Castella Duval was in a bad mood.

"Of course there are ratty goblins right off the road. Why would I expect anything else on this journey?"

The old woman grit her teeth, puckering up her lips in annoyance and disgust. Half a dozen short, green humanoids were waylaying their carriage. While a goblin was little threat to their little group, Castella's mood had been sour for the past week or so. More specifically, since the last time she talked to Cornelius.

Well, some may say Castella was always in a bad mood, but they didn't dare say it to her face. A careless tongue like that would get you a firebolt in the arse or a very large snowball to the face. Funny how most who'd annoyed Castella before preferred the firebolt. Ask them and they'd simply shudder then tell you how you were underestimating the zeal with which she chucked water and ice. At least she held back with the firebolts.

"Blake, stop messin' around. Go make those greenskins take a hike!"

Castella tapped her staff against the carriage up toward their 'coachman', a man in his younger twenties. Rather than a coachman, it would be more accurate to say he looked like a knight or warrior. The former of which, he was indeed.

The man had short, black hair and sterling gray eyes. Light stubble was present on his face, and he wore a set of chain mail with a breastplate. His helmet had been set to the side of the carriage for better visibility, though it was a simple metal one with a wide visor.

Blake let out a sigh, bringing their horse to a halt. A short moment later, he'd already dismounted and was walking toward the pack of goblins alone. A short of force and some verbal intimidation was only necessary for this roadblock, as such he was all that was required. Well, that should be the case at least.

"Think he'll be fine?"

The youngest of their group's head popped out from the coach, keeping a close eye on the departing man. Unease was plain on her face, though this trait was not shared with Castella in the least. Castella was the very picture of stoicism. Or rather, apathy.

"If he isn't, you can go piece him back together. Whole reason I'm bringing him is to draw the carriage and watch out for any bandits. It's a bad time of year. Still, the man can handle a few goblins."

A frown appeared on the young woman's face. She huffed lightly, causing a short strand of light-blonde hair to blow upward before bringing her head back inside. She donned a dark cloak with some light leather armor underneath, primarily around her shins, forearms, and torso. It was clear she was no front-line combatant.

Rather than say she didn't look the part, it was more accurate to say she'd quite obviously lived a sheltered life. Not a single callus was present on her dainty hands, and her mildly pleasant facial features hinted that the only thing her face may have been in contact with was another's lips, rather than a war-hammer or sharp blade. Unlike Castella's, there were no scars or blemishes.

Aryana was 19 years of age this season. A budding flower, as they say.

"Rather than worry about him, you need to learn to focus on yourself," Castella harrumphed, "If a group's healer gets snuck up on or dies during a fight, what do you think happens to the wounded? Keep an eye on your surroundings, rather than focusing on that man's back."

"Y-Yes, Madam Castella."

Aryana's reply was forlorn, causing Castella to sigh.

"I'm not trying to scold at you, child. I'm offering advice. I'm not your parent, so stop seeking my approval so much—it's annoying. Just because you're my student doesn't mean you need take everything to heart. When you can think on your own is when I'll be most satisfied. The other reason we're here is to build you some confidence and experience."

Castella leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes in relaxation as her protege returned to her seating. The girl's quiet and passive nature annoyed the grumpy and fiery Castella to no end at times, but being the adult she was allowed her to realize that very nature was likely part of why the girl had a noticeable talent for healing magics.

Berrios was small, so there were only a few over-worked healers and a handful or so apothecaries. And quite a few scam artists, but that's beside the point. Somehow Castella had managed to find the girl before any of them, during a more ... 'bleak' period in her long life. Rather than fade away into anonymity as many oft do, she decided to try being more of a 'people person' and work on blasting her problems away with diplomacy rather than wind and rain.

Sometimes. Others, she still used magic. It was usually more fun that way.

Simply put, she decided she'd become something of a teacher to a select few. Most days when waking up, she thought the whole idea an idiotic mess she dreamed up one night after sipping a pint too much drink. Other days, it was ... well, perhaps a little fulfilling.

