“Sebastian, provide us with your analysis.”

  “Yes, my liege.”

  The well-groomed elderly advisor agreed and withdrew a rolled-up parchment covered with meticulous notes. Unfurling the yellow paper, he adjusted his glasses and began to speak as he reviewed his observations.

  “From what I have noticed, three of the Classes have many similarities with common styles of combat we are familiar with. Rogues are suited for assassinations and stealth, Fighters are well-rounded in offense and defense, and Barbarians willingly take damage while focusing on hurting their opponent as much as possible.

  The two remaining Classes, Bard and Mage, are much more foreign to us. They appear to have some overlap with certain abilities that only exist in myths. They can manipulate the minds of others, wield the power of the elements, and hold dominion over summoned beings.

  Each of the Classes comes with ‘Features’ that imbue passive abilities and the option to gain certain Class ‘Skills’. Their powers are dependent on specific Ability Scores. As NPCs, the System will improve the Ability Scores relevant to the Class we pick as we Level Up.”

  As he spoke, everyone directed their attention to their own screens.

  “If I may offer my humble opinion, while intriguing, the powers offered by the Mage and Bard Classes differ too much from what we strive to obtain. To achieve the pinnacle of cultivation, to have our souls transcend their limits, we shouldn’t divert our focus by strengthening foreign abilities. Rather than gaining more ‘Points’ in Attributes like Charisma and Intelligence, the melee classes would complement the Attributes our Cultivation already focuses on. Constitution. Strength. Dexterity. We seek to empower our physical bodies, not to use other people or summoned creatures.

  I don’t doubt that these abilities may offer their own strategic advantages. But an entire world already accustomed to them has just joined us; I’m sure the Players and other NPCs will be able to make use of them. Of course, there’s no need for us to bar our people from choosing their own path. It would not be the first time people deviated from the norm in their practices, and we must respect everyone’s own martial way.

  The only exception I would say is for Isaac. If he becomes a Bard, and later a Guild Leader, he can strengthen all of us. While he may be focusing on Charisma instead of improving his body, he will gain ‘buffs’ that increase all of his attributes as a Guild Leader, from what he has told us. To be able to greatly improve himself along with everyone else in all aspects, while also gaining new unusual abilities, is not something I think he should pass up.”