather enough power to confront that demon! So we prayed and researched day and night, seeking a solution. Finally, we discovered a way to summon you¡ªthose who, with this ¡®system,¡¯ can transcend our limits and bring hope to our people.¡± With the king''s show of authority and reason, all of us calmed down and went quiet. after a moment: ¡°Come on, everybody! These people had no choice either, just like us! Believe me, I¡¯m upset too! But if we don¡¯t take action, we won¡¯t have a chance to go back! Sure, it¡¯s going to take some months, maybe even a few years. But if we help each other and put in the effort, we will succeed sooner than ever!¡± Mako said, his voice rising with determination, trying to rally everyone around a shared purpose. His passion was infectious, igniting a flicker of hope in the hearts of those around him. I mean, that was just logical at this point. The only thing we could manage to do, was starting as soon as possible to get on with it and return to our homes. And this time, this ''Isekai story'' wasn''t going to take that long. With Mako and I, and everyone''s will and passion to achieve our freedom and take back our previous lives, we definitely could make it. But, wow! This guy was really trying to cope! Putting on that brave face and all! if i remember correctly, He was a Fighter class. good, he would know the ways with swords and martial arts. I glanced at everyone''s reactions. eventually most nodded. Time to lock in and have my mind click! then, I cleared my throat: ¡°The least you could do is provide us with adequate support in every way possible, for those who wish to undertake this journey and for those who do not.¡± I only hoped i was using that Charisma stat to my advantage in persuading the court. it would be so grim if it wasn''t doing anything. ¡°Indeed,¡± Mr. Taka supported, his tone resolute. ¡°We agree to take on this mission and dedicate ourselves to saving the realm. However, we request the support of the kingdom in return¡ªjustice and recognition of our sacrifices. This is not a journey we can undertake alone. We need resources, training, and protection as we prepare to face the wicked demon lord." This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. His gaze swept across the assembly, searching for understanding and commitment. ¡°Let us build a bridge of trust between our worlds, for only together can we hope to prevail.¡± Then, out of nowhere, the rows of silver armored knights kneeled. "This is our royal knights¡¯ way to recognize and appreciate noble souls,¡± the voice of the kingdom¡¯s patriarch echoed through the hall, filled with gravitas. "And thus, seals our mutual agreement and understanding. Let us unite in this pact of alliance!¡± The crowd of regal figures murmured in agreement, a sense of purpose washing over us. ¡°We would require of you to kneel, dear saviors,¡± the Apostle once again gracefully implored, her voice resonating with a blend of authority and reverence. The weight of her words hung in the air, urging us to acknowledge the solemnity of the moment. As we knelt, the atmosphere shifted, filled with a sense of unity and shared purpose. The Apostle stepped forward, her presence stern yet gentle. ¡°By kneeling, you accept the responsibility of this pact,¡± she continued, her eyes glimmering with conviction. ¡°You bind yourselves not just to this alliance but to the people who look to you for hope and strength. Together, we shall forge a new path, one that honors our sacrifices and dreams of a brighter future.¡± moments of shared silence, originating from responsibility passed. then, we stood up. ¡°As agreed, we will provide any support available,¡± the king proclaimed with conviction. ¡°You will be granted rooms to stay in the castle, a sanctuary where you can rest and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, or continue the rest of your lives safe from any danger. Each of you will receive ten silver coins to assist with your needs, and we will provide tools, weapons and armor suited to your skills and proficiency, free of charge.¡± He paused, allowing the weight of his words to resonate with everyone present, as our anxiety or excitements went up visibly. ¡°In return, we ask that all of you partake in a trial training of combat. This training will not only help you gain valuable experience but also allow you to grow stronger and determine if you are truly ready for the journey that awaits you. It is imperative that we do not rush into this battle unprepared.¡± And so they literally gave us a tutorial mission. The room buzzed with anticipation, a mix of excitement and apprehension rippling through our ranks. After all the remaining discussions and formalities had concluded, the atmosphere shifted, a sense of finality settling over the assembly. The king raised his hand, signaling the end of the meeting. ¡°You are dismissed,¡± he announced, ¡°May you take this time to rest and reflect upon the path that lies before you. The trials we face will not be easy, but together we shall stand strong.