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.

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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!