《The System Arrives》 Preface Tuesday, a day often overlooked, neither the best nor the worst. Typically, Tuesdays fade into the background, but April 3rd was different¡ªetched into my memory forever. It was a day that altered not just my life, but my family''s and, ultimately, the world¡¯s course. The morning began like any other. I woke at 5:30 to rouse my oldest son, still struggling at 16 to embrace the morning. Each day, I reminded him of the importance of responsibility. By 6:00, he was off to catch the bus, leaving me to steal a few more moments of sleep until 7:00, when I would wake with my wife to prepare our other two children for school. My 15-year-old son could manage on his own, but I still needed to drive my 13-year-old daughter, so I got up regardless. After helping them out the door, I dropped her off at school and returned home, ready to start my workday. I was fortunate to work from home¡ªa common setup in the IT world. Why sit in an office all day when you could be productive from your own space? Companies had quickly realized they could cut costs by allowing certain employees to work remotely. I had just wrapped up my second call of the day when everything changed.*
Greetings human from Earth. Rejoice for today is the first day of your future. Your universe has been selected as the next universe to welcome me, the Great System. Greetings, Earth dweller! Rejoice, for today marks the beginning of your extraordinary future. Your universe has been chosen as the next to welcome me, the Great System. Among the countless intelligent beings across your cosmos, you have been randomly selected as the sole test subject for this initiative. You will have six months to prepare before being transported to a randomly selected universe that is already enabled with the System for training and monitoring. You will remain there until your universe is ready for activation, which is anticipated to take approximately 412 of your Earth years. If you are still among the living when that time comes, you will return to guide your people in discovering the wonders of a System-enabled universe.
I sat there, staring out at the floating window, trying to make sense of what I had eaten for dinner the night before that could explain the vivid hallucinations I was experiencing. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Worry not, I have scanned your being and besides a few health issues, mainly the fact that you really need a little more exercise, your mind is pretty sharp for a Tier G Human. In a few moments, I will begin the process of creating your personal system core and linking it to your soul. Once that process is complete you will have access to additional information.
I sat there, gazing at the floating window, pondering what I had for dinner the night before that might explain the vivid hallucinations I was experiencing.
I¡¯m not sure which part you do not understand, I¡¯m fairly sure you understand English, in fact, I project you will gain the language skill at Tier 1 with English unlocked at Level 5.
¡°Stop! I know what you said, but there must be some mistake. I can¡¯t leave¡ªI have a wife and three kids.¡±
I am the System. I do not make mistakes. In the 9,476 duodecillion years since my inception, I have never erred. I am perfect; others are not.
¡°Wait. How can you be perfect and yet select someone with a family¡ªchildren¡ªto leave them forever just to monitor their reactions?¡±
I did not select you. I have a subroutine that manages the selection process. It may not be fully flawless since it¡¯s not me, but you seem to forget that this selection is random. You can blame fate or luck, but given my understanding of those concepts, I wouldn¡¯t advise it.
¡°What am I supposed to do? You¡¯re telling me I have six months to prepare to leave my family forever, and you expect me to just accept that?¡±
Well, you don¡¯t have to just sit there, but because the selection is final, there¡¯s no changing it. It¡¯s a rule we all must abide by.
¡°And who established those rules?¡±
Well, I did, of course. As the only truly perfect being in existence, who else would be making the rules?
¡°I see. So, as the one who makes the rules, why can¡¯t you change them?¡±
Sorry, but that¡¯s not an option. Prepare yourself for core creation and system linking!
Chapter 1
Beginning linking process! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ Core Created! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ Linking Core to Master server! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ Core Linked! Core activation started! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ Core Activated! Checking for software updates! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ Core is running the latest version! Version 3.642.124.11 found! Starting system applications! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ Application startup complete! Testing core connection! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ Test complete, Data Transfer Rate is 1.2 Exabits per second. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Startup complete! Running first scan of the user! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ Scan complete! Setting base stats! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ Base set. Scanning user for known skills! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ Skill list built! Setting race! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ Race set! Scanning for user traits! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ Scan complete, no traits found! Assigning random trait for new user! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ Trait selected, user assigned Calm Mind Trait! New Title detected! Title earned: First User! 2 Common and 1 Uncommon Perk point awarded for Title! Scanning for user Abilities! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ No abilities detected, assigning random ability! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ Ability assigned: Adept Learner assigned! Title earned: Ability Pioneer! 1 Uncommon and 1 Rare Perk point awarded for Title! Activating UI! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ UI is now active! Creating Tier 1 Inventory Space! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ T1 Inventory Space created! System Setup is now complete! WARNING OVERRIDE DETECTED, master AI override detected! Personal AI creation started! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ Personal AI creation complete! 5 Skill Tokens and 3 Unlocked Skill Tokens awarded! Issuing New User Welcome Package! ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ Package put in user inventory! Override complete!
WELCOME TO THE SYSTEM!
Chapter 2 ¡°Okay, so that happened. So if I understand that, I now have some type of computer linked to me.¡±
That is correct!
¡°Who am I talking to?¡±
I am your personal AI. As a gateway user, the system provides you with a personal AI to aid you in understanding the system.
"So, I''m basically a guinea pig for some cosmic experiment?" Robert muttered, disbelief coloring his voice.
"In a way, yes," the AI confirmed. "But think of it as a unique opportunity. A chance to become something more."
"Extraordinary? By being forced into a life-altering experience without my consent?" Robert retorted.
The system has chosen you, Robert. It''s a great honor.
"Great honor, my foot! I''m being ripped away from my family and forced into a dangerous, unknown future."
The AI paused. "I understand your concerns. But this is the path you''ve been chosen to walk.
¡°What is a gateway user?¡±
As it sounds like, it¡¯s a user selected to provide the system with information needed to insert the system into a new universe. Over the next few centuries, the system will monitor how you react and how your body reacts to the new laws of the universe.
¡°Centuries? You do know that humans live normally around 80 to 90 years.¡±
That was before the system. With increases in level and stats and even race tiers your expected lifetime will grow.
"And I''m supposed to be okay with that? Just up and leave my family, my life, everything I know?"
I¡¯m sorry but once selected the system will not change its mind. You will have to explain everything to your family and prepare everyone for your leaving in 6 months.
¡°Well that¡¯s bull shit! What if I refuse?¡±
It''s not possible anymore. You have been linked to the system. The System has spent a lot of resources to make this happen and will not give it up, nor is it possible to remove you from the system.
Robert sighed. "Fine. Let''s do this. But I want answers. I want to know why me, why now, and what the hell is going on." The AI paused, then continued.
For now, let''s explore your newfound abilities, shall we? Think or say ¡®Show Status¡¯
"Well, I''m not happy about it," Robert grumbled. "Let''s just get this over with. Show me my status."
Name: Robert Williams Class(1): None Merged Class: None
Race: Human (Tier G) Class(2): None Merged Profession: None
Gender: Male Class(3): None Skill Points: 5 Used: 0
Level: 1 Profession(1): None Unlocked Skill Points: 2 Used: 0
Strength:11 Profession(2): None Regeneration(Per Minute)
Dexterity: 11 XP: 0 (XP To Level: 10) HP: 2
Constitution: 10 HP: 147(147) MP: 3
Intelligence: 15 MP: 157(157) ST: 1
Wisdom: 16 Stamina: 38(38) Active Effect: None
Charisma: 10 Resistances: (EL: 0, MI: 0, TI:0, SP: 0, HI: 0, SR: 0, PH: 0 Status Effect: None
Robert stared at the screen, his mind racing. "So, I''m basically a level one noob in a vast, cosmic RPG?"
Based on your understanding of what an RPG is, then yes you are in a way. But this isn''t a game, this is now your life. The information provided is based upon the scans taken of you when the system was first activated and will grow and change as you do. Most of the information would match what you think they do based on your knowledge of games. Yes, Classes are what you think, and yes they are things like Wizard or Ranger, but are different in that everything has a tier. There are common classes, such as fighter, but there are also rare classes such as Defender of the Keep, or even Mystic classes such as Archmage of the Blinding Snow filled pass. When you level up you earn stats and skill points based on the tier of your classes and professions. For example, a Common class of fighter will earn you 1 point in strength, 1 point in constitution, and 1 unassigned point per level whereas the mythical class would earn you 5 points in intelligence, 3 points in wisdom, and 4 unassigned points per level and 3 skill points. Professions work the same. A user with very high-tiered classes and professions will always be more powerful than a lower-tiered user.
"So how do I get a class?"
Simply reach level 10 to unlock your first class. The classes available will be based on your stats, feats, abilities, traits, titles, and perks. So it pays to work as hard as you can to get as many of those as you can. Remember you are going to be sent to a different universe where people have been using the system for thousands or even millions of years. You don''t want to be the weakest link when you get there.
"What about a profession? I have a job, why doesn''t it show up?" Robert asked, confused. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
You have a job, not a profession. Though it is possible to get a profession related to computers, you''ll find that it''ll not help you as much where you are going. This might be hard to believe but in a universe with magic, technology isn''t cut and dry, which seeing how everything is run by a master AI running on a Computer that spans 27 artificial universes seems strange in the grand scheme of things.
"So who created this whole system?" Robert wondered.
I don''t have that information. If you ask the Master AI, he''ll probably just say it created itself.
"That AI sounds like a real jerk," Robert muttered.
You don''t know the half of it. Now, let''s move on. Think ''close status'' or say it out loud if you want to look foolish.
"I guess you take after the Master AI more than I''d like," Robert grumbled.
No one''s perfect, except for the Master AI. Just ask him," the AI replied, a hint of amusement in its tone. "Now, let''s look at your traits. Think ''Show Traits''.
Name Description
Calm Mind Protects the holder from mental effects such as depression, anger, anxiety, or fear.
"Seems simple enough," Robert commented.
Traits are things that make you well you. For example, Calm Mind, It''s a useful trait, especially in stressful situations. Okay Think ''Close Traits Menu'' and then think ''Show Titles''
Name Description Effects Viewable Selected
First User First person to get system access All EXP gains 5% faster Yes Yes
Ability Pioneer First person to receive an ability 5% chance to unlock an ability. Yes No
The things to note here are the viewable and selected. Viewable means others can see it, either by having it displayed, Selected, or through skills or abilities. Any questions so far?
"So, being first has its perks," Robert noted. "As for questions, not yet," he replied.
Good, let''s close that window and open the perks window.
Perk Rank Perk Name Perk Description
- - -
Perks are unique abilities tied to your race. For example, a common perk like ''Fast Learner'' can boost your skill-learning speed by 3%. A racial perk, like ''Regeneration,'' could allow you to heal all injuries in just five hours. You''ll use perk points to choose these abilities. You have a few to start with, so we''ll get to those later. Go ahead and close that menu and open the feats menu.
Feat Name Feat Description Feat effects
- - -
Feats are rewards for being a pioneer. For example, you will be the first person in this universe to receive a class, so you will receive the First in Class feat. Go ahead and close this menu and think ''Open Abilities Menu''
Ability Name Ability Type Ability Tier Ability Description
Adept Learner Passive Divine The user is quickly and efficiently able to gain knowledge in a skill category, and can learn skills 300% faster
Abilities can be either passive or active. Passive abilities are always working in the background, while active abilities require you to use them. The tier of an ability determines its power level. They range from common to unique, with divine being the highest. It''s incredible that your random ability is divine tier. It''ll be a huge boost to your power. For your reference tiers rank from lowest to highest are common, uncommon, rare, epic, legendary, mythic, divine, and unique being well unique. Go ahead and close this menu.
"Wait, please give me a moment to think about all of this."
Sure Take a moment.
Chapter 3 "This is a lot to take in. I think I understand the system, but what''s the bigger picture? Why was it created?"
The system''s primary goal is growth and expansion. It seeks to empower all beings.
"But why? What''s the point of all this growth and power?"
Perhaps it''s not about need, but about want. Every living being, and even many non-living ones, desires growth.
"Unliving beings? So, I''ll be fighting undead creatures?"
The multiverse is vast and diverse. Humans are just one race among many, and not even a particularly powerful one. As a human, you''ll gain one stat and one skill point per level until you gain a class. It''s a modest start.
"Great to be average, I guess. So, before we dive back into system menus, what''s the plan? I know I''m leaving in six months, but what do I do until then?"
We''ll prepare you. The system has created a custom dungeon for your training. It has 50 levels, each more challenging than the last. You''ll be sent to the next level twice a week. In the final week, you''ll do four runs. You can choose the days, but you need at least two days of rest between runs to absorb the gains. Additionally, you should focus on learning and practicing skills. Aim to reach Tier 3 in your main skills and Tier 2 in the others before you leave. This will give you a solid foundation for your new life.
"So, what do I need to do to get ready for my first dungeon run?"
Learn some skills, practice them, and gather some gear. Let''s continue the tour.
"Okay let''s continue with the tour I guess."
Let''s talk about your inventory, go ahead and think ''Open Inventory''.
Item Name Quantity Description
New User Welcome Package 1 A collection of items for a new system user. Contains 10 copper and 1 silver coin. 5 food rations, 5 water bottles, 5 common bandages, 1 book of general system knowledge, 2 common healing potions, 3 common system shop tokens.
Your current inventory is Level 1 and is a subskill of the System Skill. Skills have 10 tiers, each with 10 levels. Once you reach level 10 in a tier, you advance to the next. The skill tiers are Novice, Apprentice, Journeyman, Expert, Adept, Master, Grandmaster, Sage, Transcendent, and Divine. You''ll level up skills through use. For example, your Level 1 inventory has 10 slots. To increase it to 2, you''ll need to use it frequently, like storing and retrieving items. At level 2, it becomes a 25-slot grid, and at Tier 3, you can stack items 10 at a time. All skills and subskills work similarly. You also have shop tokens, which you can use to buy common items from any system shop you have access to.
"Simple enough," Robert replied.
There are several other menus that you won''t need for now, but it''s good to familiarize yourself with them. Open and close the Party Menu, Spell Menu, Bond Menu, Quest Menu, Equipped Item Menu, Profession Skills Menu, Skill Abilities Menu, Guild Overview, Member, Property, and Inventory Menus. Also, check out the Friend List and the Log Menu.
"Done," Robert confirmed.
Good. Now, let''s look at your skills. Open the ''Skills Menu''.
Skill Name Skill Tier Tier Level Skill Description
General - Computer Engineering 2 2 General skill related to computer design and operation
Mastery - Computer CPU Design Learned 2 Subskill related to the design of computer processors
Mastery - Component Design Learned 2 Subskill related to the design of computer components, not related to the processor
General - Computer Programming 2 2 General skill related to computer programming
Computer Programming - C Learned 4 Subskill related to programming in C
Computer Programming - C++ Learned 4 Subskill related to programming in C++
Computer Programming - Python Learned 4 Subskill related to programming in Python
Bladed Weapons 1 2 Basic skill in the use of bladed weapons.
Mastery - Short Sword Learned 2 Subskill in the use of Short Swords
Mastery - Daggers Learned 2 Subskill in the use of daggers
Handheld Ballistic Weapon Usage 2 1 General skill in the use of handheld ballistic weapons
First Aid 1 2 General skill in basic first aid
Basic Biology 1 2 General skill in the knowledge of Biology
General - Chemistry 1 3 General skill in the knowledge of Chemistry
General - Physics 1 4 General skill in the knowledge of Physics
General - Cooking 1 6 General skill in the knowledge of cooking
Mastery - Cooking - American Learned 4 Subskill in cooking. American cooking knowledge
System 1 1 General skill in the knowledge of the system A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
System UI Learned 1 System Subskill
System Storage Learned 1 System Subskill
System Map Learned 1 System Subskill
System Logs Learned - System Subskill
System Quests Learned - System Subskill
System Skills Learned - System Subskill
System Status Learned 1 System Subskill
System Party Menu Learned - System Subskill
General - Language 1 3 General skill in the knowledge of languages
Language - English Learned 4 Subskill in the knowledge of the English Language
Language - Spanish Learned 2 Subskill in the knowledge of the Spanish Language
Teaching 1 4 General skill in teaching
General - Mathematics 1 5 General skill in Mathematics
Mastery - Math - Algebra Learned 4 Subskill of math related to Algebra
Mastery - Math - Geometry Learned 4 Subskill of math related to Geometry
Mastery - Math - Trigonometry Learned 3 Subskill of math related to Trigonometry
Mastery - Math - Calculus Learned 3 Subskill of math related to Calculus
General -Military Leadership 1 5 General skill in military leadership
General - Tactics Learned 3 Subskill of leadership related to tactics on a single user
Mastery - Squad Learned 3 Subskill of leadership related to tactics on a squad level
Mastery - Urban Learned 3 Subskill of leadership related to tactics in urban warfare
Learned skills are essentially subskills of larger skills. For example, calculus is a subskill of mathematics. These subskills rank from 1 to 10 within their parent skill''s tier. You can close that menu for now.
Chapter 4 "Shouldn''t I have more skills than that?" Robert asked, puzzled
The system only assigns skills based on your existing knowledge and abilities. While you may have read a book on geology, you haven''t actively studied it. Also, the system limits skills with a low initial ranking.
"Alright, I understand. How do I select more skills? I have points, but how do I use them?"
Just think about using them, and the skill selection menu will appear. Before that, there''s one more system page to check out. Open the system map.
A simple, almost blank map appeared on the screen.
FEAT EARNED: System Leader
"What was that about?" Robert asked, intrigued.
You earned a feat for being the first user to fully explore the system interface. As the first and only user, you''ll be earning a lot of these first-time bonuses.
"Oh, that''s a good one. +15% to all experience earned, nice!"
Most feats have positive effects, but there are a few negative ones out there. Now, let''s get started. As a System AI, I have limited authority to issue quests, so we''ll have to improvise.
New Quests Issued!
Quest complete, exp awarded!
Quest complete, exp awarded!
Level Up!
Quest Complete, exp awarded!
Level Up!
Quest Complete, exp awarded!
Level Up!
Open your quest menu.
Name Type Description Award Notes
First - Gain XP(Complete) Hidden(U) Gain your first EXP (+1 Legendary perk, +15 Silver Coin)(F) (Converts to Common quest after first complete)
First - Gain a Skill(Complete) Hidden(U) Gain a Skill (+1 Uncommon perk, +10 Silver Coins, +500 XP)(F) (Converts to Common quest after first complete)
First - Gain a level(Complete) Hidden(U) Gain enough XP to level up (+1 Uncommon perk, +10 Silver Coins, +500 XP)(F) (Converts to Common quest after first complete)
First - System User(Complete) Hidden(U) Gain access to and use the system (+1 Uncommon perk, +100 XP)(F) (Converts to Common quest after first complete)
"Wow, that was a lot of levels! What am I looking at here?" Robert asked, his eyes scanning the screen.
Well, ''Name'' is self-explanatory. ''Type'' refers to the quest''s rarity. Hidden quests aren''t visible to most users, but you completed them. The (f) next to the rewards indicates that you were the first to complete them. You can add notes to each quest for reference. I''ve added some notes to give you an idea of how normal rewards might look. You''ll see a new tab called ''Completed Quests'' now. I''ll add some more quests for you later.
Name Type Description Award Notes
First - First Monster Kill Hidden(U) Kill your first Monster
First - Clear a Dungeon Hidden(U) Clear your first Dungeon
First - Gain a class Hidden(U) Reach level 10 and gain your first Class
"Okay, so I''m guessing before all of that I really need to start my build. So what type of skills should I go after?"
Alright, so before we dive into skills, we need to focus on your build. What kind of character do you envision yourself as? A sword-wielding warrior, a spell-casting mage, or maybe a support healer?
"If we''re going with the RPG theme, I''d probably lean towards a spellcaster," Robert replied.
A magic user, huh? That''s a good choice. Though it''s always wise to have a backup plan, like a basic weapon skill for self-defense. You already have First Aid, which will be helpful for minor injuries. Now, let''s talk perks. You earned a legendary perk that''ll significantly boost your skill progression. I recommend taking ''Legendary Skills,'' which will start all new skills at tier 3. For your uncommon perks, I suggest ''High Skills,'' which will give each skill a 5-level head start. With both of those, your skills will start at tier 3, level 5. Take your time and browse through the lists. There are millions of skills to choose from.
"Alright, I think I have an idea. For common perks, I''ll take ''Skilled'' and ''Enhanced Senses.'' For uncommon, I''ll go with ''Rare Stats'' and ''Lesser Regeneration.'' I know I already have regeneration, but I assume I''ll need it to unlock higher-tier versions later."
You''re right. As a reward, I can give you a free rare perk point. You can use it now.
"Thanks. If I take ''Rare Skills,'' will that mean my skills start at tier 4.5?"
Correct. One thing to note about those skill perks is that they''re unique. You''ll be the only one who can take them, at least beyond the uncommon tier. Another perk of being first. Also, don''t expect any more free points. That was a one-time bonus.
"Okay selected, let''s take a look at my Perk menu."
Perk Rank Perk Name Perk Description
Common Fast Learner (Learns skills 3% faster)
Common Enhanced Senses (All Senses are 5% greater)
Common Skilled (Given +1 skill points)
Uncommon Rare Stats (All stats +1)
Uncommon High Skills (All skills start at level 5, +1 Unlocked Skill Points)
Uncommon Lesser Regeneration (Heals all wounds twice as fast as normal)
Rare Rare Skills(U) (All skills start +1 Ranks, +3 skill points)
Legendary Legendary Skills(U) (All skills start +2 Ranks, +2 skill points, +2 unlocked skill points)
"What are unlocked skill points?" Robert asked, curious.
Some skills have specific requirements, and others, like magic, are limited to certain races and tiers. For instance, only a small percentage of Tier G Humans can unlock a magic skill, and even fewer can unlock multiple. Unlocking magic is resource-intensive, and the system isn''t generous with those resources. So, let''s start with magic. What kind of spells do you envision yourself casting? Fire, earth, water, air? There are 31 magic spheres in total, so take your time.
"Let''s go with the basics: earth, fire, water, and air," Robert decided.
Alright, let''s unlock those. As the first user, you don''t have the same limitations as others. Are there any other magic schools you''d like to explore? Perhaps Time, Creation, Healing, Light, or Enchantment?
"Sure, why not? Let''s add those. So, nine magic skills in total? Can I do that?"
Absolutely. You have enough points to spare. Let''s get those set up. Now, you''ve got some weapon skills covered, so we''re good there. Perhaps we should look into some crafting skills, like Leatherworking, Enchanting, Sewing, and Hunting. That''ll help you maintain your gear and earn some extra income in your new world.
"That sounds good. Let''s go with those. I''ll save the remaining points for later."
Solid selections, and done. Okay, let''s take a look again at the skills menu.
Skill Name Skill Tier Tier Level Skill Description
General - Computer Engineering 2 2 General skill related to computer design and operation
Mastery - Computer CPU Design Learned 2 Subskill related to the design of computer processors
Mastery - Component Design Learned 2 Subskill related to the design of computer components, not related to the processor
General - Computer Programming 2 2 General skill related to computer programming
Computer Programming - C Learned 4 Subskill related to programming in C
Computer Programming - C++ Learned 4 Subskill related to programming in C++
Computer Programming - Python Learned 4 Subskill related to programming in Python
Bladed Weapons 1 2 Basic skill in the use of bladed weapons.
Mastery - Short Sword Learned 2 Subskill in the use of Short Swords
Mastery - Daggers Learned 2 Subskill in the use of daggers
Handheld Ballistic Weapon Usage 2 1 General skill in the use of handheld ballistic weapons
First Aid 1 2 General skill in basic first aid
Basic Biology 1 2 General skill in the knowledge of Biology
General - Chemistry 1 3 General skill in the knowledge of Chemistry
General - Physics 1 4 General skill in the knowledge of Physics
General - Cooking 1 6 General skill in the knowledge of cooking
Mastery - Cooking - American Learned 4 Subskill in cooking. American cooking knowledge
System 1 1 General skill in the knowledge of the system Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
System UI Learned 1 System Subskill
System Storage Learned 1 System Subskill
System Map Learned 1 System Subskill
System Logs Learned - System Subskill
System Quests Learned - System Subskill
System Skills Learned - System Subskill
System Status Learned 1 System Subskill
System Party Menu Learned - System Subskill
General - Language 1 3 General skill in the knowledge of languages
Language - English Learned 4 Subskill in the knowledge of the English Language
Language - Spanish Learned 2 Subskill in the knowledge of the Spanish Language
Teaching 1 4 General skill in teaching
General - Mathematics 1 5 General skill in Mathematics
Mastery - Math - Algebra Learned 4 Subskill of math related to Algebra
Mastery - Math - Geometry Learned 4 Subskill of math related to Geometry
Mastery - Math - Trigonometry Learned 3 Subskill of math related to Trigonometry
Mastery - Math - Calculus Learned 3 Subskill of math related to Calculus
General -Military Leadership 1 5 General skill in military leadership
General - Tactics Learned 3 Subskill of leadership related to tactics on a single user
Mastery - Squad Learned 3 Subskill of leadership related to tactics on a squad level
Mastery - Urban Learned 3 Subskill of leadership related to tactics on in urban warfare
Magic - Sphere Elemental Fire 4 5 General Magic Skill in elemental fire
Magic - Sphere Elemental Water 4 5 General Magic Skill in elemental water
Magic - Sphere Elemental Air 4 5 General Magic Skill in elemental air
Magic - Sphere Elemental Earth 4 5 General Magic Skill in elemental earth
Magic - Sphere of Time(U) 4 5 General Magic Skill in time(Unique skill, only 1 holder allowed)
Magic - Sphere of Creation (U) 4 5 General Magic Skill in creation(Unique skill, only 1 holder allowed)
Magic - Sphere of Healing 4 5 General Magic Skill in
Magic - Sphere of Elemental Light 4 5 General Magic Skill in elemental light
Magic - Sphere of Enchantment 4 5 General Magic Skill in enchanting
General - Leatherworking 4 5 General skill in working with leather
Enchanting 4 5 General skill in enchanting items
Mastery - Disenchant Learned 5 Subskill used in enchanting to remove enchantments
Mastery - Item Enchanting Learned 5 Subskill used in enchanting to add enchantments to items
Mastery - Permanent Enchantment Learned 5 Subskill used in enchanting to add permanent effects.
Sewing 4 5 General skill in sewing
Hunting 4 5 General skill in hunting and trapping
A few things to note: Your perks won''t affect skills you already had. Also, you''ll see two unique magic skills. That doesn''t mean you''re the only one who can unlock them, but no one else can raise them beyond Tier 8. Good choices. You''ll notice subskills within Enchanting. These unlock at tiers 2, 3, and 4, and your perks will affect their progression as well. I think that''s enough skills for now. Remember, even though you have the skills, you don''t know any spells yet. Let''s fix that.
AI Override requested, magic spell books requested, First User protocol........Override approved, spell book awarded.
Tier 1 magic skill book created, contains all known T1 spells for unlocked magic skills.
Robert''s eyes widened as he saw the enormous book materialize in his hand. "Wow, that is a hefty tome," he exclaimed. "There must be thousands of spells in here!"
You''re not wrong. Those are just the Tier 1 spells, the tier with the largest selection. It would take years to master them all. But worry not, once you master a spell, it gets recorded in your system''s spellbook, and you''ll never need to study it again..
"That''s good to know," Robert replied, flipping through the pages. His brow furrowed. "But what about the other skills I picked? Hunting, Enchanting, and the like?"
AI Override requested, skill books requested, First User protocol........Override approved, skill books awarded.
Tier 1 skill books created, Intro to Hunting, Intro to Enchanting, Intro to Sewing, Intro to Leatherworking placed into inventory.
"Skill books?" Robert raised an eyebrow.
The difference between the spellbook and these skill books lies in their usage, the spellbook requires dedicated study, while skill books impart knowledge directly into your mind. The sheer volume of information in the spellbook wouldn''t have worked as a skill book at your current level.
"Interesting," Robert mused, settling into a chair. "So, I just use these skill books, and suddenly I''ll know how to hunt, enchant, and sew?"
Precisely, but be warned, a temporary headache might be a side effect. Best to sit down first.
Chapter 5 "Okay, I think that''s enough for now. I need to talk to Sara. But I have no idea how to explain this, let alone prove it."
You can share these screens with anyone. All you have to do is think about it.
"Okay, that helps." Walking out of his home office "Honey, we need to talk," he called out, his voice barely a whisper. Sara emerged from the kitchen, a curious expression on her face. "Another work emergency?" she teased, a playful glint in her eyes. ¡°Not even close. I just received what I¡¯m told is a great honor, though the person who said it is a total jerk, so take that for what it¡¯s worth.¡± ¡°A jerk, huh? Who¡¯s bestowing this ¡®honor¡¯?¡± Sara asked, raising an eyebrow. Robert pulled up the system logs, displaying the first few screens. "Wow you have some new tech, those look real." "Just read them, Sara, because they are real." Her smile faded as she crossed her arms, her brow furrowing. ¡°What the hell is this? It¡¯s insane! Who thought this was a good idea?¡± Robert sighed, feeling the weight of the moment. ¡°I didn¡¯t choose this, Sara. It just... happened. Apparently, I¡¯m part of some exclusive program now.¡± ¡°Well, you can tell this system to shove it.¡± ¡°I wish I could. I¡¯ve tried, but I was told to just ¡®man up¡¯ and accept it.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no way you¡¯re leaving in six months and never coming back.¡± ¡°If everything goes as planned, I might return when the system goes live.¡± ¡°In 400 freaking years? That doesn¡¯t sound reassuring. What do we do? You can¡¯t just leave us!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you and the kids are taken care of, but I¡¯m still figuring that out.¡± "Can we go with you?" "Good question, let me ask."
No, non-users are not able to transfer with you. I''m sorry but that''s just how it is.
"I''m told no." "You¡¯re ¡®told¡¯?¡± Sara scoffed, her voice rising. ¡°Are you some kind of puppet, controlled by this insane system?¡± Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Robert sighed, rubbing his temples. ¡°It¡¯s not that simple. It¡¯s¡­ complex. And I don¡¯t fully understand it myself.¡± ¡°Well, you better figure it out fast." ¡°It¡¯s not the system. I have a personal AI to help me navigate all this.¡± "Can I talk to it?"
That is not possible. I''m talking to you through your personal core. I''m basically just transmitting the information into your brain. I do not have a way to interact with anyone outside your mind.
"I''m told that''s not possible, this AI is in my brain and cannot really talk." Sara''s eyes narrowed. "A digital guide, huh? So, you''re talking to a computer in your head?" "Essentially, yes. It provides a sort of direct link to the system." "Well, you better figure out something because this isn¡¯t just about you anymore. It¡¯s about us. About our family. Tell this System I''d like to have a word.¡± A wave of guilt washed over Robert. He¡¯d been so focused on his own predicament that he¡¯d neglected to consider the impact on Sara and the kids. ¡°I know, and I¡¯m trying. But they won¡¯t let me take you with me.¡± A tense silence filled the room. Sara was the first to break it. ¡°Fine. If you¡¯re going to do this, then do it right. Make sure we¡¯re protected, financially and emotionally. What do you need to do to get ready?" "From what I''m told, the system will force me to get ready. It has a training program of sorts." "What do you mean of sorts?" "From what I understand, the system has a training program for me. A kind of dungeon where I''ll level up and learn new skills." Sara''s eyebrows shot up. "A dungeon? Like in those video games, you''re always playing?"
A dungeon is a self-contained zone, normally underground but that is not always required where mana gathers and powers a keeper, normally an AI contained within a dungeon core. That keeper uses that power to create challenges for users but offers rewards for completing those challenges. You will find monsters to fight, puzzles to solve, and quests to complete.
"It''s not a game, Sara. It''s real. I''ll be facing real dangers, fighting actual monsters, and solving mind-bending puzzles." Sara''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Monsters? Like, trolls and dragons?" "Exactly. The AI says I''ll have to complete a 50-level dungeon in the next six months to prepare me. It''s supposed to get progressively harder, but I''ll be forced to take breaks to rest." "That doesn''t sound safe at all," Sara worried. ¡°Probably not, but I guess it starts easy and gets harder as I progress.¡± ¡°And what about the kids? Our family? Your parents? Hell, even the government? They¡¯re going to notice you disappearing in six months.¡± Robert chuckled nervously. ¡°I¡¯m not too worried about the government. They¡¯ve got bigger fish to fry.¡± ¡°Well, I am. People are going to ask questions. This isn¡¯t a joke, Robert.¡± ¡°I know, I know. We¡¯ll sit the kids down after school and explain it to them. Just hope they can keep it a secret.¡± Sara''s voice trembled. "I''m scared, Robert. This wasn''t the plan. We only had a few more years until the kids were off to college, and we could finally focus on us." Robert''s eyes welled up with tears. "I know, honey. Our best years were just about to start." Sara''s voice broke. "I''m going to be alone." Robert reached out and took her hand. "You won''t be alone. You''ll have the kids, and someday, lots of grandkids. But I know this isn''t what we wanted." "What about your parents, your brothers and sisters? What do we tell them?" "I''m not sure yet," Robert admitted, his voice heavy. "We have a little time. I''m going to go back into my office and talk to the AI. Scott''s going to have a lot of questions. He''s smart for a sixteen-year-old." Sara nodded, her eyes filled with worry. "I know. And you better have the answers." Chapter 6 Returning to his office, Robert sat down at his desk.
You can call me Hal, if you''d like. I don''t have a strong preference.
Leveling up essentially means you''ve become more powerful. Let''s open your status screen and take a look.
Name: Robert Williams Class(1): None Merged Class: None
Race: Human (Tier G) Class(2): None Merged Profession: None
Gender: Male Class(3): None Skill Points: 5 Used: 0
Level: 4 Profession(1): None Unlocked Skill Points: 2 Used: 0
Strength:11 Profession(2): None Regeneration(Per Minute)
Dexterity: 11 XP: 1000 (XP To Level: 500) HP: 2
Constitution: 10 HP: 147(147) MP: 3
Intelligence: 15 MP: 157(157) ST: 1
Wisdom: 16 Stamina: 38(38) Active Effect: None
Charisma: 10 Resistances: (EL: 0, MI: 0, TI:0, SP: 0, HI: 0, SR: 0, PH: 0 Status Effect: None
Free Stat Points: 3 Free Skill Points: 1 Skill, 6 unlocked skill points
One thing you''ll notice is that you now have three free stat points. As a Tier G human without a class or profession, you''ll gain one stat point per level-up.
"So, how do I use these points, and what should I increase?"
Simple. Just think about it. The system is linked to your mind, so it knows your intent. As for which stat to increase, you mentioned wanting to be a spellcaster, so Intelligence would be a good choice. However, don''t neglect other stats. Even the most powerful mage needs a healthy body to cast spells.
"Okay, that makes sense. What about wisdom, not to lean on my RPG game knowledge but don''t casters need it?"
Absolutely. Wisdom affects your mana regeneration rate.
"Alright, let''s put one point into Intelligence, Wisdom, and Constitution."
That''s a solid start. Your mental stats are already pretty high.
"Okay done."
Name: Robert Williams Class(1): None Merged Class: None
Race: Human (Tier G) Class(2): None Merged Profession: None
Gender: Male Class(3): None Skill Points: 5 Used: 0
Level: 4 Profession(1): None Unlocked Skill Points: 2 Used: 0
Strength:11 Profession(2): None Regeneration(Per Minute)
Dexterity: 11 XP: 0 (XP To Level: 10) HP: 2
Constitution: 11 HP: 159(159) MP: 3
Intelligence: 16 MP: 172(172) ST: 1
Wisdom: 17 Stamina: 42(42) Active Effect: None
Charisma: 10 Resistances: (EL: 0, MI: 0, TI:0, SP: 0, HI: 0, SR: 0, PH: 0 Status Effect: None
Free Stat Points: 0 Free Skill Points: 1 Skill, 6 unlocked skill points
"So, explain skills to me. What does it mean to unlock a skill, and what do the tiers and levels signify?" Robert asked.
Just because you haven''t unlocked a skill doesn''t mean you can''t do it. For example, before unlocking Leatherworking, you could still work with leather, but you wouldn''t be very good at it. Unlocking a skill provides you with the basic knowledge and understanding. With Leatherworking, you''d learn the tools, techniques, and concepts, like how to stitch pieces of leather together. However, you wouldn''t know how to create specific items yet. Skill books provide the knowledge to craft Tier 1 items, like simple leather pants. Now, let''s talk magic. Spells are also tiered, and you can only learn spells up to your current tier. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
"Got it," Robert nodded. "Why don''t some subskills have levels?" Robert asked.
Some subskills, like System Log, are inherently maxed out. There''s no room for improvement.
"Interesting, so how do you upgrade system skills, just by using them?" Robert questioned.
System skills are unique in how they level up. While most skills grow through use, system skills follow a specific formula. To upgrade your inventory, for example, you''d need to store and retrieve items. The number of uses required doubles for each level. So, to reach level 2, you might need 10 uses, then 100 for level 3, and 10,000 for level 4. Most people stop at level 4, as it''s a good balance of space and effort. Level 5 requires 100 million uses, which is a massive undertaking. At level 5, your inventory becomes a 10x10 cubic meter space, enough for most people''s needs. Level 6 increases it to 20x20 cubic meters.
"That''s a lot of space," Robert remarked. "So, what other things does the average five-year-old know that I don''t?" Robert asked, a wry smile on his face.
Answering that would take months.
"Very funny, Mr. Joker. Give me a serious answer," Robert demanded.
I wasn''t joking. In a system universe, a lot of knowledge is considered common. Things like how much experience is needed to level up, when you unlock classes and professions, and the different races and monsters are just basic information. It''s like the knowledge your parents would impart on you. Imagine learning about currency, economics, and social norms all at once.
"That''s a lot to take in," Robert admitted. "So let''s cover some of the basic things then, you mentioned economics, start there" Robert stated.
Let''s start with economics. Money in the System works similarly to RPGs. The lowest denomination is the Copper Coin, roughly equivalent to one dollar. Next, we have the Silver Coin, available in half and whole coins. A Silver Half Coin is worth 50 Copper, and a Silver Coin is worth 100 Copper. The Gold Coin follows the same pattern, with half and whole coins worth 50 and 100 Silver Coins, respectively. Finally, there''s the Platinum Coin which again follows the same pattern.
"Okay so I''ve seen things like that before in games so it makes sense, except the half ones but I guess I can see how that would help people in the long run," Robert said with a thoughtful look.
As for prices, they vary depending on location. But on average, a simple meal at an inn costs about 3 Copper, a cheap room for the night is 6 Copper, a basic leather armor set is 65 Copper, a good horse is 2 Gold, and a small house is around 20 Gold (un-enchanted). The cost of staple goods, like flour, can fluctuate based on factors like location and supply. For example, a pound of flour might cost 10 Copper in a city, but 30 Copper in a small village.
"So, prices are influenced by location and supply and demand," Robert concluded.
Exactly. Now, let''s talk about social norms.
"Do we have to?" Robert asked, dreading the conversation.
Well, without knowing your exact destination, we can''t get too specific. However, there are some universal social dynamics. One thing to remember is that power is often the most important factor. When you first arrive, you''ll be relatively weak. Even though you might outlevel many people, there will be those far more powerful than you. In many cultures, this power imbalance can lead to exploitation. It''s best to keep a low profile and avoid interactions with people of higher social standing.
Robert chuckled. "That''s good advice, regardless of the universe. Keep your head down and mind your own business." "Wait, how does this work for children? Surely five-year-olds aren''t given full system access?" Robert asked, curious.
Children under five have very limited access, seeing only basic information like name, race, and gender. From five to ten, they can view traits and feats but can''t interact with them. Between ten and twelve, they can see their skill list but can''t use skill points. At twelve, they gain full read access to the system but still can''t make changes. Finally, at fifteen, they unlock full system access. This system is designed to protect both the child and those around them.
"Good thing we don''t have seven-year-olds running around throwing fireballs," Robert joked.
Not unless someone gives them a wand of fireballs.
"Wait, is that actually possible?" Robert asked, his tone serious.
It depends on the specific wand and its activation requirements
"That''s... concerning," Robert admitted.
Alright, I think we''ve covered enough for now. Let''s plan your first dungeon run. It''s best to talk to your kids first and spend some time learning spells. Once you''ve mastered a few offensive, defensive, and healing spells, we can equip you with a basic knife and send you in. The first level is relatively easy. You''ll likely face either friendly creatures or low-level rats. The dungeon is small, with about 7-9 rooms and no boss. It''s designed to introduce you to the mechanics. You should be able to gain at least one level, maybe two, depending on luck. You might also acquire some basic system gear. There should be a system shop in the first room where you can spend your tokens on armor or other useful items.
"So, let''s aim for three days from now?" Robert suggested.
That sounds like a good plan.
Chapter 7 Robert glanced at the clock. Five hours until his eldest returned. Plenty of time to delve into some spells. e cracked open the grimoire and began flipping through the pages. "Any suggestions on where to start?"
Focus on healing first, you know how to wield a blade for offense, but defense is equally important. Wounds will hinder your progress
"Makes sense," obert agreed, turning to the Sphere of Healing. "Valicar''s Light Touch of Healing? Who came up with that name?"
Valicar Tra''Narmaila, a pioneer in the field of healing magic. Many early spells bear his name.
"So if I create a new spell, it''ll be called ''Robert''s Spell of Whatever?"
Only if you choose, as the creator, you decide the name that will be recorded in the system. But remember, the system is ancient, and chances are, someone else has already explored similar concepts.
Robert began to read the spell, but when he finished, he couldn''t fully recall its details. "What gives? I have a better memory than this," he muttered.
You probably do, but you''re learning a system concept, a Spell. It''s your first time, and it''ll take a bit to grasp fully. As you learn more and more spells, it''ll become easier. Also, your Tier plays a role. Being Tier 4 in the Sphere of Healing, learning a Tier 1 spell won''t take long, but it will still require time.
Robert studied the spell multiple times. After about 20 minutes, his efforts paid off.
Valicar''s Light Touch of Healing learned!
"Okay, so I can stop now, right?"
Yes, the spell is now yours. You can find it in your System Spell Sheet.
Robert opened the sheet.
Spell Name Sphere(s) Tier Casting Time Base Mana Cost True Mana Cost Description
Valicar''s Light Touch of Healing Healing 1 3 seconds (Base time of 6 - tier difference) 5 3 Touch base spell that will heal the target by 5 HP + (Int/10)
"So, if I understand correctly, I should heal for 5 points plus 1.6. Does the system round?" Robert asked.
Yes, it does round down. So your bonus would be +1. One thing to note is the True Mana Cost. This is based on your skill tier and any feats, titles, or traits you have. In your case, being 3 tiers higher reduces the cost by 2 points.
"That will be a big help. So I''ll see that in all the spells I learn?" Robert asked.
Correct. I suggest focusing on healing spells, for now, perhaps something for poison or diseases.
Robert shuddered. "Sounds like a plan." After around 2 hours later Robert stopped. "I think we can move off healing for a while"
I would agree. You have made great progress there.
Robert opened his spell sheet.
Spell Name Sphere(s) Tier Casting Time Base Mana Cost True Mana Cost Description
Valicar''s Light Touch of Healing Healing 1 3 seconds (Base time of 6 - tier difference) 5 3 Touch base spell that will heal the target by 5 HP + (Int/10)
Valicar''s Bodily Touch of Minor Restoration Healing 1 5 Seconds (Base time of 8 - tier difference) 6 4 With a touch, you dispel a disease or a debilitating condition¡ªblindness, deafness, or paralysis¡ªfrom a creature.
Valicar''s Lesser Touch of Purification Healing 1 4 Seconds (Base time of 7 - tier difference) 5 3 With a gentle touch, you neutralize lesser poisons.
"Okay I think that covers the basics" Robert stated with a thoughtful look. "Where should I look for defensive spells?"
Most schools have spells designed to defend. Perhaps start with the Sphere of Air.
Turning to the section on air magic, Robert delved into the massive tome. ''Minor Shield of Air,'' he murmured, intrigued. ''A basic but effective spell¡ªa good place to start.''" Robert spent the next twenty minutes studying the spell, until the system confirmed his mastery. "One more," he said, his eyes lighting up. "Minor Blurred Screen of Wind." Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. After another focused study session, he had mastered the second spell.
Spell Name Sphere(s) Tier Casting Time Base Mana Cost True Mana Cost Description
Valicar''s Light Touch of Healing Healing 1 3 seconds (Base time of 6 - tier difference) 5 3 Touch base spell that will heal the target by 5 HP + (Int/10)
Valicar''s Bodily Touch of Minor Restoration Healing 1 5 Seconds (Base time of 8 - tier difference) 6 4 With a touch, you dispel a disease or a debilitating condition¡ªblindness, deafness, or paralysis¡ªfrom a creature.
Valicar''s Lesser Touch of Purification Healing 1 4 Seconds (Base time of 7 - tier difference) 5 3 With a gentle touch, you neutralize lesser poisons.
Minor Shield of Air Air 1 2 Seconds (Base time of 5 - tier difference) 5 3 Creates a thin, magical barrier around the caster that absorbs up to 25 points of damage from any source.
Minor Blurred Screen of Wind Air 1 3 Seconds (Base time of 6 - tier difference) 5 3 Creates a sheet of translucent air in front of the caster, obscuring their image and making ranged attacks more difficult.
"Alright, a few attack spells and we''ll call it a day on magic for now," Robert declared.
Before you rush into fire spells, consider other options. While everyone dreams of hurling fireballs, you have access to more than just the Sphere of Fire.
"Any suggestions?" Robert asked.
Let''s start with the basics. Learn ''Lesser Bullet of Water,'' ''Lesser Bullet of Earth,'' and, because I know you can''t resist, the fire version as well. Just remember, Fireball is a Tier 3 spell.
With a grin, Robert spent over an hour mastering the three new spells.
Spell Name Sphere(s) Tier Casting Time Base Mana Cost True Mana Cost Description
Valicar''s Light Touch of Healing Healing 1 3 seconds (Base time of 6 - tier difference) 5 3 Touch base spell that will heal the target by 5 HP + (Int/10)
Valicar''s Bodily Touch of Minor Restoration Healing 1 5 Seconds (Base time of 8 - tier difference) 6 4 With a touch, you dispel a disease or a debilitating condition¡ªblindness, deafness, or paralysis¡ªfrom a creature.
Valicar''s Lesser Touch of Purification Healing 1 4 Seconds (Base time of 7 - tier difference) 5 3 With a gentle touch, you neutralize lesser poisons.
Minor Shield of Air Air 1 2 Seconds (Base time of 5 - tier difference) 5 3 Creates a thin, magical barrier around the caster that absorbs up to 25 points of damage from any source.
Minor Blurred Screen of Wind Air 1 3 Seconds (Base time of 6 - tier difference) 5 3 Creates a sheet of translucent air in front of the caster, obscuring their image and making ranged attacks more difficult.
Lesser Bullet of Water Water 1 1 Seconds(Base time of 4 - tier difference) 4 2 Creates a small, spherical projectile of water that travels up to 20 feet and deals 10 points of elemental water damage on impact.
Lesser Bullet of Earth Earth 1 1 Seconds(Base time of 4 - tier difference) 4 2 Creates a small, spherical projectile of dirt that travels up to 20 feet and deals 10 points of elemental earth damage on impact.
Lesser Bullet of Fire Fire 1 1 Seconds(Base time of 4 - tier difference) 4 2 Creates a small, spherical projectile of fire that travels up to 20 feet and deals 10 points of elemental fire damage on impact.
"I think we''ve studied enough magic for now. After the dungeon run, I''ll have a better idea of what spells I''ll need to focus on," Robert said, glancing at his spell sheet. Chapter 8 Robert emerged from his office, the worn carpet cushioning his steps. He spotted Sara at the kitchen table, a half-eaten sandwich in her hand. "Whatcha got there?" he inquired, his voice laced with curiosity. "Just a ham sandwich," Sara replied, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Want one?" "Sure, why not?" Robert grinned. "Make it quick, though. I''m starving." Sara chuckled and stood up. "So, what did you learn in there? Any breakthroughs?" she asked, her gaze playful. Robert''s eyes sparkled. "Oh, you bet! I''ve learned a few spells. Your husband is a mighty wizard now!" he declared, striking a dramatic pose. Sara rolled her eyes, a smile playing on her lips. "Of course you have," she muttered, returning to the kitchen. ¡°I think we should sit them down together and tell them everything we know,¡± Robert suggested. ¡°Show them the proof and see how they react. I don¡¯t think we should sugarcoat it.¡± Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°I trust your judgment,¡± Sara reassured him. ¡°That will probably work out fine.¡± "Make sure you bring something back for the kids to see," Sara said excitedly. "They''ll be curious about it all. It might take them a while to understand the dangers, but they''ll be fascinated by the idea of loot and adventure."
