Misaki woke before the communal bell, his body now adapted to Vulcan's fifty-hour cycle. He moved through his morning routine with practiced efficiency: a quick meal of leftover Thornbread and dried Rook'wook, then straight to the farm fields where Millia waited with her usual stern expression and a basket.
"You're early," she observed.
"Trying to build good habits."
The harvest work went quickly now. Misaki's efficiency had climbed to sixty-three percent according to the system, and his hands knew the rhythm of the plants. Side-pull for the starc, twist-and-extract for the redcooil pepper, always watching for the telltale tension in the stems. By the eighth hour of daylight, he'd filled six baskets—his personal best.
[24 copper earned]
[Total savings: 91 copper]
After collecting his payment, Misaki headed to the workout area behind the Labor Guild. Deylos was there, as he often was, moving through a series of exercises that looked more like combat forms than simple training.
"Your form is improving," the archer observed as Misaki started his push-ups. "Your elbows are staying tucked now."
Misaki managed fifteen push-ups before his arms gave out—a significant improvement from the eight he'd started with days ago. He moved through squats, planks, and the modified pull-ups Deylos had shown him, feeling his muscles burn with productive strain.
[Strength: 4 → 5]
[Constitution: 12 → 13]
After an hour of physical training, he made his way to the temple for meditation. The practice had become something he looked forward to—the quiet, the focus, the sensation of that warmth in his solar plexus growing stronger with each session.
As he settled into his breathing rhythm, he felt the Manipura chakra respond more readily than before. The warmth bloomed quickly, pulsing in time with his heartbeat, spreading tendrils of energy through his torso.
[Manipura Chakra: Stirring (17%)]
[Meditation mastery improving]
The afternoon was spent helping around the village—hauling water for the builders working on the defensive wall expansion, delivering messages for the village council, organizing supplies in the medical department's storage hut. Each small task added a few copper to his total and, more importantly, familiarized him with the village's infrastructure and the people who kept it running.
By the time evening approached, Misaki checked his interface and felt a surge of satisfaction.
[Total copper: 106]
More than enough for basic building materials. More than enough to start his own home.
He found Lyria near her hut, organizing bundles of dried herbs. "I'm ready. I have the copper for materials."
She looked up, a smile crossing her face. "Good. Let me show you the plot."
They walked to the eastern edge of the village, where cleared land gave way to forest. Lyria pointed to a rectangular section of ground marked with wooden stakes. "Twenty feet by fifteen feet. Enough space for a basic dwelling with room for expansion later. The ground is level, drainage is good, and you're close enough to the well for water access."
Misaki surveyed the plot with his engineer's eye. The location was practical—near enough to the village for safety, far enough for privacy. The soil looked solid, and the slight slope would help with runoff during rain.
"First thing is the foundation," Lyria explained. "You'll need to dig down about a foot and pack it with gravel and stone. The Rulwood planks will sit on that. Without a proper foundation, the wood will rot from ground moisture within a year."
They visited Torran's lumber yard, where the massive blacksmith had Misaki's order already prepared—rough-cut Rulwood planks, bundles of smaller support beams, a bag of iron nails, and two basic tools: a hand axe and a hammer.
"Thirty-three copper," Torran said, accepting the coins. "The planks are standard length—twelve feet. You'll need to cut and fit them yourself. Measurements matter. Even an inch off and you'll have gaps that let in wind and rain."
Misaki spent the rest of the day working on the foundation. Digging in Vulcan's soil was harder than he expected—the ground was dense and filled with rocks that had to be pried loose. His hands blistered despite the work gloves, and his back screamed in protest.
But slowly, steadily, the foundation took shape. A rectangular pit, one foot deep, filled with carefully placed stones and packed gravel. Level, stable, ready to support the structure above.
[Strength: 5 → 6]
[Constitution: 13 → 14]
[Skill Gained: Basic Construction]
As the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon, a notification flared in Misaki's vision:
[MILESTONE ACHIEVED]
[Multiple skills acquired across diverse fields]
[Minimum attribute thresholds met]
[CLASS SELECTION NOW AVAILABLE]
Misaki sat down hard, his attention fully captured by the cascade of information that flooded his interface.
[AVAILABLE CLASSES:]
[ENGINEER]
[Specialization: Technical problem-solving, mechanical design, infrastructure]
[Strengths: Innovation, efficiency optimization, unique solutions]
[Weaknesses: Requires high Intelligence (15+), limited combat ability]
[Growth Path: Advanced specializations in specific engineering fields]
[SHIELD]
[Specialization: Defensive combat, protection of others]
[Strengths: High durability, party support, threat management]
[Weaknesses: Requires high Strength (12+) and Constitution (15+)]
[Growth Path: Advanced defensive techniques, leadership roles]
[MAGE (Mana-Based)]
[Specialization: External magic manipulation, spell casting]
[Strengths: Versatile magic, high damage potential]
[Weaknesses: Requires access to mana sources, extensive study]
[Note: You have Chakra affinity, not Mana. This path will be significantly harder.]
