Finished [Greystone - Ryke] The Howling Depths PT. II

Spoiled Bread | Aqua

The party pressed onward, leaving the reinforced watchtower behind. Aureus and Aqua trailed near the back, carving or inscribing clear markers as Demeter had suggested. Whenever the group passed a natural choke point, the pair repeated the process—melting or transmuting just enough stone to stamp an EXIT arrow or the name Magno Sapiente Victori where future eyes could see. Little by little, a makeshift breadcrumb trail materialized along the sinkhole’s ragged walls.

Dwarven Runes & Musing on Magic

Scarlett had brought up the potential connection between the tower’s shield runes and dwarven craft.
Holding the battered guard shield, Adelhein scrutinized the chipped runic design. Even with his Arcana knowledge, the lines seemed incomplete—like a puzzle missing vital pieces. Regardless, whatever spark of magic once lived in these symbols was long gone.

Moving Forward: Demeter’s Next Scan

While stepping carefully among jutting rocks and half-submerged beams, Demeter paused to extend her Clairvoyance once again. The gloom beyond flickered into partial clarity for her, letting her see through walls of rubble and jagged stone within roughly a 100-foot radius ahead.

Close Quarters: For the next 30–40 feet, the path remained narrow but relatively stable, thanks in part to the group’s metal platforms and the occasional cracked ledge. No sign of immediate enemies lurking in hidden alcoves—just hunks of stone precariously balanced in the distance.
Crystal Clusters: Further down, clusters of faintly glowing mineral veins lit the darkness like tiny lanterns in the walls. They grew denser, forming patches that pulsed with low-level magical energy.
Distant Tunnels: Demeter’s gaze caught the edges of a small side passage branching off to the left about 70 feet below. A collapsed corridor or perhaps a natural cavern mouth—scattered boulders blocked an easy look, but the gap was large enough for a person (or two) to squeeze through if cleared.
Insectoid Presence: She still perceived something scuttling far below, beyond direct line of sight. The faint scratch of chitin on rock drifted up intermittently. Whether it was the same lone bug or part of a cluster remained unclear.

Nothing threatened to ambush them in the immediate corridor. However, the terrain ahead definitely showed signs of increasing instability—more cracks webbed the passage, some large enough to pass an arm through. A strong jolt might cause rockslides or trigger further sinkage.

Justin-sama’s Interjections

Justin-sama

When Adelhein murmured about how unnecessary the coin-snatching was, and Demeter chided Justin for yanking treasure from her grasp, the arrogant adventurer’s lips curled into a superior sneer. Gilgamesh’s sardonic remark about mortals and their fleeting gold seemed to amuse him only slightly—her regal tone was a challenge, but also in line with his own lofty opinion of wealth and status.

Shifting the small pouch of coins at his belt, he gave an exasperated sigh. His gaze flicked between Artoria’s smoldering stare and Demeter’s forced smile.

“I assure you, children, that I know how to handle an equitable split of earnings,” he said with an airy wave. “Your negotiator here”—he gestured vaguely at Demeter—“struck a deal for me to claim the monetary spoils. Rest assured, I’ll not ‘cheat’ you of your due. But I’ll not stand on ceremony while we teeter on the brink of a catastrophic sinkhole, either.”

He angled a half-lidded look at Adelhein, taking note of the magus’s expression.

“If you wanted a formal handoff with a flourish, you ought to have done it in some cozy guildhall with a proper contract. Down here, practicality rules.”

He paused, scanning the group of predominantly teenage adventurers—Adelhein, Scarlett, Demeter, Aqua—each fresh-faced compared to his own supposed veteran status.

“Tch… This’ll be the last time I work with a band of kids, mark my words. Precious minutes lost to bickering over theatrics.” He gave a dismissive shrug. “But I’ll tolerate it for now—at least until this pit is cleared of its vermin.”

Gilgamesh’s brow arched at the word “kids,” but she let her amusement simmer beneath a faint smile. Artoria, still near Adelhein, tightened her jaw and said nothing—though her golden eyes flicked to Justin’s face in a cold warning.

Leading by half a wagon’s length, he trod carefully but with an air of practiced superiority. His blue-gold boots shimmered each time his foot pressed down, evidently distributing his weight across the unstable ground.

“Not so treacherous,” he called back. “At least if your gear’s worth half its cost.”

His gauntlet pulsed for a moment, scanning the air as if to confirm the negligible presence of magical wards nearby. He cast a glance at the runic shield in Adelhein’s hands, then scoffed.

“Mongrel scribbles. The dwarves I’ve encountered do finer work in their sleep.”

And with that, he pressed ahead.

Faint Humming Wind

A light breeze began to swirl in the depths, carrying with it the sulfuric tang and a hollow moan that echoed up the sinkhole’s interior. Now and then, a current of air rattled loose stones into the darkness below. The sensation was akin to standing near the mouth of a vast subterranean organ pipe—each shift in air pressure created a low-pitched hum.

Torches
Rope
Shovel
Compass

Gwen_Temi · Feb 6, 2025

Justin-sama might've been an asshole, but the support and kind words from the rest of the party were more than enough to raise Demeter's mood back to a good spot.

"Yeah, that's perfect," she replied to Aqua and Aureus after taking a look at their signs, "If one of you throws one of those up every now and again, we shouldn't have to worry about getting lost down here."

Demeter decided to take after Scarlett and just ignore most of what Justin-sama's words, but she kept finding her eye drawn to his armor and the many functions it seemed to hold. She began to wonder what his sword might've done when the time came for him to draw it. A part of her wanted to ask him where he got all of that stuff, but... Demeter wasn't really eager to strike up a conversation with him, either. At the very least, he took point and seemed ready to engage with anything they might've stumbled upon.

For now, she would keep her sights forward and report what she scouted to the party.

"The path splits up ahead; branching off to the left. A narrow offshoot. I'd prefer to keep to the wider path, but I'll try to scout it out once we get to the fork and see if there's a good reason to the try the left one."

A thought crossed Demeter's mind. A thought that seemed increasingly more foolish as she studied the huge cracks that ran through the walls, floor and ceiling alike. But one she wanted to share with the group, regardless.

"It would be a really bad idea to try to widen the tunnel with transmutation, wouldn't it? Like, you guys agree that that's a bad idea, right?"

Food for thought. If anyone thought otherwise and had a good argument, Demeter was all ears. But, until one was presented, she was thoroughly convinced that leaving the narrower tunnel alone was the better play until she caught sight of something down that way that she really couldn't afford to just pass up. Either way, she would continue to scout as they descended; serving as the team's eyes to defend against ambush and warm the squad of any upcoming dangers along their path.

HP: 6/6
Heavy Armor: 1/1
Passives:
1). Resilient F (Surprised)

Actions (3/3)
1) Continue to use [Clairvoyance] to scout ahead as the party advanced.
2&3) Continue to descend into the caverns alongside the party.

Clairvoyance- Super Sense [X-Ray Vision] E (1), Perception E, Feature [Darkvision], Energized E - Demeter utilizes her sixth sense to peer straight through walls and analyze her surroundings. Great for finding secret passages, hidden items, and enemies hidden behind cover- 1 actions- 100ft radius- Grade E- 0 post cooldown.

Spoiled Bread · Feb 7, 2025

Aqua

Aqua scribbled her 20th or so signs and followed the group from the rear as she hummed some Made in Abyss OST that she somehow still remembers even after all these 16 years... She definitely didn't wish for anything similar to happen to them though, she just couldn't help remembering it as they go deeper.

Once again they met a fork in the road, at least that's what Demeter said as she couldn't see much further ahead. She mulled the idea that the plant woman spoke for a few second before giving her reply.

"I-I don't think it's a good idea. Removing chunks of walls suddenly like that might make the wall collapse."

"b-but... we can try that. If its really needed." She added. She's not opposed to the idea, its just she won't risk it for another shield, she's not too much into looting the place.

TheTimePiece · Feb 8, 2025

Scarlett Ashford

Relevant skill: Attentive Student E
Goal: Earn/Raise Adventurer Rank/Maybe Noble house grade

Spoiled Bread

Rev IX

Scarlett continued along with the group, hearing Justin-sama speak up again, continuing to feel like slugging him or making a comment which probably wasn't very nice or maybe some combination there of. Didn't adventurer heroes normally want to keep the youth safe? Justin-Sama didn't seem very overly concerned about ti considering he had only been willing to come down with them if they promised him riches.

Regardless she wasn't really sure whether or not to take his words at the runes being nothing but 'mongrel scribbles' as even if he was the guy with the enchanted armor, she could only assume that Justin-sama wasn't some kind of magical artifact or rune expert, she'd rather get a second opinion later than take what he said at face value.

Hopefully Demeter's ongoing 'scanning' would continue give some useful information/insight on the area, given the higher risk nature of it, which wasn't lost on Scarlett, but nevertheless did not deter her.

She felt the air moving through and was somewhat curious about it, the hum she heard included, she hadn't quite heard anything like it before.

Scarlett stopped, and looked around the space, then to Demeter as she spoke, "Guess we should stick with the wider path then, yeah?" Scarlett shared her opinion on the matter.

"To be honest, as much as I do know and as much as I love looting places, I haven't really learned as much about transmutation magic yet in class or otherwise to really know if that's a good idea down here. I've just seen what those of us who can use it have done and what I know for sure is that it's pretty cool, but since Aqua is actually someone who uses it.. based on what she's saying, I'm thinking at the very least it's safer if we don't, I would like to know what Aureus has to say on the subject of it too though, and knowing if there's anymore cool looking loot that's worth the risk might change my mind." She'd also add, ready to get a move on and focus on the main task the safer route if there wasn't anything worth it.

