THE SYSTEM OF THE FALLEN PRINCE CHAPTER 4: THE GRIND
Day 1 of 3 - Morning
I woke at dawn to the sound of ARIA's voice in my head.
[Daily Quest activated. I recommend completing the physical training first, then focusing on skill acquisition.]
"Good morning to you too," I muttered, rolling out of bed.
My body still ached from yesterday's fight, but it was a distant ache—manageable. The level up had healed most of the strain. I pulled up my status and examined my daily quest.
Two hundred of each exercise. Double yesterday's amount. The system was scaling difficulty as I grew stronger.
Smart. Annoying, but smart.
I got started.
Three hours later
[Daily Quest Complete!]
[Reward: +1 AGI, +25 EXP]
[Current EXP: 45/300]
[Agility increased to 16!]
I collapsed in the courtyard, drenched in sweat. The morning sun was fully up now, and the destroyed fountain from last night had already been cleared away. Someone—probably Elara—had arranged for the debris to be removed and the area cleaned.
"One stat point per day," I panted. "At this rate, I can gain thirty stat points in a month just from daily training."
[Correct. However, the system will continue scaling difficulty. Eventually, the daily quest will require efforts beyond simple calisthenics. Weighted training, advanced techniques, and so forth.]
"Cross that bridge when we get there."
I stood and stretched, feeling the new agility point settle into my body. I was noticeably lighter on my feet now, movements more fluid.
A notification pinged:
[Skill Progress: Sprint Lv.1 → 47% to Lv.2]
Using [Sprint] during the run had increased its proficiency. Everything I did contributed to growth somehow.
"ARIA, what's the fastest way to level skills?"
[Repeated use under challenging conditions. For combat skills, actual combat provides the most experience. For utility skills, creative application accelerates growth. For example, your [Improvised Weaponry] skill would level faster if you fought using different improvised weapons rather than the same poker repeatedly.]
Made sense. Variety bred mastery.
I heard footsteps approaching and turned to see Elara carrying a tray with breakfast—fresh bread, cheese, dried meat, and what looked like a healing potion.
"Good morning, my lord," she said, setting the tray on one of the stone benches. "I brought extra food. You'll need the energy if you're planning more... training." She glanced at where the fountain used to be.
I activated [Observe] out of habit:
[ELARA MOSS] Level: 8 Class: Servant HP: 140/140 MP: 75/75 (Dormant) Affinity: Wind (Unawakened) Relationship: Loyal (72/100) Threat Level: None Skills Detected: - [Cooking Lv.3] - [Cleaning Lv.4] - [First Aid Lv.2]
Interesting. She had actual skills that registered on the system. Did everyone have them, or just certain people?
"Thank you, Elara. And thank you for handling the fountain situation."
She waved a hand dismissively. "The palace has plenty of old junk lying around. I told them you were practicing combat forms and accidentally destroyed it. They barely cared—this section of the palace is practically abandoned anyway."
I sat and ate while she fussed over the courtyard, sweeping away ash residue and checking the oil lamps to make sure they were secure.
"Elara," I said between bites. "You mentioned you can't use magic. You never awakened?"
She paused in her sweeping. "No, my lord. Commoners don't get access to the Awakening Stone unless they can afford it, and my family..." She shrugged. "We couldn't."
"But you have magical potential. I can sense it."
Her eyes widened. "You can? But how? You don't have mana."
Good question. I needed a cover story.
"I've been studying magical theory," I lied smoothly. "Without the ability to cast, I've focused on understanding the fundamentals. Your breathing pattern suggests latent wind affinity."
It was complete nonsense, but she seemed to buy it.
"Wind affinity," she murmured, looking at her hands. "I always wondered..."
An idea formed. "Would you like to train with me?"
"Train? My lord, I'm just a servant—"
"A servant who's loyal and capable. If you can awaken your magic and gain combat skills, you'd be a valuable ally. Plus..." I grinned. "I could use a sparring partner."
[Warning: Training a servant in combat could attract unwanted attention.]
[Counterpoint: A loyal, combat-capable ally would significantly increase your survival chances.]
ARIA arguing with herself was always entertaining.
Elara looked torn between excitement and fear. "If the Queen found out—"
"Then we train in secret. Here, in my abandoned courtyard where no one comes. What do you say?"
She bit her lip, then nodded firmly. "Yes. I want to be stronger. I'm tired of being helpless."
