Johnny swore to himself that next time he encounters fairies on his way, he will just stomp them all to death. He didn’t mean to destroy the dumb mushroom, yet their yelling and cursing is still ringing in his ears. Even after leaving them behind to argue among themselves. 

He shook his head, trying to focus once again after the unpleasant encounter. Despite his size he moved swiftly and gracefully, his hooves were treading carefully around the Overgrown Caverns.

Passing by one of the smaller cave he stopped. It was definitely not an entrance to a lower level. He should just continue forward… Yet something picked his interest. 

Johnny poked his head inside. Ears perched forward. Listening. Trying to focus his sight in dim light.

Perched upon a mossy rock is the largest toad he have ever seen. Not one of those “big” toads. A truly humongous one. He puffs on a long pipe, blowing smoke from open chambers in his back. His horizontal pupils betray his intelligence.

Johnny was not sure if he should be impressed, curious or disgusted.

He decided it’s better to back off but as soon as he moved his head out of the entryway the Toad opened his mouth and spoke:

• WHO ARE YOU?

The Creature's voice was loud and imposing. But he seemed calm and collected.

Johnny took a deep breath and stepped forward.

- I’m just looking for entrance to Earthen Furnace. 

- You didn’t answer my question.

- I’m... Johnny.

Toad took another puff from his pipe. He slowly moved his head and focused his sight on something behind Johnny.

- And who is that?

The blonde just now remembered that he actually has a friend here. It’s not hard to forget about him when he is smaller than his hoof and doesn’t talk…

- Oh, that’s my buddy…uh…Bob.

He still didn’t give a name to the damn snail. Well…now he did. He showed up out of nowhere and just stayed. Sitting on his back, doing his best to not fall off. Silently keeping him company. Deep inside Johnny was happy that he had someone watching his back. Even if it’s just Bob.

- I’ve encountered many Coursers here. All of you seem to be looking for the same. Gold, treasures, adventure. What are you truly looking for?

The Blonde didn’t expect that. He was not ready to answer the psychological meaning of his existence. Especially not to a giant toad deep in the dungeon.  

- I’m not sure but I hope that this journey will help me find the answer.

- Maybe you’re actually smarter than you look.

Toad slowly raised its paw in the vague direction behind him.

- If you want to find the entrance to the next level you need to go that way. Just be careful, there is a huge swarm of bats on the way. But they should be asleep, if you will be careful enough you may pass undetected.

Johnny nodded. Thankful for help he continued the journey. Before he disappeared from Toad’s sight the giant creature yelled behind him:

- Take care of your buddy!

- Don’t worry, I will! - Johnny responded.

- I was talking to Bob!