[Crescendo]

As the final syllable left his lips, golden tendrils erupted from his hand. It arched and spread toward his three targets.

Bertram stared in surprise as the tentacles approached. They moved like liquid light, weaving through the space between them. Before he could react, the filaments coiled around his forearms. For a moment, he felt a warm sensation as the tentacles shaped themselves into golden handcuffs.

The same thing happened to Eliza and Aldwin. However, they seemed less startled than Bertram. A shared look of wonder passed between them as they observed the bands now adorning them.

Standing a few paces away, Thomas watched with a knowing smile. He had experienced this before and understood what was unfolding.

Before each of them, shimmering cards materialized in mid-air, hovering and spinning. Jamie couldn't see the descriptions, but the bold titles and vivid illustrations were clear enough to make out.

For Bertram, three options appeared before him, each card bearing a distinct name.

"Bloodstained Butcher, Bonecarver and Slaughter Priest," Bertram spoke to himself.

The titles were stark, and the imagery was intense. It had dark figures wielding weapons, shadows swirling around them. Jamie felt a slight shiver run through him. 'What macabre choices for the most peaceful person I know, ' he thought, concern flickering across his face.

Bertram appeared perplexed, his brow furrowing as he read the options. "Do... do we have to select one of these?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"I think so," Jamie replied. He hadn't used the blessing on himself and was unsure of how it behaved. His role had been to start the process; the rest was up to them.

"Yes," Thomas affirmed, stepping closer. "Touch the one you want."

Bertram hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting between the cards. Taking a deep breath, he nodded. "Alright," he murmured. Reaching out, he extended his hand toward the card labeled Bonecarver.

As his fingers made contact, the card dissolved into a shower of light sparks. A gentle hum filled the air, and the golden bracelet on his wrist shimmered before settling.

[Bertram has chosen to become the Bonecarver]

[Bonecarver: Specializes in crafting weapons, armor, and charms from bones, blending combat and artisan skills.]

Bertram blinked with awe and curiosity, his eyes lighting up. "I've got something," he said.

[Become a Bonecarver]

Goal: Collect 100 clean skulls from monsters of danger level above D.

[Skulls]: 0/100

Remaining time: 30:00:00:00

Failure to complete the quest within the allotted time will result in the loss of experience, and the ritual must be performed anew.

"I have thirty days to complete a quest," he remarked, his voice filled with apprehension.

"That's way more than I received," Thomas cut in, his surprise evident.

Bertram furrowed his brow, trying to make sense of the information before him. "It says I lose experience... How much did it consume?" he asked, turning to Jamie.

"One thousand points," Jamie replied, meeting his gaze.

"A thousand!" Aldwin and Eliza exclaimed in unison, their voices echoing along the shoreline.

"But think about it," Jamie continued, his tone encouraging. "A new class for a mere thousand points. At least the chance to get a new class."

Aldwin rubbed his chin. "It's an exorbitant price," he conceded, "but when you consider the opportunity to completely change classes... It might be worth it." He began to nod, the logic settling in.

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"Also, nowadays it doesn't matter how much gold or experience you have. There's simply no other way to change classes. You're the only ones getting this opportunity." Thomas explained.

Eliza turned her attention back to the cards hovering before her. She studied them intently, her expression thoughtful yet uncertain. Jamie noticed her hesitation.

"I have three options," Eliza began, reading aloud to the group. "First, Battle Chef: wields kitchen tools as weapons and creates combat-ready meals. Hmm... I don't usually fight alongside you, so that's not the best fit."

Bertram, having quickly made his own selection, now listened to her deliberation. "What else do you have?" he prompted.

"Next is Forager Chef," Eliza continued. "An expert in wild ingredients... but I rarely venture outside the tavern." She sighed, tapping her foot against the sand. "And finally, Brewmaster. It specializes in crafting brews, ales, and elixirs that affect both body and mind." A smile spread across her face. "This one has potential."

