Back home, Robert shared his discovery with Sara, who immediately gathered the family. The kids were curious, but Elara''s reaction was the most pronounced. "You''re going to ascend? That''s incredible! I''ve heard tales of those who''ve raised their racial Tier, legends of heroes!" Robert chuckled. "Hero, huh? More like a power-up, I guess. It should give me a boost in the long run." Elara shook her head. "You don''t understand, Robert. No one I know has ever Tiered up. These are stories of kings, not ordinary people."
Robert pondered this. "So, should I even do it? Could it be dangerous?" Elara was quick to reassure him. "No, you must. This will elevate you, make you stronger than ever." The rest of the family echoed her sentiment.
"Well, Hal told me it''ll take a few days. I better wrap up a few things first. John, how''s the printing?" "The first volume set is done. Fifteen booklets for each Sphere, all Tier 1 as planned. I''m starting on the second volume, and it should be ready by the time you finish your upgrade." Robert nodded. "Alright, I''ve got a skill book and scroll. I''ll shower and get ready to use the crystal."
With nothing else to discuss, they dispersed. Robert studied the skill book and added the scroll to his spellbook. After a quick shower, he asked Hal what to expect. "The process itself is simple. Once you activate the crystal, you''ll appear to be in a deep sleep. When you wake up, it''ll be over." Robert spent a few final moments with Sara before lying down and activating the crystal.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 16.1101%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%">
Ascension Crystal Activated!
Scanning Host!
Race: Human, Current Tier: G
Crystal Rank: F
Crystal Is Compatible!
Tier Ascension Beginning!
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
With that final message, everything went dark and Robert knew no more.
The first thing Robert noticed as the world returned was a blinking box demanding his attention, without really thinking about it, he selected it.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 99.0248%">
Ascension Complete!
Host''s Racial Tier Upgraded to Rank F!
Scanning Host!
Racial Stats Adjusted, all Stats +10
Unlocking Random Locked Stat: Perception Unlocked and set to 10!
Host''s Resistances adjusted +5!
+5 Skill Points Awarded!
+5 Levels!
+1 Legendary Perk Point Awarded!
Base Lifespan Doubled!
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 9.37751%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Title Earned!</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 14.6674%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Hidden Quest Complete!</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 9.5378%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Feat Earned!</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 7.69436%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Level Up!</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Robert had to stop and reread the messages several times, before he called out to Sara, to let her know he was awake.
Pulling up his Title first he saw the following:
<table style="border-collapse: collapse" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="117">Name</td>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="352">Description</td>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="153">Effects</td>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="85">Viewable</td>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="69">Selected</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="117">Tier Breaker</td>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="352">A title bestowed upon the first individual to transcend the limitations of their racial Tier, elevating themselves to a higher being of existence. This groundbreaking achievement marks a new era, pushing the boundaries of power and potential.</td>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="153">+4 Levels to all Skills, +10% increase in all Exp earned.</td>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="85">Yes</td>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="69">No</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Seeing the +4 Levels to all skills was crazy
Next, he pulled up the Feat:
<table style="border-collapse: collapse" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 33.3578%; text-align: center" width="121">Feat Name</td>
<td style="width: 33.3578%; text-align: center" width="242">Description</td>
<td style="width: 33.2776%; text-align: center" width="265">Award</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 33.3578%; text-align: center" width="121">Ascend to the Heavens</td>
<td style="width: 33.3578%" width="242">You have successfully ascended to the F-Tier, granting you a significant increase in power and potential.</td>
<td style="width: 33.2776%" width="265">+3 Unlocked Skill Points, +1 Rare and +1 Legendary Perk Points</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The perk points were the winner there, and then he looked at the quest:
<table style="border-collapse: collapse" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="119">Name</td>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="98">Type</td>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="230">Description</td>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="140">Award</td>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="292">Notes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 19.9666%" width="119">Tier Up to F in your Race</td>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="98">Hidden</td>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="230">You have ascended from G to F.</td>
<td style="width: 19.9666%; text-align: center" width="140">+1 Level, +500 Gold, +2 Levels to all skills.</td>
<td style="width: 19.9666%" width="292">One-time quest from using an Ascension Crystal.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
"Another +2 boost to all skill levels? Insane! I looked at his stats and saw all his magic skills firmly planted in Tier 5, and Level 37! That''s wild." Just as I was reeling from this news, Sara walked in. "Hey, babe. How was it?" Robert grinned and, instead of answering, pointed to the screens. Sara''s eyes widened as she scanned the messages. "Honey, three days well-spent! The kids are going to flip out."
A few minutes later, the door burst open, and four teenagers stormed in. John led the charge, "Dad, did it work? Spill!" Robert chuckled and, without a word, pulled up the system logs. Elara was the first to react, "Robert, the legends are true. You''re a force to be reckoned with." Robert shook his head, "I''m not interested in titles. I just want to ensure our safety when we reach our destination. This was just a stepping stone. But hey, the power boost is pretty sweet. And if everything goes according to plan, I will live to see 800 years old. That means I''ll be back on Earth when the System arrives."
