Caitlyn's 2023-2024 Stories

Expedition to the Coastal Caverns

Walking through the quiet village of Ashton Coast, Nicholas didn't mind the peaceful atmosphere at this time of the morning. But still, he continued his walk – as if he was in search of a new adventure that he could embark on. The skies looked promising as if it was a sign that something was bound to happen soon. After wandering through the village for a little while longer, that was when Nicholas spotted the adventurer's guild, which used to be a bookstore until the old owners had sold it a few years ago.

Entering the adventurer's guild, Nicholas looked around at the various questing posters for some time before somehow coming across one that had managed to catch his eye. Picking up the piece of paper – he was surprised to see that it was a simple rescue mission at the Coastal Caverns. Nicholas had heard of the location through his visits to the nearby library but had never been there before.

Nicholas was about to approach the counter to ask the receptionist about this when he could hear someone enter the guild. Looking over, Nicholas was surprised to see two younger ladies – one being a swordswoman, while the other was a spellcaster. They both appeared to have come out of fantasy-adventure games and seemed to be in their late teens/early twenties.

Suddenly, the receptionist explained. "You see, Rachel and Bethany – it seems like a young adventurer had decided to accept a quest. Would you two like to join him?" The receptionist then asked, turning towards Nicholas. "Who might you be, and is it okay if they join you? Also – what quest did you manage to find, young man?"

Nicholas went on. "Just a rescue mission at the Coastal Caverns. Oh, and I'm Nicholas. I'll accept Rachel and Bethany onto my team. Nice to meet you."

Bethany, the mage, responded first. "Thank you, and I do hope that you don't mind the power that I have when it comes to my magic."

Rachel added. "Heh, and you seem like a good leader for a pair of adventurers like us! We're always ready to include another adventurer onto the team, right, Bethany?"

"You got it, Rachel. Are you ready to lead us on your expedition, Nicholas?"

Nicholas concluded. "Yes, I am."

With that, the group of three then decided to exit the store and make their way towards the northern end of the village. As it was finally time to begin their journey towards the Coastal Caverns, where this individual was meant to be rescued from.

Heading north, the path led out of the village and along the seaside plains, where in the distance – was a forest. At first, it appeared to have some entrances due to how the sun in the east was casting its bright rays onto it. But when the group had decided to approach it... the path had led them to a thick magical wall.

Rachel stated, after thinking this over for a moment. "It seems like the forest wall will only budge if we were to use a great spell on it. I've kind of read up on these things before. So... Bethany, would you like to maybe choose a spell that could demolish this wall?"

Bethany lit up. "Of course, Rachel! My best one that could be used, in terms of attack – is known as the Irish Blast. Nicholas, do you know what it is – or do you want me to explain?"

Nicholas asked. "Does it have to do with focusing all of your strength into a singular spell before unleashing it? And are there variations?"

"Varies depending on what country you learnt the ultimate blast spell in. And yes, it does involve unleashing all of your energy. If you're going to ask if it'll result in me fainting... it won't, unlike what happens to Megumin."

"Okay."

After this brief conversation – that was when Rachel and Nicholas decided to stand right back before allowing Bethany to perform her spell. And when she had decided to unleash the spell... at first, you might think that it would disappear on impact after burning through the 'wall'. BUT...