He was just about to start preparing for class, he had already dressed himself and breakfast was already served, and so imagine his surprise when after saying goodbye to his parents a lighting bolt struck him, guaranteeing a pretty much instant end to his mundane life.
//
Gamaliel had been instructed to be the guide to the newest of the chosen, an apparently average high school student who was soon to graduate, to help the realm of Isiagu, a relatively new universe created with a less strict form of physical rules compared to Earth (which all chosen are from thanks to its status as firstborn among all realms) while also implementing a more fantastical approach to its handling of basically everything. The angel checked her appearance one last time, in a seemingly suddenly manifested mirror, a beautiful woman with smooth dark skin that contrasted well with her white toga with scarce gold trimming and of course a pair of wings, it was only a matter of time for her to obtain another- she was sure of it-; with all in order she decided it was time to help her new charge.
And so with a flash of golden light before her stood a completely normal teen, a little taller than average and with some muscle from the semi-regular practice of sports, which looked confused but made no showing of the emotional turmoil one would expect, this calm was an effect particular of the chamber used to bring the chosen due to a suppression of emotions so that all who came to Gods aid could understand their situation. The teen looked around for a few minutes before focusing on her, and so when his attention was on her she began with the introduction.
“Welcome to heaven” her voice was smooth and clear, she observed the chosen to see if he would interject, but confirming he would stay silent she continued “ you have been chosen to go to a new realm, one of magic and might.” excitement however dim showed in the boys eyes “But, not as a human but a dungeon lord” confusion once again rested in his face “you shall be tasked with the construction of a place to cleanse the mana corrupted by mortal use, and you shall be burdened with the additional objective of making such a place a challenge for the brave and bold to grow while also protecting yourself from the wicked that wish to claim you.” she finished and awaited the questions that undoubtedly would come.
“Was my death a result of being chosen? And how can I fulfill these duties? Can I reject them?” questioned the teen.
“Your death was entirely unrelated to your status as a chosen, it was wholly bad luck; as for the completion of your duties that will be given only if you accept and yes, if you choose to refuse them you will be treated as a normal deceased soul.” Gamaliel answered truthfully to all the queries.
Gamaliel used the silence of the boy to contemplate on her impression so far as she would be connected to him until one of them died and was pleased so far, the teen looked to be a respectful lad and didn't exhibit some of the more worrying traits of a large portion of chosen, the stories she has heard from her colleague really were off putting to say the least, her internal musing was interrupted by the sudden exclamation from her would-be partner “I accept” the young man said with surprising certainty.
“Are you sure? Don't you have any more questions?” Gamaliel was surprised, she expected at least another barrage of questions, maybe a confirmation on the state of his family, or a clarification on what a dungeon did.
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“Yes” came the short response and the angel stood still for a few seconds until they were both teleported in a golden light to a new terrain.
//
The still unnamed young man observed his new surroundings, an open field with armours and weapons in stands as far as the eye could see, all of them different to the other, and reflected back on the recent happenings. He found himself thinking about his family and quickly accepting the impossibility of meeting them again, their memories would be cherished and the longing for them would not vanish till he no longer drew breath, quickly focusing on the other aspect of his situation he honestly was taken aback at how similar it was to some pieces of fiction he had read and the familiarity, however superficial and insignificant, eased him; he was honestly a little excited at the prospect of fantasy offered by his new job, a dungeon lord. His attention was taken by the, admittedly beautiful, angel that had given him the offer as she once again began to explain something.
“My name is Gamaliel” she introduced herself “and this place is the Training Grounds, meant for you to choose whichever equipment you are more comfortable with as well to train with it.” Gamaliel introduced their location and its, honestly rather obvious, purpose “ while I shall be with you for the choosing of arms and armor you will be alone in your training. Now you can explore or simply tell some characteristics and I can narrow the range of options you have, also do not worry about lacking strength as you have been given a little improvement so you may use all equipment available here, though that enhancement is based on your previous physical abilities so please be mindful about your choices. When you would like to claim one of the arms or armor simply will it and it shall be yours, though you may select only one from each.” she finished her explanation.
The young man already had an idea about what kind of armor he wished to use, a heavy and robust plating was always superior despite what those nerds in the internet have to say, the weapon though escaped him. He knew a shield would just be overkill and was rather partial to a two handed axe.
So his choices made, he turned to Gamaliel “Heavy armor and two handed axes please.”
With a wave of her hand all equipment not conforming to his specifications disappeared in motes of light while those that did slid across the ground with seemingly no friction. Despite being noticeably less, the amount of arms and armor were still immense and, with a sigh, he steeled himself for the undoubtedly massive amount of time he would spend going through all of them.
//
Gamaliel watched as the young man searched for what would become his weapon and armor, a choice more important than it appeared to be as they would become bound to you and grow along their wielder, details left out for a test of sorts as while the bound equipment would be all they had it could change its form with enough effort.
After a significant amount of time passed she was made aware that the young man had chosen his weapon when all equipment vanished in the same motes of light the others had, and shortly after before her stood the partner she would accompany for, hopefully, millenia to come. A plain plate armor with a white cloak and a metal shafted great axe already in his person he was ready for the next part of the Training Grounds, and the reason for its name.
“Before you begin with the training you must be aware of a couple details.” she began, mentally preparing for what would happen after he finishes training “Firstly, no matter the time that passes inside the Training Grounds to the outside only an hour shall have passed; secondly, enemies will appear that are around your level of power and every week they will strengthen considerably; thirdly, death means nothing here and it is encouraged that you become accustomed to it here were there is no risk; Fourthly, it is obligatory to complete at least a month, this is because killing the creatures thrown at you will strengthen you like it will when you venture forth in the new realm and a month is the minimum requirement necessary to be able to handle the creation and management of a dungeon but it is recommended that you reach the furthest you can before ending your training; and lastly, you can still reject your position merely will it and you shall exit, the same can be done if you complete the requirements and want to end training. ” she went on a fairly long explanation but its importance could not be understated, waiting and seeing as the young man did not ask any questions she exited the Training Grounds hoping that he would endure as his success would be hers and vice versa and waited patiently in the chamber in which she first met the boy.