¡± Now i really understood the weight of all the words. before going out after everybody else, i asked for an additional crossbow and arrows suited beside the Musical Instrument they would provide for me. Then, while walking the grand halls, conversations sparked among our group. Excitement mingling with apprehension. We exchanged glances, each of us contemplating the challenges ahead, our hearts racing with anticipation. As the cool evening air breezed, the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the kingdom. It was a moment to breathe, to gather our thoughts, and to prepare for the journey that awaited us. With newfound resolve, we headed towards our ''sanctuary''. And yet... Something was vexing me, an unsettling feeling that nagged at the back of my mind. I opened my system screen, and my brows went up at what I saw. A message flickered to life, pulsing with an enigmatic energy: ¡°You have successfully completed the hidden objective: Ways of Charisma, and kept the ?? class a secret from the royal court. From now on, as you level up, extra points will be added to this stat.¡± I glanced around, ensuring that no one else could see what I had discovered. My two close friends, standing beside me, noticed my sudden change in demeanor. Their expressions shifted from curiosity to concern as I leaned closer to my screen. "Something going on?" asked Okaya. My relationship with these two was so close we eventually had little to no secrets from each other, perhaps i could trust them with this matter? Our triad was a particular one in the 2 and half years of university that we got close. it had evolved to something very dear to us all. eventually i decided to show the screen, wondering what they would witness. Akiyo also leaned in closer, coming out of his own little world in his head. Yet to my further surprise, my two friends had no visible reaction upon seeing my screen. They exchanged glances but remained eerily silent, their expressions unreadable. I felt a knot tighten in my stomach, a sense of unease settling over me. "do you see this?" they both blinked twice: "see what? your character profile?" And then it all crashed down on me like a heavy stone. My different screen, the one displaying the hidden objective and the secrets of my unknown class, which now i was sure wasn''t a bard or anything else at all, was disguised from their sight¡ªperhaps from everyone¡¯s sight in this world. A cold wave of realization washed over me. they simply couldn¡¯t see what I could see. The system I was connected to, the hidden messages and bonuses, were only visible, and different to me. This meant I was not only carrying a secret but also potentially standing alone in my experience. Their expressions shifted from confusion to suspicion and worry. "what is it Ryuji?" Okaya inquired worriedly, like how he always would when he saw me lost in thoughts. My old habits were getting the best of me, which made me gather myself and shake my head casually. "probably my mistake, thought something changed on my profile." "you sure?" "yeah, totally." then i shrugged. And i knew those two would look at each other behind my back. I shouldn''t worry them further. Today we all had to get along with hard truths. Let''s leave it for another time to discuss. But my screen didn¡¯t go away; instead, another message flickered on it, almost as if the system had been waiting for the right moment to communicate with me: ¡°From now on, unless you want to, no one else can see your screen. Further, we advise you to maintain this secret act even with those close to you. Additionally, please be prepared for the upcoming tutorial training tomorrow. Aim to reach at least level 3.¡± A chill ran down my spine as I absorbed the implications of this message. This was more than just a warning; it was a directive. The notion that I needed to keep my abilities hidden from even my closest friends weighed heavily on me. I could feel the pressure building, the burden of secrecy growing more intense with each passing moment. I quickly closed the screen, repeatedly commanding the urge to share the secret to subside. The idea of having to act normal, to pretend I wasn¡¯t experiencing something extraordinary, felt like walking a tightrope. what dirty play could be going on in this world? And why was i the only one thrown into this mess further? I felt the weight of isolation creeping in. What if I needed other''s help, and I couldn¡¯t share the full truth? how would they trust me? and the goal of reaching level 3 felt both achievable and daunting. Strategizing it was the only way as of present. not just for my own advancement but also for how I would navigate the unknown path in front of me, of us all. The stakes could be higher than we may all imagine. I wasn''t looking forward to any of it, and had little time to accept new responsibilities within this new reality. 