"A Demi-God." Max mumbled in a daze. It's a Tier 6 rank already!
Max trembled in excitement, knowing he could become a demi-god.
He thought. I must attain that rank before the apocalypse descends.
The only reason humanity conquered forty percent of the landmass was not because they had many Tier 5 players. It was simply because there were five Tier 6 rank demons, monsters, dwarves, and elves keeping each other at bay.
The demons and monsters didn't have a strong friendly connection with each other while elves and dwarves worked together just to fend them off.
Humans, on the other hand, were in the center, with dwarves and elves establishing diplomatic connections with them while monsters and demons utilized underhanded methods to gain advantage.
That was how humans struggled—they were at the center of their war.
The Empire inside the Apocalypse Online had long become independent thanks to the First Emperor's efforts. Their diplomatic relationship with dwarves and elves were beneficial for both side—equally.
Unlike before, there were rarely dwarves and elves in the Empire—most of the humans who learned smithing would visit the dwarves empire while those who wanted to learn more about elves' magic would visit the elves' world tree.
However, for the other side to learn about what the Empire could offer? The Empire would welcome them, but like both sides they would never allow other races to live in their territory.
If it was not because of the demons and monsters, they might have gone into war.
Elves were prideful, Dwarves were envious, and humans were greedy.
If it was not because the demons understood their nature and have been attempting to control them based on their nature, they would have long been conquered by their sins.
"What?" Archmage Arlen was intrigued by Max's reaction. "Do you want to become a Demi-God?"
Max dazedly nodded at him, causing him to chuckle.
He shook his head and replied, "It's good to know that you have ambitions and quite a massive one, too."
Max randomly thought and asked, "By the way, Archmage Arlen, why did you become a teacher in a "backward place"? From the way you teach, it seems you really chose this."
Archmage Arlen was surprised. "Such a random question, huh?"
He gazed at the open window and said, "In fact, when I was assigned by my father to teach, I got surprised and rebelled against him. At that time, I was not enlightened about the need of gaining allies and the importance of helping others, especially those who are talented but their growth is restrained from their environment.
There's no way in hell I like teaching, it's a boring job. Also, did I really want to live in a backward place like this?
No."
Archmage Arlen turned quiet after some time and suddenly beamed a smile.
"But my father is stronger than me, his decision is adamant. He even extended my stay here as a punishment. Left with no choice, I complied, but not easily.
The village here was having a hard time adjusting for me, especially those mages and aspiring mages who didn't have a choice but to work with me.
It took me a year to open my hearts for them, a year to realize the importance of teaching, and a year to be enlightened on why there is a need to be compassionate to our fellow humans."
Archmage Arlen chuckled.
He said in an evocative tone, "It's really ironic. We don't fall in love at first until we realize it has been fated for us. All we have to do is embrace and live on it."
Max was mesmerized by Archmage Arlen's words. He never thought there was quite an unexpected reason behind his passion for teaching.
He pondered. This is what makes the NPC in Apocalypse Online vastly different from any games.
He ruminated on Archmage Arlen's words. What has been fated for me? I wonder what it is…
As Max fell into deep contemplation, Archmage Arlen suddenly sighed and said, "However, I'll be returning to my family now by next month.
In fact, I'll leave once the village is completely free from the demon's invasion.
I've already achieved what I had to. It's time for me now to find a better place to grow."
Max was quite stunned. He did not expect Archmage Arlen to return to his hometown as soon as the main class quest would be completed. He recalled that the Tier 5 Mage didn't mention this.
Max was then reminded of his plan once he completed the main class quest.
He asked, "Will it be okay to accompany you, Archmage Arlen?"
Archmage Arlen's eyes sparkled. In fact, he was inviting Max to accompany him in the capital city because he wanted Max to follow his path—becoming a Rune Mage.
If they shared the same class, they would progress better than individually.
He beamed a smile at Max, "I know you are. By that time, you're already a Tier 1 Mage and will now be focusing on becoming Tier 2 Mage. It might take a year for you to achieve it.
You want to gain a class advancement from me, correct?"
Max was stunned. He hesitated for a while and finally decided to reveal his plan to Archmage Arlen with an awkward smile.
"Umm… Teacher, actually, I'm choosing the Summoner class in Tier 2."
Archmage Arlen froze. He clearly did not expect Max's choice.
He creased his eyebrows and asked him, "Why? Because the First Emperor was a Summoner? Do note that the creatures you summon depend on your affinity with them. Once you summon a creature, your future summon will be from their race.
It's irreversible.
As far as I remember, there has been no summoner who followed the First Emperor.
Who summoned those golden knights that the demons feared the most.
I suggest you think twice, Max. As your teacher, I'm concerned about your choices."
Max smiled at him, giving him an assurance, as he said in a soothing tone, "It's not like that, Teacher.
Ah—"
Max was suddenly enlightened. His surprised expression softened under Archmage Arlen's confused gaze.
He said, "To be honest, I didn't want to become a Summoner, I preferred to become an Elementalist. However, now, I choose the Summoner class not because I wanted to, it's because it has been fated for me."
Max chuckled. "Will it be better for me to embrace it and live on it?
I believe it's more fulfilling this way."