camp vargas! ~spring happening~ 2-5 "the basic of all basics"

[mandytl]

Location: Dwarfs’ Mine - Interior

Grim: Yo. Here we are.

Silver: The record keepers. So you came to see how we’re doing?

Grim: Yep. So what’re you zonin’ out for? Aren’t you ‘sposed to be searchin’ for magic gems?

Silver: Yeah.

But mindlessly waving our pickaxes around isn’t going to make it easy to find them.

That’s why we’re reviewing what we know about the gems.

Riddle: Now. Is there anyone among us who can give a thorough explanation of where and how to mine for magic gems?

Sebek: We learned this in class, which naturally I can remember!

Generally speaking, “magic gems” allude to any mutated gemstones that've absorbed power in their immediate surroundings.

It’s highly recommended you trace them through the scant mana they emanate...

Some say it requires an enormous amount of concentration. It’s an artisan’s job.

Amateurs like ourselves can only guesstimate within a ten-meter radius at most.

And yet that’s still better than digging at random. Only a fool would strike every square inch of these tunnels.

...Now. The time to start mining is after you’ve located their exact position.

First you use the pickaxe to scrape away at the brittle, eroded rock.

Then you use a hammer and chisel to carefully extract the magic gems.

END OF DISCUSSION!!!

Riddle: Wonderful, Sebek. I have to say I’m impressed that you listened so well in class.

Sebek: Heh. It isn’t at all unpleasant to receive praise from the top second-year student.

I’m grateful for your words of praise.

Silver: Incredible. Well done, Sebek.

Your grades are always impressive. I need to follow your lead.

Sebek: I’m certainly more than someone who’s always taking a nap will ever be. These are just the basics of all basics.

Grim: The basics of all basics? You sure? ‘Cause I couldn’t remember a thing about this stuff…

Riddle: We’ve completed our run-through of what we know, then. Let’s look for those gems at once.

Moments later.

Sebek: I FOUND ONE!!!

Grim & Riddle: Byah?!

Grim: Why do you gotta be so loud… ? It hurts my ears.

Sebek: And what sort of response is that? I said I found a shard. Behold!

Grim: It’s so freakin’ tiny! Only way you’d find this is through sheer luck!

Sebek: So be it. All that matters is that it meets the requirements in size!

Therefore, we’ve cleared the challenge.

Silver: … No. You might’ve spoken too soon.

Sebek: Hah. Acknowledge your defeat for once, yo—… hm? …Something’s drawing closer.

Silver: Stand ready.

Sebek: Of course!

A fire faerie appears.

Sebek: The fae in a place like this?

It appeared out of nowhere after I seized this gem…

...That’s what they’re after, isn’t it?

Riddle: You may be right. I don’t understand their language, but I’m sensing hostility.

Sebek: Hmph. Though you may be fae…

Do you puny sprites of Mt. Dwarf truly think you can take on those who trained in the Valley of Thorns?

I won’t let you snatch away the gem I worked so hard to find.

Let’s get rid of them, Silver!

Silver: ... Then there’s no other way. We’ll make them leave before anyone else gets hurt.

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