It had been a couple hours since they'd woken up, and some more since when they first met their newest ally.
Duke awoke before Andrew and Milton, getting an early start on the day. Equipping his tools and gathering healing potions, he headed outside to gather some wood and other needed blocks. His goal was to make Milton a home, better than the one he slept in now. Ideas already bounced through his head, but now it was whether he had the materials for them.
So he chopped down trees and planted their saplings. He mined some stone and gathered some ores. He even managed to find cobwebs to make silk, though he'd need Andrew's help with the rest of the recipes.
"Materials, check. Energy, check. Dead slimes, Check! HA! Today is going great!" Duke cheered as he walked back from his expedition. It was now nearing noon, and he started his search for a suitable lot of land to begin building on.
"The forest would have nice scenery, but I don't think Milton would want his door busted down by zombies, even if he could defend himself. Would it be best to put him near my house?" He thought for a bit, wanting to make sure their newest companion would be safe living alone.
Duke continued his search for the right land as the sun continued to rise overhead, almost reaching its peak. Today was a peaceful day that held tranquility near and dear, it's prospect of fortune coming to fruition as birds fed their young and slimes grew when they hugged, mixing their various colors together.
Duke was feeling today was a fresh start to his new world. He knew no longer it would only be him and Andrew, but Milton as well as a pleasant surprise. The man seemed kind enough, but his added talent of fighting skill and battle intelligence cemented his important role in their survival and progression.
He chuckled. He had no idea of how any of them got there, and yet a strong alliance had already formed. He continued his pace towards a wide opening but stayed in his thoughts, relaxing the grip on his axe as he breathed evenly and enjoyed the environment. Inside his pack he carried stacks of dirt and wood for building, torches that somehow stayed lit without burning everything, mushrooms, lesser healing potions, and his weapons, and he felt none of the weight.
He had a strangely good feeling about today.
He found a nice spot a short distance from his home, holding few plants and shrubs with trees off to the side. Humming in excitement, he whipped out the stone and began the foundation of his home.
Deciding to go for a moderate size, he went with two layers of stone that spanned 30 long and 25 wide. Once the top layer was outlined, he filled in the middle with wood and placed stairs up to the home. A small balcony outside the front door was built, holding a table and a few chairs with torches to give light.
The rest of the build came together as he littered the area with tables, chests, chandeliers and paintings from their mining trip, and windows to bring in natural light.
A small shop area was even built to fit in with Milton's "Merchant" occupation, believing it fitting as he felt it right to give Andrew a currently empty bookshelf. He managed to finish an hour or so before the sun set below the horizon, feeling satisfied with his work, though not as he was when he had built his own home.
Stepping outside and into the warm sun and cool air, Duke stretched his limbs and snacked on a mushroom, not feeling the effects of any psychedelics fortunately. Turning to face the home, he wondered what Andrew and Milton had been up to during his construction, having not seen them once outside.
He hummed in thought, making his way back home to break the news of the now finished home.
Several Hours Ago
A yawn was heard within the makeshift shack, and the cracking of bones accompanied it not long after.
Andrew had awoken.
I need a bed.
Grunting, he lifted himself from the spot of dirt and walked over to the "kitchen". In reality, it was a small area against the wall with a few tables and chests nearby, a torch higher up to illuminate their place.
He rummaged through the chests in search for breakfast, although he didn't feel hunger. Strange, he thought, but nonetheless continued pushing through the swords and blocks.
"How does roasted bunny sound, Young Andrew?"
He turned around, finding Milton standing in the door way holding two bunnies by their hide, each seemingly dead.
That's right, he left earlier.
...
"I'm sorry what?" Now clicking into his mind, Andrew realized that the man before him had no qualms with catching and killing live food, let alone bringing it home to roast and eat.
Milton chuckled, stepping outside for the Guide to follow. Though hesitant, Andrew closed his chest and walked over, not sure if food was even worth it anymore.
