The next morning, Hal was reviewing the first draft of John’s Starter Book when Robert interrupted. “Hal, remind me again: when do I get my second class?”
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 50.0935%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Level 100, and before you ask, the chances of reaching that before you leave are slim.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
“What about my second profession?” Robert asked.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 36.949%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Level 150, and that’s definitely out of reach, which is a good thing.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Robert raised an eyebrow. “Why’s that?”
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 78.4665%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">You already have a powerful mage class and a solid support class. You need a strong fighting class to balance them out. Right now, you haven’t earned one. Wondering Ranger of the Silent Way would have been perfect, but you passed on it, so it’s gone forever.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
“That’s a bummer,” Robert admitted.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 51.7767%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">The problem is, you’d only be offered a mediocre class now. You need more skills, feats, traits—everything. You’ve focused on being a mage, so the System has tailored your dungeon runs to that. You need a good trainer and skill books to boost your fighting abilities, but you won’t find those here.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
“So, I want to be as powerful as possible before I leave, but I need room for a higher-tier second class,” Robert mused.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 11.6217%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">That is correct.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
“Speaking of builds, what should I do with these skill books? I still think Painting was a joke reward, but should I take Jewelcrafting? It might help with a second profession. And I think Cartography is a must, regardless,” Robert asked.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 68.2073%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Learn them all. Painting might seem like a joke, but the System doesn’t joke. It could unlock unexpected options later.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
“If you say so.” Robert pulled out the books and started using them.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 29.0142%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Subskill Painting learned, General Skill Art unlocked!</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 20.5183%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">General Skill Alchemy Unlocked!</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 22.1213%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">General Skill JewelCrafting unlocked!</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 47.8493%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Survival Subskill Cartography Learned. Error: Subskill cannot exceed General Skill level. Adjusting General Skill: Survival now Tier 4 Level 5. Adjusting other subskills.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
“Hal, did you know that would happen?” Robert asked, surprised.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 60.5931%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Yes. That’s why I suggested using the book. A higher Survival skill will help you earn a better second class.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
“Thanks for looking out for me, Hal,” Robert said with a smile.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 58.7497%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">I''m here to support you. I can''t share everything, I''m not allowed, but I''ll do my best to guide and advise you.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
“I appreciate it,” Robert replied.
Robert spent the next two days doing the same, though he did approve John''s first book so he spent a few hours helping him start the printing process. The following day it was Dungeon time.
Welcome, adventurer. You have entered Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1, currently known as The Training Dungeon. You are now on the Twentieth Floor. This is a challange floor.
Looking at the shop, he saw something new:
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 88.5417%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.381%">Item Name</td>
<td style="width: 7.79138%; text-align: center">Item Tier</td>
<td style="width: 9.15035%; text-align: center">Item Rarity</td>
<td style="width: 7.0666%; text-align: center">Item cost</td>
<td style="width: 54.5397%">Item Description</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.381%">Food Ration</td>
<td style="width: 7.79138%; text-align: center">1</td>
<td style="width: 9.15035%; text-align: center">common</td>
<td style="width: 7.0666%; text-align: center">2 copper</td>
<td style="width: 54.5397%">
A basic daily food ration.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.381%">Water Bottle</td>
<td style="width: 7.79138%; text-align: center">1</td>
<td style="width: 9.15035%; text-align: center">common</td>
<td style="width: 7.0666%; text-align: center">2 copper</td>
<td style="width: 54.5397%">A small bottle of daily water.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.381%">Large Healing Potion</td>
<td style="width: 7.79138%; text-align: center">1</td>
<td style="width: 9.15035%; text-align: center">uncommon</td>
<td style="width: 7.0666%; text-align: center">1 silver</td>
<td style="width: 54.5397%">A healing potion that when used will heal for 30 health.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.381%">Large Mana Potion</td>
<td style="width: 7.79138%; text-align: center">1</td>
<td style="width: 9.15035%; text-align: center">Rare</td>
<td style="width: 7.0666%; text-align: center">25 silver</td>
<td style="width: 54.5397%">Mana potion that when used will restore 100 mana.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.381%">Tier 3 Spell Book of Space</td>
<td style="width: 7.79138%; text-align: center">2</td>
<td style="width: 9.15035%; text-align: center">rare</td>
<td style="width: 7.0666%; text-align: center">150 gold</td>
<td style="width: 54.5397%">This book contains 25 random Tier 3 space spells.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.381%">Tier 3 Spell Book of Nature</td>
<td style="width: 7.79138%; text-align: center">2</td>
