AN: Sorry for the delay. Haven't been able to step away to publish this properly. And for a rare, corn-themed chapter title! A Kernel of Truth! Very intentional, much deliberate.

Been playing Pokemon Arceus Legends. A great waste of time to distract the mind and unwind, my rhymes are sublime, grind limes with dimes. Snap back to reality...

An important setup chapter. You'll see why. Enjoy.


Disclaimer: I don't own Minecraft. If I did, I'd have the Warden drop something valuable.


Chapter 204

A Kernel of Truth

[Ohm Mountains]

It was early morning. November 8th.

Cobb, Z7, and a few others went off to do special training while most of the Paragons either enjoyed the last few moments of sleep or began packing up camp.

Heather was among those doing the latter, though she was soon joined by another.

"Hey, Heather." Luis greeted tentatively. Heather didn't answer, focusing instead on cramming her bed into her backpack. "Can we talk?"

"Talk." Heather permitted, still not turning around to face him. Luis let out an aggravated sigh before starting.

"We haven't said a word to each other since hearing about Harbord, Buckner, and Devers' passing." Heather paused for a moment before resuming her packing. "I'd like us to talk and get it out there-"

"Get what out there?" Heather snapped. "That they died suddenly? That this war takes lives unexpectedly and there's no point in starting a relationship? Did you just come here to say 'I told you so' and that you were right?"

Luis was taken aback, but he stupidly decided to venture into shark-infested waters.

"Well, I was right, so-"

"Oh my God..." Heather laughed darkly to herself. "You are hopeless..."

"Why? Just because I'm telling the truth!? The truth you don't want to hear!?" Luis started to shout. Heather's stubborness was starting to grate on his nerves. "Is that why you've been avoiding me? Because you can't stand to admit when you're wrong?"

"What's wrong about wanting more than a casual fling?" Heather's eyes burned as she whirled on Luis. "We both like each other, so why can't we be happy? Why can't you commit?"

"Because we're in a WAR!" Luis roared. "I thought hearing about Harbord and Buckner and all the others we lost would've sobered you up to this. There are no guarantees! We're not living a cushy life in a little house with a picket fence and a happy garden! Loss is always around the corner, so why nurture something that could be wrenched away at any moment!?"

Tears were in Heather's eyes as she glared at him. "If you don't know the answer to that, then you don't love me the way I love you."

She then turned and ran away from him, flecks of tears trailing behind her. Luis felt his heart break seeing her like that, but he knew a relationship had no definite future. Not while they were fighting the cult.

He didn't want to start something without knowing how it'd end.


[Cobb]

November 8th. Another morning of endurance training with Perry and Witige, but not before I jumped into a session between Lenz and Z7. The Jibberwoman alternated between teaching Quickdraw to Lenz with his crossbow and showing me Quickswap. She spent more time with Lenz than me, but I drew the most from what little she said which Lenz translated for me.

"Quickswap relies on the items at your belt." Lenz translated her words. "The belt has nine pockets for the items you most want to carry. Think of them like nine extra hands you can switch to at a moment's notice. All Crafters possess the ability to swap to them in an instant. You just need to find that skill - that speed - find that feeling - that rhythm - and practice it until it becomes as inherent as breathing."

It helped that she provided an image for me, though I had always placed my favorite items at my belt. Faster than drawing from my backpack. Still, I couldn't switch them out as quickly as Z7 demonstrated with a plethora of pumpkin pies, cakes, and baked potatoes. She was so fast it was like she was holding a transforming mass of food. Meanwhile, I just dropped my stuff most of the time.

I could see the fruits of Lenz's training, though. He drew that iron dagger almost as fast as Z7, though he was considerably slower when transitioning to the crossbow. It was bulkier and heavier than the dagger, but he could preload it as opposed to a bow, firing it in an instant where a standard bow would take longer to load, draw, and fire. Quickdraw and Quickswap. Two skills in the same vein with a similar name.

I didn't have much to show from my training with her, but that was to be expected. I just started. After doing some endurance training, I returned to camp with the others, where Trenay said Carys had a message for me.

"She heard you lost pretty bad to Z7. She feels bad that you're so much weaker than her underling."

I clenched my teeth together and stayed silent to hide the fact I didn't have a snappy comeback - I mean that I was the bigger person that wouldn't rise to such blatant provocation, yeah.

Anyway, after that little footnote, we packed out stuff and set off on another day of hiking.

"Hey, is that Carys_Angel behind you?" I muttered under my breath to myself. "Hey, is that Carys_Angel behind you?" I was practicing my lies. I usually did it at night, but it wasn't like I was busy hiking. This was something to keep my mind busy.

"I am a four-hundred foot tall purple Creeper with pink horns and silver wings." I lied more ridiculously. "I am a four-hundred foot tall purple Creeper with pink horns and silver wings."

"Er, Cobb?" I froze at the sound of Baltic's voice. "Are you delirious from training?"

"N-No, no!" I hastily shook my head. "I'm not crazy! Don't look at me like that! Ahhh!" I covered my face in embarrassment, wishing I'd used a more normal sounding lie. "Now you're all going to think I'm wierd!"

"Cobb. We always thought that." Heather deadpanned.

"...Oh."

"So what's this about being a giant purple Creeper?"

"He's been muttering that to himself a lot of nights." Trenay added. "Part of me was curious, but another part was more wierded out. Now I'm just curious again, so spill it."

"Okay, so..." I struggled for the words for a moment. "After my spar with Perry yesterday, you understand that bluffs and lies are as much a part of my arsenal as any weapon."

"Cheating, you mean." Perry clarified.

"And Ember_Waves," I continued, ignoring him, "is able to see through lies. She can tell when you're lying, which pretty much counters any bluff I attempt. So I'm trying to practice my lies. Make them sound believable. If I can do that, maybe I can work around her lie-detecting."

"Interesting thought." Witige hummed. "But Ember is an Executive and dangerously skilled. She defeated Anibal and Kalmarin at the same time. She took on two Captains at once without breaking a sweat. Do you imagine a few believable lies will tip the scales in your favor?"