3. The Weight of Despair and Depression Last night, insomnia hit us all. No matter how much we tried, sleep remained an elusive stranger to us. They guided us into a vast, opulent chamber that felt more like a grand house than a mere room. We divided the chamber into two distinct halves: one side for the men and the other for the women. The chamber boasted numerous two-tiered beds, each adorned with plush, embroidered linens that promised a cozy night¡¯s rest. Gleaming, marble-tiled bathrooms lined one side, complete with ornate fixtures and fragrant soaps that filled the air with a soothing aroma. In the corner, a spacious kitchen awaited, equipped with polished wooden cabinets and a sturdy, wrought-iron stove that seemed to invite culinary adventures. What more could be there? Strangely, it felt as though they had anticipated every possible need and desire we might have. Yet, despite all the thoughtful details, none of it was enough to make it feel like home. Which left us feeling like guests in a beautiful but foreign space. And then, right after switching off the lights and settling in for the night, homesickness struck! The muffled sobs of the girls echoed softly in the darkness, and their friends offering words of comfort that mingled with deep sighs of longing, piercing through the veil we made in the border of the chamber. As for us men, the silence was heavy with unspoken emotions. We lay awake, staring at the ceiling, each of us grappling with our own sense of loss. Some whispered stories of home, recounting favorite memories and familiar faces, while others exchanged quiet reassurances, trying to mask their vulnerability. Yet, despite our attempts to project strength, a shared yearning lingered in the air, reminding us that no matter how well-equipped our surroundings were, nothing could replace the warmth and connection of home. Mr. Taka stepped forward to reassure us with his calm demeanor. He shared his wisdom, teaching us techniques to find sleep in any situation, no matter how uncomfortable or foreign. With a steady voice, he demonstrated deep breathing exercises, guiding us to inhale slowly and exhale fully, releasing the weight of our worries. He spoke of visualization, encouraging us to picture a peaceful place¡ªa serene beach or a cozy room filled with laughter. As he offered tips on creating a mental sanctuary, his presence provided a sense of comfort. Akiyo, however, found no solace in Mr. Taka¡¯s techniques, much like myself, which clenched our hearts further. As the rest of us tried to absorb the calming techniques, he slipped into a world of his own. Disassociating from the noise around him, he meticulously arranged his bedding, creating a cocoon of order amid the chaos of emotions. Once settled in, he reached for his phone and earbuds in his pants pockets from our world. Then he navigated through playlists until he found the familiar melodies that resonated with him. He sought refuge in the rhythms and lyrics that spoke to his soul. In that moment, he was both present and distant, caught in a bittersweet embrace of sound that both comforted and isolated him. I followed after and did the same. What can i say? It wasn''t for us all. Our third member, Okaya meanwhile, driven not by optimism but by a desire for escapism, took a different approach than Akiyo and I. Instead of retreating into himself, he forced his attention outward, striving to immerse himself in the energy of the crowd and Mr. Taka¡¯s calming presence. His gaze was fixed intently on the teacher as if he were absorbing every word like a lifeline. He fidgeted with his hands, tapping his fingers rhythmically against his thigh, trying to sync his heartbeat with the pulse of the group. He focused on the shared laughter and camaraderie around him, attempting to draw strength from the collective spirit. When the group discussed their feelings, Okaya chimed in with light-hearted comments, offering jokes and playful banter, all the while pushing down the swell of homesickness that threatened to surface. He was determined to stay engaged, believing that by connecting with others, he could momentarily escape the weight of his own emotions. He would try and encourage me and even Akiyo to come back to the crowd, but he knew better than that, and so did we. Mr. Taka made sure his voice and instructions also reached to girls whom, got closer to the veil separating us. It took many hours, the weight of our thoughts and emotions pressing down like a heavy blanket, and finally, out of sheer mental and emotional exhaustion, one by one we succumbed to an uneasy sleep. It barely did us any good. My sleep became so light i would wake up repeatedly after an hour, then half an hour, then twenty minutes. It added to my overall frustration. i was starting to hate these people. Then i tried not to be so selfish, they had to do it, right? And out of rotten luck, it was us. The thought of how my parents would be doing right now gnawed