<td style="width: 9.15035%; text-align: center">rare</td>
<td style="width: 7.0666%; text-align: center">100 gold</td>
<td style="width: 54.5397%">This book contains 25 random Tier 3 Nature spells.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.381%">Random Epic Scroll Pack</td>
<td style="width: 7.79138%; text-align: center">5</td>
<td style="width: 9.15035%; text-align: center">Epic</td>
<td style="width: 7.0666%; text-align: center">1 token</td>
<td style="width: 54.5397%">This pack contains 5 random Tier 4 spell scrolls.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.381%">Tier 4 Armor Pack</td>
<td style="width: 7.79138%; text-align: center">4</td>
<td style="width: 9.15035%; text-align: center">Epic</td>
<td style="width: 7.0666%; text-align: center">2 tokens</td>
<td style="width: 54.5397%">This pack contains an Epic grade set of Tier 4 scale armor and includes a Helm, Cuirass, Pauldrons, Gauntlets, Greaves, and Sabatons.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.381%">Skillbook (Armor Proficiency)</td>
<td style="width: 7.79138%; text-align: center">3</td>
<td style="width: 9.15035%; text-align: center">Rare</td>
<td style="width: 7.0666%; text-align: center">1 token</td>
<td style="width: 54.5397%">Grants the general skill Armor Proficiency, which allows the wearing of light and medium armor.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.381%">Skillbook (Armored Casting)</td>
<td style="width: 7.79138%; text-align: center">4</td>
<td style="width: 9.15035%; text-align: center">Epic</td>
<td style="width: 7.0666%; text-align: center">1 Token</td>
<td style="width: 54.5397%">Grants the Armor Proficiency subskill Armored Casting, that allows the casting of spells while wearing light and medium armor with no penality.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 21.381%">Tier 3 Master Spell Book</td>
<td style="width: 7.79138%; text-align: center">3</td>
<td style="width: 9.15035%; text-align: center">Legendary</td>
<td style="width: 7.0666%; text-align: center">3 Tokens</td>
<td style="width: 54.5397%">This book contains all Tier 3 spells from the following spheres; fire, earth, water, air, time, creation, healing, light, and enchantment.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
“Hal, I’ll never get the Master Spell Book. I can’t afford to spend tokens on anything else right now. And even with three rare and one epic token, I can only buy the scrolls and the armor book. Or wait…”
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 57.6276%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">I’d buy the Armor Proficiency now and wait on the rest. You can use that immediately, since you’re wearing armor.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
“But I haven’t had any problems with my armor,” Robert protested.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 73.9781%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">You have, you just haven’t noticed because your skills are compensating. Your casting ability has taken a hit, you just don’t realize it.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
“Alright, I trust you. I’ll buy the book and the spellbooks with gold. Hopefully, I can buy everything except the Master Book in six more runs, unless the System throws a curveball.”
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 36.2276%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">No, it won’t add better items until you buy the current ones.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
“So, I might be missing out on better stuff? The System loves to stress me out,” Robert grumbled as he bought the items and sold his healing rods. After acquiring the skill book, he opened it and began learning the skill.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 25.8082%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">General Skill Armor Proficiency Unlocked!</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
He glanced at the two spell books, eyeing spells like Blink, Spatial Distortion, and Spatial Blast. These would be game-changers in combat. His Nature book offered promising spells like Thorn Whip and Nature’s Mending, but he wanted to start compleing the run first.
Exiting the entry room the first thing Robert noticed was the smell, "Is that Surfur?"
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 37.4299%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Based upon the input I''m getting from your senses, I''d say yes.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
"Great, I can already tell this is going to suck," Rober replied. Contining on in the first room, he found pools of lava and his first target:
Name: Fire Imp
Class: Infernal Imp
If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.Race: Fiend
Description: A powerful, demonic imp, a master of fire and chaos.
Gender: Male
Stats: Str 18, Dex 20, Con 15, Int 15, Wis 8, Cha 12
Level: 20
Resistances: Fire(100%)
Health: 800
Mana: 600
"Hal, please do not tell me this is a demon run," Robert sighed
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 15.2284%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">I promise not to tell you.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
"Hal, did you just make a funny," Robert said with a smile. Not waiting for a replied he cast his light bolt spell to see if it did bonus damge, which it did. Dodging the imps fire bolts he began a short dance to the death and defeated the Imp. Looting the imp, he found 2 gold, and a handful of infernal ash. before he continued on.
The next room contained 3 Imps which proved to be a challenge, Robert took over 600 points of damage during the fight and had to recast his sheld spells twice, that being said he did win in the end. After looking the Imps and healing himself he sat for a bit and recovered his Mana, while he tried to think of something new. Pulling out his Tier 4 Water spellbook, he looked through and found two spells that he knew he would need, so he started the process of learning the spells.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 26.2089%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Spell moved to System Spellbook: Ice Storm!</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 23.9647%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Spell moved to System Spellbook: Ice Spike!</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
After that was complete he continued on and in the next room, he saw something different:
Name: Inferno Hound
Class: Infernal Beast
Race: Fiend
Description: A ferocious, demonic hound, a creature of fire and shadow.
