Stardew Valley - The Flying Farmer

Summer, Friday 13th - Getting to the Bottom of All This

The day started off as usual, only this time I had a goal in mind. Surely, these mines in the mountains are bound to have a bottom right? The further I go down, the more diverse, the atmosphere within is. First, it was pretty normal caverns then... slowly, it grew mossy then dark and dingy, then the floors became laden with ice. I swear there's something strange about those mines.

Though, I have saved quite a lot after my last harvest so I spent it on upgrades to my pickaxe; Now that it was reinforced with that of Steel; I smiled in awe as the blade glistened in a silverly sheen.

"That'd be some fine work I did on that pickaxe of yours. Perhaps, you might find something firmer than iron, if you dig deep enough."

That alone was what invoked me to explore further and so I did; I spent the next good hours delving deeper into the shafts. Slaying blue slimes and icy bats whilst scooping handfuls of iron and coal into my pockets; I continued descending further and further until finally, I noticed the walls have changed around the next chest.

Kicking it open was a pair of pristine purple boots; I have no idea what the material were but they seem to be much more resilient than the ones I wore. Swapping out my old footwear for this fresh set, I ventured down deeper where I wounded up in an entirely new area. It appears that I was in some sort of frozen dungeon but this time, the monsters have been replaced with reanimated skeletons; These walking blighters would scuttle towards me, all the while tossing bones.

Though, they didn't offer that much of a challenge personally as I helped myself to more goodies that laid all across the floor and continued on with my journey, going through 3 days to do it. By the time I crossed down 50 floors, the environment had drastically changed. No longer was it cold and icy but now it felt molten and hot. I must surely have reached the core of the planet if I weren't mistaken.

Regardless, the caves were almost volcanic in nature and there was a bunch of new nasties to contend with. Tall shadowy beings sculked around the depths. Some did nothing more than wanting to walk into you while others wore witch-doctor like masks that casted jinxes and magic to heal their comrades. I wielded a new blade this time; A purple-ish hilt with a dark obsidian like blade, it was supposed to be amongst the most powerful blades in the land though my handy blaster made short work of the tougher brutes as my sword cleaved through red slimes and the other denizens of these depths.

Though, there was a new ore on offer; Black rocks with gold blotches were to be gathered and Clint claims it to be the ore stronger than iron; Gold. Glistening in the ruby light, Gold would be the sub-ultimate ore that could be found in these mines so I wasted no time in finding each and every ore-speckled stone I could come across.

Then, finally by the time of 9pm, I got to the bottom of the shafts. The final floor bore no ladder and snakes coiled around the pillars denote the finish line. I could wipe the sweat from under my hat as I cracked open the chest found here. Sure enough, there was an old dusty key and a tattered old note.

To the one who finds this note:
Congratulations, you have made it to the bottom of these mines. Do you think these mines were abandoned all so long ago?Who do you think fills the chests?
These questions will remain unanswered for some time but, that key you'd find would unlock a much greater challenge but with tougher trials, come greater rewards.
Dare you brave the Skull Cavern? If so, find it in the desert and prove you have what it takes.

I'll be watching...

Skull Caverns? That must explain the ominous door in that small cave in the desert. Whatever's behind it, demands the bravest and boldest adventurers but offering a plethora of notable prizes. Though, if I am to brave these new challenges then I gotta ready myself. With the note and key in hand, I went to Marlon for advice and gave him the note.

"Hmm... it seems that these is someone else out there at play and that, in yer hand, must be the Skull Key. I'd watch where ya goin' kid. The Skull Caverns is a perilous mineshaft and its filled with extremely dangerous monsters. My advice to you is to make sure you're well prepared for the challenges that come; It's not like the creatures in those mines." He explained

Though the man in the corner, rocking by the fire slurred out a groany voice, adding his forboding tone to the room.

"The skull cavern... many went in there before you son... but they never come out... its cursed in all! Tis why they locked it up in the first place! Though... if ya think ye have what it takes... then by all means but don't say ya hadn't 'erd from me! Pah!"

"Don't listen to Gil, he's isn't the sort willing to accept new recruits but... if you're willing to take on the challenge then I'd take this." Marlon detested as he hauls a blazen blade on the table. Lava could be seen swelling within the blade of this fine sword as he explains.

"Tis was a blade from an ancient warrior from the East. It is said to have been bathed in the maw of a mighty volcano hence it's name 'Lava Katana'. You'd need a strong weapon, such as this, if you are to face the Skull Cavern's legions of powerful monsters. Though I'm unwilling to part with it unless you have 25,000 gold in yer pockets... I still gotta pay the rent y'know.

Though, if ya can delve down the first 10 floors, then that'll shut ol Gil up for a week and it'll be proof for me to knock some of the price off for ya... deal?"

It does seem enticing but it might be an easy challenge enough for me in this regard. I left the two and headed back home. The skull caverns might have some delightful bounties in there... will it be easy or will it be hard? That, I must experience for myself.