Milton spoke up, "Worry not Andrew, I made sure to finish their lives swiftly so to not allow the pain of loss dwell in their souls."
The sun continued its rise and Andrew had his full, barely finishing his breakfast without shedding a tear.
I still feel bad for eating it. But simultaneously, it was amazing!
While he sulked, Milton had finished his portion faster, deciding to begin his training. Though on his years, he felt it best to not let himself rust as he now had a student, or at least something like it. Preparing with stretches, he thought of how to teach the airheaded man known as Duke.
Of course basic stretches go a long way, but I get the feeling the young lad has no worries of pulling a muscle. It would be amusing, but it may be best to start with coordinating his attacks better. His swings hold power no doubt, but they are too easy to read. As well his balance is lacking, as just a push sent him stumbling. In terms of fighting strategy, however, he seems to be fairing well in. He knew to analyze me for weaknesses and possible advantages, hence why he led with a kick to the head. Hmm...
He went through his training, going through advanced forms that mixed stances and blocks, while throwing in strikes and counters as well. Movement was no issue, as he dodged around with relative ease. His strikes were fearsome, cutting through the air with controlled force that rivalled Duke's own punches.
His demeanor remained focused, but his breathing was the key to his ability. No matter how fast or high he kicked or how fast he punched, everything was done with disciplined breathing techniques. In through the nose, out through the mouth, and he could break through the bark of a tree with ease. And yet, he continued his focus more on blocks and counters. Truly a sight to behold, as the Guide stopped from his morning walk to view this masterful art.
"You know, I may teach you as well, if you wish." Milton spoke.
At this Andrew jumped in surprise, but Milton simply returned to a relaxed stance with a smile on his face. "You seemed interested, hence my asking. Unless I am mistaken?" He asked.
"Ah, well yes." Andrew sheepishly replied as he walked to the senior. "Your techniques looked sophisticated, yet you were 'born' just yesterday. Are you by chance calling on memories for knowledge of the moves?"
Milton chuckled, "That is a good question. One that I'm afraid I do not have the answer to. When I train like this, it all feels natural, as if they've been practiced and honed for years. It would explain my age, after all." He joked at that last part, Andrew letting a small laugh out.
"Yeah, I guess it makes sense you feel that way as well." Andrew replied.
"And what of you? You said you are rather proficient with the bow, and it seemed so with the events of last night as well." Milton asked.
This time Andrew chuckled, his face lighting up slightly, "Ha, yeah you got me. I've got no clue how I even know how to knock an arrow, and yet it feels like second nature to me."
Milton hummed. "Hmm, and what of the other lad, Duke was it? It seems he still learns while having some natural talent."
"Yeah he's a special case. From what I gathered, he has physical prowess to boast, but also has access to a near infinite 'inventory' space. He can absorb special crystals to expand his lifeforce, but can also take far more damage than either of us. He has the ability of creation that further expands as long as his knowledge can compensate, which would be no problem as he seems to have an advanced learning capacity. In essence, he is the perfect student that holds natural talent in many aspects." Andrew finished, feeling proud of his observations. Wait, should I mention he's also an airhead?
"He also seems to be rather lightheaded, from what little I've seen." Milton added with a slight laugh.
Andrew agreed with his own laugh. "Heh, yeah he's got a carefree nature. But back to what you said earlier, would you really be fine teaching us?"
"I do not see why I should keep this to myself. After all, you both would fare better when you train at the young age you are." Milton mused.
"Really?! Awesome!" Andrew cheered, pumping his hands in the air.
"So, when can we start?"
BAM
"OOF. Hugh, why'd you hit me?!"
Andrew was now on the floor, his hands clutching his likely bruised stomach. Milton had retracted his outstretched hand, having a serious expression on his face.
"We begin now." He commanded.
Andrew gulped.
Elsewhere
.
.
.
BOOOOM
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Debris rained from the ceiling of a dense cave, showering everything below with a mix of soot-covered gems and stone. The walls nearly rendered to ash and smoke emptied into the more vast underground as a single man marched deeper into the earth.