[GREEN THUMB]
[Specialization: Agriculture, herbology, plant cultivation]
[Strengths: Enhanced crop yields, herb identification, land management]
[Weaknesses: Non-combat focused, limited versatility]
[Growth Path: Master Farmer, Herbalist, Agricultural Engineer]
[HEALER]
[Specialization: Medical treatment, chakra-based healing]
[Strengths: Essential support role, high value to community]
[Weaknesses: Requires high Wisdom (15+), difficult to master]
[Growth Path: Advanced healing techniques, resurrection research]
[THE JACK]
[Specialization: None - Generalist path]
[Strengths: Can learn any skill, extreme versatility, no hard restrictions]
[Weaknesses: Slower progression, weaker specialization bonuses, "master of none"]
[Growth Path: Unlimited but unfocused - player defines their own path]
[Note: Considered the weakest base class by most metrics]
Misaki read through each option carefully, his engineering mind analyzing the pros and cons. Engineer was tempting—it played to his strengths and background. Shield was locked behind attribute requirements he didn't meet. Mage would fight against his chakra affinity. Green Thumb and Healer were too specialized.
But The Jack...
The class description said it all: "Can learn any skill." No restrictions. No forced specialization. The freedom to adapt, to grow in whatever direction circumstances required.
He thought about the past few days. Farming. Combat training with Deylos. Meditation. Butchering. Construction. Herb gathering. He'd touched on a dozen different fields, and each one had taught him something valuable.
The weakest base class, the description warned. But it also said "player defines their own path."
Misaki selected The Jack.
[CLASS SELECTED: THE JACK]
[Title Gained: Jack of All Trades]
[Special Ability Unlocked: Skill Acquisition (Reduced requirements for learning new skills)]
[Special Ability Unlocked: Adaptive Growth (Attributes increase based on varied activity)]
[Warning: Specialization bonuses reduced by 40% compared to focused classes]
Lyria appeared at his side, having apparently been watching from a distance. Her expression was concerned. "You chose The Jack."
"I did."
"That's... Misaki, that's considered the weakest class. Most people who choose it never advance past level five. The lack of specialization means you'll always be weaker than dedicated classes in any given field."
"I know." Misaki stood, brushing dirt from his pants. "But I've spent my whole life being told what I should be. An orphan should be grateful. An astronaut should follow protocol. Everyone always defining the path for me." He looked at the partially built foundation of his home. "Here, I can be whatever I need to be. Farmer when the village needs food. Fighter when it needs defenders. Builder when it needs homes. I'll make it work."
Lyria studied him for a long moment, then smiled. "You know what? I believe you will."
A familiar voice called out from behind them. "MISAKI!"
They turned to see Riyeak bounding toward them with his usual enthusiasm, a grin splitting his face. The fifteen-year-old giant carried a training axe across his shoulders like it weighed nothing.
"Did you choose a class yet? Can you lift a real axe now? We could use an extra pair of hands in the lumber party!" The words came out in an excited rush.
"I just chose The Jack," Misaki admitted.
"Oh." Riyeak's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "That's... well, it's not the strongest, but hey! At least you can learn everything now, right?" He brightened again almost immediately. "Wait, are you a lumberjack then?"
"Not exactly. I don't have a specific specialization."
"But you can do lumber work if you want?"
"I... suppose?"
"Perfect!" Riyeak grabbed Misaki's shoulder with enough force to make him stumble. "We're going deep into the Rulwood tomorrow to harvest rare woods. The royal merchants are coming in three days for the seasonal trade, and Chief Shy'yao wants quality lumber to offer. You should come!"
"Wait, aren't you in the Shield class? Why are you doing lumber work?"
"Oh, that's just for training!" Riyeak flexed an arm that was already absurdly muscular. "Swinging an axe all day builds shoulders and core strength better than any combat drill. Plus, I'm actually a carpenter. Shield work is my combat path, but carpentry is my trade. Lots of people have both."
He jogged over to a nearby equipment shed and returned with a smaller hand axe, presenting it to Misaki like a gift. "Here! This is apprentice-sized. Should be perfect for someone with your current strength."
Misaki took the axe and lifted it experimentally. It was significantly lighter than the full-sized woodcutter's axe he'd failed to lift days ago, but still substantial. The handle was smooth wood, well-maintained, and the blade gleamed with a fresh edge.
[Hand Axe (Apprentice)]
[Weight: 1.2 kg]
[Requires: Strength 5]
[Durability: 85/100]
"It's perfect," Misaki said, genuinely pleased. He gave it a few practice swings, feeling the balance and weight distribution. His engineering mind automatically analyzed the leverage, the cutting angle, the efficiency of force transfer.
"We leave at dawn tomorrow," Riyeak said. "Well, dawn for the day shift people. Fourth hour of the light cycle. Bring water, wear sturdy clothes, and don't wander off. The deep forest can be dangerous."
