I wake up from my ascension to afternoon skies and one very cuddly Chloe lying down beside me. My stomach roars at me— makes sense, since I've barely eaten anything in the past two days. I think of reaching into my [Inventory]— I'm sure I've got something tasty awaiting me there. After another moment, though, I decide against it. There's probably something better downstairs in the refrigerator anyway.

As soon as I sit up, Chloe latches onto my metal arm. I feel her warmth pervading the titanium and up into the rest of my body. It feels so nice. So comfortable. A part of me so desperately wants to just curl back into a ball, wrap both arms around my beloved, and just not let go for a very, very long time. However, there's stats and Skills and new classes and so much to go over! Not to mention that I am overloaded with energy right now. I feel like… Metaphors like 'bouncing off the walls' and 'running a marathon' don't really make much sense when I can do both those things even while feeling like shit. But I do feel powerful. Far more powerful than I've ever been before.

[You have lost the class [Mechanical Angel].]

[You have gained the classes [Valkyrion] and [Defier of Fate]. Calculating… Calculating… Skill modifications and reorganization in progress. Please stand by.]

"Something the matter, Sera?" Chloe asks.

"The System is taking its sweet-ass time," I say. "Also, you wouldn't happen to have any food while we wait?"

Chloe gives me the biggest, widest grin I've seen in quite some time before pulling out a plate of spinach and fettucini alfredo. Already my mouth is watering and my stomach is begging me to dive in to the delicious concoction my partner has prepared, but I know there'll be more to it than just begging and pleading. So, I hug myself, trying to look as sheepish and innocent as possible, waiting for the hammer to fall and for Chloe to reveal what dastardly, sinful plot she has uncorked upon me.

"Sera."

"Yes, Chloe, my dear?" I do what I can to play up my innocence further, despite the twinkle brightening in her eyes.

"Close your eyes and open wide."

I do so, though the sweet scent of the shaved parmesan on that plate is really testing my patience.

I feel a trickle of something drip on my mouth. Though, it's not the sweet taste of cream or even the pungent aroma of perfectly blanched spinach. No, this is… Umm… Yummm… I allow Chloe to take control, kissing me deeply and longingly until the two of us come up, gasping for air nearly five minutes later.

Thankfully, at least Chloe had the sense to stow my dinner back away before she took her fill of my mouth, both because it might start getting cold and there was an extremely high chance that it would've gotten knocked over at some time during our fun. I don't want to be without my meal, and I'm sure neither of us want to deal with cleaning up the mess that would have ensued.

Right as we finish and just after I've caught my breath, I see the first System notification pinging in the corner of my vision. Eager to see exactly how my stats and Skills have changed, I begin reading through them, enjoying the feel of new power entering me almost as much as I am enjoying watching Chloe feed me.

[Your [Archangel's Gaze (Rank XVI)] has evolved to become the [Valkyrion] Class Skill [Valkyrion's Perception (Rank VIII)].]

I'm a bit annoyed that, once again, I'm losing some of my hard-earned Skill Ranks. However, every time that's happened, it at least comes with an expansion of the Skill's effects and overall efficacy, so I let my annoyance fall off me.

[[Valkyrion's Perception]: The [Valkyrion] is a stalwart soldier, never caught off-guard in any situation. In addition to being able to see in all directions to a distance of [Level + (5 x Skill Rank)] x 20 feet (currently: 2,080), the [Valkyrion] is passively alerted to any danger or hostile presences. Her [Agility] increases by (Level + Rank) (Currently: 72) due to her supernatural ability to sense and avoid danger from all sources.]

A very nice first ability indeed. Some of the aspects of [Archangel's Gaze] concerning the insight into Ethertech and glyph understanding haven't been folded into the Skill description. Nor has the illusion-piercing effect. However, considering the amount of Skill reorganization that the System seems to have undertaken, as well as the fact that all of my knowledge remains intact— no nausea oncoming— suggests that that aspect of my class has been folded up into a different Skill.

[Your [Biomechanization] and [Angelic Form] have fused to become the [Valkyrion] Class Skill [Valkyrion's Body].]

[[Valkyrion's Body]. The [Valkyrion] has tempered her body through countless trials and ordeals, forcing herself onward when countless others would have succumbed. Even when her body refused to move on, she persisted, rebuilding herself better, faster, stronger, and more adaptable than before. All prostheses, cybernetics, and other mechanical bodily attachments are considered part of the [Valkyrion]'s body, both repaired by [Healing] spells cast upon the [Valkyrion] and shielded by the [Valkyrion]'s [Vitality] stat. The natural [Health] regeneration rate of the [Valkyrion] is tripled. The [Valkyrion]'s body and brain are more adaptable to the addition or modification of appendages, including ones not typically associated with the form.]