Rev IX · Feb 9, 2025

Aureus Albion

Having Demeter's approval, he nodded with a faint smile. And made a very clear guide for their way back, taking turns with Aqua when it came to creating the signs.

His improved mood was almost immediately soured by Justin's arrogant remarks, again. Frustration began to build enough to be lightly reflected in an otherwise aloof expression. To the point Aureus started to weigh in the chances of that amazing armor of his protecting his head. Scorching that receding hairline a few centimeters back would be fine, right?

The elf set the amusing thought aside and put focus in Demeter's observations on what was ahead. She then proposed the idea of widening the unstable path as she suggested. Aqua put her thoughts forward, but Scarlett also wanted to consider his own take on it. Aureus' eyes lit up, but then was followed by a moment of sharp focus. "I'd leave it as a last resort. I could try to reshape it into something more stable. But it'd take time and effort to be properly done..." Aureus' voice trailed off.

"That smell..."

After setting aside the childish thought of blaming the faint, yet still unpleasant smell on Justin, Aureus added in a quieter tone. "Brimstone. The land breathes here" he said, not having in his vocabulary the words "geothermal activity". He immediately began to feel his lack of confidence crushing his effort to contribute out of his own proactivity. "...I-I think that's what the smell is".

Maxxob · Feb 9, 2025

Adelhein El-Melloi von Breyer // Artoria // Gilgamesh

Titles:
Adelhein: [Isekai], [Human], [Adept Magus], [Arcane Seeker] Color - #e60e0e
Saber Alter: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Swordsman] Color - #470c85
Gilgamesh: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Mage] Color - #d3fa5c

Corruption

0%

Saber Alter's Influence

15%

Gilgamesh's Influence

5%

Spoiled Bread

With Adelhein's question about the dwarves going unanswered, he would instead focus on what Demeter was relying to the group about the path ahead. "A narrow offshoot?" Having stored the shield for later analysis, he crossed his arms, mentally making a quick risk analysis. However, only when both Aureus and Aqua spoke about it, would he give his own opinion. "If both of our specialists think that trying to shape it is a bad idea, or at least too laborious, it is for the best if we ignore that path completely. No need to take the risk, until taking the risk is necessary or worth."

The added complaints from Justin made the young magus' expression turn specially serious with a subtle nervous twitch of his eyebrow. The sound of leather squeaking could be heard, as Adelhein clenched his gloved fist tightly. If Demeter hadn't requested his help, that would be the moment in which he would be sent back to the surface.

"Do you want me to kill him, Master?" Artoria whispered, right into his ear. And, from her coming from her usual self, that wasn't a joke or idle possibility, but an actual offer.

"No... not now, at least." Adelhein answered back, keeping the same low tone. That temptation gnawed...

"Let's continue through the wider path then."

Maxxob · Feb 9, 2025

Link to the first part: Finished - [Greystone - Ryke] The Howling Depths

Maxxob | Adelhein - Upgrade the [Magno Sapiente Victori] influence in Ryke/Using Downtime to upgrade asset

TheTimePiece | Scarlett - Upgrade in Ryke Adventurer Guild/Using Downtime to upgrade asset

Gwen_Temi | Demeter - Upgrade in Ryke Adventurer Guild/Using Downtime to upgrade asset

Spoiled Bread | Aqua - Upgrade in Ryke Adventurer Guild/Using Downtime to upgrade asset

The group continued deeper into the sinkhole, the air growing heavier with each cautious step. A near-constant rumble of shifting rock underscored their progress. Demeter maintained her vigilant scans, revealing the occasional flicker of faint crystal veins and ensuring no hidden ambushes lurked in the immediate walls.

Dismissing the Narrow Tunnel

At the latest fork, Demeter noted a cramped offshoot to the left, but the party quickly decided it wasn’t worth the risk.

Amid murmurs about the sulfuric tang in the air (or “the land breathing,” as Aureus described), they advanced, roped together and trailing signs of chalk, carved stone, or magical markings to ensure an escape route.

A Subtle Shift in Light

Not long after passing the fork, the darkness began to lighten—if only slightly. Tiny motes of bioluminescent spores drifted in the cavern air, gathering in loose pockets like glowing dust motes. A slow draft wafted them around, granting a dim, ghostly radiance to the path.

Visibility Improves: Despite the continued gloom, the party could now see outlines of one another without fully relying on torches or darkvision. Low light conditions persisted, but it was no longer the stifling black that limited their every move.

A More Open Cavern

Rounding a bend, the cramped ledge opened onto a broad chamber. Shattered masonry and half-buried sections of Greystone’s stone walls jutted from the floor, forming something like a ruined courtyard. The party’s flickering torches revealed:

Glowing Crystal Pillars: Sporadic pillars or thick veins of crystal protruded from the floor and walls, each radiating a soft glow. They hummed faintly with mana, giving off an otherworldly atmosphere.
Toppled Statues: At least three humanoid statues lay broken across the rubble—likely once part of Greystone’s architecture. Their features were worn beyond recognition.
Wreckage & Remains: Splintered wood, shattered pottery, and scattered bones suggested both the collapse of buildings and perhaps the remains of unfortunate victims. The air smelled stale, tinged by the sulfuric undercurrent.

It was here that Demeter’s clairvoyance detected something—an odd shape tucked behind a leaning slab of stone, perhaps 25 feet away, at the far end of the chamber. From the faint edges, she could see an oak chest with brass fittings. Was it Guiseppe’s? The wood seemed battered but not wholly destroyed. Next to it, a crimson leather journal lay half-buried in rubble. It matched Guiseppe’s description remarkably well.

The Lurking Threat

Before Demeter could point it out, a skittering sound echoed across the newly revealed courtyard. The scraping of something large against stone grew louder. An insectoid creature, bigger than any previously spotted, dragged its armoured abdomen through a gap in the wall—eight shining eyes reflecting the bioluminescent glow.

Armored Carapace: Jagged and chitinous, dark as pitch.
Twitching Mandibles: Each clack reverberated in the cavern’s hush.
Cluster of Smaller Bugs?: A faint clicking chorus hinted it wasn’t alone—shadows flickered beyond the broken masonry.

Justin-sama moved first. His boots flared bright with blue wards, and he hefted his sword—a finely crafted blade inscribed with faint runes. A smug grin crossed his lips.

Justin-sama

“At last. A chance to show you children what real adventuring looks like.”

Gilgamesh’s sly grin and Artoria’s cold focus suggested they, too, were eager to act. But the creature blocked the direct path toward the chest. If more of its kind lurked behind the rubble, the group might find itself facing a swarm.

Decisions & Danger

With improved visibility from bioluminescent spores, the party now faced the largest bug they’d seen yet—and possible reinforcements in the crumbled courtyard. Meanwhile, Guiseppe’s chest and journal seemed tantalizingly close, partially covered in debris.

Fight or Tactical Retreat: The insectoid’s position forced a confrontation if they wanted Guiseppe’s items. Could they lure it away, or was a direct attack inevitable?
Environment Use: The sprawling courtyard offered vantage points atop rubble, plus columns of glowing crystal that might interfere with the bug’s movement—or break if struck.
Justin-sama’s Move: True to his word, the brash adventurer looked ready to charge in. Would the rest coordinate with him or let him handle the initial clash?

Below them, cracks in the ground still threatened sudden collapses if the fighting grew too intense. But time was short, and the monster’s sharp mandibles clearly signaled it wouldn’t wait politely for negotiation.

[ACTION ECONOMY IS IN EFFECT]

Each cell has a 5FT distance from each other. Characters can first be positioned in one of the green cells. Different characters can't occupy the same cell, unless in specific conditions.
Legend:
D3 - Broken Statue (humanoid figure, missing its top half)
D5 - Another Statue Fragment (toppled head and torso)
E3 - Crystal Pillar #1 (softly glowing)
E4, E5, F5: Rubble Piles (difficult terrain; half-cover if you crouch)
F4: Large Insectoid (MB1) – The biggest bug so far
G4, G5: Smaller Bugs (MB2-MB3)
G7 - G12: Collapsed Debris (impassable mound)
H4: Oak Chest with Brass Fittings (Guiseppe’s?) – half-buried under stone.
H5: Crimson Journal lying amid rubble (beside the chest).
I7: Crystal Pillar #2 – More slender, extends to the cavern ceiling.
B7, C7: Deep Cracks / Unstable Floor – stepping here risks collapse if heavily stressed.

Extra:
Unstable Cave: Loud impacts or big AoE spells might shift rubble or deepen cracks.
Rubble: Terrain marked as rubble (E4, E5, F5) takes an extra 5 ft of movement to cross. It can provide half-cover if used defensively.
Cracks at B7, C7: Treading heavily on these cells (or if a large creature stomps there) may trigger a partial cave-in or a sudden drop.

Torches
Rope
Shovel
Compass

Gwen_Temi · Feb 10, 2025

Guided by caution, the group ignored the left path and kept straight on the wider path. The growing frustration spreading through the group was making Demeter wonder if she'd made a mistake bringing Justin-sama with this, but she pushed that thought aside for a moment to focus. As they rounded the next corner, light- at least dim light- graced the party's eyes. And a bit more fortune graced Demeter's. A broken chest and leather journal matching Giuseppe's description. A smile crept across the young fae's face.

Jackpot.

She extended a hand forward, ready to pluck the journal out from under the rubble with her magic and complete one of the quests that had brought her down here in the first place. But, before she could even speak a word, a few of the locals made their way into the cavern. A huge bug, heavily armored and covered in natural weapons, appeared before them, accompanied by the sounds of many more legs that had yet to reveal themselves.