"It might make a difference." I shrugged. "Wouldn't be the first time my bluffs came in handy."

"Well, if you're serious about learning how to lie, I know someone who could help you out." Trenay offerred. "Jillian."

"Of course!" Baltic agreed. "Jillian! That's a great idea."

"Why Jillian?" I asked. "Is she a master liar?"

"Better! She's a politician; lying is their profession." Trenay smiled. "Carys sort of forced Nitebane into her hands, but she's had experience leading people before. She's a former Captain of Zeppil, after all. She knows how to make her lies sound like truths. You want to be a better liar, you could get some pointers from her."

"Thanks, but I'm not planning on taking a detour to Nitebane." I declined.

"You don't have to. Remember?" She waved her map in front of her. "I can just message her. Arrange a meeting."

"And she'll spare the time for me? I'm not a Paragon. Plus, wouldn't she be too busy running Nitebane?"

"She can spare a few moments. And I'm part of Delta. Her team. She'll listen if I make the request." She had the map ready. "So? You want to do this?"

Yeah, why not? I was already getting trained by one of Carys' Team Leaders. Why not one more? It was free coaching, and making the most out of this alliance. Carys might snipe at me for having to go to them for help, but even she had Z7 train her. Being self-dependent and shutting people out hadn't exactly worked in my favor either. If I was going to tackle some of Minecraftia's toughest opponents, I needed to pick up new skills and fast.

"I'm all for it. Please set it up." I asked politely. She didn't have to make the offer, and I appreciated that she did. So I was nice. If they were nice, I was nice. Trenay nodded once before starting to drop and pick up the map in Morse Code. Baltic and Heather took out theirs to see the reply.

"Jillian. It's Trenay." Trenay spoke the message as she sent it. "King_Cobb heard about your skills in politics and he's politely requesting some advice. Could you spare a few moments to speak with him?"

"You don't think Carys will be steamed over passing Paragon trade secrets to this guy, do you?" Shroud asked.

"Guess we'll see." Luis nodded to the maps. "She'll see what we say."

True to form, Carys butted in with her two cents on the matter.

"Ask that massterbaitor what he thinks he's doing asking anything of my people."

"Tell her that-" I froze, remembering I owed her for saving Noman from Gunnah. She demanded I be polite in our communications from now on. She could be as rude as she wanted, but I had to play nice. I gnashed my teeth together before forcing something pleasant out. "Please, Carys. I just want some tips on how to be a better liar. I'd appreciate it if you could permit this for me in the name of our alliance."

There. That was polite enough, right?

Her response came fast.

"Fuck off. How is it the responsibility of my Paragons to make you stronger? Jillian is the cornerstone of our communication and intel lines; she doesn't have time to spare tutoring you for as mundane a purpose as making you a better liar. You want to lie better? Start by trying to convince yourself you're not a stupid, entitled clown."

"Damn. Cobb's gonna need a Healing Potion for that one." Dwight winced.

I vaporized Dwight with a glare while biting my lip to keep myself from saying anything impolite, like calling her 'a pig-riding bitch'. I had to be passive aggressive, not aggressive aggressive. But she was making it way too hard not to.

I was saved from having to say anything when a new message was relayed.

"If you two would cease your hostilities for a second, I, Jillian, have something requiring more immediate attention." Baltic relayed the incoming map message, his brow furrowing with concern as it went on. "Several of our lookouts have just gone dark, and more are vanishing by the minute. They're all focused around a certain area at the border between Nitebane and Daymonte."

The easy atmosphere quickly vanished as everyone present understood the severity of the situation. Baltic's next message was relayed with the utmost of urgency.

"Did they notice anything worth mentioning? Was their going dark sudden?"

"Very sudden. No warning whatsoever. They just vanished. They're all just vanishing, but only in a set area. The other lookouts are fine, though they're also on high alert."

"Tell the nearest lookouts to investigate." Carys' orders came fast. "Have them close in on either side to find out what's happening."

"Is that advisable? They could be walking into a trap." Jillian replied. "Sending people out will weaken the lookouts that haven't been hit. And whoever's doing this knows where our lookouts are hidden. It's no coincidence."

"We saying someone leaked our hidden lookouts?" Trenay asked. "Only Jillian and our teammates back in Nitebane have the lookout locations."

"We can figure out the intel breach at a later date - just send out the lookouts!" Carys demanded. "If this is the cult trying to blind our radar, we need to find out what they're moving past our lines!"

"That's why I'm contacting Baltic's group." Jillian's message assured. "Baltic. Your group is traveling through the Ohm Mountains, and Lenzington of the Beginners is among your numbers. I was told he has exceptional eyesight - the eyes of an eagle. The disappearing outposts are to the southwest of your position. If you can find a peak to climb up, and it isn't very cloudy, you should have a proper vantage point for Lenzington to scan the land for hostile forces. See what you see and report back. I wouldn't ask this if it wasn't important. You're the closest ones with the best view."

"It's not great, but it'll have to do." Carys accepted. "Baltic. Get the archer up those mountains so he can give us a bird's eye view."

Lenz made to move save for my arm reaching up and tugging his sleeve to stop him. "Trenay, ask Carys what she thinks she's doing asking anything of my people."

I spit her own words right back at her knowing she'd notice. Her reply came fast.

"This is not the time to be obnoxious. Aren't you in my debt?"

"If you want to waste your one favor on this, that's fine by me. Just say the word, ma'am."

There was a long pause after Trenay relayed my message before Carys' reply came in.

"Jillian, tell that idiot whatever he needs to know to shut him up."

"Thank you very much, Carys." I said, remembering to be polite while wearing a smug smile. "Go ahead and help, Lenz." I gestured, the engineer going off with Baltic, Doyle, and a ton of ladders. They went to the nearest steep cliff and began building and climbing up. Doyle first with the ladders, then Lenz, then Baltic.

"There was more news I wanted to share with Carys first." Jillian messaged. "Our representatives have arrived in Ringwood. Captain Wynn_Whispers is giving them a chance to apply for positions of Captain, council, and King as promised, but there's a catch. King WorkingMann has returned from retirement and has called upon the King's Trials to decide the new monarch of Ringwood... What's left of it, anyway."

