DUNGEON LOG: KEYSTONE REEF

[phantasmods]

Expedition day dawns, as usual, with an android mass text -

Okay, so, this time we're aiming to go out and stabilize the Fissure in the reef you can see up a little to the north of here. The waters are usually pretty calm this time of year, so if you can swim instead of needing to take a boat, that'd be a great help. We only have a few of them.

Also, I know that last time was a mess, so I'm just gonna say this: If you need to get out for any reason, just send us a message and a picture of your location. We'll get a drone out to you as soon as we can and bring you home. No questions asked.

( ﾟ▽ﾟ)/ Stay safe out there! When you're ready to go, meet us down at the beach. The rocky, sparkly one, not the sandy one.

Unlike previous expeditions, this time there's no rooftop sendoff - instead, as Charm noted, the tables are set up on Glitterstone beach, along with a series of boats pulled up on the sand. Two rowboats that could maybe sit six people but probably better suited for four, a trio of inflatable rafts (with motors attached to the back, all mismatched) of about the same size, a two-person dinghy and a long canoe that could hold two or three.

Besides the little fleet, there's also the usual bagged lunches (in gallon ziplocs this time, and other such watertight containers), and every boat is equipped with a large number of those chepa dollar-store water bottles, all with their airtight store seals. There's also a selection of life vests and other floatation thingies in a box next to the table. Strange hovers over the setup, checking watertightness of a handful of first aid kits with a spritzer and a bucket to submerge things in. They give a little wave to anyone passing by headed to the boats.

For those who opt instead to swim, everything seems perfectly normal until you reach the border of the Fissure... When, very suddenly, it isn't.

Comments

[makejapangreat]

[Akechi's voice startles him so much he nearly drops his device. Nearly. But he quickly covers it with a hand and slides it into his pocket. Yup, his face sure is on fire...]

I-I don't know what you're talking about.

[The Tamagotchi chirps traitorously from his pocket. His blush deepens.]

[foolishjustice]

[Oh, that timing...that timing is just perfect. He struggles to keep his composure, snorting loudly behind his hand. He actually looks like he's on the verge of doubling over laughing, complete with tears starting to form in his eyes.]

I think it's hungry. You aren't going to neglect the poor thing, are you?

[makejapangreat]

[He crosses his arms defensively.]

It's none of your business. [He bristle!!!] Shouldn't you be getting prepared?

[foolishjustice]

I already have my own first aid kit, I have food supplies in my inventory, and I won't be needing a boat. I'm already prepared.

[In other words, he has nothing better to do than harass you and make your day difficult.]

[makejapangreat]

[... you know, if a volcano suddenly erupted underneath him, he couldn't say he would mind all that much?]

... of course you are.

[foolishjustice]

[Goro has Maragilao, is that close enough?]

I should be asking you the same thing.

[makejapangreat]

I'm also already prepared.

[Except for the tamagotchi, he's just doing some last minute caring for his digital pet, ok!!! Surely you can appreciate that he is being a Good Owner!]

[foolishjustice]

And what about whatever your pet was just asking you for?

[It's entirely possible he just wants to catch Shido holding the Tamagotchi so he can take a picture of it...]

[makejapangreat]

[BREATHES OUT... SLOWLY...]

It is not. Your. Concern.

[He is now briskly attempting to make an escape!]