[Level 5 reached. You can now start your rebirth!] [This will allow you to change race, class, and obtain a specific weapon depending on your class.]
[Start!] [Later]
“uh finally it was about time I taught the system bugged for me!”
“Great! Let’s see if you get some rare stuff like me,” Matilde smirked, her tone half-playful, half-expectant.
Without further waiting, I pressed [Start], and as expected, the race selection window popped up. Just like Matilde’s earlier experience, I saw the various categories laid out before me. But unlike her, I already had a rough idea of what I needed.
I wanted something that could compensate for my missing arm—something with defense and strength. If the rebirth didn’t regenerate my arm, I’d need all the durability I could get. At the same time, I didn’t want to stray too far from being human. After scrolling through the hybrid category, one race immediately caught my attention: Crocmen.
Race: Crocmen
- Description: The Crocmen are a powerful hybrid race, blending human traits with the ferocity of crocodilian beasts. Known for their resilience and raw physical strength, Crocmen possess tough, scale-covered patches along their arms, shoulders, and legs, acting as natural armor that enhances their durability in combat. A prominent crocodile tail not only improves their balance but also grants them exceptional agility and control in water, making them formidable in both land and aquatic environments.
I paused for a moment to think. Everything I wanted in a race was here. Sure, I’d need to get used to having a scaly tail and scale patches on my body, but the trade-offs were worth it.
“Oh, going for the scaly reptilian vibe, I see,” Matilde teased from beside me.
“Not exactly. I’m trying to compensate for my strength and defense weaknesses—you know, since I only have one arm.” I replied, leaning into my nerdy tone as I gestured at the screen.
“Ah, I see. Foreseeing Mr. Fantasy Nerd strikes again,” she nudged me playfully as I confirmed my choice.
Next up: the class.
Now, this was where things got interesting. The obvious choice was something in the rogue category to complement Matilde’s buffs and honor the promise I made earlier. Assassin seemed like the natural pick—classic, reliable, and effective.
Class: Assassin
- Description: The Assassin class embodies stealth, precision, and ruthless efficiency. Experts in ambush tactics, Assassins excel at eliminating targets quickly and silently, often before their presence is even noticed. Their combat style prioritizes agility and positioning, favoring swift, calculated strikes over prolonged engagements.
I hovered over the Assassin option for a moment. It was a strong choice, no doubt about it. But something about it felt... too basic. It was exactly what you’d expect from a rogue starter pack. Honestly, it felt a little uninspired.
“This seems too basic,” I muttered under my breath. Maybe there was something else that fit me better.
I scrolled through the rogue category, searching for something that stood out. Sadly, no exclusive classes popped up like Matilde’s Thief Princess. Still, there was one other class that caught my eye: Duelist.
Class: Duelist
- Description: A combatant who specializes in finesse, precision, and speed, the Duelist thrives on one-on-one encounters. With unmatched agility and expertise in single-target combat, Duelists rely on their sharp reflexes and mastery of lightweight weapons like rapiers, sabers, or small blades. They excel in evasion and counterattacks, making them deadly against slower or less-skilled opponents. While they lack heavy armor, their quick movements and ability to read their opponents’ intentions make them formidable in close-range engagements. Their fighting style is as much about elegance as it is about efficiency, turning every encounter into a display of skill and flair.
I lingered on the description, intrigued. Duelist seemed like an unusual choice for someone with a crocodilian form, but the idea of a combat style centered around precision and counters appealed to me.
“Hey, what do you think? Assassin or Duelist?”
Matilde leaned over, narrowing her eyes as she studied the descriptions. She touched her chin, as if deep in thought, before looking back at me.
“Honestly? Based on the descriptions—and you—I think Duelist would fit you better. I can tell that, whether you realize it or not, you have the spirit of a Duelist in you,” she said confidently.
“spirit?” I reply confuse “What makes you think that?”
“Because Duelists are cool, and I can’t have my 'servant' looking like some edgy assassin wannabe," she teased with a wink.”
“That’s... a pretty odd verdict. And I’m not sure those two things really matter,” I replied, my tone skeptical. Still, she did have a point—Assassin seemed a little too cliché, and I definitely didn’t want to look like one of those brooding protagonists with a dark past and a cooler-than-thou attitude.
“Look, I’m not great at convincing people,” she admitted, raising her hands in mock surrender. But in all honesty I think Duelist fit you perfectly with your crocmen race and your fantasy and video game knowledge you’ll pull it off. Trust me.”
Her words weren’t exactly reassuring, but something about the way she said them made me smile.
“Alright, Duelist it is,” I said, clicking the confirm button.
As the window close revealing the weapon one, Regardless like she said I think this would fit perfectly and I also wanted to try something a bit unusual then the classic rogue category starter pack being the eww “assassin”.
“Alright, weapons. Now what do we have?”
The first thing I noticed was that some options were locked. I guessed it was because of my handicap.
“Well, that just confirms I’m not getting back my left arm,” I muttered, a tinge of sadness in my voice. “Guess I won’t know what it feels like to have two arms again.”
