Alice and I began our walk to Lisbon, the town nearest to our village and the place where the class ceremony was being held. It usually took about an hour to get there from Endora.
To be honest, if I remembered correctly, I was the last person allowed to enter the cathedral during the last ceremony thanks to the rumors surrounding me. The monster boy, they called me.
So really, there was no point in arriving early.
On the other hand, Alice was beaming with excitement as we walked. She talked non-stop about the upcoming ceremony, her dreams, and all the plans she had for the future.
I just nodded along silently, offering the occasional hum of acknowledgement.
I already knew what class she had received, Supreme Sorcerer, one of the most powerful classes. The kind of title meant to stand beside the Chosen Hero, destined to join the hero's party and fight against the Demon King.
Clearly, I just wanted this ceremony to be over with, so I could part ways with her as soon as possible. Being near her made my skin crawl.
When we arrived in Lisbon, the town was lively and full of energy.
Children around our age had gathered from neighbouring villages, flooding the streets in excitement for the ceremony. The air buzzed with laughter, chatter, and anticipation.
Soon, we made our way to the cathedral, the grand building where the class ceremony would take place.
"Alex, are you okay? You've been so quiet," Alice asked, her voice soft as we stood in front of the cathedral, waiting.
It was a fair question. If I were still my old self, I'd probably be chatting with her nonstop laughing, joking, acting like a fool.
But that version of me was gone.
I forced a small smile and replied,
"I just… don't feel like talking."
"What?!" she huffed, puffing out her cheeks. "You've been acting mean to me since yesterday!"
She crossed her arms and started pouting, then scolding me non-stop. It was so freaking annoying. To make it worse, people around us had started staring
Finally, it was our turn to enter the cathedral.
As we approached the entrance, one of the guards stepped forward, eyeing me with disdain.
"Oi, black-haired boy. You're not allowed in—wait outside!"
I didn't respond. I didn't even look at him. I just kept walking, pretending I didn't hear.
But then, he grabbed my shoulder roughly and yanked me back.
"Didn't you hear me?"
Alice stood a few steps ahead, watching the scene unfold. She just smiled.
She looked pleased, almost happy to see it happen. Then, without a word or glance back, she walked into the cathedral, leaving me behind.
I grabbed the guard's wrist firmly.
A cold, unnatural energy surged from me into him—an aura so chilling it made the air feel heavier.
His eyes widened in terror. His grip loosened, and he stumbled back, falling to the ground before scrambling to his feet and running away like he'd seen a ghost.
The other kids nearby froze, staring at me in shock.
Whispers began to spread.
I didn't bother with and make my way into the cathedral.
There were a lot of kid, and the ceremony already halfway done.
Then I saw Alice was talking happily with a group of boys, and I already knew they were.
Those kids—most of them were the same bullies who used to harass me all the time back in the village.
And as for her… she probably came up with another plan. Let them humiliate me again, then swoop in like some saviour and act kind, just to win sympathy and praise. She'd done it before.
It was all in the past—and I'd seen through it long ago.
Suddenly, a loud voice echoed through the cathedral halls.
"We've found the Saintess!"
The head priest shouted joyfully, his voice full of excitement. All eyes turned toward the altar, where a young girl stood—her blonde hair shimmering under the stained-glass light, her face serene and strikingly beautiful.
She had just received the Saintess class—one of the most revered and powerful blessings, on par with Alice's Supreme Sorcerer.
And I knew exactly who she was—Clara.
Soft-spoken and gentle on the outside but twisted and broken on the inside. This girl... this bitch was the worst of them all.
Back when I travelled with the so-called Hero, she was already part of the group—already by Isaac's side. And the worst part? She never healed me. Not once.
Instead, she treated me like her personal servant. Making camp. Cooking food. Carrying supplies. All while looking down on me, acting like some high-and-mighty noble... even though we were both born commoners.
Just thinking about it made my blood boil.
And now, of all places, I didn't expect to see her here. In this town. At this ceremony.
I couldn't help but grin as I began to see some notable people that betray and used me in the future.
I stood quietly at the back, watching as one by one the others stepped forward to receive their classes. Cheers erupted for some. Whispers followed others. I just observed—silent. Eventually, I was the last one left. I walked forward, alone.
Then a faint light enveloped me, and the inscription appeared above my head.
[Warrior]
A basic class, one meant for the front lines, designed to wield large swords and brute straight.
By the time I stepped down from the altar, the cathedral had mostly emptied.
Alice was already gone. If I remembered correctly, she had left right after receiving her class, probably heading back to the village with the usual group of bullies.
I guess I'll Walk around town a bit before heading back. The old me would've freaked out by now panicking if I couldn't find Alice, running around like some desperate puppy trying to catch up to it master.
But that version of me was long gone.
I wandered through the town, letting my feet take me wherever.
Then, suddenly, someone slammed into me, hard. They were rushing, not even looking where they were going.
"I'm so sorry!" the person blurted out.
That voice.
My body tensed immediately. I looked down and there she was Clara.
The last person I ever wanted to see.