Robert stepped into the bustling room, a sea of anxious faces. Families huddled together, their eyes filled with worry. The four defenders ushered him towards a back room, where a young woman was tending to a wounded man. His body was marred with deep gashes, blood seeping through the makeshift bandages.

"Dwalin's lost a lot of blood," the woman said, her voice filled with concern. "I’ve stopped the bleeding, but without a true healer, he may not make it."

"We’ll have to send someone to High Watch," one of the defenders suggested. Robert stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the injured man. "No need for that. Let me try." The woman, surprised, raised an eyebrow. "You can heal?"

Robert nodded. "A little. I have a Tier 3 healing spell. Let’s see if it’s enough." As he spoke, a radiant beam of light erupted from his hand, striking the wounded man. The light pulsed and throbbed, and as it faded, the wounds began to close, disappearing before their eyes. Dwalin’s breathing steadied, his color returning.

Exhausted, Robert sank to his knees. "That was… a lot." The woman was speechless. "A Tier 3 healing spell? That’s more than most healers in High Watch could manage!"

The man who’d helped Robert into the hall approached, his voice a low rumble. “Greetings, stranger. I’m Rhys. With me are Kael, Moromir, and Kaelan. The injured man is Dwalin. And you are…?”

Before he could finish, the woman interjected. “Thank you for healing him, sir. My name is Calla.”

Robert nodded, his breath still ragged. “It’s a pleasure. I’m Robert Williams. As soon as I recover, I’ll see to anyone else who needs healing. But if there’s an urgent case, you can use this rod.” He held out his rod of healing.

“Dwalin was the only one seriously hurt here,” Rhys explained. “But we’ll need to search the village for survivors and goblin threats.”

Robert nodded. “I found two families hiding in their homes. One man didn’t make it, and two families were killed. The village seems clear from the south, at least.”

"Well, Robert, we appreciate your help, but what brings you to a small village like ours?" Rhys asked, his curiosity evident.

Robert paused. "Before we get to that, who was the old man with the orb?"

The woman, Calla, answered, her voice filled with sorrow. "That was Elder Darian, my grandfather. He gave his life to protect us."

"I’m sorry for your loss," Robert said, his tone sincere. "It’s never easy losing family."

He turned back to Rhys. "As for why I’m here, well, the System sent me. I was supposed to be in a dungeon, but plans changed, it seems."

Kael’s eyes widened. "You mean, you were given a System Quest to come here?"

Robert nodded, a thoughtful look on his face. "I guess so. I must’ve missed the notification. But it seems I was tasked with saving your village."

Rhys raised an eyebrow. "Why our village? And why send someone of your level? I’m level 30, and even I struggled to hold them off."

"Hal," Robert thought, "How much should I tell them?"

They're part of the System. They know to stay out of its way, but they also seem to have a good heart. I believe you can confide in them.

A moment later, Robert’s expression turned serious. "I’m not from this universe. My universe isn’t part of the System yet. I’ve been chosen to as part of the test to bring the System to my universe. I was in a training dungeon when the System redirected me here."

Rhys was stunned. "You’re a Forerunner? That’s incredible. So, the System used us to train you? Well, I guess it worked out for us."

“Is this normal around here? These goblin attacks?” Robert asked, curiosity piqued.

“No, this is unprecedented,” Rhys admitted. “We’re not sure where they came from.”

The group spent the next few hours tending to the wounded and burying the dead. Robert, having recovered his mana, used his healing magic to aid those who were injured. As the sun began to set, a sense of grim determination settled over the village. They had survived, tomorrow would bring a new day, but here would be a tomorrow.

The following few hours were filled with sorrow and recovery. Robert used his healing magic to aid the injured, and the villagers buried their fallen. As the sun began to set, a somber silence hung over the village.

Later that evening, at the inn, a young girl, perhaps thirteen, approached their table. Her eyes were red and swollen, her face etched with grief. “What am I supposed to do?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper. Calla, her voice filled with compassion, replied, “Elara, I’m so sorry for your loss. Do you know where your nearest relatives live?”

Elara shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “Mommy never told me. I should have been home, but I was enjoying the day and took my time.”

Robert exchanged a worried glance with Rhys. “Elara’s family was one of the ones you found dead,” Rhys explained quietly. “She’s all alone now.”

“I have no one,” Elara sobbed. “I’m too young to take care of myself.”

Robert looked at Rhys. “She’s too young to use the System, right? Can’t level or anything?” Rhys nodded grimly. “Not until she turns fifteen."

"And the village?" Robert asked, hope dwindling. "Can they take her in?" Rhys shook his head, a somber sigh escaping his lips. "The goblins destroyed our fields. We're barely going to survive the winter. Some families may have to leave."

"So what are her options?" Robert pressed, desperation creeping into his voice. "I'll have someone take her to High Watch and turn her over to the mayor. He'll either find a family to take her in or put her on a caravan to a larger city," Rhys replied. "The problem is, that costs a lot. And since she can't pay, she'll be bonded to the caravan master until she works off the debt."

Robert's eyes widened in horror. "Wait, so if no one takes her in, she'll be sold into virtual servitude?"