at my psyche. I was getting closer to having a melt down. That is, when i found another way to distract myself. I opened my system screen, intending it to be visible only to it''s owner, Me. Needless to say, the lack of reaction from those who were still awake as i was, proved enough that it was hidden to their sights now. I immersed myself in the details shown. *** This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Name: Jin Ryuji Age: 20 Gender: Male Level: 1 Hp: ------------------- 20/20 Mp: ------------------- 30/30 Class: ?? Armor class: 5 Strength: 8 - Dexterity: 11 - Constitution: 11 - Intelligence: 12 - Wisdom: 8 - Charisma*: 16 ( Arcana: - ) << >> *** As the sun rose, its warm light slowly crept through the windows, casting a golden hue across the room. The soft rays illuminated the faces of those still lost in slumber, highlighting the traces of weariness and vulnerability etched upon them. One by one, we awoke, blinking against the brightness, the remnants of our dreams fading like morning mist. The initial grogginess was soon replaced by a collective sense of anticipation. Mr. Taka was already awake, standing by a window and his silhouette against the rising sun. He turned to face us with a reassuring smile, as if he knew that we¡¯d all need encouragement to face the day ahead. The unease of the previous night still hung in the air, but in the light of dawn, it felt a little less daunting, but then i thought, ''who would comfort him?'' Maybe being able to handle everything like this alone, was the factor which made him a true adult. We shouldn''t make it any harder on him, we''ve got to step forward as young adults. Right at 8 in the morning, a firm knock echoed from the wooden door through the chamber, breaking the lingering silence of early morning. It drew our attention and stirred us from our thoughts. Moments later, the door creaked open to reveal a procession of royal servants¡ªmaids in crisp white and red uniforms and butlers in tailored black and crimson suits¡ªstanding at attention, their expressions a blend of professionalism and grace. ¡°Your breakfast is ready,¡± The head maid announced, her voice melodic yet respectful, ¡°and your equipments has been prepared for the day¡¯s activities.¡± The maids held trays laden with an array of delicacies: golden-brown pastries, fresh fruits glistening with morning dew, and steaming pots of tea and coffee that filled the air with their rich aromas. Suffice to say, who wouldn''t start drooling? Meanwhile, the butlers held an assortment of bags and equipment, their arms laden with the essential gear we would need for the day. Heavy satchels bulged with armor, while neatly folded garments in rich fabrics rested atop the bags, ready for us to don. The clinking of metal hinted at the weapons tucked within¡ªswords, daggers and staves. the blades were polished to a bright sheen, reflecting the sun¡¯s rays like promises of protection. They waited patiently, hands clasped in front of them, ready to deliver, but mindful of the need for our permission to enter. Eventually Mr. Taka, having checked on both boys and girls with Aira, gave them permission to proceed. The atmosphere shifted from quiet reflection to a bustling energy as the maids and butlers moved gracefully about the room, setting the table and arranging the breakfast items with care. then politely handing over our specific tools and armors to each of our personal beds. It was a new beginning, marked by the simple yet profound act of sharing a meal together, a moment to refuel our bodies and spirits before facing whatever challenges lay ahead. We dug in, the tempting aroma of the breakfast spread coaxing our appetites to life. The moment we were seated, the previous night¡¯s unease began to fade, replaced by the comforting routine of sharing a meal. Between mouthfuls, we discussed our plans, speculating about what the day¡¯s training would entail. Would we face physical challenges, or perhaps tactical lessons? Finally, As we finished our meal, the servants discreetly cleared away the remnants, their movements fluid and practiced, ensuring the focus remained on us. With a satisfied belly, and the assistance of a butler or maid, we each changed into our armors and adventure clothing. Mine was a bit embarrassing yet majestic to wear, for it was indeed a musician¡¯s clothing. The fabric shimmered with hues of deep blue and gold, the intricate patterns woven throughout the material catching the light with every movement. As I stood before the mirror, adjusting the collar and smoothing down the sleeves, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a touch of self-consciousness. The outfit, though grand, bore a resemblance to that of a street performer with its flamboyant design. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that every adventurer has their own path, and my role was no less important than the others. As I turned to join my triad, I caught their gazes lingering on my attire, and I immediately braced for potential teasing. Instead, I was met with smiles and nods of approval. ¡°You¡¯ll enchant us all with your music!