She reached out, her fingers brushing against the Brewmaster card. As soon as she made contact, the card dissolved into a cascade of shimmering light.

[Become a Brewmaster]

Goal: Produce 10 new beverages. Increase your fame and that of your establishment.

[Drinks]: 0/10

[Fame]: 15/100

Remaining time: 30:00:00:00

Failure to complete the quest within the allotted time will result in the loss of experience, and the ritual must be performed anew.

"Also got a quest. Same as Bertram, I got thirty days to complete," Eliza added.

"Excellent. That gives us time to plan how we can help you," Jamie answered.

Jamie walked toward the last one. Steps away from Aldwin, who had been observing Eliza's choices.

Aldwin took a deep breath, following Eliza's example as he examined the cards.

"The first option is Alchemist, like Knall's class," Aldwin began, his eyebrows furrowed in contemplation. "I'll pass on that one. We already have someone with that expertise, and I need something more focused on combat." He shifted his gaze to the next card. "Then there's Poisoner. It's a specialist in creating and applying toxins and poisons. Not bad; it could be a way to enhance my fighting style."

He paused, looking at the final card. "Druidic Botanist," he read aloud. "It's capable of forming a deeper connection with nature... but there's no further information."

Aldwin glanced up at his companions. "What do you all think?" he asked, seeking their input.

Jamie met his gaze with a reassuring smile. "I believe you already know which path calls to you," he said, confidence evident in his tone.

Aldwin considered Jamie's words, a spark of resolve igniting in his eyes. "You're right," he agreed, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I do."

With deliberate motion, he extended his hand toward the Poisoner card. As his fingers brushed its surface, the card dissolved into a swirl of light particles.

[Become a Poisoner]

Goal: Produce twenty liters of poison. Consume twenty liters of poison.

[Make Poison]: 0/20

[Consume Poison]: 0/20

Remaining time: 30:00:00:00

Failure to complete the quest within the allotted time will result in the loss of experience, and the ritual must be performed anew.

Aldwin's eyes widened as he read the quest details. "Consume poison? How am I supposed to do that? And only thirty days to do it?" he exclaimed with desperation creeping into his voice.

Thomas stepped forward, attempting to soothe his concern. "You can start with weak poisons," he suggested. "Knall knows a lot about toxins. He would be more than happy to provide something with mild effects. You know, nothing lethal. You might experience some discomfort, but..."

Jamie nodded in agreement. "You won't die," he assured.

Aldwin ran a hand through his hair, anxiety evident in his expression. "The idea of ingesting poison, even in small amounts... It's crazy."

"It does sound like a crazy class," Bertram mentioned.

Eliza placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We'll help you through it," she promised. "I could add to a drink. At least it would be bitter."

Turning to the others, she asked, "And what about me? Any ideas for my drinks?"

Jamie pondered for a moment. "You could ask the other staff at the tavern if they have heard patrons requesting something different," he suggested. "Also, speak with those who work in the noble households. They might know about exotic beverages from other kingdoms that the nobles consume."

Eliza's face brightened at the possibilities. "That might work," she said, enthusiasm returning to her voice. "I'll start asking around right away."

Jamie then faced Bertram, who had been absorbing the conversation quietly. "As for you," he began, "we'll need to increase our expeditions."

"With our current strength, it shouldn't be hard to gather the skulls you need," Thomas commented.

Bertram nodded. "I'm ready," he affirmed. However, a hint of uncertainty flickered in his eyes at the thought of more frequent ventures into the wilds.

"Thomas," Jamie continued, "can you arrange for at least three expeditions per week? We'll focus on ensuring the city's safety while also collecting what Bertram needs."

Thomas crossed his arms. "With Bertram in all the expeditions, organizing the teams should be straightforward," he replied. "Especially with the new recruits eager to prove themselves."

"Let's go! I told you we were going to change your fate." Jamie commented.

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