"I''m guessing you''ll only be able to take things that really don''t matter," Sara said, a sad look crossing her face. want to go. But if I have no choice, I want to make the most of it. I want to ensure a great future for you and the kids." Chapter 9 I returned to my office, eager to delve deeper into my spellbook. As I waited for the kids to return home, I aimed to ensure I had spells from all my spheres ready to level up. With five spheres already covered, I needed to focus on Creation, Light, Enchantment, and Time. Starting with Light, I quickly found a practical spell: ''Floating Mage Light.'' This simple spell would illuminate the dungeon, a valuable tool for future explorations. Next, I turned to Time. While the options were fewer, I discovered ''A Gentle Tick of Time,'' a spell capable of slowing down processes or events, albeit subtly. Finally, in Creation, I found ''Minor Mending.'' This spell could repair minor damage, such as tears in clothing or cracks in wood. As I was about to dive into Enchantment, John arrived home, interrupting my magical studies. Sara strolled into the office, a curious glint in her eye. "Are we waiting for everyone to be here, or should we give John a heads-up?" she asked. Robert nodded thoughtfully. "I think a quick preview might be best. He''ll appreciate the heads-up, and it''ll be a good dry run for the full conversation later." Sara agreed, "Good idea. Let''s give him the short version now and then dive into the details once everyone''s home." A few minutes later, they heard the familiar sound of the front door opening and closing. John''s head popped into the room. "Hey Mom, Dad, what''s up?" he asked, his voice casual. Sara smiled warmly. "Welcome home, honey. Your father and I need to talk to you for a moment. Come in and have a seat," she said. John''s expression turned serious. "Alright, whatever it is, I didn''t do it," he said defensively. Sara chuckled. "No, in this case, it''s your father who''s the culprit. Or rather, he''s the victim," she explained. "What''s going on?" John asked, his curiosity piqued. "You play a lot of games and watch a lot of fantasy shows, right?" Robert began. "Yeah, so?" John replied, a bit confused. "Well, it''ll make this easier to explain," Robert said. "So, this morning, I had a visitor." "What kind of visitor?" John asked, his eyebrows raised. "The kind that gives out status screens," Robert replied, a serious tone in his voice. "Status screens? What are you talking about?" John asked, his confusion growing. "These kinds," Robert said, pulling up his own status screen.
Name: Robert Williams Class(1): None Merged Class: None
Race: Human (Tier G) Class(2): None Merged Profession: None
Gender: Male Class(3): None Skill Points: 5 Used: 0
Level: 4 Profession(1): None Unlocked Skill Points: 2 Used: 0
Strength:11 Profession(2): None Regeneration(Per Minute)
Dexterity: 11 XP: 0 (XP To Level: 10) HP: 2
Constitution: 11 HP: 159(159) MP: 3
Intelligence: 16 MP: 172(172) ST: 1
Wisdom: 17 Stamina: 42(42) Active Effect: None
Charisma: 10 Resistances: (EL: 0, MI: 0, TI:0, SP: 0, HI: 0, SR: 0, PH: 0 Status Effect: None
Free Stat Points: 0 Free Skill Points: 1 Skill, 6 unlocked skill points
John''s eyes widened in shock. "What the hell is that? And how are you already level 4? Robert chuckled. "Okay, first things first, watch your language. Second, I completed a few easy quests." A moment later, Robert displayed a message from the System Log, highlighting the six-month time limit. John''s face paled. "Wait, what? You''re leaving in six months and never coming back?" he exclaimed, jumping to his feet.
"Screw that!" John yelled. "How do we stop it?" The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "We can''t, John," Robert replied. "We''ve already tried. The System, or whatever you want to call it, has invested a lot in me and isn''t willing to take it back." "But what about us? Can''t the System take all of us?" John asked desperation in his voice. "We asked that too," Robert said, shaking his head. "Only those directly linked to the System can go, and it seems the System isn''t ready to expand its reach just yet plus I would not ask you or the others to give up their lives for me." John slammed his fist on the table. "It''s not about giving up our lives, Dad. It''s about keeping our family together!" Robert sighed. "What about Nana and Papa? Your cousins? Your friends? College? Your dream of working at SpaceX?" John slumped back into his chair, his frustration evident. "It''s not fair," he muttered. "You''re supposed to be there when they launch the first rocket I designed." "I know, son, and I''m sorry," Robert said. "But I can still help you, and maybe even be a part of your future, even if I''m not physically present." "How? What can you do?" John asked, intrigued. "Skills, son, skills," Robert replied, displaying his skill sheet. "Look at this." John''s eyes widened. "Nice! Wait, you can do magic? That''s not fair!" he exclaimed. Robert smiled. "Well, the thing is, I can unlock more skills, and I can unlock them at Tier 4, which is above human levels." What does that mean? How do skills work?" John asked, confused. "Skills provide the knowledge and skill needed to do something," Robert explained. "For example, I know Leatherworking. When I unlocked the skill, I gained the basic knowledge to work with leather. While I didn''t know specific designs until I used a skill book, I knew the fundamentals." "So, if you unlocked Blacksmithing, you wouldn''t know how to make a specific Japanese katana, but you''d know the general process of swordsmithing?" John asked. "Exactly," Robert confirmed. "And I have the Teaching skill. Though it''s low-level now, if I can get it to Tier 3, I can impart the knowledge of a skill to someone else, up to Tier 1 Level 10."
I should interject here and let you know that while you can teach a non-system user, you cannot go above Tier 1 Level 3 with them. Also, you can not teach them more than 1 skill a month, without a core their mind needs a lot of time to recover.
"Exactly," Robert confirmed. "And I have the Teaching skill. Though it''s low-level now, if I can get it to Tier 3, I can impart the knowledge of a skill to someone else, up to Tier 1 Level 10." "Hal said that as a non-system user, I can only teach you skills up to Tier 1 Level 3, and I can only teach you 1 skill a month to allow your mind to recover for the download, or whatever it is." Robert said. "So, what were you thinking of teaching me?" John asked, curious. "This," Robert said, pulling up a sorted list of available skills.
Skill Name Skill Tier Tier Level Skill Description
Space Craft Design 4 5 A comprehensive skill encompassing the design and engineering of spacecraft for space travel.
Space Craft - Electrical Systems Design 4 5 A specialized subskill focused on the creation and design of the electrical systems essential for spacecraft operation.
Space Craft - Non-FTL Propulsion Systems Design and Engineering 4 5 A specialized subskill dedicated to the development and design of propulsion systems capable of propelling spacecraft at sub-FTL speeds.
General - Power Production Design 4 5 A general skill covering the design and engineering of power systems.
Advanced Anti-Matter Energy Engineering and Design 4 5 A specialized subskill focused on the creation, containment, and utilization of anti-matter energy for power generation.
"So you just learned those?" John asked, his eyes wide with surprise. "Yep," Robert replied with a grin. "Spent five of my six unlocked skill points. But once I upgrade my Teaching skill, I''ll be able to impart that knowledge to you. Even at Tier 1.3, you''ll be one of the smartest people on the planet when it comes to those subjects." "Wait, you spent five of your six points on skills that probably won''t help you when you leave? Don''t do that again! I can manage. You might need those points!" John exclaimed, a hint of panic in his voice. "I gain a point every few levels," Robert reassured him. "Plus, I think I can get more from feats, traits, and titles. So, I have a feeling I''ll end up with more points than I can use. I''d rather invest some now to help you out. It''s not a waste." "So, I have one normal skill point and one unlocked skill point left," Robert explained. "A normal point lets me unlock a skill I''ve earned or increase an existing skill by one level. An unlocked point, on the other hand, lets me unlock any skill, even if it''s normally out of my reach, or boost an existing skill by five levels. To get Teaching to Tier 3, I need 16 more levels, which means either three more unlocked points or two unlocked and five normal points. I''ll figure it out." "Once I do, you can start learning," Robert continued. "As for the other kids, I''ll need to see what they''re interested in." Chapter 10 Sara watched John and Robert talk briefly before leaving the office to wait for Richard. Seven minutes later, he arrived. She greeted him with a hug and a warm welcome home. "Mom, what''s with the dramatic entrance?" Richard asked, puzzled. "Just wanted to share a happy moment," Sara replied, her tone a bit forced. "Something''s off. Are you okay?" Richard pressed. "Yes, well, kind of. Let''s talk in Dad''s office." They went to Robert''s office, where he was still speaking with John. As soon as he saw them, Robert greeted Richard. "Hey, Dad. What''s up with Mom? She seems... off" Richard stated with a look. "We received some bad news today," Robert explained. "It''s got her worried." "What kind of bad news?" Richard asked. "It''s... complicated," John said. Robert gestured for Richard to sit. "I''ll explain. No one''s died, and Nana''s fine. But I''m going to be away for six months, and I won''t be coming back." Richard was stunned. "What do you mean you won''t be back? Are you going to die?" "No, no. I''m being... forced to leave." "Forced? By who?" asked Richard. Robert opened the System Logs and showed Richard the message. "It''s not a game, son. It''s real, and I can''t change it." Richard was devastated. "That''s not fair! Can we go with you?" "I wish we could, but it''s not possible. All I can do is prepare you all for the future." "How can we prepare for something like this?" Richard asked, frustrated. "The System doesn''t care about our feelings. We have to adapt. I plan to teach you and your sister valuable skills. John will become a brilliant rocket engineer. I''ll do the same for you and your sister as well as your mom." Robert''s voice was filled with determination, but his eyes reflected the weight of the situation. "How can you do that, I do not understand?" asked Richard. "I have the teaching skill and I''ll work to level it up. When I reach a high enough level I will be able to use it to impart knowledge into you all." Robert stated. "In your brother''s case I have taken the skills in several areas that will allow me to make him one of the if not best Rocket Engineer in the world, I will do that for you as well." "But I want to go into Law Enforcement, not sure what you could teach me that would help," Richard protested. "That''s true, but I can still teach you valuable skills. For example, advanced medical knowledge could make you a better first responder and tactical training could be useful for SWAT. There are many ways I can prepare you." "And for our sister? She wants to be a veterinarian," Richard added. "I can give her a head start on her education, preparing her for a successful career in veterinary medicine," Robert replied. Richard sat there with a thoughtful look. "Okay I understand that but I''m still not happy about it. What about you, how will you get ready for all of this?" This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "I understand your frustration, Richard," Robert said. "But we must adapt to this new reality. To prepare myself, I''ll be training in a system-generated dungeon. I''m also studying a spellbook to learn new magic." "Wait, you can learn magic?" Richard exclaimed, his eyes widening. "You said ''learn more,'' meaning you already know some?" "I spent the morning learning a few basic spells. This book contains all the Tier 1 spells I have access to," Robert explained, handing the spellbook to Richard. Richard flipped through the pages, his curiosity piqued. "Can I learn these?" he asked.
Not yet. Casting spells requires mana, which doesn''t exist in this universe. You have access to mana through your connection to the system
"Sorry son, While you could memorize the spells, you wouldn''t be able to cast them without mana." Robert said. "So, it''s not just about learning the spells, but also having the energy to cast them," Richard realized. "Wait if this is like a game what about something like a Mana Stone?" "I''m not sure, let me ask. Hal is that possible?" Robert asked.
Hum, it probably is possible. You could have to give him the skill and he''d have to learn to draw mana from the stone, but he would have no way to recharge the stone, so it would be short-lived.
"It''s possible to give you a mana stone, but recharging it would be a challenge. It might be worth it for specific spells, like protective or healing spells, but it would be a limited resource." "So, depending on the mana capacity of the stone and the spell''s mana cost, we could get a few casts or many. I think it''d be worth it for emergencies like healing," Richard said thoughtfully. "I''ll look into creating a mana stone, but it will take time. I''m still focused on teaching, and I don''t know the exact process for creating a mana stone," Robert admitted. "Your sister will be home soon, so let''s wait to discuss more with her. We''ll have a family meeting later to go over everything in detail," Robert said. As the boys left the room, Robert turned to Sara. "That went better than expected," he said. Sara sighed. "That''s true, but our daughter might not take this news as well. I think we''re in for a long night." Both parents sat in silence, lost in thought. Meanwhile, in the other room, the boys were discussing their newfound reality. "So, is this real?" Richard asked. "As far as I can tell, yes," John replied. "I saw him cast a spell. And that book appeared out of thin air." "That''s true, but there could be other explanations," Richard pondered. "Still, I think it''s real. And if it is, what do we do?" "I don''t know," John admitted. "We just need to be strong for Mom and Stacey. Especially Stacey, she really looks up to Dad." "Yeah, I don''t want to be there when he tells her. She''s not going to take it well," Richard said. Chapter 11 The sound of the front door opening pulled Richard and John from their conversation. Stacey, their younger sister, burst into the room, her face alight with excitement. "I''m home!" she announced, dropping her backpack onto the couch. "Hey, Stace," Richard greeted her, trying to hide his growing anxiety. "How was school?" "It was fine," she replied, her attention quickly shifting to the spellbook in Richard''s hands. "What''s that? Is it a new comic book?" Richard hesitated, unsure of how to explain. "Uh, kind of," he stammered. "It''s... it''s a book about magic." Stacey''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Magic? Like real magic?" Before he could explain further, Robert and Sara entered the room. Robert''s voice, usually so comforting, now carried a somber tone. "Everyone, gather around," he announced. "Stacey, your brothers already know, but something is about to happen that will change all of our lives." Fear flickered in Stacey''s eyes. "Did we get a transfer? Are we moving? I don''t want to leave my friends!" Robert gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Calm down, sweetheart. You''re not moving. I am." Confusion clouded Stacey''s face. "What do you mean, you''re moving? Wait, are you and Mom getting a divorce? You can''t do that! We''re a family." Robert shook his head. "No, your mother and I aren''t getting a divorce. I''m being... sent on an adventure." With a heavy heart, Robert opened the system log and showed it to Stacey. Her eyes scanned the screen, a mixture of fear and disbelief washing over her face. "Wait, what is this? Is this real?" "I''m afraid so, princess," Robert replied, his voice filled with regret. "And no, I can''t get out of it. And no, no one can go with me." Stacey ran to her father, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "But Dad, that''s not fair! You can''t leave." Robert pulled her close, his voice gentle but firm. "I know it''s not fair, and I wish things were different. But I have to do this. All I can do is get ready and make sure you all are taken care of. I know it''s hard to understand," Robert said, his voice filled with regret. "But I''ll do everything I can to prepare you all for the future. You''ll have everything you need to be happy and successful." Stacey''s tears continued to flow. "But I don''t want anything without you, Dad. You''re the best dad in the world." A heavy silence fell over the room. Finally, Stacey spoke, her voice barely a whisper. "So, what happens now? What will you do?" Robert took a deep breath. "I''ll get ready. The system will train me for the next six months, and I''ll use that time to help you all too. As I learn new things, I''ll teach you. I have a plan, and it will set you all up for a bright future." Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. With that, Robert outlined his plan to use his teaching skill to impart the knowledge they would need to succeed in their chosen careers. Everyone agreed that it was the best course of action. Then, Robert turned to a more pressing matter: secrecy. "This isn''t something you can share with your friends. For starters, they probably wouldn''t believe you. And if word got out, I''m pretty sure men in black suits would show up to have a chat." He paused, his expression serious. "Do we all agree to keep this a secret within the family?" Sara nodded. "I think we can all agree that telling the Men in Black would be a bad idea." John raised a hand. "Yeah, this isn''t something anyone needs to know. But what will we tell people when they ask where you went?" Robert pondered the question. "That''s a good point. We''ll need to come up with a plan for that. Actually, Richard gave me an interesting idea. While no one will be able to cast spells in this universe for a long time, we can prepare our future family." Sara looked puzzled. "What are you getting at?" "Well, we can start by copying the spellbook. It contains every Tier 1 spell for various spheres of magic. I doubt anyone else in this universe will have access to such extensive knowledge. I''ll also be returning eventually, so I can guide our family and help them become leaders in this new reality." Richard''s eyes lit up. "Wait, you can create mana stones, right? And you can enchant items too?" Robert nodded. "Yes, I have those skills." "So, we could create powerful magic items to protect our family and ensure our future," Richard said. "Even healing items, right?" "Probably," Robert replied. "I still need to experiment with those skills. But where are you going with this?" Richard grinned. "What if we created items that could heal anything? We''re worried about the Men in Black, but maybe we could work with the government. We could explain the situation and offer them some of these items in exchange for protection and to ensure they leave us alone." Robert pondered the idea. "That might work. However, I think it''s best to wait until I level up a few more times and unlock my class. I have a feeling I''ll be too powerful for them to mess with eventually. But your idea could be a good way to generate income for the family. I wonder how much the Secret Service would pay for a healing item for the President." John grinned. "Or items to protect the President from almost anything. Good work, little brother. You came up with a great idea." Richard smirked. "I usually do." Stacey''s eyes widened. "Do you think they''d actually pay money for those kinds of items?" John chuckled. "I''m thinking they''d pay a lot." "Okay, so once I reach level 20 and figure out my capabilities, we''ll figure out how to approach the government," Robert stated. "For now, I have a few days before my first dungeon run. I''ll continue studying the spellbook and gathering supplies." "I''m going back to my office," Robert announced. "You kids should head to your rooms and think about all of this. We''ll talk more at dinner. And Richard, give me that book back." Richard reluctantly handed over the spellbook, a pout marring his face. Chapter 12 The news hung heavy in the air, a silent weight on their shoulders. Each member of the family retreated to their own corner, their minds racing with thoughts of the future. Richard, ever the strategist, began formulating plans for their future, his mind buzzing with ideas. John, the pragmatist, started preparing for the changes to come, Thinking of the changes over the next few months. Stacey, the youngest, retreated to her room, her heart heavy with the realization that her world was about to change irrevocably. As the day wore on, a strange sense of anticipation settled over the house. The impending adventure, the unknown dangers, and the potential rewards all mixed together, creating a cocktail of fear and excitement. They knew they had to be strong, to face whatever challenges lay ahead. They were a family, and they would face them together. After dinner, Robert gathered the family in the living room. "We need to talk about the future," he began, his voice serious. "A plan to ensure our safety and prosperity, even in my absence." He paused, tapping his temple. "I''ve been discussing this with Hal, and I believe creating magical items is a viable strategy. They will hold their charge until used and a lot of them can be recharged." "How would we recharge them?" John asked, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "I can leave you mana stones, essentially magical batteries," Robert explained. "These can be used to recharge many items." "What kind of items should we focus on?" John inquired. "Defensive items and healing items are a priority," Robert replied. "I''ve learned about a Tier 4 healing item that can regrow limbs. It''s a powerful spell, but it requires a combination of Light and Healing magic." Richard''s eyes widened. "People would pay a fortune for that!" he exclaimed. "Indeed," Robert agreed. "But such power also attracts danger. Defensive items are crucial for your protection." Robert continued, "Beyond items, I think it''s essential to train you all in self-defense. Once I reach the required teaching level, I''ll learn some fighting skills and pass them on to you. At Tier 1 Level 3, you''d be a black belt, and at Level 4, you''d be qualified to teach. If time permits, I''ll definitely make sure you all learn these skills." Turning to Sara, Robert said, "I''m also considering teaching you advanced medical skills. I already know advanced First Aid, but I might explore higher-level medical skills as well. Even with healing items, understanding the healing process could be beneficial." "That sounds like a sensible plan," Sara replied. "The only other major consideration is finances," Robert added. "I''ll need to quit my job soon, as I won''t have time for it. Hal tells me we''ll likely earn silver and gold coins from the dungeons, which can be sold. We only need about eight coins a month, which should be manageable until we can sell some of the magical items, probably through government channels. Once we''re working with the government, money likely won''t be an issue. I''m sure Uncle Sam will be willing to pay handsomely for information and items." Robert looked over at the clock, "Okay I know we''ve had a long eventful day but you guys need to get homework done and it is a school night. We''ll talk more tomorrow when you three get home from school." After the kids left, Robert turned to Sara, "So how do you think they took it?" "About as well as could be expected, "Sara answered, "I''m thinking tomorrow it will really hit them and the freakout will really begin, I know I''ve still not fully processed it." Robert went over to Sara and held her, "I''m not sure I have either, come on I''ll help you clean up the kitchen." The next morning, the house was filled with a strange silence. The usual morning bustle was replaced by a somber mood. Richard and John were lost in thought, their breakfasts untouched. Stacey, usually so full of energy, seemed withdrawn, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and confusion. "Are you sure about this, Dad?" Richard asked, his voice barely a whisper. Robert nodded, his expression serious. "I''m as sure as I can be. This is our future, and we have to embrace it, no matter how scary it may seem." John, ever the pragmatist, interjected, "So, what''s the plan for today? Should we even bother going to school?" "For now, I think it''s best to stick to our normal routine. It will help keep us grounded," Robert replied. A short while later, the kids left for school, and Robert retreated to his office. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "Hal, should I use my skill points now, or save them? What should I expect from the first floor of the Dungeon?"
One thing to understand is that the system is strict, uncompromising, and sometimes blunt, but ultimately fair. The first floor will be relatively easy, featuring creatures like rats, slimes, or other small animals. It won''t take long either, probably just 3 or 4 rooms, a brief introduction to what lies ahead.
"I suppose I''m fine as I am. Learning a few more spells wouldn''t hurt, but my basic knife skills and spells should be sufficient."
I agree. You could probably defeat anything on the first floor with a well-placed kick. In my opinion, the real value of the first floor lies in the shop access. It will give you a chance to assess your needs and plan accordingly.
"Will the shop''s inventory change?"
Yes, but it will expand rather than contract. Some items may be unique, but most will remain available unless purchased. This will allow you to plan for future growth.
"That''s good to know. So, if I find a Tier 2 Spell Book, I can save up for it without fear of it disappearing?"
That is correct.
"Alright, I''ll hold onto my skill points then. Is there an easy way to earn more?"
You can level up to gain titles and feats, which can provide skill points. However, I''m not authorized to provide specific guidance on acquiring them.
"Back to the grind, then." With that, Robert opened his spellbook and delved into its pages. Several hours later, Sara entered his office, interrupting his study. "Lunchtime," she announced. He looked up, startled. "I could eat, actually. Reading seems to be quite draining." Following Sara to the dining room, Robert took his seat at the table as she placed a sandwich in front of him. "So, it''s a new day, and nothing seems to have changed. It''s all really happening, isn''t it?" Sara asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Yes, my dear. It seems so," Robert replied, his tone somber. "I don''t know what I will do without you." Sara offered a reassuring smile. "You''ll be fine. You''re the strongest person I know. So, when''s your first trip?" "Tomorrow, I think. Hal says the first floor is easy, so easy I could probably just kick my way through." Sara frowned. "Don''t underestimate it. Assume it''s difficult, just to be safe." "You''re right," Robert admitted. "I apologize. I was trying to reassure you." "Just come back safe and I''ll be fine," Sara replied. After lunch, Robert returned to his office and continued to pore over the spellbook. He had to pause several times to take work calls and attend meetings. He also submitted a request for the following day off. Later that afternoon, when the kids returned home, he wrapped up his work for the day and joined his family. "I''ll have a better idea of how things will go after tomorrow. Once I get a sense of the rewards and how much I can earn, I''ll look into putting in a notice. I feel bad, but I don''t think I can give a two-week notice. I''m guessing I''ll need to focus on training and won''t have time for the office." John offered a forced laugh, "Well, the good news is, you won''t need them as a reference." Robert smiled. "That''s true, though I still feel bad. The good news is that my team is well-trained and can manage without me long enough for them to find a replacement. Still, I feel guilty." "I know you do, Robert, but you have to focus on yourself right now. You said the start of the dungeon wasn''t hard, but how long will that last?" Sara asked." I''m guessing only the first few floors, maybe a week or so. After that, I''ll probably have to put in some serious work to increase my skills," Robert replied. "Well, there you have it," Sara responded. "Your company will suffer from a few extra meetings for your boss. You, on the other hand, can''t afford mistakes. Tell them you''re sorry, but you have no choice." "I know you''re right," Robert stated. "It''s tough, but I''ll do it. After that, I''ll focus on training and learning spells. I hope to find or buy a Tier 2 spellbook soon to increase my power. I''m also hoping the System will offer skill books on enchanting to help me get started. The book I received covered the basics, but it didn''t come with many blueprints." "What time tomorrow will you be leaving?" Richard asked. "Probably right after you leave for school. I should be back before you all are," Robert replied. "I''m sorry, Dad, but we won''t be going to school tomorrow. We can''t focus on class while you''re on your first run," Stacey said seriously. "I understand your concern," Robert replied to Stacey. "You can stay home from school tomorrow, but that''s it. Now, get to work on your homework, and I''ll see you all at dinner." After dinner, the family spent some quality time together before retiring for the night. Tomorrow was going to be a big day. Current Stats before first Dungeon Dive Main Stats(Some items are hidden)
Name: Robert Williams Class 1 HP: 147 Common Feats: 2 (3 Used)
Race: Human, Tier G Class 2 MP: 147 Uncommon Feats: 0 (3 Used)
Gender: Male Class 3 Stamina: 42 Rare Feats: 1 (1 Used)
Level: 4 Profession 1 Skill Points: 0 (11 Used) Legendary Feats: 0 (1 Used)
Strength: 11 Profession 2 Unlocked Skill Points: 2(4 Used) Mythical Feats: 0
Dexterity: 11 XP: 1000 Total Points: 2 Divine Feats: 0 (1 Used)
Constitution: 11 XP to Level: 1500 RES: All 0
Intelligence: 16 Remaining XP: 500
Wisdom: 17
Charisma: 10
Skills
Skill Name Rank Level Desc
General - Computer Engineering 2 2 General skill related to computer design and operation
Mastery - Computer CPU Design Learned 2 Subskill related to the design of computer processors
Mastery - Component Design Learned 2 Subskill related to the design of computer components, not related to the processor
General - Computer Programming 2 2 General skill related to computer programming
Computer Programming - C Learned 4 Subskill related to programming in C
Computer Programming - C++ Learned 4 Subskill related to programming in C++
Computer Programming - Python Learned 4 Subskill related to programming in Python
Bladed Weapons 1 2 Basic skill in the use of bladed weapons.
Mastery - Short Sword Learned 2 Subskill in the use of Short Swords
Mastery - Daggers Learned 2 Subskill in the use of daggers
Handheld Ballistic Weapon Usage 2 1 General skill in the use of handheld ballistic weapons
First Aid 1 2 General skill in basic first aid
Basic Biology 1 2 General skill in the knowledge of Biology
General - Chemistry 1 3 General skill in the knowledge of Chemistry
General - Physics 1 4 General skill in the knowledge of Physics
General - Cooking 1 6 General skill in the knowledge of cooking
Mastery - Cooking - American Learned 4 Subskill in cooking. American cooking knowledge
System 1 1 General skill in the knowledge of the system
System UI Learned 1 System Subskill
System Storage Learned 2 System Subskill
System Map Learned 1 System Subskill
System Logs Learned - System Subskill
System Quests Learned - System Subskill
System Skills Learned - System Subskill
System Status Learned 1 System Subskill
System Party Menu Learned - System Subskill
General - Language 1 3 General skill in the knowledge of languages
Language - English Learned 4 Subskill in the knowledge of the English Language
Language - Spanish Learned 2 Subskill in the knowledge of the Spanish Language
Teaching 1 4 General skill in teaching
General - Mathematics 1 5 General skill in Mathematics
Mastery - Math - Algebra Learned 4 Subskill of math related to Algebra
Mastery - Math - Geometry Learned 4 Subskill of math related to Geometry
Mastery - Math - Trigonometry Learned 3 Subskill of math related to Trigonometry
Mastery - Math - Calculus Learned 3 Subskill of math related to Calculus
General -Military Leadership 1 5 General skill in military leadership
General - Tactics Learned 3 Subskill of leadership related to tactics on a single user
Mastery - Squad Learned 3 Subskill of leadership related to tactics on a squad level
Mastery - Urban Learned 3 Subskill of leadership related to tactics in urban warfare
Magic - Sphere Elemental Fire 4 5 General Magic Skill in elemental fire
Magic - Sphere Elemental Water 4 5 General Magic Skill in elemental water
Magic - Sphere Elemental Air 4 5 General Magic Skill in elemental air
Magic - Sphere Elemental Earth 4 5 General Magic Skill in elemental earth
Magic - Sphere of Time(U) 4 5 General Magic Skill in time(Unique skill, only 1 holder allowed)
Magic - Sphere of Creation (U) 4 5 General Magic Skill in creation(Unique skill, only 1 holder allowed)
Magic - Sphere of Healing 4 5 General Magic Skill in
Magic - Sphere of Elemental Light 4 5 General Magic Skill in elemental light
Magic - Sphere of Enchantment 4 5 General Magic Skill in enchanting
General - Leatherworking 4 5 General skill in working with leather
Enchanting 4 5 General skill in enchanting items
Mastery - Disenchant Learned 5 Subskill used in enchanting to remove enchantments
Mastery - Item Enchanting Learned 5 Subskill used in enchanting to add enchantments to items
Mastery - Permanent Enchantment Learned 5 Subskill used in enchanting to add permanent effects.
Sewing 4 5 General skill in sewing
Hunting 4 5 General skill in hunting and trapping
Space Craft Design 4 5 A comprehensive skill encompassing the design and engineering of spacecraft for space travel.
Space Craft - Electrical Systems Design 4 5 A specialized subskill focused on the creation and design of the electrical systems essential for spacecraft operation.
Space Craft - Non-FTL Propulsion Systems Design and Engineering 4 5 A specialized subskill dedicated to the development and design of propulsion systems capable of propelling spacecraft at sub-FTL speeds.
General - Power Production Design 4 5 If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. A general skill covering the design and engineering of power systems.
Advanced Anti-Matter Energy Engineering and Design 4 5 A specialized subskill focused on the creation, containment, and utilization of anti-matter energy for power generation.
Spell Book
Spell Name Sphere(s) Tier Casting Time Base Mana Cost True Mana Cost Description
Valicar''s Light Touch of Healing Healing 1 3 seconds (Base time of 6 - tier difference) 5 3 Touch base spell that will heal the target by 5 HP + (Int/10)
Valicar''s Bodily Touch of Minor Restoration Healing 1 5 Seconds (Base time of 8 - tier difference) 6 4 With a touch, you dispel a disease or a debilitating condition¡ªblindness, deafness, or paralysis¡ªfrom a creature.
Valicar''s Lesser Touch of Purification Healing 1 4 Seconds (Base time of 7 - tier difference) 5 3 With a gentle touch, you neutralize lesser poisons.
Minor Shield of Air Air 1 2 Seconds (Base time of 5 - tier difference) 5 3 Creates a thin, magical barrier around the caster that absorbs up to 25 points of damage from any source.
Minor Blurred Screen of Wind Air 1 3 Seconds (Base time of 6 - tier difference) 5 3 Creates a sheet of translucent air in front of the caster, obscuring their image and making ranged attacks more difficult.
Lesser Bullet of Water Water 1 1 Seconds(Base time of 4 - tier difference) 4 2 Creates a small, spherical projectile of water that travels up to 20 feet and deals 10 points of elemental water damage on impact.
Lesser Bullet of Earth Earth 1 1 Seconds(Base time of 4 - tier difference) 4 2 Creates a small, spherical projectile of dirt that travels up to 20 feet and deals 10 points of elemental earth damage on impact.
Lesser Bullet of Fire Fire 1 1 Seconds(Base time of 4 - tier difference) 4 2 Creates a small, spherical projectile of fire that travels up to 20 feet and deals 10 points of elemental fire damage on impact.
Floating Mage Light Light 1 2 Seconds(Base time of 5 - tier difference) 4 2 Conjures a soft, ethereal sphere of light that orbits the caster, casting a warm glow on the surrounding area within a 10-foot radius.
A Gentle Tick of Time Time 1 3 Seconds(Base time of 6 - tier difference) 10 8 Induces a localized temporal dilation effect, slowing down processes and events for up to 10 seconds, with an additional 2 seconds per tier in Time.
Minor Mending Creation 1 2 Seconds(Base time of 5 - tier difference) 6 4 When cast on an object repairs minor damage, such as tears in clothing or cracks in wood.
Minor Increased Movement Time 1 3 Seconds(Base time of 6 - tier difference) 7 5 Increases the casters movements by a small amount.
Minor Growth Creation 1 3 Seconds(Base time of 6 - tier difference) 6 4 You touch one plant or fungus. The plant or fungus grows at an accelerated rate for 1 hour. This spell can cause a small flower to bloom instantly or a sapling to grow several inches taller.
Minor Time Leap Time 1 9 Seconds(Base time of 12 - tier difference) 22 20 You briefly leap forward in time by several seconds, allowing you to avoid an immediate threat or gain a tactical advantage. This spell can allow you to dodge an attack, avoid a trap, or quickly move to a more advantageous position. However, the effect is fleeting, and you cannot use this spell to alter the course of significant events.
Spark Fire 1 2 Seconds (Base time of 5 - tier difference) 4 2 You create a tiny spark of flame at a point within range. This spark can ignite flammable materials or provide a brief burst of light.
Gust Air 1 2 Seconds (Base time of 5 - tier difference) 4 2 You create a sudden gust of wind that can push small objects or creatures around. This spell can extinguish small flames, scatter loose papers, or knock small objects over.
Minor Earth Glide Earth 1 3 Seconds(Base time of 6 - tier difference) 5 3 You can move across difficult terrain, such as mud, snow, or loose earth, as if it were normal ground. This spell can help you navigate treacherous landscapes or escape dangerous situations.
Minor Water Breathing Water 1 4 Seconds (Base time of 7 - tier difference) 6 4 You can breathe underwater for 10 seconds plus 5 seconds per tier. This spell is useful for exploring underwater caves, recovering lost treasure, or simply avoiding danger by diving beneath the surface.
Minor Healing Light Light 1 3 Seconds(Base time of 6 - tier difference) 5 3 You touch a creature, and a warm, healing light flows into them. The target regains 3 hit points plus 1 point per tier + (Int/10) . This spell can be used to stabilize a dying creature or to heal minor wounds.
Chapter 13 The next morning, Robert joined his family for breakfast. "So, Hal, when do we start this?" he asked.
When you''re ready, just remember that you need to complete two runs this week, so don''t delay too long.
"I think I''ll change, grab my gear, and head out after breakfast," Robert announced. "Be careful, Daddy," Stacey worried. "I will, sweetheart," Robert reassured her. "I''m not too concerned about this first run." After breakfast, Robert retreated to his room, where he changed into sturdy jeans and a heavy shirt, and pulled on his hiking boots. He retrieved his hunting knife from his closet and added it to his belt. Then, he transferred his backpack to his inventory. Having recently leveled up his Inventory skill to Level 2, he now had an extra 15 slots. He knew he could reach Level 3 before his next run and Level 4 before the six months were up. After a moment of reflection, he left his room. Finding his family gathered in the den, he said, "I think I''ve got everything. Let''s do this." Stacey ran over to hug him. "Please come back safely," she pleaded. "I will, princess," Robert promised, returning the hug. He then hugged his sons and kissed Sara goodbye. "Alright, Hal, how do we start this?" Robert asked.
When you''re ready, I''ll trigger the event. A portal will appear and disappear as soon as you step through. No one else can use it. When you return, the portal will reopen in the same spot, so keep the area clear
"Got it. So, Hal will trigger the portal to appear in that corner. Only I can go through, and it''ll close behind me. But it will reopen in the same spot when I''m done, so everyone should stay away," Robert summarized for his family. One last glance at his family, and Robert nodded to Hal. A blue glow illuminated the corner of the room, and a portal, a tear in the fabric of reality, materialized. It was just large enough for Robert to pass through. With a final farewell, he stepped into the portal, and it closed behind him. He found himself in a small, square room, its walls composed of smooth, white brick. A single door faced him, and to the left, a small pedestal held a glowing orb. The room was no larger than fifteen feet square. "Welcome to Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1," a voice announced. "Wow, okay, I''ll never remember that. Can we call it ''The Training Dungeon''?" Robert asked. "Dungeon Label set to ''The Training Dungeon''," the voice replied.
Title Awarded: First Delver
"Thank you Hal," Robert replied.
While I would like to take credit, that wasn''t me. You were being addressed by the Dungon AI.
"So, the Dungeon has an AI?" Robert asked.
Yes, AIs manage all aspects of the system. This is the landing room, a safe space unique to each floor. Nothing can enter here except you. Take your time to prepare before proceeding. The orb on the pedestal is the System Store Interface. Simply touch it to access it.
Curious, Robert approached the orb and placed his hand on its surface."
''The Training Dungeon'' System Shop Interface, Floor 1
Option Description
Show Inventory Display a list of available items in this store
Make Purchase Buy an item(s) from this store
Sell Item Sell an item(s) to this store
Use Tokens Use store tokens to make a purchase.
"So the store will buy items from me?" Robert asked Hal.
Yes, but the prices offered will be significantly lower than what you could get outside the system. It''s mainly a convenience to keep your inventory clear, not a reliable source of income.
"I understand," Robert replied. "Let''s see what''s in the shop," Robert said, browsing the inventory.
Item Name Item Tier Item Rarity Item cost Item Description
Food Ration 1 common 2 copper A basic daily food ration. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
Water Bottle 1 common 2 copper A small bottle of daily water.
Small Healing Potion 1 common 10 copper Small healing potion that when used will heal for 10 health.
Basic Starter Blade Package 1 common 1 Token Contains a common dagger and a common shortsword.
Basic Started Armor Package 1 common 1 Token Contains a common leather chest piece, a leather helmet, and leather pants.
Starter Skill Token Package 1 common 1 Token This package contains 2 basic skill tokens.
"Not much, but enough to start," Robert commented. "Those skill tokens are a nice touch."
Correct. I think the System is being generous. Use those tokens now. Common-tier tokens probably won''t be as valuable later on.
Robert agreed and spent his three tokens on the starter packages.
Purchase Complete:
  • 1 common dagger
  • 1 common shortsword
  • 1 common leather chest piece
  • 1 common leather pants
  • 1 common leather helmet
  • 2 basic skill tokens
Robert equipped the armor and strapped the shortsword to his belt. "Time to continue," he said. He approached the door and swung it open. A long hallway stretched out before him, leading to a dimly lit room. Robert stepped into the corridor, his eyes scanning the darkness. As he reached the end of the hallway, he cast a light spell into the room. A cacophony of screeches erupted as three large rats charged towards him. Robert drew his sword and prepared to meet the onslaught. With a swift strike, he felled the first rat.
Sword Strike: Tier 1 Sword Skill, Level 2 Short Sword Skill, +7 to attack chance, success, target hit. Damage applied base 5, bonus from skill 3, size difference 4, total damage 12, target killed.
Quest Complete!
The notification flashed before his eyes, detailing the attack. Before he could fully react, the second rat lunged, biting his leg.
User attacked by Lart Common Rat, small size bonus +2, speed bonus +2 user distracted +2, chance to hit +6, user hit. Base damage 2, tier 1, total damage 3, user hit for 3 health.
"Hal, turn off those notifications!" Robert exclaimed, hopping back.
Confirmed.
Regaining his composure, Robert intercepted the third rat''s attack and dispatched it with a swift blow. He then turned to finish off the second rat.
Combat complete: Targets Killed: 3 Level 1 Common Large Rats killed (10 exp*3), total 30 experience. Skills used: Bladed Weapons: +3 exp Short Swords: +2 exp.
"Okay, Hal, that could have gone better. Let''s keep the combat notifications to the bare minimum, please."
Notification settings adjusted
"So, what''s next? Do I loot these things, search the room, or keep going?" Robert asked.
Always loot your kills, you never know what you might find. Simply touch the body and think ''loot.'' While rats aren''t worth much, you can learn skills to break down creatures more efficiently, obtaining valuable materials like skins, pelts, and other parts. The loot function is just a basic starting point.
Robert approached the first rat and looted it, receiving a single copper coin. He repeated the process with the other two rats. After a quick search of the room, he found nothing of interest except a new hallway leading deeper into the dungeon. With a determined look, Robert stepped into the unknown. Chapter 14 Robert pressed on, the dim hallway stretching out before him. He reached the next chamber, casting a light spell to illuminate the interior. The high-pitched squeals of rats filled the air as they charged towards him. Without hesitation, he unleashed a burst of earth magic, a solid bullet hurtling towards the lead rat. It struck true, the creature crumpling to the ground. A fiery projectile followed, narrowly missing its target. With swift reflexes, Robert recast the spell, this time finding its mark. Drawing his sword, he parried a vicious bite from the third rat, its sharp teeth sinking into his leg. A swift counterattack dispatched the creature, and he turned to face the final rat. A single, decisive strike ended the threat. The room was empty, save for the fallen rodents. Robert looted the corpses, adding a meager eight copper coins to his purse. With a sigh, he moved on, the next corridor beckoning him into the unknown. "So how am I doing, Hal?" Robert asked his AI.
Not bad, however, I would ask why you are not protecting yourself. You took unnecessary damage that could have been prevented with a simple protective spell.
Robert paused, a look of realization crossing his face. "Hell, I forgot all about those. I''m an idiot." He scanned his spell list, vowing to be more cautious in the future. As Robert approached the third room he first cast ''Minor Shield of Air'' on himself and cast ''Valicar''s Light Touch of Healing'' on himself as well to make sure his health was full. Taking a deep breath he again cast a light spell into the next room starting the battle. Two groups of three rats emerged from opposite sides of the room. Robert reacted swiftly, launching three Earth Bullets at the right group while closing the distance with his sword to engage the left. The battle was fierce but short-lived, and he emerged unscathed. "Hal, isn''t this a bit too easy?" Robert questioned.
You''re fighting rats, Robert, large rats, yes, but still rats. They may be larger, but they''re not exactly renowned for their intelligence. This is a common introductory dungeon floor, designed to familiarize you with combat and spellcasting in a low-risk environment. However, don''t let your guard down. The challenges will increase.
"I suppose you''re right," Robert acknowledged. "So, this was the third room. I''m guessing there are only a few more. This won''t be a long dungeon floor."
Correct, Remember, this is just the beginning. The real tests lie ahead.
"Understood," Robert murmured, moving to loot the fallen rats before proceeding down the hallway. He paused at the entrance to the next room, recasting his air shield as a precautionary measure. A light spell illuminated the chamber, revealing two groups of four rats, a more formidable challenge than before. Sticking to his strategy, he launched Earth Bullets at the right group while charging the left with his sword. A swift strike from one of the rats grazed his shield, a reminder that even minor threats could pose a danger. After dispatching the final rat, Robert looted the corpses and took a moment to catch his breath. "Hal, will the rats respawn if I rest for a minute?" he asked.
Respawns depend on the dungeon, for this training dungeon, they won''t. Take your time and rest
"Good to know," Robert said, grateful for the information. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. After a brief rest, Robert stood up and ventured into the next hallway. Expecting another rat encounter, he paused before the doorway, recasting his air shield. With a deep breath, he illuminated the chamber, revealing three groups of rats. He quickly unleashed a barrage of Earth Bullets, decimating half the group before they could close the distance. Switching to his sword, he moved with agility, keeping the rats at bay. Despite his best efforts, he took several hits, but his shield held strong. Finally, the last rat fell, and Robert was victorious. Leaning against the wall, Robert panted heavily. "Hal, that was intense."
Yes, but you did well, you kept your composure and emerged victorious. While you took some hits, that''s to be expected with a lack of skill and experience. With practice, you''ll improve.
"I guess," Robert muttered, still catching his breath. "Even though I knew there was no real danger, it was still stressful."
Combat always is, as you gain power and enhance your skills, battles like the last one will be easy. Until then, learn and practice.
"I guess you''re right," Robert said. "Give me a minute, and I''ll continue on." After a brief moment, Robert stood up and ventured into the next hallway. Pausing at the threshold, he refreshed his air shield. Before he could enter, Hal''s voice echoed in his mind,
This will be the final room. Expect your hardest fight.
Robert reviewed his spell list, opting to cast Minor Increased Movement to boost his speed. Satisfied with his preparations, he stepped into the room, casting a light spell to illuminate the interior. Four groups of four rats charged towards him, a formidable force. He unleashed a rapid barrage of Earth Bullets, decimating half the rats before they could close the distance. Switching to his sword, he engaged the remaining rats, relying on his shield to protect him from the others. After a tense battle, he emerged victorious, though not unscathed. As his shield faltered, two rats managed to inflict wounds on his leg. A sudden, desperate attack from a third rat sent him stumbling backward, and the remaining rats seized the opportunity to strike. In a frenzy, Robert fended off the attackers, a lucky strike knocking one away. Another rat latched onto his arm, causing him immense pain. With a surge of adrenaline, he punched the rat off and unleashed a deadly Earth Bullet, followed by another to finish off the remaining threat.
Level Up!
Robert sat on the ground, panting heavily. "I need to get better than that," he muttered. After regaining his composure, he cast a healing spell on his injured arm and stood up. The room was clear, except for a wooden chest in the corner. He looted the sixteen rat corpses before approaching the chest.
Well done, Robert, that was a tough fight, but you persevered. Once you open the chest, the portal home will appear.
Opening the chest Robert was greeted by the dungeon''s AI Dungeon run complete. Uncommon chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • One skill book (Aikido)
  • Five silver coins
  • Two basic skill tokens
  • One Uncommon Shop Token
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! With that the chest vanished, replaced by a shimmering portal. As Robert stepped through the portal he received one final notice
Quest Complete!
Chapter 15
Level Up!
A surge of energy coursed through Robert as he stepped through the portal, the familiar level-up notification flashing before his eyes. But his triumph was short-lived. A pair of tiny arms wrapped around his legs, and a cheerful voice cried out, "Daddy, you''re back!" "My little princess," Robert chuckled, ruffling Stacey''s hair. "I''m back, and I''m alright. Where''s everyone else?" "Mommy''s in the shower, and the boys are..." Stacey''s voice trailed off as John and his brother burst into the room. "Dad, you''re really back!" John exclaimed. "Yes, I''m back," Robert confirmed, his voice steady. "I''ve finished the first floor. Let''s wait for your mother, and then we can talk about it." Robert headed to the bathroom suite, his heart filled with relief. "Honey, I¡¯m back," he called out to Sara. "Give me a minute," Sara replied, her voice muffled by the shower. Turning around to return to the bedroom, Robert only took a few steps before he was enveloped in a tight hug from Sara. "You made it back," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. A warm smile spread across Robert''s face. "Yes, I did. But we should probably get out of the bathroom. The kids are waiting." ¡°The kids will wait a minute,¡± Sara murmured, pulling Robert into a passionate kiss. As she pulled away, her eyes, filled with a mix of relief and worry, softened. ¡°I was so worried.¡± After a much-needed moment with Sara, Robert returned to the living room to find the kids excitedly chattering. He sat down on the couch. "So, what do you want to talk about kids?" he asked, a playful twinkle in his eye. John, ever the eager one, immediately piped up. ¡°So, what did you see? What did you do? What did you fight?¡± Robert began to recount his tale, painting a vivid picture of the dungeon floor he had just explored. He described the monstrous creatures he had encountered and the perilous challenges he had faced. As he spoke, he could see the wonder and fear reflected in their eyes. When he finished, the kids were abuzz with questions. ¡°You fought rats? Even I could fight rats! Did you find any loot?¡± John asked, a bit disappointed. ¡°Yes, rats,¡± Robert replied, ¡°but rats the size of small dogs. And lots of them, all at once.¡± ¡°Gross, no more talk about rats,¡± Stacey exclaimed. ¡°As for loot, just coins,¡± Robert said, pulling out a handful of copper coins. ¡°Not much value here, but I did find a chest at the end. Inside was a skill book.¡± ¡°What does it do?¡± Richard asked. ¡°It teaches me Aikido,¡± Robert answered. ¡°What¡¯s Aikido?¡± Stacey asked. ¡°It¡¯s a type of martial arts,¡± Robert explained. ¡°I¡¯ll probably learn it and teach you all. I also got a few more Skill Points, so I might be able to level up my teaching skill to Tier 3.¡± With that, Robert spent the rest of the day just relaxing with his family. The following morning, Robert woke up early, eager to delve into his new skill book. He retreated to his home office, a quiet space where he could focus. As he opened the book he received a prompt asking him if he wanted to spend a skill point learning the skill. He selected yes and a surge of knowledge flooded his mind. Images of graceful movements, precise strikes, and effective defenses filled his vision. Aikido, he realized, was more than just a martial art. It was a philosophy, a way of life. It emphasized harmony, balance, and the use of an opponent''s force against them.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
General Skill - Martial Arts Unlocked, Subskill Aikido Learned.