My brain had to play catch-up to process the information being said. This was the first I was hearing of any promises between Ringwood and the Paragons, but I assumed it involved a request for manpower given the ruined state of Ringwood. So then Carys was providing Wynn with soldiers in exchange for positions of authority. But she never mentioned handing over the throne to the Paragons. She didn't think herself worthy of it - which was stupid if you ask me - so she brought WorkingMann back to hand over the throne to. So why were the Paragons involved? And what King's Trials needed to be performed to pick a king? It was sounding like another repeat of the unspeakable SutsCoDown Throwdown Showdown.

"Is that so?" Carys replied. It was impossible to gauge what she was feeling through a map. "This is the first I've heard of such a contest. What type of challenges are involved in these King's Trials?"

"The kind that haven't been triumphed since Notch." Jillian answered. "People have died competing in these challenges, and they're designed for picking out the qualities of a strong king. If we want to take hold of Ringwood, our people are going to have to win the whole thing."

There was a pause before Carys sent her reply.

"Sounds good to me. No better way to rise to power than showing undisputed, overwhelming strength. These trials for the throne work in our favor. We handpicked the best fighters, strategists, and diplomats to send to Ringwood. I'm confident they can handle an old washed up relic and a broken, hollow invalid of a Captain."

I glared at the ground at how she insulted Wynn. That girl lost a lot and was hurting - She wasn't broken or invalid!

"Have them check their progress on the sets of diamond armor." Carys sent next. I hardly paid attention as she and Jillian wrapped up their conversation discussing some less important topics. I hated that Carys was squeezing Wynn and Ringwood for a thousand sets of diamond armor per their agreement, but there was nothing I could do to negotiate. If anything, I would just drive the price steeper and make things worse for Wynn.

The ivory-haired Captain had it rough.

Eventually, Jillian's business with Carys concluded and she addressed me once again.

"King_Cobb. As I'm waiting for Baltic's report, and Carys has given us her 'blessing', I shall answer what questions I can on the subject of politics and diplomacy."

I blinked. "I just want to become a good liar."

"Yes. Well, my words for it are more respectful, painting it in a better light, but yes. It's lying. But not just lying." She continued. "In politics, and especially as a monarch, you're tasked with appealing to, and pleasing, thousands of people at once. Your policies represent change. Your policies will not make everyone happy. The lies you say are only ever meant to sway people to your side for the moment, but in such a way that angers no one if told right."

I listened attentively, Jillian's words bringing up unpleasant memories of McGahn. He was a politician in power, who used lies and the ACC to keep his hold over Akasha. He always justified that it was to keep the Kingdom safe, and maybe he did a better job of that than I thought. As soon as he was deposed, the Hackers wiped Akasha off the map.

But I didn't want to frame people like McGahn. I wanted to tell lies to deceive and afford me a window of opportunity. To fool Ember, who Jade claimed could see through even the most ironclad of lies. I told Jillian as much.

"If you wish to become a better liar," she replied, "you must remember that all great lies, at their core, hold a kernel of truth."

"A kernel of truth? Like a corn kernel?"

Trenay stopped relaying immediately as she looked up at me with a deadpan expression.

"I'm gonna reply with something a bit more intelligent." She said before editing my words. I flushed, conceding her point that it was a stupid question.

"Yes. A kernel of truth. Part of what you're saying needs to have a basis of truth in order to help convince you that it's real. When telling a convincing lie, the first person you have to deceive is yourself."

I balked at that. Why did I have to trick myself instead of others?

"If you believe what you're saying is true, others watching you will too. It's the same with politics. I can throw out a line about financial reform or making more jobs, but leave out the part about making people take up construction work to demolish old buildings. I didn't tell a lie, but I also didn't tell the whole truth. I told just enough to make myself, and the people listening, believe it was beneficial."

My mouth formed an 'O' as I took in her words. I had to fool myself before I could fool others. I suppose it was like playing poker and bluffing with a straight face. Everyone was watching my reactions, so if I looked like I believed I had a good hand, then they'd think I have a good hand. I just had to pretend to really believe the lies I was telling.

And the best way to do that was with a kernel of truth. A truth hidden in the lie, or a lie hidden in the truth. if the lines were blurred between the two, it would be impossible to distinguish one from the other.

"That's some helpful advice." I said honestly. "Thank you, Jillian. This has been eye-opening for me." Trenay sent out the message.

"Don't thank me. This advice wasn't free, it was barter." She sent back, all business. "I'd never share information with a gimcrack, fairweather ally if not for Carys' permission and Trenay vouching for you. I haven't forgotten that we lost the Asmodeus thanks to you, or that your careless trust in an Endward Cult Lieutenant led to Carys' identity being leaked." I shrunk upon myself as her words tore at me in a way that Carys' didn't. Even if I didn't know what gimcrack meant. "I certainly don't consider you or the Beginners as dependable assets, even with the gear you secured from SutsCo. I don't approve of you. Don't forget it."

I just stood there, gaping like a fish out of water after such a verbal lashing. It reminded me of Wynn's strictness since before we came to an understanding. Jillian looked to be cut from the same cloth, though she wasn't wrong with what she said. Most cutting of all was the reminder of Jade, something I blamed myself deeply for.

"She's a swell lady, really." Trenay vainly tried to assure me. "She's just under a lot of pressure managing Nitebane as an acting monarch."

I didn't take it too personally and told Trenay as much. Jillian told me what I needed despite her disapproval, which meant she knew when to set aside grievances. That placed her leagues above Carys who made use of every opportunity to put my friends and me down.

We didn't send a message out until Baltic, Lenz, and Doyle climbed back down. Despite his age, Baltic outstripped them all in his haste to reach us, and the grim looks on their faces were unmistakeable.

"What'd you see?" Luis asked only for Baltic to draw his map and send out the message, speaking it as he did so.

