The following week was much of the same. Robert diligently expanded his spellbook and conquered two more dungeons. The first, an island teeming with colossal apes, and the second, a shadowy cavern filled with the undead. While the shops offered nothing extraordinary, the final boss of the second dungeon rewarded him with a truly magnificent staff, one that immediately captured his heart. And as if that wasn''t enough, he leveled up three times over the course of the week.
Name: The Architect''s Staff
Tier: 6
Rank: Epic
Description: Soul Bound to Robert Williams, A colossal staff, 80 inches tall with mithril-inlaid runes covering the staff, forged from the essence of the cosmos itself. Its form is ever-changing, adapting to the wielder''s needs. It hums with the power of creation, allowing its wielder to shape the world according to their will. The staff is adorned with countless symbols of creation and destruction, each imbued with immense power. Has three powers: Cosmic Forge, Passively restores creative energy over time, and increases the potency of creation and restoration magic. Reality Warp, Allows the wielder to manipulate the fabric of reality, creating objects, altering terrain, and healing wounds on a grand scale(Charges expended based upon use). Divine Construction, Summons a celestial construct to aid the wielder in battle or construction projects(30 Charges per use).
Charges: 120(Recharageable)
Dungeon run complete. Rare chest awarded.
Chest contains:
<ul>
<li>Ten Gold coins</li>
<li>Two Standard Skill Points
</li>
<li>One Epic Shop Token</li>
</ul>
Items added to user inventory.
Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon!
Dungeon run complete. Rare chest awarded.
Chest contains:
<ul>
<li>Ten Gold coins</li>
<li>Two Standard Skill Points
</li>
<li>One Epic Shop Token</li>
</ul>
Items added to user inventory.
Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon!
As it was nearing time for Robert to head to DC, he took the time to talk to Hal, regarding his Free points, "Hal I think I''ve banked too many points, where should I put them?"
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 49.8531%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">As I''ve mentioned, I cannot dictate your actions. However, if you seek advice, I''d recommend focusing on bolstering your weaker attributes and potentially rounding out your Constitution.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Looking over his status page, he agreed, so he spent 75 points and moved his attributes to as follows:
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 12.0224%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 58.186%; text-align: center" width="75">Strength</td>
<td style="width: 41.757%; text-align: center" width="64" height="20">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 58.186%; text-align: center">Dexterity</td>
<td style="border-top: 3px; width: 41.757%; text-align: center" height="20">134</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 58.186%; text-align: center">Constitution</td>
<td style="border-top: 3px; width: 41.757%; text-align: center" height="20">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 58.186%; text-align: center">Intelligence</td>
<td style="border-top: 3px; width: 41.757%; text-align: center" height="20">235</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 58.186%; text-align: center">Wisdom</td>
<td style="border-top: 3px; width: 41.757%; text-align: center" height="20">235</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 58.186%; text-align: center">Charisma</td>
<td style="border-top: 3px; width: 41.757%; text-align: center" height="20">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 58.186%; text-align: center">Perception</td>
<td style="border-top: 3px; width: 41.757%; text-align: center" height="20">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 58.186%; text-align: center" width="75">Endurance</td>
<td style="width: 41.757%; text-align: center" width="64">20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 58.186%; text-align: center">Will Power</td>
<td style="width: 41.757%; text-align: center">30</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
With fifty-six unused points, Robert decided he was as prepared as he could be. The following day, he relished a much-needed break, spending quality time with his family. Unfortunately, the respite ended too soon. The next morning, he boarded a flight to DC and checked into a hotel near Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
The following day, he began his reconnaissance mission at the hospital''s visitor center. Approaching the information desk, he asked a volunteer, "My brother is expected to transfer here in a few days. Could you please explain the visiting process once he arrives?" The volunteer smiled and replied, "To visit a patient at Walter Reed, you''ll need to contact your brother''s unit to confirm visiting hours, present a valid government-issued ID at the Visitor Control Center, and complete a visitor pass form based on your relationship. Since you''re his brother, you won''t need the form if he can authorize your visit. Always check the hospital''s website for the latest visitor guidelines and potential restrictions. It''s worth noting that VIP visits might temporarily limit access." Robert smiled back and replied, "Thank you, I''m sure he knows the process, but he''s my older brother and you know how they can be. I''ll call him later today and remind him. Thank you for your time."Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
After that, Robert left the hospital after taking note of where security seemed to be. Returning to his hotel he called Sara to let him know he had finished his inspection of the target. He spent about 45 minutes on the phone just talking to her and enjoying the break. The following morning Robert got up and ate breakfast and then returned to his room. Robert put on his armor, picked up his staff, and checked his inventory to make sure he had everything. Casting an invisibility spell he headed up to the rooftop pool of the hotel. Once there he walked to the end of the roof toward the hospital and used a blink spell to teleport down to the road. Several blinks later he arrived at the first vehicle checkpoint leading into the hospital area. It was here that Robert knew something was going on. The checkpoint had twice the guards and two extra vehicles.
