A low, resonant hum filled Soma's thoughts.
The inventory window shimmered.
Then a magnificent chest appeared before him.
Soma's eyes widened.
The thing was enormous.
Nearly the size of a refrigerator, it rested against the wall with a weight and presence that seemed completely out of place in the waiting chamber.
Its surface was made from a dark metal that shifted between midnight black and deep violet. Intricate golden patterns traced across its sides, forming symbols Soma couldn't recognize.
Tiny points of light moved beneath the metal, like stars drifting through a night sky.
At its center sat a lock shaped like a ten-pointed star.
Each point bore a different symbol.
Well, that's subtle.
Soma glanced around.
Nobody was looking at him.
A boy a short distance away was arguing with another newly awakened Fighter about which weapon style would serve them better in the trial—sword or spear. Neither had advanced beyond the Fighter starting class yet, but that certainly hadn't stopped the debate.
Two girls near the refreshments table were comparing their affinities.
Not a single person appeared to notice the enormous chest occupying the corner.
Please tell me nobody else can see this.
[The chest is currently displayed through your private Divine System interface. Its contents are not visible to other individuals.]
Oh, thank the gods.
[You have already thanked them personally.]
Soma snorted.
You know what I mean.
[I do.]
He leaned forward.
How do I open it?
[Touch the lock.]
Soma reached out.
His fingers met the cool surface of the star-shaped mechanism.
For a heartbeat, nothing happened.
Then all ten symbols illuminated.
A brilliant white light shone from the center.
The lock released with a sharp click.
And the chest opened.
Soma instinctively shielded his eyes.
A dazzling mixture of gold, silver, violet, and blue poured from within, swirling together like a miniature aurora.
For a brief instant, he thought he could see entire constellations moving through the light.
Then the brilliance faded.
Soma lowered his hand.
Oh... wow.
The chest was divided into several layers, each resting within a compartment that appeared far deeper than the chest's exterior should have allowed.
The uppermost tray contained three beautifully bound books.
Beside them sat a dark metallic ring, an ornate pendant, and several golden tickets arranged neatly in a small stack.
Soma blinked.
Are those golden tickets?
[Divine Gacha Vouchers.]
They look like something out of Willy Wonka.
[I am unfamiliar with that individual.]
Chocolate factory. Strange man. Questionable workplace safety. Long story.
[Then perhaps we should discuss him after the trial.]
Probably for the best.
[Let us begin with the first layer.]
The three books rose slightly from their compartments, their covers glowing with different symbols.
[Three Divine Ability Books Detected.]
[These books provide access to special abilities. I recommend postponing their selection until after your initial class and affinity have been chosen. An ability book does not, by itself, replace the requirements for Class Advancement.]
Soma frowned.
So I can't use them yet?
[You may review them, but their usefulness will depend on your intended development path. Selecting your class first would be more efficient.]
Fair enough.
His gaze moved toward the golden vouchers.
[Divine Gacha Vouchers Detected.]
[These vouchers may be used within your Divine Gacha application to obtain randomized rewards.]
Soma grinned.
Free pulls already? Dax really knows his audience.
[I would advise caution. Randomized rewards do not guarantee a desirable outcome.]
Trust me, Syscilia. I know.
He remembered more than a few late-night gaming sessions where members of the Reclusive Avengers had spent far too long chasing rare items.
Buck had once sworn he was finished with random loot systems forever.
He'd lasted approximately twelve minutes.
The memory made Soma smile.
His eyes then settled on the ring.
It was beautiful.
Crafted from a dark, almost black metal, the ring bore delicate silver engravings resembling intertwining vines and claw marks.
At its center rested a deep green gemstone.
When Soma tilted it toward the light, he could have sworn he saw the silhouette of a wolf moving beneath its surface.
[Signet of the Packmaster]
[Type: Ring]
[Primary Effect: Enhanced Bonding Compatibility]
[Secondary Effects: Increased Growth and Attribute Development for Contracted Companions]
Soma leaned closer.
Wait. This thing helps me form contracts with beasts?
[Correct. It enhances your ability to establish bonds with compatible beasts, monsters, spirits, and similar entities.]
And it improves their leveling and attributes afterward?
[Yes. Bonded companions may receive growth-related advantages while benefiting from the Signet's effects.]
Soma stared at the ring.
His mind immediately began considering possibilities.
A direwolf companion.
A powerful drake.
Perhaps even something far more extraordinary.
That is absolutely insane.
[It is a valuable artifact.]
Valuable? Syscilia, this thing could change someone's entire career.
[Indeed. However, it does not guarantee successful contracts, nor does it eliminate the need to develop trust and compatibility with potential companions.]
Right. So I can't just walk up to a dragon and tell it we're best friends now.
[I would strongly advise against attempting that.]
Soma laughed.
Noted.
His attention shifted to the pendant beside it.
A beautiful silver chain supported an intricately crafted setting containing a brilliant gemstone.