"Lenzington saw an army." Baltic revealed, a bit out of breath. "They looked like dots on the landscape, but they were arranged like a thick swarm of locusts. Four or five thousand bodies strong and counting. From what he saw, I can only surmise their heading is southeast. You were right to worry. They're heading straight for Nitebane."

"Did you find out who they are?" Wing asked.

"There's no need." Trenay grimaced. "Only one group with the numbers that can mobilize so wantonly, without strategy or planning, and able to pick up reinforcements as they go. They're Griefers. Gotta be."

"The Griefers are lowlives. Small time." Carys' words came fast. "They stack up to appear as a bigger threat, but they'd only stack up to this scale if a Hacker was leading them."

Just like with Alec. I thought to myself. They were all gathering around the biggest predator, like a school of bottom-feeders following a shark, ready to pick clean the bones.

"But the Hackers and Griefers don't have a brain between them." Carys continued. "They wouldn't bother strategically taking out our lookouts so that their army could slip past undetected. Someone else is behind this, capitalizing on the situation. And for my money, I'm betting it's the Endward Cult."

"But how would they know where our lookouts are? Someone's peeking at our cards!" Trenay messaged back.

"Can't be. The map holders are loyal. Have been for decades." Jillian defended. "They've all been carefully screened, and none of them are Endward Cult sympathizers. They aren't cultists."

"We'll have to proceed with caution concerning this leak in intel." Carys declared. "Jillian, I want you to consider all other communication lines as compromised. This is the only one where we can be sure the map holders are loyal. My group, Baltic's group, and Jillian are the only ones using this line. As for this approaching army, it's safe to assume a Hacker is at the helm. They've come as payback for Ocan, Urson, and Poulsen. Ready the defences, Jillian. Show them what we spent these past months preparing for."

"What's the army's ETA?" Jillian asked.

"Hard to say at their pace." Lenz shook his head, looking uncomfortable. It couldn't be easy knowing his estimation could mean the difference between a kingdom's survival or ruin. "They have a lot of troops to move. M-Maybe... Two or three weeks?"

Trenay relayed his words, minus the uncertainty.

"So we can expect the attack before the end of the month." Jillian replied. "I'll alert the kingdom and bolster the defenses. Time to dip into our EXP stockpile."

There were a few more messages sent and received discussing strategy before communications concluded. It left a dim atmosphere in its wake.

"They certainly have a lot of troops." Lenz commented.

"The irony being that the Hackers don't want them." Dwight folded his arms. "They don't ask to be followed, the Griefers just gather around them for strength. The Hackers could kill them callously and they'd still obediently follow. That's just how Griefers are."

"Wouldn't be surprised if the Griefers Cobb spared for their EXP are among their numbers." Perry snuck a jab in.

"Then they'll have more EXP to steal from." I countered hotly. "Whatever Hacker they sent will be the real problem. The Griefers have quantity, not quality, and know that the Hacker is their only real chance for victory against a larger opponent. Crush them and the whole army will collapse."

"Speaking from experience, eh?" Wing smirked. "I just hope Jillian can handle things."

"She knew this day would come." Baltic spoke solemnly. "She'll be prepared. Both for the Griefer army and the Hacker. I just wish we had a better idea of who they were sending. Kal would be able to pick apart their Hacks; He knows most of the clan."

While they were talking, Lenz inched closer to me. He took off his tinted glasses to reveal wide, urgent eyes, begging to speak. I shook my head almost imperceptibly to tell him now was not the time. I knew what he wanted to talk about.

The Hack Clan knew about Carys because of us.

We never told Carys, but back in Akasha, when we were firmly enemies, we leaked to Sandra that Carys and the Paragons were responsible for taking control of Nitebane and killing two of the Hack Clan's siblings. That news had gotten back to the Clan, and a target had been painted on Carys' back. At the time, I chalked it up as a good thing.

But given the Griefer army's movement and the timing, it was possible that the force being sent out had been in response to the information we leaked.

We had a hand in the current problem.

Did it make a difference? I didn't think so. The Hack Clan had already sent someone to Nitebane and failed. They knew to attack Nitebane, so Carys' leaked identity didn't matter. But if they demanded she show herself... or hunted her down knowing she couldn't hide in plain sight anymore...

I rubbed my arm uncomfortably, keeping my mouth shut among so many Paragons. They wouldn't take the news well, and I wasn't about to admit to anything.

The intel leak was a greater concern. If the cult knew where Carys' lookouts were, how much else did they know. Did they have spies in their organization like we had with Jade? Jillian said they'd all been screened, but what if she missed something? What if the Cult already knew about our alliance and us keeping the secret was just a waste of time?

And what about Wynn and the King's Trials? She and King Mann would be competing against the Paragons for control over Ringwood's remnants. The challenges were supposed to be deadly, and the Paragons wouldn't pull any punches with what was at stake. Plus, Wynn lost so much. I wasn't sure if she could handle losing Mann if it came to that.

I desperately wished I could send her a message, showing I supported and believed in her, but I couldn't. Carys already demonstrated that she wouldn't allow me to use her communication lines unless I had something she needed. She wouldn't let me give the competition a pep talk. I just had to banish it from my mind and pray for the best. For Ringwood and for Wynn.

The Paragons were likely doing the same for Nitebane. They were visibly worried, yet they banished it from their mind knowing they had a mission of their own to complete. They had to be strong and hope that Jillian could repel the Hacker's forces. It was all any of us could do.


[An Hour Earlier]

Things at the Paragons' lookouts were not going well.

It happened suddenly. One moment, the Paragons were keeping a watchful eye over the landscape. The next, Nether Portals began appearing right on top of them, creating entrances for the Plagues to arrive and wreck shop.

One outpost became inundated with streams of water, their inhabitants paralyzed by Weakness and Slowness Potions and left to sink to the bottom with dwindling oxygen.

"Rejoice, children." Drowned_One intoned while gear and Heads floated to the surface. "For you have been baptized by the Holy Water. Let its gentle currents carry you to enlightenment."

At another outpost, Paragons clawed at the floor on hands and knees, their bodies curling up in agony as poison ate away at their Health. Cyan_Gift looked on with morbid delight.

