“What–” Alex’s eyes widened in horror. “What the hell?!”

  “If we want to stand a chance against these monsters,” Mordred said, his expression cold and unfeeling, “I need to unlock this class. His death won’t be in vain.”

  “How can you treat life like that?” Alex was on the verge of exploding with rage.

  “Focus!” Mia shouted, her gaze lingering briefly on Kyle’s lifeless body. “Those monsters are coming again. We can deal with this later.”

  “I can’t!” yelled a man from the front, one of the warriors, Elias, who had been with them from the start. “I’m not fighting alongside a murderer!”

  “Then stay out of our way,” Mia snapped. “We don’t have time for this. Everyone, if you want to live, focus on the oncoming monsters.” She gave Mordred a frosty stare. “I hope this Class is worth it.”

  Elias wanted to say more, but he only gave Mordred a look of repulsion as he returned his focus to the treeline.

  Alex clenched his fists, reluctantly turning his attention back to the impending threat. The others edged away from Mordred, their faces a mix of fear and disgust. Despite their trembling hands, they listened to Mia, gripping their spears tightly in a desperate bid for survival.

  Mordred felt no remorse for Kyle. His sacrifice was for the greater good. And now, with his new class, they stood a better chance. Maybe.

  Class Selection in progress…

  Nightmare difficulty zone detected…

  Skipping over basic Class tiers. Class offerings are now given at Uncommon tier.

  Presenting list of Uncommon Classes available to participant Mordred…

  Swashbuckler: A daring combatant wielding a light sword with agility, using acrobatic manoeuvres and quick reflexes to outmanoeuvre opponents.

  | Unlockable upon Class evolution: Duelist, Blade Dancer, and more.

  Cultivator: Harnesses spiritual energy to unlock extraordinary abilities, mastering martial arts and mystical techniques through inner Qi cultivation.

  | Unlockable upon Class evolution: Grandmaster, Patriarch, and more.

  Ranger: An expert tracker and survivalist, skilled with a bow and knowledgeable about nature, striking with deadly accuracy.

  | Unlockable upon Class evolution: Sniper, Beastmaster, and more.

  Bard: A charismatic performer whose music and tales heal, bolster courage, and cast spells, supporting companions and turning battles.

  | Unlockable upon Class evolution: Minstrel, Maestro, and more.

  Elementalist: Commands fire, water, earth, and air with mana to unleash devastating spells and control the battlefield with elemental power.

  | Unlockable upon Class evolution: Archmage, Stormcaller, and more.

  Shadowblade: A lethal assassin striking from the shadows with martial prowess and shadow magic, moving unseen and disorienting foes.

  | Unlockable upon Class evolution: Shadow Assassin, Phantom, and more.

  Qi Scoundrel: Adept at thievery, qi mastery, sword arts, excelling in stealth and deception, outmanoeuvring foes with agility and cunning.

  | Unlockable upon Class evolution: Trickster, Plunderer, and more.

  After scanning through the available classes, Mordred immediately dismissed all but Cultivator and Qi Scoundrel for one main reason: Qi. Other classes, like Elementalist, sounded intriguing, but they used mana, which he wasn’t even sure what it was, let alone being compatible with his current abilities.

  He wondered if his qi would transform into this so-called mana, but he wasn't willing to gamble on it. Mordred had spent nearly six years accumulating his current energy. Losing it would be devastating. His body was like a tower, built one block at a time to become taller and stronger.

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  Time left until the second wave: 20 seconds.

  Mordred clicked his tongue in frustration. Choosing Cultivator seemed logical. In his world, everyone aspired to be a cultivator, and he was already one. However, the skill set of a cultivator was straightforward and limited. The Plum Blossom techniques, though powerful, had their constraints.

  Mordred stroked his bare chin. Cultivator was the obvious path, one he knew well. But then he considered the Qi Scoundrel. Thievery, qi mastery, sword arts, stealth, and deception. Compared to Cultivator, its skill set was broader. In this world, in any world, sometimes you need to run and hide. He didn't need more attacking skills. If he could use the 10x upgrade on Plum Blade, that would suffice.