Gender: Male
Stats: Str 25, Dex 20, Con 22, Int 8, Wis 6, Cha 8
Level: 20
Resistances: Fire(75%), Darkness(75%)
Health: 800
Mana: 100
Seeing 1 of them and 3 Imps in the room, he stepped back and decided to bring out his summon. Once that was ready he began the attack, having the summon target the hound which Robert focused on the Imps seemed to be the best option and allowed him to end the fight would taking any damage. One of the things he noticed was the hound dropped an Inferno Pelt.
"Hal, should I be really keeping these are getting ride of them, I don''t currently use them for crafting," Robert asked Hal.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 83.2755%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">You don''t, but others will and these will make good trade items, there is also the fact that you might be able to make use of them in the future, and you have the room.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Robert had no answer to that so he continued on. The next room was mostly a repeat but 2 hounds this time. His summon did well but in the end, Robert let it go and planned to resummon it, it had taken too much damage and he wasn''t sure it would survice the next battle.Which turned out to be a good idea.
Looking into the next room, Robert noticed 5 Imps floating around and one larger Imp staying behind them, using his Identify skill he found out why:
Name: Imp Lord
Class: Fiend Lord
Race: Fiend
Description: A cunning and powerful imp, a master of fire and illusion.
Gender: Male
Stats: Str 16, Dex 22, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 18
Level: 25
Resistances: Fire(100%), Illusion(50%)
Health: 1000
Mana: 800
Robert knew this would be a challenging battle, but he was ready. With a deep breath, he unleashed a torrent of icy energy, casting an Ice Storm spell that blanketed the battlefield in a blizzard. The Imps, caught off guard, where knowned out of the air slipped and slid on the icy ground, their movements slowed. The Imp Lord, however, was more resilient, shaking off the effects of the spell.
Robert summoned his Celestial Guardian, a radiant being of light and purity. The Guardian, a beacon of hope in the midst of chaos, charged towards the Imp Lord, its body glowing with celestial energy. The Imp Lord retaliated with a blast of hellfire, but the Guardian''s shiftedaway from the attack. Meanwhile, Robert focused his attention on the Imps. He cast a series of Ice Spike spells, each one a deadly icicle that pierced the creatures'' fiery forms. The Imps shrieked in pain, their movements becoming more erratic.
As the battle raged, Robert''s Celestial Guardian and the Imp Lord clashed, their blows echoing through the fiery realm. The Guardian''s claws met the Imp Lord''s trident in a clash of divine and demonic power. The Imp Lord, though powerful, was no match for the celestial being. With a final, decisive strike, the Guardian severed the Imp Lord''s head, sending it crashing to the ground. The Imps, sensing their leader''s demise, redoubled their attacks however with the Guardian now free to aid Robert the fight ended shortly after. Exhausted but victorious, stood triumphant, proud of what he was able to do
Looting the Imp Lord, gained him something unexpected for welcome:
Name: Scroll of Fire Storm
Tier: 5, Epic
Sphere(s): Fire, Air
Description: A storm of flame and wind erupts in a chosen location, engulfing an area in a tempest of fiery destruction. The storm''s swirling winds carry the flames, spreading the inferno and making it difficult to escape. Those caught within the storm are engulfed in flames, taking significant fire damage. The storm rages for a short time, leaving behind a charred and smoking landscape.
Charges: 1
"Hal, i really need to get my spells to Tier 5, these spells are game changers," Robert said in shock.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 99.0385%; text-align: center">Wait until you see Tier 6 or 7 spells, these are babies compared.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
"Hal that is scary, how do be go up against spellcasters?" Robert asked in wonder.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 99.0385%; text-align: center">For everything there is a counter, There are nations who keep high level mage killers on standby. That being said, the main counter to a powerful mage is another powerful mage. The only thing that can stop Tier 9 or 10 spells are other Tier 9 or 10 spells. If you continue to grow, someday in the future, you will be the counter to bad mages.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
"Great so I''ve got goals, no need to worry about this scroll now, so I''ll put it away an continue." Robert replied. Moving on, he ran into two more groups of Imp Lords and followed the same plan which took care of them. It was the next room that made him pause. This room contained two Imp Lords and Eight Fire Imps.
"I know this is a challenge floor, but that''s just stupid," Robert said to himself. "Hal, can I summon two Guardians?"