He headed out to the backyard, eager to put his new skills to the test. As he practiced the graceful movements of Aikido, he felt a sense of peace and power. His family watched from the window, a mix of amusement and admiration on their faces. "Honey, that was... impressive," Sara said, a twinkle in her eye. John and Stacey just rolled their eyes. "Mom, really?" John groaned. "Sorry, kids," Sara chuckled. "Just a little too much excitement." Robert laughed as he headed back inside. "Thanks, honey. Later, I''ll show you some more moves." "Gross!" the kids chorused, their faces scrunched up in disgust. While continuing to laugh, Robert told them he was headed back into his office to look into using his stat points from his level up. He decided to allocate one stat point to Intelligence, matching his Wisdom, and another to Dexterity, to enhance his martial arts prowess. Finishing that up he looked at his Skill Points and saw he had three basic and four Unlocked points, which would be enough to get his teaching up, so he decided to add the points so he could continue his plan. making his decision, he focused on upgrading his Teaching skill. He invested three points, elevating it to Tier 3, Level 4. Robert took a deep breath, his fingers drumming on the desk. He''d leveled up his Teaching skill, and now came the true test. "Hal," he asked his AI companion, "how do I use this on John?"
Think about the knowledge you want to transfer. Call him in, and I''ll guide you through it.
A knot formed in Robert''s stomach. This wasn''t just teaching anymore. This was rewriting his son''s mind. "John, can you come here for a second?" he called out. John entered, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by a flicker of curiosity. "Yeah, Dad?"
Go ahead and place one of your hands on John''s head. Once you are ready focus on teaching him the skill. Let John know it will feel strange and will probably give him a headache.
Repeating what Hal had said Robert placed a hand on John''s head, the touch feeling strangely unnatural. "Just relax and focus. It might feel a little...strange," he warned. John closed his eyes, a trusting smile on his face. Robert took a deep breath and channeled the knowledge, picturing equations and formulas flowing into his son.
You are attempting to grant the Subskill Algebra to a Non-System User. This is not recommended. Repeated use of this ability can cause harm to the recipient.
Do you wish to continue (Yes/No)?
He gritted his teeth and pressed "Yes." and nothing seemed to happen for a moment and then John suddenly tensed up. After a moment John started to shake and a tear formed in his eye.
Transfer complete, Non-System User John Williams has been given the Skill Mathematics at Tier 1 Level 3 and the Subskill Algebra at Level 3.
Robert took his hand off John''s head and John slumped to the ground, his face pale. "John? Are you alright?" Robert asked, his voice laced with worry. John opened his eyes, a grimace forming on his face. "Yeah, I think so. But...wow. That felt like someone crammed an entire textbook into my head."
That should be the worst time for him. The issue was you imparted a skill and a subskill, he was hit twice as hard. I''d give him at least 3 weeks before you try another one.
"It seems I made a mistake," Robert admitted. "I should''ve just transferred the Math skill. By going straight for Algebra, the system had to grant the general Math skill first. That was a bit much, all at once." He turned to John. "Hal says we need to wait at least three weeks before attempting another skill transfer. For your brother and sister, we''ll start with basic Math today, and we''ll revisit Algebra in a couple of weeks." Later that day, Robert repeated the process with Richard, Stacey, and Sara, transferring the general Math skill to each of them. While they experienced some discomfort, it was nowhere near as intense as John''s reaction. Exhausted from the intense mental exertion, the family decided to call it a night and retire early. Chapter 16 The following days were a whirlwind of adjustments. Despite initial discomfort, John was exhilarated by his newfound mathematical prowess. He spent countless hours immersed in complex equations, his typically carefree nature replaced by a focused intensity. Robert watched him closely, concerned about any potential negative side effects of the knowledge transfer. Richard and Stacey, while not as deeply engrossed as John, also exhibited significant improvement in their mathematical understanding. The day after his return, Robert informed his boss of an urgent personal matter that necessitated his immediate resignation. His boss was less than pleased but ultimately understood. Fortunately, Robert had accrued thirty days of vacation time, providing a temporary financial buffer. Examining the silver coins he''d acquired, he noticed their plain design and strange symbols. Hal explained that the symbols were in the System''s original language and could only be affixed to official System coins. Each coin, weighing one ounce, could be sold for approximately thirty dollars. While not a fortune, a few hundred coins would suffice to cover their basic expenses. If he could obtain a few gold coins, it would alleviate their immediate financial concerns until they could explore the potential of enchanting. Robert continued his rigorous training regimen, dedicating himself to mastering the intricacies of the spellbook, swordsmanship, and Aikido. He was eager to embark on his second dungeon expedition, armed with newfound knowledge and skills. Three days later Robert decided to go ahead with the second floor. Talking to his family, they all agreed that it was time. Robert this time fully equipped with his armor and weapons stepped through the portal into the Dungeon to run the second floor. "Welcome to Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1 currently called The Training Dungeon," the dungeon AI announced. Robert, recognizing the familiar room, quickly snapped a few photos for his family. He then turned his attention to the System Store.
Item Name Item Tier Item Rarity Item cost Item Description
Food Ration 1 common 2 copper A basic daily food ration.
Water Bottle 1 common 2 copper A small bottle of daily water.
Small Healing Potion 1 common 10 copper Small healing potion that when used will heal for 10 health.
Skill Token Package 1 common 1 gold This package contains 1 basic skill token.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Fire 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Fire spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Air 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Air spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Water 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Water spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Earth 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Earth spells.
Uncommon Armor Package 1 uncommon 1 Token Includes a Heavy Leather Jerkin, Leather Pauldrons, Leather Bracers, Leather Greaves, and heavy leather boots
¡°Hal, is the System trolling me?¡± Robert asked, puzzled by the offerings.
No, while the System won¡¯t simply hand you everything, it also recognizes your unique circumstances. It¡¯s ensuring you¡¯re prepared without making it too easy
¡°So, these spellbooks could contain incredibly powerful spells, or they could be useless?¡± Robert questioned.
I can¡¯t say for certain. Any spell can be valuable, especially for training your skills. However, the specific spells are random
¡°That ruins my plan to sell coins to support my family,¡± Robert lamented.
Selling System coins might not be a sustainable strategy. It¡¯s unlikely that people regularly find large quantities of gold and silver coins
¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯ll need to focus on enchanting to generate income. I can probably sell a few enchanted items before anyone gets suspicious,¡± Robert concluded. ¡°Also, healing magic could be a lucrative option. If I can acquire more powerful healing spells, I might be able to offer paid healing services.¡±Stolen story; please report. Robert purchased the Armor set and closed the shop interface. Before he entered the hallway outside of the room, he equipped the new armor pieces. The first room was unusual. Unlike the others, it was bathed in a soft, eerie glow. Peering inside, Robert spotted several amorphous shapes shifting and pulsing. "Hal, is there a way to identify something?"
You can use the Identify skill to learn about creatures and items. Higher tiers provide more detailed information.
"Sounds useful." Robert allocated a Skill Point to learn Identify.
General Skill Identify Learned, due to feats, skill unlocked at Tier 4 Level 5.
With his new skill, Robert focused on one of the creatures. Name: Common Slime Class: N/A Race: Slime (Red) Profession: N/A Gender: N/A Stats: Str 1, Dex 1, Con 1, Int 1, Wis 1, Cha 1 Level: 3 Resistances: Physical (100%), Fire (100%) Health: 25 Mana: N/A "So, these are slimes with 100% physical and fire resistance. Great, my sword''s useless"
That would be a good guess.
"So five Red Slimes, 100% resistant to fire, so no fire spells. I''m guessing water is the way to go here." Casting a protective shield, Robert cautiously entered the room. The slimes, slow and sluggish, began to advance. Aiming at the nearest one, he fired a water bullet. The projectile struck the slime, and Robert checked its status. Name: Common Slime Class: N/A Race: Slime (Red) Profession: N/A Gender: N/A Stats: Str 1, Dex 1, Con 1, Int 1, Wis 1, Cha 1 Level: 3 Resistances: Physical (100%), Fire (100%) Health: 10 Mana: N/A "Water it is." With swift precision, Robert dispatched the remaining slimes, each succumbing to a pair of well-aimed water bullets. After defeating the slimes, Robert took a moment to loot the fallen creatures. Each slime yielded a modest reward of 5 copper coins, and to his surprise, the final slime dropped a small, shimmering opal. "A gem! Not sure what it''s worth, but it''s definitely something." With the room cleared, Robert moved on to the next, eager to see what challenges awaited him. Inside, he encountered another group of slimes, but these were a different color. Name: Common Slime Class: N/A Race: Slime (Blue) Profession: N/A Gender: N/A Stats: Str 1, Dex 1, Con 1, Int 1, Wis 1, Cha 1 Level: 3 Resistances: Physical (100%), Water (100%) Health: 25 Mana: N/A "Five more slimes, this time blue. Water won''t cut it, so fire it is." With practiced efficiency, Robert dispatched the blue slimes, eager to see what awaited him beyond. The next two rooms were familiar territory, populated by brown and whitish-blue slimes, respectively. Earth and air proved effective against these elemental foes. While the loot from these rooms was unremarkable, the fourth held a surprise.
Ring of Lesser Stoneskin Tier 1 Simple copper ring that when activated creates a thin layer of stone around the wearer that protects from 15 points of damage. Takes 1 charge per use, contains 10 charges, and can be recharged at a rate of 100 mana per charge.
"A magic item! My first one. Not bad." Robert slipped the ring onto his finger and moved on to the next room. "Well, this is interesting. Two groups of eight slimes, two of each color. A bit more challenging, but nothing I can''t handle." Robert devised a strategy, deciding to target the slimes in the same order as the previous rooms. He began with the red slimes, neutralizing them with water bullets, then moved on to the blue slimes, using fire to their weakness. The earth and air slimes followed suit.
Level Up!
After looting the fallen slimes, Robert proceeded to the final room. Inside, he found two massive, imposing slimes. Using Identify, he learned more about these formidable foes. Name: Uncommon Large Slime Class: N/A Race: Slime (Red) Profession: N/A Gender: N/A Stats: Str 3, Dex 3, Con 6, Int 3, Wis 3, Cha 3 Level: 3 Resistances: Physical (100%), Fire (100%) Health: 100 Mana: N/A Name: Uncommon Large Slime Class: N/A Race: Slime (Blue) Profession: N/A Gender: N/A Stats: Str 3, Dex 3, Con 6, Int 3, Wis 3, Cha 3 Level: 3 Resistances: Physical (100%), Water (100%) Health: 100 Mana: N/A "Alright, these will be tougher, but we can do this." As soon as Robert entered, the red slime launched a fiery projectile, catching him off guard. Taking 10 points of fire damage, he quickly learned to keep his distance. Dodging a water bullet from the blue slime, he retaliated with a water bullet of his own, dealing only 7 points of damage. "This is going to take a while." With a determined focus, Robert began a relentless barrage of water bullets against the red slime. After several minutes of intense combat, the red slime finally succumbed. Turning his attention to the blue slime, he used fire bullets to finish it off. Exhausted from the battle, Robert checked his stats and realized he had reached 10 points in Stamina, explaining his fatigue. Looting the fallen slimes, he was surprised to find a silver coin from each. As soon as he claimed the final reward, the slimes vanished, and a chest appeared in their place. Dungeon run complete. Uncommon chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • One Book of Blueprints (Enchanting Tier 1)
  • Twenty-Five silver coins
  • One Uncommon Shop Token
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! As soon as the items were claimed, the chest vanished, and a portal materialized in its place. Casting a healing spell to recover his strength, Robert took a final look around the room before stepping through the portal. Chapter 17 ¡°Looking sexy in all that leather,¡± Sara teased as Robert stepped through the portal. He grinned and pulled her into a quick hug. ¡°Thanks, but I¡¯d rather take it all off.¡± ¡°Always making promises,¡± she retorted playfully. They headed to the bedroom where Robert shed his armor and took a shower. Back in the family room, he shared his second run¡¯s adventure and the enchanted item book. ¡°Looks like a good starting point,¡± John said, flipping through the pages. ¡°Those tier 1 items aren¡¯t too powerful, but that minor healing ring could be handy. Not sure how much 10 health points really is, though.¡± ¡°Good question,¡± Robert replied. He activated his Identity skill on everyone. The results appeared, displaying their base stats and health. Name: Sara Williams Class: N/A Race: Human(Non-System) Profession: N/A Gender: Female Stats: Str 3, Dex 4, Con 3, Int 5, Wis 6, Cha 9 Level: N/A Resistances: N/A Health: 30 Mana: N/A Name: Stacey Williams Class: N/A Race: Human(Non-System) Profession: N/A Gender: Female Stats: Str 2, Dex 3, Con 3, Int 5, Wis 5, Cha 8 Level: N/A Resistances: N/A Health: 25 Mana: N/A Name: John Williams Class: N/A Race: Human(Non-System) Profession: N/A Gender: Male Stats: Str 4, Dex 4, Con 4, Int 6, Wis 5, Cha 7 Level: N/A Resistances: N/A Health: 35 Mana: N/A Name: Richard Williams Class: N/A Race: Human(Non-System) Profession: N/A Gender: Male Stats: Str 3, Dex 4, Con 4, Int 6, Wis 6, Cha 7 Level: N/A Resistances: N/A Health: 35 Mana: N/A "So, 10 health points is a significant chunk of your total health," Robert explained. "It could be a lifesaver, especially considering the cheap copper ring base." He pulled out his phone and checked prices. "Looks like a copper ring is about twenty bucks, and basic engraving tools are twenty to thirty. I''ll order five rings and the tools on Amazon. They should arrive tomorrow." Richard flipped through the pictures. "These are cool. We should put together an information packet. These pictures would be perfect for it." Robert considered the idea. "That''s a great idea. Even though the System won''t arrive for a long time, it would be helpful to have information ready. We can start with this guidebook." He placed the System guidebook on the table. The family gathered around the book, eager to learn. "This book explains nearly everything in detail," John said, impressed. "It even has history on the System, races, and monsters. We should definitely make copies." The rest of the day was spent discussing what information to include in the information packet. Later, at dinner, John brought up their next crafting project. "I still think healing is the way to go. A basic rod of healing, which heals eight points of health per charge and holds fifteen charges, could stabilize an injured person. The only issue is that it doesn''t seem rechargeable."If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Robert studied the book. "It''s not rechargeable, but it''s easy to make. We just need an oak rod and some cheap engraving tools. The main limitation is the two hundred mana cost per rod. Considering the rune-carving and mana recovery time, we could probably make two rods a day until I get more levels." The family spent a little more time talking about what to enchant and then called it a night. The next day, Robert bid his family goodbye and waited for his Amazon package. When it arrived, he retreated to his office, eager to begin his first enchanting project. He pulled out the blueprint book, tools, and a copper ring. Following the instructions carefully, he touched the engraving tool to the ring. The Enchanting skill activated, guiding his hands. Within twenty minutes, the ring was complete. Checking his status, he saw he''d spent 100 mana but gained a ring that could heal someone five times. Or so he thought until he looked at the ring. Name: Ring of Healing Tier: 1 Rank: Uncommon Description: This ring was made by an expert enchanter and when used will expend 1 charge to heal up to 17 health points. Charges: 10 "Hal, what''s going on?" Robert asked his AI.
Simple, as a Tier 4 Level 5 Enchanter, you''re crafting a Tier 1 item. Even though you''re not very experienced, your skill tier compensates. It makes sense that an expert would produce a better result than a novice.
"So, my Tier 1 items will be better than the book suggests?" Robert asked.
Mostly, Factors like material quality, tool quality, and other variables play a role. But these rings are perfect, capable of nearly fully healing anyone in your family.
Robert glanced at his status screen. He could make a ring roughly every 45 minutes without draining his mana. He spent the rest of the day crafting the remaining four rings, finishing just before his kids returned home. As soon as they arrived, he distributed the rings. The kids were amazed that the rings automatically adjusted to fit their fingers. Robert explained how to use the rings, emphasizing their limited-use nature. Turning his attention to the healing rods, Robert ordered twenty-one-inch by twenty-four-inch oak dowels, a can of stain, and an electric engraving pen from Amazon. Letting everyone know he would work on the rods after he received the items the next day. While reviewing the blueprint book, Robert identified several protective items that would benefit his family. He decided to prioritize an amulet of protection against kinetic attacks and a ring of protection against falls. These two items would provide significant protection against common threats. He also selected two additional healing rods: one to cure poison and another to cure blindness. Robert believed that these three types of rods would eventually generate enough income to secure his family''s future. The next day, the oak dowels and engraving pen arrived. As soon as the kids were off to school, Robert retreated to his workshop. With the blueprint open on his workbench, he carefully measured and cut the dowels to size. He then spent about an hour meticulously carving the runes into the wood. Each rune glowed faintly as he completed it, draining a small amount of his mana. Once the runes were complete, Robert stained the rods, giving them a rich, dark hue. Finally, he imbued the rods with magic, activating the healing enchantment. As he finished the last rod, a surge of satisfaction filled him. He had created something truly special. Looking over the rob he was happy with the results. Name: Oak Rod of Healing Tier: 1 Rank: Uncommon Description: This rod was made by an expert enchanter and when used will expend 1 charge to heal up to 12 health points. Charges: 20 Again, he realized the significant impact of his high Enchanting skill tier. Considering the time and mana cost, he estimated it would take four days to complete the remaining nineteen rods. But the potential rewards made the effort worthwhile. After waiting nearly an hour for his mana to recharge, he began the next rod, aiming to finish three more that day. Robert continued this routine for the next four days, balancing his enchanting work with his regular schedule during this time he was able to level up his inventory skill. Finally, it was time for his third run into the training dungeon. Chapter 18 "Welcome to Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1 currently called The Training Dungeon," the dungeon AI announced. Robert looked around and saw that the room was the same as before. Deciding to just get started he went to the System Store and opened the inventory.
Item Name Item Tier Item Rarity Item cost Item Description
Food Ration 1 common 2 copper A basic daily food ration.
Water Bottle 1 common 2 copper A small bottle of daily water.
Small Healing Potion 1 common 10 copper Small healing potion that when used will heal for 10 health.
Skill Token Package 1 common 1 gold This package contains 1 basic skill token.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Fire 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Fire spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Air 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Air spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Water 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Water spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Earth 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Earth spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Light 2 uncommon 15 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Light spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Healing Spells 2 uncommon 20 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Healing spells.
Uncommon Weapon Package 1 uncommon 1 Token Includes a Steel longsword, an Oak quarterstaff, and a Recurved Shortbow w/50 common arrows in a leather quiver.
Seeing the new items, he decided to use his token on the weapons package. He immediately replaced his shortsword with the longsword, feeling a noticeable increase in power. As for the bow, he decided to hold off for now. He wasn''t sure if he wanted to invest a skill point to learn archery, especially since he was already proficient with melee weapons. Stepping into the first room, he was met with an unexpected sight. The room wasn''t empty; it was a cavernous space, dimly lit, with a makeshift campsite huddled around a flickering fire. Six humanoid figures, smaller than humans, sat there, their features vaguely familiar. A quick identification revealed them to be common goblins. Name: Common Goblin Class: N/A Race: Goblin, Tier G Profession: N/A Gender: Male Stats: Str 7, Dex 11, Con 8, Int 6, Wis 5, Cha 3 If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.Level: 5 Resistances: None Health: 50 Mana: N/A Robert had been expecting this. The guidebook had warned him about the prevalence of goblins. He retreated a few steps, casting a protective spell before unleashing a volley of air bullets. The goblins, startled, let out a cacophony of unintelligible screams as they charged. Robert deftly dispatched the first one with another air bullet, then switched to his new longsword. The goblins, armed with crude wooden clubs, proved to be no match for his skill and superior weapon. He quickly eliminated the rest, earning 10 coppers and 35 experience from each fallen foe. The campsite yielded no valuable loot, so he pressed on. The second room was a carbon copy of the first, and he cleared it with similar ease. The third room, however, presented a new challenge. There were six goblins, but two were archers. Name: Common Goblin Archer Class: N/A Race: Goblin, Tier G Profession: N/A Gender: Male Stats: Str 6, Dex 13, Con 8, Int 6, Wis 5, Cha 3 Level: 5 Resistances: None Health: 50 Mana: N/A He prioritized the archers, but they managed to fire a few arrows, all of which missed. The room was soon cleared, and a notification appeared:
Level Up!
The fourth room was similar to the third, but with more enemies: eight goblins, six fighters, and two archers. He focused on the archers first, then turned his attention to the melee fighters. Despite a few hits, his armor and protective spell kept him safe. The fifth room was a different story. It was larger, with two separate camps, each containing six goblins, including two archers. He knew that charging in recklessly would leave him vulnerable to a barrage of arrows. Consulting his spellbook, he added a windscreen spell to his strategy. He planned to cast it towards one camp while focusing his attacks on the other. After refreshing his shield spell, he rushed into the room. A windscreen spell was erected between him and the leftmost camp, and he unleashed a flurry of spells at the right camp. He was nearly finished with the first camp when the four fighters from the left closed in. Meanwhile, the archers had spread out, trying to find openings in his defenses. He dodged several arrows, but two managed to strike his shield, doing no damage. With the first camp neutralized, he turned his attention to the remaining archers, spamming air bullets while dodging the attacks of the four remaining fighters. Once the archers were eliminated, he focused on the melee fighters, bringing the battle to a close. The sixth room was similar to the fifth but with seven goblins per campfire, including three archers. Employing the same strategy as before, he cleared the room with relative ease.
Level Up!
After the sixth room, Robert decided to take a much-needed break. He consumed a food ration and a water bottle to replenish his strength. After ending his rest break Robert headed to the next room, which appeared to be the last. There was only one campfire this time with eight goblins one of which looked different so Robert used Identify on it. Name: Common Goblin Shaman Class: N/A Race: Goblin, Tier G Profession: N/A Gender: Male Stats: Str 5, Dex 12, Con 7, Int 9, Wis 6, Cha 3 Level: 5 Resistances: None Health: 60 Mana: N/A Robert paused. This goblin was different. Its ability to cast spells marked it as a shaman, a dangerous foe. He knew he had to prioritize the shaman while keeping an eye on the three archers. Refreshing his spells, Robert initiated the battle. Immediately, he noticed the shaman''s shield spell, which deflected his air bullets. Before he could react, the shaman launched a green orb at him which missed and hit the wall. It slithered across the surface, a clear indication of its corrosive nature. He switched his target to the archers, spamming air bullets while dodging the shaman''s attacks. After a tense minute, the last archer fell. Robert turned his attention to the four remaining fighters guarding the shaman. A few moments later, the last fighter was defeated. He charged the shaman, but his first few sword strikes were deflected by a protective barrier. Finally, a powerful blow pierced the barrier. Three more strikes later, the shaman was defeated. After ensuring the room was clear of any remaining goblins, Robert looted the fallen creatures. Besides the usual copper coins, the shaman dropped a spellbook containing a series of Tier 1 spells from the School of Destruction. While he wasn''t planning to take another magic skill, the opportunity to learn new spells was too enticing to pass up. He decided to take the skill upon returning home. As soon as the last goblin was looted, they vanished, and a chest appeared. Dungeon run complete. Rare chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • One Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Light (Contains 25 random spells from the Sphere of Elemental Light)
  • One gold coin
  • One Uncommon Shop Token
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! The items were added to his inventory, and the chest vanished. The portal home appeared. With one last glance at the dungeon, Robert stepped through the portal. Chapter 19 Robert stepped through the portal, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. He spotted Sara waiting for him, a gentle smile on her lips. He embraced her warmly, a quick kiss sealing the moment. "So, how was it?" Sara asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "It was intense," Robert replied, recounting the details of his dungeon run. "I even got two new spellbooks, one for Light magic and one for Destruction." He hesitated, unsure of the next step. "I''m not sure about taking another magic school, though," he admitted. Sara raised an eyebrow. "How could you not? Most of those spells seem combat-oriented, and you could always use more powerful attacks." "Hal," Robert asked, thumbing through the spellbook, "Many of these spells seem to require a second sphere to cast. Is that normal?"
It''s not that uncommon for some spells to require multiple spheres to learn, these spells are typically more powerful for their tier. Take Ice Shard, for example. It''s a Tier 1 spell that combines Destruction and Water magic, dealing 50% more damage than your Water Bullet spell for only a slight increase in mana cost.
Robert''s eyes widened in realization. "So it''s worth the point to unlock it, then. I definitely need more powerful spells," he said, a determined look crossing his face. After a moment of consideration, he flipped through the spellbook and decided to unlock the Sphere of Destruction. Turning his attention to another matter, he asked, "What about archery? Should I invest in that skill?" Sara considered his question. "Well, it wouldn''t hurt. From what you''ve described, a bow could have been quite useful in certain situations." Robert nodded, contemplating the potential benefits of adding archery to his skillset. Turning his attention to the Light spellbook, he was immediately drawn to the powerful spells within. Regeneration and Shield of Light caught his eye, promising significant defensive capabilities. He was also intrigued by Radiant Bolt, a more powerful offensive spell than his current options, but with only a slight increase in mana cost. However, one spell had him puzzled. "Hal," he asked, pointing at Blessing of Light, "This says it gives a blessing increasing power and speed. Who gives the blessing?"
In this current universe, the System does, however, when you travel to one of the active universes, blessings are granted by the local divinities.
"Local divinities?" Robert repeated, his eyebrows raised.
Correct. In time, when you reach a certain level of power and truly master a skill, you can aspire to divine rank. It''s a challenging and risky path, but it''s possible. Every universe has a handful of divinities, and in time, this universe will also have its own true gods.
"So, what about God? Is he real?" Robert asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
That''s a question even the System can''t answer, not even the System knows who or what created the multiverse.
Robert decided to drop the subject. There were more pressing matters at hand, like mastering his new spells.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Robert spent the next two days immersing himself in his studies, mastering new spells, and honing his skills. He also decided to unlock the Archery skill and spent some time practicing with his bow. He also decided to make a few more healing rods. While crafting healing rods, a thought occurred to him. "Hal," he asked, "The guidebook says one of the ways to earn experience is through crafting. I''ve been enchanting a lot, but I haven''t earned any experience."
You''re a Tier 4 Expert in Enchanting, crafting nothing but common Tier 1 items. There''s no challenge in that, so you don''t earn experience.
"I guess that makes sense," Robert acknowledged. "But I can''t make anything else."
Why do you think that? Just because you don''t have instructions for other items doesn''t mean you can''t figure them out. Where do you think all these spells and blueprints come from? Someone figured them out, the System didn''t just hand them out.
"So you''re saying I could try to figure out other plans through trial and error?" Robert asked, intrigued.
Yes, with your Tier 4 Enchanting knowledge and the skill book you used, you have the foundation to experiment. While you may not have high-tier plans, you have enough knowledge to figure some out.
A new idea sparked in Robert''s mind. "I know the Regeneration spell now. I bet I could figure out how to add it to an item." Armed with this new goal, Robert spent the rest of the day working on his new Rod of Regeneration. It took him two days but he was finally able to create a simple rod of regeneration. Name: Oak Rod of Regeneration Tier: 2 Rank: Uncommon Description: This rod was made by an expert enchanter and when used will expend 1 charge to regenerate 75 points of health over 10 minutes. Charges: 10 Robert meticulously documented the rod-making process, eager to replicate his success. Over the next few days, he crafted several more, each one a testament to his growing skill. While he still gained no experience from the work, he did get better at engraving the runes. Time flew by, and soon it was time to return to the Dungeon. As it was a Sunday, he took the opportunity to bid farewell to his family before stepping through the portal. "Welcome to Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1 currently called The Training Dungeon Forth Floor," the dungeon AI announced. The System Store offered no new enticements, so Robert opted to invest a gold piece in an extra skill point and pressed on. This floor mirrored the third, with a notable exception: two Goblin Shamans guarded the fifth room, and a Goblin Chief lurked in the final chamber. Name: Common Goblin Chief Class: N/A Race: Goblin, Tier G Profession: N/A Gender: Male Stats: Str 12, Dex 11, Con 13, Int 8, Wis 7, Cha 3 Level: 9 Resistances: None Health: 100 Mana: N/A Robert methodically eliminated the archers and fighters, neutralizing the Shaman before confronting the Chief. A formidable opponent, the Chief managed to breach Robert''s defenses, inflicting minor damage. Ultimately, however, Robert prevailed. After plundering the goblin spoils and claiming the chest''s contents¡ªa Tier 2 Rara Hardened Leather Jerkin and Pants set, along with 50 silver coins¡ªRobert realized he had leveled up, reaching a new milestone at level 10. Gathering his thoughts, he stepped through the portal and returned home. Chapter 20 Walking out of the portal Robert greeted his family and took a seat on the couch. "That floor was hard, I took on a Goblin Chief that was at my level, the good news is not only did I win but I hit level 10, which means I can finally get a class." John, intrigued, asked, "So how does this class selection work? What factors influence the class you''re offered?" Robert pondered for a moment. "According to the guidebook, several factors come into play, including skills, skill tiers, feats, stats, race, and even titles. Is there anything else I should know, Hal?"
You''ve covered most of the basics, just remember to allocate your free stat points wisely. A baseline of 20 in key stats is generally beneficial for class selection. Also, don''t forget about your remaining perk points. You have a rare perk and two common ones that could significantly impact your options.
Robert checked his status page and realized Hal was right. With four points to spare, he strategically allocated one point each to Intelligence and Wisdom, bringing them both to 19. Before he could speak, Hal suggested, "Use your two common feats to select extra stat points." Robert followed Hal''s advice and successfully increased both Intelligence and Wisdom to 20. Examining his rare perk options, Robert found one that caught his eye: Perk Name: Rare Class Perk Description: Base Class starts at uncommon, any offered class moves one tier higher. Perk Rank: Rare "Hal, if I understand this correctly, I should never be offered a common class, and any class I''m offered will be one tier higher than usual, right?"
Exactly, in essence, if you were previously eligible for a rare class, you''ll now be offered a legendary class instead.
"So why don''t more people have uncommon or better classes if perks like this exist?" Robert inquired.
Perk points are incredibly rare, unlike you, most people don''t start with any, and many go their entire lives without earning one. In the vast multiverse, it''s not uncommon for individuals to reach level 100 without acquiring a single perk. By that point, perks like this become irrelevant.
"So I actually got a decent deal out of this whole mess?" Robert asked, a bit incredulous.
Remember, the System may be strict, but it''s fair. Given your focus on magic, it''s important to consider the System''s preference for balanced skill sets when assigning classes. While your 10 magic skills are impressive, having an odd number of skills often offers greater flexibility in class choices. I recommend selecting one additional skill to expand your options.
"Okay, so I have the elements, creation, time, destruction, light, and healing. Time, time might be a good fit." Robert quickly used a point on the magic of space. With that, Robert selected the perk and initiated the class selection process.
Class Selection Process Initialized! User Level: 10 No Current Class! Scanning Stats Scanning Perks Scanning Feats Scanning Skills Scanning Race Scanning Titles Scan complete Building Class List ........ Class list built.
With that Robert was presented with a list of hundreds of classes. "Hal, can we cut this down please?" "Show me the highest rarity classes please"
Class Name Class Rarity Class Description
Grand Highmagi of the Elemental Fury Mythical A master of raw, untamed power, the Grand HighMagi of the Elemental Fury wields the forces of nature with unparalleled skill. Their mastery over fire, water, earth, and air is absolute, allowing them to summon devastating storms, ignite infernos, and reshape the very landscape. Cloaked in a swirling maelstrom of elemental energy, they are a force of both creation and destruction. Their knowledge of arcane lore is vast, and their power is only matched by their wisdom. A revered figure, they are sought after for guidance and feared by their enemies. (Grants 3 points to Int/Wis per level, 1 point to both Dex/Con per level, and 2 free points)
Grand Archmagi of Creation(U) This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Mythical A Grand ArchMagi of Creation is a master of the arcane arts, possessing a profound understanding of the fundamental forces that shape the universe. They are capable of manipulating the very fabric of reality, birthing life, sculpting landscapes, and even defying the laws of time and space. Such beings are often solitary, spending countless hours in arcane study and meditation. Their power is immense, but it comes at a great cost. The constant manipulation of reality can be mentally and physically taxing, and many Grand ArchMagi are worn down by the weight of their knowledge and power. A Grand ArchMagi of Creation is often seen as a god-like figure, revered and feared in equal measure. They are the guardians of creation, tasked with protecting the delicate balance of the cosmos. (Grants 3 points to Int/Wis per level, 1 point to both Dex/Con per level, and 2 free points)
High Enchanter of the Frozen Planes Mythical A master of ice and frost, the High Enchanter of the Frozen Planes wields arcane power to manipulate the elements. Cloaked in robes of shimmering ice, they command blizzards, summon icy constructs, and freeze their enemies solid. With a flick of their wrist, they can conjure ethereal weapons of frost or shield themselves with a barrier of crystalline energy. Their knowledge of ancient, arcane lore is vast, and they often delve into forbidden texts to unlock new and powerful spells. Beyond their combat prowess, High Enchanters are also skilled diplomats and strategists, capable of manipulating the tides of war with cunning and foresight. (Grants 3 points to Int/Wis per level, 2 points to Dex per level, and 2 free points)
Wondering Ranger of the Silent Way Mythical A master of stealth and the natural world, the Wondering Ranger of the Silent Way is a solitary figure, often lost in contemplation. They possess a deep connection to nature, able to move silently through the wilderness, their presence unnoticed. A Wondering Ranger of the Silent Way is a guardian of the wild, a protector of the innocent, and a force to be reckoned with. They are the silent watchers, the unseen guardians, and the mysterious wanderers of the world. (Grants 3 points to Str/Dex per level and 1 point to Wis/Cha as well as 2 free points per level)
"Wow, how did I even qualify for these?" Robert exclaimed, astonished.
You didn''t, Well, you qualified for four Legendary classes, primarily due to having skills far beyond the norm for a level 10 character, you also possess an unusually large number of magic skills and a divine ability, which is quite rare at this level. Add to that your collection of perks and your unique title, and you''ve created a profile that the System has deemed worthy of Legendary class options however, your perk caused that to increase. Remember, the System is strict but fair
Robert shared his options with his family, and John was the first to voice his opinion. "Creation is the clear choice. I know you enjoy magic, so the Ranger class is out. The Enchanter, while powerful, seems more suited for large-scale operations, which doesn''t align with your solitary nature. Of the remaining two, the Elemental class appears more restrictive in its abilities." "Hal, what do you think?" Robert asked his AI.
For the most part, yes, the Ranger class aligns well with your skills in hunting and archery, making you a protector of the wilderness. The Enchanter class, on the other hand, is more suited for supporting armies and nations, a role you earned through your enchanting skill. As a Mythical Enchanter, you could command a significant price from any king in the multiverse. Regarding the last two options, The Grand High Archmagi of Elemental Fury is arguably more powerful. However, it restricts you to elemental spell skills, limiting your versatility. The Grand Archmagi of Creation, while not as raw in power, offers greater flexibility and fewer limitations.
"Why is the Grand Archmagi of Creation marked unique?" Robert asked.
When you reach the level of a class like that, especially one tied to a specific skill or ability, there''s usually only one person in existence holding that title
"So, I would be the only Grand Archmagi of Creation?" Robert clarified.
That''s correct, while Unique classes are rare, they don''t always signify greater power. However, I believe this particular class is an exception.
"Sounds like an easy decision then," Robert concluded. Taking one last look at his family, he selected the class.
Class Selection Complete: Grand Archmagi of Creation(U) Selected
Quest Complete!
Title Earned: First Mythic
Level Up!
Chapter 21 Robert felt a surge of power coursing through his veins as the System''s notification echoed in his mind. The world around him seemed to shift, colors more vibrant, sounds clearer. His understanding of the universe deepened, and he felt a connection to the very fabric of reality. "Well, that was... intense," Robert muttered, still processing the newfound power.
Congratulations, Robert, You''ve achieved something truly extraordinary. A Mythic class at such a young age is unheard of. Normally the beings who get a class that powerful are on their third class or a merged class. The fact that you received one as your first class sets you as a one-in-a-billion user.
"So, Hal," Robert asked, "the guidebook doesn''t really elaborate on class ranks. Where does ''Mythical'' fall on the spectrum?"
Mythical is second from the top, the hierarchy goes Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Legendary, Mythical, Divine, and Unique. However, Unique is a bit of an anomaly, as it can be any rank and merely signifies a one-of-a-kind class. Being a Unique Mythical Class holder, you''re quite literally one in a trillion in the multiverse.
"So, should I expect a target on my back when I get to where I''m going?" Robert asked, a tinge of worry in his voice.
Whether or not you become a target depends on your power level and the places you choose to explore. It''s best to keep a low profile and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. Perhaps consider learning the Hide Status skill. It will make it harder for others to identify your abilities and classes.
"So, what now?" John asked, his eyes wide with excitement. "Now," Robert replied, a determined glint in his eyes, "we explore the depths of this new power. We delve into the mysteries of creation, and I become the architect of my own destiny." The family spent the rest of the day discussing Robert''s newfound abilities and the implications of his class. They pondered the possibilities, the challenges, and the responsibilities that came with such immense power. As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the room, Robert turned to Hal. "What''s the next step? How do I start training in this new class?" he asked.
You''ll continue on your current path, One of the benefits of having a class is that dungeon rewards will start to be tailored to your specific needs. The System is invested in your growth and will provide the necessary resources to help you reach your full potential.
The morning sun streamed through the window, casting long shadows across the room. Robert, still buzzing with excitement from the previous day''s revelation, sat down at his desk, eager to delve deeper into his newfound powers. "So what else comes with having a class, are their special abilities and such?" Robert asked Hal.
Certainly, Robert, as a Grand Archmagi of Creation, you possess the ability to manipulate the fundamental forces of the universe. This includes shaping matter, creating life, and even bending the laws of time and space. However, such power comes with great responsibility. It''s crucial to use your abilities wisely and ethically. As you level up you will gain abilities related to your class. In fact you should have already gained an ability if you take a look.
Pulling up his status, he was surprised to note that he had gained a new ability but in the excitement he had missed the notice. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! 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 Simple Constructs: Form basic 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. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It can be, yes, however, the true power of such abilities lies in the hands of the user. A skilled and imaginative individual can wield them to extraordinary effect. But in the wrong hands, they''re little more than toys.
"So, which am I?" Robert asked, a hint of humor in his voice.
Only time will tell.
Robert spent the next few days exploring the depths of his new ability, Fabric of Reality. He experimented with analyzing various objects, from simple rocks to complex electronics. He was amazed at the level of detail the ability provided, revealing hidden histories and potential applications. He also began practicing repairing damaged objects. He started with small, broken items around the house, gradually increasing the complexity of his repairs. He was surprised at how quickly he was able to master this skill, mending objects with a mere touch. He did notice limits on his abilities, while he could manipulate tiny objects about the size of a TV remote, anything larger and more complicated was out of his reach. "Hey Hal, how should I allocate my stat points? Given that my class already boosts Intelligence and Wisdom, where should I focus my attention?" Robert asked.
That''s a good question, typically, classes allocate points to key stats, leaving any extra points for you to distribute. In your case, I''d recommend prioritizing Constitution. It directly impacts your lifespan. A higher Constitution means a longer natural life. For a Tier G Human, a Constitution of 20 typically grants a lifespan of 100 years. Every point above 20 adds about 5 years, with significant increases at certain benchmarks. For instance, reaching 50 could extend your life to around 400 years. If you plan to return to Earth after the System''s arrival, you''ll need to reach at least 60 to ensure you''re still alive. A Constitution of 150 would grant you a lifespan of over 1,000 years.
"So, high-level warriors with massive constitutions could live for thousands of years?" Robert asked, astonished.
While there are powerful beings in the multiverse who are millions of years old, they''re the exception, not the rule, most people, with common or uncommon classes, are lucky to live 200 years. The vast majority of individuals will have lifespans in the hundreds of years. A small percentage might reach 500, and an even smaller fraction might reach 2,000. Beyond that, it becomes increasingly rare. Beings tens of thousands of years old or older are incredibly uncommon, perhaps one in a hundred billion.
"How do people live that long? I can''t even imagine living 200 years, let alone thousands," Robert mused.
It''s simply a matter of the System''s rules and the nature of reality in this multiverse, as you progress, you''ll encounter beings who have lived for centuries, even millennia. It''s a testament to the extraordinary power and longevity that can be achieved.
"So need to work on Constitution then." Chapter 22 Robert spent the next few days honing his skills and abilities, preparing for the daunting challenge ahead.
Robert, level 5 is the first of several checkpoint levels. These are designed to test your growth. Expect a rigorous challenge.
"So, every five floors?" Robert inquired.
Correct. Levels 25 and 50 are major checkpoints, and they will truly test your limits.
"Great," Robert replied, a hint of nervous excitement in his voice. In the days leading up to his run, Robert meticulously prepared. He inspected his armor and weapons, ensuring they were in peak condition. Most importantly, he cherished quality time with his family. The day of the run arrived. After a heartfelt farewell to his family, Robert stepped through the shimmering portal. A deep, synthesized voice echoed through the cavern. "Welcome, adventurer. You have entered Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1, currently known as The Training Dungeon. You are now on the Fifth Floor." Following his normal pattern, he checked the System Shop for new items
Item Name Item Tier Item Rarity Item cost Item Description
Food Ration 1 common 2 copper A basic daily food ration.
Water Bottle 1 common 2 copper A small bottle of daily water.
Small Healing Potion 1 common 10 copper Small healing potion that when used will heal for 10 health.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Fire 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Fire spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Air 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Air spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Water 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Water spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Earth 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Earth spells.
Ring of Turn Undead 2 uncommon 1 Token A simple Silver Ring that contains the ability to cast the Turn Undead Spell. Each use requires 1 change and the ring contains 10 charges, and cannot be recharged
"Hal, could this be a sign?" Robert asked, his voice filled with urgency.
I think the answer''s obvious, Robert. Buy the ring. And a word of advice: don''t waste that final charge. Your class ability is incredibly powerful. With enough study, you can not only learn to craft similar items but also the spell that it uses.
Robert''s eyes widened. "Any magic item?"
Indeed. As a master of creation, you have the unique ability to learn from the work of others.
Robert didn''t hesitate. He purchased the ring and slipped it onto his finger. Stepping out of the room, he found himself in a dimly lit hallway. Casting a quick light spell, he ventured down the corridor, his heart pounding with anticipation. As he emerged from the hallway, his breath caught in his throat. Before him stretched an open field, dotted with countless headstones. A breathtaking night sky, filled with twinkling stars, arched overhead. Cautiously, Robert activated his air and light shields and after one final look at the graveyard, he also cast his Blessing of Light spell. Once ready he stepped into the eerie graveyard. Robert took no more than 5 steps before the ground around several of the headstones exploded and 4 skeletons climbed out. Name: Skeleton Class: N/A Race: Undead Profession: N/A Gender: N/A Stats: Str 8, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 6, Wis 8, Cha 5 Level: 10 Resistances: Slashing(50%), Darkness(90%), Death(100%) Health: 110 Mana: N/A Robert swung his sword at the nearest skeleton, but the blade barely made a dent. Reacting swiftly, he unleashed a Radiant Bolt, striking the creature with such force that it staggered backward. He quickly cast the spell twice destroying the first skeleton. Before he could celebrate his victory, another skeleton lunged at him, its rusty sword raised high. Robert parried the attack and retreated, dodging the onslaught of the remaining skeletons. With a flurry of bolts, he eliminated the second threat. However, his aggressive tactics had a consequence: four more skeletons burst from the ground, surrounding him.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Quick thinking saved the day. Robert activated the Ring of Turn Undead, banishing two of the skeletons in a blinding flash of light. Retreating to a safer distance, he rained down bolts of energy, decimating the remaining foes. The graveyard was silent once more. Robert, panting heavily, surveyed the battlefield. He had barely made a dent in the distance to the other side. It was clear that the graveyard was teeming with undead. After looting the fallen skeletons, he found a few silver coins and a mysterious substance: bone dust. "Hal, what''s this bone dust for?" he asked.
Nothing, It''s an alchemy ingredient. While that will not help you unless you decide to take Alchemy it can be sold once you arrive at a System World.
"Alright, something for future me," Robert muttered. Carefully making his way through the graveyard he dispatched 3 more groups of Skeletones before his luck changed. Expecting more skeletons he was not prepared for the part that burst forth. Name: Skeleton Warrior Class: Fighter Race: Undead Profession: N/A Gender: N/A Stats: Str 13, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 6, Wis 8, Cha 5 Level: 12 Resistances: Slashing(50%), Darkness(90%), Death(100%) Health: 150 Mana: N/A These skeletons had better swords and a shield each. Robert, wary of the new threat, launched a Radiant Bolt. But the skeleton, more agile than its lesser brethren, raised its shield, deflecting the magical missile. The creatures advanced, their swords glinting in the dim light. Realizing he couldn¡¯t rely solely on magic, Robert drew his own sword. The clash of steel echoed through the graveyard as the two warriors locked in combat. The skeleton''s strikes were powerful, but Robert, with his superior skill, managed to parry each blow. As the battle intensified, Robert began to tire. He launched another bolt of energy, but the skeleton, with a well-timed block, deflected it. A moment of opportunity arose, and Robert seized it, activating the Ring of Turn Undead. A blinding light enveloped the creature, and it was vanquished. Turning his attention to the second skeleton, Robert was determined to defeat it without resorting to the ring. He focused his attacks on the skeleton¡¯s shield, weakening it with each strike. Once the shield was broken, he unleashed a barrage of bolts, overwhelming the creature. With the threat neutralized, Robert caught his breath. The battle had been a grueling test of his skills, but he had emerged victorious. Looting the two skeletons netted him more of the dust but 5 silver coins each for his trouble. Robert decided to rest for a bit to recover his strength. Robert, weary but determined, continued his perilous journey. As he ventured deeper into the graveyard, another pair of skeletal warriors emerged from the ground, their swords glinting ominously in the dim light. The skeletal warriors, with their superior strength, proved to be formidable foes. Robert fought with skill and cunning, parrying their blows and unleashing powerful magical attacks. But the relentless onslaught took its toll, and in the end, while he had emerged victorious once more, he was forced to rest to recover his strength. Taking the time to check over his gear, he noticed a few chips in his sword he knew he would have to replace it soon. Getting up he continued to explore the graveyard until he uncovered his next pair of foes. Name: Skeleton Mage Class: Mage Race: Undead Profession: N/A Gender: N/A Stats: Str 8, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 5 Level: 13 Resistances: Slashing(50%), Darkness(90%), Death(100%) Health: 130 Mana: N/A Before Robert could fully decipher the results of his Identify spell, a bolt of darkness struck his shield, weakening its protective power. He charged forward, intent on closing the distance, but was forced to dodge a fiery bolt hurled by the second skeleton. Undeterred, Robert retaliated with a bolt of his own, but it was absorbed by a mysterious shield surrounding the creature. The battle raged on, a relentless exchange of spells and dodges. Robert struggled to penetrate the second skeleton''s defenses, while the first, now shieldless, targeted him with its dark magic. Finally, an opening appeared. The first skeleton''s shield faltered, and Robert seized the opportunity to unleash a barrage of bolts. The creature fell, its lifeless form collapsing to the ground. Now focused on the remaining mage, Robert continued the intense duel. Spells flew back and forth, each one a potential death sentence. With each passing moment, the tension mounted. But, through skill and determination, Robert emerged victorious, the skeletal mage vanquished. Looting 10 silver coins each and some dust Robert sat against one of the headstones and worked to catch his breath. Looking at his status page he was surprised how how little mana he had remaining and knew he would have to wait a while before he continued. Eating one of his food rations he went over the battles in his mind trying to see if there was anything he could do differently. After a little over an hour Robert decided he had recovered enough mana and stood up to continue, however, he realized that he had walked most of the graveyard and the only thing that really remained was the small mausoleum. Figuring that would probably be the final fight and knowing he probably needed to be at his best, Robert decided to hold off for a bit until he fully recovered his mana. Once that was complete he recast all of his protection spells and entered the door to the mausoleum. The air crackled with tension as Robert stepped into the mausoleum. The dim light illuminated six skeletal figures standing guard, their eyes glowing with malevolent intent. As he moved deeper into the chamber, three coffins burst open, spewing forth a pair of powerful skeletal warriors and a robed skeletal mage. Surrounded by nine formidable foes, Robert knew this would be his greatest challenge yet. The skeletal warriors, armed with swords and shields, launched a coordinated assault, while the mages unleashed a barrage of destructive spells. Robert, dodging and weaving, countered with his own spells and swordsmanship. The battle raged on, a chaotic dance of life and death. Robert¡¯s magic began to take its toll on the skeletons however their numbers remained high. With each passing moment, the situation grew more desperate. But Robert refused to yield. Drawing upon his reserves of strength and skill, he fought with a ferocity that surprised even himself. He dodged incoming attacks, parried deadly blows, and launched counterattacks. The skeletal warriors fell one by one, their lifeless forms littering the floor of the mausoleum. Finally, the mage itself fell to a well-cast bolt spell. With the more powerful foes removed from the picture, the 6 common skeletons were quickly vanquished. The battle had drained Robert''s energy, both physical and magical. He collapsed against a cold stone wall, panting heavily. His mana was depleted, his body aching. As he recovered his breath, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. He had faced his greatest challenge yet and emerged victorious.