¡± Akiyo exclaimed, breaking the tension and reminding me of the unique strength that my skills could bring to our group. But i wasn''t really a bard. With my heart racing and a grin forcefully spreading across my face, I joined my friends. I looked at Okaya, his dark themed attire gave him away to me without the need to even look at his class in system. He was a rogue, and every detail of his ensemble spoke of stealth and cunning. The fitted black leather jacket hugged his form, adorned with subtle pockets designed for concealing tools of the trade. A hood draped over his shoulders, casting shadows across his features, while dark trousers laced with hidden sheaths for daggers and grenades completed his look. Then there was Akiyo, the druid. a striking figure amid our eclectic group. His attire was a blend of natural elements and flowing fabrics that seemed to dance with the breeze. Shades of green and earthy browns adorned his garments, symbolizing a forest. Shapes of leaves and vines were carved into his short sleeves. His wooden oak staff was short but masterfully shaped nonetheless. I always knew he would be a druid, even in the little d&d campaigns we played together in dormitory, he had a druid character. The musical Instrument they gave me was a medium-sized lyre. Between all known fantasy bard instruments, it was famous not only for its sound, but also for the reputation that anyone could play it. Crafted from polished wood and adorned with intricate carvings, the lyre was a work of art in itself. Its design was elegant yet sturdy, built to withstand the rigors of travel and adventure. The strings glimmered in the light, each one tuned to perfection, ready to unleash melodies that could charm many hearts and ears. ¡°Are you ready to make some magic with that?¡± Okaya asked, a teasing glint in his eyes. ¡°Absolutely,¡± I replied, a grin spreading across my face, winking with my wooden brown hued orbs. ¡°Let¡¯s see what stories i can tell.¡± "Say all you want, i''ll show you real magic." Akiyo made it a competition. I scoffed at him, but deep down admired him for it. What could be a better strategy than to aspire ourselves and friends to do their best and not fall behind? With that, I strummed the strings, letting the sweet notes fill the air. The sound was captivating, and I could already feel an excitement, along with a hidden fear, bubble within me. *** We arrived at some kind of training grounds behind the castle, at its eastern edge and beyond the walls. The area was expansive, surrounded by sturdy wooden fences and dotted with various training equipment: dummies for archery, sparring rings for one-on-one combat, be it physical or magical. The ground was worn from countless feet, the grass trampled down to a patchy carpet of green. In the distance, I could see a group of knights scattered and watching over for any outside intruders. Beyond the grounds was a dense forest, a sprawling expanse of towering trees. The air blowing from there was rich with the scent of pine and damp earth, mingling with the sweet aroma of blooming wildflowers, or at least these were the appearance of the environment. "Alright, everyone! Gather around! It¡¯s time for a proper warm-up while we wait for the king to arrive and begin.¡± Mr. Taka, whose job was a cleric with holy supportive and healing spells, instructed us. He had changed out of his formal university professor attire and now donned a long gray robe, which flowed elegantly around him. A sturdy mace hung at his side, and a pocket on the robe was filled with a few bottles and a small, thick book, Its cover was a deep black, adorned with a striking white crescent, a golden leopard, and a silver sword intricately etched into the surface. If he weren¡¯t so good-looking and impeccably clean, one might have easily mistaken him for a middle-aged church father from the era of the Crusades, exuding an air of wisdom and authority that resonated with the religious figures of old. Thus, we formed a large circle around him, ready to begin our exercises, and preparing for our tutorial. 4. The Illusion of Growth (1) I can¡¯t speak for everyone else, but I felt a sense of relief after the warm-up led by Mr. Taka. The tension that had gripped me melted away, and I found myself relaxed both physically and mentally. I let out a big, yawning sigh, the kind that could rival a bear waking from hibernation. I was relaxed, and Of course, Okaya had to use the opportunity to tease me. ¡°Wow, someone¡¯s really loaded off some ''Burr''den, huh?