Though short in stature, nothing else indicated a timid or quiet nature. His arms, though covered by a white undershirt, showed an obvious build from years of harsh work, with scars peppering him from hand to shoulder. Above that he wore an orange vest specially crafted to withstand powerful explosions and scathing flames. Grey pants mixed with ash covered his lower half, made from a stronger cloth able to stand against rips and tears with ease. His singed orange beard reached down to just below his chest, as strong blue eyes faced forward with an eager glint. His gilded mining helmet helped to light his path into the mines, showcasing greater veins that needed a good explosion or two.
"Hahaha! These explosives be packing a greater punch than those flimsy grenades! Surely the clan would appreciate the speedy making of these tunnels. Who knows, I may even get a raise!"
The man, a dwarf, cheered through the caves with a stick of dynamite in his hand, feeling elated over his newest invention. The red stick managed to cave in and destroy any wall he had come across with complete ease, and he had the enjoyment of watching such destruction occur with his very eyes.
Back home, he was the go-to dwarf in terms of who to get explosives from and who knows most of it. Of course, that's not to say everyone else was impractical, but rather he held a gift that allowed him to constantly come up with strategies and inventions that allowed him and his clan greater ease with travel and battle.
And now he was looking over the edge of a steep cliff into the depths of darkness.
"Ahoy! Anyone down there be wishin' fer a bacon strip?!" He called down the drop, not necessarily expecting an answer.
"Right then, SERVES UP!"
And he chucked the lit stick.
And it fell, illuminating the creatures hanging on the walls and sitting and the bottom. He watched them gather around closer to his proudest creation when it landed, all watching the fuse shrink closer to the tip, ready to ignite the gunpowder as soon as time would allow.
One figure in particular, a skeleton with a bomb in hand, thought it best to bring the fuses together and ignite its own. It grew a smile, seeing the light display, until the one below his feet shook the ground with a mighty roar, but not before the surrounding area spontaneously combusted with such a force, even the dwarf felt it from the level he stood at. Everything below immediately disappeared with momentary flames lighting everything ablaze.
...
"BAHAHAHAHAHA! THAT'S ME BOY!" He cheered with infectious laughter, relishing the destruction and death of the evil incarnates.
That is, until he heard the shaking.
Rumble rumble rumble
...
"Hah?
.
.
.
BADOOOOOOOOM!
Below where his stick of dynamite had dropped, the gates of the Underworld opened with hellish screams and thunderous roars, its raging lava like a flash flood that consumed all unfortunate enough who were caught. The dwarf saw this and felt nothing but panic, realizing it may have been better to check his depth meter rather than giving in to his impulse to see things blow.
The lava rose with such intensity that it stalked the walls of his cave, and he in turn ran to his homes gates, where he would be able to wall off the raging river of flames.
He sped through webs, entered chasms that branched off into various sections, and the lava still persisted. He found where he came from and hopped into the minecart, until he realized something.
The route he came from required one to manually shift the rails for incoming and oncoming traffic, though due to him being the only user, this was a truly poor design. Furthermore, his predicament did not allow him this time, so he was forced to take an abandoned route that lost its use after the newer ones took place. Thanks to its lack of use and care, spiders webs and cracked walls threatened the collapse of the area before the lava could reach him, which would allow him another quick death.
However he cared not for this, as upon entering and riding, he saw ahead an immensely open chasm that stretched even deeper than the last, expanding up to the small opening of the over world.
The main reason for the abandonment of this mine, however, soon became obvious, as a flimsy set of rails that were suspended in the air were all that allowed passage between the drop.
At this moment, a glint in his eyes appeared, and a smirk formed itself despite what seemed to be imminent death quickly approaching. He released his grip on the cart and threw down bombs ahead of him, timing their explosions carefully so to provide boosts of speed that'd allow him to pass through with greater speed and greater chances of survival.
And so he regained his death grip on the cart, narrowing his eyes and widening his smirk as he explosively (heh, get it?) gained momentum, using the rails to guide through the death drop.