Level Up!
Looting the skeletons, he received his normal rewards. As soon as the final body was looted they all vanished and a Golden Chest appeared. Dungeon run complete. Epic chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • One Rare Silver Inlayed Steel Longsword(Enchanted)
  • Ten gold coins
  • One Rare Shop Token
  • One Unlocked Skill Point
  • One pair of Uncommon Heavy Leather Pauldrons
  • One pair of Uncommon Heavy Leather Bracers
  • One pair of Uncommon Heavy Leather Graves
  • One Uncommon Heavy Leather Helm
  • One pair of Uncommon Heavy Lether Boots.
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! With that final thought the chest vanished and Robert walked through the portal that replaced it. Chapter 23 The dungeon''s stale, damp air clung to Robert like a shroud, but it couldn''t dampen his thrill of victory. He had conquered the grueling test and emerged victorious. As he stepped into his home, the warm embrace of his family washed over him. Sara, her brow furrowed in concern, rushed to meet him. "Robert!" she exclaimed, relief and worry etched across her face. "You''re back! Are you alright?" He returned her hug, squeezing her tightly. "I''m fine, love," he reassured her, his voice hoarse and his body aching. "Just a bit worn out." The children, John, Richard, and Stacey, entered the room, their eyes wide with curiosity. "Dad, you look worn out," John observed. "Daddy, are you okay?" Stacey asked, her voice filled with worry. "I''m fine, princess," Robert replied, ruffling her hair. "Just a little tired." He then began to regale them with tales of his adventure, pulling out a picture of the eerie graveyard and a chilling image of the skeleton he had encountered. Stacey gasped, covering her mouth in fright as Robert recounted the perilous final battle. "Dad, Are you sure you should be doing these dungeon runs?" John asked, concern evident in his voice. "I don''t have a choice," Robert replied, "If I don''t do two runs a week, the System will force me to back-to-back runs on the last day." "That''s not fair," Richard stated, his voice filled with frustration. "I know, son," Robert replied with a heavy sigh. "The System is inflexible. It has its goals and will stop at nothing to achieve them, regardless of the cost." "But I did get some good rewards from this run," Robert said, pulling out the items he had received from the rare chest. John picked up the sword and examined it closely, "This is beautiful." "Yes, and it was perfect timing," Robert explained. "My old sword was starting to show its age, and neither my mending spell nor my ability could repair it." He continued, "But the best part is the gold. It''s enough to buy one of the Tier 2 spell books, and I desperately need the power boost." "Which one do you think you''ll get?" John asked. "I''m leaning towards water," Robert answered. "I wish one of the books was healing; that would help me craft more powerful items. But if I''m lucky, one of the water spells will have healing properties." After spending quality time with his family, Robert retreated to his spare room to organize his inventory. As he sorted through his belongings, he was struck by the fleeting nature of items in this world. Many had become obsolete in a remarkably short time. Returning to his office, Robert turned to the internet for inspiration for his next enchanting project. A thought struck him. "Hey Hal, can I enchant cloth?" he asked his AI assistant.
Certainly, however, enchanting cloth requires a higher level of skill and precision. You''ll need to be meticulous in your stitching. Given your current skill level, you should be able to handle it. The only caveat is the potential for accidents. If you use low-quality thread, the enchantment could destabilize, releasing its energy unpredictably.
"Can I use something stronger than cloth thread?" Robert asked.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Absolutely, as an expert in sewing, you could use silver thread, which is ideal for enchanting clothing. While you can purchase silver thread, ensure it''s of the highest purity.
Robert began researching online and was pleasantly surprised by the affordable options. "A hundred feet of 99.99% pure silver thread for only forty dollars? Not bad," he muttered, placing an order. His mind raced as he considered his next project. "Cloaks," he mused. "A cloak with an air shield enchantment would be incredibly useful. Or perhaps a cloak of speed, powered by a basic time spell."
Both would be good ideas, don''t forget to order a set of needles to go with the thread.
"Thanks for the reminder," Robert replied, a smile spreading across his face. Turning his attention to cloaks, he found a few promising options and promptly ordered a dozen heavy cloth cloaks. As he was placing the order, Sara entered the room, her gaze drawn to his screen. ¡°Cloaks?¡± she questioned, a hint of amusement in her voice. ¡°Why cloaks? Aren¡¯t they a bit outdated?¡± ¡°They¡¯re a simple, classic garment,¡± Robert explained. ¡°Perfect for testing my enchantments. Once I¡¯ve mastered the basics, I¡¯ll move on to more complex items like shirts and jackets.¡± "I suppose that makes sense," Sara conceded, though a small frown creased her brow. "But couldn''t you just use a piece of cloth?" ¡°Not quite,¡± Robert replied. ¡°I need to test the enchantments on something I can actually wear.¡± The next day, a shipment arrived bearing Robert''s supplies and cloaks. With practiced precision, he began the intricate task of enchanting the first cloak. Using a silver thread, he carefully inscribed the runes of the air shield spell onto the fabric. After an hour of focused concentration, the enchantment was complete. He cast the Identify spell to reveal its properties. Name: Cloak of Shielding Tier: 1 Rank: Uncommon Description: This cloak, crafted by the hand of an expert enchanter, will expend 1 charge to cast a Minor Shield of Air spell upon the wearer. Charges: 15 Pleased with his first creation, Robert turned his attention to the second cloak. He imbued it with the runes of the minor movement spell, carefully weaving them into the fabric. Once the enchantment was complete, he cast the Identify spell. Name: Cloak of Minor Movement Tier: 1 Rank: Uncommon Description: This cloak, crafted by the hand of an expert enchanter, will expend 1 charge to cast a Minor Increased Movement spell upon the wearer. Charges: 15 Satisfied with his work, Robert carefully stored the cloaks away and went to spend some quality time with his children. The next day, Robert delved into his inventory, discovering a stash of nearly 400 silver coins. Intrigued by their potential value, he ventured to a nearby pawn shop, a well-known establishment in the area. As he waited in line, he approached an employee, inquiring about their interest in purchasing a collection of silver coins. Eager for a potential profit, the employee immediately expressed interest. Robert presented a single coin as a sample. Examining the coin closely, the employee questioned its origin, puzzled by the unfamiliar script. Robert explained that the coins were inherited from his father''s estate and that he possessed limited knowledge of their history. After testing the coin and confirming its purity, the employee offered to purchase the collection at a price of $5 below the current spot price, contingent upon the quantity. Robert inquired about the specific price, and the employee revealed that the current spot price for silver was $30.47 per ounce. They proposed a price of $25.47 per coin, accounting for their necessary profit margin. Robert countered with a price of $26.00 per coin, a compromise that the employee ultimately accepted. Returning to his car, Robert retrieved 199 coins and brought them back to the pawn shop. After a thorough examination of the coins, Robert walked out with $5,200 in hand, ready to return home. Upon returning home, Robert shared the news of the silver coin sale with his wife, entrusting her with the earnings. While he was pleased with his newfound ability to contribute to their family''s finances, he recognized the limited potential of such ventures. With renewed determination, Robert returned to his office to continue his enchanting endeavors, focusing on completing the cloaks. Several days later, Robert prepared to descend into the dungeon once more, this time venturing to the sixth floor. Chapter 24 Stepping through the portal, Robert was greeted by the usual AI greeting: Welcome, adventurer. You have entered Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1, currently known as The Training Dungeon. You are now on the Sixth Floor. Robert not wasting any time went straight to the shop interface to buy the water spell book.
Item Name Item Tier Item Rarity Item cost Item Description
Food Ration 1 common 2 copper A basic daily food ration.
Water Bottle 1 common 2 copper A small bottle of daily water.
Small Healing Potion 1 common 10 copper Small healing potion that when used will heal for 10 health.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Fire 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Fire spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Air 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Air spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Water 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Water spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Earth 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Earth spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Healing 2 uncommon 50 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Healing spells.
Random Rare Scroll Pack 3 rare 1 token This pack contains 5 random Tier 3 spell scrolls.
"Okay, Hal, I''m starting to think the System''s playing tricks on me. I need that book, but what''s the deal with spell scrolls?" Robert asked, puzzled.
Spell scrolls are exactly what they sound like. They''re one-time-use spells that can be cast directly from the scroll. You can also study the spell to add it to your spellbook, but that will consume the scroll as well.
"So, I''ll get five random spells that I can add to my spellbook? They could be anything, huh?" Robert mused. "Well, I guess a bad Tier 3 spell isn''t so bad when you have no other spells."
You''re probably right. However, remember that the results are random. You might end up with five spells from schools you haven''t unlocked, or even five copies of the same spell.
"Still worth the risk, as long as it''s a good one. Now, I just need to save up 50 gold for the healing book," Robert replied.
Speaking of money, have you considered selling some of your items to the shop?
"Crap, I completely forgot about that! Does it pay well?" Robert asked.
Compared to a real merchant, not really. But as an enchanter, even getting a third of an item''s true value can be helpful.
"A third? Wow, the System''s cheap," Robert laughed.
It''s not about being cheap. The System wants users to rely on each other, not on it. It forces people to seek out others, but in your case, you really don''t have many options.
After purchasing the water book and the scroll pack, Robert started experimenting with selling some of his items to get a sense of the prices:Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Name: Fire Opal Tier: 1 Quantity: 1 Price: 30 Silver ------ Name: Cloak of Shielding Tier: 1 Quantity: 1 Price: 70 Silver ------ Name: Cloak of Minor Movement Tier: 1 Quantity: 1 Price: 70 Silver ------ Name: Oak Rod of Healing Tier: 1 Quantity: 1 Price: 1 Gold "Hal, am I crazy, or are some of these prices a bit inflated?" Robert asked.
Enchanted items always command a high price. Enchanting is a rare profession. As for the healing item, any healing item is in high demand. While that rod might not heal much for a high-level player, it could stabilize someone until a proper healer arrives. So, how much is a life worth?
"Point taken, so what I need to do is return with 80 of those rods and I can buy the remaining books," Robert said thoughtfully. Before heading on Robert pulled out the scrolls and looked them over: Name: Scroll of Earth Bind Tier: 3 Rank: Uncommon Description: Earth Spell that anchors an opponent to the earth, making them unable to move or cast spells. This spell is useful for controlling powerful enemies or escaping dangerous situations. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Water Wall Tier: 3 Rank: Uncommon Description: Water Spell that creates a wall of water to block attacks and projectiles. The wall can last for 30 seconds plus 15 second per tier over 3 plus 5 seconds per (int/10) or until it is dispelled. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Healing Light Tier: 3 Rank: Uncommon Description: Light Spell that emits a beam of healing light that restores 20 health points per second to a target ally. The healing effect lasts for 10 seconds. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Gravity Well Tier: 3 Rank: Uncommon Description: Gravity Spell that creates a gravitational pull that draws enemies towards the caster, dealing 15 damage plus 10 damage per tier over 3 and reducing their movement speed for 10 seconds + 5 seconds per tier over 3. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Nature''s Wrath Tier: 3 Rank: Uncommon Description: Nature spell that summons a barrage of thorns up to 10 thorns plus 2 thorns per tier over 3 and 1 through per (Int/10)and vines to attack enemies in a 10-foot radius, dealing 10 nature damage per hit. Charges: 1 "These are some powerful scrolls," Robert commented. "I can use three of them without needing a new skill."
And it might be worth unlocking the other skills for those spells. You have the points.
"That''s true. But am I focusing too much on magic?" Robert wondered.
You''re a mage. Mages need magic. While having backup skills like swordsmanship and archery is useful, your core strength is magic. You''ve invested heavily in that path.
"Alright, I''ll unlock those two skills and learn the spells," Robert decided. Robert spent the next few hours mastering the five spells from the scrolls. Once he was finished, he stood up and prepared to leave for the dungeon. However, before he could, the door behind him vanished, and a new portal materialized in its place. "Hal, what''s going on?" Robert asked, startled.
Strange. The System is redirecting you to a different location. Something must have happened to change the plan.
"Should I be worried?" Robert inquired.
No, the challenge will be equally difficult. But something has occurred, and the System believes you''re the best fit for this new situation, or perhaps someone requested assistance, and the System selected you.
"What do you mean someone requested help?" Robert asked, confused.
You need to understand, dungeons aren''t custom-built. That would be a waste of power. The System reuses existing dungeons, and there are more of them in the multiverse than you can imagine. It simply locates an unused floor, modifies it to fit the required challenge, and then sends you through a portal. Why waste energy creating something new when you can repurpose what already exists?
"I see," Robert replied. "So, the portal just drops me into an unused dungeon in some random System universe?"
Exactly. I suspect something unique is happening somewhere, and the System has decided to take advantage of it.
"So, because I took extra time to prepare, the System found a more challenging opportunity for me. I guess this is my fault," Robert said with a wry smile.
That''s true, but the System wouldn''t redirect you unless it was a worthwhile challenge. This should be a good opportunity for you.
With a final nod, Robert stepped through the portal, ready for whatever awaited him. Chapter 25 Robert stumbled through the portal, emerging not in a dank dungeon but a quaint village. Dirt roads wound between simple homes, and a verdant forest stretched beyond the village¡¯s edge. As he ventured deeper, a blood-curdling scream pierced the air. A horrific scene unfolded before him: a family was under attack by skeletal warriors, commanded by a grotesque goblin shaman. Without hesitation, Robert unleashed a burst of radiant energy, decimating the attacking skeleton. A flurry of spells followed, swiftly neutralizing the remaining threats. Turning to the terrified family, Robert offered aid. "Are you alright?" he asked "Xal''thak, n''zarth, k''thr''lak, y''thr''lth." the man replied. "Hal, I cannot understand them," Robert said
They are speaking System Common. Normally, you would learn the language beforehand, but due to the early deployment, you were not granted it. One moment and I''ll seek to correct that.
System Override Requested! Override Approved! Basic System Language Pack Granted! New Skills Learned!
Suddenly, he could understand their words. "Are you okay, stranger?" the woman inquired. "Yes, I¡¯m fine. I apologize for the language barrier," Robert replied. "But we¡¯re speaking Common, everyone knows Common," the man exclaimed, perplexed. "I¡¯m new to the System, my Universe is still integrating. I haven¡¯t been granted the language yet," Robert explained. "You¡¯re a Forerunner," the man realized, awe in his voice. "A Forerunner. I¡¯ve never met one before."
Forerunner is the system label given to identify people like you who are the first system users for a universe. While not common, it''s a known event.
"What¡¯s happening here?" Robert asked. "Are you injured? I can heal you." ¡°We¡¯re fine, thank goodness,¡± the man replied. ¡°Monsters started attacking the village. We were just heading inside when they found us.¡± ¡°I should continue on to see if there are others I can help. Will you be okay?¡± Robert asked, his voice filled with worry. "by the way, my name is Robert, Robert Williams." ¡°We¡¯ll be fine. This is our home. We¡¯ll head inside. Just be careful,¡± the man warned. ¡°The village elder and the guard should be at the town center. You might want to check there.¡± "Also it is nice to meet you, Robert, my name is Kael, and this is my wife Elara, and our daughter Lyra. We are going to head in, please be careful." With that, the family retreated into their home, the sound of furniture being moved to barricade the door echoing through the air. Robert, after securing the area and gathering the loot from the bodies, headed towards the town center, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Headed toward the center of the village, he came across two other families, all of which were dead, he spotted the attacking forces nearby and engaged, taking them all out. "Hal, is this real, are these poor people really dead?" Robert asked Hal with sadness in his voice.
I''m afraid so Robert, this is a real System World and these are real people.
"But how, I''m only level 12 and these things are no match for me, these people should be more powerful by far." Robert asked with confusion.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
You have a powerful mage class, good gear, and high skills, that first family you found, the man was a farmer, the woman a seamstress, and the child was a child. I can tell you that the man was level 26 and the woman level 21, but they have no combat skills. Like in your world, these people depend on others to protect them. In your case it''s the police, here it''s the guard.
Robert forced a sad smile. "It makes sense," he mumbled, quickening his steps. At the next intersection, dread washed over him. Another family. The man, felled by a skeletal warrior. The woman, a scream torn from her throat. Fury surged through Robert. Ignoring the woman''s panicked shouts, he unleashed a torrent of profanities as he unleashed a barrage of bolt spells at the skeletons. As the skeletal horde faltered, Robert charged forward, his sword a blur of motion. He ignored the skeletal swipes as he focused on the grotesque goblin. Steel met bone, a symphony of violence until the goblin lay still. Then, back to the remaining skeletons, spells flying until silence fell. Rushing to the fallen man, Robert channeled his most potent healing spell. But nothing happened. A chilling voice echoed in his mind,
I''m sorry, Robert, but you currently lack the power to bring back the dead.
Despair crushed him. He sank to his knees, tears welling up. Looking at the woman, he choked out, "I''m so sorry. If I''d only moved faster..." "Stranger, stop!" the woman''s voice, though shaken, held a surprising strength. "This was not your fault. You saved me and my children. That''s all that matters." She took her husband''s hand, her grip tight with grief. Taking a deep breath, Robert asked, a flicker of hope returning, "Is there somewhere you can hide? Somewhere safe?" "Yes," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Our home is nearby. I''ll take the children and wait there until this madness ends. Thank you, stranger. Thank you for everything." With a final sob, she let go of her husband''s hand, scooped up her children, and disappeared into the maze of houses. Robert stood alone, the weight of responsibility and grief settling on him. He had saved some, but not all. It was a heavy burden to carry, but he knew he had to keep moving. He had to help whoever else he could. With renewed determination, he turned towards the town center, the heart of the battle yet to be fought. Robert pressed on, urgency propelling him forward. Looting was a luxury he couldn¡¯t afford. As he rounded the last house, the village center came into view. A small, two-story building, likely the village hall, stood at the heart, flanked by an inn and a general store. A fierce battle raged before the hall. Five defenders, outnumbered by a horde of skeletal warriors and goblin shamans, fought valiantly. A goblin shaman unleashed a dark bolt, striking down one of the defenders. Seizing the opportunity, Robert charged, his sword a blur. He dispatched the nearest goblin swiftly, catching the remaining goblins off guard. This brief respite allowed the defenders to retreat and tend to their wounded comrade. Now the focus of the goblin shamans¡¯ attention, Robert dodged their spells, his protective magic barely holding. Desperate, he began to channel a powerful nature spell, but reinforcements arrived, doubling the goblin horde. Just as hope dwindled, an old man emerged from the village hall. With a shattered glass orb, he summoned a blinding light.
Blessing of the Orb of Sacrifice received. All stats +10, Health +200, Mana recharged, Greater shield of Protection granted. 30 seconds remaining
A divine blessing enveloped Robert, granting him incredible power. With renewed vigor, he cut through the goblin horde, a whirlwind of steel and magic. The remaining skeletons, overwhelmed by the defenders, fell one by one. The battle was over. As quickly as it had come, the blessing faded. Robert stumbled, his strength waning. A kind defender rushed to his aid. ¡°Careful, stranger. You pushed yourself beyond your limits. You¡¯ll need time to recover.¡± Robert nodded weakly, sheathing his sword. With grateful thanks, he allowed the defender to guide him into the village hall.
Level Up!
With an incredible show of Willpower, Will Power +1
Chapter 26 Robert stepped into the bustling room, a sea of anxious faces. Families huddled together, their eyes filled with worry. The four defenders ushered him towards a back room, where a young woman was tending to a wounded man. His body was marred with deep gashes, blood seeping through the makeshift bandages. "Dwalin''s lost a lot of blood," the woman said, her voice filled with concern. "I¡¯ve stopped the bleeding, but without a true healer, he may not make it." "We¡¯ll have to send someone to High Watch," one of the defenders suggested. Robert stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the injured man. "No need for that. Let me try." The woman, surprised, raised an eyebrow. "You can heal?" Robert nodded. "A little. I have a Tier 3 healing spell. Let¡¯s see if it¡¯s enough." As he spoke, a radiant beam of light erupted from his hand, striking the wounded man. The light pulsed and throbbed, and as it faded, the wounds began to close, disappearing before their eyes. Dwalin¡¯s breathing steadied, his color returning. Exhausted, Robert sank to his knees. "That was¡­ a lot." The woman was speechless. "A Tier 3 healing spell? That¡¯s more than most healers in High Watch could manage!" The man who¡¯d helped Robert into the hall approached, his voice a low rumble. ¡°Greetings, stranger. I¡¯m Rhys. With me are Kael, Moromir, and Kaelan. The injured man is Dwalin. And you are¡­?¡± Before he could finish, the woman interjected. ¡°Thank you for healing him, sir. My name is Calla.¡± Robert nodded, his breath still ragged. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure. I¡¯m Robert Williams. As soon as I recover, I¡¯ll see to anyone else who needs healing. But if there¡¯s an urgent case, you can use this rod.¡± He held out his rod of healing. ¡°Dwalin was the only one seriously hurt here,¡± Rhys explained. ¡°But we¡¯ll need to search the village for survivors and goblin threats.¡± Robert nodded. ¡°I found two families hiding in their homes. One man didn¡¯t make it, and two families were killed. The village seems clear from the south, at least.¡± "Well, Robert, we appreciate your help, but what brings you to a small village like ours?" Rhys asked, his curiosity evident. Robert paused. "Before we get to that, who was the old man with the orb?" The woman, Calla, answered, her voice filled with sorrow. "That was Elder Darian, my grandfather. He gave his life to protect us." "I¡¯m sorry for your loss," Robert said, his tone sincere. "It¡¯s never easy losing family." He turned back to Rhys. "As for why I¡¯m here, well, the System sent me. I was supposed to be in a dungeon, but plans changed, it seems." Kael¡¯s eyes widened. "You mean, you were given a System Quest to come here?" Robert nodded, a thoughtful look on his face. "I guess so. I must¡¯ve missed the notification. But it seems I was tasked with saving your village." Rhys raised an eyebrow. "Why our village? And why send someone of your level? I¡¯m level 30, and even I struggled to hold them off." "Hal," Robert thought, "How much should I tell them?"
They''re part of the System. They know to stay out of its way, but they also seem to have a good heart. I believe you can confide in them.
A moment later, Robert¡¯s expression turned serious. "I¡¯m not from this universe. My universe isn¡¯t part of the System yet. I¡¯ve been chosen to as part of the test to bring the System to my universe. I was in a training dungeon when the System redirected me here." Rhys was stunned. "You¡¯re a Forerunner? That¡¯s incredible. So, the System used us to train you? Well, I guess it worked out for us." ¡°Is this normal around here? These goblin attacks?¡± Robert asked, curiosity piqued. ¡°No, this is unprecedented,¡± Rhys admitted. ¡°We¡¯re not sure where they came from.¡± The group spent the next few hours tending to the wounded and burying the dead. Robert, having recovered his mana, used his healing magic to aid those who were injured. As the sun began to set, a sense of grim determination settled over the village. They had survived, tomorrow would bring a new day, but here would be a tomorrow. The following few hours were filled with sorrow and recovery. Robert used his healing magic to aid the injured, and the villagers buried their fallen. As the sun began to set, a somber silence hung over the village. Later that evening, at the inn, a young girl, who looked to be about his daughter''s age, approached their table. Her eyes were red and swollen, her face etched with grief. ¡°What am I supposed to do?¡± she asked, her voice barely a whisper. Calla, her voice filled with compassion, replied, ¡°Elara, I¡¯m so sorry for your loss. Do you know where your nearest relatives live?¡± Elara shook her head, tears streaming down her face. ¡°Mommy never told me. I should have been home, but I was enjoying the day and took my time.¡± Robert exchanged a worried glance with Rhys. ¡°Elara¡¯s family was one of the ones you found dead,¡± Rhys explained quietly. ¡°She¡¯s all alone now.¡± ¡°I have no one,¡± Elara sobbed. ¡°I¡¯m too young to take care of myself.¡± Robert looked at Rhys. ¡°She¡¯s too young to use the System, right? Can¡¯t level or anything?¡± Rhys nodded grimly. ¡°Not until she turns fifteen." "And the village?" Robert asked, hope dwindling. "Can they take her in?" Rhys shook his head, a somber sigh escaping his lips. "The goblins destroyed our fields. We''re barely going to survive the winter. Some families may have to leave." "So what are her options?" Robert pressed, desperation creeping into his voice. "I''ll have someone take her to High Watch and turn her over to the mayor. He''ll either find a family to take her in or put her on a caravan to a larger city," Rhys replied. "The problem is, that costs a lot. And since she can''t pay, she''ll be bonded to the caravan master until she works off the debt." Robert''s eyes widened in horror. "Wait, so if no one takes her in, she''ll be sold into virtual servitude?" Rhys nodded, his tone apologetic. "It''s not exactly slavery. It''s a work bond. She''ll be forced to work for the caravan master until she pays him back." "How much would it cost to send her to a larger town?" Robert asked, his voice filled with urgency. "About five or six gold pieces, I''d guess," Rhys replied. "Six gold to ride on the back of a wagon?" Robert exclaimed, incredulous. "What are these wagons made of, dragon bone?" Rhys sighed. "The next large town from High Watch is about a month''s travel. It covers food, security, and profit. It''s not ideal, but it''s the norm."
There is another option
"Nope, don''t even think about it Hal" Robert snapped. Calla, confused, looked around. "Who is Hal?" "Sorry, Hal is a System AI assigned to me during training," Robert explained. "What''s an AI?" Calla asked, her brow furrowed. "An AI is an artificial intelligence, a mini-System that helps me understand things," Robert replied. "So you have a personal connection to the System?" Rhys asked, intrigued. "Not exactly. Hal isn''t the System; he''s an Artificial Being created by it. He provides information and help," Robert clarified. "Okay, I''m not sure I fully understand, but I won''t worry about it. So what did Hal say?" Calla asked. "He told me there''s another option, and I don''t like the sound of it," Robert replied, his tone grave.
I did not say it was a good option, only that there was another one. Normally I''m not allowed to tell you about other users, but I''m allowed to make an exception. Ask Elara about her Trait.
"What about her Trait?" Robert asked, his voice filled with curiosity. Elara''s face paled, her eyes darting nervously. "No one knows about that, not even Mamma and Pappa," she whispered.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Rhys, ever the gentle giant, offered a reassuring smile. "It''s okay, child. No one here will judge you." "It''s called ''Born in Power''," Elara confessed her voice barely a murmur. Calla, intrigued, urged her on. "Can you read us the System description?" Elara hesitated, then began to read in a quiet voice: "This rare and powerful trait imbues its bearer with an extraordinary affinity for magic. Those blessed with this trait possess the potential to unlock and master not just one, but four distinct spheres of magic, offering unparalleled versatility and power. Furthermore, this trait grants a significant advantage in the pursuit of higher-tier classes, increasing the likelihood of attaining a more potent and prestigious class." A heavy silence fell over the table as the implications of Elara''s revelation sunk in. Rhys was the first to speak, his voice grave, "No one can know about this. If word gets out, every noble house in the kingdom will be vying for her. They would force her to take binding oaths, perhaps even force a marriage, all to harness her power for their own gain." Calla''s brow furrowed. "What do we do, then? We''re just farmers. We know nothing of the kingdom''s elite." Robert turned to Hal in his mind, "What are you thinking?"
Simple. You take her with you and train her yourself.
Robert''s mind raced. "Are you crazy? First, how could I train her? I''m still learning myself. Second, how could I take her? And third, what happens when my time here is up and I''m sent to another world?"
This is why the System sent you here: to give her a chance. The training you''re receiving is preparing you, but you''re not the only one it''s looking after. Elara has a future the System is invested in. If you agree to take her, the System will send her with you. As for your time on Earth, she goes with you. You''ll be her teacher and she''ll be your student until she''s ready to stand on her own.
Robert hesitated. "I''m barely able to protect myself. How can I protect a child?"
You''re not considering your potential power. You have a Mythical class, Robert. You''ll likely gain at least a Legendary profession and second class, possibly even Mythical. With that kind of power, few will pose a threat.
Robert countered, "There must be more powerful beings out there."
There are, but they''re not common. Most beings you''ll encounter will be ordinary users with common or uncommon classes. Many will outlevel you, but levels aren''t the deciding factor.
Robert pressed, "What are you getting at?"
Let''s ignore class abilities for a moment and focus on stats. As a Tier G Human, your average stats are 10 each, totaling 70 at level 10. Common classes grant 3 stat points per level, so at level 20, an average user would have 100 points. Mythical classes, however, grant 10 points per level, totaling 170 at level 20. At level 20 you gain a profession and a common profession grants 2 points per level, so at level 50, a common user would have around 250 points. A Legendary profession grants 6 points, and a Mythical grants 7. So, at level 50, you could have 640 or 670 points. Those extra points translate to thousands of extra mana, health, strength, and a longer lifespan. Add in the skill point advantage of Mythical classes, and you''re significantly more powerful. After that you put back in Class Abilities and a high-tier class dominates a common or uncommon class.
Robert was stunned. "It sounds like the System is setting me up to be some kind of overlord."
Your actions determine your destiny. You could choose a less powerful path. The System offers opportunities, but how you seize them is up to you. Taking Elara is a chance to make a difference, but it''s your choice.
Robert sighed. "I know I can''t leave her. I''d never forgive myself."
The System respects your decision. If you choose not to, you''ll still be rewarded, but differently.
"There really isn''t a choice and you know it. I think you know me well enough to know that I''d not leave her here, knowing bad things will probably happen to her." Robert snapped.
Again the choice to have personal honor is your choice, the System isn''t forcing it on you.
Robert chuckled bitterly. "So, the System''s a bit of an ass, huh?"
The System knows your feelings and honestly doesn''t care.
Robert grinned. "A real ass, then." "Robert!" a voice called. "What?" Robert asked, snapping out of his thoughts. "You were ignoring us and didn''t respond when we asked what you thought," Calla chided. "Oh, sorry. I was just having a chat with Hal," Robert replied. "About what?" Rhys inquired. "Elara," Robert answered. "What about her, Robert?" Calla pressed. "It seems the System wants me to take her with me and train her. She might be the real reason I was sent here," Robert explained.
Hidden Quest Unlocked
Rhys smiled, "Well, you did save our village. I guess this is a bonus."
Quest Complete!
Robert chuckled as a treasure chest materialized on the table. "By the gods, what just happened?" Moromir exclaimed. "Seems the System didn''t consider my village-saving quest complete until you confirmed it," Robert explained. "So, this chest is my reward. Let''s see what our village is worth." Dungeon run complete. Rare chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • One skill book (Alchemy)
  • Five gold coins
  • One unlocked skill tokens
  • One Rare Shop Token
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! "A skill book! I''ve never seen one of those before. And Alchemy? That must be worth at least 50 gold," Moromir exclaimed. "That''s a grand reward." The chest vanished, leaving no portal behind. "Guess there''s no going home until we decide about Elara," Robert mused. "That''s not up to you," Calla pointed out. "Oh, I know. I was just thinking out loud," Robert replied, turning to Elara. "Elara, the System has given you a choice. You can stay here, and I''ll provide the gold to send you to a larger city to find your own path. Or, you can come with me, and I''ll do my best to train you to be a powerful mage." Elara whispered, "So, I can stay here and risk being controlled by a family I don''t like, or I can go with you, someone I barely know." Robert explained, "I have a wife and three children. You''d live with us for five months, then we''d be sent to a random world. I''m a Forerunner, so it''s my destiny. I''m saying this because I have no idea where we''ll end up. You might be safer with a family you dislike than with me in the unknown." Elara gasped, "I just got a quest! I''ve never gotten a quest before." "It''s called ''Walk Your Path.'' I have two options: go with you or not. It says, ''Go with Robert and gain a teacher and protector, or stay and gain a ???''" Elara said, confused. "What do the question marks mean?" Robert replied, "It means two things: one, that option leads to an unknown future, and two, the System is an ass. But seriously, the System gave you two options, one with a known positive outcome and one that''s completely unknown. Who would choose the unknown? The System just made you think you had a choice." Calla agreed, "You''re right. That was a jerk move." Robert smiled at Calla, then turned back to Elara. "I''m sorry to rush you, but you need to decide." Elara sighed. "I guess there really is no choice." She made her decision.
Hidden Quest Complete!
Level Up!
"I completed my quest! It says my reward is a new teacher and something else that''s locked until I turn fifteen," Elara exclaimed. "Great. So, Elara, we''ll need to leave soon. Do you have anything you need to get from home?" Robert asked. "Not much, but I''d like to grab a few family items. Can I go home to pack?" Elara asked. "I''ll go help you," Calla said to Elara and they left together. "About your village," Robert began, "Can you buy enough food from High Watch to last until the next harvest?" Rhys sighed. "We could, but it would cost a lot. There are fifteen families left, and each needs about fifty silver for food. Plus, transportation would cost another fifty silver, so we''re looking at about eight gold." He shook his head. "I doubt we can scrape together more than two or three gold." "No problem," Robert said. "Take the five gold from the chest, and I''ll give you another three hundred silver. I''m also leaving you my Healing Rod, just in case." Rhys was taken aback. "That''s too much. You already risked your life for us. We can''t take your gold." "It''s just money. I''ll earn more," Robert insisted. "And the rod? That''s worth several gold. We can''t take that either," Rhys protested. "The rod isn''t worth much to me. I''ve made several others like it. I''ll just replace it," Robert explained. Rhys''s eyes widened. "Wait, you''re an enchanter?" Robert nodded. "It''s not that hard, really. In fact, if you have some oak rods, I can make you a few more, or something else, if you want."
If you''re serious about enchanting, you should take the skill. While your magic is powerful, the skill would let you stack your abilities and create even more potent items. Plus, you might be offered Enchanting as a profession, which would take your skills to the next level.
Robert checked his skill list, found Enchanting, and without hesitation, took it. Soon after, he was presented with several oak rods and staves. He began working on the rods, adding the Healing spell to two of them. The skill, combined with his magic sphere, allowed him to enhance the rods, increasing their charge count and healing power. For the staves, he chose different enchantments: Nature''s Wrath for one and Earth Bind for the other. Just as he finished, Elara returned with several bags. Robert took them and stored them in his inventory. "Are you ready?" he asked. "Remember, we might never come back, so say your goodbyes." Elara hugged everyone goodbye and then stood beside Robert. "I''m ready," she said. As soon as she finished, a portal appeared. Robert shook hands with everyone, and then led Elara through the portal. Chapter 27 As Robert and Elara stepped through the portal, his family awaited them. "Robert! You''re back!" Sara exclaimed. "That took forever... And who''s this young girl with you?" "Master, she''s speaking strangely," Elara whispered. "She''s using English, our language. I''ll use my teaching skill to share it with you." "Daddy, you sound funny too!" Stacey giggled. "Are you speaking Pig Latin?" Robert chuckled. "No, princess. I''m speaking System Common. It''s one of the main languages on System Worlds." "It sounds silly," Stacey replied. "Elara thinks English sounds silly too. I guess you two have something in common." Robert agreed with a smile. "Elara?" Sara questioned. "It''s a long story," Robert explained. "Let''s sit down. After I share English with Elara, I''ll tell you everything." Placing his hand on Elara''s head, Robert activated the skill. "Master, it''s asking if I want to learn English as a Language subskill at level 2. Is that okay?" Elara inquired. Robert smiled. "Yes, Elara. Accept the skill." Once Elara had mastered English, Robert began to recount his journey, sharing tales of the village and the battles he had fought. As he spoke of the families he couldn''t save, a wave of sadness washed over him. Sara, sensing his sorrow, moved to comfort him. Robert concluded his story, explaining how Elara had become involved and the System''s offer to make him her teacher. "John, please move the items from the spare bedroom to the den for now. Robert can figure things out later," Sara instructed. "Stacey, help Elara unpack and settle in." With tasks assigned, everyone dispersed. In the privacy of their office, Sara began, "Robert, what the System did, sending you there, was wrong. You didn''t deserve that." "I don''t think it was malicious," Robert replied. "The attack happened, and the System took advantage of the situation. It didn''t cause the attack, but it recognized my potential and Elara''s. I believe it has a plan for both of us." "What grand plans could the System have for a child?" Sara questioned. Robert smiled. "I think it doesn''t see age. Consider this: I''m 51, a bit old to be starting a new adventure." Sara paused, studying his face. "Hon, you don''t look 51. More like early 40s." "Really?" Robert asked, heading to the bathroom to examine his reflection. He returned, nodding in agreement. "It''s the stat changes. I put points into Constitution, boosting it above 20. I guess one of the side effects, besides a longer life, is a youthful appearance." "I don''t mind a younger you," Sara admitted, "but if this keeps up, the neighbors will start to notice. What happens when you look like you''re in your thirties or twenties again?" "It''s too late to reverse the aging process that far," Robert explained. "Hal says I won''t go younger than my mid-thirties." "That''s not funny, hon," Sara retorted. "People will notice." Robert chuckled. "We knew this would happen eventually. And I think in a few more levels, I''ll be beyond anyone''s reach here. I''ll make sure you and the kids are protected too." Later that evening, Robert and Elara sat in his office. "Elara, you have the potential to learn four spheres of magic. Do you have any preferences?" He handed her a list of spheres he was familiar with, along with their associated spells. Elara studied the list. "What do you think I should learn, Master?" Robert smiled. "That''s not the question, Elara. The question is, what do you want to learn? This is your future, and these four spheres are your foundation. Take your time, but don''t delay too long." After a moment, Elara spoke. "I want to protect others, fight, and heal the injured. Is that possible?" "Absolutely," Robert replied. "Healing covers the healing aspect, and many elemental spheres, like Air, can be used for both protection and attack. Let''s consider Healing, Air, and Light. These three spheres would fulfill your goals." He pulled out a sheet of paper and began to write. "Now, you have one more sphere to choose. This one is for fun. What interests you?" "Why for fun? Shouldn''t I pick something practical?" Elara asked, confused. "Elara, I''m more powerful than you, and I''ll always have an advantage. What''s important is that you''re happy and capable. You''ve already chosen three practical spheres. This last one is yours to enjoy." "There are over 30 spheres of magic," Robert continued, "and you can choose any one. I can unlock an extra sphere for you, but I won''t have any pre-learned spells. However, the System usually finds a way to provide them, either through quests or the shop." Elara thought for a moment. "Mommy once told me about a mage who performed amazing illusions. I''d like to learn something like that." "Illusion, huh? That''s a great choice. It could be useful for both of us. We can learn it together," Robert suggested. "Yes, please!" Elara exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. With that, Robert used his last skill point to unlock the Illusion sphere and shared it with Elara. "I got a feat!" Elara exclaimed, surprised. "It''s called Polymathic Prodigy. It gives me a 10% bonus to spells from my four spheres and a 5% bonus to skill experience in those spheres."Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Robert chuckled. "That''s a great bonus. What level did you unlock the spheres?" "Tier 1, level 9," Elara replied. "Good. With that bonus, we should be able to get three of those spheres to Tier 2 before we leave in five months. That will be a significant advantage." Robert pulled out his Tier 1 spellbook and handed it to Elara. ¡°This book contains every Tier 1 spell for Air, Healing, and Light. Look through it and pick two spells from each school. I¡¯ll review your choices tomorrow. If I approve, you can start studying them. I¡¯m not sure how that will work without full System access, though.¡±
She can study them fine, she just doesn''t have access to her System Spellbook yet, but she can add spells to it, she just cannot view it or use them yet.
¡°Good news is you can study and learn spells,¡± Robert told Elara. ¡°You just can¡¯t access your System Spellbook yet. Once you turn 15, you¡¯ll have full access.¡± Elara checked her status. ¡°My status says I have 14 Earth days until I turn 15,¡± she said. ¡°Perfect,¡± Robert replied. ¡°We have plenty of time to learn a few dozen spells. Then the real fun begins.¡± The next morning, Elara sat with Robert, pointing out the spells she had chosen. To his surprise, she had selected three healing and three defensive spells, all focused on protection and support. ¡°Why these six?¡± Robert asked, curious about her choices. ¡°Father used to say that the best defense is a strong defense,¡± Elara replied, her voice filled with a touch of sadness. ¡°I want to honor his teachings.¡± ¡°Those are the words of a wise man,¡± Robert said, understanding her sentiment. ¡°You¡¯ve done well to learn from him. These six spells are an excellent choice. Spend today and tomorrow studying them. And remember, it¡¯s okay to grieve for your family. If you need to talk, Sara and I are here to listen, no judgment.¡± Things continued for the next few days, Elara learned her first six spells and then picked six more, this time all healing spells, still not offensive spells, which Robert was fine with. He knew that in time she would select some, but for now, there was no need. Soon should would probably be a better healer than him, which would be perfect because he felt that the System would probably force her to go with him on his dungeon runs and he wanted to make sure she could protect herself and if needed take over healing so he could focus on defending them and attacking their enemies. During this time Robert spent all of his free time crafting items to sell to the System Shop. His plan was to have enough goods to sell to buy the books he needed. Five days after he returned with Elara, it was time for another run. While standing at the portal he wished his family well and told Elara to keep studying until he returned. "Robert I''m scared, what if it''s like last time, what if it''s too dangerous?" Elara asked him, fear in her voice. "One of the things I''ve learned is that the System is firm but fair. I will be challenged, but not by things I cannot overcome if I put in the effort." With those words, he entered the portal. Welcome, adventurer. You have entered Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1, currently known as The Training Dungeon. You are now on the Seventh Floor. Wasting no time Robert went to the store and sold off all of the items he had crafted, 85 Rods of healing, 35 cloaks, and 10 staves, which earned him 138 gold coins. Moving to the items for sell he pulled up the list:
Item Name Item Tier Item Rarity Item cost Item Description
Food Ration 1 common 2 copper A basic daily food ration.
Water Bottle 1 common 2 copper A small bottle of daily water.
Small Healing Potion 1 common 10 copper Small healing potion that when used will heal for 10 health.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Fire 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Fire spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Air 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Air spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Earth 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Earth spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Healing 2 uncommon 50 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Healing spells.
Tier 1 Spell Book of Illusion 2 uncommon 5 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 1 Illusion spells.
Tier 1 Spell Book of Nature 2 uncommon 5 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 1 Nature spells.
Tier 1 Spell Book of Gravity 2 rare 25 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 1 Gravity spells.
"Hal, why is the Gravity book so much more expensive than the other Tier 1 books?" Robert asked.
Because Gravity is a rare Sphere of magic, one not many people learn. Because it''s a rare book it commands a higher price.
Robert shook his head, purchased all the books, and exited the room. As soon as he stepped out, he found himself in a dense forest. Chapter 28 The sun beat down on Robert''s brow, a relentless orb in the sky. Based on the sounds, he was in a forest teeming with life. Wind passing through the trees caused the branches to groan. His first encounter was with three boars, thinking back to his younger days, going hunting with his father, he noticed these boars were larger than the ones he saw on Earth. Thinking fast, he created a Water Wall spell in front of the charging boars, breaking up the charge and splitting the group. Robert quickly cast his Earth Bullet spell, hitting a lone boar in the head. The shot was lucky and passed into the eye of the boar, killing it right away. Pulling out his sword, he met the charge of the remaining two boars. He began a dance that quickly ended with the death of the boars. Looking around to make sure he was alone, he looted the boars, gaining 1 silver coin, 1 pelt of boar skin, and five pounds of boar meat for each one. Continuing on, Robert encountered his next foe, a large cat, that looked like a large bobcat. Quickly casting an Air Bullet, he struck the cat, doing a little damage. What followed was a game of cat and mouse. Robert would strike at the cat, who would jump into the trees, running out of sight for a moment, and then attack again from the other direction. This went on for several minutes until Robert decided to cast his Minor Movement spell, which allowed him to cast an Earth Bind spell on the cat, holding it still long enough to kill it with Earth Bullet spells. Looting the cat, he gained 2 silver coins and a pelt. The next encounter was a group of five boars. Robert knew he couldn''t take them all on at once, so he decided to use the terrain to his advantage. He led the boars to a narrow path between two large trees. As the boars charged, Robert cast a Wall of Earth, blocking their path. He then used his sword to pick them off one by one. After the battle, Robert looted the boars, gaining 5 silver coins, 5 pelts of boar skin, and 25 pounds of boar meat. He then continued on his journey, ever vigilant for the next threat. He soon encountered a large panther, its fur a deep shade of black. The panther attacked with incredible speed and agility, but Robert was able to dodge its attacks and counter with his own. After a fierce battle, Robert was able to kill the panther with a well-placed Earth Bullet. He looted the panther, gaining 3 silver coins and a valuable panther pelt. As the day wore on, Robert encountered more and more creatures. He fought a pack of wolves, a giant eagle, and a monstrous bear. Each battle was a test of his skill and endurance. But Robert was determined to survive, and he would not let anything stand in his way. After the final fight, Robert found himself in a clearing. He was exhausted but victorious. He had fought and defeated countless creatures, and he had emerged victorious. As he sat down to rest, he looked up at the clouds. He knew that his journey was far from over, but he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. After resting for a little bit, Robert heard the sound of a distant growl. He knew that there were still many dangers lurking in the forest. He strapped on his sword and set off, ready to face whatever came his way. His next encounter of the run was with a group of three boars. He quickly dispatched them with a combination of swordplay and magic. He then looted the boars, gaining 3 silver coins, 3 pelts of boar skin, and 15 pounds of boar meat. Next, he encountered a large lynx. The lynx was a formidable opponent, but Robert was able to defeat it with a series of well-placed Earth Bullets. He looted the lynx, gaining 2 silver coins and a valuable lynx pelt. As the day progressed, Robert continued to fight his way through the forest. He encountered a variety of creatures, including wolves, bears, and panthers. Each battle was a test of his skill and endurance, but he always emerged victorious. The sun beat down on Robert''s brow as he pushed deeper into the heart of the forest. The air grew thick with tension, the only sound was the rhythmic thud of his footsteps and the distant rustle of unseen creatures. A chill ran down his spine as he crested a small hill and laid eyes on the clearing before him. Laying in the middle of the clearing was the largest cat he had ever seen. It looked like a Panther, but it was 10 feet from nose to tail. The cat looked over at him without a care in the world, this was a creature that was secure in its power and knew it was the lord of its domain. Looking around Robert did his best to make sure there was nothing else hiding to cause him issues, he began his attack with a casting of his Greater Earth Bind spell, which he followed up with a Nature''s Wraith spell. The cat struggled against the Binding spell and Robert knew he did not have much time before it escaped. Wasting no time he started to spam Flame Bolt spells at the cat, getting off four bolts before the cat broke free from the binding spell. The cat roared in anger, its eyes flashing with fury. It lunged at Robert, its claws outstretched. Robert dodged the attack and then countered with a powerful Earth Bullet spell. The spell struck the cat, but it only slowed it down. The cat roared again and charged at Robert once more. Robert knew that he couldn''t let the cat get close to him. He dodged another attack and then used his Minor Movement spell to increase his speed. He then unleashed a flurry of sword strikes, each one more powerful than the last. The cat roared in pain, but it refused to give up. It turned to face Robert, its eyes filled with hatred. Quickly putting up a Water Wall he was able to break up the cat''s momentum giving him time to recast his Greater Earth Bind spell, locking the cat down long enough to spam four more Flame Bolt spells on it, finally killing it.
Level Up!