Justin-sama damn-near celebrated the arrival of this new foe as he raced forward to intercept it.

And, for a moment there, Demeter simply turned her gaze back to the journal with no interest in actually helping him. Cuz, honestly? The first thought that came to her mind was to let him have at it and show off whatever it was he had that made him so valuable to the guild. With all the boasting and hype from the guild coordinator, she wouldn't have been surprised if he killed that thing in a single hit. Hell, she might've been disappointed if he didn't. But that just wasn't how things were done in the guild, was it?

As annoying as Justin-sama was, she knew that she would've felt awful if he did manage to get himself killed just because he didn't help him.

"Focus fire on the big one. Let's given Justin-sama and our two frontliner's a good opening to remove its head," she gestured towards Artorius and Gilgamesh, "if you don't have a clean shot, don't shoot. This cavern's way more dangerous than that thing is."

The sounds of clacking mandibles and skittering legs queued Demeter in to the fact that there might've been more giant insects approaching their position from who knows what direction. She'd let the others focus on dealing damage and driving the enemy back. She had her whole team there alongside a high-rank adventurer who seemed eager to bust some heads. She'd scout the area once more for approaching threats, locating the Largest bug's entourage immediately-

"We've got two more hiding behind the big one."

-before scouring the area for any more that might've been approaching. Then, she'd open fire; spreading a patch of grass below all three of monstruous bugs before sending pikes of root rocketing towards their underbellies. Hopefully, she could catch one of them by surprise from behind the rubble.

-Demeter begins her post at A1.

HP: 6/6
Heavy Armor: 1/1
Passives:
1). Resilient F (Surprised)

Actions(3/3):
1&2) Cast [Root Eruption: Obscure Germination] to scan the area for threats before attacking MB1, MB2, and MB3. Attack originates at G4, and selectively targets only the three bugs, sparing the environment and anyone else who might enter the radius of the spell.
3) Cast [Root Burst] to strike MB1 once more to combo with [Root Eruption: Obscure Germination] and give her attack a +1 against it.

Root Eruption: Obscure Germination- Magic E, Componentless Magic E, Energized E, Magic School E, Super Sense [X-Ray Vision] E (1), Perception E, Feature [Darkvision], Deflect (1) E, Indirect E, Blight [Bludgeoning] E, Continuous E, Incurable E, Magic AOE F, Selective Magic F, Magic Range [Metamagic] E- Demeter first uses her enhanced senses to gaze into the distance, through physical barriers, and locate concealed targets before summoning roots at their position to poison and skewer them.- 2 actions- 100ft range- 100ft sensory range- 15ft AOE- 1 post duration- Grade E- 0 post cooldown.

Int D (3) + Ability E (2) + Componentless E (2) + Deflect E (2)*= 7(9)* Effectiveness against MB2 and MB3.

Root Burst- Magic F, Componentless Magic F Energized F, Magic School F, Deflect (1) F, Indirect F, Blight [Bludgeoning] F, Continuous F, Incurable F, Magic Range [Metamagic] F- A weaker variant of Root Eruption lacking area of effect that Demeter can cast up to thrice in rapid succession. Often used in combination with Root Eruption.- 1 action- 30ft Range- 1 post duration- Grade F- 0 post cooldown.

7(9)* + Combo (1)= 8(10)* Effectiveness against MB1.

Maxxob · Feb 12, 2025

Adelhein El-Melloi von Breyer // Artoria // Gilgamesh

Titles:
Adelhein: [Isekai], [Human], [Adept Magus], [Arcane Seeker] Color - #e60e0e
Saber Alter: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Swordsman] Color - #470c85
Gilgamesh: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Mage] Color - #d3fa5c

Corruption

0%

Saber Alter's Influence

15%

Gilgamesh's Influence

5%

Spoiled Bread

Upon stumbling into the courtyard, Adelhein would blink slightly, being thankful that the group now had decent vision at least. "Not that I actually am ungrateful for your detecting so far, but I'm glad about being able to see more than a few feet." The young magus would tell Demeter in a light tone, with a small smile on his lips.

However, the short moment of lightheartedness would come to an end when the skittering sound reached his ears. "More bugs..." He clicked his tongue, seeing just how big this one appeared to be in comparison to the others the group had fought against so far. "... three so far, got it. We will move in closer in just a second."
The teenager crimson eyes moved slightly, catching the glimpse of the Crystal Pillar #1. "Heh, that will do perfectly." With a plan, already in his mind, he turned his attention to Justin. "Since you seem so eager, I think it is only fitting to get you closer to the bugs. Hold on tight, that might be a first experience for you."

With his words, Adelhein would put a hand forward, mana quickly enveloping him, Artoria, Gilgamesh and Justin. "Locus Obsessio!" With those words, the four of them would disappear.

Adelhein would reappear on top of the Crystal Pillar in E3, an advantage point. Artoria would reappear in G3, Justin in F3 and Gilgamesh in F1.

From the advantage point, Adelhein opened both his arms, mana still swirling around him, quickly turning into metal. "Fervor Mei Sanguine!" He uttered, as the minerals extended from his position, like a whip, lashing out against MB1 and the surrounding area around it. The spell would spare the environment, Justin, Artoria and Gilgamesh. Afterward, the tendrils would attempt to take a hold of the creature, wrapping around its limbs.

"Gladio Terrae!" Without stopping, another singular limb-like tentacle would lash out against the MB1, pilling on the attack.

Artoria had already been battle ready, firmly gripping her Excalibur Morgan. With an almost battle-lust grin that extended from ear-to-ear, the corrupted energies would gather along the length of her blade. "DARK EXCALIBUR NOVA!" She bellowed, attack in a circular motion around her, the corrupted blade attempting to slice through both MB1 and MB2. She would also spare the environment and her allies, targeting only the bugs. The corrupted King of Knights would then follow up with two quick slashes of her blade, aimed at MB1.

Gilgamesh grinned, her crimson eyes filled with mirth. "Now, now, let's see what happens when I put a little bit more effort into it." Talking as if she had been holding back for a while, she lifted her right arm. Mana began to quickly form up behind her, taking the shape of various legendary weapons. "Gates of Babylon!" She brought her arm down, a salvo of weapons shooting against MB1, MB2 and MB3. The ancient despot would also spare the environment and her allies, targeting only the bugs.

Adelhein:
1 - Locus Obsessio - Magic E + Magic Range F + Teleport E + Magic Targets F + Energized E - Teleport up to 5 willing targets 30ft from Adelhein up to 100ft of their original positions - Grade E 0 Post Cooldown
2 - Fervor Mei Sanguine - Magic D, Energized D, Magic AoE F, Magic Range F, Magic Targets F, Selective Magic [Target Enemies, Spare Allies/Environment] F, Affinity Elemental [Metal] F, Affinity Blight [Poison] F, Affinity Tangle F - After declaring the name of the spell, Adelhein selects up to five enemies up to 30ft. Metal tentacles move towards the targets to pierce them. After the attack, some of the appendages burst, further dealing Metal damage, and extra poison damage, to other enemies inside a 15ft radius from each original target. The others appendages try to get a hold of the targets - Grade D 1 Post Cooldown (14 BE vs MB1, MB2 and MB3)
3 - Magic F, Energized F, Affinity Elemental [Metal] F, Magic School - [Mineralis Imperium] F, Magic Range F [Meta Magic] - After declaring the name of the spell, Adelhein selects up to one enemy up to 30ft. A metal tentacle erupts from the ground, moving towards them to pierce them - Grade F Cooldown 0 (12 BE vs MB1)
CD: D 0/1
Artoria:
1 - Dark Excalibur Nova - Fighting Style [Voidstorm Vanguard - Sword] D, Penetrating F, Area F, Selective[Target Enemies, Spare Allies/Environment] F, Blight [Darkness] F - With her corrupted sword embiued with darkness, Saber Alter slashes a 5ft deadly arc around her - Grade D Cooldown 2 Posts (10 BE vs MB1/MB2)
2/3 - Basic Attack - +2 vs MB1
CD: D 0/2
Gilgamesh:
1 - Gates of Babylon - Magic C + Magic Range F + Magic Targets F - By using her mana, countless copies of legendary weapons, made out of mana, materialize above Gilgamesh. With or without a lazy flick of her wrist, the weapons are launched towards up to 5 enemies at the range of 30ft - Grade C Cooldown 3 Posts (13 BE vs MB1/MB2/MB3)
CD: C 0/3

Spoiled Bread · Feb 12, 2025

Aqua

As the party resumed their journey and entered a large open cavern, they met their next adversaries: another group of giant insects. She's sure now that the bugs were somehow connected to the disasters as its very unlikely these many giant monsters were living underneath a settlement.

Taking a deep breath, Aqua used the tip of her staff to drew a simple circle on the ground around her. She wanted to end the fight as soon as possible so she would throw her strongest right away, but she also didn't want to accidentally splash the frontliners so she might rein in the acid attack. The circle underneath her glow as she casted her spell. Far on G3, a giant blob of water emerged like a kaiju that just woke up from its slumber. The blob wiggles and dances as if it was actually alive, before it lashes out towards all the nearby bugs with a long tendrils of water. Not satisfied with one, Aqua conjured another wiggling slime to flank the bugs and hopefully distract them too.