He barreled out of the tunnel, now traveling on thin rails as the lava jumped out at him, attempting but failing to reach him with its overheated hands. Now he felt relief, as what was left was nothing short of a quick ride back to safety.
"HAHAHA! AND THAT BE A STORY FER' THE ONES BACK HOME!"
shuffleshuffle
Rumblerumblerumblerumblerumble
"...Oh bloody he-"
BOOOOOOOM
From underneath his cart, lava exploded through the vast drop of the cavern and charged straight towards him, boasting more heat than the pool that spilled downwards behind him had.
His eyes widened at what he was certain would burn him to a crisp, but nonetheless dropped into the cart and held on for dear life.
And then he was hit, or rather his cart was hit, by the immeasurable force of the earth as the lava surrounded him on all sides, shooting him through all the layers of the earth instantaneously. Monsters roaming the area burned with no respite, and stone turned to ash and silt from the overwhelming heat, forming diamonds and other gems all alongside the cave walls.
The roof kept closing in, and he didn't know what'd happen should he strike it at his current velocity. Would the lava burst through it and send him into the sky? Or would he be crushed in between an unstoppable force and an immovable object? Either way, he bit onto his last stick of dynamite and lit it with the surrounding flames, proceeding to drop it at the last second below his cart with enough care to not burn his hand to ashes.
I may or may not regret that.
Overworld
Duke had barely made it home before night struck, having decided to walk around in the forest to enjoy what surrounded him. His walk was nothing short of peaceful, but it soon grew to boring, and the threat of night crawled up his spine like a cold feeling.
"Man, that house looked pretty nice actually. How did I do it anyway? It just, came to me without much effort." His questioning was accompanied with a hand to the chin, his head down trying to comprehend why he couldn't do that with his home.
"Meh, still isn't as nice as my-"
PANG
He and his thoughts were halted, for in front of his nose was an arrow imbedded into the tree on his right, narrowly skimming the skin off him.
"Oh! Hey Duke!"
He looked to his left with widened eyes and met a sight he didn't think to encounter: Andrew on the roof of their home holding his quiver of arrows and Milton retracting his outstretched leg.
"Good day, Young Duke!" Milton waved, having a cheery tone in his voice.
"Yeah, uh, hi. Can someone explain to me why I nearly died?!" Duke nearly spat. Quite frankly, he didn't take the close call lightly.
Milton chuckled, "Worry not, I am simply training Young Andrew as per my suggestion." He finished with a smile.
Duke looked over at Andrew and upon closer inspection, he looked near dead despite his smile.
"Yeah, let's just say he doesn't joke around in training." Andrew said with slight humor in his voice. He seemed to be panting with sweat glistening off his face, and Duke noticed dirt all over it as well.
"Heh, so you got it handed to you by the geezer as well? Can't say I blame you, it is pretty cool the things one can learn when taught properly." As Duke finished his sentence, he whipped out an arrow and bow, lighting the arrow aflame with gel and a torch and shot it towards the two. Milton could see the intent behind it, so he stood aside and watched as Andrew ducked in panic, allowing the arrow to skewer and cook a bird flying behind his head.
"Dinners up!" Duke exclaimed, finding Andrews reaction hilarious as he made his way over. Milton let a laugh out and climbed down, Andrew following after, albeit with a terrified expression.
The bird was collected and they went indoors, Andrew having cleared his head with a quick bang against the wall. Duke divided the bird among himself and his companions, with much still being leftover. They chatted over the events of the day, Duke managing to completely forget about his creation for Milton and Andrew showing off what he learned from the senior. The times were enjoyed until a loud, earth shaking crash was heard not too far off from their home. They were silent for a while until Duke stood and equipped his armor of a silver helmet, gold chest plate, and iron leggings. Andrew followed closely behind with his new set of flaming arrows ready, and Milton prepared his throwing knives with keen focus.