"Oooh~!" I'm getting chills!" She cooed sadistically.

PearlyKeen sat contentedly in a burning lookout, the raging flames eating up everything around her, including the gear of several Paragons.

"This is fine."

Mox_Faith pried her iron mattock out of a Paragon's back before delivering the killing blow. She then shot a charging man with a crossbow, killing him too.

"Hope this is enough excitement for you, Brandeen." She said before moving through the lookout.

A large hand wrapped around the lower jaw of a Paragon and held it there while a meaty fist reared back before being brought down upon it like a hammer. There was a loud crack like thunder, the Paragon clutching at his face and trying to scream through a broken jaw.

One Paragon managed to sneak up on him and swing a sword at his skull. It struck and made Brandeen stagger slightly, but he didn't topple. Instead, he turned around slowly before approaching his latest target. The Paragon reared his arm back for another swing only to get blindsided by a hurtling fist like a brick. Something crunched under the jab and sent the Paragon reeling before Brandeen brought both hands slamming together against the Paragon's skull, further stunning him. He then grabbed his face and headbutted him, the blow enough to kill him.

Another sword struck Brandeen, but it may as well have been a feather for how little he reacted to it. He just turned around and seized the Paragon by wrapping an arm around his neck in a chokehold. He then brought his other fist into his exposed face over and over and over until the Paragon went limp. Then he unwrapped his arm around his neck only to grab his head and force it through a wall. Only then did the Paragon die and drop his Head and gear.

He raised his forearms like a shield and deflected another hastily thrown blade. The Paragon went for a punch, but Brandeen caught it and then twisted, snapping the wrist. The Paragon's scream was cut off by a haymaker to the face that sent him to the ground, unconscious. Brandeen mounted him and clasped both fists together before delivering a deadly hammer blow that would have reduce the Paragon's head to a bloody paste. As it was, it just left him dead.

He snorted in disappointment. The lookout was clear and there was no more fighting to be had. The grunts were hardly a challenge. If only one of the Paragons' team leaders were present. Now that would be a fight worth having.

Sam_Vatar watched the last life drain out of his foe's Health Meter before their gear scattered against the ground. His light-grey eyes swiveled as he deflected a rushing blade before mercilessly jamming his sword into another Paragon's ribcage. He wrenched it free before lashing out with a spinning slash that sent them to the ground. He then shot point blank with his loaded crossbow, killing another. He gave a contemptuous snort.

"And here I was thinking these Paragons would provide a challenge."

"HAWAWAWAA!" Erma screamed as she blew past four Paragons in a cyclone of slashes. They stood transfixed in her wake before the damage caught up with them and they exploded in consecutive showers of gear, dead. She cracked an eye open and visibly relaxed when she saw what a good job she'd done.

"I can't lag behind. Gotta do my part." She vowed before flailing her arms wildly in her trademark 'HAWAWAWAA' style. Just in time to intercept some incoming Paragons.

A blade quietly sunk into a sleeping Paragon's skull. The pain stirred him from his slumber, but Maira made sure he didn't fully awaken, killing him like she did the others. After surprising the only two lookouts that were awake, killing the other ten had been easy. It was handled like a true assassin: Quickly and quietly.

At another lookout, several Paragons were frantically beating at a blocked door. It was made harder considering someone had covered the floor in a sheet of ice. They slipped and slid in their panic.

"Open it! Fucking get it open!"

*CLANG!*

"I can't! It's blockaded with obsidian!"

*CLANG!*

"Break the damn walls, then!"

*CLANG! CLANG!*

"Shit, LOOKOUT!"

They tried to dive aside, but the ice made it impossible to dodge. They were squashed flat by anvils, the ice beneath them cracking slightly from the pressure.

Mona landed softly on the floor, admiring her work.

"Not too shabby~~ Guess it pays to be prepared~"

At the tenth lookout, the body of a Paragon sailed across the room before crashing into the opposite wall with a sickening crack. The Paragon slid to the floor, his neck lolling at an unnatural angle, clearly broken.

Lieutenant 4Blite strode forward, his cold eyes regarding the Paragon indifferently before he hefted his diamond battleaxe and brought it crashing down into the broken man's face, killing him.

No words were said as he moved on, clearing the rest of the lookout just as his Plagues were doing to the others.


[Lenz]

Despite the urgency with which I wished to speak with Cobbert, I had sense to know Cobbert did not want the Paragons listening in. This was between us until a time where Cobbert said otherwise.

So, when nighttime came, Cobbert and I took first watch and situated ourselves near Z7. Even if she heard our hushed words, she would not be able to understand or communicate to anyone.

Cobbert kept glancing back at the other slumbering Paragons, his foot tapping nervously. I could tell he was nervous, and I already knew why.

"The Hack Clan. They know Carys is behind the deaths of their brethren." I whispered to him bluntly. "They will be looking for her. By name. Just like the cult."

"I know." Cobbert nodded absently.

"Both of those leaks are our doing."

"I know."

"So?" I urged, wanting to know our course. "Do we tell them?"

"...No."

"Cobbert... they need to know-"

"Telling them won't change anything." He asserted. "The Hackers' army is already en route and Jillian is setting up the defenses. Telling them that the Hackers are going for Carys won't make a difference." He shut his eyes. "The army would be attacking either way. This... this changes nothing."

"Are you trying to convince me or yourself?" I countered. "Those lies may have a kernel of truth like Jillian instructed, but I can see you do not believe them."

Cobbert turned away guiltily, drawing a weary sigh.

"They... they're already aware of an intelligence leak. If the Hackers do come after Carys, it can just be explained away. Nobody needs to know I told them."

"Your reasoning may make sense, but I know you just do not want to be blamed for one more wrong choice you made." I said honestly. "We have good relations with our half of the Paragons. Relations that could come undone by admitting a mistake fueled by animosity and malice. Just like how Carys refused to admit to her own guild how she framed us as cultists." His face twisted in annoyance over being likened to Carys yet again. I took off my glasses to affix him with a serious stare. "If we lose their trust in us just by admitting this one mistake, then it never existed in the first place."

