As Robert and Elara stepped through the portal, his family awaited them. "Robert! You're back!" Sara exclaimed. "That took forever... And who's this young girl with you?"
"Master, she's speaking strangely," Elara whispered. "She's using English, our language. I'll use my teaching skill to share it with you."
"Daddy, you sound funny too!" Stacey giggled. "Are you speaking Pig Latin?" Robert chuckled. "No, princess. I'm speaking System Common. It's one of the main languages on System Worlds."
"It sounds silly," Stacey replied. "Elara thinks English sounds silly too. I guess you two have something in common." Robert agreed with a smile.
"Elara?" Sara questioned. "It's a long story," Robert explained. "Let's sit down. After I share English with Elara, I'll tell you everything."
Placing his hand on Elara's head, Robert activated the skill. "Master, it's asking if I want to learn English as a Language subskill at level 2. Is that okay?" Elara inquired. Robert smiled. "Yes, Elara. Accept the skill."
Once Elara had mastered English, Robert began to recount his journey, sharing tales of the village and the battles he had fought. As he spoke of the families he couldn't save, a wave of sadness washed over him. Sara, sensing his sorrow, moved to comfort him.
Robert concluded his story, explaining how Elara had become involved and the System's offer to make him her teacher.
"John, please move the items from the spare bedroom to the den for now. Robert can figure things out later," Sara instructed. "Stacey, help Elara unpack and settle in."
With tasks assigned, everyone dispersed. In the privacy of their office, Sara began, "Robert, what the System did, sending you there, was wrong. You didn't deserve that."
"I don't think it was malicious," Robert replied. "The attack happened, and the System took advantage of the situation. It didn't cause the attack, but it recognized my potential and Elara's. I believe it has a plan for both of us."
"What grand plans could the System have for a child?" Sara questioned. Robert smiled. "I think it doesn't see age. Consider this: I'm 51, a bit old to be starting a new adventure." Sara paused, studying his face. "Hon, you don't look 51. More like early 40s."
"Really?" Robert asked, heading to the bathroom to examine his reflection. He returned, nodding in agreement. "It's the stat changes. I put points into Constitution, boosting it above 20. I guess one of the side effects, besides a longer life, is a youthful appearance."
"I don't mind a younger you," Sara admitted, "but if this keeps up, the neighbors will start to notice. What happens when you look like you're in your thirties or twenties again?"
"It's too late to reverse the aging process that far," Robert explained. "Hal says I won't go younger than my mid-thirties."
"That's not funny, hon," Sara retorted. "People will notice."
Robert chuckled. "We knew this would happen eventually. And I think in a few more levels, I'll be beyond anyone's reach here. I'll make sure you and the kids are protected too."
Later that evening, Robert and Elara sat in his office. "Elara, you have the potential to learn four spheres of magic. Do you have any preferences?" He handed her a list of spheres he was familiar with, along with their associated spells.
Elara studied the list. "What do you think I should learn, Master?"
Robert smiled. "That's not the question, Elara. The question is, what do you want to learn? This is your future, and these four spheres are your foundation. Take your time, but don't delay too long."
After a moment, Elara spoke. "I want to protect others, fight, and heal the injured. Is that possible?"
"Absolutely," Robert replied. "Healing covers the healing aspect, and many elemental spheres, like Air, can be used for both protection and attack. Let's consider Healing, Air, and Light. These three spheres would fulfill your goals."
He pulled out a sheet of paper and began to write. "Now, you have one more sphere to choose. This one is for fun. What interests you?"
"Why for fun? Shouldn't I pick something practical?" Elara asked, confused.
"Elara, I'm more powerful than you, and I'll always have an advantage. What's important is that you're happy and capable. You've already chosen three practical spheres. This last one is yours to enjoy."
"There are over 30 spheres of magic," Robert continued, "and you can choose any one. I can unlock an extra sphere for you, but I won't have any pre-learned spells. However, the System usually finds a way to provide them, either through quests or the shop."
Elara thought for a moment. "Mommy once told me about a mage who performed amazing illusions. I'd like to learn something like that."
"Illusion, huh? That's a great choice. It could be useful for both of us. We can learn it together," Robert suggested.