¡± a playful smirk dancing on his thin, shadowy lips. Akiyo puffed out a little laugh, clearly amused by the little banter starting between us as before. I wanted to come up with a witty comeback, but I was so cozy in my own little bubble of relaxation that I couldn¡¯t be bothered. I shrugged it off at first, but then my playful side kicked in. I glanced at the little gremlin, pulling out my usual weapon¡ªthe one that always worked best on him. "Complete the name for me, Yo..." "NOOOO!" he exclaimed, eyes wide with mock horror as he instantly realized where this was headed. Then came the look of defeat and misery, which was obnoxiously hilarious. His shoulders slumped as if I had just dealt him a crushing blow. It was the kind of expression that could turn a serious moment into a comedy sketch, and we couldn¡¯t help but laugh at his dramatic reaction. ¡°Even in another world, you still remind me of Mrs. Yoshino!¡± That intensified our laughs further, making him join us too. Professor Yoshino, who taught a few of our classes during freshman year, had been his little crush. Over time, through the chemistry between best friends, that infatuation had morphed into my go-to weapon for teasing him. Then, I looked around, curious about how my classmates were faring. Mako, a member of the fighter class, was surrounded by a lively crowd, including Mr. Taka himself. My gaze shifted to Aira, her imposing figure clad in fur clothing, and the massive axe resting at her side made it clear what she was all about¡ªa barbarian class. Unlike fighters who honed their skills in martial arts and swordsmanship, barbarians drew upon sheer strength, primal rage, and the fierce spirit of the wild in battle. She had her orange hair tied back in a long, intricately braided ponytail that swayed behind her head with every movement. Her velvet green eyes glowed with an intense primal ignite, by an inner fire that seemed ready to burst forth at any moment deemed worthy. That was our class representative¡ªUruma Aira, the embodiment of strength and spirit. Contrary to her fierce appearance, a faint blush crept onto her somewhat chubby cheeks at times, hinting at the softer, more feminine side and it''s reaction to her rugged exterior and barbarian attire. It was a charming contrast that made her all the more relatable. Nonetheless, her inner strength and unwavering resolve existing along everything else, were undeniably worthy of our admiration. Then there was Mako, the fighter. With his long sword slung confidently at his side and his half leather, half silver armor glinting in the light, he looked every bit the warrior. Typically, guys like him ended up as the Hero class or Paladin¡ªthe destined righteous holy knights in shining armor wielding divine swords. Thank goodness that clich¨¦ was nowhere in sight; I could already feel the impending nausea just thinking about it. I¡¯d probably get diarrhea from the sheer predictability, and I could picture Akiyo cringing at the isekai trope, while Okaya would be swearing and cursing at his name on a daily basis. His above-average features, bright skin, and naturally spiky dark blue hair, paired with striking obsidian eyes, had a way of captivating the attention of more than a few girls. Some used to say that he dyed his hair and that the natural color was dark gray. I couldn¡¯t help but think, ¡®Good for him that he broke up with his girlfriend a month ago!¡¯ It seemed like he was suddenly the center of attention, and I wondered how long that would last. On one hand, I appreciated the privacy and tranquility that came from keeping the crowd away, allowing me to enjoy more quality time to myself or with my besties. However, I also knew that it could become frustrating once they would start to get ahead of themselves, with their excitement spilling over into my space and disrupting the calm I had come to cherish. For now, let¡¯s just hope it doesn¡¯t come to that. The other six girls mostly had classes that didn¡¯t scale on the Strength stat, like wizard, warlock, ranger, and so on. The remaining boys filled in whatever classes we lacked, balancing out our group¡¯s dynamics. There was indeed a paladin wielding a big, metal shield in one hand and a short sword in the other, donning the thickest armor among us, but outshone by Mako. Still, it didn¡¯t matter to him¡ªhe was our ¡®Tank,¡¯ the only one we had. Mr. Taka and one of the girls, who also got to be a druid, were our only healers as well. If you ask me, it¡¯s strange. With a group of 15, which could easily become a raid party, you¡¯d typically expect to have 2 tanks, 3 healers, and a few hybrid support-damage dealers among the remaining DPS classes. No, the stranger thing is that our subclasses were already chosen for us. A paladin, for instance, has two options ahead of them. one is to become a tank, and the other permanent subclass, the DPS, which allows them to become a heavy damage dealer with the smite ability. So why did the system automatically decide that for us? And at the beginning? Shouldn''t that come up later when we reach a certain level, like 10? Would Mako, who was telling each classmate about their jobs, even notice that? Maybe I should bring it up to both him and Mr. Taka. But what if they eventually decide to brush it off and just manage with whatever we have? Would they tell me I¡¯m overthinking things? Maybe i was, Maybe i wasn''t. With the sound of a horn announcing the king¡¯s arrival, I was jolted out of my thoughts. Then we gathered in neat rows behind our professor, ready to greet the king as he approached us on the back of his black horse, accompanied by ten knights, as well as several magicians and priests behind him. ¡°Greetings, noble Champions! It brings me great joy to behold your thoughtfulness. I trust that our devoted maids and stalwart stewards have attended to your every need?