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 60.4968%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Not yet, when you Tier up in those schools you will be able to crate a second one, until then you cannot.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Robert glanced at his skill sheet. He had enough points to push Light to Tier 5, but not Conjuration. He hesitated. Tiering up Light would be useful soon, but Conjuration was further off. He decided to save his points. A plan began to form in his mind. He would use Earth magic to create a wall, splitting the enemy group in two. A Water wall would hold the second group back, allowing him to focus on the first. If he was quick enough, he could defeat the first group before the second broke free. A well-timed Binding spell might just seal the deal. Robert readied an Ice Storm. He knew he had to act fast. As the storm crashed down, freezing the Imps momentarily, he began to weave his spells. Earth and Water rose from the ground, forming walls that divided the enemy. The Imp Lords roared in anger, but Robert was undeterred. He unleashed a barrage of spells, his Guardian fighting the Imp Lord for him. The battle raged, a whirlwind of magic and steel. With each passing moment, the tide of battle turned in Robert''s favor. The Imps, once a formidable force, were now scattered and weakened. The final blow was delivered by Robert who with a well times Ice Spike killed the second Lord, ending the threat.
As the dust settled, Robert stood victorious, panting heavily. The daunting challenge had pushed him to his limits, but he had emerged triumphant. A surge of satisfaction coursed through him as he surveyed the fallen Imps. He had proven his worth. With a weary sigh, Robert began to loot the fallen creatures. He hoped for a rare scroll, a prize to commemorate his victory. Yet, as he sifted through the spoils, he found only the usual mundane items. Disappointment flickered in his eyes, but he quickly shook it off. The true reward, he realized, was the hard-won victory itself.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 9.61539%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Level Up!</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Continuing on, Robert came to what he assuming was the final challenge, which was backed up by what was in the room:
Name: Lesser Demon Lord
Class: Demon Lord
Race: Demon
Description: A cunning and powerful demon, a master of fire and illusion.
Gender: Male
Stats: Str 28, Dex 24, Con 21, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 18
Level: 30
Resistances: Fire(60%), Illusion(40%), Darkness(40%)
Health: 3000
Mana: 700
Knowing the battle ahead would be arduous, Robert ensured he was fully healed and his mana pool was replenished. Recognizing the Demon wasn''t fully immune to fire, he opted for a fiery strategy. Instead of the usual Ice Storm, he would begin with a powerful Fiery Tempest, followed by a chilling Ice Storm. This dual assault would weaken the creature, allowing his Guardian to hold it off while he unleashed a barrage of spells. Before diving into the fray, Robert allocated some of his 49 unused stat points. He added 5 to Strength for increased physical prowess, 3 to Constitution for enhanced durability, and 2 each to Intelligence and Wisdom to bolster his magical abilities. With this strategic investment, he felt more confident in his chances.
Summoning his Guardian, Robert initiated the Tempest spell. As the fiery maelstrom erupted, he followed up with the Ice Storm, catching the Demon in a devastating crossfire. The creature roared in agony, its form battered and weakened. His Guardian, seizing the opportunity, charged forward, engaging the Demon in a brutal melee. Though the Demon proved more resilient than anticipated, Robert persisted, relentlessly bombarding it with spells. As his Guardian fell, the Demon seemed poised for victory. However, Robert had one final trick up his sleeve. A well-aimed Ice Spike pierced the creature''s heart, silencing its defiant roar and claiming a hard-fought victory.
Looting the Demon Lord, rewarded Robert with a strange crystal looking at it left him in shock:
Name: Ascension Crystal
Tier: 6, Legendary Grade F
Description: When used has the following effects: Tier Advancement, Enhanced Abilities, and Spiritual Growth
Charges: 1
"Hal, what is this?" Robert asked, his voice barely a whisper.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 85.4167%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">That, Robert, is your future, the crystal will initiate your ascension from Tier G to Tier F. It grants three powerful effects: Tier Advancement, Enhanced Abilities, and Spiritual Growth. Tier Advancement is self-explanatory, elevating your race. Enhanced Abilities will boost your base stats and accelerate your skill learning. Spiritual Growth will refine your spirit, fortifying your mind and soul, and even doubling your lifespan. This is an incredible find, perhaps the greatest you could have hoped for.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
"So I should use it now, right?" Robert asked, eager to embrace his destiny.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 69.1506%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Not quite yet, the ascension process will require a few days of deep slumber. It''s best to initiate it in the comfort of your home.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
"Alright, let''s finish this," Robert said, walking over to the treasure chest. With a touch, he concluded the dungeon run.
Dungeon run complete. Legendary chest awarded.
Chest contains:
<ul>
<li>Skillbook (Inscription)
</li>
<li>Fifty gold coins</li>
<li>Two unlocked skill tokens</li>
<li>One Legendary Shop Token</li>
</ul>
Items added to user inventory.
Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon!
"Hal, what''s Inscription?" Robert inquired.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 57.2115%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">A valuable skill, it allows you to create scrolls and other magical items. Learn it before you use the crystal.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Robert trusted Hal''s judgment. With a final glance at his newfound treasures, he stepped through the portal.