Ethan had always been terrible at making decisions.
That was just who he was—indecisive to the core. Back in his old life, he could spend an hour picking a meal, and still end up skipping dinner altogether. So when he saw eight different SS-level defensive classes appear during his transfer, his heart nearly gave out.
He had no idea how to choose.
But then, he saw two glowing lines of small text under the Beast Master profession.
Everything changed.
One read:
> "Reminder: Selecting this class will unlock an SSS-level talent gift pack."
The other:
> "SSS Talent Pack: Receive one SSS-level talent every 10 levels."
Ethan's heart skipped a beat.
That was it. Decision made. No more hesitation.
It didn't even matter that the Beast Master class wasn't a hidden job or that it wasn't the flashiest path.
He didn't hesitate—he stepped forward and picked it.
And now, walking down from the stage, Ethan could only think of one thing: the principal looked incredibly cool just a moment ago—defending him with overwhelming force, even against someone like Mr. Cole.
But there was no time for reflection.
Ethan immediately opened the SSS-level gift pack.
> "Notification: Opening SSS-level talent gift pack…"
"Obtained: SSS-Level Talent — 'Infinite Alienation'"
"SSS talent progress: 1/10 unlocked."
"YES!" Ethan nearly shouted out loud.
He could hardly contain his excitement—not just because he had gained a rare SSS-level ability, but because this was just the beginning.
One down, nine more to go.
Each SSS-tier talent gave 40 attribute points per level.
With 10 of them, that meant 400 stat points per level. It was ten times more powerful than a normal A-tier job, and twice the strength of a single SS-level user.
Though he hadn't reached that stage yet, Ethan was already dreaming of what was to come.
Curious, he checked the new ability:
> Talent: Infinite Alienation (SSS-Tier)
Effect: Allows fusion between summoned creatures and compatible materials to trigger "Alienation"—a form of advanced mutation.
At first glance, it didn't seem very powerful. It sounded more like a crafting skill—nothing like a stat-boosting talent or a battle skill.
But then Ethan realized something: this skill had no attribute bonus attached.
And yet… it was still considered SSS-level?
That meant its power was likely situational, flexible, and possibly game-breaking when used properly.
He'd need to test it in the field to know for sure.
Still beaming, Ethan opened up his full career panel:
---
Name: Ethan
Profession: Beast Master
Talents:
S-Tier Beastmaster's Heart
SSS-Tier Infinite Alienation
Level: 0
Stats:
Strength: 16 (+16)
Physique: 19 (+19)
Agility: 16 (+16)
Spirit: 29 (+29)
Skills:
Familiar Space
Taming
Soothing
Summoned Beasts: None
Equipment: None
Combat Rating: ★★½ (Two and a Half Stars)
---
The numbers surprised him. His base stats were far above a normal person, thanks to the resource support from No. 3 Middle School's principal.
But Ethan also knew those resources weren't infinite.
In Blue Star, even the richest families couldn't force success. Dumping resources into a weak student wouldn't magically awaken better talents. It might increase the chance of job transfer, sure—but not the quality of the profession.
That's why quality over quantity had become the new rule.
No matter how many B-rank talents you had, one S-rank with potential was worth more.
The principal understood that clearly. That's why he wanted more resources—not for low-level awakenings, but to give promising students like Ethan the rare materials they'd need to truly shine.
Especially during the upcoming entrance exam—just one month away.
In fact, among the materials the principal fought so hard to get, one was crucial for Beast Masters.
It could mutate and empower summoned creatures, potentially activating Infinite Alienation.
Just as Ethan was lost in thought, a hand smacked his shoulder.
"Hey, Ethan! Earth to you! What are you daydreaming about?"
Ethan turned to see a skinny boy with messy yellow hair and a mischievous smile.
"I did it, bro. Changed class! Hidden Job: Bloodthirsty Warrior! S-Rank Talent!" the boy bragged.
His name was Leo Fairwind—Ethan's only real friend at school.
Despite being built like a stick and looking like he hadn't eaten in days, Leo walked with unshakable pride.
Ethan looked him up and down, half-joking. "You sure you didn't get the class Exhausted Skeleton? How'd someone like you get an S-rank?"
Leo flicked his bangs aside with mock offense and pointed to himself. "Come on, man. It's me. Of course I did."
Then he clutched his chest in mock pain. "Wait… you didn't watch my job transfer? I was there! In front of everyone!"
Ethan turned away, unimpressed. "I had more important things to focus on."
Leo pretended to cry, then perked back up, shaking his hair dramatically.
"Well, guess what? Beast Masters suck early on," Leo teased. "You'll be useless without a summon, and they take forever to level up. But don't worry, bro—I'll carry you. I got you."
Ethan forced a laugh, but Leo wasn't wrong.
He didn't even have a summoned creature yet.
Without one, a Beast Master might as well walk into battle naked and unarmed.
That realization hit hard. He needed a summon. Fast.
He patted his pockets. Empty. No tokens, no beasts, no money.
Headache incoming.
Then, before he could think more, the principal of No. 3 Middle School took the stage and addressed the students.
"All transfers are complete. Please focus on your growth over the next month. Train hard—but stay safe. You only have one life. Don't waste it."
Students began leaving in groups.
But then the principal's voice rose once again.
"Ethan, please stop by my office."
Ethan nodded silently.
He glanced at Leo and waved, "I'll catch you tomorrow."
Leo gave him a thumbs up. "Cool. I'll show you just how OP my class is!"
As Ethan made his way toward the principal's office, he felt… different.
Not just in stats or strength, but in the way people looked at him.
Before the transfer, when the principal had openly addressed him in front of everyone, it was often seen as favoritism. Students whispered that Ethan had gotten in through connections.
He had no friends—except Leo, who never cared about backgrounds.
Ironically, Leo was the son of the Lord of Ravenshade City, but he didn't act like it. That's what made him different.
Now, no one whispered about Ethan anymore.
An S-rank Beast Master with an unknown, possibly hidden background?
He commanded respect now. And that… felt good.
As he reached the principal's office door, he exhaled slowly.
Whatever came next, he was ready.
Because Ethan's new journey had only just begun.
---
End of Chapter 5