The family sat in silence thinking about what Robert had just said, no one could picture living for 800 years and they knew that number would grow as he continued to level. They also started to really think about time, they knew that there was only a little over 3 months remaining until Robert and Elara had to leave and everyone started to feel sad. Robert sensing that things were starting to go in a bad direction, changed the subject, "John how did the first run go?" With a forced smile on his face, John replied, "They went well. The first booklet turned out better than I thought it would." John quickly ran out and returned with copies of the booklets, "Here take a look, I also looked into storage and I think if we wrap them in parchment paper and then vacuum seal them, they will last for a long time."
"So, it seems you have a plan," Robert said. "Are you ready to dive into the next series of booklets?" John nodded in agreement, and they headed to Robert''s office to begin the planning process. After selecting the spells and outlining the content on the computer, John excused himself to initiate the printing process. Before Robert could decide on his next task, Sara entered the room. "The kids seem occupied, and I''m bored," she announced. "Got any plans to keep me busy?" John, with a playful smirk, stood up and took her hand. "Come on, I''ll show you."
The following day Robert decided to complete his next run.
Welcome, adventurer. You have entered Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1, currently known as The Training Dungeon. You are now on the Twenty-first Floor.
Heading to the shop he opened it up to complete his purchases.
<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.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
</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%">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 (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, which allows the casting of spells while wearing light and medium armor with no penalty.</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>
Ignoring the cost, Robert eagerly purchased the skill book, armor pack, and scroll pack. Tucking the skill book away, he couldn''t resist diving into the armor first.
Name: Guardian''s Scaled Armor of Protection
Tier: 4, Epic
Armor Type: Scaled, Medium Armor
Description: A formidable suit of armor, the Guardian''s Scaled Armor of Protection offers exceptional defense and durability. Crafted from the scales of ancient guardian creatures, this armor is imbued with protective magic, making it a coveted prize for warriors and knights alike. The complete Set includes: Helm, Cuirass, Pauldrons, Gauntlets, Greaves, and Sabatons.
Enchantments: Enhanced Durability, Weight Reduction, Intimidating Presence, Divine Blessing.
"Wow, Hal," Robert breathed, "I''m speechless. This armor is incredible!"
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 44.2426%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">I agree, a lucky draw indeed. This set should serve you well for years to come.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Setting the armor aside, Robert turned his attention to the scrolls.
Name: Scroll of Fiery Tempest
Tier: 4 Epic
Sphere(s): Fire, Destruction
Description: A powerful spell that summons a swirling tempest of fire, capable of incinerating large areas and harming multiple foes.
Charges: 1
-----
Name: Scroll of Tidal Wave
Tier: 4, Epic
Sphere(s): Water, Conjuration
Description: A destructive spell that conjures a massive tidal wave, capable of sweeping away entire villages.
Charges: 1
-----
Name: Scroll of Greater Healing Light
Tier: 4, Legendary
Sphere(s): Healing, Light
Description: A potent healing spell that can restore health and vitality to the wounded, this spell creates a bright light that covers an area with a radius of 20 meters.
Charges: 1
-----
Name: Scroll of Shadow Step
Tier: 4, Rare
Sphere(s): Darkness, Travel
Description: A stealthy spell that allows the caster to move silently through shadows, evading detection.
Charges: 1
-----
Name: Scroll of Illusionary Doppelganger
Tier: 4 Rare
Sphere(s): Death, Soul
Description: A spell that creates a perfect illusionary duplicate of the caster, allowing for misdirection and deception.
Charges: 1
"I want them all!" Robert exclaimed. "Even unlocking two new magic spheres seems worth it. Should I just unlock all of them at this point?"
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 54.7422%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">That would be unprecedented, a being with mastery over all spheres of magic. A feat worthy of legends.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
"Sounds like something worthy of a feat or title," Robert replied with a laugh.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 20.1977%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">I''m sorry, I cannot answer that.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
"I know Hal, I didn''t expect you to be able to, I was just thinking out loud," Robert replied.
Putting the scrolls away, he pulled out the skill book and began the process of learning the skill.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 33.6628%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Armor Proficiency Subskill Armored Casting Learned!</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Once the preparations were complete, he donned his new armor and stepped through the fiery portal. The dungeon was a fiery inferno, a volcanic cavern filled with molten rock and searing heat. His first encounter was with a formidable foe:
Name: Ignis Scalis
Class: Magma Brute
Race: Lizardfolk
Description: A hulking, fiery lizard, its scales hardened by the intense heat of the underworld.