Rhys nodded, his tone apologetic. "It's not exactly slavery. It's a work bond. She'll be forced to work for the caravan master until she pays him back."

"How much would it cost to send her to a larger town?" Robert asked, his voice filled with urgency. "About five or six gold pieces, I'd guess," Rhys replied.

"Six gold to ride on the back of a wagon?" Robert exclaimed, incredulous. "What are these wagons made of, dragon bone?"

Rhys sighed. "The next large town from High Watch is about a month's travel. It covers food, security, and profit. It's not ideal, but it's the norm."

There is another option

"Nope, don't even think about it Hal" Robert snapped.

Calla, confused, looked around. "Who is Hal?"

"Sorry, Hal is a System AI assigned to me during training," Robert explained.

"What's an AI?" Calla asked, her brow furrowed. "An AI is an artificial intelligence, a mini-System that helps me understand things," Robert replied. "So you have a personal connection to the System?" Rhys asked, intrigued.

"Not exactly. Hal isn't the System; he's an Artificial Being created by it. He provides information and help," Robert clarified.

"Okay, I'm not sure I fully understand, but I won't worry about it. So what did Hal say?" Calla asked.

"He told me there's another option, and I don't like the sound of it," Robert replied, his tone grave.

I did not say it was a good option, only that there was another one. Normally I'm not allowed to tell you about other users, but I'm allowed to make an exception. Ask Elara about her Trait.

"What about her Trait?" Robert asked, his voice filled with curiosity. Elara's face paled, her eyes darting nervously. "No one knows about that, not even Mamma and Pappa," she whispered.

Rhys, ever the gentle giant, offered a reassuring smile. "It's okay, child. No one here will judge you."

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

"It's called 'Born in Power'," Elara confessed her voice barely a murmur. Calla, intrigued, urged her on. "Can you read us the System description?"

Elara hesitated, then began to read in a quiet voice: "This rare and powerful trait imbues its bearer with an extraordinary affinity for magic. Those blessed with this trait possess the potential to unlock and master not just one, but four distinct spheres of magic, offering unparalleled versatility and power. Furthermore, this trait grants a significant advantage in the pursuit of higher-tier classes, increasing the likelihood of attaining a more potent and prestigious class."

A heavy silence fell over the table as the implications of Elara's revelation sunk in. Rhys was the first to speak, his voice grave, "No one can know about this. If word gets out, every noble house in the kingdom will be vying for her. They would force her to take binding oaths, perhaps even force a marriage, all to harness her power for their own gain."

Calla's brow furrowed. "What do we do, then? We're just farmers. We know nothing of the kingdom's elite."

Robert turned to Hal in his mind, "What are you thinking?"

Simple. You take her with you and train her yourself.

Robert's mind raced. "Are you crazy? First, how could I train her? I'm still learning myself. Second, how could I take her? And third, what happens when my time here is up and I'm sent to another world?"

This is why the System sent you here: to give her a chance. The training you're receiving is preparing you, but you're not the only one it's looking after. Elara has a future the System is invested in. If you agree to take her, the System will send her with you. As for your time on Earth, she goes with you. You'll be her teacher and she'll be your student until she's ready to stand on her own.

Robert hesitated. "I'm barely able to protect myself. How can I protect a child?"

You're not considering your potential power. You have a Mythical class, Robert. You'll likely gain at least a Legendary profession and second class, possibly even Mythical. With that kind of power, few will pose a threat.

Robert countered, "There must be more powerful beings out there."

There are, but they're not common. Most beings you'll encounter will be ordinary users with common or uncommon classes. Many will outlevel you, but levels aren't the deciding factor.

Robert pressed, "What are you getting at?"

Let's ignore class abilities for a moment and focus on stats. As a Tier G Human, your average stats are 10 each, totaling 70 at level 10. Common classes grant 3 stat points per level, so at level 20, an average user would have 100 points. Mythical classes, however, grant 10 points per level, totaling 170 at level 20.

At level 20 you gain a profession and a common profession grants 2 points per level, so at level 50, a common user would have around 250 points. A Legendary profession grants 6 points, and a Mythical grants 7. So, at level 50, you could have 640 or 670 points. Those extra points translate to thousands of extra mana, health, strength, and a longer lifespan. Add in the skill point advantage of Mythical classes, and you're significantly more powerful.

After that you put back in Class Abilities and a high-tier class dominates a common or uncommon class.

Robert was stunned. "It sounds like the System is setting me up to be some kind of overlord."

Your actions determine your destiny. You could choose a less powerful path. The System offers opportunities, but how you seize them is up to you. Taking Elara is a chance to make a difference, but it's your choice.

Robert sighed. "I know I can't leave her. I'd never forgive myself."

The System respects your decision. If you choose not to, you'll still be rewarded, but differently.

"There really isn't a choice and you know it. I think you know me well enough to know that I'd not leave her here, knowing bad things will probably happen to her." Robert snapped.

Again the choice to have personal honor is your choice, the System isn't forcing it on you.

Robert chuckled bitterly. "So, the System's a bit of an ass, huh?"