"Why do you think goblins are up north? We haven't traveled far from the main road," Aryana asked.

"Because they multiply like vermin. Hunt one down, two more pop up. Just how it is."

Castella opened her eyes lazily at Aryana, who was sitting opposite of her. It was the evening of their first day on the roads. They'd made good time so far, but their pace was about to slow down. The report from the lumberjack Reginald stated he found kobold droppings and a large set of spiderwebs in this area. Spiders and kobolds would only have a 'turf war' for good reason. Castella's group would make camp tonight and set out tomorrow to find a trail back into the cave, or more likely, into the Dungeon they'd holed up in.

Reginald had provided more detailed landmarks and drawn a map for Castella. A very crude map, but a map nonetheless. This would help narrow the primary search area down to about one square kilometer. So long as they found a trail, the rest would be easy.

Well, Castella hadn't planned on things going well. They rarely did when she was involved. The woman seemed plagued by minor misfortune at all times, so she usually tried to compensate for such things. Not going alone was one of those compensations in a way.

A retired adventurer of her former caliber should have no problems with an upstart Dungeon and a few dozen kobolds. Even if she'd ... aged a bit since her prime, there shouldn't be any issues. If there were, she'd just head back home and tell Cornelius to open his purse strings—then secretly cackle in glee at the sight once she'd left his presence. 

Blake returned with a sigh, before vaulting back up the carriage and resuming their journey.

"You poke a few holes in the devils or what, boy?"

The 'boy' felt a small twitch in his upper lip. This woman was exceedingly skilled at testing his patience. Luckily, he was a man of virtue and kept reminding himself that she meant no harm.

That and he was basically being blackmailed into coming along, having to spend his time off reassigned to this silly expedition. Castella had requested him by name, and she had ... seen some things that he'd rather not have anyone in the barracks—or rather, anyone in the town know.

The effects of alcohol were frightening. The effects of illusion magic were even more frightening.

Late one night, Blake had been 'relieving tension' with a bottle of wine at the nearest bar when one of the mages thought it'd be funny to prank the poor sod. Just a harmless Charm spell, really. The mage in question overestimated Blake's tolerance for alcohol and magic. One thing led to another, and he was found in a stable ... 

A chill went down Blake's spine as he looked at the horse pulling along their carriage at a slow pace. He'd come to hate horses a bit after that night. To think, a man of chivalry like himself was so pent up and wasted that he'd ... propositioned an equine.

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Shame filled him. Needless to say, Blake hadn't been back to a tavern since.

"No such thing, Miss Castella. The cowards ran off the moment I drew my sword. Giving chase seemed like a poor option."

That and he hated goblins. Things smelled terrible and cleaning their blood off was a downright pain too.

"Well, whatever," said Castella, "We'll just have to find a good place to set up camp. We shouldn't be far aways from where Reggie spoke. Once we're set up, I'll cast a few Detect Enemy spells and establish a perimeter. I'm sleeping after, you two can fight over who sleeps first."

Blake looked back into the carriage, querying Aryana with his eyes.

"I'm fine either way, Blake. If you're tired you should rest, but if not I can sleep first."

'Such a nice girl,' Blake thought to himself. Unlike the volatile old goat in the rear, Aryana was the very epitome of friendliness and grace. It was hard not to be at least slightly attracted to her, despite the fact she didn't possess any exceptional beauty or curvaceous features. It was more of a ... gentle aura she seemed to radiate that comforted one just by looking at her.

"Perfectly fine up here, Miss Aryana. I'll take first watch. I do thank you for your concern, however."

Blake flashed his best smile at the slightly younger woman, before turning back towards the front. He'd need to find a good spot to set up camp. On her part, Aryana blushed lightly and simply nodded. It would seem she was taking second watch, and Castella third.

Upon finding a suitable spot, Blake surveyed the area and parked the coach. He then began tending to the horse while Castella began complaining about goblins, or nature, or ... something she wanted to complain about.

