Jack's family sat in anticipation, their eyes filled with excitement as Ava began to explain the path to awakening a Professional Class. The air in the room grew heavy with expectation, the moment feeling almost sacred.
Ava smiled, sensing their eagerness. "As you all know, the journey to choosing a profession is not a simple decision. It requires patience, focus, and above all understanding of the process."
She let her words linger before continuing. "To begin, you must first assume a meditative posture, sit cross-legged, close your eyes, and calm your mind. Then, turn your focus inward and seek out your heart to the very core where your mana resides."
Her voice softened, drawing them deeper into her explanation. "Mana is the essence of life, flowing through every vein, but it is in the heart where it truly gathers. Once you focus on it, you will feel its pulse, a quiet energy waiting to be shaped. Next, you must reach out beyond yourself, drawing in the mana from the world around you. Let it converge within your heart, merging with your own power."
A faint glow shimmered in Ava's eyes as she spoke. "It is then that you must make your choice to forge either a Magic Circle or an Aura Force Ring."
Her gaze swept over them, ensuring they understood. "Magic Circles take from around the heart, the seat of all magical power. Aura Force Rings, however, manifest around the hands the instruments of warriors and combatants. The decision is yours, but once chosen, it cannot be undone."
She let silence settle over the group before elaborating. "Each profession follows a distinct path.
Mages, Priests, and Summoners form Magic Circles around their hearts, binding themselves to the mysteries of magic.
Warriors, Knights, and Archers forge Aura Force Rings around their hands, embracing the path of martial strength.
Assassins and Beast Tamers, however, walk a rare and arduous road, one that demands balance between both. They must form a Magic Circle and an Aura Force Ring at the same time, splitting their power equally between the two."
She exhaled, allowing the weight of this revelation to sink in. "For those who pursue dual paths, the division of mana is absolute. A Mage channels all their mana into a single Magic Circle. A Warrior, all into their Aura Force Ring. But for Assassins and Beast Tamers, the energy is split, each form taking half their total power. It is a choice of balance and sacrifice."
Ava's lips curled into a knowing smile as she continued. "Now, when a Mage forms their Magic Circle, three ancient symbols will emerge, representing their destined path:
1. A floating spellbook encircled by a glowing runic ring—the mark of a Mage, signifying arcane mastery and limitless knowledge.
2. A radiant sun with a sacred cross at its core—the mark of a Priest, symbolizing divine blessings and the power of healing.
3. A spiraling vortex from which shadowy figures emerge—the mark of a Summoner, representing mastery over summoned entities."
Her voice took on a solemn weight. "You must choose carefully. Once selected, the symbol will imprint itself upon your soul, forever binding you to its path. And when the Magic Circle is fully formed, a sacred mark, your Tattoo of Awakening will appear upon your body."
She raised her hand, as if tracing invisible runes in the air. "Each profession bears its own mark:
Mage's Tattoo: Arcane runes etched onto the forehead or back of the hand, shifting and glowing as mana is channeled. The more elements a Mage commands, the more intricate their markings become.
Priest'sTattoo: Golden or silver divine scriptures inscribed along the forearm or back, pulsating with radiant light when blessings or healing magic are invoked. High-ranking Priests may develop sacred halos or winged sigils.
Summoner's Tattoo: A living sigil upon the palm or chest, warping and shifting with each creature summoned. The strongest Summoners bear intricate glyphs stretching across their entire arms, marking their contracts with legendary beings."
Ava's voice then turned toward the warriors."For those who forge an Aura Force Ring, three sacred emblems will manifest, guiding their fate:
1. A crossed sword and axe over a shield—the insignia of the Warrior, embodying raw strength and unyielding resilience.
2. A gleaming sword pointed skyward, flanked by angelic wings—the sigil of the Knight, a testament to unwavering justice and protection.
3. A drawn bow encircled by swirling wind currents—the emblem of the Archer, signifying unparalleled speed and precision."
Her expression grew serious. "As with the Mages, your symbol must be chosen with care. Once selected, the Aura Force Ring will take shape, encircling your dominant hand with the power of your class."
She let her voice drop to a whisper, adding an air of reverence."And with its formation, a mark will be carved into your flesh a Warrior's brand, the seal of your power.
Warrior's Tattoo: A jagged crimson scar, running down the arm or chest, pulsating faintly with the essence of battle. Those who achieve great feats may see additional scars appear, glowing with their might.
Knight's Tattoo: A silver crest, resembling a family emblem or holy sigil, etched onto the chest or shoulder. It flares with divine light when invoking protective skills.
Archer's Tattoo: A sleek, vine-like rune coiling around the arm, its markings evolving with mastery. When an Archer reaches their peak, the vine blooms into luminescent leaves, representing absolute precision."
She exhaled, letting the tension linger before shifting her attention to the rarest professions.
"Assassins and Beast Tamers walk the most perilous path. When they forge both a Magic Circle and an Aura Force Ring, two sacred sigils will appear before them:
1. A dagger piercing through a crescent moon—the mark of the Assassin, a symbol of silent death and the mastery of shadows.
2. A beast's claw encircling an all-seeing eye—the emblem of the BeastTamer, representing their unbreakable bond with creatures."
Her tone deepened, almost reverent."You must choose wisely, for this decision will determine your destiny. Once chosen, your body will bear the final mark of your awakening.
Assassin's Tattoo: A shadowy sigil, shifting and blending into the skin. It fades into invisibility when hidden but reveals itself in the moment of a fatal strike.
Beast Tamer's Tattoo: Tribal markings that stretch across the arm, shoulder, or back, pulsing when bonding with beasts. The strongest Beast Tamers develop full-body sigils, mirroring the creatures they command."
A heavy silence settled over the room as Ava finished speaking. One by one, Jack's family members closed their eyes, assuming their meditative postures, their anticipation palpable.
Standing beside Ava, Sofia watched in quiet envy, her hands clenched at her sides.
Ava chuckled softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Sofia. Your time will come. Soon, you too will awaken your power."
Sofia glanced at her and nodded, determination flickering in her eyes.