[Quest Updated: The Guardian's Path]
[New Objective Added: Train an ally (0/1)]
[Bonus Reward: +100 EXP upon completion]
Perfect.
"Then we start tomorrow morning. For now..." I finished my breakfast and stood. "I need to acquire better equipment."
Day 1 - Afternoon
The palace had an armory, but it was restricted to guards and knights. As a disgraced prince with no military role, I had no access.
However, the palace also had storage rooms. Lots of them.
I spent two hours exploring the Crescent Wing's dusty corridors and forgotten chambers, using [Observe] on everything I found.
Most of it was junk. Broken furniture, moth-eaten tapestries, cracked pottery.
But in one locked room—which I picked using a bent fork and some determination—I hit the jackpot.
[Old Storage Room] Contents detected: - Aged Training Sword (Damaged) - Leather Armor Set (Poor Quality) - Basic Alchemy Kit (Incomplete) - Various Crafting Materials - Historical Documents
The sword was rusty and had a crack along the blade, but it was still better than a fireplace poker.
[Aged Training Sword] Damage: 8-12 Durability: 15/50 Quality: Poor Effect: None "A practice blade from decades past. Needs repair."
The leather armor was in slightly better shape:
[Leather Armor Set] Defense: +5 Durability: 30/60 Quality: Poor Effect: None "Basic protection. Better than nothing."
I equipped both immediately. The armor was stiff and uncomfortable, but my defense stat increased:
[Defense: 5 → 10]
The alchemy kit was missing several components, but ARIA identified what was there:
[Basic Alchemy Kit (Incomplete): Contains mortar, pestle, three glass vials, and a heating stand. Can create simple potions with appropriate ingredients.]
"Can I make healing potions?"
[With the correct ingredients, yes. Common healing potions require: Red Moss, Spring Water, and Honey. Difficulty: Beginner. Success rate for someone with no alchemy skill: 35%.]
"Where do I find Red Moss?"
[It grows in damp, dark places. The palace gardens likely have some near the northern wall where sunlight is limited.]
A side quest for later.
The historical documents were mostly boring—old tax records and correspondence. But one caught my eye:
[Personal Journal - Former Prince Marcus Valenheart]
I opened it carefully. The pages were yellowed and fragile, but the writing was still legible.
"Year 237, Third Moon - Father has declared me unfit for succession. My younger brother will inherit instead. He says I am too weak, too scholarly. That a prince must be a warrior. But what good is strength without wisdom? What good is power without understanding?"
I flipped through more entries. Prince Marcus had been a scholar-prince who'd been passed over for the throne two hundred years ago. His journal detailed his studies of magic theory, combat tactics, and political philosophy.
It was essentially a manual for surviving as a weak prince in a strength-obsessed family.
[Skill Book Detected: Would you like to learn from this journal?]
"Yes!"
[Learning...]
[New Skill Unlocked: Tactical Thinking Lv.1]
[Effect: +5% to learning speed for strategy-based skills. Improved pattern recognition in combat situations.]
I grinned. This was exactly what I needed.
I spent the rest of the afternoon reading Marcus's journal cover to cover, absorbing two centuries of accumulated knowledge.
Day 1 - Evening
Lyria arrived after dark, using a servant's entrance to avoid detection.
"I spoke to the guard," she said without preamble. "He'll let us into the Training Rift in three days, but only for two hours. After that, the guild rotation changes and he can't cover for us."
"Two hours is enough. What level range is the rift?"
"Five to ten. Mostly slimes, goblins, and dire rats. Nothing too dangerous for trained parties." She eyed my leather armor. "You'll need better gear than that."
"Working on it. What about you? What do you need?"
She pulled a small bag from her cloak, revealing several mana potions and a silver wand.
[Frost Wand - Apprentice Grade] Magic Damage: 15-20 (Ice) MP Cost: 5 per cast Durability: 80/80 Quality: Good Effect: [Ice Bolt] - Fires a projectile of frozen magic
"I'm set for equipment," she said. "But I'm worried about you. You're level three going into a level five to ten zone."
"I'll be level four or five by then," I assured her. "And I'm working on skills and tactics."
She still looked skeptical. "Cassian, I know you killed that Shadow Hound, but that was luck—"
"It wasn't luck. It was preparation meeting opportunity." I showed her my status screen—something only I could see, but I described it aloud. "Every stat point matters. Every skill I learn gives me an edge. I'm not strong yet, but I'm growing. Fast."
