Volume 1, Chapter 10 – The Freedom to Choose One’s Class

“Fiene-sama. We shall now proceed to the temple. You will finally be able to obtain a Class.”

“Ah, yeah, suuuure. Totally looking forward to it.”

“Why does your voice go flat there? Are you not looking forward to seeing what Class will be bestowed upon you, Fiene-sama?”

“Huh?”

“Eh?”

Chris-san is making a somewhat surprised face.

“Um… isn’t the Class forced on you by the king?”

“Fiene-sama. His Majesty the King has no such authority. One’s first Class is chosen and bestowed by the Gods, as the Class most suitable for that individual.”

“Eh, you can’t choose?”

“That is correct. It is said that long ago, when people were free to choose their own Classes, the deaths never stopped. Many would choose a Class unsuited to them, fail, and lose their lives. It is told that one of the Gods, lamenting and grieving over this situation, became the God of Classs, and now selects and grants the most suitable Class as one’s first.”

“I… I see…”

What should I do? First of all, what even is the best Class for a Vampire?

“Um, what kinds of Classes are there?”

“The initial Classes are six types: Warrior, Martial Artist, Healer, one of the four Elemental Mage variants, Archer, and Scout. Warriors are power-type frontliners who fight with swords or spears. Martial Artists are speed-type frontliners who fight with their fists. Healers use Healing Magic to treat injuries. Elemental Mages use fire, earth, water, or wind magic. Archers attack enemies from afar with bows and arrows. Scouts work more behind the scenes. They sense enemy presence, detect traps, and carry out infiltration work too.”

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Hmm… the setting they originally tried to force on me did include Physical Enhancement and Martial Arts.

In that case, maybe the speed-type Martial Artist? Or no, maybe an Elemental Mage would be better for developing my Mana…

“However, I am certain you will be granted the Healer Class, Fiene-sama. You can use such incredible Healing Magic, after all. You could become the kingdom’s top Healer in no time!”

Chris-san says this with a brilliant smile.

Ahh, yeah. I get it. I get that feeling. I also understand there’s absolutely no ill intent.

But I’m a Vampire. I only allocated points to Healing Magic and Holy Magic with my Starting Bonus, and since apparently Vampires don’t grow after that, I just maxed out my Level. It’s not like I actually think I’m suited for it.

More importantly, what exactly are people supposed to think of a Healer who wants to suck the blood of the person she just healed?

While I’m thinking this, the excessively luxurious carriage carrying us arrives at the temple, and we are guided inside.

Passing through the temple doors, the first thing I see is a statue of what is said to be a massive Divine Being.

Its appearance was, unbelievably, the spitting image of that bald old guy from the dev team who tried to make me the Demon Lord during character creation.

“Eugh.”

I unintentionally let out a strange sound.

Chris-san is looking at me with a suspicious eye, so I shake my head to indicate it’s nothing and follow the guide.

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Hey, that Dev. What on earth was he thinking?

“Oh? Is this your first time seeing the form of the God of Classs, Fiene-sama? It is said that the God of Classs, unlike other Gods, takes a form more familiar and approachable to us. According to legend, in order to personally teach us the importance of honing one’s craft regardless of appearance, He deliberately cast aside a beautiful form and took on such an ordinary appearance.”

“R-really, is that so?”

That old guy totally shoved in some weird setting just so he could self-insert himself into the game, didn’t he? Isn’t that an abuse of authority?

“Now then, His Holiness awaits.”

With that, we were shown into a small chamber. There, an old man who looked every bit the Pope was waiting for us.

“Oh, welcome, welcome. I am Photis XVIII, serving as the Pope of this generation. Miss Fiene, and Holy Knight Christina. Now, please, do not stand on ceremony, have a seat.”

“Thank you.”

The Pope doesn’t seem to be the intimidating type like the King.

He spoke gently and softly, yet his voice still carried strength and an unmistakable sense of conviction.

“Please.”

We begin talking while sipping the tea poured by the attendant.

“Now then, Fiene-sama. Before receiving your Class from the Gods, could you perhaps tell me a little about yourself? The reason being, I have heard from Christina here that there is a Class you desire. So I would like to pray to the Gods in hopes that you may receive a Class as close as possible to the one you desire.”

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Huh? Could it be this Pope is a good person?

“Thank you! Actually, I am a Vampire—”

“Fiene-sama! Please stop with that setting even in front of His Holiness!”

I got scolded by Chris-san. She absolutely refuses to believe I’m a Vampire.

Really, what will it take for this muscle-brained kukkoro onee-san to believe me?

“Ha ha ha. Now, now, that’s quite alright. Lady Fiene must have her reasons. Please, tell me everything.”

Oooh, this Pope really is a good person. He’s actually listening to me!

As expected of a man of the cloth, he really does seem to be a person of character.

I wish a certain muscle-brained kukkoro onee-san would learn from him.

“Thank you. Until now, no one has believed me…”

“Is that so. That must have been difficult. Then, I shall hear out your entire story. Now, please speak.”

“Yes! I’m actually a Vampire who can use Holy Magic and Healing Magic, and who loves sunbathing.”

“My, my. That is most interesting.”

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“Y-Your Holiness! That is just her roleplay setting!”

“Christina. It is fine. Let us hear her out to the end. Now, please continue.”

“Yes! I was born the day before I met Chris, in the ruins of a town within the forest where Schwarz’s base is located.”

“My, my. To be born in such a place. That must have been difficult. And, where are your parents?”

“In this world, I have no parents.”

“I see. You have no parents. My, my, you have endured great hardship.”

“No, not at all. So, you see. Right now, the only Skills I can use are Healing Magic and Holy Magic, but I wish to eventually regain my power as a Vampire and become able to live on my own. Therefore, I want to obtain the Class best suited for that purpose.”

“Hoh. At your age, to be thinking so seriously about your future life. You are a very mature person. Surely, your parents watching over you from afar must be very proud.”

“Yes. Thank you!”

“Now, I understand the circumstances well. In that case, it would be best to entrust your first Class to the Gods. As long as you possess a good heart that believes in the Gods and offers prayers to them, the Gods will always guide those who have lost their way.”

“I see.”

“Now then, I shall go make preparations for your Class Bestowal Ceremony. Please wait here until then.”

Saying that, the Pope stood up and left the room, leaving us behind.