The air was thick with tension. Rael stood at the edge of the battlefield, his heart pounding against his ribs. His body ached from the countless hours of training, but today was different. Today, everything would change.

"Rael, are you sure you want to do this?" his best friend, Kain, asked, gripping the hilt of his sword. "You know what happens if you fail."

Rael clenched his fists. He had come too far to turn back now. "I have to. If I want to become stronger, if I want to survive in this world, I have to awaken my power."

Kain sighed and stepped back. The Awakening Ceremony was a dangerous process. Only those with a strong enough soul could handle it. The weak… didn’t survive.

Rael took a deep breath and stepped into the ancient circle carved into the stone. The markings on the ground glowed with an eerie light as the elders began chanting. Energy surged through the air, crackling like lightning.

Then, pain.

A burning sensation spread through Rael’s body, searing through his veins. He clenched his teeth, refusing to scream. His vision blurred, and for a moment, he thought he saw something—a figure, standing in the darkness, watching him.

"You are worthy."

The voice echoed in his mind. Before he could react, his body was engulfed in a blinding light.

Then—silence.

The First Avatar

Rael gasped as he sat up, drenched in sweat. The stone beneath him was cracked, the once-bright symbols now dim. The elders looked at him in shock, their expressions unreadable.

"Did… did it work?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

One of the elders stepped forward. "Tell me, boy, what do you feel?"

Rael closed his eyes and focused. Something inside him had changed. A presence, a power he had never felt before. Then, instinctively, he raised his hand.

A second Rael appeared beside him.

The crowd gasped. Even the elders took a step back.

"A cloning ability?" Kain muttered, his eyes wide. "No… this is something else."

Rael could feel it—the clone was not just a copy. It was him, sharing his thoughts, his strength. He willed the clone to move, and it did. He willed it to punch the ground, and it did—with the same force he could.

One of the elders finally spoke. "This… is the Avatar Skill."

Murmurs spread through the onlookers. The Avatar Skill was a legendary ability, one that had only been recorded in ancient texts. It allowed the user to summon copies of themselves or take on different forms, gaining new abilities.

Rael’s heart pounded. He had done it. He had awakened something beyond ordinary power.

But he barely had time to process it before a loud voice interrupted.

"Not bad."

Rael turned, his body tensing. A figure stepped forward—a tall, broad-shouldered man wearing a dark cloak. His face was partially hidden, but his golden eyes glowed with amusement.

"Who are you?" Rael asked, his instincts screaming danger.

The man smirked. "Someone who’s been waiting for someone like you to appear."

In a blink, the man vanished. Rael’s eyes widened as he felt a presence behind him. He spun around, but it was too late—a hand gripped his shoulder, and suddenly, he couldn’t move.

"Amazing," the man whispered. "You don’t even realize the potential of what you just unlocked. But don’t worry… I’ll show you."

Pain exploded in Rael’s chest, and darkness swallowed him whole.

A New Battlefield

When Rael opened his eyes, he was no longer in the ceremony hall. Instead, he stood in a vast, open space—a battlefield stretching endlessly in all directions. The sky was a deep crimson, and strange, floating symbols filled the air.

"Where am I?" he muttered.

"Inside your own mind."

Rael turned sharply. The mysterious man stood a few feet away, his arms crossed.

"What the hell did you do to me?" Rael growled, his fists clenching.

The man chuckled. "Relax. I didn’t do anything. This place… is a test."

"A test?"

The man nodded. "You awakened a power beyond anything this world has seen in centuries. But unlocking it is only the first step. If you can’t control it, you’ll be consumed by it."

Rael narrowed his eyes. "And what if I pass this test?"

The man’s smirk widened. "Then you’ll take your first step toward becoming something far greater than you ever imagined."

Before Rael could respond, the ground trembled. From the shadows, figures emerged—dozens of them. They looked exactly like him.

"Your first challenge," the man said. "Defeat them… or be erased by your own power."

The copies attacked.