Action: (Aqua starts on A7)
1) Creates water turret on H3 - Magic D, Magic School F (Metamagic: upgrade magic range), Magic Range F -> E, Magic Duration, Magic AoE, Magic Selective F, Magic Target F, Water Affinity F, Indirect F, perk: Magic Circle - Conjure a wiggling slime on a spot that would leash towards up to 5 nearby enemies, the slime and the targeted enemies must be within 100ft. The slime last for up to 1 hour - Grade D - 2 Post Cooldown
2) Creates water turret on G7 - Magic E, Magic School F (Metamagic: upgrade magic range), Magic Range F -> E, Magic Duration, Magic AoE, Magic Selective F, Magic Target F, Water Affinity F, Indirect F, perk: Magic Circle - Conjure a wiggling slime on a spot that would leash towards up to 5 nearby enemies, the slime and the targeted enemies must be within 100ft. The slime last for up to 1 hour - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown

BE: 4(INT) + 3 (ABL) + 3(EQP) + 1 (Magic Circle) + 1 (Combo) = 12 BE to MB1, MB2 & MB3

TheTimePiece · Feb 12, 2025

Scarlett Ashford

Relevant skill: Attentive Student E
Goal: Earn/Raise Adventurer Rank
Downtime?: Raise House Ashford grade
Language: "Common" "[Terran]"

Spoiled Bread

Rev IX

Start at A9, Assume teleported by Adelhein to top of half of statue on D3

Adelhein's reasoning seemed reasonable considering neither casters who were skilled in the field of modifying landscapes seemed to think it was necessarily the best option to take. So the wider path it was.

Scarlett took note of the glowing spores, they were curious to say the least. Thankfully it seemed to add to the visibility in the area, so long as they didn't have any unsavory side effects for being around them that worked out well with her. Even though the light was still dim, they'd enter an open cavern space and Scareltt would look around once again to what she could see given the lighting situation. Seeing the glowing crystals Scarlett couldn't help but wonder if they'd have any uses, sort of like how her gem catalyst had uses, particularly these with their fairly large size.

Any of the other bits she could see were more expected, bits from the surface which had made their way all the way down here with the whole sinkhole situation, definitely not a pretty sight to see but at least it had just been signs of material loss so far and that they hadn't found someone deceased or something of the like.
Less fortunately it seemed like there was sign of life; but the Wrong kind of life most wanted to encounter down in a place like the, a large insect yet again, but this one was different than the others, those eight glowing eyes, the whole things body built to ensure it's survival, bigger too, something told her this one was probably going to be one of the hardest of these bugs they'd dealt with yet, but from the looks of things the group was picking fight, something at this point Scarlett was inclined toward, they couldn't very well just let this thing climb out one day and start attacking people or leave it for other adventurers or help to deal with who ventured down here could they?

Hearing Demeter confirm that there was more of them wasn't the most reassuring but she brought up some valid points of strategy, that if they didn't all want to get caved they had to be precise.

"[Gotcha Demeter! I'll provide supportive fire!]

She'd respond back to show that she understood.
After being teleported to the top half of the statue on D3 Scarlett would try her hand at dealing some team up damage like they had in the past. She'd take her gem catalyst and focus moving it in a circular motion with one hand, her other hand spread out in front of her

"[ Crimson Gale: Tri Stream!]"

Scarlett called out defiantly as concentrated streaming beams of fiery wind energy shot forth from her catalyst holding hand as she attempted to hit the bugs from her elevated spot from the statue's half, and hopefully over the rubble avoiding friendly fire. She'd show Justin that they weren't just a group of 'children' as he put it, they knew what they were doing and they were fully capable of adventurer guild tasks.

Crimson Gale Tri Stream!: - Magic E, Magic range F, Magic Targets F, Fire affinity F, Wind Affinity F

Scarlett Strikes three targets with a stream of fiery wind energy up to 30 ft away.

Scarlett Actions:

Crimson Gale: Tri Stream BE:
3(INT) + 2(CAT) + 2 (ABL) = 7

1. Attempt team up Crimson Gale Try Stream: Tri Stream on MB1 MB2 and MB3 after being teleported on D3.

Crimson Gale Tri Steam: - Magic E, Magic range F, Magic Targets F, Fire affinity F, Wind Affinity F

Scarlett Strikes three targets with a stream of fiery wind energy up to 30 ft away.

Maxxob · Feb 12, 2025

Maxxob | Adelhein - Upgrade the [Magno Sapiente Victori] influence in Ryke/Using Downtime to upgrade asset

TheTimePiece | Scarlett - Upgrade in Ryke Adventurer Guild/Using Downtime to upgrade asset

Gwen_Temi | Demeter - Upgrade in Ryke Adventurer Guild/Using Downtime to upgrade asset

Spoiled Bread | Aqua - Upgrade in Ryke Adventurer Guild/Using Downtime to upgrade asset

The instant Demeter’s roots erupted from the ground, the courtyard exploded into a swirl of magic, steel, and swirling elemental attacks. It all happened in the span of a breath—yet each strike fit together with deadly precision.

Demeter’s Opening Salvo

Even as she pinpointed three massive insects lurking amid the rubble—one hulking monstrosity (MB1) and two slightly smaller but still formidable bugs (MB2, MB3)—Demeter unleashed root spikes from beneath them. Thick vines and barbed tendrils surged around each monster’s carapace, hammering them with a sudden, poisonous force. Sizzling sap and earthen shards shot upward, cracking against the insects’ plating.

A moment later, she focused another Root Burst specifically on MB1, driving an extra lance of hardened vegetation under its abdomen. The bug shuddered from the impact, mandibles clacking in distress.

Teleport & Metallic Mayhem

With no hesitation, Adelhein seized the moment. A brilliant flare of mana enveloped him, Artoria, Gilgamesh, Scarlett and the swaggering Justin-sama, whisking them through space:

Adelhein reappeared upon the crystal pillar at E3, affording him a commanding vantage.
Artoria landed at G3, blade drawn, dark energy crackling around her.
Justin materialized in the fray at F3, right beside the largest bug, exactly where he’d boasted he belonged.
Gilgamesh emerged at F1, a regal smirk on her face as golden arcs of mana shimmered behind her.
Scarlett is poised on top of D3.

Before the insects could react, Adelhein extended a hand. From his vantage on the pillar, metallic tentacles burst forth around MB1, MB2, and MB3, stabbing and wrapping them in toxic coils. The creatures’ limbs locked with blighted, ironlike strands that sapped their strength. Another Gladio Terrae followed, a final metal spike piercing MB1’s flank and drawing a chittering wail.

Artoria & Gilgamesh Converge

Artoria, thirsting for a worthy challenge, raised her corrupted Excalibur overhead. Black energy boiled along the blade’s edge. She struck in an arcing slash—A shockwave of dark mana tore into MB1 and MB2, smashing them backward while leaving the cavern floor and allies unharmed.
Gilgamesh gave a languid wave of her hand, summoning countless legendary weapons in a shimmering golden array. Dozens of mana made blades, spears, and axes rained down upon the three insects, each precisely angled to avoid her teammates. The thunder of steel pummeling carapace resounded throughout the chamber.

Aqua’s Twin Turrets

A few steps back, near A7, Aqua traced a circle with her staff. Two undulating slimes composed of water manifested—one at H3, another at G7. They lurched forward, each firing tendrils of pressurized fluid at MB1, MB2, and MB3. Every insect reeled under the combined onslaught. Just as the water poured across their shells, the turrets melted away, succumbing to the cave’s swirling mana and slipping back into the rocky floor. Although brief, their power left noticeable dents in the bugs’ chitin.

Scarlett’s Fiery Finale

Poised atop the broken statue at D3, Scarlett gathered a swirling combination of wind and flame around her gem catalyst.

Three blazing arcs of fiery air lanced across the battlefield, crashing into the insects from different angles. The flash of orange and red light flared so bright it briefly illuminated the entire cavern.

Justin-sama’s Blinding Strike

Justin-sama

At the very heart of the chaos, Justin basked in the spectacle. His armor gleamed with azure runes, boots bracing him against the unstable ground. With a triumphant laugh, he channeled arcane energy into his sword, igniting it with a blinding cerulean aura.

“Witness true mastery, children… Azure Meteor Slash!”

He swung downward in a theatrical flourish. A surging wave of bright-blue force—almost like a compressed air blast—smashed into all three bugs, finishing the party’s torrent of attacks with a resonant boom.

The Aftermath

When the torrent of spells and steel finally subsided, MB1, MB2, and MB3 stood battered and entangled by Adelhein’s twisting metal vines. Their shells showed deep cracks, dark fluids oozing from ruptures. They convulsed under the lingering poisons, each pinned in place by stinging chains. Anyone watching could see the swarm had taken heavy damage—and was now fighting at a disadvantage, their movements slowed and limbs snagged.

In the sudden hush, bits of Aqua’s water turrets trickled down the stones, dissipating into small puddles that shimmered with leftover mana. Smoke curled from scorched chitin where Scarlett’s flames had struck.

Despite the ferocity of the assault, the cavern floor seemed—so far—stable. Dust swirled in the lingering arcs of light, and the monstrous trio remained conscious, though badly wounded. Whether they could retaliate was a question still hanging in the air.

Guiseppe’s chest and crimson journal—partly buried behind fallen blocks—lay temptingly close at H4 and H5, but any approach to them would require dealing with the thrashing insects first… or risking their vengeance.

The Counter-Assault

MB1 (Large Bug at F4)

Break Free Attempt
- Action 1: With a chittering snarl, the giant insect thrashes its limbs, trying to tear loose from the toxic metal coils binding it. (Successful)
Sweeping Slam (Area Attack)
- Action 2: MB1 rears back on its hind legs, then slams down hard, attempting to strike both Justin (F3) and Artoria(G3) in a single massive blow.
Stinger Jab (Single Target)
- Action 3: Whether or not the slam connects, it whips its long tail, driving a venomous stinger straight at Justin—he’s the closest and clearly the loudest threat.

