Robert spent the next few days honing his skills and abilities, preparing for the daunting challenge ahead.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 40.6321%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Robert, level 5 is the first of several checkpoint levels. These are designed to test your growth. Expect a rigorous challenge.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
"So, every five floors?" Robert inquired.
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Correct. Levels 25 and 50 are major checkpoints, and they will truly test your limits.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
"Great," Robert replied, a hint of nervous excitement in his voice.
In the days leading up to his run, Robert meticulously prepared. He inspected his armor and weapons, ensuring they were in peak condition. Most importantly, he cherished quality time with his family. The day of the run arrived. After a heartfelt farewell to his family, Robert stepped through the shimmering portal.
A deep, synthesized voice echoed through the cavern. "Welcome, adventurer. You have entered Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1, currently known as The Training Dungeon. You are now on the Fifth Floor."
Following his normal pattern, he checked the System Shop for new items
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 88.5417%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.4114%">Item Name</td>
<td style="width: 7.77867%; text-align: center">Item Tier</td>
<td style="width: 9.14194%; text-align: center">Item Rarity</td>
<td style="width: 7.05694%; text-align: center">Item cost</td>
<td style="width: 54.6111%">Item Description</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.4114%">Food Ration</td>
<td style="width: 7.77867%; text-align: center">1</td>
<td style="width: 9.14194%; text-align: center">common</td>
<td style="width: 7.05694%; text-align: center">2 copper</td>
<td style="width: 54.6111%">
A basic daily food ration.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.4114%">Water Bottle</td>
<td style="width: 7.77867%; text-align: center">1</td>
<td style="width: 9.14194%; text-align: center">common</td>
<td style="width: 7.05694%; text-align: center">2 copper</td>
<td style="width: 54.6111%">A small bottle of daily water.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.4114%">Small Healing Potion</td>
<td style="width: 7.77867%; text-align: center">1</td>
<td style="width: 9.14194%; text-align: center">common</td>
<td style="width: 7.05694%; text-align: center">10 copper</td>
<td style="width: 54.6111%">Small healing potion that when used will heal for 10 health.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.4114%">Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Fire</td>
<td style="width: 7.77867%; text-align: center">2</td>
<td style="width: 9.14194%; text-align: center">uncommon</td>
<td style="width: 7.05694%; text-align: center">10 gold</td>
<td style="width: 54.6111%">This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Fire spells.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.4114%">Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Air</td>
<td style="width: 7.77867%; text-align: center">2</td>
<td style="width: 9.14194%; text-align: center">uncommon</td>
<td style="width: 7.05694%; text-align: center">10 gold</td>
<td style="width: 54.6111%">This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Air spells.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.4114%">Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Water</td>
<td style="width: 7.77867%; text-align: center">2</td>
<td style="width: 9.14194%; text-align: center">uncommon</td>
<td style="width: 7.05694%; text-align: center">10 gold</td>
<td style="width: 54.6111%">This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Water spells.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.4114%">Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Earth</td>
<td style="width: 7.77867%; text-align: center">2</td>
<td style="width: 9.14194%; text-align: center">uncommon</td>
<td style="width: 7.05694%; text-align: center">10 gold</td>
<td style="width: 54.6111%">This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Earth spells.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.4114%">Ring of Turn Undead</td>
<td style="width: 7.77867%; text-align: center">2</td>
<td style="width: 9.14194%; text-align: center">uncommon</td>
<td style="width: 7.05694%; text-align: center">1 Token</td>
<td style="width: 54.6111%">A simple Silver Ring that contains the ability to cast the Turn Undead Spell. Each use requires 1 change and the ring contains 10 charges, and cannot be recharged</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
"Hal, could this be a sign?" Robert asked, his voice filled with urgency.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 53.4142%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">I think the answer''s obvious, Robert. Buy the ring. And a word of advice: don''t waste that final charge. Your class ability is incredibly powerful. With enough study, you can not only learn to craft similar items but also the spell that it uses.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Robert''s eyes widened. "Any magic item?"
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 52.1445%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Indeed. As a master of creation, you have the unique ability to learn from the work of others.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Robert didn''t hesitate. He purchased the ring and slipped it onto his finger. Stepping out of the room, he found himself in a dimly lit hallway. Casting a quick light spell, he ventured down the corridor, his heart pounding with anticipation.