Rael barely had time to react. The first clone lunged at him, and he ducked just in time. He countered with a punch, but the clone mirrored his movements perfectly, blocking with ease.

Another one came from the side. Then another. Within moments, Rael was surrounded.

They were just as strong as him. Just as fast. Just as skilled.

His mind raced. He couldn’t beat them with brute force alone. He needed something more.

Then he remembered.

The Avatar Skill isn’t just about cloning. It’s about transformation.

If he couldn’t win in his current form… then he just needed a different one.

Focusing his energy, Rael reached deep inside himself. The power of the Avatar Skill surged, and for the first time, he shifted.

His body changed, his muscles tightening, his stance shifting. He felt stronger—faster.

The Strength Class Avatar.

The next time a clone attacked, Rael didn’t dodge. He countered, his punch sending the clone flying. The ground cracked beneath his feet from the sheer force.

The other clones hesitated.

Rael smirked. "Guess I’m starting to get the hang of this."

The battle wasn’t over. Not yet. But for the first time, Rael felt something stir inside him—something beyond power, beyond skill.

He had taken his first step.

And this was only the beginning.

End of Chapter One

Next Chapter Preview: "The Hidden Truth Behind the Avatar Skill"

The moment the words “Avatar Skill Activated” echoed in Ryuzen’s mind, a rush of power surged through his body. It felt like fire coursing through his veins, an overwhelming energy he had never experienced before. His vision blurred, and for a brief second, his surroundings distorted—his very existence flickered between multiple forms, as if his body was being rewritten by an unseen force.

Then, the system interface appeared before his eyes.

[System Notification]

Avatar Skill: Activated

Unique Class: Avatar (Level 1/∞)

Available Classes: Warrior, Mage, Rogue, Archer, Tamer, Summoner

Fusion Progress: 0%

Next Unlock: Level 10 – New Class Acquisition

His heart pounded. An infinite class system? Fusion abilities? No one in the history of the kingdom had ever possessed a skill like this.

As the energy stabilized, Ryuzen felt the weight of multiple paths pressing against his soul. It was as if thousands of possible futures were trying to manifest at once, each leading to a different version of himself. His instinct screamed at him—he had to make a choice.

The academy instructor, Master Veyrn, stared at him in shock. “Impossible… The Avatar Skill was nothing more than a legend! And yet, you…” His voice was laced with a mix of awe and fear.

The other students, who had just awakened basic skills like Swordsmanship or Fireball, backed away. Some whispered among themselves.

"Did you see that?"

"He didn’t just gain a class—he gained all of them!"

"A monster…"

Ryuzen clenched his fists. He wasn’t sure if their reactions were due to fear, jealousy, or admiration. But before he could process everything, a new message flashed before his eyes.

[New Mission Unlocked]

Trial of the Avatar – Prove your potential by mastering your first transformation.

Objective:

Swap into a different class and defeat an enemy within 5 minutes.

Bonus: Execute a perfect class fusion for additional rewards.

A sharp chime rang in his ears. A red warning symbol appeared on the edge of his vision.

[Warning! Incoming Hostile Intent Detected!]

His instincts flared. Move!

Without hesitation, he activated his first class swap—

“Avatar Shift: Warrior Mode!”

His body transformed instantly. His arms felt heavier, his grip firm. The academy’s basic tunic was replaced with a set of bronze-plated armor, and a broad sword materialized in his right hand. His muscles tensed as strength surged through him.

Just in time.

A fireball roared toward him from the right. One of the other students—a mage named Derris—had just attacked him without warning.

Ryuzen’s mind reacted faster than ever before. Warrior instincts took over. He raised his sword and slashed, cutting straight through the incoming fireball. The attack dispersed into harmless embers, leaving Derris staring in disbelief.

"How…?" Derris took a step back. "You’re a warrior! You shouldn’t be able to cut magic!"

Ryuzen smirked. "Not just a warrior."

He shifted again.

“Avatar Shift: Mage Mode!”