Opening the door, the sun had just set behind the hills and the moans of the dead had alerted them further. They stepped out and followed the direction in which they heard the explosion, deeper into the dark part of the forest. Oddly enough, few creatures were found as they chose to steer clear of whatever destroyed their homes, but the men continued onwards.
A sizzling was heard, as well as a glow was seen the deeper they went into the forest, Duke recognizing the place as a mine he visited once but chose to ignore due to its seemingly endless drop. Torches were no longer needed, however, as hundreds of feet in front of them lay nothing but molten lava, killing all that dared grasp it, with even the trees not being spared. Milton walked to the right of the flaming river, something catching his eye further from the terrifying site. Duke and Andrew followed behind, but remained a distance and alert in case something should push them in.
What Milton found however, surprised him more than the surface lava lake. Before him was a vast clearing in the trees, specks of fire eating away at the ground and puddles of molten lava spotted everywhere, giving more of a volcanic scenery. Duke stepped forward for a closer look, his sword at the ready with Andrew prepared to snipe any sneaking foes.
"...What?" No doubt was Milton confused, as before him was a crater of ash and charred rubble with a bright red object in the center, emitting its own heat with steam coming off all sides.
"I'll look closer. Watch my back." Duke said, closing the distance between him and the foreign object. The surrounded spots of lava made a difficult path, though he managed to keep all his limbs unburned.
Then it shook.
"Ooohhh, me head be achin' now. Blasted earth and its natural reactions."
Caught off guard by the sudden voice, Duke jumped back and held his sword between himself and the slowly cooling object. To further add to his surprise, a hand reached out and grabbed hold of the side, not seeming to feel the scorching heat that would have seared anyone else like a steak.
Ok, keep calm and don't skewer anything yet. It seems to hold speech intelligence and a resistance to heat. Perhaps friendly?
"Hooo boy, that be enough fer today. HRAGH!"
"What the he-"
Duke, Andrew, and Milton all stared in disbelief at what had landed before them. From the object jumped out a man - a short one - covered in soot and ash. What was more surprising was his complete apathy to the surrounding area.
"So this be the overworld? Me home holds better scenery than this wasteland." The dwarf criticized.
Duke decided to start the interrogation, irked that such quick assumptions were made. "You, state your name and business here."
The dwarf turned to him, not having realized there were others here. He looked up to see a sword pointed at his face, a man with a steeled face behind it. Looking behind him, he saw an older gentlemen with his hands behind his back and another like the sword-wielder, only this one had a bow at the ready.
"Aye, such rude greetings, wouldn't ye say?" The dwarf shifted back to Duke. "Me name be Dolbere the Demolitionist, and swords be a poor way to hitch conversation, lad."
"I like to play things safe." He replied.
"Maybe that be the case, but ye ferget the crater ya be standin' in?" Dolbere gestured around him.
"Mister Dolbere, was it? How did you end up here, and what exactly happened?" Milton questioned, visibly relaxing slightly.
Dolbere smirked, still unable to believe the events he had just caused. Would they really believe his story? Meh, he figured being a dwarf was convincing enough as it is.
"There be a shelter? It be best to explain indoors."
A/N: Ok, I think it'd be best to not make promises in terms of update schedules.
I do know I said earlier would be the release, but I just got lazy if I'm being honest. However! This was easily my favorite chapter to write so far, since I tried to incorporate more POV's and setting changes. Tell me what you thought, as drafts were pretty common with this chapter, but I managed! Once again, thank you Nanomemes for the review! Yeah, WOF holds a special place in my plans, though Duke's bed takes top priority :P. I also tried to bring in the Guides terrible habit of leaving doors open, so I'm happy someone noticed! As well, thank you Guest for your review! There's this awesome fiction I can't stop reading that brings in some similar concepts of martial arts playing huge roles in games like Terraria, so I'm glad you liked it! I really tried to add some layers to my story and characters, so thank you for the feedback and reading.
Thanks again readers, and (hopefully) I'll be back soon.
Stay tuned!