The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 4: Chapter 4: In Which the Party Chooses Their Class

Read chapter 4 of The Distinguished Mr. Rose by QuiteTheSlacker on NovelPedia.

Chapter 4: In Which the Party Chooses Their Class “Now then,” Lucius began. “Have you all chosen a class yet?” He was quite interested to see what this mysterious system picked out for the others. It seemed to take account of the persons’ traits, their background and specialty, so he had a general idea of their possible options. However, in the end it was up to the individual to decide which path they would take. Just like how Lucius forewent those drab, ominous sounding titles, perhaps his new companions would surprise him. Mili was the first to raise her hand, and she excitedly played a quick tune on her guitar, exploding to life with a wicked sick pose. “You betcha. Feast your eyes upon… the Guitarist of the Thunder God!” BLAM! Little streaks of electricity flew out and surrounded her body in a barrier of static discharge: sparking, colliding, filling the air with a searing charge. The others had to back away lest they be exposed to a harsh zap. “Damn!” Jack exclaimed, covering his mouth in awe. “Now that looks powerful.” “Hehe, figured I’d pick what sounded coolest.” Marco let out a curious “Huh” and crossed his arms. He still looked a little apprehensive about following the system’s commands, but his curiosity slowly started to win over. The draw of power was ever alluring. “What’s it like, suddenly being all magical?” he asked. Mili tilted her head and pondered for a bit, before replying rather simply. “It’s kinda weird, but I don’t really feel all that different. When I picked the class everything suddenly became natural: I knew how to do this, how to activate that, what my limits were and stuff. It’s as if I’ve had these powers my entire life.” “That so?” Marco sighed and muttered something indecipherable. He paced around, clicked his tongue, and shook his head a few times as if he were engaging in some grand debate with himself. But eventually, he stopped, and looked back towards his companions. “Fine, I’ll bite the bullet. Let’s see here… how about this one?” The moment he stopped speaking, something changed. It was hard to put a finger on it, but Marco’s figure seemed sharper: more finely honed. His posture shifted into a more well-balanced stance, and his already menacing gaze only increased in ferocity. “You were right,” he said, slowly clenching his fist and cracking his knuckles. “It’s like nothing changed. Hell, this feels so normal it’s almost unsettling. I don’t like this one bit, being treated like some hapless oaf, but if it helps with survivin’ then I’ll just have to grit my teeth and bear it.” “No need to be so grim, Mister Bernardi,” Lucius said, cheering him up. “We still know not of our captor’s true motive. Let us think of the positives.” Mili slowly nodded along, donning the air of a wise old sage. “When the world goes crazy, you just gotta go with the flow. But what did you choose, big guy? I’m guessing something to do with busting skulls.” Marco snorted and ruffled Mili’s hair, much to her dismay. “It’s not as flashy as yours, but I figured it’s the one that suits me best: The Unrelenting Brawler. Nothing fancy—just makes me punch harder, faster, and my body a little tougher.” “A classic fighter type,” Jack said. “Simple but important. With this we’re pretty well balanced all things considering: We’ve got a lightning mage, a frontline attacker, and… um, Lucius as support I guess.” “And what of yourself, Mister Thames?” Lucius said. “I’m very curious about the class you chose.” “Oh, I’m not going to pick one. Not yet, at least.” Hm? Lucius blinked. And then blinked again. Surely, he… must have heard wrong. “Pardon?” “I’m going to save it for later, just in case.” Oh dear. “Were you not the one so adamant about its importance?” Lucius questioned. For all the man’s fuss mere moments ago, it utterly baffled Lucius that he would now choose to… well, not choose. The others were just as surprised. Despite their doubt, however, Jack was the very picture of confidence. “Now, I know how it looks, but this is