MB2 (Medium Bug at G4)

Tear Loose Attempt
- Action 1: First, it violently jerks its limbs to free itself from the constricting metal. (Successful)
Advance Towards Artoria
- Action 2: It scuttles sideways to H3 to get within striking range of Artoria, hissing all the while.
Tail Stinger
- Action 3: MB2 thrusts a barbed tailforward, seeking to pierce Artoria’s armor.

MB3 (Medium Bug at G5)

Tear Loose Attempt
- Action 1: First, it violently jerks its limbs to free itself from the constricting metal. (Successful)
Advance Toward Gilgamesh
- Action 2: MB3 scuttles across the rubble and positions itself at F2, closing distance to Gilgamesh.
Mandible Snap
- Action 3: The creature raises its mandibles, snapping at Gilgamesh’s midsection with a chittering roar.

Each cell has a 5FT distance from each other. Characters can first be positioned in one of the green cells. Different characters can't occupy the same cell, unless in specific conditions.
Legend:
D3 - Broken Statue (humanoid figure, missing its top half)
D5 - Another Statue Fragment (toppled head and torso)
E3 - Crystal Pillar #1 (softly glowing)
E4, E5, F5: Rubble Piles (difficult terrain; half-cover if you crouch)
F4: Large Insectoid (MB1) – The biggest bug so far
G4, G5: Smaller Bugs (MB2-MB3)
G7 - G12: Collapsed Debris (impassable mound)
H4: Oak Chest with Brass Fittings (Guiseppe’s?) – half-buried under stone.
H5: Crimson Journal lying amid rubble (beside the chest).
I7: Crystal Pillar #2 – More slender, extends to the cavern ceiling.
B7, C7: Deep Cracks / Unstable Floor – stepping here risks collapse if heavily stressed.

Extra:
Unstable Cave: Loud impacts or big AoE spells might shift rubble or deepen cracks.
Rubble: Terrain marked as rubble (E4, E5, F5) takes an extra 5 ft of movement to cross. It can provide half-cover if used defensively.
Cracks at B7, C7: Treading heavily on these cells (or if a large creature stomps there) may trigger a partial cave-in or a sudden drop.

Torches
Rope
Shovel
Compass

Gwen_Temi · Feb 12, 2025

Demeter carefully watched the situation unfold from the edge of the battlefield.

The combined mystical and physical assault from Magno Sapiente Victori drove the insects back, but that wasn't what the young fae was waiting to see. Adelhein brought Justin-sama closer to the enemy alongside Gilgamesh and Artoria. Then Justin brought his weapon high; his equipment radiant as the runes carved etched into it continued to glow. He began to laugh as his foe drew near; a childlike glee as he readied his strike.

“Witness true mastery, children… Azure Meteor Slash!”

This dude was literally singing the names of his attacks aloud like he was performing on-stage.

With one swing, a force that seemed to dwarf every attack that preceded it radiated out from his blade and struck all three of the insects. The sound of thunder echoed through the chamber and, as she turned her sights back onto the insects, she could immediately tell that they were already near death. Alright. Maybe this guy really was worth his salt. And, after that little display, Demeter was fully convinced that she didn't need to worry about anybody in this battle.

At least not until the floor started to give in and she needed to catch someone.

So her thoughts drifted back to Guiseppe's goods and she decided to try and secure those before she lost the opportunity. With not a single word, and nary a sound, Demeter would extend her hand forward, turn her sights back onto the journal and chest that she'd spotted earlier, cast [Wilt & Bloom: Pilfer], and try to pluck the chest and the journal out from under the rubble and into her possession.

If she was successful, then the journal would manifest in her hand and the chest would appear just in front of her. She would then quickly secure the journal within her backpack, and begin rummaging through the chest to see if there were any treasures or relics stored away within. Put simply, Demeter had absolutely no interest in dragging around the busted up chest, itself. Whatever items of note that she might've found in there? She planned to just store them away, rather than divying them up between her party. Guiseppe's goods were to be returned to him if they were found, after all.

Now, If she could secure the goods whilst her party took care of the baddies?

Then that was one quest objective in the bag.

HP: 6/6
Heavy Armor: 1/1
Passives:
1). Resilient F (Surprised)

Actions (3/3):
1) Cast [Wilt & Bloom: Pilfer] to retrieve the journal and chest that she'd found earlier. Spell originates at H5 and selectively targets only the journal and the chest.
2) Secure the journal in her backpack for safe keeping.
3) Rummage through the chest and see if there's anything else in there worth bringing with along.

Wilt and Bloom: Pilfer- Super Sense [X-Ray Vision] E, Perception E, Feature [Darkvision], Teleport E(1), Magic E, Magic School E, Indirect E, Metamagic [Magic Range] E, Magic AOE F, Selective F, Energized E- Demeter warps one or more objects into her possession from a distance of 100ft. She can snatch objects through walls and physical barriers that would overwise impede their movement so long as she can see them.- 1 action (chest and journal had already been located, no search needed)-100ft range- 100ft sensory radius- 100ft movement/snatching distance- 15ft AOE- 1 post duration- Grade E- 0 post cooldown.

Spoiled Bread · Feb 12, 2025

Aqua

Aqua exhaled out a long breathe as she let her spells go, the slime turrets bursted into water puddles. That was her biggest spells chain so she shouldn't push herself further, but she's not done yet. Demeter seemed to be focusing on retrieving something from the distance so now its time for her to do the cover fire. Rushing to position herself at C4, Aqua waved her staff, chanted a short spell and launches two water bolts towards the nearest two bugs.

Action:
1) Move to C4
2) Water Blast at MB1 - Magic F, Magic School F (Metamagic: Magic Range F), Water Affinity F, Focus F, Energized F - Shoot a bolt of water at a target 30 feet away - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown
3) Water Blast at MB3 - Magic F, Magic School F (Metamagic: Magic Range F), Water Affinity F, Focus F, Energized F - Shoot a bolt of water at a target 30 feet away - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown

BE: 4(INT) + 1 (ABL) + 3(EQP) = 8 BE to MB1 & MB3

Rev IX · Feb 13, 2025

Aureus Albion

As per usual, Aureus had one of his absentminded moments. Walking along with the group, keeping an eye on the signs he left and the dubious patches of unstable formations.

And just like that, he was thrown into combat.

Or at least, he would have. If not for the fact that the whole rest of the group, the arrogant Justin included, jumped in to fight without a trace of hesitation. Things looked great. The team was quick to put the massive insects on the backfoot, severely injuring them.

The mage looked around for something he might be able to do. The fight clearly did not need his help, so he turned his attention to something else. The floor. Clearly it would be beyond problematic if it gave up on them. So, while the group brawled with the monsters, Aureus would reinforce patches of the path as he moved (Magic E, Transmutation F, Earth Affinity, Magic AoE F, Magic Range F, Energized E). While keeping himself as away as possible from the front line.

Actions

1 - Repair B7 and C7 from range (He started A8)
2 - Cautiously moving to D8

TheTimePiece · Feb 13, 2025

Scarlett Ashford

Spoiled Bread
These insects wouldn't be able to hold up from their combined assaults forever, Scarlett knew that much ,she could not only feel that they were hurting but she could literally see it too, once again Adelhein and Demeter sending forth powerful attacks, and despite Aqua's tendency toward being more timid she seemed to be gaining confidence in her ability to strike her foes down when it was necessary which Scarlett could certainly respect.

Aureus was putting in the support work too which was good as far as the helping to prevent the whole place from caving in on them thing.

Surprisingly Justin-Sama's attack actually seemed relatively potent, she couldn't help but wonder if it was mostly made possible by his magic armor or not, but it was effective either way so she supposed there wasn't much to complain about there, he even yelled his attacks out like others she'd heard, sometimes including herself, but in the case of magic casting it made sense when you needed words to give it meaning, at least the kind she practiced. She was also a bit relieved to see that her hits had landed for a team up, but now she was eying her next enemy, the ugly bug on F2.

She was going to help cook that thing proper with another team up.

With them getting closer to the precipice of victory, Scarlett decided that now would be the time to act to keep up the pressure, she wasn't one to sit back even if she couldn't use her ranged magic immediately again she was someone of action.

"I'm moving in to support on one of the smaller ones!" She'd call out to the rest of her party, before using a move action to get down onto D2. She then faced her opposition again before dashing over toward E2.

She used the momentum from her dashing to try to strike the bug (MB3) in whatever place she thought it'd help finish it off best, her fist lighting up with a crimson fire from concentrating her magic into it, the expression on her face determined,

"[Take this!]" She'd exclaim striking the monster with a Failcon Pawnch!

Failcon Pawnch!- Fighting Style [Blast Brawler]F, Blight [Flames]- F Grade F 0 post cooldown
Scarlett delivers a fiery Fist strike into target.

Actions:
1. Get down from statue onto D2
2. Dash to E2
3.
Failcon Pawnch! BE:
STR E(2) + NAT WEP F(1) +ABL F(1) = 4
(+1 Damage from blight f if successful)
Attempt to Falcon Pawnch! Bug MB3 for a team up.
Failcon Pawnch!- Fighting Style [Blast Brawler]F, Blight [Flames]- F Grade F 0 post cooldown
Scarlett delivers a fiery Fist strike into target.

