SSS Awakening: I Can Class Change at will

Selene’s dragon breath released terrifying waves of flame that placed the beast’s entire body on fire. The beast tried to struggle its way into putting off the flame but ultimately failed, collapsing into the dirt.

[You have killed the Level 39 1-Star Stoneback Gorilla]

[You have leveled up!]

Selene exhaled slowly, lowering her weapon. The feeling of spiritual energy flooding into her body was addicting.

She turned her focus inwardly, looking at her full acupoint.

A happy glint flashed in her eyes “That’s another one.” She murmured to herself.

She had lost count of how many days she had spent out here hunting. With nobody except for her Beast soul and countless thoughts to keep company.

Just her, and the endless wilderness of the Second Sanctuary stretching in every direction.

Her thoughts drifted briefly to Moon. She wondered how he was doing. Knowing him, he was probably neck-deep in trouble and somehow thriving because of it.

‘He is also participating in the tournament…he will be a tough one to beat.’ She thought, feeling excited at the prospect of competing with Moon. She had never competed with Moon for a goal before, they almost always worked together as a team, and this time…they will go against each other.

She looked toward the horizon. The tournament was approaching fast. She needed to return to earth, and prepare.

Selene couldn’t miss the tournament deadline, so she decided to play it safe. After returning to the hideout, She stepped through the portal and returned back to Earth. As she stepped out of the portal location, she pulled out her phone for the first time in weeks. The screen lit up with a cascade of notifications that took several seconds to finish loading.

Messages from the Association, Emma, and her brother, including news alerts she didn’t care about.

And messages from Yara.

Dozens of them, spread across the past few weeks. Check-ins, updates, questions that went unanswered. Selene’s chest tightened with guilt as she scrolled through them.

Then she saw the most recent one. Sent ten minutes ago.

<I’m back on Earth. Are you around? I miss you guys. Best wishes, Yara.> Selene’s fingers were already dialing before she finished reading.

Yara picked up on the first ring.

“Selene?!”

“Where are you? Let’s meet up. Now.”

They met at Moon’s new accommodation in Zone C. Yara had access with a spare key that Moon had provided her. The house was empty. Moon was still in the Sanctuary, as far as either of them knew.

Yara was waiting at the door when Selene arrived. The moment their eyes met, both of them broke into wide smiles.

They hugged.

And both of them froze.

Selene felt it instantly, the aura radiating from Yara’s body was nothing like what she remembered. The girl who had always hesitated during their first battles on Lunaris, who had needed Moon and Selene to shield her from every threat, was gone. What Selene felt pressed against her was the aura of a real warrior. Dense, refined, and dangerous.

Yara felt it too. Selene’s aura was much heavier than before.

They pulled apart and stared at each other.

Then both of them grinned.

“You’ve gotten strong.” Selene said, a look of pride crossing her face. “Really strong, Yara. When I think about where you started, back on Lunaris, and I look at you now…you grew so much!”

Yara shook her head slowly, “Thank you, but it’s nothing compared to you.” Yara’s eyes glistened for a moment before she blinked it away and laughed. “You almost crushed me during that hug.”

“Almost.” Selene smiled before chuckling.

“I wonder how strong Moon has gotten.” Yara muttered.

Selene shrugged, “I guess we will find out soon, he should return today or tomorrow for the tournament testing.”

Yara nodded her head, “Yeah.”

They spent the next few hours catching up inside Moon’s house. They cooked a meal using whatever was in the kitchen, which wasn’t much, and talked about everything. The Sanctuary. The beasts they had fought. The skills they had gained. The close calls that had nearly ended them.

Neither of them mentioned Moon’s absence directly, but his empty house spoke louder than words. They both hoped he was alright.

 A playful glint crossed Selene’s eyes.

“Want to see something cool?”

Yara looked up from the couch, her curiosity piqued instantly. “What is it?”

Suddenly, and unexpectedly, a large wolf appeared in the living room.

It was large, reaching Yara’s chest at the shoulder. It had deep, black fur that coated its muscle packed body.

The aura it radiated filled the room instantly. Yara’s eyes went wide. Her mouth fell open, and for a full three seconds she didn’t speak.

“What is that?! It’s so pretty!” She leaned forward on the couch, her eyes sparkling. “A wolf?! Selene, when did you get this?!”

She reached out hesitantly, her fingers hovering near the wolf’s head. The creature regarded her calmly, its dark eyes studying her before it dipped its head slightly, allowing her to touch it.

Selene watched with a satisfied smile, her arms crossed. “It’s an elemental wolf.”

Yara’s awe deepened, her mouth forming an “oh” shape. She stared at the wolf for a long moment, then at Selene, then back at the wolf. Her lips pursed into a small pout.

With a bright smile on her face, she said, “I’m really happy for you, Selene. It suits you perfectly.”

After having caught up with everything, Selene stood from the couch and stretched.

“I need to consolidate my latest acupoint.” She said. “The foundation is complete, but the skill needs full assimilation before the tournament. I can’t afford to leave it.”

Yara nodded in understanding. “Go ahead. I’ll be here.”

Selene walked toward one of the spare bedrooms and paused at the door. She looked back at Yara with a soft expression.

“It’s good to see you again.”

Yara smiled. “You too.”

Selene closed the door behind her, sat on the floor, and turned her focus inward.