  The further class evolutions suggested a focus on thievery. What could he steal? Anything? Everything? He recalled the tales of the Reverend Phantom Thief. There wasn’t a thing he couldn’t steal: qi, pills, even crypts of fallen patriarchs. All was within his reach. He was the most wanted man in all the realms. Mordred always respected his tails of grandeur.

  Time left until the second wave: 5 seconds.

  Without further ado, Mordred had come to a decision.

  You have selected the Uncommon Class: Qi Scoundrel.

  | Added stats: Qi +10, Core +5, Dexterity +5

  Mordred felt the immediate difference. He flexed his Qi, summoning the Omniscient Blossom Confluence. It was stronger now, the heal more potent, the area effect of the skill had also grown by a small amount.

  You have received an (Uncommon) Class Skill – Shadowed Pilfer: Extends a hand-shaped Qi projection that can pick pockets, pick locks, steal items, or manipulate objects from a distance without being noticed.

  You have received an (Uncommon) Class Skill – Qi Drain: Allows the Scoundrel to syphon Qi from an opponent upon striking them, weakening the enemy and strengthening the Scoundrel.

  You have received an (Uncommon) Class Skill – Cloak of Concealment: Envelops the Scoundrel in a cloak of Qi, removing noise around them, and making them invisible to both the naked eye and spiritual senses for a limited time.

  Mordred didn’t have time to test out his new skills as monsters spawned in the forest. They spotted their targets: the participants. Snarling with yellowed, pointed teeth, they picked up the javelins at their feet once again.

  Alex grit his teeth. “Everyone, ready your shields!” The sound of metal shields clinking against each other rang across the battlefield.

  “Behind!” Mia shouted in horror. Everyone turned their heads. At their flank, was a long goblin. Of course, the damage just a single one of the green monsters could dish out was evident.

  “I’ll deal with him,” Mordred said, circulating his qi. “Deal with the others.”

  Before Mordred dashed, Alex said, “You need to finish up the fight fast. We… need you.”

  Mordred nodded and darted towards the lone goblin. The goblin quickly picked up a javelin and tossed it at Mordred. The strength of its arm was truly baffling. The spear hurtled towards him at crazy speeds.

  Sparing no qi, Mordred activated Omniscient Blossom Confluence. Petals turning solid, they formed a shield and attacked the incoming projectile. It was of little use, however, they did by some time. Thanks to the insight given from his skill, Mordred could see anything in his vicinity. It made calculating the distance needed to parry easy work.

  Blade against the incoming long stick, Mordred guided the projectile to the side. Just barely, it scraped by his arm, slicing his robe, and crashed into the ground with a startling thud.

  Ignoring the throbbing pain of almost having his shoulder dislocated, Mordred neared the beast. But he wasn’t close enough. The goblin readied another attack. Mordred activated Plum Step, increasing his movement speed. Bending its arm back, the goblin tossed the javelin with all its strength.

  Mordred ducked and bent his head, the attack sliced his cheek as the projectile disappeared behind him, but he had dodged it.

  Close enough now, Mordred joined a brutal brawl with the monster. With his sword arts active, every time Mordred swung his sword, it grew more powerful. Not only that, but Qi Drain seemed to be always active. Every time he scored a hit, his core would sap qi away from the beast.

  The goblin seemed to recognise a pattern in his movements as the beast snapped its leg to Mordred’s armoured torso. The hardened leather made no difference as Mordred was sent reeling back, mouth trickling down his lips.

  Stifling back a groan, Mordred made sure to get close once more. Making sure to change his pattern of attack, he flicked his sword at its eyes, sliced its throat, or aimed for the arteries on its legs whenever he could.

  Aware of the urgency behind him, Mordred activated Cloak of Concealment. A black cape draped over him, blending him into the shadows. The goblin sensed his presence and retaliated, narrowly missing a lethal strike.

  Grinning, Mordred adapted, using the cloak to his advantage. He vanished and reappeared, thrusting a translucent blade formed of blossoms into the goblin's eye, ending the fight instantly.

  You have defeated: Goblin (Level 5)

  | You have earned 3 achievement credits.

  Spinning around, Mordred surveyed the battlefield. The goblins were closing in fast, threatening to overwhelm the other participants at any moment.

  Without hesitation, Mordred sprinted back, sword gripped tightly in hand, ready to join the fray and defend his shields.