Maxxob · Feb 14, 2025

Adelhein El-Melloi von Breyer // Artoria // Gilgamesh

Titles:
Adelhein: [Isekai], [Human], [Adept Magus], [Arcane Seeker] Color - #e60e0e
Saber Alter: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Swordsman] Color - #470c85
Gilgamesh: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Mage] Color - #d3fa5c

Corruption

0%

Saber Alter's Influence

15%

Gilgamesh's Influence

5%

Spoiled Bread

Adelhein was fully focused on the fight against the monstrous bugs. And even then, it would have been impossible for him to overlook Justin's powerful attack against the creatures. "I suppose not dispatching that fool was a good idea." He thought to himself, having now proof that the adventurer was not only bravado or just talk.

When the joint attack of the group rained down against the bugs, to great success, a smirk appeared on the teenager lips. He kept standing tall on top of the pillar, crimson eyes surveying the battlefield from up above, the vantage point fitting him perfectly. His only regret was that they were facing insignificant bugs, rather than something worth of notice.

"Very well, I will keep the high-ground." He told Scarlett, extending his arms to his sides again. With mana quickly forming up around him, the Grand Magus of the Magno Sapiente Victori would utter once more. "Fervor Mei Sanguine!" The surrounding prana would quickly transform itself into three different liquid spheres of metal. From them, several whip-like appendages would lash would towards MB1, MB2 and MB3. It would repeat the process of attacking the creatures, before bursting into a cloud of ferrous dust. Some of the appendages would try to take hold of the creatures once more, to keep them in place. The spell would spare the environment and allies, while targeting only the insects.

"Gladio Terrae!" Without stopping, he chanted the spell twice. Two singular limb-like tentacles would lash out against the MB2, pilling on the attack. The spell would spare the environment and allies, while targeting only the insect.

Artoria's golden eyes still glinted with pent-up rage. Enjoying the chance of letting out some of her fury, she wouldn't even flinch as the insectoid thrusted its barbed tail against her. "Puny vermin! DARK EXCALIBUR NOVA!" The sharp battle cry echoed throughout the courtyard, as darkness clang to her sword. Rotating, she would slash against MB1, MB2 and MB3 around her. Her attack would spare the environment and allies, while targeting only the insects. Following that, she would slash at MB2 twice, diagonally, one to each side.

Gilgamesh had an amused smirk on her lips, as one of the insects scuttled in her direction. "Oh? So you dare to attack the King?" She said, amusement tinging her tone, as the creature attempted to snap its mandibles towards her. "You are just on time to see this from up close, Scarlett~" She now directed herself to Scarlett, who had arrived to support her, while raising her right hand once again. "Gates of Babylon!" As she chanted, there was a salvo of mana made weapons against MB1, MB2, MB3 all shot from just above her. Her attack would spare the environment and allies, while targeting only the insects.

Adelhein:
1 - Fervor Mei Sanguine - Magic E, Energized E, Magic AoE F, Magic Range F, Magic Targets F, Selective Magic [Target Enemies, Spare Allies/Environment] F, Affinity Elemental [Metal] F, Affinity Blight [Poison] F, Affinity Tangle F - After declaring the name of the spell, Adelhein selects up to five enemies up to 30ft. Metal tentacles move towards the targets to pierce them. After the attack, some of the appendages burst, further dealing Metal damage, and extra poison damage, to other enemies inside a 15ft radius from each original target. The others appendages try to get a hold of the targets - Grade E 0 Post Cooldown (13 BE vs MB1, MB2 and MB3)
2 - Gladio Terrae - Magic F, Energized F, Affinity Elemental [Metal] F, Magic School - [Mineralis Imperium] F, Magic Range F [Meta Magic], Selective Magic [Target Enemies, Spare Allies/Environment] F - After declaring the name of the spell, Adelhein selects up to one enemy up to 30ft. A metal tentacle erupts from the ground, moving towards them to pierce them - Grade F Cooldown 0 (12 BE vs MB2)
3 - Gladio Terrae - Magic F, Energized F, Affinity Elemental [Metal] F, Magic School - [Mineralis Imperium] F, Magic Range F [Meta Magic], Selective Magic [Target Enemies, Spare Allies/Environment] F - After declaring the name of the spell, Adelhein selects up to one enemy up to 30ft. A metal tentacle erupts from the ground, moving towards them to pierce them - Grade F Cooldown 0 (12 BE vs MB2)
CD: D 1/1
Artoria:
1 - Dark Excalibur Nova - Fighting Style [Voidstorm Vanguard - Sword] E, Penetrating F, Area F, Selective[Target Enemies, Spare Allies/Environment] F, Blight [Darkness] F - With her corrupted sword imbued with darkness, Saber Alter slashes a 5ft deadly arc around her - Grade E Cooldown 1 Posts (9 BE vs MB1/MB2/MB3)
2/3 - Basic Attack - +2 vs MB2
CD: D 1/2, E 0/1
Gilgamesh:
1 - Gates of Babylon - Magic D, Magic Range F, Magic Targets F, Selective Magic [Target Enemies, Spare Allies/Environment] F - By using her mana, countless copies of legendary weapons, made out of mana, materialize above Gilgamesh. With or without a lazy flick of her wrist, the weapons are launched towards up to 5 enemies at the range of 30ft - Grade D Cooldown 2 Posts (12 BE vs MB1/MB2/MB3)
CD: C 1/3, D 0/2

Maxxob · Feb 15, 2025

Maxxob | Adelhein - Upgrade the [Magno Sapiente Victori] influence in Ryke/Using Downtime to upgrade asset

TheTimePiece | Scarlett - Upgrade in Ryke Adventurer Guild/Using Downtime to upgrade asset

Gwen_Temi | Demeter - Upgrade in Ryke Adventurer Guild/Using Downtime to upgrade asset

Spoiled Bread | Aqua - Upgrade in Ryke Adventurer Guild/Using Downtime to upgrade asset

The cavern was alive with flashing steel, surging magic, and the thunderous echoes of each strike. Though battered, the three giant insects still lashed out in furious desperation. Yet the adventurers were relentless, unleashing another salvo of coordinated attacks.

Demeter’s Daring Snatch

Away from the immediate fray, Demeter calmly focused on the oak chest and crimson journal half-buried at the back of the chamber. A swirl of faint greenish energy enveloped her outstretched hand. In an instant, the chest and journal vanished from behind the rubble—reappearing right before her with barely a whisper of displaced air.

She slipped the journal into her backpack, then quickly rummaged through the chest for anything Guiseppe might want returned—or anything interesting of note—while keeping a wary eye on the distant scuffle. Inisde the chest, she would find: a pair of silver cufflinks, a delicate pocket watch, a faded portrait of a young couple, a single gold ring and a handwritten letter.

Justin’s Unyielding Bravado

At the center of the fray, Justin-sama clashed with the largest bug (MB1). Despite its earlier attempts to slam and sting him, a flare of azure runes flickered across his armor, and he swept his sword in a defensive arc. A burst of force slammed into the monstrous insect and hurled it back almost fifteen feet, clattering across the floor with a shrieking hiss.

Justin-sama

“Hah! Did you truly believe that oversized carapace could breach my defenses?” he laughed. Even as he reveled in his victory, his eyes flicked to the nearby crystal pillar—suddenly showing deep cracks. A stray water blast from Aqua had clipped it rather than MB3. “Children… watch your aim!” he barked sarcastically, clearly enjoying an excuse to scold someone for mistakes—real or imagined.

The Entangled Bugs

All three insectoid creatures reeled under the team’s assault. Artoria’s blade veiled in black energy, Gilgamesh’s barrage of mystical weapons, and Adelhein’s twin metal spikes hammered them in near-perfect unison, while Scarlett dove in to deliver a fierce fiery punch to MB3. Each bug screeched or gurgled as more poison seeped from the roots and metallic tangles clinging to their shells once more.

MB1 slid across the rock, pinned beneath fresh bursts of metal tendrils and hammered by Justin’s deflecting blow.
MB2 caught Artoria’s follow-up slashes full-on, letting out a chittering wail as corrosive blights ate at its plates.
MB3 twitched violently under Scarlett’s flaming strike, sizzling with combined poisons and scorch marks.

Aqua’s Near Miss

Standing at C4, Aqua raised her staff to hurl twin jets of water at MB1 and MB3, hoping to pin them down further or finish them off. One bolt, however, splashed harmlessly as the larger bug tumbled away—while the other inadvertently smashed into the pillar where Adelhein perched. Jagged fissures spread across the glowing crystal’s surface.

For a tense moment, it seemed the entire formation might collapse under Adelhein’s feet, but by sheer luck (or durability), it held. Now heavily damaged, bits of crystal flaked off, shining faintly in the gloom.

Aureus’s Quiet Support

While the rest focused on felling the bugs, Aureus slipped aside to reinforce the deep cracks near B7 and C7. Ambient mana flickered from his hands, sinking into the damaged rock to stabilize it. It was difficult to be certain how much effect it had—dust continued to trickle from the edges—but no fresh collapse followed for the moment.

Battle’s Turning Point

The two medium-sized insects, MB2 and MB3, let out their final haunting screeches as the relentless assault of Magno Sapiente Victori overwhelmed them. Poison seeped deeper through their exoskeletons, blight corroded their limbs, and fiery impacts cracked their once-impenetrable carapaces. With one last gurgling wail, they collapsed onto the rubble, motionless and broken.

The largest bug, MB1, remained standing, battered and bleeding from multiple wounds. Toxic, metallic tendrils once again coiled around its limbs, holding it fast in place. Its cracked armor seeped venom, and its haunting shrieks echoed across the cavern as it thrashed in a desperate bid to free itself. Despite its efforts, the tendrils continued to constrict, hindering its movements and leaving it vulnerable to the group’s continued onslaught.

