Robert returned home to an empty house. A note from Sara informed him that she had taken the kids shopping and would be back by five. He grabbed a quick snack and retreated to his office. First, he added the Farsight Scroll to his System Spellbook, a process that required intense focus. Once complete, he checked his email. A message from Michael confirmed his family''s visit in two weeks. Robert looked forward to seeing them before his departure. He knew his parents were arriving tomorrow, and he wanted to make the most of their visit. David, his brother, was working on getting time off and planned to visit in three to four weeks. Emily, his youngest sister, was determined to see him before he left, even if it meant taking a break from her studies. Her words echoed in his mind: "There''s no way I''m not seeing my big brother for the last time." A wave of nostalgia washed over him as he thought about his family and friends. He recalled countless childhood memories, from playing in the backyard to late-night talks. He realized how much he would miss them. Robert turned his attention back to his preparations. He reviewed his spellbook, practicing the few spells he had mastered. He also spent some time meditating, focusing on calming his mind and strengthening his spirit. He knew that a clear mind and a strong spirit would be essential for his survival in the dungeon.
The front door swung open, and the familiar sounds of his family''s return filled the house. Robert called out from his office, his voice echoing through the hallway. Soon, Sara entered, a warm smile on her face. "Welcome home," she said. "How was your day?" Robert gave her a brief update on his progress in the dungeon, recounting his recent encounter on the 40th floor. "So, I was right about those rods," Sara remarked, a hint of pride in her voice. Robert chuckled. "I knew it was only a matter of time before I faced a powerful mage. I''ve been lucky so far, as I excel against physical fighters. But I wasn''t sure how I''d fare against a pure magic user." Sara nodded, "I told you that you needed to plan for someone like you. Being able to cast powerful spells quickly would be the key. How did the rods work out?"
"The rods performed admirably," Robert explained, "but the amulet wasn''t quite ready. I lacked the proper materials for a Tier 6 spellcasting device. It''s a miracle the thing didn''t detonate instead of merely cracking and disintegrating." Sara nodded in agreement. "Have you tried the spell you received? Your parents are close enough for a quick check-in." Robert chuckled. "You just want to see more magic, don''t you? Well, the spell allows me to cast through a pool of water and see an image. Let''s grab a bowl." With childlike enthusiasm, they rushed to the kitchen and filled a large salad bowl halfway with water. Robert carefully reviewed the spell''s instructions, visualizing his father''s truck and the direction he knew they''d be headed. The spell took over two minutes to cast, but when it was complete, an image appeared in the bowl, showing an overhead view of his father''s truck. "Looks like they''re almost finished loading up," Robert observed. "Too bad there''s no sound with this version. They should be hitting the road soon."
Sara gazed into the bowl, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Just imagine the military applications of this. We could imbue an object with such power." Robert shook his head, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. "That might be veering too close to weaponizing magic, and I''ve made a point of avoiding such creations." Sara nodded in agreement. "You''re right. This could easily be misused. Let''s keep it within the family." She carefully set the bowl aside and returned to Robert''s side, her voice tinged with melancholy. "Magic has been such a wonderful part of my life. I''ll miss it when you''re gone, though not as much as I''ll miss you, of course. It''s just another thing I''ll lose in a few weeks." Robert reached out and pulled her into a comforting embrace. "Of all the things I may lose, you are the one I cherish most. Our children come a close second." They sat in quiet contemplation for a moment before breaking the silence. "I''ll start dinner," Sara announced, her voice filled with love. "I love you, baby."
Robert watched his wife disappear into the kitchen, a pang of sadness settling in his heart. Twenty-eight years of shared life, more than half a century of companionship, were drawing to a close. Yet, a sense of peace washed over him as he realized his family was secure, financially stable, and equipped with the skills to thrive. He sought out Elara, finding her engrossed in a book in the guest room. "I feel like I haven''t been much of a teacher lately. Is there anything specific you need?" he asked. Elara paused, her gaze thoughtful. "Not while we''re here. I need practical experience, something I can''t gain in this environment. Once we reach our destination, I''ll require your guidance. Until then, please cherish the time you have with your family." Robert smiled, grateful for her honesty. "Thank you. Enjoy your book."Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Returning to his office, he diligently worked on crafting a replacement amulet, a precautionary measure. Dinner was a lively affair, filled with the excited chatter of hyperactive children. The next day promised a quiet respite until his parents arrived that evening. After helping his father unload the truck, they settled into John''s room, their temporary abode. Thomas and Robert retreated to the backyard, finding solace in the quietude of the evening. "Son, how are you holding up?" Thomas asked, his voice filled with concern. "Not well," Robert admitted, his tone heavy. "I''ve accepted my fate, but that doesn''t make it any easier." Thomas nodded understandingly. "I know. I can''t offer words that will magically alleviate your pain, but I can offer this advice: Don''t let this adversity consume you. Cherish the time you have left with your family. When the time comes to mourn, do so, but then seek out new sources of happiness. Remember, you''ve been granted over a thousand years of life. You can''t let sadness dominate such a vast expanse of time." A comfortable silence settled between them as they absorbed each other''s words. "I''ll try, Dad," Robert replied, "but it won''t be easy. I anticipate a busy period ahead. Elara''s training, exploring our new surroundings, and adapting to our new reality will undoubtedly be challenging. Perhaps that challenge will help me cope."
Having his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth, around proved to be a source of comfort. Thomas, in particular, had a unique ability to guide Robert through his emotional turmoil. It was a poignant realization for Robert that his father was a man of profound wisdom. Sadly, it took the prospect of leaving to truly appreciate this. He managed to persuade his father to stay for a while after his departure, ensuring that his children would have a strong, steady presence in their lives. The next two weeks followed a familiar pattern. Robert diligently worked his way through floors 41 to 45, earning him four levels and bringing his total to 71. Level 70 held an unexpected surprise, one that piqued his curiosity.
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Class Ability: Fabric of Reality
Description: The user can sense and manipulate the underlying structure of reality, allowing them to:
1) Analyze Objects: Gain detailed information about an object, including its composition, history, and potential uses.
2) Repair Objects: Mend damaged objects at a molecular level.
3) Create Constructs: Form Small and medium objects from raw energy or existing matter.
Limitations:
1) The complexity of the creations is limited by the user''s skill and energy reserves.
2) The user must be in direct contact with the object to manipulate it.
3) Overuse can lead to mental fatigue and a drain on the user''s energy.
This ability provides a versatile tool for problem-solving and exploration. It allows the user to understand the world on a fundamental level and interact with it in unique ways. Use requires Mana and the amount varies.
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Experimenting with his newfound ability, Robert discovered he could now create either larger objects or more intricate designs. Previously limited to objects the size of a remote control, he could now conjure items as large as a television. Moreover, the complexity of these objects had increased significantly. While still not capable of creating advanced computer systems, he could now fabricate items with simple mechanical components. Using his upgraded ability, he fashioned a watch, a practical demonstration of his newfound power. Though not immediately essential, this upgrade hinted at a promising future. If his ability continued to evolve, perhaps he could one day create objects with intricate circuitry, opening up the possibility of constructing vehicles like planes or cars. The mere thought of such potential was exhilarating.