The man sighed. He wished dearly he was home in bed, or at least within the barracks halls. The only thing worse would be being conscripted to Fort Eigach or fighting trolls to the south. He briefly looked back at Castella, who had taken to cursing the birds for their mere presence.

Trolls might not be so bad, he thought.

As Aryana's role in the trip was mostly to observe and learn, there wasn't much for her to do at this point. She simply helped unpack a few of the bedrolls, create a clearing, and set up a makeshift tent. Firewood was easy to gather this far from civilization, and Castella began creating a fire to keep wolves and bears at bay. While a fire may not deter goblins, that's what the wards and watchman were for.

Castella pulled out a pot and began preparing herself a cup of tea.

"Now Aryana, a few things to keep in mind. We'll most likely be dealing with a few more goblins, some kobolds, and cave spiders. Only spiders fear fire and light. Goblins and kobolds have a very limited ability to see in the dark. If this Dungeon or cave has both kobolds and spiders, it's best to keep a light going at all times. Unless you magically pop some Dark Elf eyeballs into that pretty head of yours, maintaining a low-level Light spell or enchantment is crucial. You've practiced imbuing light into metal, yes?"

Aryana gave a quick nod in affirmation. How could she not know how to do such a thing? Especially after Madam Castella's ... 'lessons'.

"You'll want to keep a Light enchantment on Blake's sword at all times, I'll handle my own staff, you have your wand. If you see anything threatening, don't hesitate to throw up a Ward if it comes your way. Since we've no good means to detect or disarm traps, keep a close eye on the floor and walls. Pace your Mana. I doubt we'll encounter any given the circumstances, but don't carelessly touch anything, ya hear?"

Castella blew on a small cup of tea she'd poured, before sipping on it to wet her throat.

"Blake, I don't need to tell you but you'll be at the front. I'll be in the back keeping an eye on Aryana and providing spell and instruction as needed. If the kobolds have invaded, we'll need to note how much damage they've done to the Core's development phase. ... And exterminate the kobolds, of course."

Blake sat atop a small rock and began removing his breastplate.

"Yes, I figured as much," was his simple reply. Of the three, he was likely the weariest. Rather than argue with Castella over order earlier to no avail, he decided it best to keep watch for a few more hours and then get an uninterrupted night's sleep under the guise of 'ladies first'. He was hoping to keep the conversation short so the old lady would stop talking and sleep sooner. Chivalrous indeed.

'An old grump, an unscrupulous knight, and a naive maiden walk into a Dungeon', as they say. This trio was the very picture of reassurance.

The night itself was rather dull. Castella was asleep almost quick as her head hit the bedroll, while Aryana made small talk with Blake for a few moments before retiring as well. As for Blake, he kept an eye from atop the carriage, using it as a vantage point.

Every so often, he'd get down to tend the fire a short bit or whet his throat with a sip of his canteen. Occasionally, he'd look over at Aryana and a small smile would surface on his face. Once or twice this was preceded by his eyes catching the dim campfire light off Castella's wrinkled visage, causing the man to frown instead. Truly, stuck between heaven and hell.

Roughly 4 hours passed and Blake switched duties with Aryana. She too would tend to the fire and sometimes sneak a glance at Blake's sleeping face. It wasn't often she got to be around marriageable men her age due to family circumstance, so she too found thoughts roaming around her head. A similarly silly grin would form on her face before she too looked at Castella and the silly thoughts were replaced by more serious ones.

Aryana had decided to do her best during this excursion. With Blake and her teacher around, everything was destined to go smoothly. Or at least, in her opinion that is. Her teacher had been a certified D-Rank adventurer in the past. She was a talented and wise mage who, despite her irritability, possessed a wealth of knowledge. Aryana was proud to have her tutelage and guidance.