Victory for the adventurers seemed increasingly assured. The question now remained: would they press on to finish off the thrashing MB1, or attempt some last-minute alternative? One wrong move might see the enraged creature lash out—or the cavern floor fracture further.

For now, though, the group’s unity—magical and martial—held the advantage. With two foes already vanquished and the largest bug restrained, one more concerted push should bring an end to the monstrous threat once and for all.

Each cell has a 5FT distance from each other. Characters can first be positioned in one of the green cells. Different characters can't occupy the same cell, unless in specific conditions.
Legend:
D3 - Broken Statue (humanoid figure, missing its top half)
D5 - Another Statue Fragment (toppled head and torso)
E3 - Crystal Pillar #1 (softly glowing)
E4, E5, F5: Rubble Piles (difficult terrain; half-cover if you crouch)
F7: Large Insectoid (MB1) – The biggest bug so far
G7 - G12: Collapsed Debris (impassable mound)
B1: Oak Chest with Brass Fittings.
I7: Crystal Pillar #2 – More slender, extends to the cavern ceiling.
B7, C7: Deep Cracks / Unstable Floor – stepping here risks collapse if heavily stressed.

Extra:
Unstable Cave: Loud impacts or big AoE spells might shift rubble or deepen cracks.
Rubble: Terrain marked as rubble (E4, E5, F5) takes an extra 5 ft of movement to cross. It can provide half-cover if used defensively.
Cracks at B7, C7: It is unknown how much of it was fixed by Aureus' magic.

Torches
Rope
Shovel
Compass

Gwen_Temi · Feb 16, 2025

Demeter glanced over at the battle for a brief moment after she tucked the journal away into her backpack. Then, she dove back into the chest and started stowing away the rest of his things.

A pair of cufflinks. Into the bag. A pocket-watch. Into the bag. A gold ring. Into the bag. She paused for a moment as she pulled out the letter, glanced it over, then slowly added that to her bag as well. Then she set eyes on the couple in the picture. Her mind traced Giuseppe's face from her memory and she tried to see if she could recognized this young man's face in the old merchant's.

Then she'd slip that into her backpack as well.

"Alright. That's one quest down. Matches the description anyway..." she threw the backpack back onto her back, "I'll have someone double check for me later when we get a moment."

She glanced back over at the battle and, between Adelhein, his knights, Justin-sama and the rest of the group, she had full confidence that they had that fight covered. Ever vigiliant, she was ready to catch or reposition anyone who found themselves facing a danger that couldn't just be blasted away or countered. But she chose to go ahead and get the group ready to venture further downwards into the caverns.

She vanished from her position at the back of the room, leaving the now-worthless chest behind, and reappeared behind the huge wall of collapsed debris in a bloom of pink petals. She would then extend her senses and scout out the area for her party. She would perform one last check in this room, to see if there were any missed treasures or new threats drawing near, then extend her senses far forward into the unknown to check for threats, traps, hazards, treasures, and really anything up ahead worth making known to the party.

Once they finished off that last bug, she was ready to lead the party further down.

HP: 6/6
Heavy Armor: 1/1
Passives:
1). Resilient F (Surprised)

Actions (3/3):
1) Secure the rest of Guiseppe's (hopefully) loot in her backpack.
2&3) Used [Wilt & Bloom] to warp to H7 and scout ahead for the party.

Wilt and Bloom- Teleport E (1), Supersense E (1), Feature [Darkvision], Perception E, Energized E- Demeter dissipates into a pile of dried leaves before reappearing in a burst of petals at another location within 100ft. She then scouts ahead with her acute senses. She can appear at any location that she can sense or has previously been to.- 2 actions- 100ft movement distance- 100ft sensory radius- 1 post duration- Grade E- 0 post cooldown.

TheTimePiece · Feb 17, 2025

Scarlett Ashford

Mentions:

Spoiled Bread

Scarlett was glad that Adelhein was willing to keep the high ground. She really needed to figure out how she could get more frequent magic attacks out like the other, but until then, she found that pounding her opponent's with her magic directly let her do it more frequently if she got up close. Once again she was fairly impressed at seeing his magic casting, he was so strong, and so far had been reliable..she really was glad that she had gotten a chance to work with him in the academy exam instead of that Nolan, was all she could think to herself in moments like these.

Well that and thinking about how to not die, perhaps a more pressing matter at the moment.

His companions were also still proving to be pretty impressive, Scarlett was glad they were on their side to say the least, seeing how Artoria and Gilgamesh went to work. Maybe if Scarlett kept it up and worked really hard at it she'd be able to unleash similar power with her combination of magic and martial arts which she had been learning thus far, she'd think to herself from time to time.

She looked to Gilgamesh and saw the weapons come forth. "That's one heck of an awesome ability you got there! Makes me wish I could do something like that, I'm also really glad you're on Adelhein's side." she'd comment quickly.

She did hear Justin call out also however and witnessed the misfire from Aqua, feeling really glad that Adelhein hadn't been sent falling to the ground even if it wasn't the most high up. Normally she'd annoyed once again by his comments but even if he was being kinda a jerk about its this time he actually had a point, misfiring and damaging their surroundings when it could cause a collapse was far from what they wanted to be doing at the moment.

Upon seeing that the current enemy she had been dealing with was defeated, she'd call out,

"I'm moving in for another attack on the big one! We've almost got it let's finish it off!" Presuming she was able too, Scarlett then promptly used one move action to get to G7.
If Scarlett was successful in reaching it, she'd look at the bug (MB1) which was on the precipice of defeat from what she could tell which motivated her to put some extra oomph into her follow punches.

"[Failcon Pawnch!]" Scarlett slugged MB1 wherever it looked it'd hurt the most to her, before she'd follow up with another violent magically charged strike, rotating her body the other way using her other fist, fire burning from her fists in both cases.

1. Try to Dash to G7.
2.
Attempt to Falcon Pawnch! Bug MB1 to help finish it off.
Failcon Pawnch!- Fighting Style [Blast Brawler]F, Blight [Flames], Energized F - F Grade F 0 post cooldown (energized)
Scarlett delivers a fiery Fist strike into target
Failcon Pawnch! BE:
STR E(2) + NAT WEP F(1) +ABL F(1) = 4
(+1 Damage from blight f if successful)

3.
Attempt a second Falcon Pawnch! Bug MB1 to help finish it off.
Failcon Pawnch!- Fighting Style [Blast Brawler]F, Blight [Flames], Energized - F Grade F 0 post cooldown(Energized)
Scarlett delivers a fiery Fist strike into target.
Failcon Pawnch! BE:
STR E(2) + NAT WEP F(1) +ABL F(1) = 4
(+1 Damage from blight f if successful)

Maxxob · Feb 17, 2025

Adelhein El-Melloi von Breyer // Artoria // Gilgamesh

Titles:
Adelhein: [Isekai], [Human], [Adept Magus], [Arcane Seeker] Color - #e60e0e
Saber Alter: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Swordsman] Color - #470c85
Gilgamesh: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Mage] Color - #d3fa5c

Corruption

0%

Saber Alter's Influence

15%

Gilgamesh's Influence

5%

Spoiled Bread

The almost cocky grin that Adelhein sported disappeared instantly as soon as the crystal pillar he was on what hit by something which splashed. There was a tense moment, as the structure began to shake, the loud crackling of it reverberated through the courtyard. Luckily, his arms were still extended horizontally, one to each of his sides, allowing him to try and use them to balance himself. There was gritting of his teeth, some wobbling, but in the end, he had managed to keep his position on top of the pillar. The fall would have been of 15ft, not that dangerous, but a bit nasty nonetheless.

If it wasn’t for Justin calling out, the young magus would have had no idea that it had been caused by a member of the [Magno Sapiente Victori]. His crimson eyes darted around quickly, finding it had been Aqua. “Be careful with your aims, damage to structures might still end up provoking a cave in!” He warned, in a loud tone, but without trying to admonish her too much. He understood it had been a mistake.

Gilgamesh's crimson gaze flickered toward Scarlett when hearing her praise, a slow, self-satisfied smirk gracing her lips. "Hah! Of course, it is awesome. It is the power of the King, one that surpasses all others!" She declared, tilting her chin upward slightly. "And of course I stand with Adelhein. He alone was deemed fitting to forge a bond with me. To think I would ever lower myself to the service of another is laughable." A playful lilt crept into her tone, her smirk widening. "If you truly desire strength, then earn it. Kings do not wish, they take."

“Locus Obsessio!” Adelhein said, moving his hands forward, teleporting Gilgamesh, Artoria and himself, while leaving a puddle of metal behind. Adelhein would be moved to E9, Gilgamesh to F9 and Artoria to F8.

Following that, the teenager attacked the remaining bug. “Fervor Mei Sanguine!” He chanted, first, following up with a "Gladio Terrae!". The spells would spare the environment and allies, while targeting only the insect.

Gilgamesh, without uttering a single word, would raise her left arm, flicking it lazily, as the salvo of mana made weapons would be launched towards the creature. The spell would spare the environment and allies, while targeting only the insect.

“AHHHHHHHH!” Artoria bellowed, her darkened blade danced through the air, slashing in a deadly arc around her. And two swift, strong slashes followed suit against the bug.