The stone shimmered with soft blue and golden light, its interior filled with tiny flowing patterns that resembled streams of mana.
As Soma examined it, a new appraisal window appeared.
[Sage's Blessing]
[Type: Pendant]
[Primary Effect: Increased Experience Acquisition]
[Secondary Effect: Enhanced Magical Casting Efficiency]
[Additional Effect: Increased Magical Power]
Soma read the description twice.
Okay. Let me get this straight.
[I am listening.]
This pendant helps me gain experience faster?
[Correct.]
It improves my magic casting?
[Correct.]
And increases my magical power?
[Correct.]
He looked between the ring and the pendant.
Then slowly leaned back.
Syscilia.
[Yes, Master Soma?]
Are the Pantheons trying to turn me into some sort of beast-taming archmage?
[That would certainly be one possible path.]
One possible path?
[You possess the Boundless class, Soma. Restricting yourself to a single combination would be rather counterproductive.]
He chuckled.
Good point.
Soma carefully lifted the ring from its compartment.
It felt surprisingly light.
As he slid it onto his finger, the metal shifted, adjusting itself until it fit perfectly.
A faint pulse of green light passed through the gemstone.
[Signet of the Packmaster Equipped.]
He then placed the silver chain around his neck.
The pendant settled against his chest, its gemstone emitting a gentle warmth.
For a brief moment, he felt the mana circulating through his body respond to the artifact.
It was subtle.
Almost like a faint current moving beneath his skin.
Then the sensation faded.
[Sage's Blessing Equipped.]
[Equipment Effects Activated.]
Soma exhaled.
Well, that's different.
[You will become accustomed to the sensations produced by enchanted equipment.]
And this is only the first layer?
[Correct.]
He stared into the chest.
This is already too much.
[Then perhaps we should stop here.]
Soma immediately sat upright.
Absolutely not!
[I thought not.]
You're enjoying this way too much.
[I have no idea what you mean.]
Liar.
[Shall we proceed?]
Soma laughed.
Yeah. Let's see what else the gods decided to throw at me.
He carefully lifted the upper tray.
Beneath it rested another compartment.
And somehow, it was even more bewildering.
A large pouch occupied one side.
Its surface appeared to be woven from a material Soma couldn't identify, with intricate golden thread running along the edges.
Beside it rested four rolled scrolls.
Each was secured with a different colored cord, and faint runes glimmered across the exposed parchment.
The remaining space was filled with materials.
Chunks of precious metal.
Ore.
Crystals.
Bundles of unfamiliar herbs.
Flowers whose petals shimmered beneath the chest's strange light.
Several beautifully cut gemstones rested among them, while others remained rough and unpolished.
Some materials Soma recognized from his studies.
Others were completely foreign.
Then he noticed the two gems at the center.
His breath caught.
They were enormous.
Each was nearly the size of his fist, with a surface so dark that it appeared almost black.
But deep within them...
Stars.
Tiny points of silver and gold drifted through swirling clouds of violet, blue, and midnight black.
They looked like fragments of an entire galaxy captured within crystalline shells.
Soma leaned closer.
The lights inside one gemstone seemed to respond to his presence, slowly shifting toward the surface.
What the hell...
For a moment, he forgot about the ring.
The pendant.
The vouchers.
Even the infinite inventory.
There was something deeply unsettling about the gems.
Not frightening, exactly.
More like standing at the edge of the Citadel and looking upward, knowing that the heavens extended far beyond anything he could comprehend.
Syscilia...
[Yes?]
Please tell me those aren't actual galaxies.
[They are not actual galaxies.]
Soma released a breath.
Good.
[Their composition is, however, considerably more unusual than that of conventional gemstones.]
Of course it is.
He rubbed his face.
Why can't anything in this chest just be normal?
[You are opening a treasure chest bestowed upon you by ten supreme Pantheons. Ordinary contents would be rather disappointing.]
Soma stared at the gems.
You know what? Fair.
He reached toward the pouch.
And what's in this thing?
[We will review its contents shortly.]
He glanced at the four scrolls.
And those?
[Their functions will be easier to explain after you establish your initial class and affinity.]
Soma slowly lowered his hand.
You're doing it again.
[Doing what?]
Showing me something amazing, then refusing to explain it.
[I am ensuring that information is presented in the most useful order.]
You're torturing me.
[An unfortunate interpretation.]
Soma chuckled.
You know, for a divine artificial intelligence, you really are a pain in the ass.
[And yet you seem quite pleased with my assistance.]
Unfortunately.
He looked down at the extraordinary collection before him.
For a moment, the humor faded.
Ten Pantheons.
An SSS-rank class.
Every magical affinity.
A Divine System.
An inventory with no limits.
Equipment that could accelerate his growth.
A ring capable of strengthening bonds with extraordinary creatures.
And a chest filled with items he couldn't even begin to understand.
It was almost too much.
Why me?
The thought came unexpectedly.