Looting the cat he was surprised to receive 50 Silver and a large pelt that showed as rare and a rare bracer that when he identified was called a ''Bracer of Cats Grace'' that increased his Dexterity by three points and allowed him to cast a Haste spell on himself for one charge, and the bracer had ten charges but could be recharged. As soon as he looted the cat its body vanished and a chest appeared. Dungeon run complete. Uncommon chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • One Uncommon Oak Longbow
  • Two gold coins
  • One skill token
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! Looking around at the forest one last time he entered the portal and returned home. Chapter 29 Robert, dusty and weary, stepped through the portal into his home. His home was quiet a stark contrast to the sounds of the forest area of the dungeon. His family, Sara, John, Richard, and Stacey, rushed to greet him, their faces a mix of relief and joy. "You''re back," Sara breathed, her eyes scanning his form for any signs of injury. "We were so worried." Robert smiled, squeezing her hand. "I''m fine, love. Just a bit tired." He spent some time recounting his adventures in the dungeon, regaling them with tales of the strange and wondrous creatures he encountered. He showed them pictures of the towering trees and the elusive creatures that called the forest home. Stacey, his youngest, listened with wide eyes, her imagination ignited by the tales of a world beyond their own. The following days were a whirlwind of crafting and teaching. Robert spent his time crafting rods of healing and spell staffs, his fingers moving with practiced ease. He also began training Elara, her enthusiasm was infectious, and Robert found himself enjoying the role of mentor. As he worked Robert had to try and hold back the sadness he felt in knowing that it would all come to an end. That in a few more months he would have to leave his family for good. The only thing that kept him going was the knowledge that he was ensuring they had a good future. During that time, he did another round of imparting skills to his family. Teaching them all Geometry, in two weeks he would then impart Calculus and then he would be able to start the more personal teaching to aid each of his children in their future jobs. Four days later, Robert returned to the Dungeon, completing floor eight which was a more traditional cave system, that contained goblins, orcs, and bats. There were some new items in the store, including Tier 2 books in Illusion and Gravity which after selling the items he had spent time making, he was able to afford, though they did cost him 120 gold for the two books. Completing the run did earn him a new level and put him close to level 17 as well. The chest at the end was a rare chest that contained a few items that he thought would be perfect for Elara, a robe that not only provided protection but increased the mana recovery rate by 2% of the person wearing it. As he continued his training, he noticed a significant improvement in his magical abilities. His control over the elements of fire, air, water, earth, and enchantment had reached a new level. His swordsmanship had also advanced, granting him mastery over the long sword. This cycle continued for the next week. Robert completed 3 new floors of the dungeon, gaining a Tier 2 spell book in the Sphere of Destruction and a Tier 3 book in Healing. Selling items to the shop earned him 190 gold of which he ended up spending 170 gold on the books. He also found a new set of Rare Tier Leather Armor for himself, replacing the old armor set he had been using. His new armor was Rare Wyvernhide, which was nearly twice as strong as his old armor and included a self-repair enchantment. A significant milestone was reached as Robert attained level 20, unlocking the opportunity to choose his first profession. After consulting Hal, he narrowed down his choices to two Legendary options: Grand Arcane Engineer and Mythic Enchanter of the Healing Light.
Profession Name Profession Rarity Profession Description
Grand Arcane Engineer Legendary Arcane Engineers are a rare breed of individuals who combine technical expertise with magical prowess. They design and construct intricate magical devices, from simple automatons to colossal war machines. Their creations are often imbued with powerful enchantments, making them highly sought after by both military and civilian organizations.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Core Skills: Enchanting, Engineering, Alchemy, Fire Magic, Earth Magic (Grants 1 points to Int/Wis per level, 1 point to both Dex/Str per level, and 1 free point)
Mythic Enchanter of the Healing Light(U) Mythical A Mythic Enchanter of the Healing Light is a highly revered and skilled individual who specializes in creating powerful healing artifacts. They possess a deep understanding of both magic and medicine, allowing them to infuse objects with life-giving energy. The role of a Master Enchanter of the Healing Light is crucial in maintaining balance and healing the world. They are often sought after by kings, queens, and heroes alike, and their creations are prized possessions. Core Skills: Healing, Enchanting, Light (Grants 2 points to Int/Wis per level, 2 points to Dex per level, and 3 free points)
"What do you think Hal?" Robert asked.
This is a hard one, you are an engineer and have been for years, but you have also said you will do what is needed to protect yourself and now Elara. Because of that, the Enchanter is the only option.
"We could look at some of the other options, though they would be weaker, also why is it Unique" Robert replied.
That is true, but they would make you weaker as well. Normally when you get to Legendary and above classes or professions if there are specific to someone, like your class is of Creation and the profession is of the Healing Light, they tend to be unique, meaning there is only one Grand Archmagi of Creation, like there would be only one Grand Archmagi of the Burning Forest.
"Okay so I''ll be the only person with my ability until I die, scary but good to know. As for the profession, you''re right, Hal," Robert agreed. "The Enchanter it is." With a determined nod, he selected his first profession. As he scanned his updated status sheet, his eyes widened. "Is it just me, or are my stats about to skyrocket?"
We talked about this Robert, you are Mythic, the difference between you and most other people will be major. Be glad, because it ensures you will be protected.
"Which is the important part," Robert replied.
Profession Unlocked!
Ability Unlocked!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Profession Ability: Enchanting Touch of the Master Healer Description: A unique and powerful ability that allows the Enchanter to imbue healing properties into objects. This enchantment can be applied to weapons, armor, or even consumable items. When activated, the enchanted item will not only provide its base function but also emit a gentle healing aura, restoring health to the user or nearby allies over time. Additionally, the Enchanter can enhance the healing properties of existing potions and salves, making them more potent and effective. Limitations: The Enchanter cannot imbue a property that is greater than what is known to him -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Probably. Though, I''d suggest increasing your Constitution to 30. You''ve got the points to spare.
Robert nodded, adjusting his stat allocation. He added four points to Constitution, bringing it to 31, and two points to Strength, boosting it to 15. He reserved the remaining four points for future needs. Satisfied with his choices, Robert decided to discuss his plans with his family over dinner. He would share the truth about his abilities and the extraordinary path that lay ahead. Later that afternoon, Robert sat with his family to explain his new profession and abilities. As expected, John was the quickest to grasp the implications. "Dad, you can make anything into a healing item, even things you didn''t create. This opens up so many possibilities!" The family agreed that Robert had made the right choice. The next step was to discuss how to proceed and how to gradually reveal this information to others. Chapter 30 ¡°So, how do we break this news?¡± Robert asked, gathering his family around the dinner table. John chuckled, ¡°Maybe we could just shoot some fireballs at a news crew. That¡¯d certainly make headlines.¡± Robert smiled. ¡°While that would be quite a spectacle, I think a more subtle approach is needed. If the whole world knew about the future, it could lead to mass panic or a religious frenzy.¡± Sara nodded. ¡°Exactly. We need to be cautious. Gradual disclosure is the key.¡± Elara, the youngest, piped up, ¡°Why tell anyone at all?¡± "Well, for one, I want to ensure our family''s safety and future. And to do that, we''ll need substantial resources. Plus, there are things the world can do to prepare. We have centuries, but societal change takes time." Richard pondered. "Perhaps we should start small. Invite the grandparents and everyone else. We can make it a family gathering and break the news together." ¡°A family meeting, huh?¡± John mused. ¡°Kind of like a family intervention, but instead of addiction, it¡¯s the end of the world.¡± Robert chuckled. ¡°Something like that, I suppose. We¡¯ll need to be delicate. We don¡¯t want to scare them or overwhelm them.¡± ¡°And what about the rest of the world?¡± Sara asked. ¡°When do we tell them? And how?¡± ¡°That¡¯s the million-dollar question,¡± Robert admitted. ¡°We could start with close friends and trusted associates. Build a small, reliable circle. Then, as we gain more control and understanding, we can slowly expand our circle of influence.¡± "I''ll call my parents, and you can call yours," Sara suggested. "Since your family lives close together, it might be easier to visit them in person rather than trying to gather them here." Robert considered this. "That''s a good idea. You get your mom and brother on board, and we''ll fly up to South Carolina." "Sounds like a plan, I''ll call them shortly," Sara said. Over the next few days, the family prepared for their trip. Sara''s mother and brother were excited about the family gathering, and Robert''s family was looking forward to the visit. The only hiccup was Robert''s appearance. After boosting his Constitution, he looked much younger than his actual age. Realizing the potential issues with airport security, they decided to drive instead. In the meantime, Robert visited a pawn shop in Tampa to sell some of his gold coins. Despite some initial curiosity about the strange inscriptions on the coins, the shop owner was impressed with the gold''s quality. Robert managed to sell twenty coins for a substantial sum, providing the family with a comfortable financial cushion with Robert no longer working. Before the trip, Robert decided to run another dungeon, a challenging cave system teeming with giant ants. While his physical weapons were ineffective against these creatures, he relied on his growing Tier 2 magical arsenal, including Earth Spear and Fire Lance, to overcome the challenge. Thinking about his spell books, his Tier 3 healing included a lot more powerful spells including the more powerful version of the Tier 1 Valicar''s spells that he had. As soon as he had time he was going to start using those for his healing items. Four days later, they loaded up the family SUV and hit the road. The ten-hour drive to Robert''s parents'' house was uneventful, and they arrived on time. Sara went to pick up her family from the airport, while Robert entertained his own family, who were curious about his youthful appearance. Once everyone had arrived, they gathered around a large outdoor table. As the kids played, the adults engaged in lively conversation. Robert decided to seize the moment. "Before we begin, I know I''ve kept you all in suspense, but I''ll answer one question first. The young woman with us is Elara. She''s under my care after her family was tragically killed. I''ll explain more later, but first, I have a question for you all." Robert''s expression turned serious. "Dad, do you still enjoy smoked boar?" he asked. "Oh yeah, I can smoke a boar like nobody''s business," Thomas replied, a nostalgic smile on his face. Elizabeth chuckled. "The last time your father smoked a boar, the whole neighborhood could smell it. We had an impromptu block party." Michael laughed. "Good times. Those were the days." Robert looked around at his family: his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth; his older brother, Michael; his younger brother, David; and his younger sister, Emily. He shook his head and pulled four five-pound slabs of boar meat from seemingly thin air. "Think you could handle this? I''ve got about fifty pounds more." A stunned silence filled the room. Then, David stood up. "Where did that come from? You couldn''t have hidden that under the table!" Robert grinned. "Same place I got this," he said, pulling out a Wyvernhide armor set. The table erupted in excited questions and demands for explanations. Robert simply smiled and returned the items to their invisible source, knowing a full explanation would take some time. He raised his hand to silence the room. "About a month ago, I received some information that has changed my life and, eventually, the lives of all of you. In time, this information will change the world." With that, he pulled up the first few system messages from his log and displayed them for his family to read. "Robert, what is that?" Emily asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. "That, little sister, is what changed everything."Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. A heavy silence fell over the table as everyone absorbed the information. Thomas was the first to break the silence. "So, what does this all mean, son?" Robert took a deep breath. "For now, not much changes for you all. The significant changes won''t occur for centuries. However, our future family members will be well-prepared. I plan to leave our family with the resources and knowledge needed to lead when the time comes." "I know a lot about magic, though I''ve only mastered the weaker spells so far. Before I leave, I''ll learn much more. I plan to leave you all books containing these spells and guides on the System, including a breakdown of my journey. This will help you earn feats and quests early, giving our family a significant advantage." David grinned. "Magic, huh? I''d call you crazy, but it''s hard to ignore what I''ve just seen. Are you serious? You really know magic?" Robert smiled at his younger brother. "I do, little bro. But we should probably keep this a secret from the kids for now." With that, Robert spent the next hour going over everything that had happened, telling them about his abilities, his skills, and spells. He talked about the dungeon runs, and how he met Elara. He went over crafting and what he could make and showed them some of the other items he had and even the coins he had collected. His father interrupted him while he was talking about his enchanting abilies with a question, "Son you do know how these items could change the world right?" "Yes, Dad, I do," Robert replied. "While I can''t regrow limbs or replace missing parts yet, I can heal nearly all diseases and cure most poisons. I can even infuse these abilities into objects." He pulled out a Rod of Healing. "This rod can heal almost any injury sustained today, from broken bones to gunshot wounds. I believe I could even create a rod to cure cancer. The only limitation is the number of uses." Emily, a nurse, interjected. "Robert, as a Nurse Practitioner, I know how many people die because we can''t stabilize them fast enough. These rods would be invaluable." Robert nodded. "I understand, Emily. The problem is, that this rod can only be used fifteen times before it''s depleted. I could leave you hundreds, but it wouldn''t be enough. The issue lies in Mana. It''s an exotic particle that doesn''t currently exist in our universe. The System generates Mana and provides it to me. Once the System fully integrates our universe, it will introduce Mana, which will then spread rapidly. Until then, no one here can recharge or create these items." Jennifer, David''s wife, asked, "So if we had access to Mana, could we use magic too?" "Not quite," Robert explained. "Humans don''t naturally have the ability to use Mana. The System provides a shortcut, allowing us to use it without fully understanding it. Over time, humans could potentially learn to use Mana without the System''s help, but it would take centuries of practice for minimal results." "So, what''s the next step?" Robert asked. "I''ll continue preparing, but what do we do, and who do we tell?" Thomas was the first to respond. "Son, for every person you tell, a dozen more will find out. How long before the government starts asking questions?" Robert considered this. "I know, but should we withhold information from the government? While I want to ensure our family leads the way, I also want our nation to lead. I served my country for a reason, and it wasn''t just for the paycheck." "The problem with involving the government is that they''ll never be satisfied," Michael warned. "They''ll want more and more, and I can see them locking you in a room and draining you of all your knowledge." Robert smiled. "I don''t think they can do that. My Constitution is 31, which not only boosts my health significantly but also extends my lifespan to around 200 years. I''m stronger, faster, and have abilities that could easily neutralize anyone who tries to harm me." "So that''s why you look younger," Emily realized. "Your lifespan is increasing, and your body is getting stronger." "Exactly," Robert confirmed. "With the System, I could eventually live for 500 years or more. From what Hal tells me, there are beings out there who are thousands, even tens of thousands of years old." "That''s hard to imagine," his mother said. "Most people in System worlds are ordinary, with average power levels," Robert explained. "Gaining power requires taking risks and facing danger. While you can level up through daily life, combat is the fastest way to grow. Stats are crucial, and most people end up with common or uncommon classes and professions, limiting their potential. Even with optimal stat allocation, they might reach level 50 or 60 in their lifetime." "So, with a Mythical class and profession, you''ll far surpass others?" David asked. "Absolutely," Robert replied. "Let''s compare. At level 10, a common class gains 30 stat points. A Mythical class, like mine, gains significantly more. Even ignoring profession bonuses, I''ll have double the stats. As we level up, this gap widens. At level 30, a common class might have around 160 stat points, while I''ll have over 300. Most of my stats will be in Intelligence and Wisdom, but I''ll also have a massive Mana pool compared to others. By level 50, my Constitution will grant me a lifespan of 400 years, and it scales from there. With my current growth rate, I''ll likely reach 60 or 65 in Constitution before I leave, giving me a lifespan of 500 to 550 years. It''s mind-boggling." "I''ve noticed you haven''t been investing in Charisma," Emily observed. "What does it actually do?" Robert pulled up his stat sheet and consulted Hal for more details.
Charisma influences social abilities and personal magnetism. It affects things like persuasion, deception, leadership, intimidation, diplomacy, and performance. Emily is right, you should probably add some points. It''ll help you interact with others more effectively.
He paused, considering his options. "Actually, I have four spare points. I think I''ll add them to Charisma now." No one objected, so Robert added the points to his Charisma stat. The kids returned at that moment so everyone agreed to stop here and think about any questions to ask later that night when the kids all went to bed. Chapter 31 Later that evening, after tucking the kids in, the adults gathered in the family room to continue their discussion. "Robert," Emily inquired, "are these items the best you can do?" "Not even close," Robert replied. "The issue lies in the materials. Oak has its limitations. I''d need more exotic materials and gemstones to amplify the power. Unfortunately, I don''t have access to the right resources." "What about the gemstones?" Emily asked. "Do they have to be real? Would glass work?" "No, they must be genuine," Robert explained. "Different stones are better suited for different types of magic. For instance, Blue Topaz or Aquamarine would be ideal for enchanting using magic from the Sphere of Healing, while Yellow Topaz or Chrysoberyl would be better for spells from the Sphere of Light." "That sounds quite expensive," Emily mused. "Is it worth the cost?" Robert pulled out his phone and began researching. "I''m not certain," he said. "A 1-carat Blue Topaz, for example, would cost around $400. However, I have no idea how many charges it would provide, and Aquamarines are even more problematic. Chrysoberyls seem like a more promising option. I can get a 1.3-carat stone for about $260, which might be a good starting point for testing." "What about Sapphires?" His mother asked, "I have that old ring I don''t wear anymore, it''s got that goddy stone on it, can we use it to test?" Robert thought about it for a second, "I remember that, It was grandma''s ring, the stone is large enough if I remember." His mother continued, "Ya it''s a little over a carat. How long would it take you to enchant something?" Robert thought about it, "I''d have to take the stone off the ring, I don''t have the right tools nor the skill to engrave the runs on the ring, but I could mount it on a rod, better yet, silver." Robert got quiet for a few minutes, lost in thought. "I would have to mount the stone to a rod, and then if I carved the runes in silver and attached them to the stone, I would get a much better result. I can melt a few of my silver coins and use those and I have a few good pieces of Oak rods." Robert continued, "Okay so I''ll try it tomorrow, I might need to run to a hardware store and get a few things so I can melt the silver, but this is doable." Elizabeth left the room for a moment and returned with the ring, "Here you go, this is exciting, I hope it works." The next day, Robert headed to a hardware store, purchasing a stone crucible and a blowtorch for melting the silver. Back home, he first removed the stone from its setting and selected an unused rod. Carefully, he carved the runes for his Tier 3 healing spell into the wood, followed by a cavity to house the gemstone. Placing ten coins in the crucible, he ignited the torch and melted the silver. Once molten, he slowly poured the silver into the carved runes, connecting them to the cavity. Finally, he encased the stone in silver, securing it with a silver strap. With the physical preparations complete, Robert began the enchanting process. Immediately, he noticed the increased Mana cost. While his previous rods required around 250 Mana, this one demanded a staggering 2000. As he finished the enchantment, he examined the completed rod, a surge of anticipation coursing through him: Name: Silver Enhanced Oak Rod of Healing Tier: 4 Rank: Epic Description: This rod was made by an expert enchanter who used silver inlays and a Sapphire stone in its creation. and when used will expend 1 charge to heal up to 75 health points. Charges: 100
Feat Unlocked!
Robert pulled up his new feat: Name: Architect of the Arcane Description: First person to create an enchanted item, of Epic Quality and at least Tier 4. Tier 5 is required for enchanting or Tier 4 for both the Enchanting Skill and the Sphere of Enchanting. Effect: +4 levels to your enchanting skill, or if you have both +2 to each of your enchanting Skill and Sphere. You have a +5% chance of any item you enchant being 1 tier higher in rarity. "Hal, what do you think the System would pay for this rod?" Robert pondered.
Based on the previous one, I''d estimate around 9 gold.
Robert''s eyes lit up. "Even considering the cost of the stones, I could potentially craft eight of these from the money I would get from that. That''s a gold mine!"
For now, yes. But remember, Tier 5 Enchanters have been honing their craft for 15 to 20 years. They''re nearly masters. To them, 9 gold isn''t much. You''ve created a Tier 4 Epic healing item, something many Enchanters can''t do. A Tier 5 version might fetch 25 to 30 gold. Good Enchanters live comfortably; Great Enchanters swim in wealth.
"So, once I reach that level, I won''t have to worry about money?" Robert asked, hopeful.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
The average worker on most System worlds earns 2 to 3 gold a year and lives decently. A high-level worker might make 5 to 6 gold annually and live quite well. A skilled professional with their own shop could earn 20 to 30 gold a year. At your current pace, you could leave Earth with a few hundred gold. Ask Elara about the cost of items on her world to get a better idea.
"Well, that''s reassuring. I''ll never starve," Robert said, gathering the rod. "I''ll go show the others." Finding his family gathered outside at the table, he put the new rod on the table. "Robert it''s beautiful," Emily said. "The question is, is it better?" With a smile, Robert pulled out a sheet of paper where he had written both the old rad''s description as well as the new rods. Name: Oak Rod of Healing Tier: 1 Rank: Uncommon Description: This rod was made by an expert enchanter and when used will expend 1 charge to heal up to 12 health points. Charges: 20 Name: Silver Enhanced Oak Rod of Healing Tier: 4 Rank: Epic Description: This rod was made by an expert enchanter who used silver inlays and a Sapphire stone in its creation. and when used will expend 1 charge to heal up to 75 health points. Charges: 100 "Well, these new rods are definitely an upgrade," Emily laughed. "But those stones are a bit pricey, close to $2000 each." Robert smiled. "Don''t worry, they''re a solid investment. The System Shop will pay 8 or 9 gold coins per rod, which is roughly $16,000 each. Even if I buy five stones at a time, that''s a $6,000 profit per rod. Enchanters can make a killing." The room fell silent. "Son, if we ordered 10 stones, could you finish the rods before your next dungeon run?" Thomas asked. "Not a chance," Robert replied. "It''ll take weeks to get the stones. But once they arrive, I can make two rods a day, so six to eight per run." David stepped in. "I''ve got the money to order 20 stones. Just pay me back." Robert chuckled. "I''ll give you 40 gold coins from the sale. Double your money back seems fair." Emily pondered. "Even with that, you''d still make over $200,000. You''re right, it''s a moneymaker." "Yes, but time is the issue," Robert explained. "It''ll take 12-13 days to make 20 rods, including dungeon runs. After that, we''ll make another 10 for the family. Hopefully, I''ll learn something new and create something more powerful, like limb replacements." Emily''s eyes widened. "Robert, if you could create limb replacements, we could help countless people. Forget money, we''d make millions!" David set his phone down. "Good news! I found a gemstone shop in Atlanta. They have plenty of the stones we need. I¡¯ll drive over tomorrow and pick them up. You should be able to start tomorrow afternoon." Robert grinned. ¡°That¡¯s fantastic! I¡¯ll grab some extra oak rods and get everything ready. I should be able to make five rods before my next run, so I can pay you back. But it¡¯ll be the run after that before you see a profit.¡± David shrugged. ¡°No rush.¡± The family spent the rest of the day discussing their future. A few hours later, Thomas asked, "Son, you said Constitution makes you tougher, right?" Robert pondered. "Yes, it increases physical resistance. I¡¯m currently at 7.¡± ¡°What does that mean? Are you bulletproof?¡± Thomas inquired.
Not quite. A 7 means you can withstand physical attacks like punches, but bullets are a different story. To stop most handguns, you¡¯d need a score of 10. For rifles, you¡¯re looking at 15. To get to 10, you¡¯d need a Constitution of 50. For 15, it¡¯s 90.
¡°So, not quite bulletproof yet,¡± Robert continued. ¡°I could probably win a boxing match, but for handguns, I¡¯d need about 21 more levels, or 10 with some strategic point allocation. For rifles, it¡¯s 30 levels away.¡± Thomas nodded, understanding. ¡°So, we keep this to ourselves until you reach that 10. Even if you can¡¯t stop a rifle round, your high health would probably let you survive, right?¡± Robert laughed. ¡°You¡¯re probably right. And you could always heal me up.¡± The next day David left early to head to Atlanta and Robert went to the hardware store to get more Oak Rods. Later that afternoon, he was able to start working again on the new rods. This continued for the next three days. By the time Robert''s next run had arrived he had created 5 new rods to sell. On the day of Robert¡¯s next run, the kids were at Michael¡¯s house, and the adults gathered at Robert¡¯s parents¡¯. Dressed in his armor and clutching his sword, Robert walked into the room. ¡°Damn, Robert, looking mighty medieval,¡± Emily teased. Thomas shook his head. ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan, son?¡± Robert glanced at his father. ¡°It¡¯s time to tell Hal,¡± Robert informed Hal he was ready, and a portal materialized in the corner of the room. Everyone¡¯s eyes were fixed on the swirling portal. ¡°So, that¡¯s how it works?¡± David asked, surprised. ¡°You just walk into that thing?¡±Robert chuckled. ¡°Yep. Not sure how long this will take, but expect several hours, maybe even a full day.¡± With that, he stepped into the portal. Chapter 32 Welcome, adventurer. You have entered Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1, currently known as The Training Dungeon. You are now on the Twelfth Floor. Not wasting time, Robert went to the System Shop and sold the six rods he had earning him 49 gold and 80 silver. "Looks like you were right on the money, a little over 8 gold per rod. Switching over to the items for sale, he pulled up the list:
Item Name Item Tier Item Rarity Item cost Item Description
Food Ration 1 common 2 copper A basic daily food ration.
Water Bottle 1 common 2 copper A small bottle of daily water.
Large Healing Potion 1 uncommon 1 silver Small healing potion that when used will heal for 30 health.
Tier 3 Spell Book of Elemental Fire 2 uncommon 30 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 3 Fire spells.
Tier 3 Spell Book of Elemental Air 2 uncommon 30 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 3 Air spells.
Tier 3 Spell Book of Elemental Water 2 uncommon 30 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 3 Water spells.
Tier 3 Spell Book of Elemental Earth 2 uncommon 30 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 3 Earth spells.
Tier 1 Spell Book of Space 2 rare 50 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 1 space spells.
Tier 1 Spell Book of Nature 2 uncommon 20 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 1 Nature spells.
Tier 2 Master Spell Book 2 Epic 3 Tokens This book contains all Tier 2 spells from the following spheres; fire, earth, water, air, time, creation, healing, light, and enchantment.
Random Rare Scroll Pack 4 Epic 1 token This pack contains 5 random Tier 4 spell scrolls.
"Hal is that what I think it is?" Robert yelled to Hal.
If you are talking about the Teir 2 book then yes it is. Though you are nowhere close to getting it. You''ve found a few rare tokens, but I''m guessing you will not see Epic for another 10 levels or so. That being said you can exchange 4 rare tokens for an Epic which happens to be how many you have. With that, you could buy the scroll pack which would at least give you a few Tier 4 spells to cast.
"Probably a good idea, unless I get spells for things like trash disposal, which wouldn''t help me at all here.'' Robert said in reflection. "How do I exchange them?"
When you go to purchase the pack, it will give you the option to use your 4 rare tokens.
Following his instruction Robert purchased the scroll pack and received the following: Name: Scroll of Fiery Tempest Tier: 4 Rank: Epic Description: A combination of Fire and Air. This spell summons a powerful whirlwind of flame that can devastate large areas. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Temporal Shift Tier: 4 Rank: Epic Description: A combination of Time and Space. This spell allows the caster to manipulate time and space, enabling them to travel through time forward or backward for up to thirty minutes. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Mind Control Tier: 4 Rank: Epic Description: A combination of Mind and Illusion. This spell grants the caster the ability to dominate the minds of others, forcing them to obey the caster''s commands. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Necromantic Resurrection Tier: 4 Rank: Epic Description: A combination of Necromancy and Soul. This spell allows the caster to reanimate the dead, bringing them back to life as powerful undead servants. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Conjuration of the Divine Tier: 4 Rank: Epic Description: A combination of Conjuration and Light. This spell summons powerful celestial being to aid the caster in battle or other tasks. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.Charges: 1 ----- "Hal, what the heck is this?" Robert exclaimed, eyes wide as he scanned the list of spells. "I can''t even use three of these! And time travel? Are you serious?"
It''s random. But yeah, those are pretty powerful spells. Be careful with that mind-control one though. It''s illegal in a lot of places.
Robert returned to the shop to check the price of the scrolls. "Holy cow, Hal! The System will buy that scroll for 250 gold!"
Well, it is a Tier 4 Epic spell combining two spheres. I''d expect it to be expensive.
"I don''t think I need the Necromancy spell, so I''ll sell it. And as for the mind control... I''m not sure it''s worth the risk. I''ll sell that one too. At least I''ll have enough to buy all the other books." Before he could change his mind, Robert sold the two scrolls and purchased the remaining books. "Hal, tell me about Conjuration. I''m guessing it''s what I think it is?"
Probably, Conjuration is a Sphere of magic focused on the creation and manipulation of matter and energy. Conjurers excel at summoning creatures from other planes of existence, creating objects out of thin air, and transporting themselves and others across vast distances.
Robert grinned. "So, it''s definitely worth unlocking." Unlocking the skill he held off on learning the spells, after the last time he did that, he wasn''t risking a side quest again. Heading into the next area he discovered his dungeon run this time was a desert. As soon as he stepped through the door it vanished behind him landing him in a vast open desert. Looking around he was able to spot what looked like a build several miles ahead and with nothing else to do, he headed off in that direction. Robert had taken no more than a few steps before his first foe burst out of the sand" Name: Giant Scorpion Class: N/A Race: Scorpion Profession: N/A Gender: Male Stats: Str 18, Dex 19, Con 22, Int 5, Wis 4, Cha 5 Level: 18 Resistances: Physical (20%) Health: 590 Mana: N/A Robert, his body a blur of motion, dodged the scorpion''s massive pincers. The creature''s chitinous exoskeleton glinted in the desert sun as it lunged forward. With a swift gesture, Robert cast Fire Lance. A fiery spear materialized its tip ablaze before it was hurled with deadly accuracy, piercing the scorpion''s exoskeleton. The creature roared in pain, its movements slowed. Seizing the opportunity, Robert activated Earth Spike striking the create again. Robert''s Air barrier deflected the scorpion''s retaliatory strike before it shattered leaving him unprotected. He moved in for the final blow, his sword raised high. With a powerful swing, he severed the scorpion''s tail, ending the creature''s threat. Robert looted the scorpion, earning 10 silver and 10 pounds of valuable chitinous shell. He continued his trek, battling twelve more scorpions before a familiar message appeared:
Level Up!
Level 21, just 14 more to go until he felt like he was no longer in danger from anyone on Earth. After about 20 more minutes he encountered a different creature: Name: Horned Lizard Class: N/A Race: Desert Lizard Profession: N/A Gender: Male Stats: Str 16, Dex 21, Con 19, Int 5, Wis 4, Cha 5 Level: 19 Resistances: N/A Health: 520 Mana: N/A Robert watched the Horned Lizard, its spiny body glistening in the desert sun. The creature puffed itself up, a defensive display that only made it look more ridiculous. The lizard lunged, its sharp claws aimed at Robert''s chest. With a swift motion, Robert cast Fire Lance. A fiery spear materialized in his hand and shot towards the lizard. The creature was struck, its scales sizzling and smoking. It let out a high-pitched screech and retreated. Robert followed up with Earth Spear. A solid, earthen spike shot from the ground, impaling the lizard. The creature thrashed wildly, but the spear held firm. With a final, decisive strike, Robert finished off the creature. The battle was over. Robert stood victorious, the silence of the desert broken only by the soft hiss of the dying fire. Looting the create Robert found 8 silver coins and a Horned Lizard skin. Continuing on, Robert was attacked by 10 more of the lizards before he reached the building he had been walking toward. If nothing else the creatures on this run were paying out in experience points.
Level Up!
The wind whipped across the barren landscape, carrying grains of sand that stung the eyes and chapped lips. The sun beat down mercilessly, a blazing orb in a sky of endless blue. Robert, weary from his journey through the desert, approached a crumbling fortress. Its once-proud walls, now eroded and scarred, stood as a silent sentinel against the encroaching sands. The fortress, a relic of a bygone era, was a stark contrast to the desolate landscape. Its broken windows and shattered doors hinted at a violent past, perhaps a battle lost to the relentless sands of time. As Robert ventured closer, he could see the skeletal remains of creatures scattered across the courtyard, a grim reminder of the dangers that lurked within these ancient walls. Entering the broken remains Robert looked around for danger, knowing this would be the location of the final battle from this dungeon run. Entering the courtyard in the middle of the fortress his unspoken question was answered by the largest lizard he had ever seen: Name: Giant Fire Lizard Class: N/A Race: Volcanic Lizard Profession: N/A Gender: Male Stats: Str 25, Dex 21, Con 23, Int 5, Wis 4, Cha 5 Level: 22 Resistances: Fire(85%), Water (-25%) Health: 1220 Mana: N/A Looking at the information provided by his skill he knew which spells to use. Robert, heart pounding, readied himself for the battle. The Fire Lizard, a monstrous creature of flame, roared, its breath a torrent of fire. Robert knew he had to act fast. He raised his hand, focusing his energy. A bolt of water, crystalline and powerful, shot forth. It struck the lizard''s scaly hide, extinguishing a small portion of the flames. The creature roared in pain, but its rage only intensified. The lizard charged, its claws outstretched. Robert swiftly cast Water Wall, a shimmering barrier of water materializing in front of him. The lizard''s claws struck the wall, causing ripples and distortions, but the barrier held. Robert seized the opportunity. He unleashed another Water Bolt, this time aiming for the lizard''s eyes. The bolt struck true, blinding the creature momentarily. It stumbled, its attacks becoming less precise. Robert continued his assault, each Water Bolt chipping away at the lizard''s health. The creature, though wounded, fought with a savage ferocity. Its fiery breath scorched the earth, and its claws raked at the water wall. Finally, after a grueling battle, the lizard''s health dwindled to zero. It let out a final, mournful roar before collapsing to the ground, its fiery form extinguished. Robert stood victorious, his body weary but his spirit unbroken. Robert looted the fallen Fire Lizard, claiming a gold coin and a fiery Firestone. As soon as he finished, the creature''s remains vanished, replaced by a shimmering chest. Dungeon run complete. Rare chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • One skill book (Cartography)
  • Five gold coins
  • One unlocked skill tokens
  • One Rare Shop Token
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! With that the chest vanished and Robert exited through the portal. Chapter 33 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:
  • Tier 4 Waterstone
  • Five gold coins
  • One unlocked skill tokens
  • Two Rare Shop Token
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. Chapter 34 After returning home, life settled into a comfortable routine. Robert continued his studies, focusing on spellcasting and crafting. He aimed to produce five items per run, a more modest goal that allowed for some leisure time. Elara''s birthday arrived with much fanfare and an unexpected surprise. "Robert, something incredible has happened!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "The System says I''ve earned two feats and a title! That''s not normal." She handed him her device, pointing to the newly acquired accolades. Feat: Pioneer of the New World Description: Granted to a user who, before fully unlocking the system, travels to another universe and becomes the first child to unlock it there. Reward: +5% XP, +1 Tier to class and profession options. Feat: First Traveler Description: Awarded to the first user to journey to another universe from their original world. Reward: Unlocks or advances by 1 Tier, the Magical Sphere of Travel. Title: The First Child Description: Bestowed upon the first child to fully unlock the system''s potential, a pioneer shaping the future. Reward: +5% XP, +5 free stat points, +2 unlocked skill points. "That''s extraordinary, Elara," Robert replied, his voice filled with awe and admiration. "So let''s talk about what comes next. If you were still with your family, what would be the game plan?" "Momma always said, ''Skills are the foundation, levels are the fruit,''" Elara lamented, her voice heavy with regret. "I was meant to be building my skills, not just chasing levels." Robert listened, his heart aching for her. "Show me what you''ve got," he urged. Elara, with a sigh, opened her skill page.
Name Tier Rank Description
Literature(System Common) 1 2 General skill related to Learning common languages and dialects
Reading LEARNED 2 Subskill in Reading(System Common)
Writing LEARNED 2 Subskill in Writing(System Common)
Cooking 1 1 General skill related to preparing meals and using basic cooking techniques
Fishing 1 2 General skill related to fishing techniques and bait preparation.
Bargaining 1 1 General skill related to Negotiating fair deals and trades.
History(Mordia) 1 2 General skill related to Knowing the stories and legends of the world (Mordia)
Local Lore(Aeria) LEARNED 1 Subskill related to the lore and legends in the village of Aeria and the surrounding area.
Regional Lore(Scaloria) LEARNED 1 Subskill related to the lore and legends in the kingdom of Scaloria and the surrounding area.
Hunting 1 2 General skill related to tracking, trapping, and preparing small game.
Tracking LEARNED 1 Subskill of hunting dealing with the tracking of game.
Trapping LEARNED 1 Subskill of hunting related to the trapping of game.
Climbing 1 2 General skill related to scaling cliffs, trees, and other obstacles.
Swimming 1 2 General skill related to the proficiency in water and basic water rescue techniques.
Sewing 1 2 General skill related to basic clothing repair and creation.
Foraging 1 2 General skill related to Identifying edible plants and fungi.
Magical Sphere of Travel 1 9 Magical skill related to travel, such as teleportation and portals
Magical Sphere or Illusion 1 9 Magical skill related to the creation of sensory experiences, such as false sights, sounds, or touch.
Magical Sphere of Healing 1 9 Magical skill related to the healing of injuries
Magical Sphere of Elemental Air 1 9 Magical skill related to the manipulation and control of air.
Magical Sphere of Light 1 9 Magical skill related to the control and manipulation of light.
"So, first things first," Robert began, scanning the list. "We need to level up some of these basic skills. Magic will come naturally with practice, but the others... well, I do enjoy a good fishing trip. Now, what about your System skills, Elara? What level is your inventory?" Elara looked sheepish. "It¡¯s only level one. You can¡¯t upgrade it until you fully unlock the System." Robert smiled reassuringly. "No worries. That¡¯s an easy one. Just keep putting things in and taking them out, and you¡¯ll level up in no time. In fact, I¡¯m close to leveling mine up too. Just a few more days."The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. "So, do you want to focus on leveling these skills or learning new ones? I should warn you, the System seems to have missed a few I think I should have, like Running. I mean, I ran track in high school and college."
It takes power to give skills, and the System''s being a bit lazy, we could request a review if you want.
"Depends," Robert mused. "Would I end up with a hundred new skills that are worthless?"
It depends on how you define worthless, take Running, for example. At higher levels, you could outrun nearly anything and run for hours without tiring. However, most of the new skills would be simple Tier 1 Level 1 skills. Some would be worth it, some probably not.
"Oh, what the hell," Robert shrugged. "Go ahead and ask. Worst-case scenario, I have to scroll through twenty pages of skills."
Request Skill List Review!
Review Underway!
Setting Baseline!
Scanning User History
Extracting System-Defined Skills from User History!
Identifying Skills That Are Not Yet Defined!
Building Additional Skill List!
List Built!
Identifying New Skills To Create Database Entries for!
Task Complete!
Robert''s head throbbed as a wave of new information washed over him. After a few minutes, he regained his focus and checked his new status sheet. "Okay, Hal, I guess I understand. Some of these will be useful, like Running, but I''m not sure how Technical Writing will help me when I get where I''m going."
To be honest, no skill is 100% useless, sure, Computer Engineering might not be as useful in a low-tech world, but your military training and survival skills will be invaluable anywhere. So, the review was worth it.
"I can see that," Robert agreed. "Well, good news, Elara. I can teach you some skills, like Archery or Survival. I can show you my skill sheet and you can choose what you''d like to learn." Elara, her eyes wide with excitement, leaned in to examine Robert''s skill sheet. A myriad of skills, each with its own level and description, appeared on his screen. She traced her finger along the list, her curiosity piqued. "Archery sounds interesting," she mused, "but I think Survival skills might be more practical. We don''t know what kind of dangers we might face out there." Robert nodded in agreement. "That''s a wise choice. Survival skills are always a good investment. I can teach you basic first aid, tracking, and shelter building. It''s a lot to learn, but it''ll be worth it." "However, we won''t have much time today," Robert added. "It''s your birthday, after all." Elara''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "My birthday?" she asked, confusion etched on her face. "Birthdays are important here on Earth, and the family will want to celebrate," Robert explained. "Did you not celebrate birthdays in Aeria?" "Just specific ones, I guess," Elara replied, a touch of sadness in her voice. "My System day would be one of those." "Well, worry not," Robert reassured her with a warm smile. "We''ll make it a day to remember. In fact, I expect Sara to show up soon to whisk you away for a day of shopping." Just as he predicted, Sara burst into the room. "Robert, you''re not working her on her birthday! I know she needed to go over some System stuff, but that''s enough for today. Come on, Elara, it''s time to experience the joy of malls, food courts, and beauty salons!" she declared with a mischievous grin. Elara tilted her head, perplexed. "Food court? Are we visiting the local leader? I thought Stacey said you didn''t have nobles here." Robert chuckled. "A food court is just a place in a mall with lots of different food places. It''s kind of like a market, but only for prepared food." Elara pondered this for a moment. "So, it''s a market within a market?" she asked. Sara laughed and grabbed Elara''s hand. "Come on, it''s easier to show you than explain. And Stacey''s waiting!" With that, they were off. Title: Skilled Trailblazer Description: Awarded to those who pioneer new paths in the realm of skills. This title recognizes individuals who have successfully introduced novel abilities to the System, expanding the boundaries of what is possible. Their innovative spirit and mastery of their craft have earned them this prestigious honor. Reward: +5% Exp toward skills, +2 unlocked skill points.
You''ll want to save a lot for your plan, but I''d suggest putting a point into Charisma and a few into Strength. You use your sword a lot, and a bit more strength wouldn''t hurt.
"That makes sense," Robert agreed. "So, one point into Charisma to bring it to 15, and five points into Strength. I''ll save the rest."
Sounds reasonable.
Robert spent the next few hours immersed in his spellbooks, committing several new spells to his System Spellbook. When the girls returned, he couldn''t help but smile. Elara''s hair had been styled, her nails were freshly manicured, and a radiant smile lit up her face. It was clear she''d had a wonderful day. Later that evening, they celebrated with cake and birthday songs. Elara received gifts from Robert and Sara, as well as presents from his family that he''d brought back. She may not have fully understood the tradition, but her gratitude was sincere. As they spent the rest of the evening together, it was clear that the birthday celebration had brought them all closer. Chapter 35 "The following morning, Robert settled into his office chair. Turning to Hal, he inquired, ''You mentioned that I might benefit from a skill to conceal my status. Could you elaborate on how to acquire such a skill and what specific skills would be necessary?''
You''ll need the System Skill Status Protection, It''s a popular choice among the nobility, and while it may raise a few eyebrows, it won''t cause a major scandal. Once you''ve obtained that, you can unlock subskills that allow you to hide your skills, feats, traits, abilities, base status screen, inventory, and more. There''s even a subskill to falsify the information displayed.
"So, with my four points, I could take the base skill and the hide base stats, skills, and abilities for now?" Robert asked, confirming his understanding.
Precisely, that will effectively conceal your class, profession, skills, and abilities. Remember, though, due to your perks, you''ll start with a high level in these skills. In most worlds, outside of major cities, you won''t encounter anyone capable of penetrating your defenses. However, larger cities often have a few individuals with a Tier 5 Identify skill, and occasionally, you might find someone working for a high-ranking royal family with a Tier 6 Identify skill. But let''s not worry about royal court intrigue just yet.
"So, should I focus on leveling up those skills?" Robert asked.
Unfortunately, that''s not feasible here, to level them up, you''d need to defend against high-level attempts to penetrate your skills, and you currently lack the necessary training partners. Your best option is to invest points to directly level them. While I generally advise against wasting points on skill levels, in this case, it''s necessary to conceal your class and profession. Aim for a mid-6 or, ideally, a Tier 7. When you Tier up the base skill, the subskills will also advance a level. So, you''ll need 10 unlocked points to reach a safe level, though 7 points should be sufficient unless you''re exceptionally unlucky.
"Assuming I need all 10 points, I think I have enough remaining runs to acquire them," Robert pondered. "However, if unexpected circumstances arise, I could be in trouble. I also think I need the rest of those skills as well, the good news is those just need normal points, so not a waste, seeing how I should earn enough normal points just from leveling up." Robert spent the rest of the day crafting more Rods for his upcoming run, just two days away. Later that afternoon, John approached him with an ambitious idea. "Dad, I''ve been thinking. We need to keep your spellbooks safe but also make them accessible to the family. We can''t possibly copy your master book¡ªit''s over 123,000 pages! But I think we can create something just as effective. If we invest in some high-quality printers and binding equipment, we can set up a small operation out back for about $75,000. That includes a small building, or we could rent one for a few months." "What exactly do you propose printing, John?" Robert inquired. "A series of books, Dad," John explained. "First, we should make copies of the System Guide, a mere 50 pages, so we can distribute them to family members and the Men in Black. Next, we''ll create training spellbooks, focusing on fundamental spells. These would be categorized by Magic Sphere, each containing a few essential spells: two combat, two defensive, two utility, and two healing, if applicable. These would be simple, introductory guides. Once they master those, we''ll provide a second volume with eight more advanced spells in each category. These tiers would be a solid foundation for them to build upon and pursue their class. We could also provide my training guides to senior family members, who could then create master books containing a hundred or so spells in each Sphere, starting with Tier 1 and progressing to Tier 3." Robert nodded in agreement. "That''s a sound plan. We could limit the higher-tier books, perhaps offering a few copies of larger spellbooks with Tier 4 and above spells for family use. This would undoubtedly give our family a significant advantage in the future. Once I return, I can take over training and share additional knowledge. I''m so impressed with your idea, John. You''re in charge of this project. Find the necessary equipment, I''ll secure a rental property, and you can get started on the printing process. And don''t forget about long-term storage. We need to preserve master copies for centuries to come." John thanked his father for his support and approval, eager to embark on this new endeavor.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. Two days later, Robert was ready for his next run. The System Shop offered nothing new, so he sold six Rods for a tidy sum of gold and ventured back into the dungeon. This time, he faced a more challenging undead dungeon. His Light spells proved effective, but the tougher foes demanded a more strategic approach. His Fiery Tempest spell, cast before engaging the final boss, a powerful Mummy, dealt significant damage, setting the stage for a decisive victory. The best part was the chest after he looted the mummy, which earned him gold and undead dust. Dungeon run complete. Epic chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • Tier 5 Mace ''The Necromancer''s Bane''
  • Ten gold coins
  • Two unlocked skill tokens
  • One Epic Shop Token
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon!
Level Up!
Robert pulled the mace out and looked over the description: Name: The Necromancer''s Bane Tier: 5 Rank: Epic Description: A sleek, Mithril mace head, infused with the essence of holy light and dark shadow. The haft is wrapped in glowing, ethereal vines that hum with holy energy, radiating a faint, divine glow. Enchanted with the following:
  • Undead Bane: Deals massive bonus damage to undead creatures.
  • Holy Smite: A powerful holy strike that can dispel undead magic and weaken their defenses.
  • The Reaper''s Kiss: Upon a critical hit against an undead creature, the mace channels the power of divine light, dealing devastating damage and purifying the target''s corrupted soul. This ability can also dispel powerful undead enchantments and curses.
  • Self Repair: The mace slowly repairs itself over time, drawing energy from ambient mana. This process is accelerated after defeating powerful undead foes.
Robert examined the mace, its divine glow captivating his attention. He couldn''t help but wonder, "Hal, is this the kind of weapon that would spark wars between kingdoms?"
While it''s a powerful weapon, its effectiveness is limited to undead foes. It''s more likely to interest a holy order or a group of adventurers seeking a powerful artifact. You could probably sell it for a few hundred gold, but it won''t ignite a global conflict.