I whistle. Hot damn indeed. Also, hot! I nearly burn my tongue on the bite of alfredo in my mouth. True to my new Skill's description, though, I can feel the sensation of pain dulling in real time even without Chloe's healing touch. I'd like to test that further, but not right now. Not with a very gleeful Chloe now floating in front of me.

[[Valkyrion] Class Skill [Etheric Armor (Rank V)] is unchanged by this ascension.]

[[Valkyrion] Class Skill [Elemental Ether Strike (Rank VIII)] is unchanged by this ascension.]

[[Valkyrion] Class Skill [Hearken] is now [Valkyrion's Rally]. No other changes have been made to this Skill]

[You have gained the [Valkyrion] Class Skill [Valkyrion's Defense (Rank I)].]

[[Valkyrion's Defense]: The soul of the [Valkyrion] is the soul of the protector. Angels may fear to tread into the most dire of circumstances, but the [Valkyrion] still stands firm, a standard when all else is crumbling, fighting as long as there is the slimmest chance of victory, and working to ensure as many lives are saved when victory is impossible. As long as the [Valkyrion] fights in defense of another of equal or lower level, all her base stats are increased by [(Level/10) + Skill Rank]%. (Currently: 7.4%)]

[You have gained the [Defier of Fates] Class Skill [Morningstar's Triumph (Rank I)].]

[[Morningstar's Triumph]: The [Defier of Fates] is the shining beacon in the darkness, the first light, a herald of the impending morning sun. She stands tall against even the most overwhelming of odds, refusing to submit before the inevitable. Her latent strength comes out in battle against the strongest of foes, allowing her to rise to the greatest of challenges. When facing one or more opponents with higher level than hers, all stats increase by [(Highest Opponent Level - User's Level) * (0.9 + [Skill Rank/10])]%.]

[You have gained the [Defier of Fates] Class Skill [Death Defied].]

Stolen novel; please report.

[[Death Defied]: The [Defier of Fates] stands proudly in the face of adversity. Where others see certainty, she sees possibility. Where others falter, she endures. Even in the face of death, she laughs, keeping her spirit tethered to the world even after her body should have expired. For thirty seconds after her [Health] hits zero, she remains alive even as her health falls into the negatives. If healed back to above zero [Health] by the time this effect expires, she remains alive as though her health had never dropped below 1. (Activates passively. Cooldown: 6 Hours.)]

[Your General Skill [Indomitable Will] has become the Class Skill [Defiant Spirit].]

[[Defiant Spirit]: The [Defier of Fates] is implacable, beholden to the demands of none save her own conscience. Provides complete immunity to [Ether Strain]. All Skill-Suppression, Power-Suppression, and [Mind-Altering] effects are passively negated. Provides substantial resistance against all attempts to imprison, restrain, grapple, or otherwise restrict the freedom of movement of the [Defier of Fates].]

[Your [Mechanical Angel] Class Skill [Angel's Grace] has become the [Defier of Fates] Class Skill [Rebellious Surge].]

[[Rebellious Surge]: The [Defier of Fates] exudes a natural anarchic aura about her. By focusing that aura on another target, she can share her natural chaotic impulses, supercharging all stats. The target's stats each increase by [Level]% for [Level / 2] Minutes. In addition, the target's attacks deal 10% more damage to their enemies for each elemental resistance or immunity that enemy has (Elemental Reflection and Absorption are counted an immunity for purposes of this effect.) Cost: 1,250 [Ether].]

[You have gained the [Defier of Fates] Class Skill [Reconfiguration (Rank I)].]

[[Reconfiguration]: The [Defier of Fates] rejects the imposition of law and order and destiny upon herself. This extends to her mind, her actions, her thoughts and feelings, and even her own body. Thanks to her tireless efforts, she has learned how to manipulate the fabric of the world itself, creating new spells and technology in the process. Moderately increases comprehension, creation, and processing of [Glyphcasting] and other glyph-related techniques. Effect scales with Skill Rank.]

[Your General Skill [Intermediate Glyph Manifestation] has been subsumed into [Reconfiguration]... Recalculating… [Reconfiguration] now set to Rank VIII]

I try to Manifest a basic [Light] glyph, just to make sure no functionality has been lost. It seems to function fine. Combining it with the [Conic] glyph creates, as expected, a cone of light that illuminates through the entire room like a massive floodlight. I shut it off after a second, not wanting to risk light-bleaching over the paint on the walls with the intense radiance.

"Did something happen?" Chloe asks.

"I just wanted to check and see if I could still use glyph magic the way I had. Just had one of my Skills subsume my [Glyph Manifestation] Skill, and I needed to be sure."

Chloe leans in and kisses me, licking off an errant drop of alfredo on my upper lip. "By the way, Sera, my beautiful love, I didn't want to disturb you right after you'd finished your ascension sequence, but a letter came in a couple hours ago. I think you'll want to read it." She hands me an unmarked envelope of plain white.

"Is it something good? Or something bad?"

"A little of both. But I think you should read it for yourself."

