It feels like I’ve just closed my eyes when a broad finger pokes me awake
Should his eyes have been open?

And the gains should be far greater than normal, as multiple farmers can stack their skills on a single field. So one could have [quick crops] and another [fields of plenty] and together produce twice the food twice as fast.

This. Normal class consolidation would only happen with compatible classes, such as a Soldier and Leader class turning into a Commander: a commander could utilize every aspect of both base classes.

Laken forced a new class on Prostate, essentially. The system took what it could from his existing classes, but not everything would be applicable to a Steward. This resulted in a lower level.

That being said, if he retained many/most of his previous skills, this would actually be a pretty good thing to happen. Lower levels.should be easier to get, which means he now has an extra dozen+ levels to regain, along with all the new skills that confers. That could end up being hugely beneficial.

The [Blacksmith] looks up, eyes widening. I look around at the other villagers, at the adventurers, at Laken and Durene. I nod at Prost.

This is Laken speaking so it shouldn’t say “I look at Laken”

These are my favorite chapters. I love his take on things and how grounded Laken’s perspective is. Awesome work.

“That doesn’t’ mean she’s right of course.” – extra apostrophe here

“The bear grows, tries to bite Durene’s neck, and then claws her as she dodges.”
I believe you meant “growls”.

All the characters repeatedly remind us of what we already know. It’s not something unique to Laken