Beauty X Beast ~ Two!

The following morning, Danielle was startled awake by a small explosion and the exuberant voice of Henri, her father. “Happy birthday, my dear!” 

Her bleary eyes opened to the sight of confetti raining down around her, focusing in on a face beaming with an infectious cheerfulness. “No~o. It's too early to be my birthday.”

“Not even a little! Now come on, breakfast is ready, and I have something special for you!” The man paused for a moment, but Danielle only shook her head and tried to pull the covers over herself. “Fine, fine! I'll let you open it here. That way you'll be too excited to go back to sleep.”

Eyes twinkling with excitement, Henri pulled out a neatly rolled parchment which he unfurled with a flourish. “Ta-da! It's a brand new schematic. I've had the idea for a new mode of transportation which will take Verdelune by storm! You and I will be at the forefront of this project, revolutionizing how the kingdom moves. I call it… the walking barrel!”

“That'll never catch on, Father. It's a barrel with legs. People will call it that, and…” Seeing his excitement wane ever so slightly reminded Danielle that her father was not a terribly wealthy man. This was his way of spending time with her, while at the same time trying to give her what she truly wanted: recognition for creating something that would change lives for the better. “…and love it! Just call it what it is, so there's no confusion! When do we start?”

“Right after breakfast!” Henri beamed with immense enthusiasm. “Just think! This device will allow people to travel long stretches of road at high speeds! If you look here, you'll see spring shocks meant to absorb the bumps and swaying as the legs power forward. It doesn't matter how useful it is; unless the ride is smooth and comfortable, people won't ride in the system-blessed thing! Oh, which reminds me, the seat will have to be padded and upholstered, and I've already thought of safety straps to keep the rider secure, even at its maximum speed.”

 Danielle shook her head, laughing at how well her father knew her. The delightfully absurd idea of a barrel sprinting down the road destroyed the last bit of sleepiness holding her in place, and she threw her covers off and stood to wrap him in a hug. “Did you forget steering? I only saw a seat, no reins. That would make sense since there are no horses, but…”

“Ah. Yes. Steering.” Henri rubbed his chin thoughtfully, “I was thinking instead we have it run along only preset paths, otherwise… well, I'm still working out the collision avoidance mechanism. It's a bit tricky, you see. The legs need to be able to respond to obstacles and adjust the path accordingly, as well as navigate sloped terrain. I figure, by the time we have the prototype working, I'll have figured it out. No, we will have figured it out!”

“I'm sure we will.” Danielle's heart warmed at the thought of spending long hours in the workshop with her father, tinkering and adjusting the barrel with legs until it was just right. “It's just like you to come up with something so novel and fun! Thank you for the lovely gift, and I'm looking forward to working on this with you…”

Henri nodded as he took in her hesitation. “But you want to go to the Class Shrine and see what the system has in store for your Full Class, yes? I understand, of course I do. I was eighteen once. Hurry back so we can celebrate. I… I'd love to go with you, to be there for you… but I… no, I can-”

“Breakfast first. Plus, I'd rather be alone for this, just in case the system pushes a class onto me I'd rather not have. If there's reason to celebrate, you'll be the first to know.” Danielle interrupted him, waving off his fumbling attempt at an explanation. He smiled thankfully, then turned and started hobbling to the table, and as always, Danielle's eyes were drawn to the leg he had made for himself. 

The artificial limb had been made with all the prowess the Tinkerer possessed, and it *clicked and whirred* as he walked. The noises were jarring and extremely attention-grabbing, which was why he almost never left his workshop, even going so far as to have a bed in the same space as his most volatile creations. She knew this wore on him, as he was a social person by nature and wanted nothing more than to go out and dance the night away in search of a new wife.

Years ago, he and Danielle’s mother had been attacked by wolves while traveling. While he lost his leg to infection after being mauled by the creatures, his then-wife had lost her life. This had filled him with a deep-seated fear of forests, wild animals, and open spaces—driving him to settle down in this border town to make toys instead of more interesting machines. 

