He wasn't going to mention that his legs already hurt. His mouth, unmanaged, would curl into a pout that he'd then wrestle and carve into a hard line - huffing little breaths through his nose as their group of three made their way up the rough terrain of the steppes. It was arid and dry, though pleasantly cooled by the passing breeze for the last bout of their venture. If anything, the trek to this cavern felt as perilous as the upcoming dungeon itself. He'd mask his chagrin, his coming sigh transposed to tired, melodic laughter. "A-are we there yet?" He'd jest, hoping to lighten the ache in his little limbs. Take note: physical training is still important as a mage, especially when you lack the mana reserves to fly everywhere. For now.

His companions made the travel easier. It had only been weeks since their last assignment in their first mission together, tackling the accursed birds of the Worth Woodsea's void portal - he could still feel the sting in his eyes, poking his tongue from chapstick-sticky lips to perish the thought. They had worked well together then and had been asked back for their 'stellar work' (read: good camaraderie, returned with all limbs still in tact) to take on something meatier that needed adventurers already experienced with the undertaking. They were told in no uncertain terms that the portal here - from what they'd manage to gather in intel - would be much less kind, and to come prepared for the higher difficulty of the request. Of course, they took it. It took almost nothing to get Briar and Vesper on board, with all of their bright-eyed stares and eager compliance. Briar wouldn't know exactly how it panned out for Saturn, but he was right glad to see him again and he told him as much.

The reunion was both excited and trepidatious. It was hard not to feel at least a current of nerves, considering the greater severity of the job and the trouble it would cause if they didn't make it through. It was less of a worry for himself; Briar had a healthy respect for not dying, but he was equally confident in Saturn and Vesper, trusting the group to cut and leave if worst came to absolute worse - this just wasn't ideal. He didn't want to let anyone down. He'd curl his hands firmer around the grip of his staff, using it both to stabilize and pull himself through the gravel and dust. He was resolute. All of their work until now, their time at the Academy and with Miss Yu and Miss Ryuko, this previous experience with Mister Saturn, every mission they had done for their fair cities ... it was all in lead up to some sort of proof of concept.

They wouldn't be saving the world with their actions today, but they'd be helping a great deal of people and a land that had enough worries without the Void spilling at their doors -- and if they were going to be relied on, they had to face the task with the level of sincerity and seriousness that required. That would be enough for Briar. If he could just prove that he can pull his weight in something like this, with his friends and comrade-at-arms, even and especially with his specific skillset; that would be enough. He'd be able to face these troubles a little less bashful, a little more sure that he'd be able to keep things together. His confidence had always been in his friends. He wanted to crane a little closer to that light, too. That sun.

This was his first big step as a real mage. He was glad he wasn't taking it alone, casting his eyes over his two friends and beaming a smile unweathered by the intense sun. They'd be rounding on the portal any moment now ... and he'd be ready for what was on the other side. "A-alrighty tighty, gents! We've got a job to do today, and -- a-and, uhm ...," he'd stumble over his rallying speech, squeezing his eyes shut before raising his staff higher to meet the sky. Burning brighter. "We'll give it our all, we will! Let's settle this here business and return tr.. triumphant! Yahoo!?"

His laugh dissolved the attempt at a heroic moment. "Please rely on me, fellas, an' I'll do the same o-o'course. Do we think we're all ready-set-go, Mr. Saturn, sir? Ves? We've got each other. Uhm ... giddy up, right?" The slant of such a gentle smile in a shaft of light; and maybe, just maybe, he could already taste its warmth.