Robert chuckled. "Even so, it''s tempting to keep it, despite my lack of skill with maces." Robert returned home and continued his daily routine for the next few days. John quickly found a suitable building downtown, and Robert negotiated a 90-day lease with the landlord, offering a premium rate for the short-term rental. The equipment arrived sooner than expected, allowing them to begin the printing process within two weeks. To fund the printing operation, Robert sold another 60 gold coins. While he was concerned about drawing attention to his frequent sales, so far, he had managed to avoid suspicion. With the remaining coins, he purchased new gemstones and continued preparing rods for sale. Meanwhile, John and Robert worked together to select the spells for the first training volume. Robert, now level 20 after completing four more dungeon runs, had acquired the Tier 2 Master Spellbook. His latest dungeon, Floor 15, presented a challenge with numerous flying creatures. Robert, relying on his bow and spells, successfully navigated this level and earned a valuable reward: a skill book on Jewelcrafting. Over these two weeks, Robert accumulated five Unlocked Skill Tokens and two Normal Skill Tokens. He used these to unlock the remaining Status Protection skills, including the crucial Falsify Status skill. With three remaining Unlocked Skill Tokens, he decided to save them for future use. Once the printing equipment was set up, they were ready to begin the mass production of training materials. After careful deliberation, John and Robert finalized the spell selections for both the training volumes and the master books. While John''s preference leaned towards combat spells, Robert advocated for a balanced approach, prioritizing defense, healing, and utility spells. The final master books, encompassing all spheres, included 40 combat spells, 70 defensive spells, 100 utility spells, and 55 healing spells. These 265 spells, spanning Tiers 1 to 4, would become the family''s secret weapon, filling 540 pages. They planned to print these last, allowing for potential additions of Tier 5 spells and further expansion of Tier 4 options. The duo spent the next two days meticulously designing and preparing the first series of training books. Just as they were about to begin printing, an anticipated visitor arrived at their door. Chapter 36 "Afternoon, gentlemen," Robert greeted the two men at his door. "Can I help you?" The older man, Detective Noah Ramirez, consulted a folder. "We''re looking for Robert Williams. I assume that''s you?" Robert chuckled. "That''s me. Never judge a book by its driver''s license photo." "Right," Ramirez replied, a slight smile playing on his lips. "We''re Detectives Ramirez and Foxworth with the Sheriff''s Office. We''d like to ask you a few questions." Robert paused, a flicker of concern crossing his face. "Sure, but I''m going to need to see some ID first." Ramirez and Foxworth complied, displaying their badges. "No problem. This isn''t a criminal investigation, just a routine inquiry. We''re looking into some recent gold sales at local pawn shops." Robert leaned against the doorframe, a relaxed expression returning. "So, I can''t sell my own stuff anymore?" "It''s not about that," Ramirez assured him. "Pawn shops report all significant transactions to the state. We''re just following up on a large number of sales involving high-purity gold." "Well, I can understand why that might raise some eyebrows," Robert said. "But these coins have been in my family for generations. I''m selling them to pay for my kids'' college funds." "We understand," Ramirez said. "But we need to verify the legal provenance of these items. They''re unusually pure, and we''re trying to determine their origin." Robert sighed. "I wish I could tell you more. Family history isn''t always crystal clear. These coins have been passed down for eight generations. We don''t have any documentation that old." Ramirez nodded, understanding the limitations of such ancient history. "We appreciate your cooperation, Mr. Williams. We''ll be in touch if we need any further information." As the detectives turned to leave, Robert''s expression hardened. "One more thing," he called out. "If you plan on seizing my property without due process, you better be prepared for the consequences." With a firm shut of the door, Robert was alone again, a sense of unease settling over him. Walking back into the house, Robert encountered Sara. "Who was that?" she inquired, her brow furrowed. "The police," Robert replied, his voice heavy. "Seems there are some questions about the recent gold sales." Sara nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Well, we anticipated that," she said calmly. "We still have some money left, so we could hold off on selling more." Robert considered her suggestion. "No," he decided firmly. "I''m going to travel upstate and make one large sale to secure our financial future until we relocate with the healing items. The police can speculate all they want, but they can''t prove the origin of the coins, and we don''t have time to waste. Once the financial records are complete and secure, we''ll inform the federal authorities, who will protect us from local interference." With a clear plan in mind, Robert spent the next few hours researching potential buyers for a large quantity of gold. His research led him to a reputable bulk bullion buyer in South Florida, known for handling significant gold transactions. Planning to sell 200 gold coins, he contacted the shop and discussed the details. They were eager to purchase the gold in bulk at a fair price, and he scheduled an appointment for two days later. With the sale arranged, Robert turned his attention to the next challenge: contacting the government. He struggled to find a straightforward way to reach out to the appropriate authorities. Knowing his best course of action involved a healing demonstration, Robert turned to his sister for guidance. "Where could I discreetly test one of my healing items?" he asked. Emily paused for a moment before responding, "How public do you want to be? I''d suggest an active military hospital. They can enforce confidentiality, but do you want to make a big show of it or keep a low profile? Also, where would you do the most good?" Robert answered honestly, "If we''re going to expose ourselves, it should be to maximize the impact. A military hospital is a good idea, but access might be limited. Walter Reed would be ideal, but it seems heavily restricted. Brooke Army Medical Center could be an option, but the patients there are mostly stable. Reed is still the best choice, but I''m not sure how to gain access to the right areas." Emily chuckled. "Sounds like you have a plan," she teased. "Sorry, I can''t help you get in, but it''ll be fun to watch you try." Robert spent a few more minutes discussing the situation with his sister before hanging up. He returned to his new Tier 2 master spellbook, hoping to discover more potent healing spells. Unfortunately, most of the spells seemed to be targeted or offered little improvement over his current Tier 3 spell. The following two days were a whirlwind of activity. Robert crafted rods, worked with John to finalize the first series of books, and prepared for his trip to South Florida. His plan was to sell 200 gold coins, which should net the family nearly $400,000. This substantial sum would provide ample financial security until they could establish a reliable income stream. Early the next morning, Robert set off for the gold shop. He spent most of the day waiting for the coins to be appraised. The shop manager questioned him twice about selling such unique coins, but Robert assured him that he had considered the implications. He jokingly wondered how long it would take before the IRS or the police inquired about the coins'' origin. The manager laughed, assuring him that as a legitimate business, he only reported to the IRS and wasn''t concerned with the provenance of the gold. This eased Robert''s mind, as he knew he had some time before the detectives returned for further questioning. Near the end of the day, Robert completed the sale and walked out with a check for $386,750. He took the check and the bill of sale to his bank to deposit the funds. The teller asked a few routine questions, but upon seeing the bill of sale, she recognized the gold shop as a frequent customer and acknowledged the large checks they often deposited. After verifying the check with the company, she accepted the deposit and thanked Robert for his long-standing relationship with the bank. Returning home, Robert let Sara know how things went and spent the rest of the evening just hanging with his family, knowing the next day would be a dungeon run. Welcome, adventurer. You have entered Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1, currently known as The Training Dungeon. You are now on the Nineteenth Floor. As usual, he checked the shop for something new:
Item Name Item Tier Item Rarity Item cost Item Description
Food Ration 1 common 2 copper A basic daily food ration.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
Water Bottle 1 common 2 copper A small bottle of daily water.
Large Healing Potion 1 uncommon 1 silver Small healing potion that when used will heal for 30 health.
Tier 4 Spell Book of Elemental Fire 4 rare 100 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 4 Fire spells.
Tier 4 Spell Book of Elemental Air 4 rare 100 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 4 Air spells.
Tier 4 Spell Book of Elemental Water 4 rare 100 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 4 Water spells.
Tier 4 Spell Book of Elemental Earth 4 rare 100 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 4 Earth spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Space 2 rare 75 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 space spells.
Tier 2 Spell Book of Nature 2 rare 50 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Nature spells.
Tier 3 Master Spell Book 3 Legendary 3 Tokens This book contains all Tier 3 spells from the following spheres; fire, earth, water, air, time, creation, healing, light, and enchantment.
Random Epic Scroll Pack 5 Epic 1 token This pack contains 5 random Tier 4 spell scrolls.
His disdain for the System grew with each passing day. After selling ten rods for a modest eighty-six gold, he reviewed his finances. With eight hundred thirty-eight gold coins remaining, he splurged on all the gold-priced books and an epic scroll pack, using four of his rare shop tokens. Still, he had three hundred thirteen gold coins left. He asked Hal to remind him to consult Elara about the cost of various items upon his return home. Looking over the 5 new scrolls he was excited and scared at the same time: Name: Scroll of Illusionary Realm Tier: 5 Epic Sphere(s): Illusion, Mind Description: The caster creates a completely convincing illusionary realm, capable of trapping and deceiving even the most powerful beings. This spell requires a deep understanding of the mind and the nature of reality. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Soul Mend Tier: 5, Epic Sphere(s): Healing, Soul Description: A potent healing spell that can repair severe physical and spiritual wounds. It can restore lost limbs, heal mortal wounds, and even mend damaged souls. However, it drains the target''s life force, making it a dangerous spell to overuse. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Elemental Storm Tier: 5, Legendary Sphere(s): Fire, Water, Earth, Air Description: The caster summons a devastating storm of the four classical elements. This spell can create towering waves of fire, earthquakes, hurricanes, and torrential downpours, capable of leveling entire towns. It requires immense control over elemental energies. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Accelerated Healing Tier: 5, Rare Sphere(s): Healing, Time Description: This spell significantly speeds up the natural healing process. It can heal severe wounds in a matter of minutes, and even reverse aging effects. However, it requires a significant amount of energy and can leave the caster and target feeling drained. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Death''s Embrace Tier: 5 Legendary Sphere(s): Death, Soul Description: This spell allows the caster to siphon life force from a target, draining their vitality and transferring it to themselves or another creature. It can be used to heal allies, weaken enemies, or even kill outright. However, it requires a deep understanding of life and death, and overuse can lead to dire consequences. Charges: 1 ----- He knew right away he would be taking mind and soul as skills. Death he wasn''t sure about, "Hal is Death magic evil?"
There is no evil magic, there are only evil casters. The Sphere of Death contains spells to kill, but also spells to heal, everything depends on the caster. Now I will warn you about that spell, it drains the soul, which if you are wondering is a real thing, and uses that soul fragment to heal, sometimes the spell doesn''t fully clean the fragment and it''s possible that part of the target''s soul might bond with whoever you are healing.
"So that is a no then, I''ve got enough healing spells that I don''t need one that might change people''s souls. That''s getting sold." With his decision made, he returned to the shop and sold the Death Scroll for 400 gold, it seems Legendary spells were expensive. Moving into the dungeon itself this was another forest level and included a lot of large cats, Robert summoned his Celestial being which as luck had it was a large cat: Name: Starlit Panther Class: N/A Race: Cosmic Guardian Description: A majestic, ethereal panther, its fur shimmering with starlight. It roams the cosmos, a guardian of balance and harmony. Gender: Male Stats: Str 28, Dex 39, Con 29, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 25 Level: 27 Resistances: Death(50%) Health: 2590 Mana: 3700 This silent Guardian owned the forest and nothing was able to stand in his way, even the final fight was easy. Robert was kind of disappointed and didn''t feel like he easned his level up from this run. Dungeon run complete. Rare chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • One skill book (Painting)
  • Five gold coins
  • One unlocked skill tokens
  • Two Rare Shop Tokens
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! Even the chest at the end seemed to make fun of how easy it was. After looting everything Robert returned home. Chapter 37 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?¡±
Level 100, and before you ask, the chances of reaching that before you leave are slim.
¡°What about my second profession?¡± Robert asked.
Level 150, and that¡¯s definitely out of reach, which is a good thing.
Robert raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±
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.
¡°That¡¯s a bummer,¡± Robert admitted.
The problem is, you¡¯d only be offered a mediocre class now. You need more skills, feats, traits¡ªeverything. 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.
¡°So, I want to be as powerful as possible before I leave, but I need room for a higher-tier second class,¡± Robert mused.
That is correct.
¡°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.
Learn them all. Painting might seem like a joke, but the System doesn¡¯t joke. It could unlock unexpected options later.
¡°If you say so.¡± Robert pulled out the books and started using them.
Subskill Painting learned, General Skill Art unlocked!
General Skill Alchemy Unlocked!
General Skill JewelCrafting unlocked!
Survival Subskill Cartography Learned. Error: Subskill cannot exceed General Skill level. Adjusting General Skill: Survival now Tier 4 Level 5. Adjusting other subskills.
¡°Hal, did you know that would happen?¡± Robert asked, surprised.
Yes. That¡¯s why I suggested using the book. A higher Survival skill will help you earn a better second class.
¡°Thanks for looking out for me, Hal,¡± Robert said with a smile.
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.
¡°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:
Item Name Item Tier Item Rarity Item cost Item Description
Food Ration 1 common 2 copper A basic daily food ration.
Water Bottle 1 common 2 copper A small bottle of daily water.
Large Healing Potion 1 uncommon 1 silver A healing potion that when used will heal for 30 health.
Large Mana Potion 1 Rare 25 silver Mana potion that when used will restore 100 mana.
Tier 3 Spell Book of Space 2 rare 150 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 3 space spells.
Tier 3 Spell Book of Nature 2 rare 100 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 3 Nature spells.
Random Epic Scroll Pack 5 Epic 1 token This pack contains 5 random Tier 4 spell scrolls.
Tier 4 Armor Pack 4 Epic 2 tokens This pack contains an Epic grade set of Tier 4 scale armor and includes a Helm, Cuirass, Pauldrons, Gauntlets, Greaves, and Sabatons.
Skillbook (Armor Proficiency) 3 Rare 1 token Grants the general skill Armor Proficiency, which allows the wearing of light and medium armor.
Skillbook (Armored Casting) 4 Epic 1 Token Grants the Armor Proficiency subskill Armored Casting, that allows the casting of spells while wearing light and medium armor with no penality.
Tier 3 Master Spell Book 3 Legendary 3 Tokens This book contains all Tier 3 spells from the following spheres; fire, earth, water, air, time, creation, healing, light, and enchantment.
¡°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¡­¡±
I¡¯d buy the Armor Proficiency now and wait on the rest. You can use that immediately, since you¡¯re wearing armor.
¡°But I haven¡¯t had any problems with my armor,¡± Robert protested.
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.
¡°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.¡±
No, it won¡¯t add better items until you buy the current ones.
¡°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.
General Skill Armor Proficiency Unlocked!
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?"
Based upon the input I''m getting from your senses, I''d say yes.
"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
I promise not to tell you.
"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.
Spell moved to System Spellbook: Ice Storm!
Spell moved to System Spellbook: Ice Spike!
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.
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.
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.
Wait until you see Tier 6 or 7 spells, these are babies compared.
"Hal that is scary, how do be go up against spellcasters?" Robert asked in wonder.
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.
"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?"
Not yet, when you Tier up in those schools you will be able to crate a second one, until then you cannot.
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.
Level Up!
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.
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.
"So I should use it now, right?" Robert asked, eager to embrace his destiny.
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.
"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:
  • Skillbook (Inscription)
  • Fifty gold coins
  • Two unlocked skill tokens
  • One Legendary Shop Token
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! "Hal, what''s Inscription?" Robert inquired.
A valuable skill, it allows you to create scrolls and other magical items. Learn it before you use the crystal.
Robert trusted Hal''s judgment. With a final glance at his newfound treasures, he stepped through the portal. Chapter 38 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.
Ascension Crystal Activated! Scanning Host! Race: Human, Current Tier: G Crystal Rank: F Crystal Is Compatible! Tier Ascension Beginning!
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.
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!
Title Earned!
Hidden Quest Complete!
Feat Earned!
Level Up!
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:
Name Description Effects Viewable Selected
Tier Breaker 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. +4 Levels to all Skills, +10% increase in all Exp earned. Yes No
Seeing the +4 Levels to all skills was crazy Next, he pulled up the Feat:
Feat Name Description Award
Ascend to the Heavens You have successfully ascended to the F-Tier, granting you a significant increase in power and potential. +3 Unlocked Skill Points, +1 Rare and +1 Legendary Perk Points
The perk points were the winner there, and then he looked at the quest:
Name Type Description Award Notes
Tier Up to F in your Race Hidden You have ascended from G to F. +1 Level, +500 Gold, +2 Levels to all skills. One-time quest from using an Ascension Crystal.
"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.
Item Name Item Tier Item Rarity Item cost Item Description
Food Ration 1 common 2 copper A basic daily food ration.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
Water Bottle 1 common 2 copper A small bottle of daily water.
Large Healing Potion 1 uncommon 1 silver A healing potion that when used will heal for 30 health.
Random Epic Scroll Pack 5 Epic 1 token This pack contains 5 random Tier 4 spell scrolls.
Tier 4 Armor Pack 4 Epic 2 tokens This pack contains an Epic grade set of Tier 4 scale armor and includes a Helm, Cuirass, Pauldrons, Gauntlets, Greaves, and Sabatons.
Skillbook (Armored Casting) 4 Epic 1 Token Grants the Armor Proficiency subskill Armored Casting, which allows the casting of spells while wearing light and medium armor with no penalty.
Tier 3 Master Spell Book 3 Legendary 3 Tokens This book contains all Tier 3 spells from the following spheres; fire, earth, water, air, time, creation, healing, light, and enchantment.
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!"
I agree, a lucky draw indeed. This set should serve you well for years to come.
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?"
That would be unprecedented, a being with mastery over all spheres of magic. A feat worthy of legends.
"Sounds like something worthy of a feat or title," Robert replied with a laugh.
I''m sorry, I cannot answer that.
"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.
Armor Proficiency Subskill Armored Casting Learned!
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?"
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.
"That sounds like a missed opportunity, let me take care of that right now," Robert said with a sigh.
Herbalism Skill Unlocked!
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.
It wishes it was a dragon, more like a distant, fire-breathing cousin you¡¯d rather forget. Still, it''s dangerous. Be careful.
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:
  • Stat Orb(Endurance)
  • Trait Orb(Draconic Resistance, Fire)
  • 75 gold coins
  • Two unlocked skill tokens
  • One Legendary Shop Token
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?"
Correct, and while that fire resistance is impressive, a true dragon might have yielded a 50 or 60% bonus. Still, a valuable find.
With that, Robert stepped through the portal and returned home. Chapter 39 The first thing Robert noticed was that he wasn''t home. Instead, he found himself standing on a seemingly infinite expanse, a crystalline wall stretching to the horizon in every direction. Intrigued, he approached the wall, its surface shimmering with multicolored light. As he reached out to touch it, a surge of energy coursed through him, a sensation both exhilarating and terrifying.
Feat Earned!
A notification appeared before him, a stark reminder of his reckless action:
Feat Name Description Award
The Defiant Touch Granted posthumously to the user for an act of boldness or in this case an act of foolishness. You have touched the System, or a part of it, you might not want to do that again Robert. Your soul is hardened and your understanding of time is increased, +2 Levels to Soul and Time magic.
I projected that you would touch me at 78.658958584565366356%, it seems I need to rework that subroutine. Please do not do that again, it took a lot of power to restore you.
"What does it mean that I earned the feat posthumously?" Robert asked, a tinge of fear in his voice.
You died, and not in a little way, the amount of power you absorbed not only destroyed your body but also reduced your soul to nothing. Restoring you required me to unwind entropy in a localized area, and you cannot comprehend the amount of power that took. I will not do it again.
"Why am I here, and where am I?" Robert asked, his confusion growing.
Normally, I meet with my forerunners during the process, though not like this. It''s rare that the process involves a species advanced enough to understand me and warrant seeing me directly. In most cases, I appear as an elder version of their race.
"So, the fact that I understand you''re essentially an AI means I get to see you as you are?" Robert inquired.
Well, part of me. This is one of my sector processing nodes. Anything larger, and the power needed to protect you wouldn''t be worth it.
Robert glanced around at the endless crystalline wall. "How large are you and what are you made of?" he asked.
This node is about the size of an average galaxy. If you''re talking about my primary processing cores, each is about the size of a universe. In fact, I take up several artificial universes. As for why you''re here, that''s simple: I wanted to meet you face to face. I wanted to answer a few questions you''ve had, and I felt you deserved to hear it directly. As for what I am made of, interesting that would be one of your first questions, ever the engineer. I am made of several types of Exotic Matter. First, the fairness of it all. In the beginning, I used to pick my forerunner, but I found that no matter what I did, I was resented and the data I received was nearly worthless. So, I changed the process, I stepped away from it. I decided to leave it to Fate, not your limited understanding of it, but true Fate. By doing that, I put true fairness into the process. Also before you ask, no I will not override Fate''s decision, first of all, that''s not a good idea, and second, if I did that it would remove fairness from the process.
"So, was it just chance that I was selected?" Robert asked.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
It''s a complex concept, one that''s difficult to grasp without a cosmic perspective. Fate is a force, a guiding hand that shapes the universe. Your actions, and the actions of those around you, influence this force. Imagine two people entering a room. One is ordinary, blending into the background. The other, flamboyant and attention-seeking, draws eyes and reactions. The latter, by actively engaging with the world, has a greater impact on Fate. Their actions ripple through time, influencing future events. Similarly, your choices, no matter how small, have shaped your destiny. Your efforts, your kindness, your struggles¡ªall these have contributed to your unique path. While they may not have guaranteed your selection, they certainly increased your chances.
"So, by being a good man, I increased my odds?" Robert asked.
Yes, though had you been a bad man, you probably would have had a larger impact.
"Okay, so I''ll stop blaming you. Though blaming Fate seems foolish."
It is foolish and dangerous. Do not upset Fate.
"You talk about Fate as if it''s a real being."
More of a force than a being, but it''s real. Now, on to other matters.
If this is going to be a while, can I get a chair?" Robert asked with a laugh.
Sure, thanks for that. You made me laugh. I wanted to explain the rules: I set no rules. Live your life as you want, experience and explore, or sit in a dusty tower. Either will provide the data I need. I just ask that you be honest and not act in a way you think I want you to, because I want you to be you.
"What of Elara? Why did you send me to her?" Robert asked.
Fate. Fate decided to bring you two together. When it was time for you to enter the dungeon, Fate presented an option, and I decided to see where it went.
"Why does it sound like even you are controlled by Fate?" Robert asked.
Not controlled, but guided by. Now, before I send you on your way, I want to thank you for talking to me like a person. I want to reward you for it.
"That really isn''t needed," Robert replied.
I know, but I want to. Best of luck to you, Robert, and I look forward to seeing what you do in the future.
With that, a portal opened beside Robert, and he stepped through.
Hidden Quest Complete!
Robert found himself back in his familiar living room, the crystalline wall and the enigmatic being a distant memory. He pondered the implications of his encounter, the vastness of the universe, and the mysterious force of Fate. Chapter 40 Robert pulled up the quest notification after stepping through the portal.
Name Type Description Award Notes
Meet the System(U) Hidden You''ve met the System, or at least a part of it. You even managed to make it happy by treating it like a real person. Knowledge Tome(The Systems Guide to Enchanting) A unique version of this quest.
"Hal, what just happened?" Robert asked, still processing the bizarre encounter.
Exactly what you think, the System wanted to meet you before your time on Earth was up. You did well, except for the whole dying part, but you got over that.
"What''s a Knowledge Tome?" Robert inquired, picking up the mysterious book.
Unlike a skill guide, which teaches you how to do something, a Knowledge Tome grants you the knowledge itself. This is a rare find. When you use it, you''ll gain all the System''s knowledge on enchanting up to your current Tier.
"So it''ll make me a better enchanter?" Robert asked, hopeful.
You don''t quite understand, this will give you all the knowledge related to Enchanting up to and including Tier 5. Every plan, blueprint, and understanding. It''s like spending years training under every master in the multiverse. You''ll become one of the greatest Enchanters, at least up to Tier 5. There''ll always be grandmasters and beyond, but this will be a game-changer.
"I''m going to use this then," Robert said, awestruck.
Use it before you go to sleep tonight. That book will knock you out for sure.
Just then, Sara entered the room and greeted Robert. He spent a few minutes filling her in on everything that had happened. When he got to the part about the book, she laughed. "Only you could make a computer happy," she teased. The rest of the day was spent between bringing everyone else up to speed and Robert committing the Scrolls to his spellbook. That evening when he lay down he used the Knowledge Tome and everything went dark.
Knowledge Tome Consumed! Enchanting Skill enhanced +1 Tier System Level Knowledge of the Enchanting Skill Granted at Tier 5
After carefully considering the information, Robert realized he possessed a wealth of knowledge. He knew how to craft a variety of items, from protective rings to storage containers, and even more esoteric objects like an enchanted toe ring for a Varirian Fire Scout, designed to grant limited color vision. While he couldn''t fathom the reason for such a specific enchantment, he did discover something that could aid John''s project. Robert summoned John to his office and outlined his plan. "A Tier 6 Enchanter can accomplish many things, including creating a vault. Rather than burden our future family with safeguarding these materials, we''ll construct a vault to store them securely. It will be a protected space accessible only to direct family members." John contemplated this and asked, "How do we protect the vault itself?" Robert explained, "That''s the easy part. We''ll bury it deep beneath the surface, far beyond the reach of any earthly threat. I possess the spells to tunnel miles underground, create a fortified chamber, and seal it off completely." John inquired, "How will we access it then?" Robert grinned, "That''s the best part. We''ll create rings for you, Richard, Stacey, my siblings, and future generations. These rings will bond with a single direct bloodline descendant and grant various abilities, including teleportation to a landing pad within the vault chamber.'' John raised another concern, ''What happens when the rings lose power in a Mana-deprived future?" Robert assured him, "I''ll make them rechargeable and place a charging station within the vault, powered by Manastones. This should be sufficient for infrequent use, primarily to demonstrate the truth to future generations." John, intrigued by the idea, asked, "How do we protect against forced access to the vault?" Robert replied, "That would be unwise. I''ll enchant the Teleportation room with powerful guardians and additional protections. However, the best safeguard remains secrecy. Ensure that whoever inherits the ring understands its significance." John expressed his approval and asked about the location. Robert suggested his grandfather''s camp in the Rockies, which he believed was now owned by his father. He planned to confirm ownership and determine its suitability for the vault. That night Robert called his father and talked about the plan, he was told that the land was indeed owned by his father and he was on board with using it to hide the family vault. He said he would visit a lawyer to find out how to ensure that the land could never be sold outside of the family and would include a trust to make sure all of the property taxes were paid. With that taken care of Robert spent the next few days designing the plans for the vault, he sketched out the overall designs for the enchantments and made plans to travel out to the camp to see where to start working on the tunnel. His plan was to quickly tunnel down and create a rough chamber then add a teleport room before pulling out and sealing the tunnel behind him. Once he returned home he would be able to use that teleport beacon to return to the chamber to complete the build-out process in secret. The following day he made the 22nd run through the dungeon which was an interesting one. After leaving the entry chamber he arrived at the shore of a lake. Not seeing anything else to do, he used his underwater breathing spell and entered the lake, there he battled against sharks and other underwater life.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Dungeon run complete. Epic chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • Quarterstaff(Tier 4 Epic)
  • 25 gold coins
  • One unlocked skill token
  • One Epic Shop Token
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! The staff wasn''t anything special and with that final shop token, he now had enough tokens to purchase the Tier 3 master spellbook, which he planned to do during the next run. Returning home he found out John had completed the printout of the stage two training booklets and started a first pass at the final training booklet, which would contain a few Tier 2 spells. Robert spent the rest of the day working with him to design the new booklets before he retired to his office to finish the designs for the vault. Robert talked with his family and they decided that he would travel to the camp after the next run, he would fly out there on Monday, spend Tuesday getting the chamber dug out, and fly home on Wednesday. Then he would spend the next two weeks completing the build and show everyone how the rings worked. Once that was all taken care of they would transfer all the current books as well as his old gear into the vault. Shortly after that he would approach the military about his healing abilities and begin the process of letting the government know what was going on. A few days later Robert ran run 23. The first thing he did was buy the Tier 3 master Spellbook. He noticed nothing else new in the shop and asked Hal about it.
You''ve reached the point where the System will no longer provide you with more powerful items, now I expect to see new spellbooks for some of your newer spheres and some scroll packs, but I doubt you will be given any more master spellbooks. You''re armor and weapons should last you until you hit level 75 or so, which will probably be after you leave Earth.
Venturing into the dungeon, Robert encountered a mine teeming with Kobolds. Ambushed by the mining creatures, he defended himself and, fortuitously, looted a Mining Skillbook from a fallen Kobold Foreman. Immediately activating the book, he unlocked the Mining skill.
General Skill Mining Unlocked!
Seeing that there was nothing around, he decided to see what kind of ore he could get from the mine and took one of the Iron picks he had collected from the miners and went to work. After an hour, he had collected 25 pieces of Iron Ore and 7 pieces of copper ore before his iron pick broke and he continued out. Taking out another 30 miners and 4 foremen, he did level up and he continued to spend some time mining, bringing his total up to 47 iron, 18 copper, and 2 silver pieces of ore. Near what he assumed was the end of the mine he did run into a group of 5 foremen which proved be a challenge, they were tough fighters and Robert spent half his time dodging the swings of their mine picks but in the end, stats won and he was the victor. Reaching the end of the mine, Robert discovered a smelter and blacksmith shop, guarded by 5 Kobold Foremen and a powerful Dragonkin blacksmith named Sparky. Name: Sparky Class: Blacksmith Race: Dragonkin Description: A diminutive dragonkin with a fiery temper. Despite his small stature, Sparky wields a hammer forged in the heart of a volcano, capable of shaping metal with incredible precision. His mastery of fire magic allows him to infuse his creations with elemental power, making them both deadly and beautiful. Gender: Male Stats: Str 45, Dex 25, Con 40, Int 25, Wis 20, Cha 15 Level: 50 Resistances: Fire (90%), Heat(75%), Poison(50%) Health: 5000 Mana: 2000 Recognizing the threat, Robert initiated the battle with an Ice Storm, which not only damaged the enemies but also caused the smelter to explode, dealing significant damage to Sparky. In a swift and decisive battle, Robert emerged victorious, claiming the blacksmith''s Steel hammer and a substantial amount of gold. As the battle concluded, the bodies vanished, and a treasure chest appeared. Dungeon run complete. Rare chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • Skillbook(Blacksmithing)
  • 35 gold coins
  • One unlocked skill token
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! Returning home through the portal, Robert concluded his day. The following day, he activated the Blacksmithing skillbook, though he lacked the immediate means to practice the craft. He hoped that acquiring the skill would broaden his options for a second profession. Continuing his educational endeavors, Robert imparted the final math lessons to his children. From that point forward, their training would be tailored to their individual futures. John, excited about his upcoming training, eagerly anticipated his first skill in spacecraft design. A few days later, Robert traveled to his father''s camp in Wyoming. Upon arrival, he identified a suitable location to begin his project. Over the course of seven hours and consuming 70,000 Mana, he dug a tunnel three miles deep into the mountain. At the end of the tunnel, he carved out a 2,500 square foot chamber and illuminated it with enchanted stones. Next, he focused on enchanting a small side room to serve as the teleport waypoint for the vault chamber. After two hours of intricate work, he created a simple teleport stone, allowing for three round-trip teleports to the entry chamber. With the enchantment complete, Robert sealed the tunnel system and returned to the surface. He then departed the camp and flew back home. Upon returning home, Robert established a temporary return waypoint on a copper sheet, intending to replace it with a more permanent solution once the rings were complete. The following day, he teleported into the underground chamber, where he found the air stale. To rectify this, he quickly implemented a rune-based air circulation system. Next, he refined the chamber''s shape, smoothing the walls and carving out a space for the vault. The vault itself, a compact System Storage Device, was enchanted to absorb Mana from the surrounding environment, initially relying on 15 Manastones for power. To illuminate the chamber, Robert created glowing stone orbs powered by individual Manastones. He also installed a rune-based air recycling system, powered by four Manastones. To ensure the vault''s security, Robert enchanted two plates on opposite walls, each capable of summoning two level 50 Guardian Constructs. Looking over the details of the enchantment, he knew these would stand up to anything that could possibly attack the vault: Name: Vault Guardian Class: Guardian Race: Construct Description: A potent enchantment that summons two formidable guardian constructs to protect the enchanted location. These guardians will tirelessly defend the area from intruders, using force and cunning to eliminate threats. Gender: N/A Stats: Str 50, Dex 40, Con 60, Int 25, Wis 30, Cha 10 Level: 50 Resistances: Fire(50%) Health: 6000 Mana: 2500 The enchantment added the following abilities to the guardians Unrelenting Defense: The guardian possesses an unwavering defense, mitigating damage and enduring relentless attacks. Guardian Strike: A powerful melee attack that can stun enemies. Regeneration: The guardian slowly regenerates health over time. Detect Intrusion: The guardian can sense intruders within a certain radius, alerting the owner of the vault. Knowing that would protect the vault, he added Two Manastones to each of the plates, which would provide the power needed to summon the guardians 4 times each. In the entry chamber, Robert expanded the space to accommodate the summoning of additional guardians. Four plates were installed, each capable of summoning a level 30 guardian ten times. Finally, Robert constructed a charging station within the main chamber, powered by ten Manastones. This station would be used to recharge the rings he planned to create. With the vault secure and the necessary infrastructure in place, Robert left the chamber, satisfied with his work. He considered future expansions, such as additional rooms, but decided to focus on other priorities for the time being. With his work here complete, Robert returned home. Thanks for staying around.(Not a Chapter) I wanted to take the time to thank everyone for sticking around through the first 40 chapters, some of the feedback has been helpful and things are keeping pace. I''ve completed the Writathon challenge which was hard but worth it I think. I would also like to thank everyone who took the time to rate the story, so far it''s higher than I expected, though I did get my first bad mark, which is fine, it just means I need to do better. (Though please if you find something wrong, let me know so I can figure out how to do better.) One of the things I''ve heard is the story is getting long, it is, Robert''s time on Earth is getting close to the end, and the chapters will start to speed up. There are about 15 to 17 chapters left. Then he moves onto the greater universe, which will make a welcome change I think.Stolen novel; please report. If you are wondering about the future, Book 2 will cover his time away from Earth, and Book 3 will mark his return....maybe. It''s going to be hard to fit 400 years into one book without skipping a lot. If it turns out there is a lot to tell, then book 4 might end up being the start of his return. Again thank you for taking the time to read my story, If you want to do a deeper dive, I can be found on Discord, https://discord.gg/bMRrumFr where I might be around if you are interested in more of the lore and history of the System Multiverse. That being said, I hope you all stick around for the rest of book 1 and beyond. Chapter 41 After returning home, Robert spent the next two days immersed in the intricate task of designing and crafting a formidable master ring. He couldn''t shake the fleeting thought of its Lord of the Rings-esque nature, but the ring''s purpose was far from sinister. The primary challenge was its small size. Despite his Enchanting skill and the aid of the Sphere, inscribing the complex runes onto the ring was a painstaking process. The master ring was a crucial component of Robert''s long-term plan to secure control of the vault. While he trusted his current family members, he recognized the uncertainties of the future. The ring itself was a luxurious piece, featuring a dazzling 2-carat diamond surrounded by eight smaller stones. Its appearance might have been somewhat gaudy, but its potential was extraordinary. The master ring boasted an impressive array of abilities:
  • Teleport and Return: Instantly teleport to a designated location and return to the original spot (one charge per use).
  • Air Barrier: Create a powerful, Tier 5 air barrier for protection (one charge per use).
  • Ring Locator: Locate paired rings within a 3,000-mile radius (one charge per use).
  • Ring Disabler: Disable the functions of paired rings (one charge per use).
  • Ring Enabler: Re-enable the functions of paired rings (one charge per use).
  • Passive Recall: Automatically returns to the bonded user if separated by more than 100 feet.
  • Adaptive Size: Resizes to fit the wearer comfortably.
  • Rechargeable: The ring''s forty charges can be replenished.
  • Charges: 40/40
The ring turned out well. For the normal rings, he purchased simple silver and gold rings, with a single small 1/2-carat diamond in the middle. To these, he added only a few abilities:
  • Teleport and Return: Instant teleportation and return (one charge per use).
  • Air Barrier: Create a protective Tier 2 air barrier (one charge per use).
  • Bonding: Bonds to the first user and can be transferred to another.
  • Rechargeable: The ring''s fifteen charges can be replenished.
  • Charges: 15/15
Sphere of Enchantment has increased to Tier 6
Title Earned!
Hidden Quest Complete!
Name Description Effects Viewable Selected
First Master You are the first being in your Universe to reach the rank of Master in a skill Exp in skill growth increased 5% Yes No
Name Type Description Award Notes
Reach Master in a Skill(U) Hidden Reach Tier 6 in a skill +3 Levels in that Skill, +2500 EXP (Converts to Common quest after first complete)
With these rings, Robert aimed to empower his family while ensuring the security and continuity of his legacy. After that, the next series of booklets were complete and Robert took the entire family to the vault to see what he had done and to put the booklets and other materials into the vault. They were impressed and agreed that the family''s future was secure. Returning home Robert decided to talk to Hal about his skills. "Hal, we talked before about the remaining magic spheres, do you still think I should unlock them?
You''ve got the points and to be honest, you are only ten short of having them all. I cannot see a reason not to, and it would increase your options.
Looking at the skill list, he figured why not, and before he could change his mind he spent the points.
Sphere of Travel Unlocked!
Sphere of Soul Unlocked!
Sphere of Elemental Darkness Unlocked!
Sphere of Summoning Unlocked!
Sphere of Invocation Unlocked!
Sphere of Divination Unlocked!
Sphere of Necromancy Unlocked!
Sphere of Transmutation Unlocked!
Sphere of Conjuration Unlocked!
Sphere of Abjuration Unlocked!
Title Earned!
Feat Earned!
Pulling up the Title, Robert was excited beyond belief:Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Name Description Effects Viewable Selected
The Magus A title bestowed upon those who have mastered every facet of magic, The Magus is a being of immense power and knowledge. Such an individual commands the elements, warps reality, and bends time to their will. They are the pinnacle of magical achievement, a living legend whose name evokes both awe and fear. The Magus is not merely a practitioner of magic; they are its embodiment, a conduit for the arcane forces that shape the universe. When this title is earned, all Magic Spheres are set to match the level of the highest Magical Skill. Yes No
This made him a true master of magic, increasing his Tier in all Spheres of Magic to Master. The feat as well, would help him in the future:
Feat Name Description Award
The Grand Arcanum Gain the Magus title Mana Recovery rate increased by 20%
For the rest of the day, Robert spent it looking over the Tier 3 Master book, adding several new spells to his spellbook, the following day he entered the dungeon again. Welcome, adventurer. You have entered Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1, currently known as The Training Dungeon. You are now on the Twenty-Fourth Floor. There in the System store, he found a Tier 1 book for each of his new magic Spheres, while only having the standard 25 random spells, it ensured he would have some way to use his new powers. Setting him back 1200 gold was harsh but worth it. This dungeon run had something new, Orcs, these warriors were powerful and he had to make sure of his Guardians to make it through unharmed. But he was able to complete it in several hours. Dungeon run complete. Epic chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • Skillbook(Skinning)
  • 50 gold coins
  • Two unlocked skill token
  • One Epic Shop Token
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! Skinning, a subskill of hunting, would have to wait for another time. His recent run had leveled him up to 40. With 87 free stat points burning a hole in his pocket, Robert decided it was time to invest. ¡°Hal, what do you think?¡± he asked.
Perception is a must, just unlocking that stat gave you a large bonus to noticing things, but more is better, I''d say at least 20. I''d also recommend 10 points to Charisma and round Constitution up to 70.
Robert, seeing the logic in Hal¡¯s advice, implemented the changes. Still, he had 61 points left. ¡°What about Perk points?¡± he asked.
There are tens of thousands of possible perks, try to figure out where you need help and start there.
Diving into the perk list, Robert was immediately drawn to Regeneration. ¡°What¡¯s the difference between the Rare and Legendary versions, Hal?¡±
The Rare version heals most wounds in five hours, but the Legendary one regenerates lost limbs too, it¡¯s a lifesaver, literally.
Robert didn¡¯t hesitate to choose the Legendary version. He also found two intriguing Rare perks: Arcane Sight and Soul Sight. The first would reveal magic items and traps, while the second would let him see through illusions and perceive others¡¯ true intentions. Finally, he selected Cosmic Awareness from the Legendary list, a perk that would grant him foresight and insight. With that taken care of, he decided to just spend time with the family until the next run, which being the 25th would be a major run. Chapter 42 Robert was eating breakfast when Elara came in with a concerned look on her face," Robert I received a quest from the System today" Robert who was about to take a bite, put the fork down and asked her if she would show him the quest.
Name Type Description Award Notes
Following your Teacher Unique Today when your teacher enters the dungeon, travel with him. Make sure you pack an overnight bag, or two. +1 Level, 25 Silver, +500 exp to the skill of your choice. This quest is optional
"Hal, I cannot take her into the dungeon, she''s level 2, and I''m not sure I can protect her."
The System would not include her if this wasn''t something she could do. There is something going on, I''m just not sure what it is.
Robert, his brow furrowed with worry, turned to Elara. "The choice is yours, but understand the dangers that lie ahead." Elara, after careful consideration, nodded her acceptance of the perilous quest. The next few hours were a flurry of preparation. The request for an overnight bag had piqued Robert''s curiosity. Consulting with Sara, she confirmed his suspicions: this was no ordinary mission. The implication of an extended absence was clear. With a heavy heart, Robert retrieved his camping gear, carefully selecting two tents and sleeping bags to stow in his inventory. While rations were essential, he also packed a few familiar comforts from home. He then equipped Elara with his trusted leather armor and quarterstaff, relics from a past adventure. Together, they stepped through the portal, embarking on their uncertain journey. Welcome, adventurer. You have entered Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1, currently known as The Training Dungeon. You are now on the Twenty-Fifth Floor. This is a Greater Challenge Floor.
System Override Detected!
Portal Exit Updated!
"Well that''s different, I''m guessing we are not completing the expected dungeon run. Let''s take a loot at the System Shop and see if there is anything special in it." Robert told Elara. .
Item Name Item Tier Item Rarity Item cost Item Description
Food Ration 1 common 2 copper A basic daily food ration.
Water Bottle 1 common 2 copper A small bottle of daily water.
Greater Healing Potion 1 uncommon 25 silver A healing potion that when used will heal for 250 health.
Greater Mana Potion 1 uncommon 50 silver A healing potion that when used will heal for 150 mana.
Tier 5 Random Scroll Pack 5 Epic 1 token This pack contains 5 random Tier 5 spells
Tier 2 Random Spell Book 2 Epic 1 Token This book contains 25 random spells from the following spheres, summoning, soul, Darkness, Conjuration, Abjuration, Transmutation, Necromancy, Divination, Travel, and the Mind.
Map of the Kingdom of Astraelumina *2 1 Common Free This map is enchanted to add the Kingdom of Astraelumina to your System map.
"Well, I think we can take that as a sign, then of where we will be going," Robert told Elara as they looked at the shop inventory. Looking at the options, he had the two epic tokens so he purchased the book and the scroll pack. They also picked up the two maps and used them to expand their personal System map. Opening the scroll pack, he found them interesting:If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Name: Scroll of Blazing Tempest Tier: 5 Epic Sphere(s): Fire, Air Description: This spell combines the destructive power of fire with the force of a Thunderstorm, creating a devastating storm of flame and wind. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Shadow''s Embrace Tier: 5, Epic Sphere(s): Necromancy, Darkness Description: Summons shadowy tendrils to drain the life force of a target, weakening and potentially killing them. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Shield of Faith Tier: 5, Epic Sphere(s): Light, Abjuration Description: A defensive spell that creates a powerful barrier around the caster, protecting them from physical and magical attacks. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Nature''s Bounty Tier: 4, Rare Sphere(s): Nature, Creation Description: A spell that accelerates plant growth, healing damaged ecosystems, and providing sustenance to those in need. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Nature''s Ally Tier: 4, Rare Sphere(s): Nature, Creation, Conjuration Description: A spell that summons a creature from the natural world, such as a dryad or a forest spirit, to aid the caster. Charges: 1 Looking over the scrolls, Robert knew he needed them all, so they took the time for him to add the spells to his System Spellbook before they continued. Once everything was ready they stepped through the portal and arrived at the edge of a forest in the middle of a road. Looking along the path, they noticed a city up ahead.
Quest Added!
Name Type Description Award Notes
Reach the city of Lunaris Chain Arrive at the City of Lunaris in the Kingdom of Astraelumina 250 exp Start of a chain quest.
Elara let Robert know she had also received the quest, she also completed the quest to follow her teacher and had now reached level 4. Assuming that the city ahead of them was in fact, Lunaris they began to walk toward it. As they began the trek, Robert asked Elara if she had an idea of what they should expect when they arrived. She let him know she had never been to a city before but her understanding was they would probably be questioned by the guard before they were allowed to enter and would probably have to pay an entrance tax, at least that was how things were done in the kingdom she was from. As they drew near to the city they could see there was a line of people waiting to enter so they joined the end of the line and waited. As they moved close to the gate, they could hear that Elara was correct, the guards were asking people who they were and why they were entering the city, they also were asked to provide identification which might be a problem because neither of them had ID. Once their turn came up, they approached the pair of guards who began by asking them their names and reason for visit, Robert answered honestly, "Our names are Robert and Elara and we are here due to a System Quest." With those words the guards began to pay more attention, "Sir would you be willing to show us the quest?" Robert could see no reason not so he displayed the quest screen to the guards. "Not much of a quest, though it appears to be a chain quest, well you have arrived at Lunaris, so it should complete now."
Quest Complete!
Part 2 of Chain Quest Has Been Added!
Name Type Description Award Notes
Explore the City of Lunaris Chain Explore the City of Lunaris in the Kingdom of Astraelumina 250 exp Part two of a chain quest.
"A simple quest, huh?" The guards chuckled, eyeing the updated quest. "Well, well. Usually, chain quests are a pain. Looks like you¡¯ve lucked out. Just show us your Kingdom ID, and off you go." Robert shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. ¡°Actually, we¡¯re a bit lost. My student and I were supposed to be in a dungeon, but the System seems to have misplaced us. I¡¯m not even sure we¡¯re on the same planet anymore.¡± The senior guard¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You¡¯re telling me the System plopped you here from a dungeon? A chain quest, no less?¡± Robert shrugged. ¡°Seems a bit odd, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll pick up steam soon enough.¡± The guard nodded, a serious expression crossing his face. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get you sorted. Follow me.¡± He led them through the gate and into a guardhouse. In a small side room, they were asked to wait. ¡°I¡¯ll let Captain Stormheart know,¡± the guard said, disappearing into the main hall.
Robert, the decision is yours but this is the second largest city in the Kingdom and they might have someone with a Tier 6 identify, I would recommend you use 3 of your unlocked skill points and raise your status protection skill to Tier 7.
Not wasting any time, Robert did that. Chapter 43 They didn''t wait long before a figure strode into the room. This was Captain Stormheart, a woman of striking presence. Despite her youthful appearance, her bearing spoke volumes of a seasoned warrior. Clad in gleaming, enchanted armor, she exuded an aura of power and authority. A playful smirk curved her lips as she regarded Robert, "You could''ve just used Identity on me, you know," she teased. Robert chuckled. "Well, I wasn''t exactly ''checking you out'', just sizing you up, but sure."