Lyria studied me for a long moment. "You really have changed. The old Cassian would have given up."
"The old Cassian jumped off a tower," I said quietly. "I'm not him anymore."
She accepted that with a nod. "Alright. Three days. Don't die before then."
"I'll do my best."
After she left, I reviewed my progress:
╔════════════════════════════════╗ ║ CASSIAN VALENHEART ║ ╠════════════════════════════════╣ ║ Level: 3 ║ ║ EXP: 45/300 ║ ║ ║ ║ HP: 150/150 ║ ║ MP: 0/0 (LOCKED) ║ ║ Stamina: 140/140 ║ ║ Defense: 10 ║ ╚════════════════════════════════╝ ╔═══════ ATTRIBUTES ═══════╗ ║ STRENGTH: 13 ║ ║ AGILITY: 16 ║ ║ CONSTITUTION: 13 ║ ║ INTELLIGENCE: 18 ║ ║ WISDOM: 19 ║ ║ CHARISMA: 9 ║ ╚══════════════════════════╝ ╔═══════ SKILLS ═══════╗ ║ [Observe Lv.1] ║ ║ [Sprint Lv.1] ║ ║ [Improvised Weaponry ║ ║ Lv.1] ║ ║ [Tactical Thinking ║ ║ Lv.1] ║ ╚═══════════════════════╝ ╔═══════ EQUIPMENT ═══════╗ ║ Weapon: Aged Training ║ ║ Sword (8-12 dmg)║ ║ Armor: Leather Set ║ ║ (+5 defense) ║ ╚════════════════════════╝
Three days to gain two more levels and improve my skills.
I could do this.
Day 2 - Morning
[Daily Quest Complete!]
[Reward: +1 STR, +25 EXP]
[Strength increased to 14!]
[Current EXP: 70/300]
Elara joined me for the morning training session. I taught her basic combat stances—how to stand, how to move, how to keep her balance.
[Skill: Teaching Lv.1 acquired]
[Effect: Students learn 10% faster when you instruct them.]
We spent two hours drilling fundamentals. She was clumsy at first but learned quickly. By the end of the session, she could hold a proper guard stance and execute a basic thrust.
[Quest Progress: Train an ally (23%)]
"You're a natural," I told her.
She beamed. "Really?"
"Your agility is higher than average for your level. You'll excel at speed-based combat once you get the basics down."
[Relationship with Elara increased to: Devoted (81/100)]
After training, I ventured into the palace gardens to search for Red Moss.
Day 2 - Afternoon
Finding Red Moss turned out to be easier than expected. ARIA's detection system highlighted it growing on the north wall, exactly where she'd predicted.
I harvested enough for three attempts at potion-making, along with honey from the kitchen (Elara's access) and spring water from the garden well.
Back in my room, I set up the alchemy kit and got to work.
[Attempting to craft: Minor Healing Potion]
[Your Alchemy Skill: 0]
[Success Rate: 35%]
[Rolling...]
My first attempt exploded. Literally. The vial shattered, spraying red moss paste across the wall.
[Failure. Material lost.]
[Alchemy experience gained: +15]
Second attempt: I adjusted the heat and mixing ratio based on what went wrong before.
[Rolling...]
The mixture turned the right pink color and started glowing faintly.
[Success!]
[Minor Healing Potion created!]
[Quality: Poor]
[Effect: Restores 30 HP over 10 seconds]
[Skill Unlocked: Alchemy Lv.1]
[Effect: +10% success rate on potion crafting, +5% potion effectiveness]
I pumped my fist in victory. My third attempt also succeeded, giving me two healing potions total.
[Alchemy has reached Lv.1! Success rate is now 45% for basic potions.]
Not bad for a few hours of work.
Day 2 - Evening
I spent the evening practicing sword forms in the courtyard. The training sword was poorly balanced, but repetition built muscle memory.
[Skill Progress: Basic Sword Mastery - 156/1000 swings required]
After five hundred swings, my arms felt like they'd fall off, but the progress bar had moved:
[Basic Sword Mastery: 656/1000]
Getting close.
Lyria stopped by again, this time bringing a gift—a small leather bag filled with silver coins.
"What's this?"
"Dungeon entry fee," she explained. "Even though my guard friend is letting us in, we need to register as a temporary party. It's fifty silver."