"Look, I'd tell them if it mattered!" He snapped desperately. "If lives could be saved - if a crisis could be averted, I'd tell them. I'd scream it for everyone to hear! But... but sometimes things need to be kept private. Things I feel ashamed to share. Moments of weakness. Dark Moments."

"Dark Moments...?" I questioned, slightly confused.

"Yeah. You know. Dark Moments. Moments when-" He cut himself off at the last, his eyes staring off to the side, towards something neither of us could see. "Have... you ever had a Dark Moment?"

"I am afraid I do not know what you mean." I was just as confused as ever.

"A Dark Moment." He repeated. "You have two paths before you, one good and one bad. You know you should take the good path. The good path pays off in the long run and feels the most rewarding, even if it's dumb or impractical. It's what your gut and your head are telling you to do." He made a pointing gesture with his other hand. "But in a Dark Moment, you choose the bad path because it feels better. It's a reckless, impulse choice, driven by emotion. You're a slave to your feelings, and it makes you do things you later come to regret. In a Dark Moment, you don't have time to think things through. You solely think of the short-term, and it haunts you for the rest of your life."

"I think I get it." I nodded. "Telling the Hackers about Carys was your Dark Moment, was it not?"

Cobbert's face twisted in shame as he turned away. "...Yeah. Yeah, that's exactly what I mean."

"You did it because you wanted them to deal with her." I continued. "Because you were afraid you would lose if you fought her yourself. But things have changed, Cobbert. You do not have to fight her right now." I assured. "I know this news about the Hackers is twisting you up inside, but you can start making amends for it by telling them the truth. Warn Carys about the Hackers knowing who she is. If you are worried how the Paragons will take it, share it with Baltic first. He will understand."

He sighed. "...I can't. Not when I'm already indebted to Carys, and not while she's being such a bitch about it. This is one of the times where the best thing I can do - that we can do - is play dumb." I shook my head, not liking the idea. "You gotta trust me on this one, Lenz. They'll find out some other way that the Hackers know about Carys and the Paragons. I'll make sure of it. But I'm not going to get chewed out for something I did to protect my friends. I made that choice because I thought it was right."

"I know." I said. "I would rather you tell them, but if you feel this is a secret you need to keep, I shall take it to the grave."

"Thank you." He breathed out a sigh of relief. "I promise I'll let them know somehow. I just got to plan it out. Pick my moments "

"If that is what you think is best." I nodded. I suppose if he told them about it, he would also have to admit to trying to blow everyone up. I somehow doubted the Paragons would be okay with that. Maybe Cobbert was right, and there were some things people were better off not knowing. Ignorance was bliss, as the saying went. Especially for those Dark Moments Cobbert talked about.

We passed the rest of our watch in silence, Cobbert looking quite pensive. Today gave him a lot to think about.


[Nether]

There was a thunderous explosion that demolished one of the towers of a Fortress. It was followed by a chorus of feminine screams as Carmen and her clones bolted forward.

Spring lay curled up on his side, smoking slightly from where the explosion grazed him. Even at a graze, his Hearts were below half and his armor was all gone. The flint and steel he used to prime the Charged Creeper fell out of his loose grip.

"Spring!"

"Estás bien!?"

"Speak to me!"

The Carmen clones all spoke at once as they checked the cultist over. There was a weak cough before he was gently rolled over.

He groaned, cracking an eye open. "That... wasn't fun..."

Sensing that the precarious, open spot they were lying in wasn't safe, two Carmen clones helped Spring to his feet and carried him somewhere more secure for his Health to tick back up. The other two drew golden swords and kept a pair of eyes peeled for Blazes or more Wither Skeletons.

"W-wait, wait." Spring coughed, the clones stopping. "Did it work...? Where's the-" He glanced around before his eyes rested on something in the explosions's crater. A weak smile spread across his face.

There was the Wither Skeleton Skull.

Carmen's clones saw the same thing, all four of them huffing. "Eso puede esperar. That can wait. Worry about yourself for now."

"N-no. I'm... I'm fine." He weakly tried to stand by himself only to stumble and get caught by the clones. "We... we need the skull..."

"Cabrón. I'll get it. Just take it easy." Carmen assured before one clone broke off and picked it up.

"Any... others?" Spring asked, craning his neck to look around. "There were two... I drew them in to make sure we got two. So where's the second one...?"

"Solo el uno, Spring." Carmen said. "You shouldn't overextend like that. KillGore will have more Creepers waiting for us."

"Yeah, you got a point." Spring looked to the skull safely tucked in Carmen's arms. "One down..." Spring's head lolled to the side, though his smile was still present. "That's one for us. Go team..."

"Honestamente. You didn't have to be so reckless." Carmen chided while dragging him to a separate tower. Ghasts were moaning in the distance, but they were too far away to be a threat. Carmen brought him inside and sealed the entrance for safety. "Running between two Wither Skeletons and a Charged Creeper. You're suerte you didn't get withered."

"I had to..." His head fell back before Carmen slipped behind him and let him rest on her lap. Her Magma Cube physiology made for a nice, soft pillow. "Grunts gotta do grunt work."

"Idiota. Don't talk like you're expendable." Carmen reprimanded. "We never would have gotten this far without you. How many gruñidos would have gone as far as you?"

"Plenty." He grimaced. "Banishment is a good motivator."

"You're not an expendable gruñido." Carmen asserted, her clones nodding in agreement. "You are a man of honor to go so far to help me. I'm grateful, but I can't show my gratitude to an exploded cadáver. Take care of yourself next time."

"Believe me, I'm not in a hurry to repeat that."

"Bueno." She nodded, satisfied by his compliance. "Take a rest. We'll swim back when you're back to full Health."

"Roger that." Spring muttered drowsily before falling asleep.

Carmen watched him snoozing peacefully, his face relaxed. She just listened to his easy breathing, her glowing orange eyes regarding him tenderly.

She leaned down and kissed his forehead.

"Gracias, cultista."


