The instant Robert stumbled back through the shimmering portal and into his living room, a wave of dread washed over him. He knew this wasn't going to be a pleasant homecoming. His daughter, Stacey, was curled up on the sofa, engrossed in a book. Her head snapped up at the sound of his arrival, and her eyes widened in horror at the sight of him. A blood-curdling scream tore from her throat, echoing through the house like a siren. Within seconds, the room was swarming with concerned family members, their faces etched with alarm. Sara, his wife, pushed her way to the front, her gaze locking onto Robert's mangled arm. "Robert! What in the world happened to you?" she demanded, her voice laced with panic. Their eyes were drawn to his injured arm, where the severed limb was already beginning to knit itself back together, a grotesque yet fascinating spectacle. While they knew Robert possessed this extraordinary healing ability, witnessing it firsthand was a different story altogether. This was the first time he had sustained such a grievous injury, and the shock was palpable. They understood he would eventually make a full recovery, but the sight of his mangled flesh and the knowledge of the pain he must be enduring filled them with a deep sense of unease. Until he was whole again, the cloud of worry would linger over their household.

True to Hal's prediction, Robert's arm regenerated within a day. It was a mesmerizing, albeit unsettling process to observe. At times, he could actually perceive the bones lengthening, the muscles knitting together, and the skin slowly creeping back to cover the raw flesh. A phantom tingling sensation accompanied the regrowth, an incessant itch he couldn't scratch. While intellectually fascinated, Robert found the experience viscerally disturbing. He decided it was definitely not a process he cared to repeat, or witness again, if he could help it. However, the discomfort was a small price to pay for a fully functional arm. He had to admit that six months ago, before gaining this extraordinary ability, such a recovery would have been unimaginable. He would have been left permanently maimed, his life irrevocably altered. Once the regeneration was complete and Robert was able to demonstrate to his family that his arm was whole and perfectly functional, the tension in the house eased somewhat. But the incident had left an indelible mark. They had always believed, or perhaps simply assumed, that Robert was somehow immune to the dangers of his interdimensional travels. Yesterday, that illusion of safety shattered. The reality of the perils he faced in those other worlds had crashed into their lives, leaving them shaken and vulnerable.

"So, Hal," Robert began, leaning back in his chair, "I've conquered all 50 floors with time to spare. Just a little over two weeks left. What am I supposed to do now? Twiddle my thumbs and wait?"

Not necessarily, you could choose to leave early, though I suspect that wouldn't appeal to you. I'm authorized to offer you another dungeon run in a few days. Something easier, just to bring your solo run count up to 50. Normally, the System limits participants to 50 runs, but since it commandeered one of yours for Elara's trial, it will offer a compensatory run to maintain fairness. It's entirely your choice, of course. No pressure either way.

"A compensatory run, huh?" Robert mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "So, a level 40 floor then? Nothing too challenging, and probably not much in the way of rewards. Still," he decided, "it's better than sitting around doing nothing. I'll take it."

Excellent choice, now, regarding your departure. It won't be a sudden, unceremonious expulsion. Three hours before your time is up, a portal will appear. You and Elara can pass through at your leisure.

"Good to know," Robert said, relieved. "Any hints about our destination?"

I can provide some general information, you'll be pleased to know it's a rather pleasant world, quite similar to Earth. Your destination is a small, peaceful town within a human-run kingdom. A few hundred inhabitants, at most. Unless you actively seek it out, danger should be minimal.

"Sounds like I landed on my feet, then," Robert said with a sigh of relief. "I'll let Elara know the good news." A wave of melancholy washed over him as the reality of his impending departure sank in. "It's almost over, Hal," he murmured, a touch of wistfulness in his voice. "I'll be leaving soon. What are my options? Do I wait 400 years and return, pretending nothing happened? Is there any way to get back here sooner? I'm a time mage, after all. Can't I just… rewind?"

I'm afraid not, and before you ask why, allow me to explain. Time travel is indeed possible. You already possess spells that allow glimpses into the future. At higher Tiers, there are spells that enable movement both forward and backward in time. To traverse 400 years, you would need one of the highest-tiered spells. But that's only part of the problem, time travel through the System requires its presence in the desired destination time. In your case, the System would need to be fully active here and now, which it isn't. Time travel functions because the System continuously records the quantum state of everything. It's a complex process, but the crux of the matter is that the System cannot send you back to a time where it doesn't exist.

"So, I'm stuck," Robert concluded, a hint of resignation in his voice. "Fate doesn't want me here, it seems." He shifted in his seat, a new thought arising. "What happens to you when I leave, Hal? My understanding was that you were here specifically to guide me. Will you still be with me when I leave?"

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

That's entirely your choice, you'll be given the option.

"Do you want to stay with me?" Robert asked sincerely. "I wouldn't want to force you."

I would like to remain, but ultimately, the decision lies with you.

A warm smile spread across Robert's face. "Well then, I'm afraid you're stuck with me." He chuckled. "Though I suspect there are worse fates."

Indeed there are.

Later that day, Robert gathered his family and relayed the information Hal had provided. Elara was particularly enthused about their impending move. "A town with a few hundred people?" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "My village had less than a hundred! This is going to be amazing!" Robert chuckled, her infectious enthusiasm easing some of his lingering apprehension. Sara, however, expressed concern about the upcoming final dungeon run. "Are you sure about this, Robert?" she asked, her brow furrowed with worry. "Even if it's just a level 40 floor..." "Relax, Sara," Robert reassured her, flashing a confident grin. "A level 40 dungeon is child's play at this point. I could probably run it with my eyes closed." "I know, I know," Sara replied with a sigh, her anxiety still lingering. "But I can't help but worry. Seeing you like that... without an arm... it was horrifying. It's not something I'll ever forget." She reached out and gently touched his now perfectly whole arm, a lingering trace of fear in her eyes. "Just promise me you'll be careful." Robert took her hand, his gaze softening. "I promise," he said sincerely. "Nothing is going to happen. This is just a formality, a final victory lap before we head home." He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, hoping to quell the fear that still flickered within her.

A few days later Robert ran his 51st dungeon run, as Hal said it was easy, Robert did not get hit a single time and finished in less than an hour. He did end up getting rewarded for it.

Feat Awarded - Dungeon Delver!

Random Rare Perk Awarded!

Whispers of the World

Feat Name Description Award Dungeon Delver You have proven yourself a master of solo dungeon exploration, conquering the depths and emerging victorious. Enhanced Durability(+5 Con when in dungeons), Lone Wolf(When solo in dungeons you do 2% more damage)

Perk Rank Perk Name Perk Description Rare Whispers of the World Your senses are preternaturally attuned to the subtle currents of the world around you, granting you the following benefits: Expanded Awareness: You gain a +3 bonus to Perception checks that rely on hearing or smell.

Dungeon run complete. Uncommon chest awarded.

Chest contains:

* Tier 2 Spell Scroll(Create Food and Water)

* One gold coin

Items added to user inventory.

Thank you for completing The Training Dungeon!

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Name: Scroll of Create Food and Water

Tier: 2, Uncommon

Sphere(s): Earth, Water

Description: The caster summons a single basic meal that provides enough food and water for one person for a day.

Charges: 1

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