For reference, D-Rank adventurers were those qualified to take on threat level 30 requests from the government and civilians, which were administered by the guild. These were things like ogre invasions, a wandering troll or even banshees. While a D-Rank adventurer might not mean much outside of Berrios, Castella was still respected within the walls. Often begrudgingly.

Aryana had been training the past year on her healing talents and had learned several amazing spells, but her offensive repertoire was admittedly poor. More than two goblins and she would be hard pressed to claim any form of victory besides retreat.

'Well, that isn't my role,' she mused. Aryana was content to simply heal injuries and provide protection as needed. She relaxed back against a rock and swiveled her head around every so often. The night was quiet, but it wouldn't do to get careless. While she doubted her eyes would catch anything her master's Wards couldn't, she would still get scolded for being lax. That was, quite frankly, something she wanted to avoid whenever possible.

After a very generous 4 hours and then some, Castella woke up and switched out with her student on her own accord. The young girl was smart and knew it better to wait it out, rather than 'wake the sleeping bear'.

During Castella's reign as the lookout, her thoughts were much more simple and practiced.

'Ah, I really hate this nonsense. Camping in the damn woods like a buncha' elves, piss off.'

It was a very straightfoward outlook.

Castella merely kept watch and thought about the fine Kulve wine she was promised upon her return. She'd done this hundreds of times before and her nerves were relaxed as could be. She didn't even bat an eye at the lone goblin that was trying to investigate their camp. A flaming bolt was sent its way, impacting the tree it was hiding behind in a dull fwish!

The goblin ran away rather quickly, another firebolt singed the poor thing's rear. It was most assuredly going to leave a mark.

"Hehehe, dumb greenskins. Trying to sneak up on me, eh? Fat chance, ya smelly bastards. Yer' ten years too early for that nonsense."

She gave off a wide grin, showcasing a set of well-aligned, albeit yellowing teeth.

At her shift's end, they began packing their belongings back up. Castella dispelled her Wards and Aryana cooked some soup for the three. Since this was near the area they needed to scout, they advanced along a small trail while Blake was sent out periodically to search for signs of kobolds. 

The forest was thin in this area, so Castella and Aryana stayed with the carriage.

"Do you think we'll find what we're looking for soon?" asked Aryana, looking around the area for signs of life.

"Today or tomorrow, perhaps. It's still early, we've time," was the reply received.

Indeed, it wasn't even noon yet. So long as a trail was found, the general direction of the kobolds could be discerned. Even if the trail died or ran cold it would usually point in the general direction.

Castella continued, "Besides, I'll be able to tell once we're in close proximity. The Mana will thicken near the entrance of any Dungeon, a fledgling is no exception. In the unlikely event there is no Dungeon, we'll still have to hunt down the kobolds. That would take a bit longer, I'm afraid."

The old woman was a bit pensive. She wasn't sure what she was expecting, or even what she wanted. She was tired of Dungeons. She was tired of fools dying in them. 'The strong survive' had been a catchphrase of one of her old, old group members. She barely remembered his face anymore, for he wasn't strong.

She sighed, gazing out the cabin window. Had it been her younger years, she wouldn't have bothered with a horse and carriage. Her hip just wasn't what it used to be, nor her knees. Walking for 10 miles would tire her. Age had crept up with all the force of a blizzard, and if she thought too deeply about it, it chilled her.

She looked across the small wooden box at her student, Aryana. The girl was, in a way, her hope—her redemption.

Like a small seedling, Castella wanted to take great care of Aryana. Teach her the things she wished she'd known sooner. Give her the life experience and perspective to become someone better than Castella had been able to become. She was even thankful the girl had such a talent for healing and hoped she'd be able to save the lives that Castella had failed to safeguard.

While she might not freely admit it, she was fond of the girl. Castella just had a hard time not being so abrasive, even if she was aware of the fact. But no, she'd watch the seeds she'd sown grow up. Protect and nurture them as needed, all as a way of eventually saying goodbye to this annoying world.

She had time enough for that, at least.

All she had to do was delve back into another of those damned Dungeons once more. Simple.