Inventory (Cobb): 1 Carved Pumpkin, 1 Leather Tunic [Dyed Green], 1 Diamond Leggings [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Diamond Boots [Protection IV, Feather Falling IV, Depth Strider III], 1 Fishing Rod {Backlash} [Knockback II, Luck of the Sea III, Unbreaking III] {Weak}, 1 Diamond Sword [Sweeping Edge III], 12 Cobblestone, 2 Glass, 16 Ender Pearls, 9 Ender Pearls, 56 Glass Bottles, 1 Stone Pickaxe, 1 Furnace, 17 Flint, 1 Flint and Steel, 17 Oak Wood Planks, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Clock, 1 Water Bucket, 1 Lava Bucket, 1 Milk Bucket, 10 Coal, 64 Snowballs, 11 Snowballs, 4 Ender Chests, 29 Obsidian, 47 Steak, 2 End Crystals, 10 Rotten Flesh, 1 Book {How to Kill Stuff for Numb Nuts}, 1 Book {Advanced Mob-Slaying}, 1 Book {Mobs of the Nether}, 1 Book {Mobs of the Bounty Days}, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Zeppil Entry Pass}, 1 Green Shulker Box {Pocket Box}

Green Shulker Box {Pocket Box}: 64 Eyes of Ender, 64 Chorus Fruit, 1 Potion of Strength II {1:30}, 1 Potion of Regeneration II {0:22}

[EXP: 38]

Inventory (Lenz): 1 Chainmail Helmet, 1 Dragon Head, 1 Chainmail Chestplate, 1 Chainmail Leggings, 1 Chainmail Boots, 32 Pumpkin Seeds, 1 Iron Dagger, 16 Ender Pearls, 13 Cobblestone, 1 Compass, 25 Gunpowder, 1 Bow, 1 Bow [Infinity], 1 Crossbow, 42 Arrows, 1 Crafting Table, 19 Steak, 1 Stick, 63 Chorus Fruit, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Notebook}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Daymonte Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Zeppil Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Akasha Entry Pass}, 1 Red Shulker Box {Pocket Box}, 1 Gray Shulker Box {Pocket Box}

Red Shulker Box {Pocket Box}: 1 Shears, 1 Lever, 9 Redstone Torches, 8 Redstone Repeaters, 3 Redstone Comparators, 18 Blocks of Redstone, 2 Hoppers, 3 Pistons, 2 Sticky Pistons, 1 Book {Airship Piloting 101}

Gray Shulker Box {Pocket Box}: 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 63 Arrows of Poison {0:11}, 64 Arrows of Harming II, 64 Arrows of Harming II, 63 Arrows of Weakness {0:30}, 60 Arrows of Slowness {0:30}, 64 Arrows of Fire Resistance {1:00}, 64 Arrows of Healing II, 64 Arrows of Invisibility {1:00}, 64 Arrows of Leaping {1:00}, 64 Arrows of Slow Falling {0:30}, 64 Arrows of Night Vision {1:00}, 64 Arrows of Strength II {0:12}, 64 Arrows of Swiftness {1:00}, 63 Arrows of Swiftness II {0:11}, 64 Arrows of Water Breathing {1:00}

[EXP: 21]

Inventory (Baltic): 1 Iron Helmet [Protection III, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Chestplate [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Leggings [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Boots [Protection III, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Sword [Sharpness II, Unbreaking III], 1 Shield, 1 Bow, 1 Diamond Pickaxe [Silk Touch I, Mending I, Unbreaking II], 10 Arrows, 3 Brewing Stands, 1 Water Bucket, 28 Bones, 1 Ender Chest, 1 Map {Paragon Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Gold Citizenship Pass}, 26 Emeralds, 1 Lingering Potion of Slowness {1:00}, 1 Lingering Potion of Slowness {1:00}, 1 Lingering Potion of Healing II {0:05}, 1 Lingering Potion of Harming II {0:05}, 1 Lingering Potion of Harming II {0:05}, 1 Lingering Potion of Harming II {0:05}, 1 Splash Potion of Swiftness II {1:30}, 1 Splash Potion of Swiftness II {1:30}, 1 Blue Shulker Box {Pocket Box}

Blue Shulker Box {Pocket Box}: 64 Glass Bottles, 64 Dragon's Breath, 64 Dragon's Breath, 45 Blaze Powder, 42 Nether Warts, 30 Soul Sand, 63 Phantom Membranes , 64 Blaze Rods, 20 Fermented Spider Eyes, 58 Carrots, 55 Melon Slices, 55 Rabbit's Feet, 50 Golden Ingots, 1 Golden Nugget, 55 Gunpowder, 54 Redstone Dust, 55 Glowstone Dust

[EXP: 30]

Inventory (Z7): 1 Diamond Helmet [Protection III, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Chestplate [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Leggings [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Boots [Protection III, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Pickaxe, 32 Cobblestone, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Furnace, 21 Charcoal, 14 Torches, 9 Oak Wood Planks, 1 Cake, 1 Cake, 1 Cake, 5 Pumpkin Pies, 33 Baked Potatoes, 1 Bucket, 1 Potion of Swiftness II {1:30}, 1 Potion of Slow Falling {4:00}, 1 Map {Paragon Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Gold Citizenship Pass}, 1 Purple Shulker Box {Pocket Box}

[EXP: 42]

Inventory (Floyd): 1 Mob Head {Creeper}, 1 Iron Sword, 1 Diamond Helmet [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Diamond Chestplate [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Diamond Leggings [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Iron Pickaxe, 1 Shears, 5 Cobwebs, 2 Iron Ingots, 64 Steak, 6 Steak, 2 Sticks, 29 Coal, 20 Torches, 1 Fishing Rod, 1 Furnace, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Minecart, 1 Bed, 1 Boat, 1 Diamond Boots [Projectile Protection IV], 16 Gunpowder, 16 Ender Pearls, 2 Ender Pearls, 1 Splash Potion of Invisibility {8:00}, 1 Bucket, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Zeppil Entry Pass}

[EXP: 44]