I stared at the coins. "Where did you get this?"
"I've been saving my allowance. And I... may have sold some of Mother's jewelry that she never wears." She grinned mischievously.
[Relationship with Lyria increased to: Trusted Ally (70/100)]
"You're insane," I said, but I was smiling.
"Says the person who fought a Shadow Hound with a poker."
Fair point.
We discussed strategy for the dungeon. Lyria would handle long-range magic attacks. I would engage in melee and protect her if anything got close.
Classic mage-fighter combo.
"Just don't die," she said seriously. "If you die, I lose my best chance at a future that isn't under Daemon's thumb."
"And here I thought you cared about me as a person."
"That too," she admitted. "You're the only family member who doesn't treat me like a political tool."
After she left, I continued training late into the night.
Day 3 - Morning
[Daily Quest Complete!]
[Reward: +1 CON, +25 EXP]
[Constitution increased to 14!]
[Current EXP: 95/300]
[HP increased to 160!]
Elara's combat training was progressing well. She'd unlocked her first skill:
[Elara has learned: Basic Footwork Lv.1]
She was ecstatic. "I have a skill! An actual combat skill!"
"Keep training and you'll have dozens," I encouraged her.
[Quest Progress: Train an ally (67%)]
Almost there.
Day 3 - Afternoon
Final preparation time. I needed to push to level four before entering the dungeon tonight.
"ARIA, what's the fastest way to gain the remaining 205 experience points?"
[Combat provides the most experience. However, you could also complete skill-based challenges. For example, finishing the sword mastery training would grant significant experience.]
I had 656 out of 1000 swings completed. I could finish that.
I spent the next three hours in focused, repetitive practice. Swing. Step. Return. Swing. Step. Return.
My arms burned. My shoulders screamed. But I kept going.
[Basic Sword Mastery: 900/1000]
[Basic Sword Mastery: 950/1000]
[Basic Sword Mastery: 999/1000]
One more swing.
I put everything into it—proper form, full extension, complete follow-through.
[Basic Sword Mastery: 1000/1000 - COMPLETE!]
[Skill Unlocked: Basic Sword Mastery Lv.1]
[Effect: +10% damage with swords, +5% attack speed with swords]
[Experience Gained: +150]
[LEVEL UP!]
[You are now Level 4!]
Golden light erupted from my body. Energy flooded through me as stats increased and HP/Stamina refilled.
╔═══════════════════════════════╗ ║ LEVEL UP! ║ ╠═══════════════════════════════╣ ║ Level 3 → Level 4 ║ ║ ║ ║ HP: 160 → 180 ║ ║ Stamina: 140 → 160 ║ ║ ║ ║ Stat Points: +5 ║ ║ Skill Points: +1 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════╝
I distributed the stats immediately: +2 STR, +2 AGI, +1 WIS.
My final pre-dungeon status:
╔════════════════════════════════╗ ║ CASSIAN VALENHEART ║ ╠════════════════════════════════╣ ║ Level: 4 ║ ║ EXP: 40/400 ║ ║ ║ ║ HP: 180/180 ║ ║ MP: 0/0 (LOCKED) ║ ║ Stamina: 160/160 ║ ║ Defense: 10 ║ ╚════════════════════════════════╝ ╔═══════ ATTRIBUTES ═══════╗ ║ STRENGTH: 16 ║ ║ AGILITY: 18 ║ ║ CONSTITUTION: 14 ║ ║ INTELLIGENCE: 18 ║ ║ WISDOM: 20 ║ ║ CHARISMA: 9 ║ ╚══════════════════════════╝ ╔═══════ SKILLS ═══════╗ ║ [Observe Lv.1] ║ ║ [Sprint Lv.1] ║ ║ [Improvised Weaponry ║ ║ Lv.1] ║ ║ [Tactical Thinking ║ ║ Lv.1] ║ ║ [Basic Sword Mastery ║ ║ Lv.1] ║ ║ [Alchemy Lv.1] ║ ║ [Teaching Lv.1] ║ ╚═══════════════════════╝ ╔═══════ EQUIPMENT ═══════╗ ║ Weapon: Aged Training ║ ║ Sword ║ ║ Damage: 8-12 (+10%) ║ ║ = 8.8-13.2 effective ║ ║ ║ ║ Armor: Leather Set ║ ║ Defense: +10 ║ ║ ║ ║ Items: ║ ║ - Minor Healing Potion ║ ║ x2 ║ ║ - Shadow Core x1 ║ ╚════════════════════════╝
I was as prepared as I could be in three days.