Gender: Male
Stats: Str 33, Dex 23, Con 28, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 8
Level: 34
Resistances: Fire (100%), Water (-50%)
Health: 2400
Mana: 400
With a confident grin, he unleashed a Tier 3 Water Bomb, a torrent of water that struck the brute with devastating force, dealing over 500 damage. A Water Wall slowed the creature''s advance, allowing him to finish it off swiftly. The reward was modest: 3 gold coins and a piece of tough lizard hide. He continued through the labyrinthine tunnels, dispatching several more Magma Brutes. Then, a new threat emerged:
Name: Pyrus Serpens
Class: Ash Stalker
Race: Lizardfolk
Description: A sleek, venomous lizard, its movements as swift as a serpent.
Gender: Female
Stats: Str 18, Dex 33, Con 23, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 12
Level: 35
Resistances: Fire (100%), Water (-40%)
Health: 1800
Mana: 500
Confident in his strategy, he launched another Water Bomb. However, the Ash Stalker, with its incredible agility, dodged the attack and retaliated with a fiery projectile. It was clear that a new approach was needed. Robert, undeterred, countered with a barrage of ice spells, slowing the creature''s movements and erecting Water Walls to impede its progress. The walls, shimmering barriers of water, blocked the Stalker''s path, forcing it to detour and slowing its deadly attacks. The battle raged on, a dance of fire and ice. Robert, with strategic use of cover and tactical retreats, managed to avoid the creature''s deadly strikes. A well-timed Ice Storm spell slowed the Stalker, creating an opportunity for a decisive blow. With a powerful swing of his sword, Robert delivered a critical hit, severing the creature''s head. Looking the Stalker earned Robert a potion that when he identified it gave him the following results:
Name: Fiery Fortitude Potion
Tier: 3
Rarity: Uncommon
Description: A crimson elixir, bubbling with intense heat. Consuming this potion grants temporary immunity to fire damage and increases fire resistance for a substantial duration.
"Hey Hal, so with my Alchemy skill could I make potions like this, and what happens if someone without the System uses the potion?"
<table style="border-collapse: collapse" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 99.0248%; text-align: center">You could, this is a Tier 3 potion so well within your ability, the only problem is ingredients, which Earth could only provide some of. You would be missing the Magma Flower, though if might find some here if you had the Herbalism skill.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
"That sounds like a missed opportunity, let me take care of that right now," Robert said with a sigh.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 15.6292%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Herbalism Skill Unlocked!</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
After unlocking the skill, Robert embarked on a quest to collect the elusive flowers. He successfully gathered several before encountering a series of challenges. He faced five groups of Stalkers, each encounter testing his combat prowess. As he delved deeper, the challenges intensified. He encountered mixed groups, a formidable combination of creatures that forced him to retreat strategically. Dodging attacks from lizards while avoiding deadly lava pools proved to be a perilous task. Despite the increased difficulty, Robert persevered, defeating ten mixed groups. This grueling ordeal rewarded him with a level-up and additional potions. Finally, he reached the final battle, ready to confront the ultimate challenge.
Name: Ignis Draco
Class: Flame Wyrm
Race: Dragonkin
Description: While related to dragons, if you ask them this fearsome creature is more related to lizards than dragons, however, its breath is capable of incinerating foes.
Gender: Male
Stats: Str 35, Dex 30, Con 35, Int 22, Wis 18, Cha 20
Level: 40
Resistances: Fire (80%)
Health: 4000
Mana: 1600
"Hal, please tell me that isn''t a real dragon," Robert asked, slowly backing away.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 68.2875%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">It wishes it was a dragon, more like a distant, fire-breathing cousin you’d rather forget. Still, it''s dangerous. Be careful.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Recognizing the threat, Robert summoned two Guardians and drinking a Fire Potion. He launched an Ice Storm as a first strike. While not a true dragon, the creature''s fiery breath proved deadly, claiming one Guardian in a single blast. Fortunately, the Wyrm needed time to recharge, allowing Robert to land the killing blow, albeit at the cost of his second Guardian. Looting the creature''s remains, Robert found a modest treasure: 20 gold pieces and a powerful ring.
Name: Ring of Flame Warding
Tier: 4
Rarity: Rare
Description: A ring forged in the heart of a volcano, this crimson jewel pulses with fiery energy. When worn, it grants the wearer a powerful shield against fire damage, deflecting incoming flames and reducing their impact. Additionally, the ring enhances the wearer''s resistance to fire, making them less susceptible to its destructive force.
"And I get the ring after beating the fire level, just as expected," Robert chuckled.
Dungeon run complete. Mythical chest awarded.
Chest contains:
<ul>
<li>Stat Orb(Endurance)
</li>
<li>Trait Orb(Draconic Resistance, Fire)</li>
<li>75 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!
Trait Name: Draconic Resistance, Fire
Active/Passive: Passive
Rarity: Legendary
Description: Grants a permanent resistance to fire of 35%.
"Wow, that Wyrm may not have been a dragon, but it had a horde," Robert remarked. "I''m guessing the Stat Orb unlocks Endurance?"
<table style="border-collapse: collapse" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 99.0248%; text-align: center">Correct, and while that fire resistance is impressive, a true dragon might have yielded a 50 or 60% bonus. Still, a valuable find.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
With that, Robert stepped through the portal and returned home.