His armor faded, replaced by a dark mage’s robe embroidered with arcane symbols. The broad sword disappeared, replaced by a floating spell tome in his left hand. Magic runes glowed around his fingers.

Derris’ face turned pale. “No way… He can change classes instantly?”

Ryuzen raised a hand. “My turn.”

He chanted the spell that had just been inscribed in his mind.

“Arcane Spear.”

A bolt of condensed mana formed in front of him before launching forward like a javelin. The air sizzled as it shot toward Derris. He barely managed to raise a mana shield in time, but the impact sent him flying backward, crashing into the academy walls.

A moment of silence filled the courtyard. The other students gawked in pure shock. Even Master Veyrn’s mouth twitched, unsure whether to applaud or panic.

Then, a loud ding sounded in Ryuzen’s head.

[Mission Complete!]

Class Swap Success: +100 EXP

Enemy Defeated: +300 EXP

Bonus – Class Fusion Unlocked!

[New Class Fusion Available: Arcane Warrior]

Description: A class that merges the strength of a warrior with the magic of a sorcerer. Uses enchanted weaponry and melee spellcasting.

Ryuzen felt another shift inside him. His mind expanded, and knowledge of a brand-new combat style poured into his consciousness.

He wasn’t just switching classes anymore—he was creating something entirely new.

Master Veyrn finally spoke. His voice was hoarse, as if he had just witnessed a walking legend. “Ryuzen Kael… You are no ordinary student.”

But before Ryuzen could respond, a deep, menacing voice echoed from behind him.

“Well, well… I was wondering if the rumors were true.”

A figure stood at the entrance of the academy courtyard. Dressed in black and gold robes, a tall man with piercing crimson eyes surveyed Ryuzen like a predator eyeing its prey. His very presence radiated danger.

Master Veyrn’s expression darkened. “Why is the Avatar Seeker Guild here?”

Ryuzen tensed. Avatar Seeker?

The man smiled coldly. “Because we’ve been waiting for someone like him… and now, he belongs to us.”

Ryuzen instinctively shifted into battle stance.

His real journey was about to begin.

End of Chapter 2

Next Chapter Teasers:

Who are the Avatar Seekers, and why are they hunting him?

Will Ryuzen escape or be forced into their ranks?

New class unlocks and first major battle!

A chill ran down Ryuzen’s spine as the man in black and gold robes stepped forward. His presence was overwhelming, as if he commanded the air around him. Even the most talented students at the academy instinctively backed away, sensing the undeniable difference in power between them and the newcomer.

Master Veyrn immediately moved to stand between Ryuzen and the man. His expression was tense. “Why is the Avatar Seeker Guild interfering with academy affairs?”

The man’s crimson eyes flickered with amusement. “Interfering?” He chuckled. “No, no, Master Veyrn. We are simply here for what belongs to us.”

His gaze locked onto Ryuzen, eyes narrowing as if he were measuring his worth. “An Avatar has awakened after centuries… and you expect us to stand idly by? The Avatar Seeker Guild exists for this very reason—to collect, train, and, if necessary, control those who wield this forbidden power.”

Ryuzen clenched his fists. “Control?”

The man smirked. “Did you think an ability like yours would go unnoticed? The ability to wield infinite classes, fuse them, and create something beyond the world’s known limits? That is not something the kingdoms, the great sects, or even the gods will allow to run wild.”

The students gasped, murmurs breaking out among them.

"Infinite classes? Fusion abilities?"

"No wonder he defeated Derris so easily!"

"But why would the Avatar Seeker Guild come here themselves?"

Ryuzen took a step forward, forcing himself to remain calm despite the tension. “And what if I refuse to go with you?”

The man’s smirk faded. “Then you die.”

The atmosphere froze.

Master Veyrn immediately drew his sword, his aura flaring to life. The pressure of an Advanced Knight surged outward, forming an invisible barrier between the guild member and Ryuzen. “You dare threaten a student of the Royal Academy?”

