Class Change!

"Who is it this time?!" Jason yelled, frustrated that people kept interrupting his thoughts.

[You don't need to yell.]

[We're in your mind… Just think.]

The voice seemed to be internal, from what he could tell. It was a strange experience speaking to a voice in your mind while also in your mindspace. But, it reminded him of the way that the previous god of whiteness had spoken to him. If that god could project his voice inside the mind of others, it made sense he wasn't alone.

'So, you can read my mind?' he thought, hoping he didn't receive a reply.

[Of course.]

[As far as who I am?]

[I'm your friendly navigation system. I'm hear to guide you in this new world!]

'What do you mean? If you were to guide me, why didn't you start when you got here?' Jason wanted clarification.

Explaining the trials in further detail would have allowed him to face less danger. If this navigation system could intervene and didn't, wouldn't that be cruel?

[Well, I only have access to you during class selection.]

The world is a big place and if I didn't detect the specific magic that chose classes I would have dissipated from misuse long ago. Who wants to inspect every participant when most of them die, anyway?

[It's not like magic can work so easily.]

'You're just another one of those Gods, aren't you?' Jason was suspicious, and the previous God had already spoken to him in this manner.

Why wouldn't it happen again?

[I am but a humble fragment of a god's memories.]

[Cast upon worthy candidates to provide them guidance.]

[I lack free will.]

Jason winced as he felt a pressure envelop his temples.

[Feel that headache?]

[Every word is derived from your strength.]

[If you select a class, you'll gather memories of a previous class bearer. That is how you learn skills. This is a sort of compensation. It's only for those that truly show promise.]

'So, you're likely lying, but if I have to choose between those three and nothing…'

[It's true, the classes provide a faster path to growth. You would simply be limited by what magic you could learn.]

[A fire mage will never learn to cast a hailstorm.]

[If you forgo the classes, you must research mana on your own and seek out answers. Perhaps you'll find your own path. Perhaps you'll be devoured by your peers.]

Jason was bent over in pain, trying to listen to everything he was being told. He didn't give a damn about his peers, but he didn't want to die. If he were to place it on a priority list, survival was number one.

[Request a non-class, and you'll be transported out of your mindscape.]

[I must go before your head explodes.]

Jason was curled into a ball on the floor, panting. He didn't think he could last for another second and was just thankful that the voice had disappeared.

Not in a position to give it any more consideration, he chose to select the non-class option. A part of him was urging him to select the gambler, but he rationalized his decision by convincing himself that this was an even bigger gamble.

What kind of idiot would go on a magical adventure and throw away the gifts of the gods, after all?

The moment his mind focused on the phrase, his body started to burst into particles of light as his vision was suddenly obscured by a bright golden light.

He glared at the light with his eyes half-closed, forcing himself through the pain of his migraine. Nothing could make him turn back now, and he didn't know what to expect when he reached the other side.

In a world where danger lurked around every corner, and seemingly ordinary fish could swallow giant magical lions, he had to take precautions. It wouldn't be unusual if time was distorted and the environment had changed when he returned to the place he left.

The young man forced himself to be prepared.

As his vision returned, he recognized Jack, who seemed to be born anew. His skin was flawless as he stood with a perfectly straight posture and glared Jason in the eyes. Jack's 5'10" 180lb figure wasn't intimidating, but all of the extra fat on his body seemed to melt off during his transformation.

His hair had even grown back as he lacked his balding nature. It seemed like something caused him to reverse in age ten years.

"It took you long enough!" He barked the moment that Jason's figure became visible.

Had he not been an asshole, Jason would have thought he had the wrong person.

It also seemed he found time to get his jacket and suit pants re-fitted while they were waiting for Jason. Who knows how long he was stuck in his mind space? It's not like he had a clock on the wall.

He turned toward Julie and was about to ask her what occurred when his jaw dropped. She had lost a bit of her body fat and become a perfect track start! If it wasn't for her short posture, standing only at 5'4", he would have guessed that she was a professional in her previous role. Her lithe, tight figure was enhanced by her jeans and t-shirt that she wore to the trials, but he didn't recall them fitting her slim body so beautifully.

Her golden hair reached to the top of her shoulders, framing her face perfectly. This allowed the bright blue of her eyes to pop in a way that pulled Jason toward her.

Elaine noticed Jason's lingering gaze on the beauty and coughed lightly to remind him of his surroundings. It wouldn't be okay for him to be lovestruck in such a situation.

He collected himself and patted his clothing off to rid it of imaginary dust while he averted his gaze. "So, what happened?" He asked Elaine as he looked up and noticed a peculiar sight.

She hadn't changed at all. Her face was a beet red as she blushed, standing a bit away from the group, but he recognized her perfect appearance from before. She still maintained her height at 5'9," and her shoulder-length brown hair and green eyes sparkled as if they couldn't be dimmed.

Her athletic build accentuated her curves and added a beautiful appearance to the woman. Her shorts, on the other hand, seemed to have shrunk from their baggy version to a tight pair of short shorts.

Whoever was in charge of this transformation had a sense of humor.

The hoody that provided only glimpses of her perfect figure previously had become a tight, form-fitting top that any man would desire for his lady. She looked comfortable, in a girl next door type of way.

Jason smirked as she looked away, refusing to answer him.

"We all selected our class, and returned." Jack came to Elaine's rescue and answered the man. "That's when we noticed our appearance changed."

"So you didn't feel anything off, and nothing happened after the light?" Jason attempted to clarify the situation because he didn't think anything had changed with him.

"Well, we noticed that your appearance didn't seem to change… so we watched you to see how it worked." Jack started getting embarrassed as he refused to look Jason in the eyes. "It didn't show us the whole conversion, don't worry!"

Jason sighed in relief.

"Thank goodness; we only saw the mysterious magic dress you." Jack coughed as he finished the last line, indicating he saw more than he intended.

"So, that's why you're blushing so much!" He smiled as he teased Elaine.

He didn't mind that they spied on him. In fact, he was hoping that it would give him some insight into how magic works.

"Quit it," Elaine quipped as she hid behind the petite Julie.

"So… How do I look?" He asked the group, waiting for a response that would hopefully change his worldview.