Homunculus Rebirth-Chapter 16: An error has occurred?

3 Days Later

A few days had passed since the master and disciple duo entered the stony plateau, and Alex was nowhere to be found. Neon woke up without the usual morning greeting from his disciple—but he hadn't left without a word.

On one of the previous days, Neon had taught Alex how to etch various marks, each with different meanings. The one he now noticed was a mark indicating that either he or Alex had gone out on a hunt.

"What an early bird as ever. I've told him the perfect method to kill those monsters, and he quickly made a move," Neon muttered. "Though he said he'd just hunt some golems to grind experience points... After the fight with the Abnormal and the race conversion of my disciple—plus the time I spent teaching him what he needs to survive—it was only a matter of time before I received this message."

Just then, Neon received a notification that would define the next phase of his life:

[System Notification]

We would like to remind you that the guardian known by the name of [Neon] has unlocked a new function: [Class Selection].

Class Selection: This function allows every guardian access to skills by acquiring a class. What are classes? They're one of the core foundations required to become a full-fledged guardian. The system does not restrict the guardian from choosing any kind of class—though not every class is suited for a guardian.

'As I've said before, Unparalleled Alchemical Knowledge is the result of every alchemical skill being fused into one. There's no reason for me to pick the alchemist class again. Honestly, I was weak in my prime. If I hadn't been careful when I overdosed my body for buffs, I would've died mid-fight. Alchemy wasn't meant to face monsters head-on.'

'I remember... back in my childhood days, when I was just an orphan aspiring to become a guardian, there was this unspoken rule no one dared to defy: the purpose of a person's class must be met—no exceptions. Fighters were expected to be frontliners. Production classes like mine? Just support.'

"There's no doubt conflict erupted the moment this policy was introduced. People only befriended those with talent. Guardians with rare DPS classes were trained intensely. The government didn't even care about their personalities," Neon said aloud, bitterness creeping in. "Class inequality became a global issue. I, too, became a victim of that belief. My class made people hate me. That was the time I wandered the world and earned my first nickname—The Wandering Pharmacist."

Neon returned to his cauldron, resuming his crafting. His hands moved out of habit, but his mind was on deeper things.

He couldn't stop thinking about his class—how it had shaped his life for better or worse. Choosing a new one wasn't easy. His growth-based skill allowed him to learn abilities rapidly, but this only made the decision heavier.

As he crafted a weapon for Alex, he realized how meaningful his next step truly was.

[Alchemical Crafting Notification]

Your crafted item has reached 20% completion!

Guardian's luck has been triggered!

Stroke of Luck: Your luck now affects the result of the completed product. Stir with absolute gentleness.

"Now that I think about it, my disciple has always shown interest in archery," Neon mused. "Before inheriting my golden eyes, Alex already had the fundamentals of a range-type guardian—precise aim, high agility even at Level 0, and stamina. Still, how did a kid like him end up a slave?"

"If it were anyone else, they'd probably have turned to the dark side and become a demonic guardian."

He lowered the flame under the cauldron, adjusting his handling of the melted materials with care.

'Considering all the contributions I made in the past, maybe... just maybe my class served as proof that a guardian isn't defined by combat power alone. Still, those days were hell. I got mugged five times a week. Shops raised prices when they saw my class. That's when I realized—I had to leave.'

'I wouldn't have fought my first monster. Wouldn't have experimented with all those herbs. It was one of the worst experiences of my life... but it shaped me.'

[Alchemical Crafting Notification]

Item is now 52% complete. Apply the monster core you kept. After acquiring the orbs, crack the orb and place its essence within the cauldron.

[System Notification]

You've allocated 38 unused stats to [Dexterity]. Your stat has increased from 42 → 80.

Dexterity now enhances your handling and may improve technique quality. As with [Luck], its effects occur unpredictably.]

"Let's use some imp cores—they're low tier, but perfect for a beginner. I'll also toss in some Void Serpent cores. If luck's on my side, the weapon might inherit a fitting skill."

"Third phase now. Think of the cores as eggs and the rest of the materials as a giant cake."

As he reached the final phase, a strange energy pushed against his back. Unlike before, it didn't faze him. He plunged his arms into the boiling adhesive of melted materials.

Using his mana and precise knowledge, he merged everything together.

Once done, he carefully placed the weapon at Alex's side of the camp and turned his attention to his own matters.

[System Access]

Main Lobby - Core Functions Unlocked:

[Status] [Rank Up] [Class Selection]

[Shop] [Crafting] [Gacha]

[Evolutionary Path] [Exclusive Race Skills]

[Locked] [Locked]

[Locked] [Locked]

[Locked] [Locked]

Reminder: Locked functions are unavailable until requirements are met.]

"...Sigh. Here goes nothing."

The moment Neon's finger touched the screen, a chill ran through his body.

The class selection menu opened—nothing impressive... at first.

Then, the system scanned his titles—and chaos followed.

[System Error Notification]

An error has occurred. An error has occurred. An error has occurred...

AN... ERROR... HAS... OCCURRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]

"ARRRGHHH!!!"

Neon screamed as the voices in his head grew unbearable. He closed the screen, injected himself with painkillers—nothing worked.

Desperate, he did the unthinkable.

He bashed his head into the cave wall—again and again—until he gave himself a concussion.

[??? Voice Detected]

"Is this the new defier!? Honestly, I expected more—wait... this power... Why is that power inside such a feeble shell? Tch. I have no choice. It seems there's still a chance for this to occur. To think it would be from the weakest race imaginable... Still, I was ordered to act. Be grateful, pitiful creature—you've met the requirements for the final roster. You'll be given that class."

The voice faded before Neon could fully register it. Then—darkness.

He awoke later with his head bandaged, Alex by his side. He had no memory of the self-inflicted damage, only the final system notification:

[System Notification]

Your class has been applied.

Guardian [Neon] has acquired the class: [Transcender].

Little is known about this class. Rumored to allow users to transcend their limits. Only a few have ever acquired it.

This feat is considered worthy of a reward. All stats increased by +10]