The System knows your feelings and honestly doesn't care.

Robert grinned. "A real ass, then."

"Robert!" a voice called. "What?" Robert asked, snapping out of his thoughts. "You were ignoring us and didn't respond when we asked what you thought," Calla chided.

"Oh, sorry. I was just having a chat with Hal," Robert replied. "About what?" Rhys inquired. "Elara," Robert answered.

"What about her, Robert?" Calla pressed. "It seems the System wants me to take her with me and train her. She might be the real reason I was sent here," Robert explained.

Hidden Quest Unlocked

Rhys smiled, "Well, you did save our village. I guess this is a bonus."

Quest Complete!

Robert chuckled as a treasure chest materialized on the table. "By the gods, what just happened?" Moromir exclaimed. "Seems the System didn't consider my village-saving quest complete until you confirmed it," Robert explained. "So, this chest is my reward. Let's see what our village is worth."

Dungeon run complete. Rare chest awarded.

Chest contains:

* One skill book (Alchemy)

* Five gold coins

* One unlocked skill tokens

* One Rare Shop Token

Items added to user inventory.

Thank you for visiting The Training Dungeon!

"A skill book! I've never seen one of those before. And Alchemy? That must be worth at least 50 gold," Moromir exclaimed. "That's a grand reward." The chest vanished, leaving no portal behind. "Guess there's no going home until we decide about Elara," Robert mused.

"That's not up to you," Calla pointed out. "Oh, I know. I was just thinking out loud," Robert replied, turning to Elara. "Elara, the System has given you a choice. You can stay here, and I'll provide the gold to send you to a larger city to find your own path. Or, you can come with me, and I'll do my best to train you to be a powerful mage."

Elara whispered, "So, I can stay here and risk being controlled by a family I don't like, or I can go with you, someone I barely know."

Robert explained, "I have a wife and three children. You'd live with us for five months, then we'd be sent to a random world. I'm a Forerunner, so it's my destiny. I'm saying this because I have no idea where we'll end up. You might be safer with a family you dislike than with me in the unknown." Elara gasped, "I just got a quest! I've never gotten a quest before."

"It's called 'Walk Your Path.' I have two options: go with you or not. It says, 'Go with Robert and gain a teacher and protector, or stay and gain a ???'" Elara said, confused. "What do the question marks mean?"

Robert replied, "It means two things: one, that option leads to an unknown future, and two, the System is an ass. But seriously, the System gave you two options, one with a known positive outcome and one that's completely unknown. Who would choose the unknown? The System just made you think you had a choice."

Calla agreed, "You're right. That was a jerk move." Robert smiled at Calla, then turned back to Elara. "I'm sorry to rush you, but you need to decide."

Elara sighed. "I guess there really is no choice." She made her decision.

Hidden Quest Complete!

Level Up!

"I completed my quest! It says my reward is a new teacher and something else that's locked until I turn fifteen," Elara exclaimed. "Great. So, Elara, we'll need to leave soon. Do you have anything you need to get from home?" Robert asked. "Not much, but I'd like to grab a few family items. Can I go home to pack?" Elara asked.

"I'll go help you," Calla said to Elara and they left together.

"About your village," Robert began, "Can you buy enough food from High Watch to last until the next harvest?"

Rhys sighed. "We could, but it would cost a lot. There are fifteen families left, and each needs about fifty silver for food. Plus, transportation would cost another fifty silver, so we're looking at about eight gold." He shook his head. "I doubt we can scrape together more than two or three gold."

"No problem," Robert said. "Take the five gold from the chest, and I'll give you another three hundred silver. I'm also leaving you my Healing Rod, just in case."

Rhys was taken aback. "That's too much. You already risked your life for us. We can't take your gold."

"It's just money. I'll earn more," Robert insisted.

"And the rod? That's worth several gold. We can't take that either," Rhys protested.

"The rod isn't worth much to me. I've made several others like it. I'll just replace it," Robert explained. Rhys's eyes widened. "Wait, you're an enchanter?"

"Wait, you are an enchanter?" Rhys asked in disbelief. Robert nodded. "It's not that hard, really. In fact, if you have some oak rods, I can make you a few more, or something else, if you want."

If you're serious about enchanting, you should take the skill. While your magic is powerful, the skill would let you stack your abilities and create even more potent items. Plus, you might be offered Enchanting as a profession, which would take your skills to the next level.

Robert checked his skill list, found Enchanting, and without hesitation, took it. Soon after, he was presented with several oak rods and staves. He began working on the rods, adding the Healing spell to two of them. The skill, combined with his magic sphere, allowed him to enhance the rods, increasing their charge count and healing power.

For the staves, he chose different enchantments: Nature's Wrath for one and Earth Bind for the other. Just as he finished, Elara returned with several bags. Robert took them and stored them in his inventory.

"Are you ready?" he asked. "Remember, we might never come back, so say your goodbyes." Elara hugged everyone goodbye and then stood beside Robert. "I'm ready," she said.

As soon as she finished, a portal appeared. Robert shook hands with everyone, then led Elara through the portal.