STAKES - GAMBLING WITH GODS - Chapter 10 Next Step

The intricacies of both the power level and the ranking system proved to be challenging for me to fully comprehend, although Robbie and Elsie seemed to grasp the concepts with ease. As I listened to Devon’s explanation, I marvelled at the complexity and depth of the ranking system.

After he continued with many things but I wasn’t really paying him attention. I started to wonder about many things, quite hard to recollect a single thought. After spending a very long time devon announced the end of class.

“Before I conclude, there are two important things I need to address,” Devon announced. “Firstly, I must emphasize that what we have learned today is strictly confidential. You are all forbidden from discussing any of this information with anyone outside of the three of you. This includes your dormmates or anyone else you may encounter. This knowledge is not to be taken lightly and must be protected.”

His words resonated with a sense of urgency, reminding us that we were way ahead of rest. We nodded in agreement, understanding the need for discretion.

“Secondly, while strategy is important, I encourage you to explore other classes and find your true passion. Elsie, I suggest you pursue swordsmanship with throwing weapons as your secondary focus. Robbie, magic seems to be a natural fit for you. And as for you,” he paused, looking directly at me, “the class that aligns best with your skills and potential is the ability user class. You have the choice to stay here and embark on that path or explore other options. The decision is yours.”

Devon’s guidance was both insightful and empowering. He had recognized our individual strengths and offered suggestions based on his assessment.

Elsie and Robbie wasted no time in following Devon’s advice, immediately teleporting away to embark on their chosen paths. Meanwhile, I remained in the room, intrigued by the prospect of learning more about the ability class from Professor Devon. I stood there for a few moments, contemplating my decision before making my way towards him.

As I approached, I noticed that he was engrossed in watching a battle scene displayed on the screen. The intensity of the fight was evident, and I could see the determination in the faces of the combatants. Devon pointed to a person in the corner of the screen, a figure drenched in sweat and shouting commands.

“That was my first battle where I took command,” he explained. “I lost all but two of my comrades in that fight. I guess you weren’t paying attention while I was teaching,” he added, a touch of wry humour in his voice.

Caught off guard, I averted my gaze, feeling a mix of embarrassment and fascination. It seemed I had been caught observing him without his knowledge. I quickly composed myself and looked back at him, ready to engage in further conversation.

“If you stayed back, it means you’re ready to pursue the ability class?” Devon questioned; his tone slightly probing.

“Not necessarily,” I replied honestly. “It’s just that the concept of the ability class seems incredibly fascinating to me.”

Devon’s expression shifted abruptly, his smile fading into a serious demeanor. “Don’t resist it,” he advised sternly. “As instructors, it is our duty to guide you towards a path that will be beneficial for you. If you find something captivating, don’t fight against it. Remember what I taught you in class. If something captures your sudden interest, it’s usually a sign that it will be beneficial for you. So, whether you want it or not, you’re going to be an ability user.” His words carried a weight that left no room for argument, and I found myself unable to protest. Besides, deep down, I couldn’t deny my own intrigue towards the ability class. With a mixture of apprehension and excitement, I accepted my fate.

As I nodded, Devon extended his hand towards me, a gesture indicating our connection in this transformative moment. Although I initially felt a tinge of skepticism, I soon found myself gripping his hand, embracing the unknown with a mixture of anticipation and curiosity.

“Relax your body and try to keep your movements minimal,” Devon advised, his voice steady and reassuring. “Nork, begin the process of overwriting with code D00490 and initiate the selection of the ability pool.”

Devon’s words hung in the air, and within moments, Nork’s voice resonated from the nearby screen. The transition from Nork’s initial cheerful greeting to a more mechanical tone was noticeable, signaling the beginning of a technical procedure.

“Initiating overwrite process…”

“Verifying the overwrite code…”

“Code verification complete…”

“Initiating overwrite process…”

“Accessing the ability pool…”

“Process completed…”

“Ability has been chosen…”

“Overwriting process concluding…”

The mechanized recitation of the process echoed through the room, indicating the progression and culmination of the overwriting procedure.

“Yo, Devon, you, okay? And what about you, Zack?” Nork inquired, his voice now back to its boyish and jovial tone. The abrupt shift from the technical process to Nork’s casual greeting brought a sense of light-heartedness back into the room.

Devon and I exchanged glances, acknowledging the completion of the process in such a short span of time. Although outwardly nothing had visibly changed, I sensed a slight weariness lingering within me, albeit subtle and easily disregarded.

“I’m okay,” I confirmed, my voice reflecting a mix of curiosity and readiness.

“Same here. Can you show me the ability he unlocked?” Devon requested, his anticipation palpable.

“Sure. Hmmmmm,” Nork pondered, momentarily prolonging the suspense.

“What’s taking so long?” Devon’s voice tinged with concern; his impatience evident.

“Oh, nothing. I was just adding a touch of drama to the moment. It would have been more interesting if he had momentarily lost consciousness, and then we would reveal his newfound ability to him while he’s lying in bed, unable to move…,” Nork playfully teased, his mischievous nature surfacing.

“Cut it out and just tell us what it is,” Devon interjected, his voice tinged with a hint of annoyance.

“Okay, okay, no need to get angry. The ability he has unlocked is called ‘ Shifter’. That’s all,” Nork finally revealed.

“Oh, great. You heard him. Your ability is to shifter. Start practicing in whatever way feels right to you. Find a quiet space in your own room and delve into the exploration of your ability,” Devon instructed me, his voice lacking enthusiasm as he turned his back towards me, already engrossed in his work on the screen.

Feeling a mix of excitement and frustration, I couldn’t help but express my desire for further guidance. “Wait, can you at least tell me what this practicing entails? How am I supposed to go about it?” I questioned; my voice tinged with a tinge of impatience. It seemed unfair that Devon had initiated the process, only to dismiss me afterwards.

Devon, still engrossed in his screen, responded dismissively, his attention clearly diverted. “Didn’t I mention it before? Nobody can teach us how to practice. Just follow the guidance of your ability. In your case, start by finding a few objects to try and experiment with them. Trust in your instincts, and you’ll soon discover the intricacies of your ability. Now, go back to your room and explore it on your own. Stop bothering me.”

With a mix of determination and uncertainty, I left Devon and headed back to my room, eager to uncover the depths of my newfound ability, ‘Shifter.’