As he emerged from the hallway, his breath caught in his throat. Before him stretched an open field, dotted with countless headstones. A breathtaking night sky, filled with twinkling stars, arched overhead. Cautiously, Robert activated his air and light shields and after one final look at the graveyard, he also cast his Blessing of Light spell. Once ready he stepped into the eerie graveyard.
Robert took no more than 5 steps before the ground around several of the headstones exploded and 4 skeletons climbed out.
Name: Skeleton
Class: N/A
Race: Undead
Profession: N/A
Gender: N/A
Stats: Str 8, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 6, Wis 8, Cha 5
Level: 10
Resistances: Slashing(50%), Darkness(90%), Death(100%)
Health: 110
Mana: N/A
Robert swung his sword at the nearest skeleton, but the blade barely made a dent. Reacting swiftly, he unleashed a Radiant Bolt, striking the creature with such force that it staggered backward. He quickly cast the spell twice destroying the first skeleton. Before he could celebrate his victory, another skeleton lunged at him, its rusty sword raised high. Robert parried the attack and retreated, dodging the onslaught of the remaining skeletons. With a flurry of bolts, he eliminated the second threat. However, his aggressive tactics had a consequence: four more skeletons burst from the ground, surrounding him.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
Quick thinking saved the day. Robert activated the Ring of Turn Undead, banishing two of the skeletons in a blinding flash of light. Retreating to a safer distance, he rained down bolts of energy, decimating the remaining foes.
The graveyard was silent once more. Robert, panting heavily, surveyed the battlefield. He had barely made a dent in the distance to the other side. It was clear that the graveyard was teeming with undead. After looting the fallen skeletons, he found a few silver coins and a mysterious substance: bone dust.
"Hal, what''s this bone dust for?" he asked.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 40.1242%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Nothing, It''s an alchemy ingredient. While that will not help you unless you decide to take Alchemy it can be sold once you arrive at a System World.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
"Alright, something for future me," Robert muttered.
Carefully making his way through the graveyard he dispatched 3 more groups of Skeletones before his luck changed.
Expecting more skeletons he was not prepared for the part that burst forth.
Name: Skeleton Warrior
Class: Fighter
Race: Undead
Profession: N/A
Gender: N/A
Stats: Str 13, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 6, Wis 8, Cha 5
Level: 12
Resistances: Slashing(50%), Darkness(90%), Death(100%)
Health: 150
Mana: N/A
These skeletons had better swords and a shield each. Robert, wary of the new threat, launched a Radiant Bolt. But the skeleton, more agile than its lesser brethren, raised its shield, deflecting the magical missile. The creatures advanced, their swords glinting in the dim light.
Realizing he couldn’t rely solely on magic, Robert drew his own sword. The clash of steel echoed through the graveyard as the two warriors locked in combat. The skeleton''s strikes were powerful, but Robert, with his superior skill, managed to parry each blow.
As the battle intensified, Robert began to tire. He launched another bolt of energy, but the skeleton, with a well-timed block, deflected it. A moment of opportunity arose, and Robert seized it, activating the Ring of Turn Undead. A blinding light enveloped the creature, and it was vanquished.
Turning his attention to the second skeleton, Robert was determined to defeat it without resorting to the ring. He focused his attacks on the skeleton’s shield, weakening it with each strike. Once the shield was broken, he unleashed a barrage of bolts, overwhelming the creature.
With the threat neutralized, Robert caught his breath. The battle had been a grueling test of his skills, but he had emerged victorious. Looting the two skeletons netted him more of the dust but 5 silver coins each for his trouble. Robert decided to rest for a bit to recover his strength.
Robert, weary but determined, continued his perilous journey. As he ventured deeper into the graveyard, another pair of skeletal warriors emerged from the ground, their swords glinting ominously in the dim light. The skeletal warriors, with their superior strength, proved to be formidable foes. Robert fought with skill and cunning, parrying their blows and unleashing powerful magical attacks. But the relentless onslaught took its toll, and in the end, while he had emerged victorious once more, he was forced to rest to recover his strength.
