TGGG — Interlude: Boris and Michelle’s Class Advancement

The sound of footsteps echoed softly as two figures made their way deeper into the Hall of Classes, the muffled roar of combat outside growing faint behind them. Michelle exhaled slowly, clutching her bow as she glanced at Boris beside her. They had made it inside, but at the cost of leaving their closest friend behind.

Even if it was what Maximillian had wanted, Michelle couldn’t help but feel immense guilt. She wasn’t the kind of person who could accept others being sacrificed for her sake. If she had any choice at all, she would rather throw herself into danger than abandon someone she cared about.

Still, what mattered most now was completing her class advancement, and then she would come back to help Maxim.

The place was quiet, lit by golden sconces lining the stone walls. And there, standing at the far end, was a familiar figure—a gray-haired man with a scholarly demeanor, wearing reading glasses and the calm composure of someone who had seen this scene play out countless times.

“Welcome,” Hugo said, stepping closer with his usual unreadable smile. “Congratulations on reaching your second class advancement. To achieve such a milestone this quickly… well, you’re the first in all of Fantasia to do so. Hm?” His gaze shifted behind them. “I notice your companion—the handsome lad—isn’t with you today.”

“We came to complete our class advancements as soon as possible,” Boris replied firmly. “So we can return and help him.”

“That’s right,” Michelle added with a sharp nod.

“I see. Then let’s not waste any time,” Hugo said, adjusting his glasses. He glanced at them both, and with a flick of his fingers, two shimmering blue screens appeared—each listing a set of possible class evolutions. “It seems… the two of you have qualified for unique classes. Your choices will not be simple this time.”

Recommended Classes:

[Sharpshooter] | [High-Mage] | [Ranger]

[Acrobat] | [Magic Lumberjack] | [Veteran Woodsman]

…

Michelle’s eyes narrowed slightly upon looking at the list of recommended classes. There were other options available, of course, but these six were clearly the most compatible with her current path. And fortunately, the class she had been aiming for—Magic Lumberjack—was listed among them.

With that, her decision was obvious.

“Um, I choose Magic Lumberjack as my next class,” Michelle said without hesitation.

“For me, it’s definitely Iron Bastion,” Boris added with a confident nod.

Hugo nodded, unsurprised. “As expected. I had a feeling that the two of you would choose those. However, before we proceed, please note that the second class advancement incurs a fee of five thousand soul coins. Furthermore, since Magic Lumberjack and Iron Bastion are both unique classes, each of you will have to undergo a trial to prove your worth. These trials are dangerous. There is a very real risk of injury—or even death.”

He paused and looked between them, letting the weight of his words sink in.

“Do you accept?”

“Ha! Damn right I do! There’s no gain without pain,” Boris said with a wide grin. He turned to Michelle. “What about you, missy?”

She hesitated only for a moment before nodding. “I do.”

Hugo gave a small nod of approval before turning toward Boris. “You’ve unlocked the path to a hidden defensive class—Iron Bastion. Confirm your selection and pay the required fee, and you’ll be transported to a designated space for your trial.”

Boris cracked his neck and grinned. “Alright!” But before confirming, he looked back at Michelle, saying, “Be careful, missy. Don’t push yourself too hard.”

Michelle smiled faintly and nodded. A moment later, Boris confirmed his class, and a radiant light enveloped him, and then he was gone.

“Michelle,” Hugo said, turning toward her, “you’ve awakened compatibility with nature-based magic due to your magical affinity. Confirm your selection and pay the required fee, and the trial to awaken your new class, Magic Lumberjack, will begin.”

She gulped but quickly tapped the confirm button. There was no time for hesitation; Maxim was still outside fighting, trusting them to return stronger. The moment she did, a radiant light engulfed her, and her consciousness was pulled away—ripped from the Hall of Classes and hurled into somewhere else entirely.

When her vision returned, she found herself standing in the heart of an ancient forest. Towering trees swayed gently in the wind, their leaves drifting down like spirits caught in a silent dance. But the ground beneath her suddenly trembled. From the earth emerged a creature unlike any she’d ever faced—half-wood, half-flesh—its body bristling with bark-covered muscle and glowing roots.

It was nothing like the monsters she’d fought in the fourth or fifth scenarios. It was far more terrifying.

“To wield axe and spell in harmony,” a voice whispered through the rustling leaves, “you must prove your dominance over both nature and corruption.”

The trial for your class advancement has begun.

Defeat the monster before you and awaken the hidden power within.

Michelle adjusted her stance and tightened her grip on her axe. She didn’t need any further explanation since all that mattered was to beat the monster before her. Without hesitation, she charged ahead.

Chapter 67 | Chapter 68