Chapter 48: Chapter 48: The Heart Of The Earth

"Status:

Name: Aengus Degaro (Ethan Smith)

Occupation: Hunter

Race: Human

Level: 13

Class: None

Age: 18

-Attributes:

Strength: 30

Agility: 27

Defense: 25

Mana: 3760/8,070

Attribute points: 5

Skills:

-Active:

- Inferno Leap -19 (D)

- Berserker's Might -5 (D)

- Azula Sword Strike -22 (E)

- Paralyzing Breath -5 (E)

- Earth Spike (E)

- Earth Wall (E)

- Earthquake Stomp (E)

- Rock Boulder (E)

- Earthen Thorny Domains (E)

- Mud Swamp (E)

- Earth Dive (E)

- Stone Bullets (E)

- Earthquake (E)

Passive:

- Blaze Guard-5 (E)

- Fire Serpent's Digestion-2 (E)

""Oh my god!"

"We got a rare class!"

They recognised the treasure and their voices echoed in unison as they broke into a joyful dance, their excitement palpable. The sheer rarity of the class made this moment even more incredible—only one in a million hunters ever encountered such a treasure. They were nearly moved to tears, overwhelmed by their extraordinary luck.

The thrill of the moment was clear on their faces, each of them basking in the realization of just how fortunate they were.

However, Ethan remained composed. While his companions reveled in their discovery, he knew that his newly acquired skill, Earth Manipulation, offered similar capabilities. Though it lacked the ability to summon Earth Elementals as the Geomancer class promised, it was far more versatile in its application.

"I already have something close to this," Ethan thought, his mind assessing the similarities and differences. Despite the class's undeniable power, he was confident in the unique strength and flexibility his Earth Manipulation skill provided.

As their initial excitement began to settle, the group faced an important decision—who among them would be the one to wield the Heart of the Earth?

The artifact held unimaginable power, and they knew that whoever equipped it would gain an incredible advantage. It wasn't just about gaining a new class; it was about ensuring the success of their future endeavors.

Cedric broke the silence first. "I think we should give this to Ethan. What do you guys think?" His voice was calm, but firm, reflecting the respect and trust he had for Ethan. Cedric knew that without Ethan's powerful abilities, they wouldn't have made it this far. Reaching the tenth floor of the dungeon had been a team effort, but Ethan had been their anchor.

The others nodded in agreement, understanding the logic behind Cedric's suggestion. They all had witnessed Ethan's contributions and skill firsthand. His contributions were undeniable, and many of them silently acknowledged that they owed their lives to his quick reaction and powerful abilities.

However, Marcus hesitated, his heart heavy with a mixture of admiration and envy. The prospect of obtaining a class as rare as the Geomancer was tempting beyond measure.

A class like this could propel him ahead of others, securing his place among the elite. The desire for power and recognition gnawed at him, making it hard to simply agree with the decision.

He took a deep breath, wrestling with his emotions. Yes, he wanted the class—who wouldn't? But deep down, Marcus knew that Ethan was the most deserving. Ethan had been selfless, putting the needs of the group above his own, time and time again. In those critical moments, it had been Ethan's overwhelming force that had led them to victory.

Swallowing his personal desires, Marcus finally nodded, though a trace of reluctance lingered in his expression. "Yeah... Ethan should have it. He's done so much for all of us. We wouldn't even be here without him."The others followed suit, voicing their agreement one after another.

It was clear that, despite any personal longing for the artifact, they valued their unity more. They knew that breaking apart over a single treasure would weaken them as a team—a risk they couldn't afford in their tough battles ahead.

Ethan could see the eagerness in Marcus's eyes, despite the latter's attempt to hide it. The Geomancer class was a rare and powerful class, something that could significantly boost the strength of anyone who wielded it. Yet, Ethan knew that his own path was already laid out before him, and this class, while tempting, wasn't meant for him.

"Thank you, guys, but I think Marcus should have it," Ethan said, his voice steady as he addressed the group. His words caught them off guard, their expressions shifting from surprise to confusion.

"What? Ethan, you've done more for us than anyone else," Cedric argued, his brow furrowing. "You deserve it."

Ethan shook his head with a smile. "I appreciate that, but I am not suited for this Class. I will wait for another powerful class in the future. Besides, Marcus has been putting in the work just as much as the rest of us. This class could really help him."

Marcus's eyes widened in disbelief. "Ethan, are you sure? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Ethan nodded. "I'm sure. You'll make better use of it than I would. Besides, we're a team. Your strength is our strength."

The others looked between Marcus and Ethan, then slowly began to nod in agreement. Marcus hesitated for a moment, clearly conflicted, but the desire in his heart won out. He reached out and took the heart-shaped object from Cedric's hand, his fingers trembling slightly.

"Thank you, Ethan," Marcus said, his voice thick with emotion as turn to others. "I won't let you guys down."

Lenora and the others smiled, acknowledging Ethan's decision with a sense of mutual respect and understanding. They knew that no matter who equipped the heart, the entire party would benefit from the increased strength.

Marcus, now holding the heart-shaped object with both hands, pressed it against his chest.

In that moment, a surge of energy coursed through him, and detailed information about his new class began to flood his mind. The connection between him and the earth deepened, making him feel more grounded and powerful than ever before.

Without hesitation, Marcus activated his newly acquired skill, [Earth Elemental]. The ground trembled beneath their feet as the rocks and earth around them began to coalesce into a massive figure.

A towering giant, nearly 5 meters tall, emerged from the earth, its body composed of solid rock. It had a massive head with two glowing eyes that radiated a faint, mystical light. Its arms were the size of tree trunks, and its legs were thick and sturdy, ready to follow any command Marcus gave.

"Damn!" Cedric exclaimed, his eyes wide with awe.

"Amazing!" Lenora added, her voice filled with excitement.

Their astonished voices echoed throughout the cave, a testament to the incredible power Marcus now wielded. The sight of the Earth Elemental standing before them, a testament to their unity and strength, filled them all with a renewed sense of purpose. With this new power at their disposal, they felt more confident than ever in facing the challenges ahead.