The man sighed, raising his hands as if in mock surrender. “I have no need for violence—yet. But understand this, boy.” He turned his full focus to Ryuzen, and for a brief second, it felt as though a shadow had wrapped around his soul. “The world does not allow anomalies like you to exist freely. If you do not come with us, others will come for you. And trust me—they will not be as kind as we are.”

A system notification suddenly rang in Ryuzen’s mind.

[New Mission Unlocked!]

Fate of the Avatar – Choose your path

Objective:

Accept the Avatar Seeker Guild’s invitation and leave the academy.

Refuse and prepare to defend yourself.

Reward: ?? (Varies based on choice)

Ryuzen gritted his teeth. This wasn’t just about power—it was about who controlled that power. If what the man said was true, then he had no choice but to fight for his freedom.

He wasn’t going to be anyone’s puppet.

He raised his hand and activated his skill.

“Avatar Shift: Arcane Warrior!”

His body glowed as his armor morphed, combining the mage’s flowing robes with the warrior’s plated gauntlets. His sword hummed with arcane energy, runes flickering along its length.

A sharp wave of force rippled outward, shaking the academy courtyard. The students gasped as raw power surged from Ryuzen, his newfound class fusion responding to his determination.

The Avatar Seeker’s eyes widened slightly—the first crack in his composed expression.

“You… fused classes in an instant?”

Ryuzen smirked. “You were saying something about control?”

The air crackled with tension.

Master Veyrn gripped his sword tighter. “Ryuzen, be careful—”

Too late.

The Avatar Seeker vanished.

A flash of black and gold streaked toward him, moving faster than anything Ryuzen had ever seen. His instincts screamed at him to dodge, but even with his heightened warrior reflexes, he barely had time to react.

A hand closed around his throat.

Ryuzen gasped as he was lifted off the ground, a crushing pressure locking his body in place. He struggled, trying to swing his sword, but an invisible force bound his limbs. His vision blurred, his lungs burned—

"Not bad," the man mused, holding him effortlessly with one hand. "But you’re still nothing more than a newborn cub playing with power beyond your understanding."

Ryuzen’s heart pounded. He had to do something—fast!

[System Alert: Avatar Skill Overload Detected]

Your body is resisting external suppression.

Emergency class expansion activated.

His body suddenly shimmered, the glow around him intensifying. The energy inside him—his Avatar Skill—revolted against the foreign power.

The man’s grip loosened—just enough.

“Avatar Shift: Rogue Mode!”

Ryuzen vanished from his grasp. In the same instant, he reappeared behind the man, his body now clad in a sleek assassin’s outfit, two daggers gleaming in his hands.

He struck.

The daggers cut through the air, heading straight for the man’s neck and heart—

Clang!

Ryuzen’s eyes widened as an invisible barrier stopped his attack mid-swing. A second later, a powerful force blasted him backward, sending him skidding across the ground.

The Avatar Seeker tilted his head, seemingly unfazed. “Impressive adaptability.” He brushed dust from his robes. “I almost see why they fear you.”

Ryuzen coughed, forcing himself to stand. He wasn’t done yet.

“Avatar Shift: Tamer Mode!”

A summoning circle flared beneath him, glowing with intricate symbols. The power of a Tamer-Class warrior filled his veins, and he instinctively reached out to the energy around him.

The ground trembled.

From the academy’s surrounding forests, a giant shadow moved. A beast—his first summoned companion—emerged.

A massive direwolf, its fur streaked with silver and black, its eyes burning with primal fury. It let out a deafening howl, the sound vibrating through the air.

The Avatar Seeker’s expression finally changed.

"A summon? Already?"

The direwolf lunged.

Ryuzen leapt forward at the same time, daggers gleaming.

The battle had truly begun.

End of Chapter 3

Next Chapter Teasers:

Ryuzen’s first true battle against a superior opponent.

A shocking revelation about the Avatar Skill’s origin!

First major class fusion: Arcane Tamer!