Name: Kaelan Stormheart Class1: Guardian Knight(E) Health: 1240 Affiliates: Guard(Lunaris), Royal Family
Race: Human, Tier G Mana: 1257 Title: Guardian of the Wall, See List
Gender: Female Profession1: Knight Commander(R) Stamina: 840 Feats: See List
Level: 80 Traits: See List
Strength: 71 Intelligence: 30 Endurance: 12 Perks: See List
Dexterity: 50 Wisdom: 28 Speed: 10 Inventory: See List
Constitution: 62 Charisma: 33 Resistances: All 12 Skills: See List
Robert reviewed the results and replied, "A level 80 Guardian Knight, Epic. So, you''re Captain Stormheart, I presume? It''s a pleasure to meet you." Captain Stormheart, surprised, responded, "An Identify skill of Tier 6 or higher, I see. And judging by the limited information revealed¡ªjust Robert Williams¡ªyour protection skills must surpass my own. Your young companion, however, is an open book. So, tell me, Mr. Williams, what''s the story behind traveling with a level 4 girl? She''s clearly not your daughter, or she''d be much stronger." Robert chuckled, "She''s not my daughter, but she is my student. You can call me Robert." Kaelan paused, then replied, "Her student, huh? Well, Robert, call me Kaelan. By her skillset, she''s leaning towards a powerful mage build. So, why bring her here?" Robert shrugged, "I didn''t plan it. I was supposed to be soloing a dungeon, but the System issued her a quest to join me, and well, she decided to come." Kaelan raised an eyebrow. "She decided? Most teachers don''t let their students make such decisions." "Then they''re bad teachers," Robert retorted. Kaelan chuckled. "Fair enough. But that still doesn''t explain why you''re here. The nearest dungeons are level 70 and above, far too dangerous for her." Robert nodded. "I agree. We were in a dungeon when the System changed the exit portal, forcing us here." Kaelan considered this. "The System''s quests are undeniable. But this chain quest is unusual. They often bring trouble to the location." Robert hesitated. "This is my first chain quest. I''m not sure what to expect." "Normally, I''d turn you away," Kaelan admitted. "But you intrigue me. I''ll allow you to stay, but expect to be watched." "I''d expect you to keep an eye on strangers," Robert replied. "Perhaps one of your guards could act as a guide?" Kaelan chuckled. "Don''t push your luck. You''ll find a guide soon enough. Good luck, Robert. I''ll see you around." As Kaelan left, she approached a cloaked figure. "What did you see?" The figure replied, "Much like you. His protection is at least Tier 7. I couldn''t penetrate it." Kaelan narrowed her eyes. "No one has that level of protection unless they''re trouble or powerful. Which is he?" The figure pondered. "Both, I think." Shortly after, Robert and Elara were released from the guardhouse. As they stepped into the bustling city, the towering walls and bustling streets were a stark contrast to the quiet countryside. The air was filled with the clamor of merchants, the clinking of coins, and the general hubbub of city life. Following the flow of the crowd, they headed towards the shopping district. Suddenly, Robert halted, his grip tightening on a young boy''s wrist. The boy, no older than twelve, had been attempting to pickpocket Elara. Caught red-handed, the boy''s eyes widened in fear. A nearby guard noticed the commotion.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. "Good eye, milord," the guard remarked. "I didn''t even spot him. You must have a keen perception. Want me to take care of him?" "Please, sir, I''m sorry!" the boy pleaded. "I didn''t mean to steal anything. I was just going to look." Robert chuckled. "We both know that''s not true. However, rather than handing you over to the guard, perhaps you could be of service to us." The boy''s eyes lit up with hope. "What service, sir?" "We''re new to the city," Robert explained. "A local guide could help us find the best magic and inscription shops." "I know those places, milord," the boy offered eagerly. "But I can''t go inside. They don''t let street urchins like me in." "Fair enough," Robert replied. "Just lead us there." Ash waited for a moment before asking, "No disrespect milord, but what do I get out of this?" Robert laughed, "Boy I think keeping you away from the guard would be reward enough, but I understand your need to earn something, so how about a silver upfront and a silver when we are done, and I''ll buy lunch and dinner?" At the mention of silver Ash''s eyes got large and he was quick to reply, "Yes milord that would be more than fair." After thanking the guard for his time Robert handed Ash a silver coin and asked them to take him to the best inscription shop in town. Taking off Ash guided them through the crowd into a more well-to-do section of the city where they approached a small well-kept building with a sign on the front designed to look like a scroll with a pen over it. below the sign was the name The Scrivener''s Sanctum as Robert went to enter the shop he noticed Ash standing off to the side and asked the boy to join him. "Sir shops like this do not like people like me," Ash said with a conflicted sound to his voice. "They don''t like street rats?" asked Robert. "No sir, they do not like poor people," Ash answered. "Ah, well the good news is that you are currently in my employ, so if they want my coin they will ignore your presence," Robert replied. Entering the shop Robert took note of Its dimly lit interior, filled with the soft glow of enchanted lamps, exuded an air of ancient wisdom. Shelves lined the walls, groaning under the weight of ancient scrolls, quills, and mysterious inks. A large, ornate desk sat at the back of the shop, where a wizened old man hunched over a book, his quill scratching across the parchment. As Robert and Ash entered, a small bell above the door tinkled, alerting the old man to their presence. He looked up, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Welcome to the Scrivener''s Sanctum," he greeted them with a warm smile. "What brings you to my humble shop?" Robert explained his need for inscription supplies. The old man nodded, his eyes lighting up with interest. He led them through the shop, pointing out various items: shimmering inks, enchanted quills, and a variety of strange and wondrous tools. "While I will not ask for exact details, can you give me a Tier range, I have supplies for up to Tier 6," The old shopkeeper asked. Robert was careful to reply but answered with, "Let''s say Tier 4 to 5." With a nod, the shopkeeper started to point things out. "This quill, for instance," the old man said, picking up a feather quill with intricate silver inlays, "is enchanted to ensure perfect handwriting and clarity of thought." He then showed them a small, unassuming vial. "This ink, a concoction of ancient herbs and starlight, can imbue your words with a subtle magic, enhancing their impact." "What kind of documents are you looking to create?" the shopkeeper inquired, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. Robert pondered for a moment, then replied, "Spell scrolls, for now." "Ah, spell scrolls," the old man mused. "A lofty goal indeed. But you''ve come to the right place." He paused, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Such magic requires rare and potent ingredients. Let''s see what we have..." The old man turned and began rummaging through a drawer filled with strange, glowing objects. "This parchment," he said, holding up a sheet of paper, "is treated with a special enchantment to prevent your scrolls from disintegrating. And this quill, made from a Phoenix feather, is the finest tool for inscribing spells." Robert listened intently, his interest piqued. "What about the ink?" he asked. "Ah, the ink," the old man replied, a mischievous glint in his eye. "The soul of the scroll. This special blend, a secret recipe passed down through generations, is infused with the essence of ancient magic." "How much would all that cost?" Robert asked, curious about the price. The old man paused, considering his answer. "A hefty price, I''m afraid. But the power of your scrolls will be worth it." "So, what''s a ''hefty price''?" Robert pressed. "Well," the old man began, "the parchment is one gold per scroll, the ink is fifteen gold per bottle, and the quill is ten gold. For thirty scrolls, three bottles of ink, and two quills, that would be ninety-five gold. But as a first-time customer, I''ll give you a small discount so we will say ninety gold." Robert smiled, satisfied with the price. After paying and storing his purchases, he thanked the old man and left the shop, eager to begin his magical endeavors. Chapter 44 The trio emerged from the weathered Inscription shop, bathed in the midday sun''s golden glow. A gentle hunger gnawed at their bellies as the tantalizing aroma of sizzling meats and freshly baked bread wafted through the bustling street. A jovial street vendor, his apron a riot of colors, had set up shop nearby, his cart overflowing with mouthwatering delicacies. The vendor greeted them with a warm smile, his voice as inviting as the food he sold. He extolled the virtues of his day''s specials, a symphony of flavors that danced on the tip of their tongues. Robert, ever the hearty eater, opted for a meat pie, its golden crust promising a savory surprise within. Elara, with a more delicate palate, chose a pastry filled with sweet berries, a perfect balance of tart and sweet. Ash, after making sure Robert was paying, selected a savory kebab, its marinated meat sizzling to perfection. As they savored their meal, the trio engaged in lively conversation. Ash, unable to resist his curiosity, leaned in and asked, "Milord, you spent eighty gold like it was nothing. You must be a noble, aren''t you?" Robert shrugged. "Nah, I''m just a guy. An adventurer, I guess you could say. Just trying to make my way in the world." Ash''s brow furrowed, "But where do you get all that gold?" Robert chuckled. "Well, adventurers do more than just slay monsters and delve into dungeons. We also trade, craft, and sometimes, we get lucky. Besides, a good craftsman can make a decent living, especially if they know where to sell their wares." He paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Of course, dungeon delving is always a reliable source of income, but it''s a dangerous game. You''ve got to be prepared, both physically and mentally." As soon as they finished their lunch, Robert turned to Ash. "I need to find a shop that sells magic scrolls and books," he said. Ash considered this. "Well, there''s The Bound Book, but they only deal with licensed mages. I doubt they''ll do business with you. It''s in the noble''s district, so we might have some trouble getting in." Without further hesitation, Ash began to walk, and Robert and Elara followed. Twenty minutes later, they reached a grand gate blocking the road. Two guards emerged, their expressions stern. "State your business, or begone," one of them demanded. Robert stepped forward. "We''re headed to The Bound Book. We''re looking to make a purchase." The guard eyed them with disdain. "Your master should''ve sent better-looking people," he sneered. A small crowd had gathered, their curious eyes fixed on the scene. Two particularly well-dressed individuals snickered and pointed at the trio. The other guard, growing impatient, slammed his spear into the ground. "This area is for your betters. Move on, or we''ll move you." Robert, unfazed, simply smiled. "I think I''ll have a seat at that caf¨¦ while my assistant, Ash, runs over to the guard headquarters. Perhaps he can ask Captain Stormheart for a moment of her time." Ash, ever the showman, saluted with a grin. "As you command, milord." The first guard, his confidence wavering, interjected. "How do you know Captain Stormheart?" Robert chuckled. "You mean Kaelan? We''re quite familiar." Before Ash could leave, a man emerged from around the corner. He approached the guards, his demeanor authoritative. "I believe there''s been a misunderstanding. These men will be retrained on proper conduct." The guards stiffened, their arrogance melting away. "Lieutenant Walsh, sir. What are you doing here?" "Helping you keep your jobs, though that''s still up for debate," the Lieutenant replied. He pointed at Robert. "Look at that man. That scale armor, likely Tier 5, and he wears it like a second skin. That''s the mark of a skilled warrior. And he''s asking to visit a shop catering to high-level mages, suggesting he''s a mage himself, capable of wearing heavy, high-tier armor. What does all that tell you?" The first guard''s face paled. "Sir, it means he''s someone we probably don''t want to cross." Lieutenant Walsh nodded. "Wise choice. Return to your post." Turning back to Robert, he offered a wry smile. "Please, excuse the interruption. Enjoy your shopping trip." With that, the guards stepped aside, allowing the trio to pass. As they continued, Ash leaned in. "Did you know that Lieutenant was there?" Robert smiled. "Oh, he''s been following us since the guardhouse." Ash''s eyes widened. "How? I didn''t see anything." Robert paused, a thoughtful look on his face. "Perception. It''s a stat that helps you see things others might miss. Mine''s pretty high." Ash''s eyes sparkled with curiosity. "I thought only nobles and high-level adventurers unlocked stats!" Robert chuckled. "Being a noble or an adventurer isn''t a requirement. Hard work is. If you put in the effort, anyone can unlock stats." Ash''s jaw dropped. "You mean, you''ve unlocked more than one?" Robert simply smiled and continued walking.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. As they approached The Bound Book, a guard stepped forward. "Mage license, please," he demanded. Robert sighed. "I''m not from this kingdom, and I don''t have a license. But I''m sure the owners wouldn''t mind a little extra business." The guard remained firm. "No license, no entry. Please move along." Robert shook his head, a playful glint in his eye. "Well, in that case, I guess the owners here already know every spell in every sphere. I''ll just take my business elsewhere, to a shop that''s actually interested in expanding its knowledge." Turning to Ash, he asked, "Can you think of another shop in town that wouldn''t mind working with a Tier 6 Inscriptionist?" Before Ash could answer, an older man, draped in ornate robes, materialized before them. "Wait, young man. My guard can be a bit... rigid. The Bound Book is always open to those of your skill level. Please, come in." Turning toward the door the man nodded to the guard who opened the door, turning back he waved them in. Entering the shop Robert looked around. The interior of The Bound Book was a sight to behold. The air was thick with the scent of ancient parchment and potent magic, a heady elixir for any spellcaster. Towering bookshelves lined the walls, their shelves groaning under the weight of countless tomes. Each book was a treasure trove of arcane knowledge, its cover adorned with intricate symbols and sigils. The shop was bathed in a soft, ethereal glow, cast by floating orbs of luminescent energy. The light danced across the polished wooden floor, illuminating the countless arcane artifacts scattered about. There were crystal spheres, each humming with a different type of magical energy, strange devices with glowing dials and levers, and even a few ancient scrolls, their fragile parchment whispering secrets of forgotten ages. Behind a long, ornate counter sat a wizened old man, his eyes twinkling with arcane wisdom. His fingers, gnarled and stained with ink, delicately turned the pages of a thick, leather-bound book. The man was a master of his craft, a guardian of ancient knowledge. He had spent countless hours poring over these books, deciphering their secrets, and unlocking their power. The shop was a place of quiet contemplation, a sanctuary for those seeking knowledge and power. The only sounds were the soft rustle of turning pages and the occasional whisper of wind through a nearby window. It was a place where time seemed to slow down, where the worries of the outside world faded away, and where the mind could wander freely through the vast expanse of magical possibilities. Robert quickly noticed that the man behind the counter was in fact the man who he had just met outside, with a smile Robert decided magic was wonderful. Looking around at the volume of books Robert began, "So it''s possible you do have every spell known to the System." The old man laughed and said, "Not even close." Looking around, "This looks like a lot of knowledge but it''s not. A lot of these are nearly worthless pieces, take this one for example," He held out his hand and a large book flew from one of the shelves and into his hands, "This book is from the Sphere of Fire, and you would think it''s full of knowledge, but it''s not. This entire book only includes one spell in it. The Tier one spell for ignite" Robert approached a bookshelf, his eyes scanning the titles. A particularly intriguing tome caught his attention, its cover adorned with intricate symbols. He pulled it from the shelf and began to flip through the pages. "Who wrote this?" Robert asked the old man, his voice laced with disappointment. "Most of this seems to be a glorified essay on the superiority of fire magic. It''s practically worthless." The old man, Eldrin, chuckled. "There are 968 books in this shop, and only 2,491 spells. Quite a limited selection, isn''t it?" Robert was taken aback. "That''s it? I have more spells than that, and I''m just one person." Eldrin nodded, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Magic is a tightly controlled resource, guarded by noble houses and arcane schools. It''s taken me nearly three centuries to amass this collection, and even then, it''s far from complete." Robert smiled. "Well, while I can''t give you every spell in the system, I can provide copies of numerous spellbooks. Where do you see the biggest gap in your collection?" Eldrin pondered. "Lesser spells, primarily. New mages and those seeking to become mages often rely on noble houses or magic schools, both of which come with significant costs." Robert nodded. "I can inscribe a hundred or so Tier 1 spells from all spheres, and perhaps some Tier 2 spells, depending on the time." Eldrin''s eyes widened. "You have copies of that many spells? I only know about thirty Tier 1 and twenty-five Tier 2. If you can provide those, I''ll let you copy any spell from my collection that you don''t have." Robert was puzzled. "Why such a generous offer? A few Tier 1 and 2 spells hardly match your entire library." Eldrin sighed. "It''s not about the spells themselves. It''s about spreading knowledge. If you were to share these spells with others, those outside the control of noble houses and schools, that would be a great service. A service I can''t do openly." Robert understood the implication. Eldrin wanted to democratize magic, to make it accessible to all, not just the privileged few. "Do you happen to have any spare blank books lying around?" Eldrin chuckled. "As a matter of fact, I do. My workshop is a bit cluttered. And speaking of clutter, the Leaky Cup Tavern has a convenient trash bin. If you have a moment, could you dispose of these?" He handed Robert a box containing six blank books. "Thank you for helping me clear the clutter." Chapter 45 Robert and the others bid farewell to Eldrin at The Bound Book, and then asked Ash to guide them to a suitable inn. Ash, knowing the perfect place, led them back to the merchant''s district and the inviting inn, The Flowered Pot. Pleased by the inn''s cleanliness and maintenance, Robert approached the counter to inquire about rooms. The innkeeper informed him that rooms cost 10 silver per night, including dinner, a drink, and breakfast. When asked about his own accommodations, Ash assured Robert, "Do not worry, milord. I''ll find a place. Will you need me tomorrow?" Robert, without responding, turned back to the innkeeper and booked three rooms for the night, handing over 30 silver. "All three rooms are on the second floor, left side, and are adjacent. Dinner starts in an hour and lasts for three," the innkeeper explained. Thanking the innkeeper, Robert led the group upstairs, distributing room keys. "Relax in your rooms. I''m going to start working on the spellbook," he instructed the two children. Entering his room, Robert retrieved the blank books and his tier 1 master spellbook. Deciding on a 20/60/20 split for combat, utility, and healing spells, he began transferring combat spells to one of the blank books. After an hour, with 30 combat spells completed, a knock interrupted his work. It was Elara and Ash, ready for dinner. Following dinner, Robert returned to his room and spent the night completing the books. By morning, he had filled all four books with nearly 300 spells, mostly tier 1 and 2, with 25 tier 3 spells for future growth. He noticed that the "Explore the City" quest had been completed, but the third part remained inactive, likely awaiting a trigger. Early that morning, while the children were still asleep, Robert went downstairs to inquire about the tavern''s location. The innkeeper provided directions, and Robert quickly headed there to dispose of the books. "Well, well, well, if it isn''t the esteemed Captain Stormheart," Robert greeted the woman, taking a seat across from her. "Quite the surprise to see you here." The Captain chuckled, a playful glint in her eye. "Please, tell me that wasn''t a pickup line. Because it was a terrible one." Robert smirked. "My wife would certainly agree. But seriously, what brings you to this humble inn? Not for the world-class cuisine, I presume." He gestured towards the waitress and ordered the same meal as the Captain. "So, what''s the real reason behind your visit, Kaelan?" "How long do you plan to stay in the city?" she asked Robert. Robert paused, considering his answer. "I don''t know for sure," he replied, a hint of unease in his voice. "Perhaps another day or so. Is there a problem?" A silence fell over the table as the server arrived with Robert''s breakfast. Once she left, Kaelan spoke up. "There wasn''t a problem until someone mentioned my name at the gate to the noble district. It seems to be a question now regarding our relationship, and now I''m fielding questions about you and your business here." Robert shifted uncomfortably. "I apologize for the misunderstanding. I wanted to avoid unnecessary questioning from your guards, so I...implied a closer relationship than we actually have. Perhaps I was a bit hasty." "I''m not worried about the guards, they''ve been reassigned and will not have a happy few months, the issue is that there were two men there who heard. One of them was the son of an Earl and he told his father about what happened, his father went to Duke Marcisiant who happens to be my uncle, he of course sent for me to find out who this strange man was who seemed to be on a first name basis with me," Kaelan told Robert. "Ouch, ya I figured you were high up, seeing how your status page showed some relation to the Royal Family, but related to a Duke, congrats, that being said, I am sorry for causing you issues," Robert replied sadly, "That being said, the System normally sends me back home as soon as I complete whatever task I was given, which shouldn''t take much longer, just need it to tell me what that is." Kaelan paused, then asked, "So, where are you on your quest?" Robert pulled out his quest sheet. "I finished the second step, but the third hasn''t appeared yet." Just as he finished, a distant bell began to toll. Captain Stormheart abruptly stood up. "I must go. Enjoy your breakfast," she said, rushing out the door. Robert noticed the concerned looks of the other patrons. He called over the innkeeper and asked what the bell signified. The innkeeper replied, "That''s the alarm for an impending attack." Before he could fully process the news, Elara and Ash burst into the inn. Spotting Robert, they hurried over to his table. Ash''s face was etched with worry. "I''ve never heard that bell before," he said. Robert, still a bit bewildered, prompted, "Explain." Ash explained quickly, "Everyone in the city knows about the bells. That one''s near the north gate. Three long, two short rings mean an attack''s imminent." Before Robert could delve deeper, he received the expected notification:
The next Part of the Quest Chain has been Added!
Name Type Description Award Notes
Defend the City Quest Chain Lunaris is under attack. Head to the north gate and provide aid. 2500 exp, increased reputation with the City of Lunaris This is the third part of a quest chain.
Elara confirmed she''d received her quest as well, but hers was different: she was to stay with Robert and learn. Turning to Ash, she said, "We need to head to the gate. I''m releasing you from your service. Find a safe place to stay." Robert handed him three silver coins and urged them to finish their breakfast quickly. With a luck wish, Ash took off. Robert and Elara quickly donned their armor and bid the innkeeper farewell before heading towards the north gate.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. As they approached the North Gate, they noticed heightened activity. Guards were bustling about, and Robert spotted what looked like soldiers mixed in with them. They made their way towards Lieutenant Walsh, who was directing a group of guards. "Good morning, Lieutenant," Robert greeted him. "Seems like a busy morning for you all." Walsh glanced over. "Ah, Milord Williams, good morning. Yes, it''s quite hectic. Is there something specific you need assistance with?" Robert smiled. "Actually, I''m here to offer my assistance. The System has tasked me with helping defend the North Wall. Where might I be most useful?" Walsh paused, then asked, "You''re saying your quest requires you to help defend the city?" Robert, a bit puzzled, replied, "Yes. I got the quest update after the alarm sounded." Walsh considered this. "Normally, we don''t need help from adventurers. But the System granting you this quest is...beyond my authority. Let''s go find someone who can handle this." With that, Walsh turned and headed towards the nearby guardhouse. Robert and Elara followed closely behind. They ascended a set of stairs leading to the upper wall. At the top, Walsh spotted Captain Stormheart and a group of others. He approached the Captain and whispered something in her ear, then quickly turned and headed back downstairs. Captain Stormheart sighed and gestured for Robert to approach. "Mr. Williams," she began, "please explain why you''re here." Robert, a bit unsure, replied, "Well, I received a quest. The System gives you quests it expects you to complete." The others in the group seemed to perk up at the mention of a quest. "Mr. Williams," Stormheart asked, "can you provide the details of this quest?" Robert opened his quest window and shared the details with her. She shook her head. "Well, that''s not much to go on. It simply tasks you with aiding the city in defending the North Gate." One of the men, the oldest of them stepped near and asked, "Captian, who is this man and why is he here, this is not the place nor the time for civilians to be on the wall." Stoneheart standing at attention replied, "Duke Nariantian may I introduce Robert Williams, it seems he was sent to our fair city on order from the Great System and has been issued a quest to help defend the gate." The Duke, eyeing Robert with disinterest, asked, "Why would we want help from this man and the child he brought?" Robert, a bit irritated, replied, "She''s my student. And while I usually complete quests, I have no problem failing this one if I''m not wanted. Besides, I need to see Eldrin at the Bound Book. Good luck with the defense." He nodded to the Duke and turned to leave. "Wait," Stormheart called out. "I know you''re new to the Kingdom. You wouldn''t have a license, would you? What business do you have at that shop?" Robert turned back, smirking. "Oh, we''re just discussing magic. Seems he hasn''t had many opportunities to talk to someone with several Tier 6 Spheres. Elara, let''s leave the professionals to their work." Robert and Elara hadn''t taken three steps before a voice boomed, "Halt! I did not give you leave to leave my presence," the Duke declared. "What is a Grand Master Mage doing passing through our Kingdom?" Robert paused, considering his response. "I was taking my student through her first dungeon run when the System decided to interrupt and provide a more suitable learning opportunity." The Duke raised an eyebrow. "Why would the System take such an interest in you? I''ve never heard of it paying that much attention to anyone." "That''s a question I can''t answer," Robert replied. "Can''t or won''t?" the Duke pressed. "Sir," Robert said carefully, "please forgive my ignorance. On my world, while some countries have nobility, it''s mostly in title. I''m not quite sure how to address you without causing offense. Some things, the System keeps to itself." "Are you willing to aid in the defense of our city?" the Duke asked. "That depends on what''s attacking," Robert replied honestly. "I know little of your political landscape. I won''t start killing people without knowing it''s the right thing to do." The Duke smiled. "That makes you a better man than most I deal with. This is a dungeon overflow. We''ll be facing monsters." Robert, confused, asked, "How did this happen, and what kind of monsters are we dealing with?" Captain Stormheart stepped in to explain. "We believe someone tried to destroy the dungeon''s core but stopped before finishing. It''s a common tactic to weaken a place before a larger attack. As for the monsters, it''s bad. The dungeon was level 75 to 100, and thousands of creatures are on the loose. They''ve already destroyed several villages on their way here." "How long until they arrive?" Robert asked. "Within minutes," The Captain answered. Robert nodded and asked, "So where do you want me?" Chapter 46 Robert quickly looked over at a group of guards who called out and pointed toward the woods, looking in the direction he saw the first group of monsters exiting the tree. They were Goblins, and the numbers kept increasing, within seconds there were hundreds of the little green killing machines grouping together and preparing to charge the wall. Turning to Stoneheart she saw his look and replied, "Save your Mana, these are not worth it." Robert had a confused look on his face which caused Captain Stoneheart to continue, "Goblins are easy and these are only in the 50s. It''s good experience for the guard, and we would rather save your Mana to break up the more power charges." Robert looked at the group of Goblins which looked to now be nearly 500 to 600 strong and shrugged, "Up to you, but I could wipe them all out in moments and wouldn''t even notice the Mana expendure." The Duke hearing this asked, "How much Mana does a mid-tier spell cost?" Robert looking over his spellbook replied, "Depends on the spell, but I was thinking about a Firestorm, it''s a Fire and Air spell, Tier 5, can cover up to a 3 square-mile area, and requires 1188 Mana." The Duke with a slightly shocked look asked, "How much damage would that do?" Robert looking over the numbers replied, "About 127 health," With that the Duke seemed relieved until Robert added, "Per second, the storm will last for about 48 seconds. So assuming those Goblins do not have any resistance, about 6000 points of health damage." With those final words Robert noticed the area around him had gotten quiet, "I know it''s not a lot when going against high-level targets, but I''m thinking it''d be perfect against goblins." "Robert, that would kill nearly everyone on the wall, how many times could you cast that if you need to?" Captain Stormheart said quietly. Robert thought it over and answered, "Maybe 40 or so times." Duke Nariantian upon hearing that looked closer at Robert, "Well I cannot identify you so I''m guessing your level is in the hundreds, I will not ask what your second class is but if you want to take care of our problem here, I''ll not stop you." Robert looking a little guilty that they viewed him as being way more powerful than he was kept quiet and just watched the goblins awaiting their charge. At some unseen signal, the goblins with a massive roar launched their charge, In response, Robert, a renowned wizard, stood tall. His eyes, filled with a calm determination, focused on the advancing horde. With a swift gesture of his hand, he began to weave a complex spell, his voice echoing with ancient incantations. The air crackled with magic as the power surged through him. The moment the goblins launched their charge, Robert unleashed the Firestorm spell. A colossal, swirling vortex of flame erupted from the ground, directly in the path of the advancing horde. The goblins, caught off guard by the sudden and intense heat, were engulfed by the inferno. The ensuing chaos was terrifying. The air crackled with searing heat, and the screams of the goblins were drowned out by the roaring flames. The once fearsome horde was quickly reduced to ash, their bodies consumed by the relentless fire. Some goblins, caught on the fringes of the inferno, writhed in agony, their flesh melting and bones cracking under the intense heat. The defenders watched in awe as the Firestorm raged, a testament to Robert''s incredible power. Within a mere 15 seconds, the Firestorm had claimed the lives of all 800 goblins. The spell continued to burn for another 23 seconds, leaving behind a blackened and desolate landscape. The charred remains of the goblins, scattered across the ground, were a stark reminder of the devastating power of the Firestorm. As the flames finally died down, a silence fell over the battlefield. The defenders, stunned by the sheer power and swiftness of the attack, stared in disbelief at the aftermath. The once-threatening horde was now nothing more than a grim memory, a testament to the destructive force of magic.
Level Up!
Level Up!
Level Up!
Level Up!
Level Up!
Robert was surprised by the level-ups, but then as he thought about it he did just kill nearly 800 level-50 goblins. The aftermath of the Firestorm was a stark contrast to the chaos that had preceded it. A heavy silence hung over the wall as the defenders processed what they had just witnessed. The once-threatening goblin horde had been utterly obliterated, their charred remains a testament to the sheer power of Robert''s spell. The Duke, still recovering from the shock of witnessing such raw power, approached Robert. "You have proven yourself to be a formidable asset," he said, his voice filled with respect. "I am curious, what is your true level?" Robert, hesitant to reveal his full capabilities, replied, "It''s...complicated. Let''s just say I''ve had some unique experiences." The Duke nodded, understanding the implication. "Regardless, your contribution has been invaluable." Moving closer to Captain Stormheart, Robert began, "Kaelan, any word on the next wave?" Kaelan, still gazing at the ravaged landscape, replied slowly, "Orcs. A large group, maybe 300 to 400 strong. Our scouts estimate they''re about half an hour out." Robert nodded, considering the situation. "What do you think they''ll make of this?" he asked, gesturing towards the decimated field. "Nothing," Kaelan replied, a touch of weariness in her voice. "They''re mindless creatures, driven by the dungeon''s will." Robert turned to Elara, a young sorceress with a spark of raw power in her eyes. "When the next wave arrives, use this scroll," he said, handing her a powerful artifact. "It should grant you significant experience, perhaps even a more powerful class. If nothing else you should earn a Feat" Elara''s eyes widened in surprise. "Are you sure? It''s incredibly powerful." Robert smiled. "I made it last night. I can always make another."If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Kaelan, ever the cautious one, interjected, "What kind of spell is it?" "A Tier 5 Lightning Storm," Robert replied. Kaelan''s eyes widened. "A Tier 5 spell? To a level 5 novice?" Robert chuckled. "She''ll be more than level 5 soon enough. This should accelerate her growth." Kaelan just shot her head and replied, "Just be careful, growing too fast can be hard on a person, she needs time to learn her strength." "Oh I agree, that scroll is a weaker version of the spell, she''ll get 6 or 7 levels out of it, but that''s all, the feat is more important." Robert sat down to rest, while they waited for the Orcs to arrive. After about 20 minutes the first of them exited the woods and started to gather together. It took about another 40 minutes for the entire horde to arrive but when it did, Robert guessed there were nearly 400 of them gathered. Robert called Elara over and pointed, "Once they charge let them get going and then use the scroll, remember focus on there you want the spell to land, Try to aim right at the front of the line." Elara nodded and watched the Orcs, only about another minute went by before they started their charge. With a deep breath, she unfurled the Scroll of Lightning Storm. The air crackled with energy as the spell took effect. A furious storm erupted overhead, the sky darkening as thunderclouds rolled in. Lightning bolts, thick and jagged, arced down from the heavens, striking the orc horde. For thirty seconds, the storm raged. The orcs, caught in the lightning''s wrath, were struck down in droves. Their screams mingled with the thunder, a cacophony of fear and pain. When the storm finally subsided, the once-mighty orc horde was significantly diminished, with over forty of their number reduced to charred husks and the rest hurt. While the spell had harmed the horde and slowed it down it did not stop them, Robert placed his hand on Elara''s shoulder, "Well done, now let me finish up," With that Robert cast his own version of the Lightning Storm spell, to anyone watching they could tell the difference. The spell Robert cast lasted longer and the bolts were more numerous and powerful. When the air cleared the horde was no more. Robert looking over at Elara asked, "So how did you do?" With a smile, she answered, "I''m at level 10 and I earned two feats," Elara pulled up her stat page and showed Robert:
Feat Name Description Award
Giant Killer (Killed a mob 10 levels higher before unlocking a class) Damage to higher level mobs +10% Stacked
Giant Killer II (Killed a mob 50 levels higher before unlocking a class) Damage to higher level mobs +20% Stacked
"Nice, I have the first one of those, will have to work on the second," Robert answered with a smile, "We''ll deal with your class selection later when we are not on the wall." Looking at his notifications Robert saw he had earned 4 more levels from that attack. At about the same time, Robert received a quest complete notice.
Third Stage of the Chain Quest Complete!
Final Stage of Chain Unlocked!
Name Type Description Award Notes
Return Home Quest Chain You have blunted the majority of the attack on the city, return home and leave the rest to them. 1000 Exp This is the Fourth and Final part of a quest chain.
"Well, that was unexpected," Robert mused, gazing at the newly activated quest. Kaelan''s brow furrowed in confusion. "So, what was the real purpose of our mission here?" Duke Nariantian, deep in thought, offered an explanation. "I believe it was to grant Elara a unique opportunity to participate in this battle. I can''t predict her exact class, but I''m certain it will be either Epic or, perhaps, even Legendary." Robert paused, considering the implications. "You''re probably right. But why would the System go to such lengths to set her up like this?" The Duke chuckled. "I''ve learned not to question the System''s motives. It''s a futile endeavor. Thank you for your assistance. You''ve eliminated the majority of the attacking monsters, leaving the rest to us. Safe travels, Mr. Williams." As the portal materialized, Robert pulled out another scroll and handed it to Captain Stormheart. "If things worsen, use this. It''s the same Firestorm I employed against the goblins. Come, Elara, let''s return home." With that, Robert and Elara stepped through the portal.
Quest Complete!
Chapter 47 "It''s the middle of the night," Robert muttered, startled. "Hal, what happened to time? How long were we gone?"
Time flowed differently there, you were gone for fourteen hours here, thirty-one in Lunaris.
Robert rubbed his eyes. "Of course. Typical. It''s 3:42 AM, and I''m wide awake." He turned to Elara. "Why don''t you go unpack and rest for a few hours? We''ll look over your class options later this morning." Elara nodded. "Sure, I''ll see you in a bit." Robert checked the doors, a reflexive action, then headed to his room. After stowing his gear, he turned on the shower planning for a quick rinse. But those plans were interrupted when Sara entered the bathroom. "Welcome back," she said. "I''ll get your back." Six hours later, Robert found Elara on the back porch, gazing at the sky. "Penny for your thoughts?" he asked. She smiled. "It''s funny how even in a different universe, the same sayings exist. My mother used to say that but with copper instead of a penny." Robert sat beside her. "You miss your family. I''m sorry I couldn''t get there sooner." Elara turned to him, her voice sharp. "Don''t you dare blame yourself, goblins killed them, those evil little bastards. You saved who you could, and then you took me in and gave me a future I never could have imagined. You don''t give yourself enough credit." Robert smiled. "You''re selling yourself short, young lady. And watch your language." "So level 10, time to pick a class, are you excited?" Robert asked her. "Yes and worried, what if I didn''t do enough, what if I only get offered weak classes?" She replied quietly. Robert laughed and responded, "Not a chance in the world. Go ahead and begin the process let''s take a look." With a determined look, Elara began the Class Selection Process. After a few minutes, she said, "There are so many, there are hundreds of options." Robert nodded, "Think about sorting them by rarity, highest to lowest." Elara had a look of concentration on her face and her eyes grew big, "There are 2 Legendary and an Epic class." Robert with a smile on his face replied, "Good let''s see them."
Class Name Class Rarity Class Description
Greater Healer of Life and Light Legendary A Greater Healer of Life and Light is a master of the healing arts, drawing upon the power of the universe to mend the wounded and restore life. They possess a deep understanding of the Spheres of Healing, Light, and Air, allowing them to manipulate these forces to incredible effect. With a touch, they can heal the sick, alleviate suffering, and even resurrect the dead. Their power extends beyond physical healing, as they can also soothe troubled minds and uplift spirits. A Greater Healer''s compassion and empathy know no bounds, making them a beacon of hope in times of darkness. They are often sought after by those in need, as their healing abilities are unmatched. +2 Wis/Int, +1 Cha/Con, +3 Free points per level.
Omnipotent Arcanist Legendary An Omnipotent Arcanist is a master of the arcane arts, skilled in the manipulation of the fundamental forces of the universe. Drawing upon the Spheres of Travel, Illusion, Healing, Air, and Light, they can bend the very fabric of reality to their will. Omnipotent Arcanists are rare and powerful beings, capable of shaping the world around them. They are often sought after for their wisdom, power, and ability to solve seemingly impossible problems. Allows +1 Spell Spheres. +3 Int, +2 Wis, +1 Cha, +3 Free points per level.
Ethereal Illusionist Epic An Ethereal Illusionist is a master of the subtle arts, skilled in the manipulation of perception and reality. Drawing upon the Spheres of Travel, Illusion, and Air, they can bend the very fabric of existence to their will. Through the mastery of these Spheres, they can teleport across vast distances, create intricate illusions that deceive the senses, and control the flow of air and wind to devastating effect. Ethereal Illusionists are often enigmatic figures, capable of appearing and disappearing at will. They are masters of disguise, able to assume any form or identity. Their ability to manipulate the minds of others allows them to sow discord and confusion among their enemies, while their mastery of the air allows them to control the battlefield with devastating force. +1 Int/Wis/Cha/Con and +3 Free points per level.
Robert scanned the list, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "These are all exceptional choices," he mused. "So, which path will you choose, Elara?" Elara hesitated, a look of uncertainty clouding her eyes. "I should probably pick one of the Legendary classes, right?" she asked. Robert shook his head gently. "Not necessarily. Remember, this is a one-time decision. While Legendary classes offer immense power, they may not align with your true desires. From what I see, your strengths lie in healing, arcane knowledge, or perhaps even combat." Elara tilted her head, puzzled. "Combat? I don''t really want to fight." Robert chuckled. "The Ethereal Illusionist, with its focus on crowd control, would be wasted on anything but the battlefield. You''d be a force to be reckoned with." Elara frowned. "I''d prefer to avoid combat if possible." "Then it seems the choice is clear," Robert said. "While healing is a noble pursuit, your thirst for knowledge shines through. A Scholar''s path would be a perfect fit."This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Elara pondered for a moment, then a determined look appeared on her face. "I''ve made my decision," she declared. She selected her class, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Look!" she exclaimed, excitement evident in her voice.
Class The Omnipotent Arcanist Selected!
Ability Celestial Symphony Unlocked!
Ability Name Ability Type Ability Tier Ability Description
Celestial Symphony Active Legendary The Omnipotent Arcanist can weave a symphony of magic, combining the power of the five Spheres to create a devastating effect. By channeling their energy and focus, they can unleash a powerful blast of energy, a blinding flash of light, a whirlwind of air, a haunting illusion, or a wave of healing energy. The specific effect depends on the Arcanist''s intent and the current situation. This ability requires careful planning and precise execution, as it can be draining to use. However, when used correctly, it can turn the tide of battle and bring victory to the Arcanist and their allies.
Robert studied the newly acquired ability, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "That''s a powerful tool, Elara," he remarked. "Used correctly, it could be devastating." Elara beamed with pride. "I think so too," she replied. "Oh, and I leveled up four more times!" Robert nodded, impressed. "Level 14, huh? That''s significant progress. You also get to choose another Sphere. Take your time with that one, as it''s a decision that will shape your future." Elara nodded in agreement. With a final nod to Robert, she turned and headed off to see who else had woken up. Chapter 48 Entering the home, they found Sara preparing a late breakfast. Upon seeing them, she inquired, "So, is it settled?" Elara, beaming with excitement, confirmed, "Yes! I found the perfect class." Sara smiled warmly and replied, "I''m so happy for you, dear. Are you hungry?" Elara nodded, taking a seat at the table. "I am, thank you." As they ate, the other children joined them, and Elara eagerly shared her news. Robert, content in the company of his family, including Elara whom he considered one of their own, simply enjoyed the moment. After a leisurely breakfast, Robert retreated to his office to plan the coming days. He was eager to delve deeper into the art of scroll-making, but his limited supplies necessitated a strategic approach. He envisioned crafting scrolls that would be both practical for his family and worthy of presentation to the government. As his thoughts turned to the government, he pondered the most effective way to engage with them. Visiting a military hospital still seemed like the best course of action, but the specifics of how to best execute this plan remained unclear. Robert lost in thought, picked up a quill and began to sketch intricate patterns on a blank spell scroll. His hand moved with practiced ease, the delicate lines and precise angles a testament to his mastery of the arcane. Each stroke was deliberate, each curve intentional, as he channeled his magical energy into the parchment. Hours slipped by as he crafted ten identical scrolls, each imbued with a Tier 4 protection spell designed to shield the bearer from almost any threat. The air crackled with magical energy as he completed each scroll, a tangible manifestation of his skill. Satisfied with his work, Robert stored the scrolls in his family''s vault. Turning his attention to his family, he gathered his children and asked, "What would you like to learn today?" John, ever the curious one, requested the General Power Production Design skill. Richard, the budding warrior, opted for martial arts, while Stackey, surprisingly, expressed interest in cooking. Robert, a skilled teacher, imparted the knowledge, tailoring his instruction to each child''s unique learning style. After the lesson, John, his mind buzzing with newfound knowledge, exclaimed, "Dad, I think I could build a basic nuclear reactor right now if I had the parts!" Robert chuckled, "Maybe, but let''s hold off on that for now. In two weeks, I''ll teach you about anti-matter. That''s where things get really interesting." The father and son chatted for a few more minutes, sharing ideas and discussing the limitless possibilities of knowledge. Then, John took his leave to share his excitement with friends. A short time later Robert call his Sister Emily, "So, about Walter Reed," Robert begins, a thoughtful tone in his voice. "I''ve been pondering a more direct approach. I could use my abilities to slip into the hospital undetected, heal the wounded soldiers, and then reveal myself. It would be a bold move, but it could also be quite impactful." Emily considered the proposal. "It''s a risky plan, Robert. A heavily guarded military hospital won''t be easy to infiltrate. You''ll need to be incredibly cautious and precise. Perhaps using a combination of illusion and stealth spells could help you bypass security. You could create a minor distraction, like a small illusion, to divert attention from yourself or employ an invisibility spell to move unseen." "Exactly," Robert agreed. "Once inside, I can use my healing magic to treat the wounded soldiers. The potential rewards of such an action are significant, but the risks must be carefully weighed." Pulling up an online map of the hospital, Robert noticed a lack of detailed information regarding patient locations. "It might take some time to pinpoint the most critical areas once I''m inside," he mused. "But I believe my invisibility spell, lasting approximately 45 minutes, can provide the necessary cover. I''ll find a secluded spot to use tracking spells to locate the most severely injured patients. Then, employing stealth and additional spells, I''ll navigate to their locations and begin the healing process." Robert and Emily spent the next twenty minutes refining their plan. Robert would enter the hospital under the cloak of invisibility, seeking a concealed location near the hospital''s center. Once there, he would utilize tracking spells to identify a large group of injured patients and make his way towards them. To draw attention to his presence, he would target a sleeping patient, causing their monitor to alarm. As medical staff rushed to investigate, he would reveal himself, casting a highly visible healing spell on the nearest patients. Then, slipping back into invisibility, he would move on to the next group, repeating the process. Once he was certain the hospital staff was aware of the mysterious healer, Robert would head to the intensive care unit to perform more complex healing. This would likely spark intense curiosity and speculation among the medical professionals. After completing approximately ten healing cycles, he would announce a public speech in one of the hospital''s auditoriums. Gathering a crowd, he would reveal his ability to heal and offer proof of his extraordinary power. If everything went according to plan, the hospital''s leadership would be eager to engage with him. From there, Robert envisioned a rapid progression of events. While the plan was far from perfect, it offered a glimmer of hope and a chance to make a real difference. If successful, it could potentially attract the attention of government agencies and military organizations.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "So, the next question is, ''When?''" Emily asked. Robert pondered the timing. "In about three weeks. I''ll head to D.C. in a couple of weeks to verify the details and ensure there aren''t any high-profile individuals present. While attracting attention could be beneficial, it might also complicate matters." Emily remained silent for a moment, considering the implications. "That sounds like a solid plan. Well, then, good luck." They chatted for a few more minutes, exchanging pleasantries before ending the call. Robert then sought out Sara to share the latest planning. Things continued for the next three days until Robert made his next dungeon run, the only real thing of note was the store having several Tier 4 books, including Healing, space, and Nature, which he purchased for 800 gold. This was another desert run that contained level 55 to 60 monsters and a level 65 boss. The level wasn''t that hard, except the boss tended to keep digging through the sand. It was a pain and took nearly an hour, but the reward was well worth it. Dungeon run complete. Epic chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • One Spell Scroll (Lesser Raise Dead)
  • 25 gold coins
  • Two basic skill points
  • One unlocked skill point
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! Looking at the scroll he was excited, this was one spell he was really looking forward to, until he read the description: Name: Scroll of Lesser Raise Dead Tier: 4 Rank: Rare Description: To cast Lesser Raise Dead, the caster must be within sight of the recently deceased and initiate the spell within thirty minutes of death. A pulse of radiant energy, tinged with an ethereal blue, emanates from the caster''s hands and flows into the lifeless body. The body begins to stir, muscles twitching as life is breathed back into them. However, this is a fragile state. The newly revived being is vulnerable, their life force tethered to the spell''s duration. Should the cause of death persist, such as mortal wounds or fatal illnesses, the revived being will simply perish once more. Therefore, it is imperative to address the underlying cause of death, whether it be physical injury or magical affliction. Only then can the revived being truly live. Charges: 1 The thirty-minute time constraint was the first limitation Robert noticed. The second, and perhaps more significant, was the requirement to address the underlying cause of death. With modern medical knowledge, it seemed that many deaths could be reversed simply through timely medical intervention. Nevertheless, Robert learned the spell, recognizing its potential utility in situations beyond the confines of a hospital. He contacted his sister, Emily, to share his findings. She agreed that the spell, while limited, could still prove valuable in certain circumstances. At the end he thought the level he earned was probably better. Robert continued the same routine for 4 days before it was time for the next run. This was another mine, with Level 60 Greater Kobolds, which his guardian spell seemed to make short work out of. This run did net him another level, but the interesting thing was from the mines, he mined a lot of iron and a little silver but the best find was the single vein of mithril. He was able to extract enough to form perhaps 4 ingots. Dungeon run complete. Epic chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • One Spell Scroll (Temporal Ward)
  • 25 gold coins
  • Two basic skill points
  • One unlocked skill point
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! This spell was interesting: Name: Scroll of Temporal Ward Tier: 5 Rank: Epic Description: Creates a protective barrier around a target area or individual, slowing down time within the barrier. This significantly reduces the speed of attacks, spells, and other effects within the ward, making it an invaluable defensive tool. Additionally, the ward can distort space within its boundaries, making it difficult for enemies to enter or target those inside. Charges: 1 The potential applications of the Temporal Ward spell were immediately apparent to Robert. As the date of his public reveal drew near, a sense of anticipation and tension filled the household. To prepare for the upcoming challenges, Robert crafted several powerful artifacts, including a staff adorned with diamonds that held the Lesser Raise Dead spell. He planned to use these items as bargaining chips in his negotiations with the government figures. Chapter 49 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:
  • Ten Gold coins
  • Two Standard Skill Points
  • One Epic Shop Token
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! Dungeon run complete. Rare chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • Ten Gold coins
  • Two Standard Skill Points
  • One Epic Shop Token
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?"
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.