Robert slipped past the checkpoint, his eyes scanning for an opening. Spotting a staff entrance, he ducked inside, noticing the heightened security. It was clear that someone important was in the hospital. He waited for an opportunity, then slipped through the door and into the bustling hospital. Dodging the crowd, he finally learned the cause of the commotion: Secretary of State Frank Davenport was in critical condition. A group of men stood guard near the emergency room. “Any word on the Secretary?” one asked. “Not yet, but the President’s on her way,” another replied. “It’s not good.”
Heading in that direction he was able to locate where they were working on Secretary Davenport. Outside the room where a large group of people but before Robert could decide what to do, the President arrived. "Victoria, how is he?" asked President Harrington. "Oh Elizabeth, he''s not doing good. The doctors are sure it''s a Cerebral Aneurysm, they are getting ready to do surgery, but even if he wakes up, he''ll probably never be the same," answered Victoria Davenport, wife of Secretary Frank Davenport. President Harrington went to her and hugged her, "He''s a tough man, you might be surprised." Robert knew that with an Aneurysm, everything depended on where the bleed was and how big it was. Without hesitation, he slipped past the crowd and opened the door to the surgery room. A Secret Service Agent, alerted by the sudden movement, turned to investigate, but it was too late. Robert was already inside.
Robert moved swiftly, his form materializing as he approached Frank''s bedside. With a gentle touch, he nudged a nurse aside, revealing himself to the startled medical team. As he did so, a protective barrier shimmered into existence, encasing him and Frank. Several Secret Service agents burst into the room, their weapons drawn. They demanded that Robert step away from the Secretary, but he remained focused on his task. In the chaos, Victoria Davenport, Frank''s wife, rushed into the room. "What''s going on?" she demanded, her eyes wide with fear. A Secret Service agent tried to restrain her, but she struggled against his grasp. "Who are you?" Victoria asked, her gaze fixed on Robert. "You look familiar." Robert smiled. "It''s been over thirty years, Victoria. East High, class of ''91?" Recognition dawned in her eyes. "Robert Williams? I haven''t seen you since graduation. What are you doing here? And what are you wearing?" she asked, her confusion evident.
Robert chuckled, "As for the armor, well, let''s just say it comes with the job. And about helping people, I didn''t expect it to be an old classmate." Victoria''s confusion deepened. "Help how? Are you a doctor?" Robert shook his head. "Not exactly. Right now, I''m something more. Give me forty seconds." With that, he began to cast the Tier 4 Healing Spell, Mending Tide.
Name: Mending Tide
Tier: 4
Rank: Epic
Description: This spell channels the healing power of the spheres of healing, light, and water to mend grievous wounds. The caster traces a sigil of restoration in the air, infusing it with their intent. As the sigil glows, a gentle, luminescent wave emanates from the caster''s hand, washing over the target. The wave carries the life-giving energy of water, cleansing and purifying the wounds. The light of healing illuminates the damaged tissues, accelerating the body''s natural repair processes. The combined power of these spheres revitalizes the target, mending broken bones, staunching bleeding, and soothing pain.
Mana Required: 1952
Robert closed his eyes, his mind a canvas of healing, light, and water. He raised his hand, tracing a luminous sigil in the air. A gentle wave of energy, imbued with the life-giving power of water, emanated from his palm, washing over Frank''s unconscious form. The light of healing illuminated his body, stimulating its natural repair mechanisms. As the spell took effect, a subtle change washed over Frank''s face. The pallor of illness began to fade, replaced by a healthy hue. The sigil dissolved, leaving behind an aura of tranquility and renewal. A hush fell over the room as everyone watched, breathless. Then, to their astonishment, Frank''s eyes fluttered open. "What happened?" he asked, his voice weak but clear.
Robert looked over at the group and said, "I think we should have a private conversation, Madam President?" he suggested, his tone serious.