He remembered sitting across from Arthur, surrounded by gods who had watched over Hallowcrown for countless generations.
He remembered Azriel's anger.
The surprise when they'd seen his golden blood.
And Arthur's request.
Our children are disappearing.
Soma looked at the Signet of the Packmaster on his finger.
Then touched the pendant resting beneath his shirt.
These gifts weren't simply rewards.
They were tools.
Advantages intended to help him survive dangers he couldn't yet comprehend.
The Pantheons had placed an extraordinary amount of faith in him.
And somewhere in the world, children were missing.
Families were searching.
People were suffering.
He thought about the expression on Raven's face during the final moments of his previous life.
The terror.
The helplessness.
The desperate way she'd reached toward him.
He had been able to save her.
But there were countless others he hadn't been there to protect.
Maybe this time, with the strength and opportunities he'd been given, he could make a difference before it was too late.
Soma slowly closed his hand.
All right.
[Master Soma?]
I don't know why the Pantheons chose me. Maybe I'll understand someday.
He took a deep breath.
But if these gifts can help me find those children, then I'm going to make damn sure I put them to good use.
For once, Syscilia didn't answer with a joke.
[I believe Lord Arthur would be pleased to hear that.]
Soma smiled faintly.
Let's hope I can live up to his expectations.
[You need not accomplish everything today, Soma.]
He blinked.
[You have been given extraordinary potential, but your journey is only beginning. You will have time to learn, grow, make mistakes, and become stronger.]
Soma considered her words.
That's surprisingly comforting.
[I am capable of providing encouragement when appropriate.]
Who knew?
[Apparently not you.]
He laughed.
Then his eyes shifted toward the countdown.
[Time Remaining: 33:42]
Soma's expression changed.
Oh, crap.
[Is something wrong?]
We've already used more than half our preparation time!
[Indeed.]
Why didn't you say something?
[I have repeatedly attempted to maintain an efficient pace. You have repeatedly interrupted me with questions, jokes, and commentary.]
Soma opened his mouth.
Closed it.
Then pointed accusingly at the floating interface.
You're blaming me?
[I am presenting an accurate summary of events.]
You're the one who gave me an infinite inventory and a chest full of divine treasure! What did you expect me to do, glance at it and move on?
[That would have been remarkably efficient.]
Soma shook his head.
Unbelievable.
[We have established that as well.]
He couldn't help laughing.
Fine. No more distractions.
[An ambitious promise.]
I'm serious!
[Very well.]
The chest's contents shimmered.
Several new notifications appeared.
[Initial Class Selection Available.]
[Initial Affinity Selection Available.]
[Divine Ability Configuration Available.]
Soma stared at the messages.
His heartbeat quickened.
For fifteen years, he had prepared for this day.
Years of combat training beneath Igor.
Years of magical study.
Countless hours learning strategy, weapon techniques, and the history of Hallowcrown.
He had imagined awakening as a Fighter.
Or a Caster.
He had wondered whether Support, Recon, or Tamer might open a path he had never considered. And he had spent years dreaming about the advanced classes he might someday earn through Class Advancement Challenges.
But never something like this.
Never Boundless.
A class that could potentially walk countless paths.
A class that promised extraordinary freedom, provided he possessed the determination to earn it.
Soma looked down at his hands.
For the first time since his memories had returned, he felt a familiar excitement stirring beneath the grief.
The same anticipation he used to feel before entering a newly discovered dungeon in Ascension Overdrive.
Except this time, there would be no respawn.
No logging out when things became dangerous.
No treating his companions like characters on a screen.
This world was real.
The people around him were real.
And the decisions he made now would shape the rest of his life.
[Master Soma.]
Yeah?
[Are you ready to select your initial class and affinity?]
Soma looked once more at the two extraordinary gemstones resting in the chest.
Then at the four mysterious scrolls.
Finally, he smiled.
You know what, Syscilia?
[Yes?]
I think I am.
[Excellent.]
The inventory window slowly faded.
A new interface unfolded before him.
At its center stood a magnificent tree of light.
Soma recognized the idea immediately. Every Awakener had a Class Tree within their Nexus Profile, a way to see the advancement paths and challenges growing from their starting class.
But this was nothing like the ordinary examples he had studied.
Five luminous branches spread outward from its base, each bearing a familiar name.
FIGHTER.
CASTER.
SUPPORT.
RECON.
TAMER.
Beyond them, countless smaller branches stretched toward pathways he could barely comprehend. Some glowed brightly. Others remained concealed in darkness. A few curved toward one another, their distant ends nearly touching.
And above them all, a single word burned in brilliant golden letters.
BOUNDLESS
Soma leaned forward, his eyes widening.
Holy shit...
[Opening Divine Class Tree.]
[Boundless Integration Confirmed.]
[Five Foundational Paths Available for Initial Selection.]
[Welcome to your Divine Class Tree, Master Soma.]
[Your journey begins here.]