They had a pleasant breakfast, leftovers from the previous night as well as a small cake to share between the two of them. As she ate the confection, she noticed that the texture was slightly off. Looking over to her father, she found a shamefaced grin waiting for her. “There's no eggs to be found, at least not without paying a week's wages for just enough for breakfast.”

“How bizarre.” They made light conversation until Danielle's nerves finally got the better of her, and she could no longer distract herself from what the day meant. “I think I need to get going… thank you for the surprise and a wonderful meal.”

“And a happy birthday to you, may they only ever be happier.” Her father stood as she did and waved her away when she went to clear the table. “Go on now, get your full class and hurry home! There's legs to attach to barrels!”

With a wan smile, she wordlessly bobbed her head and hurried out the door, her thoughts already fully focused on her destination. She hurried along, with only one small notable moment catching her attention: the baker had trapped two young farmer's sons in an alley, and was shifting back and forth to block them in as they tried to dart around him. As Danielle stomped toward him, his angry pleas became audible, “Just give me those baskets of eggs, boys. I'll pay you properly! I'll even throw in a free loaf of bread for each of you. Not going to get that kind of deal wherever you're taking them, are you?”

“What are you doing?” The distraction she provided was just enough for the young men to get past him and run off. The baker threw his hands in the air, glaring at her as he stomped off without a word. Danielle watched him go, utterly nonplussed by this situation. “Now what in the world was that all about?” 

Shaking her head, she continued toward her destination, quickly putting the bizarre situation out of her mind. It had been four long years since Danielle had gone to the local Class Shrine, a humble building—having only enough space for two people to stand comfortably within—just on the edge of town. Despite being easily overlooked, the small space contained a mystical, powerfully enchanted artifact rumored to be a shard of the system itself. 

While the walls of the small building were plain and unadorned, thousands of attempts over the years had proved that the space was utterly indestructible. Not only that, but it was impossible to foul the space or permanently close it off. Anything left within the temple was gone by the next morning, and if something were splattered across the walls or floor, the mess was wiped away the instant no one was looking.

The first time she’d stood before this shrine, Danielle had been fourteen, filled with wonder and excitement for the future. Now, she stared at the glowing artifact with fear and resentment, knowing that, although she had made every attempt at changing her destiny, her future would be decided the moment she touched the object. 

As people only infrequently visited the small building, only the attendant who helped guide people through the process, collected the kingdom’s shrine usage tax, and recorded their various skills and classes to pass along was here to witness the moment. Usually, attendants were a highly respected, scholarly sort, but right now, all Danielle wanted was a moment to calm herself… 

…and the attendant was driving her nuts. 

“Oh, Bella, why do you fear so much for what comes next?” The attendant was all smiles, moving his head side to side to try and peer under the veil she wore over her face. “It’s your birthday! You should be celebrating, riding at the head of a grand parade which deposited you in front of the shrine alongside a rain of flowers from the entire town! Certainly, you’re going to go on to do great things, enticing a husband who’d otherwise be far above your station and forever outside of your reach, perhaps? Think of how your father will benefit by not having to work his hands to the bone everyday to feed and house you after you marry a rich-”

She had barely arrived, yet had already decided she had suffered enough of his prattling. Danielle steeled herself and stepped forward, firmly slapping her hand onto the artifact, only to be met by the text she had been expecting… as well as more information than she’d ever heard of someone getting during their class upgrade.

Codex Arcane Ledger access requested.

C.A.L. is assessing… Age verification: 18 years. 0 months, 0 days. Conditions for Full Class advancement met.

Assessing skill use and level. Combined skill levels: 38. Determination: 98th percentile. 

Scanning brain waves to account for knowledge and desires in Full Class selection process. Requirements met for: 52 Full Classes. 

Comparing skill use and desires… 98th percentile of skills shows a subconscious desire to continue progressing. Waking brain not in alignment with subconscious. 

Determination made.

Full Class Unlocked!

Full Class: Enchantress

Basic Skill: Unified Radiance: Level 0/10. 

Requirement to advance: use this skill a single time. 

Passive skill automatically activated! 

