Unexpected Ascension Chapter 18

Adrian collapsed to the ground, lying right next to the sizzling and bleeding corpse of the sapphire spider. He placed a hand on it, before it vanished into his [Spatial Inventory]. That would be useful for later. For now, he had to focus on what was in front of him. 

Ding!

For reaching Level 30, you can now evolve your Class!

During the battle, he had broken many bones, and he had suffered many deep gashes, but he fought on thanks to his adrenaline, before he emerged victorious. He thought he would have passed out once that rush was over. Fortunately, he had gained 5 levels, each one helping him recover some of his wounds, to a certain extent.

Enough for him to not fall unconscious on the spot. Even if his body still ached.

Groaning, Adrian focused on the blue box glowing right before him. It said what he was expecting— what he knew was going to come when he reached Level 30.

You can now choose one of the following four Classes!

Four, huh? Same number as last time… For reaching Level 30, Adrian would be able to evolve his Class, and move onto Rank D from Rank E. It would provide him a significant boost in strength— one which he needed for a while now.

Especially with the dangerous monsters he was going up against down here in the Silk Mines, 

Now let’s see what you’ve got for me, he prompted the screen.

And the first of his four evolutions appeared.

[Dark Hermit] - A [Dark Hermit] is a combat Class that is capable of surviving even the most high-risk predicaments. They would blend in with their surroundings with magic to avoid confrontation, only choosing battles they can win. 

Essence Points Gained:

+8 to Agility

+5 to Dexterity

+5 to Magic

+3 to Strength

+3 to Vitality

It has ‘hermit’ in its name… so a direct continuation of my current Class? Adrian read through its benefits again, and concluded, It’s just like [Stinger Assassin], except better. With some specialty in magic thrown to the mix.

So far, Adrian hadn’t really been a specialist in using magic in battle. He knew that to a certain extent, some of his Skills probably had some magical properties. But they weren’t the main focus of his current Class.

This option piqued his interest. Because it would not change the focus of his Class, while also expanding what he was capable of doing. However, he steeled himself, stopping himself from choosing it right away.

He had to weigh his other options before he made a choice.

And he was lucky that he did just that when he saw the next option.

[Hermit Assassin] - A [Hermit Assassin] is a combat Class that specializes in hit and run tactics. They would ambush their enemies, killing their enemies before they could even fight back. Otherwise, they would flee, because they would not fare well in a protracted battle.

Essence Points Gained:

+12 to Agility

+6 to Strength

+6 to Dexterity

Another Class with ‘hermit’ in it? Interesting… Adrian considered this evolution, before he had a thought. And he quickly decided to take a peek at the other options he was given. 

[Potion Expert Hermit] - A [Potion Expert Hermit] is a combat Class that almost mixes as a non-combat Class because of their specialty in brewing potions out of the most strange combination of materials. They would prepare a plethora of various alchemical concoctions that could aid in battle. So they are always prepared.

Essence Points Gained:

+8 to Agility

+8 to Dexterity

+4 to Magic

+4 to Vitality

Another so-called ‘hermit’ Class. And the last one is…

[Savage Hermit] - A [Savage Hermit] is a rare combat Class that specializes in high-risk combat, while being able to survive in unusual environments. They would scavenge from their surroundings to thrive in nature, and hunt down monsters for their entertainment rather than purely for their survival.

Essence Points Gained:

+10 to Agility

+10 to Strength

+5 to Vitality

+3 to Dexterity

So that makes all four of my new Class options to be some variation of my current Class, Adrian realized as he leant back against the rock wall. Each Class talks about specializing in helping my survival, but they all also excel in different ways.

A [Dark Hermit] wouldn’t be able to win a proper duel that easily against someone or something of the same level, but as long as it was a sneak attack, it was nearly a guaranteed victory. And a [Hermit Assassin] offered the same benefit, except they were able to disengage much better if they were caught in a fight they couldn’t win.

On the other hand, a [Savage Hermit] stood the best chance of winning duels against even strong enemies. But they didn’t hold the same advantage a [Potion Expert Hermit] would, using their potions to turn the tide of battle. However, if a [Potion Expert Hermit] wasn’t prepared, it could be disastrous. 

So to sum it up: a [Dark Hermit] specialized in stealth, a [Hermit Assassin] specialized in fleeing, a [Potion Expert Assassin] specialized in preparation, and a [Savage Hermit] specialized in duels.

That’s not to mention the amount of Essence Points each Class offers, Adrian thought with furrowed brows. [Dark Hermit], [Hermit Assassin], and [Potion Expert Assassin] each offered the same total distribution of Essence Points, whereas a [Savage Hermit] gave… a lot more.

That is why it’s called a rare combat Class, huh? Adrian nodded at that. To become a [Savage Hermit] was the obvious choice as of right now, just because of that. But that was not to take into account the fact that utilizing potions in battle was always possible, and having artifacts that enhance stealth was always a thing, as long as Adrian had the funds to purchase them.

So that was why Adrian made his choice.

You have chosen the [Savage Hermit] Class!

+10 to Agility

+10 to Strength

+5 to Vitality

+3 to Dexterity

You have upgraded the Skills:

[Active - Quadruple Stab] -> [Active - A Dozen Strikes]

[Passive - Lesser Poison Resistance] -> [Passive - Poison Resistance] 

[Passive - Lesser Venom Resistance] -> [Passive - Venom Resistance]

You have gained the Skills:

[Active - Hammer Punch]

[Passive - Hardened Skin]

[Passive - Lesser Acid Resistance]

You have gained 5 Essence Points!