"I'll be there."
After Riyeak left, Misaki returned to his foundation work until the light began to fade. Lyria brought him dinner—a thick stew and more Thornbread—and sat with him as he ate.
"The Jack is an unusual choice," she said quietly. "But I meant what I said. I think you'll make it work. You have something most people lack."
"What's that?"
"Determination. And the willingness to learn." She stood, brushing crumbs from her tunic. "Get some rest. Lumber work is exhausting, and you'll need your strength."
The lumber party assembled at the eastern gate as Ulth'rk climbed into the sky. Besides Misaki and Riyeak, there were six experienced loggers—all massive men with the kind of builds that came from years of physical labor. They carried full-sized axes, coils of rope, and empty wooden sleds for hauling the cut timber.
The team leader was a grizzled man named Uyr'khall-tharn, who looked Misaki up and down with obvious skepticism. "You're the sky-faller. Heard you chose The Jack."
"That's right."
"Hmm. Well, stick close and follow instructions. We're going deep today—about two kilometers into the forest. We're after Tra'inki elastic wood and maybe some Tra'ji firewood if we find quality specimens. Both are valuable to the merchants."
They moved into the forest in a loose formation, the loggers spreading out to scan for the telltale signs of rare wood varieties. Misaki found himself walking beside Riyeak, who kept up a cheerful running commentary about everything they passed.
"See those marks on that Rulwood trunk? That's from a Vro'nax pack marking territory. They scratch the bark to leave scent markers. We avoid those areas during breeding season."
Misaki checked his updated status as they walked:
[Name: Misaki Haruto]
[Class: The Jack]
[Level: 2]
[Strength: 6]
[Constitution: 14]
[Dexterity: 10]
[Intelligence: 16]
[Wisdom: 12]
[Charisma: 9]
[Vitality: 34]
His attributes had improved across the board from the varied work. The "Adaptive Growth" ability of The Jack class was already showing benefits—doing different types of work yielded better overall stat gains than specializing would have.
After an hour of hiking, Uyr'khall-tharn raised a hand, signaling a stop. "There. Tra'inki cluster."
Misaki looked where he pointed and saw a grove of trees that seemed subtly different from the surrounding Rulwood. Their bark had a slight sheen, and the trunks appeared to flex almost imperceptibly in the breeze.
"Elastic wood," one of the loggers explained, seeing Misaki's curious expression. "The fibers have natural flexibility. Makes excellent bows, siege equipment, and specialized construction. But you have to cut it carefully—if you don't control the release, it'll snap back and break bones."
The loggers set to work with practiced coordination. Two men would make initial cuts on opposite sides of the trunk while a third managed tension with ropes. When the tree finally fell, it did so in a controlled arc, the flexible wood bending rather than breaking.
Misaki was assigned to trimming—using his smaller axe to remove branches and prepare the trunk for transport. The work was methodical and surprisingly satisfying. Each swing of the axe, each clean cut, felt like solving a small problem.
[Skill Gained: Lumberjacking (Basic)]
[Strength +1]
They worked through the morning, moving from one rare wood specimen to another. Misaki learned to identify Tra'ji firewood by its distinctive reddish bark and the way it seemed to radiate warmth even before being cut. He watched the loggers handle each variety differently, adapting their techniques to the wood's properties.
By the tenth hour of daylight, they'd harvested enough rare wood to fill three sleds—hundreds of copper worth of valuable timber.
"That's a good haul," Uyr'khall-tharn declared, wiping sweat from his brow. "Enough for a few seasons if we're careful. The merchants will pay well for this quality."
As they prepared to haul the sleds back, Misaki asked a question that had been bothering him. "Where are all the animals today? I haven't seen or heard anything since we entered the forest."
Riyeak and the loggers exchanged glances. One of them chuckled. "Animals with any sense stay deeper in the forest, away from groups of humans. You only see them when you're alone or in small parties. A team of eight men with axes? Most creatures give us a wide berth."
"The Vro'gath was an exception," another logger added. "They're territorial and aggressive. Most beasts are smarter—they hunt easier prey."
"Besides," Uyr'khall-tharn said, testing the weight of one of the sleds, "the really dangerous creatures only come out during the dark season. When Ulth'rk hangs at its lowest and the nights stretch to thirty hours. That's when the forest belongs to the predators."
The journey back was slower, the team hauling the heavy sleds through the forest paths. Misaki took his turn at the ropes, feeling the burn in his shoulders and back as they pulled the massive weight.
But when they finally emerged from the forest and saw M'lod spread out before them, smoke rising from chimneys and the sounds of village life carrying on the breeze, Misaki felt a deep sense of accomplishment.
He'd contributed something real. Something valuable.
And for someone who'd spent his entire life feeling like he didn't quite belong anywhere, that meant everything.
[Quest Updated: Integrate into Village Society]
[Progress: Significant]
[New Skills Acquired: 7]
[Community Reputation: +15]