SSS Awakening: I Can Class Change at will

"We do not know the specifics, but the benefactor did say he had things to do, and enemies to deal with," Yara shook her head sadly.

"One more question, do you know what those 'prophecies' actually say?" Selene asked.

Yara's expression darkened at the thought the prophecies. "The corrupted texts speak of a return. They claim that beings from beyond will come again and bring ruin to our clan."

Moon sighed heavily. These zealots with apocalyptic prophecies were always the most dangerous enemies. They couldn't be reasoned with because their ideology demanded their blood as proof of faith.

"We're not here to destroy anything, we're just trying to survive and find our way home."

"I know," Yara said with a gentle smile. "The chief knows. All of our people know. But the Heretics won't be convinced by words. They'll return with greater numbers, and then..." She didn't finish the sentence.

Then there would be war.

"Thank you for explaining everything, Yara. We need to prepare. When the Heretics return, we'll help defend your people. We owe you that much for your hospitality."

Yara's eyes shimmered with gratitude. "Thank you, Moon. Thank you, Selene. The benefactor's people truly are as generous as he was."

As Yara left to attend to other duties, Moon turned to Selene with a grim expression.

"This realm just became significantly more complicated."

"Agreed," Selene said. "But at least we're gathering information. We'll figure out the exit condition eventually."

Moon nodded, though his thoughts kept returning to that golden fish swimming in the depths.

If that creature was truly the key to everything...

Then they were in far more danger than he'd initially realised.

♢♢♢♢

As Moon and Selene rested in their dwelling, planning their next moves, Yara returned accompanied by the elderly chief of the Savi clan, they asked for permission of entry before being granted by Moon.

Moon gestured for them to enter. "What brings you both?"

"Moon, Selene," Yara began, translating as the chief spoke. "Our chief has an idea he wishes to discuss with you. He wants to know your thoughts on his proposal."

Moon gestured for Yara to continue, "What does the chief have to say? We're listening."

Yara's expression became serious as she translated the chief's words. "The Heretics will likely attack today or tomorrow at the latest, which would result in significant bloodshed on both sides. The chief is asking politely whether you would be willing to hide temporarily in a secure location. He proposes sending me and the four strongest warriors of our clan to protect you while you remain concealed."

She paused, then continued, "Once the Heretics discover your position is unknown, they may abandon their assault, negotiate more reasonably or try to look for you slowly. But if your location is discovered and you're attacked, the chief promises to bring the full strength of the clan to your defense and if necessary, call upon the great golden fish for aid."

Upon hearing these words, Moon began contemplating the offer carefully. He understood he was asking a great deal, to let an entire race fight for him felt presumptuous, Moon had only arrived yesterday, yet the Savi were willing to shed blood for him.

But he also recognized the chief's thinking. By removing Moon and Selene from the immediate conflict, the chief could potentially avoid bloodshed entirely. The Heretics wanted the humans specifically - without visible targets, their religious fervor might not justify attacking fellow blue-skinned people.

However, Moon didn't particularly want to be a passive participant, hiding like a helpless civilian while others fought on his behalf.

"Alright," Moon said with a slight smile forming. "Tell the chief that I appreciate his plan and understand his reasoning. But I have a favor to ask in return."

Seeing Moon's smile and hearing his words of agreement, Yara's expression brightened considerably before she began translating to the chief in their language.

The chief responded, and Yara translated back. "He says he will help with whatever you need, as long as it's within his power."

Moon leaned forward. "Ask him to direct us to a hunting ground where dangerous beasts can be found. Selene and I grow stronger by hunting and defeating creatures. If we're going to be hiding anyway, we might as well use that time productively to strengthen ourselves in case the Heretics do attack."

Yara translated, and the chief's face lit up with understanding and approval. He responded enthusiastically.

"The chief says that's an excellent idea," Yara translated. "He knows several hunting grounds at safe distances from the village that won't be discovered by the Heretics during their initial approach. The four strongest warriors, including myself, will escort you and help protect you while you hunt. This way you gain strength while remaining hidden."

Moon nodded satisfaction. "Perfect. That works for everyone."

The chief smiled warmly and clasped Moon's shoulder in a gesture of respect before departing to organize the defense preparations.

♢♢♢♢

In a hunting ground located far enough from the village to avoid immediate discovery by approaching Heretics, Moon, Selene, and Mirage were actively engaged in combat.

The area was a rocky coastal region where the jungle met tidal pools and shallow water. An ecosystem that bred particularly aggressive beasts adapted to both land and sea.

Yara and four imposing Savi warriors maintained a perimeter around the hunting area, positioned to intercept any threats that might prove too dangerous or any Heretic scouts that might stumble upon their location.

Moon's hand's crackled with lightning as he faced down a massive crustacean, easily the size of a small car, with armored shells that made metal look weak in comparison.

[You have killed a level 24 Island Crustacean.]

[You have gained 250 Lives.]

[You have killed a level 23 Island Crustacean.]

[You have gained 175 Lives.]

Moon eliminated a third that had been attempting to flank them, his Ignite skill detonating inside the creature's shell with devastating effect.

[You have killed a level 24 Island Crab.] [You have gained 230 Lives.]

[You have reached level 23!]

Selene finished off another with a precisely aimed wind blade that found the weak point between shell segments after Moon had injured it severely.