Ethan was slightly stunned when he saw what happened on stage.
Someone really chose to reject a combat profession?
That was rare.
While it was true that support and lifestyle-type jobs were becoming increasingly valuable in the eyes of many, most students still went for combat classes—especially with the promise of strength and glory. To Ethan, it just didn't seem logical to turn away from that path.
Charles, however, stood firm in his decision. Tall and broad-shouldered, he didn't seem like the kind of guy who lacked the courage to wield a weapon. Yet, here he was, going against everyone's expectations.
Then the principal of Ravenshade No. 3 Middle School stepped forward, holding a report from the Sacred Job Stone.
"Everyone, please settle down!" the principal called out, commanding silence with a wave of his hand.
"Charles has successfully transferred into a profession. His job class is 'Blacksmith,' and he possesses A-rank talent."
A few murmurs echoed through the audience.
"Charles's family has been forging weapons for three generations. Some of the best gear in Ravenshade City comes from their forge."
"Though not on the frontlines, Charles will be playing a vital role by providing high-quality equipment for those who are. Choosing a support path isn't a weakness—it's strategy."
The mood began to shift. As students listened, many of the sneers and whispers died down. Some even nodded in understanding.
"Maybe your future sword will be made by Charles."
Still, not everyone was convinced.
"Pfft." Old Mr. Cole, a rugged supervisor from a rival school, snorted in disdain. He didn't bother hiding his sarcasm.
"No guts, huh? A student from your school doesn't even dare to bet on battle?" he scoffed loudly.
"You expect the higher-ups to increase your resource quota with students like this?"
The remark wasn't loud, but it was sharp enough to pierce through the crowd. Many students turned toward Charles again, this time with uncertain expressions.
Charles, already anxious about his decision, clenched his fists. The crowd's earlier boos still echoed in his ears. The principal's kind words gave him some strength, but now, Old Mr. Cole's insult brought back the doubt.
Luckily, the principal didn't flinch. He smiled calmly.
"The goal isn't to choose the strongest class. It's to choose the class that suits you best."
He looked directly at Charles.
"You've made your choice. Stick with it. Walk your path with confidence. Go ahead and step down."
Charles took a deep breath. Looking out into the crowd, his gaze met several curious eyes—some admiring, some skeptical. Among them was a girl who had turned him down just the day before. Ironically, she had failed to transfer jobs earlier that morning.
Seeing her now, watching him with mixed emotions, something inside Charles shifted. He straightened his back, nodded, and walked off stage with renewed confidence.
It was clear now—there were two distinct views on vocational training.
The principal of Ravenshade No. 3 Middle School believed in individuality and self-awareness. He encouraged students to understand themselves and choose roles that aligned with their values and talents.
Meanwhile, Old Mr. Cole was a traditionalist. To him, strength came only from the battlefield. He saw Charles's blacksmith path as a waste of potential—especially for someone with Charles's build.
Ethan watched all this unfold from the crowd, eyes sharp. When Old Mr. Cole had spoken, Ethan felt an intense, almost dangerous energy radiating from him. The man didn't shout, but his presence was overwhelming—like a lion in hibernation, waiting to pounce.
Ethan narrowed his eyes. So this is what a professional feels like.
Despite that intimidating aura, Ethan didn't look away. He stared straight back at Mr. Cole, lips pressed together, refusing to show weakness.
Old Mr. Cole noticed.
For a moment, their eyes locked.
Interesting, Mr. Cole thought. This one's different. He didn't flinch at all. A good seedling.
"Next!" he called out. "Look, everyone—it's the school belle's turn."
A wave of murmurs swept across the students.
"Think she'll pass?" one boy whispered with a foolish smile. "If she fails… maybe I'll finally have a shot!"
His dreamy look was met with loud laughter and mockery.
"Dream on. Even if she fails, she'd rather kiss a troll than you."
"You? She'd rather eat sand."
"No way she fails, bro. She's the school belle. That girl's built different."
They all chuckled, but deep down, even they couldn't be sure. No one was immune to failure.
Ethan followed their gaze.
There she was—Lily Winters, the most talked-about girl in school.
Her skin was fair, her face still holding the softness of youth, yet she needed no makeup. She was already more striking than most celebrities Ethan had seen in his past life.
Dressed in simple sportswear, her slim frame and neatly tied black hair gave her an aura of grace and strength. Despite being only sixteen, she walked like a warrior.
Still, Ethan didn't linger on her beauty. He turned his focus back to Mr. Cole.
Pretty as Lily was, she had nothing to do with him, and honestly, she had nothing to do with anyone.
Lily had always been known as a lone wolf. She didn't have any close friends, not even casual ones. She walked the halls of No. 3 Middle School alone, always with the same cold expression.
And she was notoriously male-averse. The boys joked she looked at them the same way someone might look at a rotting fruit—disgusted and uninterested.
As Lily stepped onto the stage, she held a simple, worn long knife in her hand.
"Isn't she not supposed to bring weapons onto the transfer stage?" a student whispered.
Ethan remembered something odd: ever since he'd seen Lily for the first time, she never let go of that knife.
Even now, at this important moment, her grip on the handle was firm.
Though her hands were small and should have been delicate, they were covered in calluses from relentless training. No one knew if the system would even offer her a sword-based profession, yet she had dedicated herself to the long blade anyway.
The principal stepped forward, preparing to warn her about the rule—no weapons during transfer.
But before he could speak, Old Mr. Cole raised a hand, stopping him.
He looked at Lily and smiled, clearly approving of her.
Ah, she must be from the Winters family, he thought. Interesting. This could be useful.
Then he paused.
The Winters family had a strict rule: their members must not rely on family connections before passing the entrance exam. That meant no special treatment, no favors.
He quickly swallowed the flattery he had almost spoken.
Instead, he said casually, "Lily Winters, right? Step into the circle. Don't worry. Just relax."
The principal blinked in surprise.
When did this guy become so… kind?
As Lily stepped into the center of the summoning circle, the formation lit up beneath her feet.
Hum… Hum… Hum…
The lights pulsed like a heartbeat.
Then, from the Job Transfer Sacred Stone, six glowing orbs of light burst out, surrounding Lily like celestial stars.
Gasps filled the room.
Even the supervisors leaned forward.
"Six choices?! That's unheard of!" someone muttered.
Ethan's eyes narrowed. She really is different.
And this was just the beginning.
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End of Chapter 2