You have ranked up to Rank D!

Just like his Class evolution, Adrian instantly felt most of his wounds healing— his bones mending, and his burned flesh regrowing— as a surge of strength washed over him. He rose to his feet and looked down at himself. The acid wound on his shoulder was gone, and everything but the smallest cuts on his body had faded away. 

That was not all. He flexed an arm, and he saw the way his muscles rippled. He was much stronger now than before. In addition to being faster too, of course. Was it a slight deviation from Adrian’s current speciality, by mixing in strength and speed? 

Perhaps. A small part of him thought he should have chosen [Hermit Assassin]. But with the enemies that he was facing down here in the Silk Mines, strength was necessary to break through their defenses. So he no longer had to whittle down their defenses just to kill them.

And not only do I have three upgraded Skills, I have three new Skills too. 

Adrian could easily infer what each of the new Skill and the upgrades did. But he was still excited to test them out.

Status:

Adrian Zenith

Rank: D

Class: [Savage Hermit - Level 30]

Titles: [Outworlder Champion]

Skills: [Passive - Agile Body], [Active - A Dozen Strikes], [Active - Double Jump], [Active - Fatal Backstab], [Active - Stealth Step], [Passive - Spatial Inventory], [Active - Basic Identification], [Passive - Basic Weapon Mastery], [Passive - Critical Precision], [Passive - Inferior Sneak], [Passive - Poison Resistance], [Passive - Venom Resistance], [Passive - Savage Instincts], [Active - Hammer Punch], [Passive - Hardened Skin], [Passive - Lesser Acid Resistance]

Essences:

Strength: 53

Agility: 103

Dexterity: 46

Magic: 37

Vitality: 47

Essence Points: 0

Once again, Adrian distributed all the Essence Points he received to his Agility. Even with his slight deviation to increase his Strength and Vitality with the Class choice, he knew that running was always going to be the best option when faced with a stronger enemy.

Although he was itching to fight a strong enemy— not necessarily stronger. And when he heard a scratching sound coming from around the corner, he felt his heart jump, a building excitement growing within him. 

That was right. 

Adrian now knew the reason why he felt no desire to return back to Earth. It was an epiphany he had during his battle with the sapphire spider. The reason why he didn’t think of going back was simply because he felt at home here, in this world. He found his heart racing wildly as a savage smile crossed his lips, seeing what was hiding around the corner.

[Crystal Rat - Level 32]

A perfect enemy to test my new Skills on, Adrian thought as he clenched a fist. 

He knew that perhaps he should have wanted to return back on Earth. But there was truly nothing there for him. His dull job? His acquaintances he barely cared about? None of it ever excited him.

Although Adrian was slightly worried about his single mother, he did have a life insurance policy on himself which had the death benefit of over a hundred thousand dollars with her as his beneficiary. So she should be fine. 

That was not to mention that all his savings would go to her, and she also had a steady retirement income.

Perhaps she would miss him. But the two of them had only spoken once a week at this point, so he was sure she would get over his sudden disappearance eventually.

It might have been callous, however Adrian didn’t want to leave this world. Instead, he embraced it as he charged straight at the crystal rat, raising his platinum fangdagger. He could have used a [Fatal Backstab], but instead, he struck out with [A Dozen Strikes].

Just as its name implied, Adrian lashed out with twelve hits, almost instantaneously. But unlike his previous [Quadruple Stab], he didn’t just need to stab his target. He could slash at it, or even strike it with the hilt of his weapon.

The attack cut open the crystal rat’s sides as it hissed. But it wasn’t enough to finish it off. It spun around, whipping at Adrian with its tail in a single swift motion. However, even when standing in such close proximity with it, Adrian was able to dodge the attack.

As the crystal rat tried to disengage, he lowered his dagger and leapt forward, raising a fist. With a [Double Jump], he crashed into the monster’s face, swinging down with his brand new [Hammer Fist].

And the attack shattered the crystal rat’s face.

Ding!

You have killed a [Crystal Rat - Level 32] — You have earned experience for killing an enemy!

Ding!

Your Class [Savage Hermit] has reached Level 31! — You have gained +1 to all Essences, and you have gained 1 Essence Points!

Adrian landed right next to the collapsing monster’s corpse, before looking down at his fist. He thought he would have cut himself from striking the crystal rat. And yet, he saw not a single scrape on his knuckles.

The effects of [Hardened Skin], Adrian concluded as he flexed his hand. He strode away from the dead monster, impressed by his newfound strength and abilities. As expected from a rare Class… I am much stronger than before.

Adrian wondered if the reason why he gained a Class evolution option was due to bringing down a monster that much higher-leveled than him. Although, he couldn’t be lost in his thoughts for long as he perked up, hearing something coming from a tunnel up ahead.

A tunnel that lead down to the second floor of the Silk Mines.

That’s the sound of fighting? Adrian blinked, before he narrowed his eyes. No— the sound of people… fighting?

His eyes went wide when he heard a guttural scream echo down the corridor, and without a second thought, he rushed forward, charging down to the second floor of the Silk Mines. 

Where more jewel spiders were lurking below.