Buckner's Horse

Inventory (Soul): 1 Diamond Axe [Sharpness V], 1 Iron Pickaxe, 62 Iron Ingots, 20 Flint, 12 Gold Ingots, 1 Shears, 8 Cobwebs, 1 Milk Bucket, 1 Diamond Helmet [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Chestplate, 1 Diamond Leggings [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Boots [Protection IV, Feather Falling IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Crafting Table, 1 Jukebox, 1 Music Disc {chirp}, 1 Bed, 1 Furnace, 24 Torches, 34 White Wool, 23 Dirt, 8 Pumpkin Seeds, 64 Cobblestone, 62 Cobblestone, 32 Jungle Wood Planks, 1 Armor Stand, 20 Steak, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Zeppil Entry Pass}

[EXP: 41]

Devers' Horse

Cat-Face the Cat

Christopher Squawken the Parrot

Inventory (Noman): 1 Diamond Sword [Sharpness I], 1 Diamond Chestplate {Severe Shield}, 1 Leather Boots {Bottes Zephyr} [Dyed White], 1 Iron Helmet, 1 Iron Chestplate, 1 Iron Leggings, 1 Iron Boots, 1 Green Shield [Beginners], 1 Iron Pickaxe, 64 Cobblestone, 63 Nether Warts, 20 Soul Sand, 1 Flint and Steel, 1 Shears, 10 Cobwebs, 1 Milk Bucket, 1 Water Bucket, 5 Buckets, 1 Bed, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Brewing Stand, 37 Glass Bottles, 1 Water Bottle, 1 Water Bottle, 2 Ender Chests, 16 Ender Pearls, 4 Ender Pearls, 5 Steak, 3 Phantom Membranes, 63 Glowstone Dust, 31 Gunpowder, 19 Redstone Dust, 63 Blaze Powder, 64 Golden Nuggets, 64 Brown Mushrooms, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Zeppil Entry Pass}, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Enchanted Golden Apple

[EXP: 35]

Snow the Horse


AN: More moving pieces to set up things to come. The Hackers sent out during the Akasha Arc have amassed a growing army, but moving an army across Minecraftia takes time, and the Hackers doing it don't have Flight or Speed Hacks. That's the only explanation I can give for why it's taken them so long to Nitebane.

Cobb learning how to lie, trouble between Luis and Heather, and Cobb and Carys butting heads... again.

PLAGUE ROLLCALL! The Plagues have done their jobs, and Brandeen's got a bit of spotlight (I wrote his part longer than the others because he's the one Plague without much screentime). Abyssmal assisted them with the portals and the intel from Mox's spies. They don't know about the Beginner-Paragon Alliance or their location as that's private between Carys, her team leaders, and Cobb's boys.

Spring and Carmen are working hard for those Wither Skulls, obtaining one. But they need two more to get their Wither Skull Grinder operational.

Next time, we'll revisit Wynn and see what the King's Trials are all about.

Have another My Craft Stew Omake.


My Craft Stew: You're a Hack!

"Kal!" Floyd ran over to his fellow Hacker. The two had been training day in and day out in an effort to awaken new Hacks in the younger of them. Though, judging by the beaming smile, Floyd's training must've finally bore fruit. "I woke up with four new Hacks! I'm a Level 6 now!"

"Alright. Well. Color me impressed." Kalmarin nodded, taking a step back. "Let's have a look. What are you packing?"

"Alright, alright. Give me a second." Floyd closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, they had black sclerae and were gushing a dark vapor that coated his body like aura. He slowly raised both arms, holding them out with hands open. He bent his knees and lowered himself into a half-squat.

Then he started spasming in place, squatting and rising in superhuman succession.

"Uhhhhhh, what the hell is that supposed to be?"

"I'm not sure." Floyd replied, still vibrating in place with an unchanging expression. "Whenever I activate this one I just start twerking like crazy. I'm trying to think of possible applications for this-"

"What else you got?"

Floyd blinked, his twerking slowing to a stop. Kal was visible cringing, clearly thrown by such a bizarre Hack. But Floyd had three more. Surely one of them would be useful.

"Okay, uh, well…" Floyd refocused before showing off two new Hacks at once. He started walking backwards, a light-blue line tracking his footsteps.

Kalmarin looked to the light-blue line, then to Floyd still walking around backwards, then to the light-blue line again. "Is it some kind of line of death?"

"I don't think so. It just shows where I've been."

"THAT'S ALL!?" Kal blurted out.

"No, it's not all! Can't you tell?" Floyd held up both arms as he continued to walk backward. "I'm walking backwards at the same speed as I walk forwards. It's some kind of Backstep Hack. Now I can see where I've been-"

In that instant, Floyd tripped over a bit of grass and fell on his back. Kal loomed over him with a face carved from stone.

"WHAT ELSE."

O-Okay, okay. I see you're not impressed," Floyd got to his feet and dusted himself off, "but I've saved the best for last. Ready?"

"I can hardly contain my excitement." Kal said dryly.

"Then feast your eyes on…" Floyd screwed his face up in concentration as he reached deep inside himself for his latest Hack. "THIS!"

Floyd's head vanished, revealing a gory open neck hole.

"OH MY BLEAGH!" Kal doubled over and heaved into the grass, horrified by the gory sight before him. Meanwhile, Floyd's headless body placed his hands on his hips in a posture oozing pride.

He boasted about the mental damage he could cause to his foes through such a Hack. At least, that's what Kal assumed he was saying. He had no mouth or lips. Only grotesque sounds emanated from his open neck hole. They made Kal retch listening to them.

"TURN IT OFF! TURN IT OFF!" Kal begged in vain. After all, Floyd had no ears to hear him. And how the hell could he use a Hack like that when it took aware his eyes – the source of his power!?

Eventually, Floyd's head popped back into existence, but not before Kal getting traumatized for life.

"Jesus hot sauce Christmas cake. Never ever do that again! Not even to our worst enemies." Kal made him swear. "EVER."


AN: Yes, these are all existing Hacks. Headless, Backstep, Breadcrumbs, and MileyCyrus.

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