Chapter 125 - 124: The Choice of Profession

Chapter 125: Chapter 124: The Choice of Profession

"If your teacher asked you to keep your identity a secret, I can understand why you can’t disclose it."

"What I really want to ask is, why aren’t you continuing down the path your teacher laid out for you to become a true ’Professional’ sooner?" He paused, a trace of unwitting envy and emotion in his voice. "You’re not like me. I’ve probably hit my limit in this life. But to touch real Extraordinary Power, you have to become a ’Professional’. Only then have you truly crossed the threshold."

’A Professional... so that’s what the captain meant.’

Hesia had naturally thought about this as well.

It was just that in his vague understanding, it seemed like something to consider after level 20. Plus, he had been so focused on making money when he first arrived in Rose Town that he hadn’t looked into it deeply.

Besides, he didn’t actually have a teacher.

"Captain, my situation is a bit special," Hesia said, choosing his words carefully. "But I did want to ask you, how does one become a Professional? Do you need to reach a certain level, like... level 20?"

Hulk pondered this. "Hmm... I’m not too clear on the specific requirements for a Mage, but most Professions have some things in common. Usually, you need certain Attributes to reach a specific threshold. Others require you to master certain signature skills or knowledge. When you meet these hidden conditions, you’ll feel a ’guiding force’ from the unseen world, which allows you to awaken as the corresponding Profession and receive its unique boons."

Hesia’s plan was to walk the path of a Mage.

This wasn’t just because his [Earth Affinity] was a top-tier Spellcasting talent; in the long run, a Mage’s growth potential was also the most appealing.

Of course, the other option was a Warlock—relying on innate talent or a bloodline for Spellcasting.

But the risks of his demon bloodline were too great. Even if the keyword system could help him awaken it, he would never dare to try, lest he attract the attention of Salamakis.

As for the [Weak Red Dragon Bloodline] he had just obtained, equipping it might grant him Power related to a Red Dragon. However, Hesia’s Intuition told him this Power might conflict with the Mage system, so he hadn’t dared to equip it yet.

Seeing Hesia lost in thought, Hulk kindly added a reminder. "There’s one more thing to be careful about. I don’t know if you’ve learned skills from other Professions, or if you’ve ever yearned for a different path. If you’re determined to become a Mage, you have to be careful not to choose the wrong path when you meet the conditions for another Profession."

"Choose the wrong path?"

"Yes." Hulk’s expression was serious. "They say that for some of the more obscure Professions, their guidance appears earlier than mainstream ones, or their trigger conditions are stranger. Once you accept the guidance of one Profession, it’s very difficult to change."

A term slipped out of Hesia’s mouth subconsciously. "A hidden Profession?"

Hulk had clearly never heard the term, but he understood the meaning immediately. "That’s a very vivid way to put it. However, the Attribute boosts and abilities granted by those strange Professions might not be what you actually need. What’s more troublesome is that the subsequent paths for learning skills and advancing might have long been lost to time."

’In other words, a hidden Profession could be a trap...’

Hesia’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly reviewed his attribute panel in his mind.

He took one look and his heart sank.

Because he had been drawing keywords, the growth of his Attribute Points was completely out of his control.

His Physique Attribute, in particular, had unknowingly been stacked up to 14 points!

’At this rate, am I going to awaken some bizarre Profession like ’Turtle Shell Mage’ or ’Heavy Armor Mage’ before I even feel the call to be a Mage?’

An image instantly flashed through Hesia’s mind:

He was clad in heavy Plate Armor, moving as slowly as a turtle, panting for breath while goblins hammered on his shell, which rang out with a "CLANG CLANG CLANG."

But it had no effect on him at all. He could even peer through the gaps in his armor and fire off Magic at them. PEW PEW.

’Wait a minute, why does that actually sound pretty good?’

’Tough skin, thick flesh, and I can still go PEW PEW...’

No, absolutely not!

Before he knew the specific boons and future development paths of a Profession, he absolutely could not gamble on a "blind box" style of Profession selection!

’I have to find a teacher as soon as possible!’

A name instantly popped into his head—Fevik.

Although the Half-Elf had a strange temper and was an angry reader demanding more Chapters, her Power was undeniable.

More importantly, she was a proper Mage from a Magic Academy.

She would definitely know the complete awakening conditions for many Professions, as well as the specific effects of each one!

’But would she agree to take me as her student?’

But Hesia felt he had to try, no matter what.

"I understand, Captain. Thank you for the warning."

Hulk raised his cup. "May you find the path that suits you, Galen."

...

「Three days later.」

At the entrance to Rose Town, the autumn wind was bleak.

Captain Hulk had set out on his journey south yesterday.

And today, it was Belte and Laila’s turn.

They wanted to get back to their hometown of Waterdan before the Winter Festival and settle in.

Belte, usually a talkative man, was as quiet as a clam. He just gripped Hesia’s hand, his eyes red, unable to say a word for the longest time.

Laila, on the other hand, leaned out of the carriage window and handed Hesia a slip of paper.

"This is far enough," she said with a smile. "This is our address in Waterdan. It’s not too far from Rose Town, so if you have time, be sure to come and visit."

"Okay, I definitely will if I get the chance."

Seeing Belte still hesitating off to the side, Laila’s impatient voice came from the carriage. "Belte! What are you dawdling for? You’re acting like a grandson who hasn’t been weaned!"

Goaded by his wife, Belte finally pulled Hesia aside, lowered his voice, and spoke with the weary wisdom of experience. "Brother Galen, take it from me. Women are the sweetest trouble in this world. Look at me, I’m completely hooked. You have to be careful! If it weren’t for all this, we could have been ruling the taverns of Rose Town together..."

Hesia found his antics somewhat amusing. "Just say what you want to say."

"You’re always so direct, Brother Galen! You’re so young, but your Magic is already so powerful. Even the Captain praises your talent! You’re definitely going to be a big shot in the future. A Professional Mage, for sure. You might even build your own Mage Tower one day!"

After showering him with praise, he finally revealed his true intentions:

"I was just thinking... when my boy grows up, if he has even a tiny bit of talent for Magic... could you... give him a few pointers?"

Hesia didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at this "heartfelt confession." Seeing the hopeful yet slightly cunning look in Belte’s eyes, he could only nod helplessly.

"That’s great!" Belte was so happy he almost jumped for joy. He gave Hesia a tight hug, then trotted back to the carriage, grabbed the reins, and shouted his farewell.

"Goodbye, Brother Galen! And you too, Bruce!"

Hesia had just raised his hand to wave goodbye when he heard Laila’s icy voice drift out from inside the carriage.

"Did you think I couldn’t hear what you were saying?"

"Uh... darling, is there any chance... you misheard?"

Unexpectedly, Laila wasn’t angry. Her tone even held a hint of approval. "Hmph, forget it. But... you actually handled that pretty well."

Hesia stood there, watching the carriage recede into the distance on the autumn wind.

The familiar bickering and laughter of the couple drifted back intermittently on the wind until they disappeared completely at the end of the road.

"Those two really are a match made in heaven, aren’t they, Bruce?"

"WOOF~!"