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.

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

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.