¡± the king proclaimed, his voice surprisingly hoarse yet forcefully loud. As we had agreed upon when addressing the king or The Apostle, Mr. Taka took the lead in responding: ¡°Of course, Your Majesty. Hail to your name and your rule! We have come prepared for the training, as was agreed.¡± With that, we all made a slight bow, a gesture of ''mutual respect and alliance''. ¡°Splendid! For the first step, each of my knights, priests, and magicians shall take charge of you, guiding you through the fundamentals of your individual proficiencies. Let us begin!¡± This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. With that, the king officially initiated our tutorial training. ''Great! But who would guide me in becoming a bard¡ªmy so-called false class?'' The answer soon revealed itself. A young magician, distinct from his peers and of a similar age to mine, approached me with purpose. ¡°Well, look at you! Aren¡¯t you a rare specimen!¡± the mage exclaimed, his deep voice tinged with a subtly flirtatious tone, reflecting his unique high class. As I couldn¡¯t blush, my mind instead fell into shambles. ¡°Excuse me?¡± I uttered sheepishly, struggling to suppress a shy smile born from embarrassment and surprise. Despite his ''unique greeting'' just now, he didn¡¯t say anything further or even glance at my expression. Instead, he took my hand and led me away, moving slowly and gracefully to a different part of the training ground, away from other souls present. ¡°A bard, eh? Truly a rare find, for few possess the talent to play instruments and wield the arcane weave simultaneously in these times. But fear not, for fortune smiles upon you¡ªthere exists a kindred spirit to illuminate your path: me!¡± he declared, his voice rich with poetic flair. His stylish, curly blonde hair flowed elegantly as he turned to meet my gaze with his captivating crimson blood eyes. ''Perhaps I should put high walls around my heart to guard it!'' I thought, realizing this man might steal it, despite my own gender, which led to my shy smile''s break out instead, stretching my lips. Back in my home world, I had seen many captivating and charming characters within video games and shows, their beauty and handsomeness a natural fit for those fantastical realms. This man was certainly reminiscent of a few of them. Yet, who could fathom the tragic past and traumatic experiences he might be hiding beneath that alluring facade? There was no doubt that he must have such a complex background woven into his character, like how they all often did. ¡°Ahem. Pardon me, sir, but may I inquire your name?¡± I gathered my scattered thoughts and will to speak. ¡°And a person of eloquence speech and class, no less! Perhaps not perfect, but certainly better than nothing. Yes, we can work with that.¡± He feigned surprise at me. ¡°Oh, yes! The name is Aurelian Silverquill. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, dear¡­?¡± ¡°Jin Ryuji is my name, though I suppose you would say Ryuji Jin. But feel free to call me Ryuji, anyway, sir.¡± ¡°Charmed, I¡¯m sure. Now, I don¡¯t typically accept an apprentice under normal circumstances. However, given that you¡¯re destined to be one of our world¡¯s saviors and it¡¯s the king¡¯s personal order, I had to oblige.¡± Now, why is he rambling on like this? Is he trying to show off his ''eloquence'', or maybe he''s laying the groundwork for some serious, hard lessons? ¡°I understand, sir. I will do my best.¡± I tried to reassure him, but he would likely prefer to see it in action rather than just hear it from me. I wondered what could be so difficult about being a bard. In fantasy worlds, some attend schools, while others learn on their own or through family lineage. But isn¡¯t it similar to attending music classes and learning to weave magical inspiration and charm through lyrics? Oh, and let¡¯s not forget about singing and writing poetry when needed. Yet, as I processed these thoughts, I remembered that bard wasn¡¯t my class. Damn it! I¡¯m not ready for such a plot twist to choke me right now! ¡°I know you will. You have a subtle dedication inside you, even though it¡¯s barely visible,¡± he said, scrutinizing me with narrowed eyes. How many times has he done that now? ¡°What do you know about bardship in general?