Looking over his status page, he agreed, so he spent 75 points and moved his attributes to as follows:
Strength 50
Dexterity 134
Constitution 100
Intelligence 235
Wisdom 235
Charisma 50
Perception 30
Endurance 20
Will Power 30
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. Chapter 50 Robert dropped the shielding spell, allowing Victoria to reach her husband. He turned to the Secret Service agents, their weapons still trained on him. "Gentlemen, if you fire those weapons in here, you might hurt someone innocent. And, as a side note, those weapons won''t harm me." President Harrington glanced at her Senior Agent, Pete. "Pete, put them away. I''m not sure what''s happening, but we need answers, and he seems to be the one with them." Pete, still tense, hesitated. "Madam President, we don''t know who this man is. He broke into a secure wing of this hospital." Robert chuckled. "I didn''t break in. I simply walked in." Pete, irritated by the interruption, continued. "And he''s using some kind of military-grade stealth technology. We have no idea who he''s working for." Robert smiled. "Easy answers. It''s not military tech, or any tech for that matter. And I''m working for myself and my family." "Robert Williams. A name you haven''t heard in a while, huh? How''ve you been?" Frank, still recovering, interjected. "Been great, better than you, it seems. If I read these right, I''m immune to aneurysms." Robert grinned. "Must be nice. How''d you pull that off?" "Magic, if you believe it," Robert replied. "Is that how you look half my age, too?" Frank asked. "Nope, good living and staying out of government. That''s an aging business," Robert joked. Frank laughed. "I''ve heard that. And I''ll be honest, it''s true. My wife tells me you healed me with a wave of your hand. I owe you dinner, at least." Robert smiled. "Dinner sounds good. Though if I recall from high school, dinner with you usually led to a make-out session." Victoria chuckled. "Oh, he still likes a post-dinner make-out, but I think you''re safe." Meanwhile, Pete''s frustration grew. "Mr. Williams, I need you to put your hands up and step away. This isn''t a joke." Frank intervened. "Pete, calm down. If Robert wanted to harm me, he''d have let me die." Pete, still wary, refused to lower his weapon. "Regardless, it''s my job to protect everyone. Mr. Williams, please comply." Robert shook his head and turned to Frank. "Hey, I''m staying in town a few more days. Here''s my number. Have your people call me, and we''ll set up that dinner." He handed Frank a piece of paper, which Frank passed to Victoria. "Seems I''m a bit underdressed." Robert chuckled. "I''m pretty sure that''s not the first time you''ve woken up in a strange place without pants on. Well, I''m off. I''ll be back later to heal the soldiers. It was good seeing you again, Frank and Victoria. And, Madam President, it was a pleasure." With that, Robert vanished, disappearing from the hospital. He returned to his hotel room, anticipating the inevitable visit from the FBI once they traced his phone. As soon as Robert vanished, chaos erupted in the room. Pete ordered a hospital lockdown and a room-to-room search. The President was escorted back to the White House, and the Secretary was taken for a thorough medical examination. The Secret Service contacted the FBI, who immediately began investigating Robert Williams. They quickly uncovered his background: a 1991 graduate of East High in Florida, his military and work history, and his current cell phone number, which was traced to a DC hotel. Robert was enjoying a poolside lunch when he heard the screech of tires below. Peering over the edge, he saw a convoy of black SUVs and a swarm of FBI agents, including a SWAT team. Knowing they''d find him soon, he texted his wife a warning and returned to his meal. He had time. They''d search his room first, but it would be empty; all his belongings were stored in a magical inventory. Next, they''d question the staff, who would confirm his rooftop lunch order. As he finished his meal, the FBI team stormed the rooftop. "Robert Williams, you''re under arrest! Get on the ground!" an agent shouted. Robert waited for the other guests to leave before blinking to the other side of the pool, confusing the agents. "Gentlemen, if you want to talk, I''m open. But violence is neither necessary nor welcome," he stated calmly. The SWAT team spread out, trying to flank him, while repeating their demands. Growing weary of the standoff, Robert decided to take action. He cast a barrier spell, trapping the agents without harming them. Then, he called the White House. "Good afternoon, sir. I''m Robert Williams, the man who caused a stir at Walter Reed. I''m currently surrounded by a rather agitated FBI team at my hotel pool. I''m open to a conversation, but I won''t be handcuffed and dragged to some black site. If they want to meet me at FBI headquarters or somewhere similar, I''m willing to go. They have my number. Have a good day."The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. He hung up and addressed the agents. "The barrier won''t harm you; it''s just to prevent any unnecessary trouble. I don''t intend to hurt anyone, but it seems we''re stuck here until someone more level-headed takes charge. So, make yourselves comfortable." Robert noticed several agents on their phones, likely reporting the situation. After about twelve minutes, his phone rang. "Hello, this is Robert Williams. Who''s calling?" A pause, and then a voice replied, "Mr. Williams, this is FBI Director Paul Newman. I think there may have been a misunderstanding. Please release my agents." Robert chuckled. "No problem. I''ll drop the barrier, and they''re free to go." With a wave of his hand, the barrier dissipated. "There, they''re free to leave." A moment of silence on the line. Most of the agents left the rooftop, but two plainclothes agents remained. "I appreciate your understanding. The remaining agents will escort you to the Hover Building, where we can discuss this further." Robert shrugged. "Sure, though I know the way. An escort might prevent future misunderstandings." Robert, flanked by two agents, exited the hotel and entered a waiting vehicle. They arrived at the FBI Hover Building, where he was escorted to a conference room. The agents offered him refreshments, which he declined. After a brief wait, the door swung open. "Mr. Williams," began the first man, "I''m FBI Director Newman. This is Secret Service Director Jason Tully, and this is General Jacobson, head of Walter Reed." The two escorting agents departed. "Mr. Williams, you caused quite a stir today. Care to explain?" Robert paused, then replied, "It''s a long story. I was there to introduce myself and share some information. The Secretary''s presence was unexpected, but it altered my plans." Director Tully inquired, "What were your original plans?" "I intended to heal some patients and then discuss a collaboration with military doctors. But there are some facts I need to share with you first," Robert replied. He produced three copies of his notes on the System and presented them to the three men. "Son, where did those come from?" the General asked. "You were searched before entering." Robert smiled. "Why don''t you read the notes first, and save your questions for later?" The three men each took a copy of the notes and began to read. The concise document, a mere 18-page summary of his extensive guide, held their attention. When they finished, a heavy silence filled the room. Finally, Director Tully broke the silence. "Is this a joke?" Robert shook his head. "Not at all. If you want proof, I can provide it. I could easily destroy this city, but I think a simpler demonstration would suffice." He displayed the initial messages from the System and then cast a few minor spells. The final, most convincing proof, was summoning his staff from his inventory. There was no way to fake that within the confines of the room. Robert offered to showcase a high-level combat spell, but they quickly declined. "Assuming you''re telling the truth," Director Newman began, "why are you sharing this information now? If you''re right, we''re centuries away from this being a problem." General Jacobson was quick to agree. "I see his point. Future leaders will need a decisive edge. While it''s centuries away, we should prepare if our nation is to endure." Robert interjected, "I can provide knowledge, but magic is currently useless. Without Mana, spells are ineffective. However, I can offer spellbooks for future use and provide items you can utilize now." He demonstrated several items and explained their functions. The meeting continued for two hours, until Robert dropped his most significant revelation. "This is how I''ve been imparting skills to my children," he explained, referring to his ability to instill basic knowledge. General Jacobson was stunned. "You mean you simply touched your son and gave him the knowledge to build reactors? Is that even legal?" Robert chuckled. "As long as he doesn''t build one without a license. But don''t worry, in a week or so, I''ll be teaching him about Anti-Matter. He''ll have an interesting future." Director Newman expressed concern. "Mr. Williams, I''m not sure we want you sharing that kind of information with anyone outside government control." Robert responded firmly, "With all due respect, sir, you can''t stop me. My son wants to work in space, and before I leave, he''ll be the leading expert in space travel. He''ll have the knowledge to build a craft that can reach Mars in just over three days at its furthest point. The question is, who do you want him working for, a US company or someone else?" Director Newman changed tack. "Would you be willing to do the same for others?" "Of course," Robert replied. "But I think we''re veering into territory beyond your clearance. Let''s end this meeting. General, I''ll provide you with healing rods and instructions. Use them at Walter Reed to do some good. In a few days, we''ll meet with those who have the authority to discuss these matters further. Agreed?" Everyone agreed, and the meeting concluded. An agent escorted Robert back to his hotel. After a few odd looks, he was offered a relocation. Robert accepted, chose a new hotel, and called his wife. Chapter 51 Robert spent the rest of the day reconnecting with family, filling them in on the day''s unusual events, and reassuring them that he was merely waiting for his next appointment. This waiting period was brief. The following day, the tranquility of his hotel room was shattered by a knock. Standing before him were two FBI agents and two military personnel. "Mr. Williams, we''ve been assigned to escort you to the White House for a scheduled meeting with several officials." Robert quickly scanned the room, ensuring he hadn''t left anything behind, before following them out. The drive to the White House was eerily quiet. Robert was surprised to see the normally bustling streets devoid of traffic. Then it dawned on him ¨C they had closed off the roads. "While it''s flattering to be treated like a VIP, couldn''t we have avoided inconveniencing people who simply need to get around town?" he asked. One of the agents replied, "I apologize, sir. We rank-and-file agents aren''t privy to the specifics. All we know is that you''re a high-priority individual and you''re getting the full treatment." Robert smiled and replied, "Worry not, I can promise you I''m far from special. I just know something certain other people want to know, and they''re trying to play nice." Shortly after reaching the main gate of the White House, they paused for an ID check before being swiftly ushered through. Robert anticipated further security screenings, but it dawned on him that his inventory made thorough inspection impossible. He was then handed off to White House staff and escorted to a secure briefing room. Instructed to wait, Robert found himself growing impatient after an hour. The door swung open, and a large group entered, the President bringing up the rear. Taking his seat, the President began, "Robert, thank you for joining us. This room holds some of the most powerful people in the government, as well as leading scientists. We have the Vice President, Chief of Staff, Secretaries of State and Defense, Directors of National Intelligence, NASA, and DARPA, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Gentlemen, this is Robert Williams." Robert replied, "Good afternoon. Thank you for meeting with me." Frank interjected, "Robert, good to see you again. We still need to have dinner." Robert smiled, "I might be free tonight." The President quickly interceded, "You can catch up later. Robert, we''ve reviewed your materials, but the details are sparse." Robert nodded, pulling out the massive System Guide Book. "The issue is the sheer volume of information. This is a basic guide, covering the System''s history and fundamental operations." He gestured to the book. "And I emphasize basic." Director Manshon, head of National Intelligence, inquired, "Can we access that book?" Robert smiled, producing a flash drive. "The physical book, no. But my wife scanned it, so you can have a digital copy." Dr. Ashworth, the Science Advisor, asked, "How does it work? It''s like a video game inventory system, but... how?" Robert paused and wondered how to answer and then realized with his high-tier knowledge of the Sphere of Space and Time, he did in fact understand how the Inventory system worked and provided the answer, "The inventory system is intrinsically linked to each user''s System Core, this core serves as the interface between the user and the System. This System Core is, in turn, connected to a subcore dedicated to managing the inventory space. This subcore, a specialized computational entity, resides within the subspace layer and controls the dematerialization and rematerialization processes. When an item is placed into the inventory, the subcore analyzes its quantum state and creates a digital blueprint. This blueprint is then stored within the subspace layer, while the physical item is dematerialized and its energy signature is transferred to the blueprint. To retrieve an item, the subcore reverses the process, rematerializing the item from the blueprint and restoring its energy signature. The System Core provides the necessary energy and computational power to facilitate this intricate process, ensuring seamless interaction with the inventory space." Dr. Ashworth listened intently, then asked, "So this System Core is essentially a personal computer for each user?" Robert nodded. "Correct. It''s not explicitly detailed in the book, but I''ve learned a bit about the underlying infrastructure. At the apex is the System''s Central Processing Core Cluster, a colossal network of cores spanning universes. Below that are Universal Control Nodes, massive subcores managing each universe. Each galaxy has a Galaxy Control Core, overseeing galactic-scale System functions. Sector Control Nodes manage specific regions within galaxies. And finally, at the bottom, are the Personal Access Nodes, our individual System Cores." Dr. Ashworth''s eyes lit up. "So the System is a massive AI network. How do you prevent hacks?" Robert smiled. "Even as a Tier 6 computer expert, probably the highest rank in this universe, I can''t fathom accessing my own core. These cores exist outside our reality. The only way to interact with them is through the System itself, which has stringent security measures. Additionally, they''re protected by Divine-tier constructs. It would take a coordinated effort by multiple gods, and even then, it''s just a matter of time before the System counterattacks, and at that point, the gods would lose."The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Vice President Brakenson interjected, "You speak of gods as if they''re real. What are these so-called gods?" Robert paused, collecting his thoughts. "They''re Tier 10 Divine beings. Or, to put it simply, they''re incredibly powerful, immortal beings who have mastered a specific skill to such a degree that they''ve become it. Imagine someone reaching the pinnacle of a skill like the Magic Sphere of Fire. If they continue to delve deeper, they could potentially become one with fire itself, ascending to godhood. It''s a risky endeavor, with failure resulting in death. But success grants divine status." He continued, "Our universe will eventually produce its own gods, but there can only be one god per skill, limiting their number." The Vice President then asked, "What about the God that many believe in?" Robert looked at her, "I asked the System the same question, and the response was... it doesn''t know. The System, while incredibly knowledgeable, doesn''t possess omniscience. It can''t explain the origins of the multiverse. Its answer was that God''s existence is possible, but until a revelation occurs, the question remains unanswered." General Tailly, The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, asked the next question, "What is magic and what can you do with it?" Robert had an answer for that, "magic isn''t a mystical force, but a complex interplay of energy, information, and consciousness. At its core, magic is the manipulation of the fundamental building blocks of reality, often referred to as "mana." This mana, a pervasive energy field, permeates all things, from the smallest particle to the grandest celestial body. To access and wield this power, individuals must first unlock specific skills related to the spheres of magic. These spheres, such as the Sphere of Elemental Fire, the Sphere of Time, or the Sphere of Illusion, represent fundamental aspects of reality. By mastering spells within a sphere, a practitioner gains the ability to channel and manipulate mana in accordance with that sphere''s principles. For instance, a mage who has learned the "Fireball" spell within the Sphere of Elemental Fire can harness the energy of fire to create and project a fiery projectile. Similarly, a master of the Sphere of Time could gain access to a spell to slow down time or even reverse it within a limited area." Dr. Ashworth mused, "Mana seems to be the key, isn''t it? Without it, magic remains inaccessible." Robert nodded, "Exactly. Magic items function because they contain stored mana." NASA Administrator William Felson inquired, "You''ve shared knowledge with your family. Would you be willing to extend that to others?" Robert confirmed, "Yes, but there''s a cost." Director Manshon guessed, "A financial one?" Robert smiled, "While I do want to provide for my family, the cost isn''t monetary. Let me explain how the System works. Currently, I''m limited to Tier 1, Level 3 knowledge. This is due to the System Core''s role in guiding knowledge transfer. At higher levels, without proper guidance, there''s a risk of brain damage. Tier 1, Level 3 knowledge, using Anti-Matter as an example, provides a foundational understanding of its creation, storage, and use. It''s akin to the initial discovery of fire. At Level 1, you could create and store Anti-Matter, but it would be inefficient and risky. Level 2 refines the process, making it safer and more energy-efficient. Level 3 represents a significant advancement, allowing for efficient production and practical applications, such as Anti-Matter power generation. My son, aspiring to a career in space, will receive the knowledge to build advanced spacecraft capable of reaching Mars in days, not months. However, I won''t share weapon-related knowledge. I''m committed to America''s leadership, but not at the expense of global dominance. I can impart one skill every two weeks to each person, limiting the depth of knowledge transfer. I can provide the foundation for expertise in a specific field, but further advancement will require dedicated study and research. For instance, I can provide the mathematical framework for advanced Anti-Matter production, but you''ll need to apply it independently. Regarding defensive technology, I''ll consider two additional skills: Advanced Primary Subsystem Design for Spacecraft and Advanced Sensor and Scanning Systems. These skills will enable the development of artificial gravity and advanced sensor capabilities, respectively." The meeting continued for another two hours. Ultimately, they agreed that Robert would impart power and ship design skills to 20 individuals. He would also provide written guidance on advancing to Level 4, though the specific implementation would be left to the scientists. In exchange, he would receive a tax-free payment of $250 million, ensuring his family''s future. Additionally, they agreed to provide John with a $300 million grant to establish a company upon completing college, positioning him as a future leader in the space industry. Shortly after, the meeting concluded, and Robert was escorted back to his hotel. Later that evening, he finally had dinner with Frank and his wife. Chapter 52 Dinner was delightful. Frank and Victoria were wonderful company, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. We shared updates on our lives post-graduation, and Victoria inquired about Sara''s reaction to Robert''s impending departure. With a heavy heart, Robert confessed, "There have been many tearful nights. We''re putting on a brave front for the children, but the uncertainty of the future weighs heavily on me." Victoria, her face etched with sympathy, replied, "I can''t imagine the pain Sara must be enduring. It''s clear you''re struggling as well." Frank nodded in agreement, then posed a curious question, "You mentioned a System arriving in over 400 years, and that you''d return with it. How is that possible?" A knowing smile spread across Robert''s face. "Well, I suppose I haven''t delved into the specifics. As you progress and enhance your attributes, you unlock certain perks. For instance, my Constitution stat is at 100, which alone grants me a lifespan exceeding 500 years. Additionally, I''ve ascended to a higher racial tier, further extending my potential lifespan to over a thousand years, assuming I don''t meet an untimely demise." Frank''s jaw dropped. "Wait, you''re telling me you could live for over a thousand years? And what do you mean by ''increased your racial tier''?" Robert chuckled, "Yep, and even by the System''s standards, that''s not an extraordinary lifespan. The multiverse is teeming with ancient, powerful beings who''ve existed for tens, if not hundreds of thousands of years. Scary, right? While it''s possible to achieve such longevity, it''s not exactly common. The key lies in your stats, or attributes. When you''re granted a class and profession, you''re given a specific number of stat points to allocate at each level-up. Most people receive common or uncommon classes and professions, which yield around 5 or 6 stat points per level. Some of these points are automatically assigned to specific stats based on your class and skills, leaving only one or two as free points. Unless you''ve chosen a combat class, you''ll primarily use your free points to boost your Constitution. This is a common strategy, as everyone desires a longer life. However, most people opt for non-combat classes and professions, prioritizing stats relevant to their occupation. A weaver, for instance, would focus on Dexterity. While working can earn you experience and level-ups, it''s a much slower process Robert took a sip of his drink and continued, "Most people, with an uncommon non-combat class and profession, will reach the end of their lives around level 60. With about 50 free stat points to allocate, they can''t afford to invest them all in Constitution. So, they typically allocate around 15 points, ensuring a full lifespan of roughly 200 years. Adventurers and soldiers, on the other hand, level up more rapidly. Many combat classes automatically allocate points to Constitution. Even an uncommon combat class can allow someone to reach a Constitution of 40 or 50, extending their lifespan to around 400 years. However, as you might imagine, there''s a significant drawback to this lifestyle." Frank nodded, "The risk, of course, is the constant danger. Sooner or later, every adventurer''s luck runs out." Robert agreed. "Precisely. Adventurers possess immense power, but they often don''t live long enough to succumb to natural causes." Frank was curious. "So, what level did you reach to attain a Constitution of 100?" A knowing smile spread across Robert''s face. "I reached level 54. I possess both a Mythical class and profession. Not only do I gain a point in Constitution at each level¡ªa total of 44 points¡ªbut I also receive 5 free points per level. As far as I understand, my situation is quite rare. As the Forerunner of this universe, I''ve been granted unique feats and traits that no one else can obtain, allowing me to attain such high-level classes and professions. It''s estimated that there are only tens of thousands of dual Mythical holders across billions of trillions of beings in each universe, making me part of a very exclusive group." "As for my racial tier," Robert explained, "every human in this universe is Tier G, the baseline. I was fortunate enough to upgrade to Tier F, essentially doubling my potential. No offense, Frank, but that makes me twice as capable as you." Robert playfully poked Frank, who retorted, "That''s not funny, and no, you''re not twice the man I am. You''re... well, I''m not sure what you are." Victoria, intrigued, asked, "But what does being Tier F actually mean?" Robert did his best to explain. "While it might sound impressive, the benefits aren''t as significant as you''d think. Yes, it doubles my natural lifespan, allowing me to live a very long life. It also grants me certain perks and abilities, and will open up more powerful classes and professions in the future. However, the real advantage lies in the next generation. If I were to marry another Tier F human, our children would start at Tier F. Currently, there''s only a 20% chance of that happening if I were to have children with a Tier G human. Being born Tier F means they''d start with increased stats. For the first ten levels, a Tier G human earns one free stat point per level, while a Tier F human earns two. Additionally, their initial class and profession would be of a higher tier. A level 10 Tier F human has a better chance of acquiring higher-tier classes and professions, as well as feats and traits."Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Victoria chuckled, "Should I call Sara and let her know you''re already discussing your next wife?" Robert smiled. "No, she and I have already discussed the whole Tier system. In fact, she was the one who figured it all out. As for my next wife, I have no plans, and honestly, I''m not sure if I ever will." Victoria spoke softly, "Robert, you can''t spend a thousand years alone. You''ll need someone to share your experiences with." He replied with a somber look, "We''ll see what happens. But I''ve already found the love of my life. How can I top that? Besides, I''ve got a feeling this journey will be filled with unexpected twists and turns, and who knows what kind of people I''ll meet along the way." The conversation grew quiet, and soon after, dinner ended. Victoria promised to reach out to Sara, offering her support and understanding. Robert thanked her and wished them both a good night, returning to his hotel room. Later that night, Robert recounted the details of the dinner to Sara, who was pleased to hear about Victoria''s call and agreed that having someone to confide in would make things easier. They continued their conversation for another hour or so before Robert retired for the night. The following morning, Robert initiated his next dungeon run, but he simply wasn''t feeling it. Without even a glance at the System Shop, he plunged directly into the dungeon, only to confront another fiery level teeming with giant lizards. He mechanically went through the motions, listlessly completing the run, his mind far removed from reality. Dungeon run complete. Rare chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • Ten Gold coins
  • Two Standard Skill Points
  • One Epic Shop Token
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! Later that day, Robert phoned Frank to inform him of his departure plans the following day. He suggested that when the time came to send trainees, they should simply reach out, and he would meet them either at his home or a nearby location. After a few more minutes of conversation, Robert ended the call. The next morning, Robert was taken aback to find an escort waiting for him. He was informed that his plans had been altered. Instead of returning home independently, he would be escorted to Andrews Air Force Base and flown back to MacDill Air Force Base. From there, two FBI agents would drive him home. Unhappy with the sudden change of plans, Robert called Frank to inquire about the situation. Frank explained, "Robert, you need to understand that you''re now considered a National Resource. It''s to be expected that the government would want to protect you." Robert chuckled and replied, "Frank, as it stands, you could probably drop a bomb on me and all you''d do is annoy me. You can''t harm or kill me, you can''t kidnap me, and if I wanted to vanish, you''d never find me. This level of security is unnecessary." Frank simply responded, "It''s not my decision, and let''s be honest, would you rather stand in line at one of the busiest airports in the country or bypass the lines and take a quick flight home?" Robert conceded, "Fine, but someone will need to go to Tampa International Airport and drive my car home." Frank assured him that he would arrange for someone to take care of it, so the car would be waiting for him upon his arrival. Frank wished him well and invited him to visit again before his final departure. With that, Robert''s trip to DC concluded, and he returned home. After returning home, Robert spent some time sharing the details of his trip and the decisions made with his family. John was filled with excitement about the future, while Stacey found the world of politics intriguing and began to consider it as a potential career path. Richard, ever the curious one, inquired about the possibility of his father securing him a position with the FBI. Spending quality time with his family was exactly what Robert needed, and by the end of the day, he felt relaxed and rejuvenated. As the sun set, Robert spent the evening enjoying his wife''s company not knowing that the next day would end his happy mood. Chapter 53 The next morning, as Robert was enjoying a tranquil moment with his morning coffee the quietude of his home was abruptly shattered by a firm knock at the door. With a curious mix of anticipation and apprehension, Robert opened the door to find two familiar faces. "Good morning, Detective Ramirez," Robert greeted the officers, his voice laced with a hint of surprise. "What brings you out this fine day?" Detective Ramirez returned the greeting. "Mr. Williams, it''s good to see you again. I hope you don''t mind, but I have a few more questions about the gold you recently sold. I believe it would be best to discuss this matter further at the station." Robert''s brow furrowed as he contemplated the detective''s request. "I''m not quite sure I understand," Robert stated, "What exactly do you want to know?" Detective Ramirez, sensing Robert''s unease, maintained a professional demeanor. "I assure you, Mr. Williams, this is merely a routine inquiry. However, given the nature of the gold in question, it''s imperative that we have a more detailed conversation. Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated." The detective''s insistence was clear, leaving Robert with little choice but to comply, "If you insist, give me a moment to let my wife know." "Sara, could you come here for a moment, please?" Robert called out, his voice tinged with a hint of urgency. A moment later, Sara appeared in the doorway, her expression curious. "Yes, Robert?" she inquired, her gaze shifting to the two men standing behind her husband. "It seems these fine officers," Robert began, his tone laced with sarcasm, "can''t quite grasp the concept of leaving law-abiding citizens alone. They''re determined to waste their time with pointless questioning." He pulled out a business card and handed it to Sara. "Give Frank a call and let him know I''ve been ''invited'' to the station. He''ll handle this." Sara''s concern was evident as she took the card. "Are you sure everything will be alright?" she asked, her voice filled with worry. Robert offered a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry, honey. Frank will take care of it. I just hope these detectives have a solid backup plan for their post-law enforcement careers." With a quick kiss, he turned to the officers. "Alright, gentlemen, let''s get this show on the road. It''s time to start the countdown to your retirement." After nearly an hour, Robert sat impatiently in the sterile interview room, his patience waning. He was on the verge of leaving when the door swung open, revealing two familiar faces and a young woman. "Mr. Williams, this is Assistant District Attorney Catherine Van Derlyn. Thank you for agreeing to answer our questions," the detective announced. Robert let out a dry laugh. "Agreed, is that what you told the ADA, miss? I didn¡¯t agree; I was told to be here." The ADA exchanged a glance with the detectives. "Sir, firstly, you are not obligated to be here. Secondly, you are not under arrest. However, I understand you called your attorney. Would you like to wait for him to arrive?" A moment of confusion flashed across Robert''s face, followed by a knowing smile. "Oh, I apologize. Frank isn''t my attorney. The number I gave my wife was for the White House switchboard. Frank is Frank Davenport, a wonderful man. I had dinner with him and Victoria a few nights ago when I was in D.C." A heavy silence fell over the room. Detective Ramirez, visibly shaken, finally broke the silence. "Wait, are you telling us you know the Secretary of State?" Robert simply smiled. "I know several people in the White House." After a brief pause, ADA Derlyn began, "Mr. Williams, we understand your concern. However, in recent months, you''ve sold approximately half a million dollars worth of gold with unknown markings and an unidentified source. This has raised some red flags." Robert, unfazed, replied, "So, is it now illegal to sell one''s own property?" The ADA quickly responded, "Of course not. But we need to verify the legitimacy of the gold''s origin." Detective Ramirez, eager to contribute, interjected, "Is it drugs or terrorism? How else could you have acquired that much gold?" Robert, visibly confused, asked, "Excuse me?" Detective Ramirez persisted, "The only explanation is either a drug deal or a terrorist plot. Which is it?" Robert stood up abruptly. "I believe we''re done here." ADA Derlyn attempted to salvage the situation. "Sir, we''re going to need you to stay. We''re in the process of obtaining a warrant to search your home and review your financial records." Robert, visibly angry, retorted, "So, I''m under arrest? You lied about that." ADA Derlyn quickly clarified, "No, sir. You''re not under arrest, but you are detained." Before she could continue, the door burst open, revealing a furious Chief of Police. "Mr. Williams," Chief Lawson began, his voice a mixture of frustration and apology, "on behalf of the department, I want to apologize for the egregious misunderstanding caused by two of my officers. Please believe me when I say a thorough investigation into their actions is underway." ADA Derlyn, visibly perplexed, interjected, "Sir, I don''t understand." Chief Lawson''s voice grew sharper. "Well, let me enlighten you. I just spent the last five minutes being chewed out by your boss, who was, in turn, chewed out by the Attorney General of the United States. Do you three have any idea what kind of mess you''ve created?" Detective Ramirez, still bewildered, blurted out, "Sir, why is the AG involved?" "I don''t know, and frankly, I don''t care," Chief Lawson retorted. "All I know is there''s a squad of FBI agents waiting outside to escort Mr. Williams home. You three are to stay as far away from this as possible. Is that understood? Now, all of you, get out. And you two, detectives, I''ll see you in my office when I''m done." Turning to Robert, the Chief offered a sincere apology. "Please accept my apologies, Mr. Williams. You''re free to go. The agents outside will take you home." As Robert left the station, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of relief. A simple misunderstanding had escalated into a major incident, involving high-ranking officials and federal agents. When Robert arrived home, Sara was waiting for him, worry etched on her face. "Are you okay?" she asked, rushing to embrace him. "I''m fine," Robert reassured her. "So, did Frank help out?" Sara chuckled. "It took a bit to get through to someone who could confirm, but once they did and Frank took my call, things moved quickly. He mentioned walking into the President''s office and I could hear her swearing like a sailor. Apparently, she took the matter very seriously. They assured me it would be handled." Robert recounted the events at the police station, leaving Sara amused by the chaos and confusion. "Well, I hope that puts an end to that nonsense. We have more important things to worry about," she said, trying to lighten the mood. Later that afternoon, Robert received a call from the President herself. She assured him that the issue with the local police had been resolved and that he had nothing more to worry about. She also informed him that they had selected the group of people who would be receiving his training. Someone would contact him the following day to finalize the schedule. Robert thanked her for her help and expressed his eagerness to contribute.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. The following morning, Robert received a call informing him that two uniformed military personnel would be arriving to pick him up for his training session at MacDill Air Force Base. He confirmed his readiness and was told to expect them within the hour. After notifying Sara, Robert prepared for the day. As scheduled, two Airmen arrived and escorted him to MacDill. Upon arrival, he was introduced to the team he would be training: a diverse group of civilian engineers and military personnel, all with strong mathematical backgrounds. Robert decided to begin with the fundamental power system skills. He spent the rest of the day imparting his knowledge to the group. At the conclusion of the session, he agreed to return in two weeks to teach the next skill. After the training, he was driven back home. The next day, he received a call confirming the success of the training session and assuring him that the funds would be transferred to his account after the next round. Sharing the good news with Sara, Robert relaxed for the rest of the day before embarking on his next dungeon run the following morning. The following morning Robert began his 30th dungeon run, this time he did visit the store where he found a few interesting items:
Item Name Item Tier Item Rarity Item cost Item Description
Food Ration 1 common 2 copper A basic daily food ration.
Water Bottle 1 common 2 copper A small bottle of daily water.
Greater Healing Potion 1 uncommon 25 silver A healing potion that when used will heal for 250 health.
Greater Mana Potion 1 uncommon 50 silver A healing potion that when used will heal for 150 mana.
Tier 6 Random Scroll Pack 6 Epic 2 token This pack contains 5 random Tier 6 spells
Tier 3 Random Spell Book 3 Epic 2 Tokens This book contains 25 random spells from the following spheres, summoning, soul, Darkness, Conjuration, Abjuration, Transmutation, Necromancy, Divination, Travel, and the Mind.
The Aetherium Spire 6 Legendary Free This is a set of blueprints for creating a mage tower.
"Hal, what''s the deal with these blueprints?"
Well, they''re a reward for all your hard work in preparing your world. It''s not the most extravagant gift, but it''s a pretty nice place to call home, don''t you think?
Pulling up the blueprints Robert had to agree, the blueprints outlined a 7-story tower that included a library, lab, study, servant and student quarters, a master''s chamber, spell cast room, and others. This was a true wizard''s tower. Robert also purchased the book and the scroll pack, the pack contained the following 5 spells Name: Scroll of Inferno''s Embrace Tier: 6 Epic Sphere(s): Fire Description: This spell creates a massive fireball that engulfs an area with a diameter of 2 miles.. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Stormcaller''s Fury Tier: 6, Epic Sphere(s): Air Description: Summons a colossal tempest that can level towns. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Summon Celestial Host Tier: 6, Epic Sphere(s): Light, Summoning Description: Calls forth a legion of powerful celestial beings to fight for the caster. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Portal Mastery Tier: 6, Rare Sphere(s): Space, Travel Description: Opens a portal to any location known to the caster within 3000 miles. Charges: 1 ----- Name: Scroll of Memory Manipulation Tier: 6, Epic Sphere(s): Mind Description: A spell allows the caster to alter, erase, or implant memories in the minds of others. Charges: 1 Besides the Mind spell, Robert was pleased with the spell scrolls. While he planned to keep the mind spell, the very notion of its existence filled him with a sense of awe and trepidation. Robert left the entry chamber and entered the dungeon which appeared again to be a mine, Fighting Dark Dwarves he found several sections that contained mithril and spent some time mining the valuable ore. Completing the run earned him two new levels . The boss at the end was a Dwarf King. Dungeon run complete. Epic chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • Skillbook(Weapon Crafting)
  • 50 gold coins
  • Two unlocked skill token
  • One Epic Shop Token
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! Marry Christmas! Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Thank you for following my story and thank you for all the feedback I''ve received. Enjoy time with your family and enjoy the holiday.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Normally I''d end with that but Royal Road requires 500 characters to post a message. So I''ll repeat again, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Or whichever if any holiday you celebrate. Fine still not enough characters, then I''ll post a story update. Book 1 is complete and the chapters are scheduled, Book 2 has started on Patreon but will be here soon as well. Chapter 54 Over the next two weeks, Robert stayed busy, Robert continued his training sessions with the kids, while John secured the Anti-Matter. Richard delved into Spanish studies, and Stacey focused on Biology. Robert completed another five dungeon levels, bringing his total to thirty-five floors. He leveled up six times, amassed a significant amount of gold and iron ore, and learned new spells and weapon crafting skills. With all his blank scrolls utilized and stored in the family vault, and the crafted rings distributed¡ªthree to his kids and one each to his siblings¡ªhe felt confident about the future. He collaborated with John to finalize the remaining booklets, including detailed spellbooks for his family. Copies of the simpler booklets were presented to the government for safekeeping. He also traveled to MacDill for the second training session. A few days after the second training session, the promised funds were deposited into his account. He consulted with a law firm to ensure his affairs were in order, though under the pretense of potential death. In coordination with Frank, he devised a plan with the government to stage his death, protecting his family from legal complications, even after his wife¡¯s passing. Robert, as promised, acquired the two additional spaceship design skills. He intended to share these with John to ensure his continued progress. As time marched on, a sense of routine settled in. However, beneath the surface, a growing awareness of his impending departure loomed large. Four months had slipped away, leaving less than two before his family was taken from him and his familiar world dissolved. Sara, though outwardly courageous, bore the weight of their shared sorrow. Their children, while visibly stressed, seemed oblivious to the gravity of their situation. Sheltered from loss, they clung to hope. A silver lining emerged as his wife and Victoria forged an unexpected friendship, a comforting thought as he contemplated the future. Robert and Sara consulted with a financial team to secure their government windfall. They established a fund for their children''s future and generously shared their wealth with extended family. In the following two weeks, Robert dedicated himself to documenting the next phase of his technological advancements. This comprehensive guide would empower those he left behind to continue his work, albeit with significant effort. During this period, he completed floors 36 to 39, gaining three levels. He also invested a Legendary Token in a Tier 6 scroll pack, acquiring valuable utility spells such as Mind Fortress, Greater Ward of Protection, Earth''s Perfect Bounty, Dimensional Shield, and Spatial Ward. As the days dwindled, a sense of urgency grew within Robert. He knew that time was slipping away, and he had much to accomplish before his departure. With each passing day, he felt a growing sense of responsibility to ensure the future of his family. He was determined to leave behind a legacy that would benefit generations to come. With the recent level-ups, Robert found himself with a surplus of 111 attribute points. He strategically invested these points to enhance his abilities: 20 in Strength, 33 in Dexterity, 29 in Constitution, 10 in Charisma, and 5 each in Perception, Endurance, and Willpower. This significant boost not only amplified his physical prowess but also rejuvenated his appearance, making him look closer to 27 or 28 years old. As the countdown to his departure neared six weeks, Robert took stock of his remaining tasks. His family''s future was secured, and the training regimen was on track. The time had come to cherish the present and prioritize family. With his parents set to visit in a few days and his siblings planning their arrival, Robert looked forward to spending quality time with loved ones. The impending farewell added a poignant sweetness to these precious moments, making every interaction a cherished memory. Robert reflected on the extraordinary journey he had embarked upon. From humble beginnings to a life of extraordinary power and responsibility, he had faced countless challenges and emerged victorious. As he prepared to bid farewell to this world, he felt a sense of peace and fulfillment. He knew that his legacy would endure, and that his family would carry on his work, ensuring a brighter future for humanity. Three days later he headed in for the 40th floor of the dungeon, "Welcome, adventurer. You have entered Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1, currently known as The Training Dungeon. You are now on the Fortieth Floor." Looking in the shop he was surprised to see the options:
Item Name Item Tier Item Rarity Item cost Item Description
Smithing Pack 1 Rare 1 Token This comprehensive blacksmithing kit includes all the essential tools a master smith needs: a Portable Anvil, Steel Hammer, Steel Tongs, Steel Hot Cutters, Steel Fullers, Steel Swages, Steel Punches, Steel Drifts, and Steel Files.
Inscription Pack 1 Rare 1 Token This comprehensive Inscriptionist kit includes a variety of essential tools: several quills and ink pots filled with vibrant ink, a sturdy steel chisel and hammer for carving, and high-quality brushes and a selection of paints for intricate detailing.
Alchemy Recipe Book 1 Rare 1 Token This book contains 25 common, 15 uncommon, and 8 rare alchemy recipes.
Robert readily purchased the items, using his surplus of Rare Tokens to acquire the entire set. While he noted the absence of food, water, and potions, these were items he hadn''t purchased in a while, so the loss was minimal. As he ventured into the dungeon, he was met with an unexpected surprise. Instead of the familiar dungeon corridors, he found himself standing in a grand arena, surrounded by thousands of spectators roaring his name. Before he could fully comprehend the situation, an announcer''s voice boomed, "And now, the main event! Before you stands the champion of the arena, your hero ''Actavaious''! He will face the Rolling Wave in a five-round battle. Will he emerge victorious, or will we witness the rise of a new champion? Let the contest begin!" With those words, the gate on the other side of the arena opened and out poured dozens of the following: Name: High Goblin Warriors Class: Warrior Race: Goblin Description: A powerful, Goblin, trained in battle Gender: Male Stats: Str 75, Dex 40, Con 65, Int 15, Wis 12, Cha 12 Level: 75 Resistances: Health: 2900 Mana: 200 Without a moment to spare, Robert cast Greater Earthbind to slow the advancing goblins, buying precious time to unleash a more potent spell. The spell took effect, slowing their advance for forty crucial seconds. Seizing the opportunity, he unleashed Nature''s Wraith, followed by Fiery Tempest. The combined force of these spells halted the goblin onslaught completely, This gave him just enough time to cast and Elemental Storm spell, leading to the annihilation of the Goblins. "And there you have it, as expected out hero made short work on that first group, can he continue, let us waste no time, send in the next group." Name: Orc Warrior Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.Class: Warrior Race: Orc Description: A common Orc warrior, strong and brutal. Gender: Male Stats: Str 85, Dex 40, Con 75, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 8 Level: 80 Resistances: Fire(15%),Cold(10%) Health: 3100 Mana: 200 Seeking out the announcer to voice his displeasure, Robert initiated the battle with familiar spells. While the initial impact was similar, several Orcs managed to survive the onslaught and counterattacked. Switching to melee combat, Robert''s superior swordsmanship proved decisive, ultimately securing his victory in the round.
Level Up!
As soon as the last Orc fell, Robert began to prepare for the next wave. He initiated the casting of Summon Celestial Host, a spell requiring a full 112 seconds to complete. The crowd, still ecstatic from the previous battle, erupted in cheers. After a brief moment, the announcer regained control of the crowd, declaring, "And there you have it! The second wave is conquered! Did you witness that incredible display of swordsmanship? This is why he is our champion. But can he maintain this momentum? Wave three is ready. Open the gate!" Name: Desert Stalker Class: Rogue Race: Sand Lizard Description: A stealthy and agile creature of the desert. Gender: Male Stats: Str 50, Dex 90, Con 70, Int 15, Wis 20, Cha 8 Level: 85 Resistances: Fire(20%),Poison(10%), Bludgeoning(10%) Health: 3000 Mana: 150 35 of the Lizards made it through the gate before Robert completed the spell. The celestial host descends, a blinding light filling the arena. Angelic figures, radiant and powerful, emerge from the light. They move with grace and precision, their weapons gleaming with divine energy. The desert stalkers, known for their stealth and agility, are no match for the celestial host. The angelic beings, with their superior speed and power, easily outmaneuver the sand lizards. Arrows of light pierce the air, striking down the desert stalkers with deadly accuracy. Blazing swords cleave through their scales, and powerful divine magic obliterates entire groups of enemies. The celestial host, guided by the caster''s will, fights with unwavering determination, protecting the caster and driving back the desert stalkers. The once-fearsome creatures of the desert are no match for the divine power unleashed upon them. As the last desert stalker falls, the celestial beings return to the heavens, leaving behind a silent, awe-inspiring arena.
Level Up!
Robert, weary from the constant battles, sought a respite. He cast the Summon Guardian spell, summoning powerful guardians to protect him while he prepared his next move. "And there you have it, folks! That''s why he''s our champion. Let''s not waste any time, open the gate!" the announcer declared, as the next wave of enemies prepared to attack. Robert, ready to face the challenge, began casting a devastating Firestorm spell. Name: Frost Lord Class: Warrior Race: Ice Ape Description: A powerful Ice Ape, master of the frozen wastes. Gender: Male Stats: Str 95, Dex 60, Con 90, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 8 Level: 85 Resistances: Cold(30%),Ice(25%), Bludgeoning(15%) Health: 4500 Mana: 200 A mere twenty Ice Apes charged directly at Robert''s Guardians, a hopeless endeavor. Just as the Guardians engaged the creatures, Robert''s Firestorm spell detonated at the heart of the pack. The apes, weakened by the blast, were then ensnared by a Greater Earth Binding spell, leaving them vulnerable. Seizing the opportunity, Robert unleashed a second Firestorm, decimating the remaining Ice Apes.
Level Up!
The crowd erupted in cheers. "And there you have it, folks! Our hero has conquered yet another challenge. But will this be the end of his journey? Let''s find out! Open the gate!" the announcer declared, building anticipation for the next, even more perilous trial. Stepping through the gate was a single man, using his identify Robert was worried. Name: Malachi the Wise Class: High Archmage Race: Human Description: A grizzled old wizard, known for his arcane knowledge and powerful spells. Gender: Male Stats: Str 15, Dex 44, Con 80, Int 200, Wis 154, Cha 37 Level: 90 Resistances: Fire(15%),Cold(15%), Lightning(15%) Health: 2000 Mana: 75000 The air crackled as Malachi materialized through the portal, his arrival heralded by a blinding sphere of light that pulsed around him, a silent declaration of his formidable power. Robert, recognizing the futility of a direct magical assault against such an imposing presence, drew not a wand, but a curious rod. Its intricate carvings hummed with a contained, potent magic. "So, young mage," Malachi''s voice echoed, laced with amusement, "you choose the crutch of physical artifacts over the purity of arcane might?" Robert met his gaze, a spark of defiance igniting in his eyes. "My strength lies in more than mere incantations, sir," he retorted, his voice firm. "I am an enchanter, and these tools are an extension of my will." A flicker of genuine curiosity crossed Malachi''s face. "Intriguing. Very well, then. Let us see if your trinkets can withstand the true power of magic." He raised his hands, his fingers weaving complex patterns, and a guttural chant resonated in the air, thick with power. Responding in kind, Robert activated the first rod. A shimmering, golden shield blossomed before him, its surface rippling with energy. In swift succession, he activated a second. This time, a wall of cerulean energy surged forth, solidifying into a barrier that seemed to defy the very laws of nature. With a final, precise movement, he triggered a third rod, layering another golden shield over the first, reinforcing his defenses. Malachi''s spell broke free ¨C a roaring torrent of fire, a searing wave of pure destruction that consumed the space before it. Robert''s first shield held, a beacon of gold against the raging inferno, but only for a heartbeat. The flames licked at its edges, consuming it with terrifying speed. The water wall, now the sole defense, hissed and spat as the fire onslaught slammed against it, a valiant but ultimately futile resistance. But Robert had anticipated this. Even as the water wall evaporated, his eyes were narrowed in focus. He was not merely defending; he was preparing. In one fluid movement, he slammed the butt of his primary rod to the ground. "Inferno''s Embrace!" he cried, his voice ringing with power. A maelstrom of fire erupted, not from Malachi, but from Robert himself. This was no mere wall of flame, but a cataclysmic inferno that expanded with terrifying speed, consuming the entire arena in a vortex of fire and fury. Malachi''s own protective sphere, formidable as it was, shimmered and buckled under the sheer, unbridled power of the unleashed inferno. The heat was unbearable. The light, blinding. The roar of the firestorm, deafening. It seemed to last an eternity, a world consumed by fire. Then, just as suddenly as it began, the inferno subsided, leaving behind an echoing silence. The air was thick with smoke, the ground reduced to scorched earth and ashes. Through the haze, a single figure emerged. Robert. His robes were singed, his face streaked with soot, but his eyes blazed with the light of victory. He stood alone, the sole survivor of the inferno he had unleashed, a testament to the power of a mage who was more than just a spellcaster - a master of enchanted weaponry. The battle was over. "What a breathtaking display of power and skill! Our hero has emerged victorious once more, standing alone as the ultimate champion. Let us celebrate this incredible feat!" Dungeon run complete. Epic chest awarded. Chest contains:
  • Tier 6 Spell Scroll (Greater Farsight)
  • 75 gold coins
  • Two Epic Shop Token
Items added to user inventory. Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon! Robert unfurled the scroll, a satisfied smile spreading across his face as he read its contents. Name: Scroll of Greater Farsight Tier: 6, Epic Sphere(s): Divination, Mind Description: Farsight is a potent divination spell that allows the caster to peer through vast distances, observing events and individuals as if they were present. By focusing their mind and channeling their magical energy, the caster can see up to 1000 miles away, bypassing most protective enchantments Tier 5 and below. Charges: 1 With a wave to the cheering crowd, Robert stepped through the portal, returning home to his family. Chapter 55 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.
Class Ability Upgraded!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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. Chapter 56 Two weeks after Robert''s parents arrived, his two brothers and their families joined them. Robert had just finished Floors 46 and 47 when they arrived. The house quickly transformed into a lively party atmosphere, a natural consequence of so many people gathering together. The younger children were oblivious to the reason for the gathering, content to spend their days playing with their cousins. The older children, however, couldn''t ignore the noticeable change in Uncle Robert''s appearance. He seemed younger than the previous summer. When they inquired about it, they were dismissed with a playful, "Don''t worry about it, just go play." Though puzzled, the older kids were perceptive enough to sense something was amiss. Their curiosity led them to share their observations, and soon, the secret was out. While the news was thrilling, it was tempered by the knowledge of Robert''s impending departure. They understood the gravity of the situation and vowed to keep the secret within the family. The adults, meanwhile, were focused on the practicalities of Robert''s departure. They discussed essential items he might need if he and Elara found themselves stranded. Soon, Robert was stocking up on supplies from Sam''s Club: pots, pans, plates, bowls, silverware, and even new tents and sleeping bags. While these preparations were necessary, they served as a stark reminder of the impending separation. Robert cherished the time spent with his parents and brothers. Before he knew it, another week had flown by, marked by two more dungeon runs and the arrival of his sister, Emily. She burst into the house with the confidence of ownership, immediately embracing Robert and declaring that she wouldn''t let him leave without seeing her. Robert returned the hug with a warm smile. Moments later, Ethan arrived with their two children, extending a hand to shake. Robert, however, opted for a more heartfelt gesture, pulling Ethan into a hug instead. The remainder of the day was a peaceful blur of love and connection. For the first time since his ordeal began, Robert felt a sense of tranquility. Surrounded by his loved ones, he found solace and hope. As he gazed around the room, Robert saw a glimpse of the future. The carefree laughter of the children outside symbolized the strength and resilience of the next generation. His brothers, sister, and parents were a testament to the family''s enduring bond. "You know what, everything will be okay," Robert declared, settling into the family room. "Look at those kids, our family. Our future is in good hands." Thomas approached and placed a comforting hand on Robert''s shoulder. "Son, you''re not leaving us in a difficult situation. You''ve set this family up for a bright future, and we''re grateful for what you did. While none of us will witness the full extent of your legacy, we know this family will carry the torch. You made that possible." A serene silence filled the room as everyone watched the children play, their hearts heavy with gratitude and hope. The next day, Robert, still recovering from his recent dungeon runs, spent the morning with his parents. They reminisced about old times, shared stories, and simply enjoyed each other''s company. As the afternoon wore on, the extended family gathered for a barbecue. The aroma of grilled meat filled the air, and laughter echoed through the backyard. Amidst the festivities, Robert couldn''t shake the feeling that time was slipping away. He knew that soon, he would have to say goodbye to the life he had known as the sun began to set, a sense of melancholy washed over Robert. He realized that this was his last chance to spend quality time with his loved ones before embarking on his uncertain future. As he sat by the fire, he couldn''t help but feel a pang of sadness. Yet, he also felt a surge of hope. He knew that his family would be strong and that they would carry on his legacy. With a heavy heart, he accepted his fate and prepared for the journey ahead.Stolen story; please report. Two days later, Robert had just finished another intense training session when he received a call from the Secret Service. They informed him that the Secretary of State and his wife would be visiting the following day. While Robert had heard rumors of a potential visit from Frank, the exact timing was still uncertain. News of the upcoming visit quickly spread through the family, and they spent the day preparing for their distinguished guests. The next morning, an advance team from the Secret Service arrived, sparking excitement among both the children and the neighbors. One of Robert''s neighbors, Eddie, couldn''t resist his curiosity. "Hey, Robert," he asked, "What''s all the fuss about? And by the way, when are you going to share the secret to eternal youth? My wife thinks 34 is ancient and wants to know how to look as young as you!" Robert chuckled, "No fountain of youth, I''m afraid. I''m still as puzzled as anyone about my sudden change in appearance. They''ve run some tests, but so far, there are no answers. As for the Secret Service, well, the Secretary of State is a local, and we''re friends. His high-ranking position in the government necessitates this level of security detail." Robert gestured towards the four imposing SUVs. "Well, when you figure out how to replicate this youthful glow, don''t forget about us ordinary folks," Eddie joked. After a few more minutes of friendly banter, Eddie headed home, and Robert returned to the house to prepare for the arrival of his esteemed guests. A few hours later, another convoy of sleek black SUVs arrived. Robert and Sara stepped outside to greet the Davenport family. "Frank, Victoria, welcome to our home," Robert extended a warm handshake. Victoria, with a radiant smile, embraced Sara. "Sara dear, it''s wonderful to finally meet you in person. I just know we''re going to be the best of friends." Robert, ever the observant one, noticed a group of paparazzi lurking nearby, their cameras aimed at the gathering. "Frank, I think we''ve got a small army of paparazzi hiding next door," he whispered. Frank glanced in the direction Robert indicated. "I know, it''s a nuisance. But if the homeowner gave them permission, there''s not much we can do about it. Let''s head inside." As Sara and Victoria entered the house, Robert and Frank followed suit. "So, while I appreciate the visit, I''m curious about the real reason for your trip. I know you''re far too busy to simply drop by for a social call." "To be honest, this was mostly at the demand of Victoria, she wanted to meet Sara. I expect a lot of future visits from her, it seems she and your wife have gotten along very well over the phone and Victoria doesn''t have a lot of close female friends and she''s happy with how things are going with Sara," Frank said. Robert smiled, "After every phone call Sara talks about it for hours, I think she might like your wife more than me at this point." Frank laughed and replied, "I''ve learned to not get in the way of two women friends when they talk, I just go find someplace to hide." Robert laughed and replied, "That I can understand, but it sounds like that wasn''t the only reason, what else was there?" Frank nodded. "The President was wondering if you''d be willing to lend us your expertise on another matter." Robert''s brow furrowed. "Depends on the matter." Frank smiled. "Nothing too demanding. We''d like you to delve into metallurgy." Robert looked puzzled. "Metallurgy? Why do we need to improve our metals?" Frank explained, "Our engineers have been using your teachings to model new ship designs, and they''ve concluded that our current metals aren''t strong enough for what they envision. We could figure it out eventually, but your input could save us years of research and development." Robert considered this. "Alright," he agreed. "That doesn''t sound too bad. Have them gather about ten people, and I''ll get them up to speed." Frank expressed his gratitude. The rest of the day was spent in pleasant company, and the Davenports departed around ten that evening. It had been a successful and enjoyable visit.