Taken, Gifted and Plans
Maxim was determined and didn't pay attention to the sad pleas that echoed in the slave camp.
Even though he should feel sorry for the slaves, he shouldn't feel any emotions towards them. He knew the reason why he was feeling this way was because it was magic.
The system didn't give a notification but he knew he was affected by it already.
In his past life, these beautiful beings were actually wizards disguised as slaves.
Their captivating presence and appearance hid their true nature well.
They were masters of deception, using their powers of illusion and hallucination to trap their unsuspecting captors.
Their elaborate scam was like a carefully choreographed dance, enchanting and captivating.
They pretended to be submissive servants, willingly offering their services to those who hired them.
That time, the players were enthralled by the illusion of progress, as their skills and abilities appeared to be enhanced with the help of these newfound companions.
Being reincarnated back in time, of course Maxim would saw through it all.
He knew the truth behind their charming smiles and captivating eyes. It was all a magic trick, a grand illusion that would crumble once the players ran out of virtual currency.
When their Domain Coins were depleted, the slave camp would disappear, leaving behind shattered dreams and broken promises. And the slaves, or rather, the wizards, would vanish along with it, leaving the players empty-handed.
Maxim had witnessed the consequences that befell those who fell for this scheme. Countless players, once wealthy and powerful, had lost everything.
Their hard-earned loot, gained through the labor of these deceptive slaves, vanished in an instant, leaving them full of regret.
Maxim could remember the pain of their loss was evident on their faces, a reminder of the misplaced trust that led them astray.
Now he reached a random part of the slave camp and looked at the old man for a moment, feeling sorry for him. But he quickly reminded himself that the old man wasn't what he appeared to be.
He knew the old man was the strongest illusionist out of all the disguised wizards here and he felt sorry because he was still affected even though he knew.
In a desolate landscape with barren trees, "Old man," Maxim said, his voice filled with curiosity and compassion, "why don't you ask me to free you from this terrible place just like these other slaves?"
The old man looked up, his eyes meeting Maxim's with a glimmer of familiarity and warmth.
His gaze held countless stories and silently pleaded for understanding.
In that moment, a connection formed between them, transcending time and circumstance.
It was a gaze filled with anticipation and untold secrets, but Maxim, in his youthful enthusiasm and lack of experience, didn't fully grasp its significance nor doesn't care what it entailed.
It's because of this that the old man found Maxim's response intriguing.
"Would you be willing for your support Mana class to disappear but possess a unique technique that can only be used in that role?"
Maxim didn't hesitate in his resolute reply. He confidently said, "Why not?"
His voice showed boldness, and excitement sparkled in his eyes.
The old man's expression changed, showing a mix of surprise and disbelief, as if he had stumbled upon a dream-like reality.
Normally, those without a class like Tank Assassin, Support, and so on would die in just two days because their Mana would slowly destroy their bodies and it would be hard to get another class from somewhere wherever it is.
So those who are asked by these should feel weird or crept out that question, yet this person did not even seem to care.
So the old man's reaction was normal.
"Hmmm… interesting."
The old man would say with a hint of amusement.
Time seemed to stand still as they both remained silent, until the old man snapped out of his thoughts and asked a question with a hint of fear.
"Aren't you afraid?"
He asked, his voice uncertain and apprehensive.
Maxim wasn't affected by the old man's sudden change in demeanor. He met the old man's gaze directly, his determination unwavering.
The fire within him burned bright, dispelling any doubts.
"To fear an old man with chains is as outdated as my worn-out shoes. Those stories are cliché, and I'm sure you're not someone to be feared.
"So, why should I be afraid?
"Are you going to torture me?"
As Maxim's words hung in the air, a profound silence fell upon the desolate landscape, with only the gentle rustling of leaves breaking it.
Maxim's determination and youthful bravery clashed with the old man's wisdom and hidden truths, creating an invisible divide that could change their destinies.
And at that moment, the old man underwent a remarkable transformation, his very essence changing instantly.
"I see, let me see if you could keep that face forever…"
The old man would say and then, in that instant, he would vanish.
No-
More like, Maxim's vision changed.
Before Maxim could fully comprehend what was happening, he found himself transported back at the entrance of the slave camp.
Soon, a strange sense of familiarity and excitement washed over him, tingling his senses with a tangible force.
"I've got it..."
Maxim smiled with delight as he observed the unfolding events, feeling both anticipation and curiosity.
In the past, during the chaotic days of the world's apocalypse, it wasn't Maxim but another unfortunate player who had encountered this mysterious old man.
That time, this wealthy individual had easily amassed Domain Coins due to his high status and earthly background.
However, he had fallen victim to the treacherous schemes of the slave camp, leaving him frustrated and disheartened.
After that, the wealthy individual noticed the old man, and that's when the mystery gift information was spread.
Thus, it was a profound and bewildering surprise for Maxim to realize that this encounter with the old man wasn't a mere coincidence, but rather a mysterious and rare quest.
Among the numerous quests and adventures in the Domain of Miracles, this particular challenge stood out from the rest.
It aroused the curiosity of countless players and captured their imaginations.
But fate had a surprise in store.
It wasn't the wealthy player we were following earlier who would embark on the upcoming journey.
His job was only to discover the old man.
Instead, it was someone else, a different person who would eventually discover the key to unlocking the hidden Mystery Gift that was held by the old man.
This special gift could only be obtained by assuming the role of a Support—a guardian and protector within the vast virtual world.
Also the reason why Maxim chose a support role.
As he stood in the desolate slave camp, he suddenly turned around to see that the once-crowded slave camp was now empty.
In that suspended moment, a radiant system screen materialized above Maxim, displaying the words.
Ding!
—-
Player Comrade Maxim has received a Mystery Gift…
Would the player Comrade Maxim like to open it?
—-
Maxim's eyes remained fixed on the screen, brimming with anticipation as he awaited his decision's outcome. With a murmured command filled with excitement, he said,
"No..."
In response, the screen transformed, but its a new message, not related to mystery gift.
Ding!
—-
Warning: Comrade Maxim doesn't have a class. If the player stays like this, the player's account will be suspended.
Time remaining: 4 hours.
—-
Then another message came.
—-
Congratulations for the first player to receive a mystery gift.
Would the player like to make an announcement as the first player to get a mystery gift?
—-
Maxim's face was blank, looking like he's not afraid of the consequences of having his support Mana class being taken.
Then he turned to a second message.
"Make an announcement?"
He said, sounding unsure.
"I don't have a class anymore.
"That old man took it away. If I don't do something, my game character will be suspended soon. And I'll have to pay a lot of coins to come back and play again..."
He paused for a moment, but then a sudden idea made him smile.
"But worry not, my comrades!
"I have plans to deal with both the problem of the Useless ability and my current status.
"I'll find a way to overcome these challenges!
"But first, I need to tell all the human players in this game about the upcoming event in the real world."