Elara completed her final training session, and the quest updated:
[Quest Complete: Train an ally (100%)]
[Bonus Reward: +100 EXP]
[Current EXP: 140/400]
[Elara Moss has unlocked her Class: Agile Fighter]
[Elara's loyalty has increased to: Sworn (95/100)]
Elara stared at her hands in wonder. "I can feel it. The class. I'm... I'm actually a fighter now."
"You earned it," I said. "Keep training while I'm gone. When I get back, we'll spar for real."
She saluted, grinning. "Yes, my lord!"
Day 3 - Evening
I met Lyria at the palace's eastern gate just after sunset. She wore practical traveling clothes instead of her usual noble dresses, and had a pack slung over her shoulder.
"Ready?" she asked.
I adjusted my sword belt. "As ready as I'll ever be."
We slipped out of the palace grounds using a servant's exit, then made our way through the capital's streets toward the adventurer's guild district.
The city at night was different from what Cassian's memories showed. Rougher. More dangerous. But also more alive. Taverns spilled light and laughter. Street vendors sold food to late-night crowds. Adventurers in full armor walked the streets openly, heading to or from guild missions.
This was the real Valoria. Not the pristine palace, but the living, breathing city.
We reached the guild district after a twenty-minute walk. The Training Rift entrance was located behind the main guild hall—a shimmering portal of blue energy stabilized by magical runes carved into stone pillars.
A guard stood watch. He perked up when he saw Lyria.
"Princess Lyria," he said, bowing slightly. "I wasn't sure you'd actually come."
"I keep my promises, Marcus. This is my..." She hesitated. "...friend. Cassian."
Marcus looked me over with a trained eye.
[MARCUS HOLT] Level: 18 Class: Gate Guard HP: 340/340 MP: 120/120 Relationship: Neutral (50/100) Threat Level: High
"A level four going into the Training Rift," he mused. "Brave or stupid?"
"A bit of both," I admitted.
He snorted. "At least you're honest. Alright, the official rotation shift happens in ten minutes. When it does, I'll register you as a guild-sponsored trainee. You'll have two hours from entry. The rift auto-ejects anyone inside after that time. Understood?"
"Understood."
"And Princess?" He looked at Lyria seriously. "If anything happens to you in there, the King will have my head. Stay close to your friend, watch your mana, and don't take unnecessary risks."
"I'll be careful," she promised.
Ten minutes later, we stood before the portal.
[Warning: You are about to enter a designated dungeon zone. Enemy levels range from 5-10. Recommended party size: 3-5 members. Your current party size: 2.]
[Do you wish to proceed?]
I looked at Lyria. She looked back at me. We both nodded.
"Let's do this."
We stepped through the portal together.
The world twisted. Colors inverted. Gravity seemed to shift sideways for a moment.
Then we were through.
The Training Rift was a massive underground cavern, lit by glowing blue crystals embedded in the walls. Stalactites hung from the ceiling like stone teeth. Water dripped somewhere in the distance.
[You have entered: Training Rift - Beginner Zone]
[Time Limit: 2 hours]
[Current Dungeon Status: 3 other parties active]
[Quest Generated: First Dungeon]
╔═══════════════════════════════╗ ║ FIRST DUNGEON ║ ╠═══════════════════════════════╣ ║ Objectives: ║ ║ - Defeat 10 enemies (0/10) ║ ║ - Survive for 2 hours ║ ║ - Protect your ally (0 damage)║ ║ ║ ║ Rewards: ║ ║ - +300 EXP ║ ║ - Random Skill Book ║ ║ - Title: [Dungeon Delver I] ║ ║ ║ ║ Bonus Objective: ║ ║ - Defeat a Named Enemy ║ ║ Bonus Reward: Rare Item ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════╝
"A named enemy?" I murmured. "Like a boss?"
[Correct. Most dungeons contain elite enemies with unique names and enhanced abilities. They provide significantly better rewards but are also more dangerous.]
Lyria raised her wand, frost already gathering at the tip. "Ready?"
I drew my training sword. "Let's hunt."
We moved deeper into the cavern, footsteps echoing off stone walls.
And in the darkness ahead, something growled.
[END OF CHAPTER 4]