Unified Radiance: Level 0 → 1. 

Unified Radiance is a passive, continuous skill representing the culmination and fusion of the skills Resplendent Self, Aura of Refinement, Alluring Assemblage, and Graceful Movement, seamlessly integrating them into a symbiotic relationship where the admiration you receive will [Minimally] fuel the enhancement of your surroundings and yourself. The radius of this effect extends up to [1] meter(s) from your body.

Building upon the original skills, Unified Radiance extends this skill’s effect to a broader range of activity. Any task or action you undertake is imbued with [Minimal] inherent beauty. This effect also [Minimally] increases the value and appeal of objects and people you are involved with, both for sales and social interactions. As this passive skill grows more potent, it will allow you to adeptly evolve to new situations, allowing yourself and those impacted to be [Minimally] more adept at navigating social scenarios. 

This creates a positive feedback loop between yourself and your environment. As your beauty and grace increases, so does the beauty and appeal of your surroundings, in turn further amplifying your own allure.

Requirement to advance to level 2: inspire envy in at least 50 people within 1 hour OR beautify and sell 50 items. 

Advanced Skill: Locked! To unlock, reach level 10 with your Basic Skill.

“T-this is…” Danielle could barely force the words out of her throat, her eyes shaking as she read over those horrifying words again and again. 

“Huh… you know, I've never seen the floor in here sparkle like this.” The attendant suddenly muttered to himself. “Was it that new wax I tried? I wonder if I could write a paper on a successful blend and pass it on for a reward.”

With the sudden reminder that she wasn’t alone, Danielle hunched forward slightly, wishing that she had a hood on her dress so she could further hide her face. Unfortunately, the shifting motion utterly backfired, immediately causing the attention of the attendant to fall solely on her.

“Oh, done already? Well, show me your arm, and I’ll record the details.” The man pulled out a parchment and quill, thankfully looking away from her in preparation of completing the only required work he had scheduled for the day. “Come along now, I'd love to get over to the bakers before he sells out.”

“Is there any chance that I don't… is there any way to get a different class?” Danielle whispered softly as the new golden script on her arm slowly faded away, leaving nothing behind on her usual porcelain skin. “I don’t want this.”

“Come now, it can't be that bad!” The attendant jubilantly called, motioning her over even as his smile faded slightly. “I've seen all sorts in my day, and so long as you strive to use your system-granted ability for the good of the kingdom, I'm certain someone like you has every chance at reaching the status of a Fairy. Fighting against it, and becoming bitter and twisted because you don’t like what destiny has deemed appropriate for you? Well, there are far more Witches than there are Fairies, I suppose. Power is power, as the queen has proven time and time again. That is…”

With a stricken look on his face, the attendant gulped and backpedaled. “The system knows best, and since it is a neutral observer, who can say what is the better choice? Personal experience says that Witches are far more likely to get us good things, right? I wasn't trying to slander our… that is, *ahem*… your class information, please.” 

Knowing that she needed to present her status or face the king's justice, Danielle quietly walked over, after ensuring her veil was in place. With a single finger, she wiped along her forearm from her elbow to her wrist, leaving behind a glowing trail of words written by the system. 

“Would you look at that?” The attendant gasped as he grabbed her wrist and pulled her close to read the details being written out. “An Enchantress? In this backwater? I can't imagine the celebrity status you’re going to be able to attain! What the… five modifiers on your Basic Skill? That’s… that’s Legendary grade! You’ll be able to advance nearly five times as fast as someone with only one modifier… look, Belle… let me tell you something. Impressive classes like this? They’re wasted out here.” 

He took a deep breath, tightening his grip as a hint of arivice appeared in his eyes. “Come with me to the capital, and I’ll make introductions to all the eligible bachelors of high society. Any noble house would marry you on the spot! Imagine it! The parties you’ll be able to throw! The beautiful children you’ll be able to have… wait! Perhaps we could find a powerful Hero and have you marry him for the combined Conjoined Skill… a Hero of the sword could gain a Unified Swordsman skill!”

