Stepping through the portal, Robert was greeted by the sight of his eagerly awaiting family. Thomas was the first to speak, "Welcome back, son. That only took about six hours. How did it go?" Robert nodded to his father, then stepped over to Sara, embracing her warmly. "It went well," he replied. "This was a good run. I gained two levels and much more." Robert then proceeded to recount his adventure, sharing vivid details of the desert landscape and the imposing fort at its heart. He also displayed pictures of the fearsome creatures he''d encountered. When he revealed the impressive amount of Scrolls he''d earned, their shock was palpable. With a grin, he handed his brother over 60 gold coins to repay him for the 20 stones he''d purchased.


    They looked over the new spell books marveling at the diversity. Thomas asked, "How do tiers work, what does it really mean?" Robert thought it over and then talked to Hal about it before he answered, "There are a total of ten tiers, that go like this:


    1) Minor Effect: A subtle influence on a single individual or object.


    2) Localized Effect: A significant impact on a small area or group of people or objects.


    3) Limited Widespread Effect: A substantial influence on a larger group within a confined area, typically up to 30 meters in radius.


    4) Widespread Effect: A significant impact on a village-sized area.


    5) Large-Scale Effect: A dramatic influence on a city-sized area.


    6) Extensive large-scale effect: A powerful impact on a region spanning 25 to 30 square miles, encompassing a city and its surrounding area.


    7) Regional Effect: A major influence on a small country-sized region.


    8) Continental Effect: A massive impact on a continent-sized area.


    9) Hemispheric Effect: A profound influence on a hemisphere of a planet.


    10) Planetary Effect: A global impact on the entire planet.


    “That should give you an idea of the power scale for each tier. As for the specific capabilities of each tier, it''s a bit more complex to explain. For instance, Tier 1 spells typically involve minor, temporary effects like healing small wounds or manipulating lightweight objects with telekinesis. By Tier 5, we''re talking about more significant power, such as summoning powerful creatures or controlling weather patterns. As we ascend to Tier 9, spells can reshape landscapes, alter planetary climates, or even crack a planet''s core. Tier 10 is truly mind-boggling. These are spells that could create new planets, give birth to life, or even divert a planet''s course through space. Hal often says that Tier 10 magic is akin to the power of the divine.”


    "So, you''ve now gained access to Tier 4 spells, correct?" Thomas asked. "That''s right," Robert replied. "Fiery Tempest is a battlefield spell, and it''s a bit frightening to think that it''s still relatively weak compared to the power of some beings I might encounter in the future. Magic is both a blessing and a curse," Robert continued. "Consider this: I have a Tier 3 fire spell called Incinerate, capable of reducing a person to ash in seconds. Yet, I also possess a Tier 3 water spell called Water Purification, which can purify a swimming pool-sized body of water. Or take the Tier 3 air spell Wind Shear, powerful enough to bring down an airplane. In contrast, Stone Shape is a more benign spell, used to sculpt earth and create small structures."


    "That''s a lot of responsibility, son," Thomas replied. "Are you sure you''re ready for this?" Robert paused, contemplating the weight of his words. "Dad, I believe I am. I''m not seeking power. I simply want to grow, learn, and when I return, contribute to the planet''s survival during the transition. I have no desire for leadership or authority. Magic is an art form, an exciting one at that, and I''m eager to explore its potential." Thomas''s expression turned serious. "Son, you may not have a choice. When you return, you''ll likely be the most powerful being on the planet. I expect things to deteriorate, and you''ll be forced to step in and protect everyone, even from themselves. I raised you well, and I have no doubt you''ll do the right thing. Just be strong."Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "Well, I''ve got a few hundred years before I have to worry about that," Robert replied. "For now, I''ll focus on learning the three spells from the scrolls and studying the new books to commit as many spells as possible to memory. While I may never learn all the Tier 1 spells in that master book, I can definitely learn all the spells in the other books. I also need to finish the remaining 15 healing rods. With my new levels, I can create four a day now, so I should have ten or so completed before my next run. That said, vacation is almost over, and I need to get the kids home soon before school starts."


    Robert spent the next two days committing all of his new spells to his System Spellbook, increasing his options, he also returned to making the enhanced rods and had 11 ready by the time his next run arrived.


    Welcome, adventurer. You have entered Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1, currently known as The Training Dungeon. You are now on the Thirteenth Floor.


    There was nothing new in the shop so he sold his 11 rods for 88 gold and moved on. This floor was another cave system with Giant spiders, which was not Robert''s favorite. The only good thing is that the spiders really did not like fire and Robert found this run to be fairly easy. He did get a new level out of the run and a lot of spider silk. The final battle turned out to be easy when a misplaced fire spell ignited the entire cave of webs and burned most of the spiders alive. The Queen spider took nearly half her health in damage from that and Robert was able to quickly finish her off.


    Dungeon run complete. Rare chest awarded.


    Chest contains:


    <ul>


    <li>Tier 4 Waterstone</li>


    <li>Five gold coins</li>


    <li>One unlocked skill tokens</li>


    <li>Two Rare Shop Token</li>


    </ul>


    Items added to user inventory.


    Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon!


    Looking at the Waterstone, he compared it to the firestone he had already received.


    Name: Firestone


    Tier: 4


    Rank: Rare


    Description: The Firestone was a rough, jagged crystal, its surface a fiery crimson, almost glowing with inner heat. It was shaped like a teardrop, but its edges were sharp and dangerous. When held, it radiated warmth, almost as if it were a miniature sun. The stone pulsed with a fiery energy, its light flickering and dancing. It felt heavy in the hand, a tangible weight of raw power. These stones are used to enchant and create permanent fire-based effects.


    Name: Waterstone


    Tier: 4


    Rank: Rare


    Description: The Waterstone was a smooth, oval-shaped gem, its surface shimmering like the ocean''s depths. It was a deep, oceanic blue, with swirls of darker indigo and lighter turquoise dancing within its depths. When held to the light, it seemed to pulse with an inner light, casting a soft, calming glow. The stone felt cool to the touch, almost icy, and had a soothing weight to it. It hummed with a quiet energy, a constant whisper of the sea. These stones are used to enchant and create permanent water-based effects.


    "Okay, then. Something for enchanting," Robert mused. Gathering his belongings, he stepped through the portal. Back at his parents'' home, he recounted his adventure, eliciting laughter with the tale of the fiery mishap. The rest of the day was spent simply enjoying their company. The following day, they packed up and returned home. With Elara''s 15th birthday just two days away, preparations were underway. Robert was curious to witness someone fully unlocking the System.