บท 2: The Orb’s Verdict

"Cloud! Over here!"

Cloud immediately spotted Travis and Trisha and made his way over to them.

"Man, I can't believe we have to line up again just to find out our classes! The excitement is killing me!" Travis exclaimed, his energy bubbling over.

"Shh . . . you're too loud," Trisha hushed him, glancing around nervously.

"Have they started yet?" Cloud asked, noticing that some of the other Citizens were still streaming into the hall.

"Yeah, they've already started," Travis replied, pointing towards the center of the vast white expanse. There, a large glowing orb rotated slowly, its light pulsating with an otherworldly energy.

On either side of the orb stood their were mysterious figures, their faces hidden beneath heavy robes, guarding it with an air of solemnity.

The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as more Citizens gathered, all eyes fixed on the glowing orb that would soon determine their destinies in a new world.

One by one, the Citizens stepped up to the Orb, and after a few tense moments, one of the guardians announce their class.

"Whoa . . ."

Gasps of excitement filled the white expanse as each Citizen's plain uniform transformed into adventurous garb. Some donned robes of mages, others were clad in the armor of warriors. The transformations continued until every Citizen had been outfitted in their new attire depending on their class.

"I wonder if we could make it to the PvP contest?" Travis mused aloud, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"What are you talking about?" Trisha questioned, raising an eyebrow.

Travis sighed dramatically. "Don't pretend you don't know! We've been studying Eternia forever! You know that Eternia's competitions are the biggest events — Guild Wars, PvP battles, group and individual contests. There are tons of prizes to be won! Both humans and the original inhabitants of Eternia compete in these events to prove which guild, which kingdom, or which race and player is the strongest!"

Cloud listened, a small smile playing on his lips. He could feel the excitement building among the Citizens as they imagined the challenges and adventures that awaited them in Eternia. This was what they had prepared for, and now, the real journey was about to begin.

Finally, it was Travis's turn to step up to the Orb.

"Wish me luck!" he called out, grinning at Cloud and Trisha before dashing forward, his excitement evident. He eagerly placed his hand over the Orb, which began to glow. The entire room fell silent as the guardian's voice resonated through the hall.

"Player #42747042, Race: Human. Class: Warrior (Rank-A)!"

"YoOoshaAa!" Travis pumped his fist in the air, his excitement contagious.

The crowd buzzed with admiration. A Warrior class was impressive, but a Rank-A? That meant an 80% chance of evolving into something even more powerful, like a Berserker or a Chaos Lord.

"Nice, Travis!" Cloud said, high-fiving his friend.

"As expected from the top two of our class," someone murmured nearby.

"Travis is on another level," another added, envy in their tone.

"I'm jealous," one Citizen admitted. "I only got a Healer class, and it's Rank-B."

Rank-B was decent, offering a 50% chance of evolving into a stronger class later on. Rank-C had a 20% chance, and Rank-D? Well, those were the unlucky ones — unevolved and with minimal chances of progression.

Next up was Trisha, and the entire hall fell into a hush. Trisha was the muse of their batch, and everyone was eager to see what class she would receive.

"Sorceress, Rank-S!"

The announcement sent a shockwave through the room. Rank-S was the pinnacle, guaranteeing a 100% evolution into a much rarer and more powerful class in the future. While mage classes required constant protection in the early stages, a Rank-S meant Trisha's future in Eternia was secured.

The mysterious, robed figures standing guard by the Orb were leaders or representatives from various powerful factions, all of them on the lookout for potential recruits. These factions were crucial for survival in Eternia. Being recruited by one of the major guilds or kingdoms meant lodging, food, resources, and even an allowance — all in exchange for a contract of service.

For those without a faction, the first days in Eternia could be brutal. Many Rank-D and C Citizens who ventured out alone didn't survive long, falling prey to the dangers lurking around every corner. This was why Trisha had been so worried. But now, it seemed her fears were unfounded.

"Nice, Trish! That's impressive," Travis said, smirking. "You're always scared, but you got a Rank-S!"

Trisha finally smiled in relief. "I was just worried because, you know, we could all die out there."

"With my class, that's impossible now," Travis boasted, flexing his muscles. "Me and Cloud will take the front, and you can just stay back and cast those fireballs or whatever."

"It's your turn, Cloud," Trisha said, her eyes sparkling. "I'm sure yours will be Rank-S too. I mean, you're the top of our batch."

Travis grinned. "That's right. Cloud might end up as a Rogue, Rank-S, and then evolve into something like an Assassin or Shadow Lord. That would be so cool!"

"Why an Assassin?" Trisha questioned, frowning slightly.

"Isn't it obvious? Cloud's so fast."

While the two bantered, Cloud stepped up to the giant Orb. The entire hall was buzzing with curiosity, all eyes on him. Everyone expected greatness — Cloud had excelled in everything, from written exams to physical challenges, so there could be no doubt that he would be at least a Rank-A or S.

Cloud placed his hand over the Orb, and a bright light flashed before him.

"Tamer Class!"

The announcement echoed through the hall, and murmurs spread like wildfire.

"As expected from the number one."

"A Tamer, huh? That means he can control beasts, right?"

"A Hunter class has similar skills, but with a Tamer, you can have as many pets as your stats and slots allow."

"That's actually pretty awesome!"

"It's a rare class, for sure."

Travis and Trisha were thrilled for Cloud, but then the next words rang out, silencing the room.

". . . RANK-D!"