With the echoes of battle still ringing in their ears, Robert guided them out of the dungeon's oppressive depths and back towards the welcoming lights of town. He reassured them that their next foray would include a visit to the enigmatic System Shop, a chance to spend the tokens burning a hole in their pockets. But today was not for acquisition, it was for respite. The girls needed rest, a chance to heal their bodies and process the harrowing events that had unfolded within the dungeon's heart.
Over dinner, their conversation turned to their first complete dungeon run. Both girls had secretly completed a hidden quest for finishing a full dungeon run, and Anya was a mere few hundred experience points shy of level 10 and unlocking her class. "So, tomorrow we need to focus on activities related to the Ranger class," Robert said, stirring his stew thoughtfully. "If you're still set on it, Anya, we need to get you some experience with hunting, tracking, and a few other wilderness skills. We want to make sure the system offers you a Ranger-type class when the time comes."
Elara conceded with a nod. "She's right. You've been relying heavily on your sword, Anya. The system will probably steer you towards a Warrior or Defender class." Robert's brow furrowed slightly. "And that's the issue. We need to ensure you end up with the class that truly suits you, Anya." Anya beamed, practically radiating gratitude. "You're the absolute best, Robert! Seriously! It took me weeks to grind out just three levels, and you helped me blast through six more in practically no time!" Robert chuckled, shaking his head fondly. "You put in the hard work, Anya. Now, both of you, fuel up. We've got a full day ahead of us tomorrow." The girls chimed their goodnights and headed off, their steps lighter. Before Robert could leave, Orin approached and settled into the chair opposite him. A wry smile touched his lips. "So, I see you've been giving my girl a boost."
"Not just a boost, but a real opportunity," Robert corrected gently, a warm smile on his face. "She's putting in the sweat for those levels, and I have no doubt she'll keep at it. You've raised a remarkable young woman, Orin. You should be proud." Orin was quiet for a moment, absorbing his words. Then, a thoughtful look crossed his face. "Probably owes more to her mother than me," he admitted, "but I appreciate that, Robert. Do you genuinely believe she'll land a high-tier class?" Robert nodded firmly. "I do. She's got the raw talent and the skills, and I intend to help her get the necessary experience. I might need to guide her a bit more before the selection process, just to be certain, but she'll get a good class. A great one, I'm sure of it."
Orin lingered for a moment longer, then rose to his feet. "So, how much longer are you crashing at the Inn?" Robert considered this. "Just a few more days, I think. I actually found a place I like, just need a bit more time to finalize everything. Tomorrow should be the big day - getting Anya ready for her class selection. After that, we'll tackle getting the house sorted. We'll probably spend a few days moving in and getting settled. Then the real work begins: getting those girls up to level 20 and into the guild. Once they're in, I'll help them find a solid team to grow with." He paused, then added with a wry honesty, "I'll be straight with you, Orin. I'm actually holding them back. I'm too powerful, and I worry they'll always push their limits and take stupid risks, knowing I'm there as a safety net. They need to take some risks to really grow and right now they're too safe with me around."
Orin stood in thought for a beat, then a knowing look crossed his face. "You're probably right," he conceded. "I won't pry about your level, but it's clear you outstrip everyone in this town. The real problem is the lack of young adventurer parties around here." Robert nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that's my next hurdle. I'll figure something out. Get some rest, my friend. See you in the morning." With that, Robert headed up to his room, ready to call it a night.
The aroma of something delicious cooking lured Robert downstairs the next morning. He found Elara and Anya already seated at a table, tucking into their breakfast. He ordered something from the kitchen as he joined them. "Sleep well?" he asked, taking a seat. Before they could answer, he launched into the day's itinerary. "Right then. Anya, listen up. Today's the day. I heard there's a sounder of wild boar in the woods just south of here. That's where we're headed. Your main task is to set some traps, enough to snare us three or four good catches. But first, we'll make a quick stop at the general store for some supplies. After that, it's all about getting you some hands-on experience."
He leaned in, his voice dropping a bit with excitement. "Today, you're not just trapping. You'll be tracking game, learning to move like a shadow, and getting your first real shots in with a bow. We'll also be foraging for herbs – you'll learn to identify the useful ones. And to top it all off, you'll set up camp. We'll be spending the night under the stars. Sounds like a lot, right? But this isn't just some random outing. If you can nail all of this, if you can prove you've got the skills, the instincts... you'll unlock the ranger class, Anya. This is it. Your chance to become a true ranger." He clapped her lightly on the shoulder. "Ready to show me what you're made of?"
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
They made their way to the general store, the familiar scent of leather and spices welcoming them inside. Anya's eyes lit up as Robert selected a brand-new bow and a quiver of arrows, clearly meant for her. He also gathered the necessary components for crafting snares: strong cord, wire, and a few other odds and ends. Elara, ever practical, questioned the purchases. "Robert, why not just use your 'Manifestation' ability? Wouldn't it be easier to simply create what we need?"