Adelhein:
1 - Locus Obsessio - Magic E + Magic Range F + Teleport E + Magic Targets F + Energized E - Teleport up to 5 willing targets 30ft from Adelhein up to 100ft of their original positions - Grade E 0 Post Cooldown
2 - Fervor Mei Sanguine - Magic D, Energized D, Magic AoE F, Magic Range F, Magic Targets F, Selective Magic [Target Enemies, Spare Allies/Environment] F, Affinity Elemental [Metal] F, Affinity Blight [Poison] F, Affinity Tangle F - After declaring the name of the spell, Adelhein selects up to five enemies up to 30ft. Metal tentacles move towards the targets to pierce them. After the attack, some of the appendages burst, further dealing Metal damage, and extra poison damage, to other enemies inside a 15ft radius from each original target. The others appendages try to get a hold of the targets - Grade D 1 Post Cooldown (14 BE vs MB1)
3 - Gladio Terrae - Magic F, Energized F, Affinity Elemental [Metal] F, Magic School - [Mineralis Imperium] F, Magic Range F [Meta Magic], Selective Magic [Target Enemies, Spare Allies/Environment] F, Affinity Blight [Poison] F, Affinity Tangle F - After declaring the name of the spell, Adelhein selects up to one enemy up to 30ft. A poisonous metallic tentacle erupts from the ground, moving towards them to pierce them and then attempt to constraint them - Grade F Cooldown 0 (12 BE vs MB1)
CD: D 0/1
Artoria:
1 - Dark Excalibur Nova - Fighting Style [Voidstorm Vanguard - Sword] F, Penetrating F, Area F, Selective[Target Enemies, Spare Allies/Environment] F, Blight [Darkness] F - With her corrupted sword imbued with darkness, Saber Alter slashes a 5ft deadly arc around her - Grade F Cooldown 0 Posts (8 BE vs MB1)
2/3 - Basic Attack - +2 vs MB1
CD: D 2/2, E 1/1
Gilgamesh:
1 - Gates of Babylon - Magic E, Componentless E, Magic Range F, Magic Targets F, Selective Magic [Target Enemies, Spare Allies/Environment] F - By using her mana, countless copies of legendary weapons, made out of mana, materialize above Gilgamesh. With or without a lazy flick of her wrist, the weapons are launched towards up to 5 enemies at the range of 30ft - Grade E Cooldown 1 Post (11 BE vs MB1)
CD: C 2/3, D 1/2, E 0/1

Rev IX · Feb 17, 2025

Aureus Albion

Aureus sighed as he kept the raging confrontation in his peripheral. While he was done with the nearest signs of instability, the offensive had pretty much rid themselves of the threat entirely. And, as much as it annoyed him, Justin actually seemed to be very capable in battle. Not that it made him any less obnoxious, but it was still worth giving him some credit in the elf's eyes.

That said, his help on the vanguard wasn't needed. So Aureus shifted his focus back to the task he had placed on himself. Adelhein's previous vantage point was damaged. It crumbled to some extent after a stray spell hit it. The elf moved next to Aqua, with one broken statue giving him some cover, while also having a clearer sight of the pillar he was looking to reinforce.

Much as before, projecting his hands and a quiet murmur led for his mana to flow forth. a pulse began to to attempt mending and reinforcing the damaged structure.

Actions

1 - Move to C5
2 - Attempt to repair E3 pillar (Magic E, Transmutation F, Earth Affinity, Magic AoE F, Magic Range F, Energized E)

Cooldowns

E - +1/1

Spoiled Bread · Feb 18, 2025

Aqua

"Eeeeekkkk..... S-sorry!!" Aqua frantically apologized when she realized that her water bolts almost hit unintended targets. Regardless if its Adelhein or Justin-sama, she wouldn't forgive herself if she hurts her own allies.

"D-don't be cocky w-with the spells..." She murmured more to herself, although its probably loud enough for Aureus next to her to hear it. Ever since she got enrolled into the academy, she had been firing experimental spells frequently to the point that her skills with the basic spell might be a bit rusty. Once this was over, she really should take some time to practice her basics better. For now though, she would use what she knows.

Swinging her staff forward, a magic circle would once again appear underneath herself. The crystal on the staff glowed white as it sucked the nearby air and transmuted it into a small white stone that hovers in the air. She hadn't been using her salt spells much ever since the test but it still feels the most natural for her, like she was born to use this. Pointing her staff towards the last bug, this time she made sure to aim it properly before she launched it away like a bullet.

Action:
1) Salt God's Pebble of Smiting - Magic E, Transmutation F, Magic Range F, Magic Area F, Selective F, Vorpal F, Incurable F, Alchemy F, Focus F, Energized F - Transmute a small block of salt from the air and then launch it like a bullet towards a target up to 30 feet away, the salt would break inside the wound and makes it harder to heal - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown

BE: 4(INT) + 2 (ABL) + 3(EQP) = 8 BE to MB1

Maxxob · Feb 19, 2025

Maxxob | Adelhein - Upgrade the [Magno Sapiente Victori] influence in Ryke/Using Downtime to upgrade asset

TheTimePiece | Scarlett - Upgrade in Ryke Adventurer Guild/Using Downtime to upgrade asset

Gwen_Temi | Demeter - Upgrade in Ryke Adventurer Guild/Using Downtime to upgrade asset

Spoiled Bread | Aqua - Upgrade in Ryke Adventurer Guild/Using Downtime to upgrade asset

With MB2 and MB3 already vanquished, the last and largest insect (MB1) fought on in a frenzied rage, its wounded carapace seeping poison. Yet the party moved in perfect sync, launching one final coordinated assault:

Scarlett dashed in from the side, delivering two flaming punches that rattled the beast’s already fractured exoskeleton.
Adelhein, from a new vantage at E9 after another quick teleport, unleashed fresh metal tendrils that sank into the creature’s hide.
Gilgamesh, barely lifting an arm, summoned a renewed volley of mystic weapons.
Artoria swung her blade in another dark arc—Dark Excalibur Nova—tearing into its flank.
Aqua, determined not to repeat her earlier slip, carefully aimed her staff; a small chunk of salt formed in the swirling air before shooting straight at MB1 like a bullet.
Justin, eager to claim the final blow, lunged to F6, azure runes blazing across his armor. With a sharp cry, he carved a deep line across the insect’s thorax.

Despite attempting a last, enraged area strike, MB1 could not withstand the storm of hits. Its final roar warbled into a strangled hiss. Metal vines snapped its legs out from beneath it; fire and poison ate through its segmented plating. The monstrous bug collapsed with a resounding thud, motionless at last.

A Quiet Victory

For a lingering moment, the cavern felt eerily still—save for the faint scrape of settling rubble. All three insects now lay defeated, black ichor pooling around shattered limbs. The adventurers took a collective breath, some eyeing the trembling walls and floor to ensure no new collapse loomed.

Justin stood proudly over the smoldering remains, blade still humming with residual magic. A satisfied grin tugged at his lips.
Gilgamesh dismissed the remaining mana-made weapons, arms folding with casual regality.
Artoria exhaled a quiet sigh, lowering her corrupted sword.

Aureus’s Discovery

While the others wrapped up the fight, Aureus continued his transmutation work near the damaged crystal pillar at E3, determined to keep the cavern stable. He pressed a hand against the base, mana flowing through the stone. This time, the pillar’s fractures seemed to settle; the largest cracks no longer spread, and bits of glowing crystal held firm.

In the faint glow, Aureus spotted several stray pages wedged near the pillar’s base—likely dislodged by the recent chaos. Intricate diagrams in fine ink sprawled across them, too distant to read clearly. If there was any real use for those pages, he’d need to pick them up and study them properly.

Demeter’s Confirmation and Scouting

Meanwhile, Demeter, chest items safely tucked away, double-checked the faded portrait. The resemblance was undeniable: the youthful face belonged to Guiseppe—a far younger version than the old merchant they knew. Whatever family past it represented, Demeter was sure these belongings belonged to him.

Trusting the others had the fight under control, she vanished into a swirl of dried leaves and petals, reappearing at H7 behind a mound of collapsed debris. Her keen senses swept the area:

Local Check: No immediate sign of further threats. The chamber seemed cleared, with only faint, distant rumblings suggesting deeper tunnels.
Forward Scan: Farther down the sloping passage, she sensed the sinkhole’s labyrinth continued in twisting corridors. Occasional flickers of unknown crystals glowed in the gloom, but no obvious foes stirred within her range.
Structural State: The further walls bore cracks, but nothing signaled an imminent collapse in the next chamber.

A Respite

At last, the battle was over. MB1 lay still, the final threat quelled. The cavern’s hush settled in, punctuated only by drips of water from high above and the faint moan of distant tunnels.

Demeter had secured Guiseppe’s chest and journal—a quest objective achieved.
Aureus stabilized the pillar—and discovered mysterious pages waiting to be deciphered.
Justin flashed a triumphant grin, the swirl of azure magic around his armor slowly fading.

Justin’s Moment of Reflection

After taking a moment to bask in the aftermath of the battle, Justin’s smug grin faltered. He ran a gauntleted hand across the faint scorch marks on his azure armor, then glanced at the crumpled remains of the insects. A flicker of doubt crossed his features—an odd contrast to his usual bravado.

Justin-sama

“So these beastly things have been lurking down here...” he muttered, kicking aside a shattered chunk of carapace. His eyes swept over the darkened tunnels that spiraled deeper. “But they’re hardly the reason Greystone dropped into a hole. We still don’t know what caused that sinkhole in the first place.”

For an instant, he appeared less the arrogant adventurer and more a wary soldier, scanning unseen threats. Then, with a firm nod, he resumed his usual tone:

“We’ve come too far to turn around empty-handed. Best we press on—even if more vermin await us below.”

The confidence seeped back into his voice, but the thoughtful edge remained, suggesting that, despite his pride, Justin knew the real challenge might still be waiting in the depths ahead.

Torches
Rope
Shovel
Compass

Gwen_Temi · Feb 19, 2025