NOVEL WEB Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Departure
Lucas had no intention of being a lapdog.
After rejecting Alexis Lane's messages, he simply ignored the rest and put his phone away. He had more important things on his mind—tomorrow's adventure into the wilderness outside the city. It would be the start of real leveling, real fighting, and real progress.
So, without overthinking, he laid down and drifted into a deep, restful sleep.
---
The next morning, Lucas had breakfast with his parents, Frank and Martha. They all sat at the small dining table, plates filled with warm buns, fried eggs, and fresh porridge. The sunlight poured into the room, painting a peaceful scene. But there was something different in the air—a tension his parents couldn't hide.
"Son," Frank said after a pause, "we heard that someone else in your class awakened S-Level Talent too. And they have a hidden combat class as well?"
Lucas wasn't surprised. "Yeah, it's true. They're from my class."
News like that couldn't stay hidden. When someone awakened S-Level Talent, especially a combat class, it would be all over the city within hours. The streets of Tianhai would be buzzing with gossip, predictions, and excitement.
His mother Martha looked thoughtful. "Are you… thinking of forming a team with them? It would make leveling easier, wouldn't it?"
Lucas shook his head and finished the last bite of his breakfast.
"No. I've already made plans. I'm teaming up with Mason."
He stood up and stretched, brushing crumbs from his hands. "Alright, I've got to go."
As he slung his backpack over his shoulder and made for the door, his parents exchanged a long, quiet glance.
"Let him decide," Frank finally said with a sigh. "It's his journey."
---
What his parents hadn't told him was that something strange had happened yesterday afternoon.
Lord Lane, the City Lord himself, had reached out to them.
At first, Frank and Martha were honored—flattered, even. Who wouldn't be? The City Lord was a busy and powerful man. That he personally congratulated them on their son's awakening was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
But then, the conversation turned.
Lord Lane subtly hinted that his daughter, Alexis, had also awakened S-Level Talent—and wouldn't it be nice if she and Lucas teamed up?
The message was clear.
The City Lord wanted his daughter and Lucas to grow closer. Maybe as teammates… maybe more.
Frank and Martha were no fools. They understood the offer—and the weight it carried.
In a world where career changers were everything, team compatibility could shape futures. Not just in strength, but in politics, influence, status.
But Lucas hadn't waited for advice.
He'd already decided to go with Mason—his loyal friend.
And so, the couple said nothing. They would support their son's choice, even if it meant offending someone as powerful as the City Lord.
"He has to walk his own path," Martha said firmly.
And they both nodded.
---
Outside the apartment complex, Lucas met up with Mason at the gate.
"Yo! Lookin' sharp today, Old Liu," Lucas called with a laugh as he spotted his friend.
Mason was decked out in a gleaming silver full-body armor set, custom-made and heavy. He looked like a knight straight out of a fantasy game, with a massive hammer slung over his back. Though he was on the chubby side, it was clear from his movements that most of it was solid muscle.
Beneath that round face was the strength of a third-generation Blacksmith family.
"Hehe, you like it?" Mason struck a few poses proudly. "Made-to-order! Two purple-grade, four blue-grade pieces! Almost as good as your school gear!"
Lucas chuckled. "You planning to fight monsters already? We haven't even left the city."
"I just wanted to give you a chance to admire me first," Mason grinned.
Then, he opened his career panel, unequipped the armor, and returned to normal clothes.
"You show me yours now," he said with a cheeky grin. "Let me see that fancy school-issued stuff."
Lucas gave in and equipped his Shadow Assassin set.
Instantly, his whole appearance changed.
His outfit turned black with sleek, intricate patterns. A dark hood covered the upper half of his face, adding an aura of mystery and cool detachment. It was a perfect fit for his class.
"Whoa…" Mason stared wide-eyed. "Okay, I admit it. You look amazing."
Lucas couldn't help but smile.
After admiring their gear, both re-equipped normal clothes. It wasn't practical to wear armor on a city bus, after all—and they had to catch the No. 56 to school.
---
The bus arrived right on time. They hopped on and headed to campus. Upon arrival, the school's massive playground was already buzzing.
Teachers were everywhere, organizing over 300 newly awakened combat students.
It didn't take long for the groups to assemble.
Lucas and Mason found their class, and their teacher nodded at them. "Good timing."
Once all students were accounted for, the teachers led everyone to the waiting buses.
Destination: the jungle region beyond the city.
Excitement and nerves filled the air.
This wasn't a test anymore.
This was the real beginning of their journey as job-changers.
---
Meanwhile, Frank and Martha stood quietly by the apartment window, watching the buses drive away.
"Do you think we did the right thing?" Martha asked.
Frank didn't answer immediately.
He just stared out at the road, thinking of his son—proud, stubborn, brave.
"Yes," he finally said. "Let's trust him."
And they turned away, hearts full of hope.
__________________________________
Get membership in patreon to read more chapters
Extra chapters available in patreon
patreon.com/Dragonscribe31