Robert met her gaze, a serious expression on his face. "Easier, yes," he admitted, "But that's not the point, Elara." He turned to include Anya in his explanation. "Imagine I wasn't here. Would you know what supplies are essential for a ranger? Would you know the right type of cord for a snare, or the best arrows for a hunting bow? Could you haggle with the shopkeeper for a fair price?" He paused, letting his words sink in. "You can't rely on me forever. You both need to learn to be self-sufficient, to understand the value of these items, and to be resourceful in acquiring them. That's a lesson my abilities can't teach."
Satisfied with his reasoning, they paid for their supplies and exited the shop. Stepping through the south gate of the town, they left the familiar cobblestone streets behind. A short walk later, the dense foliage of the woods enveloped them, marking the start of Anya's true test. The air hung heavy with the scent of pine and damp earth, a stark contrast to the bustling marketplace they'd just left. This was the real world, where survival depended on skill, not magic, and Anya's journey into it had just begun.
The day unfolded much as Robert had predicted, a rigorous but rewarding trial for Anya. He patiently guided her through the process of setting the first snare, explaining the intricacies of knot-tying and placement. Then, he stepped back, watching with a keen eye as she meticulously crafted several more traps on her own. Anya, though initially hesitant, quickly found her rhythm, her movements becoming more confident with each snare she completed.
Next came the hunt. Here, Anya truly shone. Her tracking ability proved to be exceptional. She moved through the undergrowth with a quiet grace, reading the subtle signs of the forest like an open book. Before long, she located a large boar, its tusks gleaming in the dappled sunlight. With a deep breath to steady her nerves, she nocked an arrow, drew back the string of her new bow, and let it fly. The arrow found its mark, and the boar fell. Anya's first kill. A mix of triumph and a touch of sadness washed over her, but she knew this was part of the cycle.
They continued the hunt, Anya bagging several more boars, each kill a testament to her rapidly growing skill. Then, they transitioned to herbalism. This, Anya found, came naturally to her. A wave of nostalgia washed over her as she bent to examine a patch of wild garlic. Suddenly, she was a little girl again, following her mother through fields, learning to identify the edible plants that grew in abundance. Memories, bittersweet and vivid, filled her mind - her mother's gentle smile, the scent of the earth after a spring rain, the comforting weight of a basket filled with foraged treasures. These childhood excursions, once simple pastimes, were now proving invaluable. She quickly gathered a variety of herbs, her knowledge surprising even Robert. "You have a good eye," he commented, a hint of pride in his voice.
As dusk began to creep in, Anya checked her traps. Several rabbits, their fur the color of twilight, were ensnared. She dispatched them quickly and humanely, a task that became easier with practice. With the last rays of sunlight fading, Robert assisted her in setting up camp. He showed her the most efficient way to arrange their bedrolls and build a small fire pit, sharing tips gleaned from years spent in the wilderness. As darkness settled, a comfortable silence fell between them. They sat by the crackling fire, the events of the day a shared experience that had forged a deeper bond between them. Anya, exhausted but exhilarated, knew this was just the beginning of her journey. She had taken the first steps towards becoming a ranger, and in doing so, had discovered a strength and resilience within herself she hadn't known she possessed. The wilderness, once a place of childhood memories, was now her proving ground, her classroom, and her destiny.
The crackling fire cast long, dancing shadows as they settled in for the night. Robert, his gaze steady and thoughtful, addressed Anya. "Tomorrow," he began, his voice carrying a quiet intensity, "we delve into the heart of your training – magic. I've shared with you a selection of Tier 1 nature spells. These are your foundation, Anya. But for now, I want you to focus your energy on just three: Whispering Growth, Nature's Whisper, and Sun's Embrace. These will be your core, your starting point. Practice them, understand them, make them an extension of yourself." He leaned forward, emphasizing his next words. "Mastery is key. Don't just cast them, feel them. Understand the flow of energy, the subtle connection to the natural world. If you demonstrate true understanding, if you show me you've grasped the essence of these spells, and we have time to spare, then we might touch upon Dewdrop Cleanse. But that's secondary. Your priority is those first three."
He paused, giving her a chance to absorb his instructions. "Do you have any questions, Anya?" Anya shook her head, her expression determined. "No, Robert. I understand." They talked for a while longer, the conversation drifting to lighter topics, memories of their journey, and hopes for the future. Finally, as the embers of the fire began to glow a deeper red, Robert said, "Alright, off to bed with you both. I'll keep watch." He settled back against a log, his eyes fixed on the star-dusted sky, a silent guardian as Anya and Elara drifted off to sleep, the promise of a new day, and the challenge of magic, hanging in the air.