¡± he questioned, his gaze moving from the lyre i had, to the crossbow and bag of arrows slung over my back. I hummed for a moment, then began with the thoughts I had previously gathered: ¡°I know that bards rely on inspiration, supporting their allies with melodies intertwined with magic.¡± "And?" ¡°Either by attending school or through lineage, they learn to write and sing poetry in the moment. Their powers lie in their words as well¡ªthrough inspiration and devastating mockery.¡± He snapped his fingers with a flourish. ¡°You have just outlined the very syllabus for our tutorial. Now, let us embark upon the enchanting journey of the very said inspiration.¡± And right at that moment, a peculiar buzzing sound reached my ears, sounding like an alarm signaling a notification. To my surprise, I realized the system window had materialized before me. "Attention! You have the opportunity to undertake a side quest: Follow the Instructions of Aurelian Silverquill. Rewards: Skill: Bardic Inspiration Skill: Vicious Mockery Should you fail, the rewards will be lost and the quest will be automatically closed by the system. Note: Your choices will shape your future and expand or minimize your possibilities for growth as a player within the system. I took a moment to absorb the system¡¯s message. It didn¡¯t even allow me to be able to accept or decline the quest. Yet, I reasoned, it mattered little; in the end, I could always choose to fail. But what did it mean that my choices would shape my future as a player? Perhaps, just perhaps, if I succeeded in this lesson and acquired the skills, the system would guide me along the path to becoming a bard. But if I chose to fail, would it open doors to other classes? Such as Warlock or Ranger, for example? It was a tough situation, for I remained uncertain of how profoundly my choices would impact my fate. In some games, a single decision¡ªor perhaps two¡ªcould seal one¡¯s destiny, while in others, it required far more to shift the course of one¡¯s journey. ¡°Hello? Is Ryuji present?¡± Aurelian¡¯s voice broke through my reverie. ¡°Is it the divine boon? Do you require a moment?¡± I simply nodded apologetically. Aurelian waved his hand, dismissing my apology with a casual grace, easing the tension into a more comfortable atmosphere. I took a deep breath, smiling at him appreciatively. This was a moment of profound choice. My mind fell quiet and numb, redirecting its energy into rapid, simultaneous thoughts rather than focusing on the present. What was I to do? Should I follow the path laid before me, or should I decline and await a more divergent route? Then a thought struck me: if I were to succeed, I would at least be better equipped to conceal my unknown job. Pretending to be a bard would become feasible. And since this was merely a ¡®side¡¯ quest, it likely wouldn¡¯t have much impact on my overarching fate. Of course, that was just wishful thinking, I knew, but it was better to be safe than sorry. I was one to favor a cautious and calculated approach over the reckless gambles of a shambolic player. This was a moment when I wished for a quick save and reload option, even in the game of life. ¡°Let us continue, Mr. Silverquill,¡± I decided firmly. ¡°Very well, dear Ryuji. Now, let¡¯s talk about Bardic Inspiration. I want you to imagine you¡¯re in a group, traversing a dark cave, a dungeon filled with monsters. The warriors at the front line are struggling; their strikes aren¡¯t powerful enough to slay a formidable goblin,¡± he began, guiding my understanding through the Instruction. His words ignited my imagination, and I quickly grasped the essence of the situation. ¡°I see that look in your eyes¡ªgood! You¡¯ve captured the setting. Now, think of a melody to play. Focus your mana into it, and craft an inspiring quote with poetic essence to share with your allies. You have one minute, starting now.¡± I widened my eyes in disbelief. How could I, an amateur, possibly play a tune and recite prose out loud in just one minute? He noticed my look of surprise and distress. ¡°Have faith in the divine blessing,¡± he urged. ¡°It will guide you, Bard.¡± Right, the system, as if! I closed my eyes, imagining the situation once more, then focused on my mana. Remembering my MP points, I tried to manifest it through imagination and sheer will. Nothing happened at first, but then I felt a sense of buzzing under my fingertips. Was I doing it right? I took another moment, knowing half of the time had passed. I had less than 30 seconds left. Rapid thinking¡ªpolishing thoughts! Choosing the allies in the moment at hand! And then, risking it all, I went for it. Brushing my fingers against the lyre¡¯s strings, I willed my mana into it. Then¡­ ¡°Together, we rise as dawn breaks, our courage the light that pierces the shadows!¡± As if the mana wove itself into melodies, it flowed from the lyre and floated in the air, glittering around me and Aurelian, just as I had envisioned. Eventually, I opened my eyes and was met with a playful smirk on his lips¡ªa satisfied one.