He was breathing heavily at this point, gripping the parchment that was slowly shifting its appearance from sweat-stained to a crisp, vellum-like material. “By the king, Belle! You’re worth ten times your weight in gold! I just found my ticket out of here-”

“I don't want any of that.” Danielle whispered as she yanked her arm out of his grip and backed away from the attendant, feeling as though she needed to escape this cramped space. “I just wanted to be a researcher. I want to learn how the world works. I don't… I don’t want to be trapped away in some filthy stone room for the rest of my life.”

“That's the whole point of it! Belle! No matter where you go, you’ll always be surrounded by beauty!” The attendant, seeing his payday slip away, roared his frustration at her. “What stone room? It’d turn into a diamond if you stayed there long enough—no! Come back!”

Without another word, Danielle had turned and fled, sprinting away from the small Class Shrine. The attendant shouted after her, but to her relief, he didn’t give chase. She ran as fast as she could, minorly surprised at how natural it felt, only to scowl in displeasure as she realized her speed and stamina had increased because she was running even more gracefully and efficiently than usual. Then it hit her, “The new class and skill are already affecting me? They’re changing me?” 

As she ran through the town toward home, her ears picked up the sound of a bustling crowd in front of her, and a quick glance informed her that the town square was filled with almost every resident of Frontière. Without missing a beat, she shifted her aim and took a hard left, bypassing the town square in an effort to return home as swiftly as possible. 

Pounding along the cobblestone street, Danielle raised one hand to angrily wipe away tears streaming from her eyes. It was only when an unknown, velvety voice called out to her that Danielle realized she had moved her veil out of the way to perform that action. 

“Fair woman, why do you cry? Tell me who dared to treat you in such a manner, and I’ll have them hanged by tea time.”

A second voice called out almost at the same time as the first, though this one was harsh and demanding. “Halt, peasant! You are approaching Baron Gasteel Leiter at speed, and if you do not comply… we will cut you down!”

That broke through the fugue state Danielle had found herself in, and she screeched to a halt, adjusting her veil and dropping into a polite, trembling curtsy. “I-I’m so sorry! I was on my way home after unlocking my Full Class, and-”

“Well, that won't do!” The baron spoke in his deep, manly voice. “I sent a messenger this morning that the entire town must be gathered for an announcement. This is a mandatory event, and I wouldn’t want to see a prize like you punished for no reason. Why don't you come over here and mount my horse? I’ll be happy to keep you close and ensure that you’re following the laws of the land.”

Having no good reason to refuse, and not wanting to get thrown into prison for literally no reason, Danielle slowly approached the horse, hating the fact that she needed to get closer to the leering, brawny, hairy soldiers. The baron reached a hand down, taking both of hers in one of his, and pulled her onto the saddle with a casual ease that frankly terrified her. 

This was a man that could literally rip her in half with his bare hands if he so desired… and now she needed to ride into town with him in front of the entire population. Danielle deflated as that thought struck her, and she tried to control her breathing as they came ever closer to their destination. 

The horse began trotting forward, and Gasteel made a few appreciative comments about her joining him, and even went so far as to comment about how the air suddenly felt fresher, the sun warmer. “Pierre! Is it just me, or does this town not stink nearly as bad as border villages usually do?”

“It's not just that, my lord!” The honor guard walking next to the baron's horse looked at him with confusion evident on his face. “Somehow you seem… did you gain even more muscle definition along your jaw?”

“I'm glad you noticed! I didn't think it would be obvious this soon after I started my mewing exercises.” Gasteel raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “Just don't look too closely. I own a mirror. I know all too well that anyone can fall in love with this face.”

The men began laughing and making bawdy jokes back and forth as they approached the town square, and Danielle found herself disgusted and dreading remaining with this group for any length of time. Not that anyone seemed to notice her again, and they certainly didn’t include her in their conversation. In fact, as soon as the baron had grabbed her and placed her on his horse, he hadn't bothered to even glance at her again. 

It was as if she was fully already accounted for in his mind: an interesting, shiny object that he’d picked up on the side of the road.