Chapter 23: The Class Change
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The final trial of the third phase of the Hunter Exams was just beginning. Akira stepped forward, his heart beating in his chest as the arena lights flared. The announcer’s voice echoed in the air, and the entire stadium watched in anticipation. Akira, however, had more than just the physical battle ahead of him. The moment he entered the phase, a notification from the system popped up.
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[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
MISSION: Complete the 3rd Phase
Objective: Survive the 3rd Phase and prove your endurance.
Reward: A massive EXP boost, and a class change upon completion.
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Akira's fingers tightened around the hilts of his twin swords, his body already bracing for the intensity of the upcoming trial. This mission was significant—if he completed it, he’d be granted enough experience to reach level 50, unlocking a powerful new class. With his determination solidifying, Akira focused on the task ahead, trusting that his training, his magic, and his resolve would be enough.
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The 3rd Phase
The trial was a test of endurance, unlike the previous phases. It was less about skill and strength and more about willpower—how much pain could one withstand? How long could one last under extreme duress?
As the countdown began, Akira felt the temperature of the arena fluctuate wildly, shifting between scorching heat and freezing cold. His body, prepared through weeks of grueling training, began to adapt. Fire magic surged through his left sword, the crimson glow of the blade heating the air around him. Simultaneously, his right sword, now imbued with ice magic, cooled the surroundings. The balance between the two elements was difficult to maintain, but it was something Akira had mastered over time.
Fights broke out all around him, and Akira was forced to stay focused. With each passing minute, the pain of battle, of fire and ice clashing inside his body, became unbearable—but he pressed on. He needed to win this, not just for the reward, but to prove to himself he could push beyond any limitation.
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The Victory
Hours passed in what felt like mere moments. The heat, the cold, the battle—everything combined into a haze of exhaustion. But in the end, Akira stood victorious. His body was battered, covered in cuts and bruises, but his spirit was unbroken. His swords glowed with a faint pulse, both fire and ice still crackling around him.
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He barely noticed the system prompt until it blared into his mind:
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[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Mission Complete: 3rd Phase of the Hunter Exams Complete
EXP Reward: 45,000 EXP
Class Change Triggered
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Before Akira could fully absorb the reward, a strange sensation washed over him. His vision blurred, and the next thing he knew, he was no longer in the arena. The world around him dissolved, and he was pulled into a vast, dark room—a place that felt both familiar and foreign. Shadows twisted and shifted in the corners of his vision, and the cold air felt like it was pressing in on him from all sides.
The system appeared before him, more tangible than ever before. The interface displayed a single message, pulsing with light.
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[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Class Change:
Previous Prediction: Black Swordsman
New Class: Frostfire Paladin
Class Description: The Frostfire Paladin is a dual-wielding swordsman who specializes in the use of Cold Fire, a form of magic that combines the destructive power of both fire and ice. The Frostfire Paladin can conjure, manipulate, and control Cold Fire to perform various magical feats. This unique fire burns hotter than any other flame, causing severe damage to enemies without harming allies. It manifests as a Phoenix Spirit—a fiery companion that fights by the user's side in battle. Outside of combat, the Phoenix takes the form of a small bird.
Additionally, the Frostfire Paladin retains the ability to control regular ice and fire magic, but the control over the Cold Fire is far more difficult and dangerous. Mastering the full potential of this magic will take immense discipline, but with the help of the system, the user can learn much faster than others.
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Akira stood in awe as the system explained his new class. Frostfire Paladin—the name itself sent a chill down his spine. This new power, this new identity, was more than he had ever expected. Not only could he still wield fire and ice, but he now had access to something far more dangerous and extraordinary: Cold Fire.
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The Phoenix Spirit
As if summoned by his thoughts, a glowing ball of flame appeared before Akira, shifting and twisting into the shape of a bird. It was majestic—its wings flickered with brilliant light, but there was an undeniable chill that surrounded it. The bird, a small phoenix spirit, chirped softly and landed delicately on Akira's shoulder.
He could feel the heat of the fire emanating from it, but when it brushed against his skin, it was strangely cold. Akira instinctively raised his left hand, and the Phoenix responded, flapping its wings and rising into the air.
"Is this...?" Akira muttered, astonished by the creature's presence.
The Phoenix chirped again, a sound that felt like it was resonating within Akira’s very being. His bond with this spirit had formed instantly, a powerful connection between his magic and the Phoenix’s power.
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Mastering Cold Fire
Akira closed his eyes, focusing on the power within him. He could feel it now—the Cold Fire pulsing within his veins, intertwining with his fire and ice. It was both magnificent and terrifying. Cold Fire was unlike anything he had ever experienced, but there was a strange balance to it, as if the two opposing elements—fire and ice—had fused together into something new and more potent than either one alone.
He raised both his swords, his right hand now crackling with the icy energy that had become so natural to him. With his left, he summoned the fire, feeling it burn hotter than ever. Then, with a thought, he merged the two.
A bright blue flame shot from the tip of his left sword, the fire hotter than anything Akira had ever seen before. It wasn’t just a flame—it was alive. The Phoenix spirit flapped its wings and chirped, as though guiding the fire.
The fire in his sword wrapped around his body like an inferno, but it didn’t burn him. The Phoenix, small as it was, flew alongside Akira as if it was his companion in battle. The power of the Cold Fire wasn’t just devastating—it was a perfect blend of ice and flame, the epitome of the Frostfire Paladin's magic.
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The Path Forward
As the system's notification faded and the Phoenix perched on Akira's shoulder, he couldn’t help but feel a new sense of purpose. The class change, while daunting, had opened a new realm of possibilities. He now had to learn to control this newfound power and master the Cold Fire, but he was ready for it. The journey would be difficult, but with his new abilities, his resolve, and his bond with the Phoenix, Akira knew he was one step closer to becoming the hunter he was meant to be.
"Let's see what this new power can really do," Akira said to himself, a grin spreading across his face.
The trials ahead were sure to test him like never before, but with the Frostfire Paladin’s magic at his side, Akira knew he had the strength to face whatever came next.
