You try to exit through the portal, but it’s gone!
“The Evil Wizard Blackthorne’s magic must have closed the portal,” explains the woman. “The only way out is by defeating him.”
“Fine,” you say. “How do I defeat this wizard?”
“Thought you’d never ask,” the woman says with a touch of smugness. “First you must venture to the Caves of the Catomancer, where you’ll find the Staff of-”
“Hang on, I’m writing this down.”
There’s a pause as you finish writing.
“Are you finished?”
“Yup, go on.”
“The Staff of Orion. That is the only thing that can defeat the Evil Wizard Blackthorne.”
“Question.”
“Shoot.”
“Why hasn’t anyone just… gotten the staff before?”
“Honestly? It’s on a high shelf. The unicorns tried but, you know, hooves and all.”
“Ah. Just checking.”
Looks like you’re going to the Caves of the Catomancer. Your guides give you a map drawn in the back of a book, How Long 'Til Black Future Month, to aid you in your quest.