Shaking the thought off, I focused on the list. Despite the restrictions, I still had a wide range of categories: axes, bladed weapons, blunt weapons, and piercing weapons. I decided to go for a blade. Something I could wield with one hand. The options were rapier, short sword, cutlass, and daggers.
I pressed on short sword first and scrolled through the options, hoping for something unique. As I meticulously browsed, nothing stood out. The last category left was the rapier. I took a deep breath before opening it, hoping for something special.
And there it was—at the very bottom: (EX) Heartsteel.
“Holy…” I muttered, my eyes widening as I read the name. Without even knowing its abilities, I felt a rush of excitement and relief.
“Got something good, I guess?” Matilde called out from where she sat on a nearby rock, twirling her karambit knife.
“You bet I did! I haven’t looked at the description yet, but honestly, I’m fine with whatever power it has as long as it’s not silly,” I replied, bouncing slightly in excitement.
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“Alright, great. Now read that description and complete that rebirth!” she said, acting impatient.
I opened the details and read aloud:
Description: Heartsteel is a legendary sword forged by divine hands, radiating purity and grace. Its blade, a strikingly clear and crystalline white, pulses with a faint golden glow, reminiscent of a heartbeat. The hilt is adorned with intricate vine and flower patterns, symbolizing life, connection, and growth. A living weapon, Heartsteel resonates with the soul of its wielder, adapting its form to suit their combat style and needs.
Unique Ability:
Bond of the Soul — Heartsteel’s power grows in tandem with the bonds its wielder forms with others. The strength of the weapon isn’t defined solely by combat experience but by the connections, trust, and camaraderie the wielder fosters. The deeper and more meaningful the relationships, the stronger Heartsteel becomes, making it a blade that thrives on unity and shared purpose.
Part of the 13 Godly Blades.
The description left me perplexed and a bit confused. Like, this weapon really screamed main character vibe. Also, the 13 Godly Blades? How had I stumbled into something this significant?
A weapon that grows with the bonds you make, I thought. Back in my old world, I’d struggled to form connections. I wasn’t exactly the guy people trusted or relied on. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I’d ever earned that trust. And now I’m supposed to wield a blade that thrives on bonds? What if it picked the wrong person? What if I failed?
I let out a slow breath, trying to steady myself. No. This isn’t my old life. This is my chance to be someone else—someone better. If this blade needs bonds, then I’ll figure it out. Even if it takes me forever, I’ll make it work.
Matilde leaned over, reading the description alongside me, and started giggling.
“Oh my god, that weapon’s got ‘Chosen One’ written all over it. Guess I better start calling you Hero Gabe, huh? But you’re still my servant!”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “At least it’s not some ridiculous power, like getting health regen when you’re covered in mud.”
Matilde nudged my shoulder lightly. “You’re way overthinking this. Seriously, it’s just a weapon. You figure out the trust thing as you go. Besides, you’ve got me. That counts as a bond, right?”
Her words broke through the tension in my chest, and I felt a small smile tug at my lips. “Yeah, I guess it does. Thanks, Matilde.”
With a deep breath, I clicked [Confirm], ready to face whatever came next.
[Rebirth selection complete! To initiate awakening, close your eyes, place your hands on your chest, and say, ‘O Goddess Ambrosia, awaken my true potential.’]
“Alright, let’s go,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. I couldn’t help feeling nervous. Who knew how these changes might affect me?
Just before starting the ritual, Matilde stepped in. “Once you finish the ritual, you’ll feel completely different. It’s like... stepping into a new version of yourself. Also, for a short moment while you rebirth, your vision will be showered in light and notifications about your new abilities, so don’t freak out.”
“Ayt, I’ll make sure to remember that,” I replied, forcing a nervous grin. Closing my eyes, I placed my hand on my chest.
As soon as I began reciting the phrase, a gentle breeze ruffled my hair in the calmest way possible.
“O Goddess Ambrosia, awaken my true potential.”
In an instant, everything turned blindingly bright despite my closed eyes. My body began to shift—muscles tightening and becoming more defined. A tingling sensation crawled along my shoulders and legs, which wasn’t exactly pleasant. Then came the odd, almost uncomfortable pressure at the base of my spine. My tailbone... Is that my crocodilian tail forming?
Notifications began to flood my vision, golden text popping up in my mind’s eye:
[Aquired: Duelist class!]
[Aquired: Crocmen race!]
[Aquired: 8 Abilities!]
[Aquired: Weapon: Heartsteel!]
When the light finally dimmed, I opened my eyes to see my reflection faintly mirrored in the misty air. My pupils glinted faintly, and a quick blink revealed a nictitating membrane—a crocodilian feature I didn’t expect but instantly found fascinating. Great for keeping dirt out of my eyes, I guess.
But there was something else. My hand brushed against the weight resting against my hip. Looking down, I saw a simple leather sheath hanging from a sturdy belt secured around my waist. Within it, the crystalline blade of Heartsteel glinted faintly, even through the plain covering. The sheath was modest, made from dark, durable leather with a subtle vine motif etched along its edges. Nothing flashy, but it felt... right.