"Yes, please!" Elara exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
With that, Robert used his last skill point to unlock the Illusion sphere and shared it with Elara.
"I got a feat!" Elara exclaimed, surprised. "It's called Polymathic Prodigy. It gives me a 10% bonus to spells from my four spheres and a 5% bonus to skill experience in those spheres."
Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
Robert chuckled. "That's a great bonus. What level did you unlock the spheres?"
"Tier 1, level 9," Elara replied.
"Good. With that bonus, we should be able to get three of those spheres to Tier 2 before we leave in five months. That will be a significant advantage."
Robert pulled out his Tier 1 spellbook and handed it to Elara. “This book contains every Tier 1 spell for Air, Healing, and Light. Look through it and pick two spells from each school. I’ll review your choices tomorrow. If I approve, you can start studying them. I’m not sure how that will work without full System access, though.”
She can study them fine, she just doesn't have access to her System Spellbook yet, but she can add spells to it, she just cannot view it or use them yet.
“Good news is you can study and learn spells,” Robert told Elara. “You just can’t access your System Spellbook yet. Once you turn 15, you’ll have full access.”
Elara checked her status. “My status says I have 14 Earth days until I turn 15,” she said.
“Perfect,” Robert replied. “We have plenty of time to learn a few dozen spells. Then the real fun begins.”
The next morning, Elara sat with Robert, pointing out the spells she had chosen. To his surprise, she had selected three healing and three defensive spells, all focused on protection and support.
“Why these six?” Robert asked, curious about her choices.
“Father used to say that the best defense is a strong defense,” Elara replied, her voice filled with a touch of sadness. “I want to honor his teachings.”
“Those are the words of a wise man,” Robert said, understanding her sentiment. “You’ve done well to learn from him. These six spells are an excellent choice. Spend today and tomorrow studying them. And remember, it’s okay to grieve for your family. If you need to talk, Sara and I are here to listen, no judgment.”
Things continued for the next few days, Elara learned her first six spells and then picked six more, this time all healing spells, still not offensive spells, which Robert was fine with. He knew that in time she would select some, but for now, there was no need. Soon should would probably be a better healer than him, which would be perfect because he felt that the System would probably force her to go with him on his dungeon runs and he wanted to make sure she could protect herself and if needed take over healing so he could focus on defending them and attacking their enemies.
During this time Robert spent all of his free time crafting items to sell to the System Shop. His plan was to have enough goods to sell to buy the books he needed.
Five days after he returned with Elara, it was time for another run. While standing at the portal he wished his family well and told Elara to keep studying until he returned. "Robert I'm scared, what if it's like last time, what if it's too dangerous?" Elara asked him, fear in her voice.
"One of the things I've learned is that the System is firm but fair. I will be challenged, but not by things I cannot overcome if I put in the effort." With those words, he entered the portal.
Welcome, adventurer. You have entered Dungeon 7883667HG8776DE985762763FF7-1, currently known as The Training Dungeon. You are now on the Seventh Floor.
Wasting no time Robert went to the store and sold off all of the items he had crafted, 85 Rods of healing, 35 cloaks, and 10 staves, which earned him 138 gold coins. Moving to the items for sell he pulled up the list:
Item Name Item Tier Item Rarity Item cost Item Description Food Ration 1 common 2 copper
A basic daily food ration.
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. Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Fire 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Fire spells. Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Air 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Air spells. Tier 2 Spell Book of Elemental Earth 2 uncommon 10 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Earth spells. Tier 2 Spell Book of Healing 2 uncommon 50 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 2 Healing spells. Tier 1 Spell Book of Illusion 2 uncommon 5 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 1 Illusion spells. Tier 1 Spell Book of Nature 2 uncommon 5 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 1 Nature spells. Tier 1 Spell Book of Gravity 2 rare 25 gold This book contains 25 random Tier 1 Gravity spells.
"Hal, why is the Gravity book so much more expensive than the other Tier 1 books?" Robert asked.
Because Gravity is a rare Sphere of magic, one not many people learn. Because it's a rare book it commands a higher price.
Robert shook his head, purchased all the books, and exited the room. As soon as he stepped out, he found himself in a dense forest.