Taking the time to check over his gear, he noticed a few chips in his sword he knew he would have to replace it soon. Getting up he continued to explore the graveyard until he uncovered his next pair of foes.
Name: Skeleton Mage
Class: Mage
Race: Undead
Profession: N/A
Gender: N/A
Stats: Str 8, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 5
Level: 13
Resistances: Slashing(50%), Darkness(90%), Death(100%)
Health: 130
Mana: N/A
Before Robert could fully decipher the results of his Identify spell, a bolt of darkness struck his shield, weakening its protective power. He charged forward, intent on closing the distance, but was forced to dodge a fiery bolt hurled by the second skeleton. Undeterred, Robert retaliated with a bolt of his own, but it was absorbed by a mysterious shield surrounding the creature.
The battle raged on, a relentless exchange of spells and dodges. Robert struggled to penetrate the second skeleton''s defenses, while the first, now shieldless, targeted him with its dark magic. Finally, an opening appeared. The first skeleton''s shield faltered, and Robert seized the opportunity to unleash a barrage of bolts. The creature fell, its lifeless form collapsing to the ground.
Now focused on the remaining mage, Robert continued the intense duel. Spells flew back and forth, each one a potential death sentence. With each passing moment, the tension mounted. But, through skill and determination, Robert emerged victorious, the skeletal mage vanquished.
Looting 10 silver coins each and some dust Robert sat against one of the headstones and worked to catch his breath. Looking at his status page he was surprised how how little mana he had remaining and knew he would have to wait a while before he continued. Eating one of his food rations he went over the battles in his mind trying to see if there was anything he could do differently.
After a little over an hour Robert decided he had recovered enough mana and stood up to continue, however, he realized that he had walked most of the graveyard and the only thing that really remained was the small mausoleum. Figuring that would probably be the final fight and knowing he probably needed to be at his best, Robert decided to hold off for a bit until he fully recovered his mana.
Once that was complete he recast all of his protection spells and entered the door to the mausoleum.
The air crackled with tension as Robert stepped into the mausoleum. The dim light illuminated six skeletal figures standing guard, their eyes glowing with malevolent intent. As he moved deeper into the chamber, three coffins burst open, spewing forth a pair of powerful skeletal warriors and a robed skeletal mage.
Surrounded by nine formidable foes, Robert knew this would be his greatest challenge yet. The skeletal warriors, armed with swords and shields, launched a coordinated assault, while the mages unleashed a barrage of destructive spells. Robert, dodging and weaving, countered with his own spells and swordsmanship.
The battle raged on, a chaotic dance of life and death. Robert’s magic began to take its toll on the skeletons however their numbers remained high. With each passing moment, the situation grew more desperate.
But Robert refused to yield. Drawing upon his reserves of strength and skill, he fought with a ferocity that surprised even himself. He dodged incoming attacks, parried deadly blows, and launched counterattacks. The skeletal warriors fell one by one, their lifeless forms littering the floor of the mausoleum. Finally, the mage itself fell to a well-cast bolt spell. With the more powerful foes removed from the picture, the 6 common skeletons were quickly vanquished.
The battle had drained Robert''s energy, both physical and magical. He collapsed against a cold stone wall, panting heavily. His mana was depleted, his body aching. As he recovered his breath, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. He had faced his greatest challenge yet and emerged victorious.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 9.05756%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Level Up!</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Looting the skeletons, he received his normal rewards. As soon as the final body was looted they all vanished and a Golden Chest appeared.
Dungeon run complete. Epic chest awarded.
Chest contains:
<ul>
<li>One Rare Silver Inlayed Steel Longsword(Enchanted)
</li>
<li>Ten gold coins</li>
<li>One Rare Shop Token</li>
<li>One Unlocked Skill Point</li>
<li>One pair of Uncommon Heavy Leather Pauldrons</li>
<li>One pair of Uncommon Heavy Leather Bracers</li>
<li>One pair of Uncommon Heavy Leather Graves</li>
<li>One Uncommon Heavy Leather Helm</li>
<li>One pair of Uncommon Heavy Lether Boots. </li>
</ul>
Items added to user inventory.
Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon!
With that final thought the chest vanished and Robert walked through the portal that replaced it.