That’s when I realized my entire outfit had changed. Gone were my old clothes. Instead, I was dressed in an ensemble clearly designed for agility and precision. A charcoal-gray tunic fitted snugly against my torso, reinforced with faintly scaled leather along the chest and shoulders. Small shoulder guards and polished leather bracers completed the look, while a short half-cape draped over my left shoulder. Flexible trousers and sturdy boots rounded out the outfit, with a convenient slit allowing my new tail to move freely.
I took a breath, adjusting the belt and glancing around. My heart sank. The familiar forest and road were gone, replaced by a massive coliseum that seemed to stretch endlessly upward. Towering gilded pillars reached for the sky, their grandeur almost overwhelming. The floor beneath me was misty and scattered with soft white sand that gleamed faintly in the light. The air felt heavy, almost sacred, as if the arena itself were alive.
"What the heck have I gotten myself into?" I whispered, my pulse racing. It’s almost as if I’m about to be tested…
Anyway, I took a few steps, adjusting to my new balance and tail while keeping a hand on the hilt of my sword—even though I had no idea how to properly wield a rapier. Not like I ever had to before! I come from a world where these things aren’t even used anymore!
I kept walking, taking careful steps, when suddenly, in the distance, I spotted a faint glare getting closer—fast.
Vummmm!
Dink!
A gilded spear slammed into the ground right next to me, burying itself in the sand. I didn’t even get the time to move a muscle! That speed… was stunning. Or maybe it was the sheer strength behind it? Either way, that was insane.
Then, right next to the spear, a feminine figure emerged, almost as if from thin air. Or maybe I just didn’t see her approach? Either way, her entire presence screamed godly.
Long red hair tied in a high ponytail, sharp green eyes with three rings in the iris, and a golden knight’s helmet resting on her head. Her armor—golden, polished, and detailed—looked kinda Roman, but with a divine touch. She was really giving Athena vibes.
One glance was enough to tell she was some kind of goddess, just like Ambrosia. And judging by the coliseum setting, I’d bet on War Goddess or something like that.
Then, she grinned.
“Greetings, fragile human!” she called out, picking up her spear like it weighed nothing.
“Huh… hi, I guess?” I answered, still trying to piece together what was going on.
“Ohhh, you look confused! Don’t worry, I’m not evil.”
“here let me introduce myself”
She cleared her throat dramatically and took on a confident pose.
“I am Roukia, Goddess of War, Fighting, and Resolve! One of the Seven Primordial Gods!” Her voice echoed through the coliseum, like she was announcing herself to the heavens.
I blinked
“Great, but… why am I here, Ms. Roukia?”
Her expression twitched slightly.
“Haaa, I see you’re polite, young man! But I’d prefer Goddess instead of plain old ‘Miss.’” She lifted two fingers from her spear.
Instantly, I felt a weight press on my chest. Like something invisible was squeezing my heart—no, not even just my heart, my entire being. My instincts screamed that she could crush me with a flick of her hand.
“Okay, okay—apologies, Goddess,” I said quickly, feeling the pressure disappear the moment I said it.
She smiled. “That’s better! Now, I imagine you’re wondering why you’re here, correct?”
“I don’t know… but could you maybe send me back? I kinda have someone waiting on me in Ambrosia for my rebirth to finish.”
Her grin widened slightly, like she was amused. “Haaa, quite loyal, I see. But don’t worry—while you’re in the realm of the gods, time is frozen in Ambrosia.”
My eye twitched. Wait… time is… stopped?
“Wait, seriously?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
“yes it is” she waved a hand dismissively and a golden piece of paper appear in her hand. “Also, reading through your Celestial CV that Ambrosia handed me, you seem like an interesting one… perhaps even worthy of my blessing, should you succeed in my trial.”
Celestial what now? My jaw dropped.
“Uh… okay, great that Matilde is safe, but—what do you mean Celestial CV? What’s written on it!?” And to think, even here, I can’t escape job hunting…
Roukia chuckled. “Oh, you know—plenty of important things. Your psychology, intelligence, physical capabilities… lots of details on your past interactions, choices, and even your little struggles.” She twirled her spear absentmindedly. “Basically, a full report of your life for the gods.”
I felt my stomach sink. “Right. That’s not unsettling at all.”
I exhaled through my nose. “Alright, let’s cut to the chase—you want to test me, right?”
Her grin returned. “Exactly, young man! There’s something about you that intrigues me… that resilience and perseverance Ambrosia highlighted.” She tapped her chin, analyzing me like I was an interesting puzzle.
I clenched my fist around my rapier’s hilt and smirked. “Alright, bring it on. But don’t underestimate me just because I’m handicapped!”
Roukia gave a low chuckle, her eyes gleaming.
Bold, huh? I like that. Even though you have no idea what’s waiting for you here and in the world of Ambrosia.
She raised her spear slightly, then pointed it at me.
“alright let begin!”
“Let’s see how you handle your hated past.”
Then, with a single snap of her fingers—
Everything went dark.
The world blurred, shifted, and rearranged itself around me…