I acquiesce, not wanting to draw out the suspense any longer. Within just the salutation, I realize this is coming directly from Mr. Jacobs. And I can't say that what that heralds is anything good.

To my lovely daughters,

If you're reading this, then already, a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I sent this letter not knowing if it would find its way to you. I had hoped to have returned back home to see both of you for a long time now. But events beyond our control, and now the national and international political situation, have conspired to keep me from returning to where I most want to be. To where my heart lies.

Unfortunately, due to the risk of interception, I cannot send you any information regarding my current location or how much longer I will be away. There is simply too much risk of this letter falling into the hands of those who wish us all ill.

I have continued to hear rumors through our intelligence sources, though. Rumors of your recent successes in conquering the local Tower Gauntlet.

I furrow my brows at this line. The fact that he's saying this much means this letter was written in the past two days. That, or he has some sort of strange extrasensory perception, or… I don't know what exactly, but something feels a little off. Definitely a case of knowing a lot more and being a lot more important than he's letting on. The final paragraph, though, enlightens me as to exactly what my late father meant with his final words. And not in a good way.

I beseech you both. I know that you are young and prone to take risks. I know that you both are likely filled with the invincibility of youth, especially after your recent victories. But I implore you as strongly as I am able. You two must survive, at all costs. Even if it comes at the cost of the lives of others, you two must survive the chaos that is approaching. You are our last and best hope.

- End Volume III

[Name: Seraphina Mortensen]

[Age: 18]

[Level: 64; Experience: 5,220,295; To Next: 280,210]

[Current Stats: [Health]: 11,549 / 12,098; [Ether]: 8,637 / 8,912]

[Current Stats: [Strength]: 109; [Speed]: 109; [Vitality]: 132; [Mind]: 179]

[Combat Parameters:

[Attack (Physical Damage Dealing Capability)]: 439 (Base Strength 109)]

[Agility (Ability to Dodge Attacks): 301 (Base Speed 109 (+72 from [Valkyrion's Perception]))]

[Defense (Damage Reduction from Physical Attacks): 262 (Base Vitality 132)]

[Magic Attack (Magic Damage Dealing Capability): 259 (Base Mind: 179)]

[Magic Defense (Damage Reduction from Magical Attacks): 249 (Base Mind: 179)]]

[Equipment:

[Weapon: [Filia, Swordstaff of Dawn]: Attack +330, Magical Attack +70, Agility +60.]

[Helmet: [Elementalist's Bandana]: Defense +25, Magic Defense +35]

[Arms / Shield: [Wyvernscale Buckler]: Defense +10, Magic Defense +10, Agility +55]

[Body: [Wyvernscale Brigandine]: Defense +75, Magic Attack +10, Magic Defense +20]

[Leg Armor: [Bulwark Boots]]: Defense +25, Agility +5]

[Accessory 1: [Flawed Ring of Regeneration]: Magic Defense +5]

[Accessory 2: [Brooch of Ambition]: Experience Gain +20%]]

[Elemental Affinities:

[Attacks with currently-equipped weapon are [Light]-Element or non-elemental (Changeable at will)]

[Defenses:

Fire: 32.5% Resistance (10% Resistance, 25% Resistance)

Water: 32.5% Resistance (10% Resistance, 25% Resistance)

Wind: 32.5% Resistance (10% Resistance, 25% Resistance)

Earth: 10% Resistance

Light: 40% Resistance (10% Resistance, 33.3% Resistance)

Dark: 10% Resistance

Lightning: 15.625% Resistance (10% Resistance, 25% Resistance, 25% Vulnerability)

Class 1: [Valkyrion]

[Class Skills: (0/6 Skill Slots remaining)

[Valkyrion's Perception (Rank VIII)]

[Valkyrion's Body]

[Etheric Armor (Rank V)]

[Valkyrion's Rally]

[Valkyrion's Defense (Rank I)]

[Elemental Ether Strike (Rank VIII)]]

Class 2: [Defier of Fate]

[Class Skills: (1/6 Skill Slots Remaining)

[Morningstar's Triumph (Rank I)]

[Death Defied]

[Defiant Spirit]

[Rebellious Surge]

[Reconfiguration (Rank VIII)]]

[General Skills: (3/6 Skill Slots remaining)

[Intermediate Ether Manipulation (Rank XXI)]

[Multidimensional Glyphcasting (Rank XV)]

[[Angelic Bond] with Chloe Jacobs]]

[Unique Traits:

[Touched by the Multiverse]

[Ṣ̸͆ẽ̸̜r̷̞͛a̸͈̿p̴̬͂ḫ̶͌ḯ̸͜n̸̻̐â̷̠ ̸̡̎O̷̥͘v̴̩͝è̴̱r̶̜̆l̷͙͗i̴͉͊m̵͉̿i̵̖͝t̸͓̕t̶͙̾]]]

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