My Craft

by OnTheCobb

Devoid of memory or purpose, a new Crafter is pushed forth into the unforgiving land of Minecraftia. Armed with nothing but his wits, he must…well…actually he's pretty witless. Hopefully he won't get killed in the first week. Hopefully.

226. In the Black

AN: Some people ask for world peace or an end to world hunger on Christmas.

All you get is a new My Craft Chapter.

I'm not Santa.

That is the end of the note.

---

Disclaimer: I don't own Minecraft. If I did, I'd add Roast Duck.

---

Chapter 226

In the Black

[Nitebane]

"Did you see who saved us?"

"No. I got caught up in that giant black sphere. Look at my arm! It still hurts even after a night's rest! Damage is supposed to heal up with your Health Meter! The Beta boys say there's no fixing this."

"Wasn't it the Angel of Death who saved us?"

"Had to be. Carys came back for us. I knew she wouldn't leave us to die. Paragons for life!"

"You're wrong! It wasn't an Angel that saved us, but a Devil!"

"A Devil?"

"Sure! He had a pitchfork and spun through the air, summoning lightning as he pleased!"

"I saw the Devil you speak of, but he had a name. It was King_Cobb, the Endward Cult Executive."

"I heard from someone at the castle that he was brought in a few days ago. But he was locked up."

"Did Jillian let him loose?"

"She shouldn't have! The Endward Cult brings nothing but trouble. So does anything having to do with you know who."

"She must've cut a deal with him to fend off the Hackers. How strong are those Executives if they can conquer Hackers? It makes me question our chances against them."

"How are you so sure Jillian would deal with those scumbags?"

"Why else would he help?"

"Nitebane and the Endward Cult share a founder. Maybe the Executive felt a lingering attachment...?"

"If we're against the Cult, what are we doing joining hands with them? Those bastards killed my friend!"

"Why were the Hackers calling for Carys? Who's this Lighter Billionth we heard about?"

"The Billionth was the one who slayed a Hacker in Halstatt. If it's the same guy, the Hackers were aiming to settle an old score."

"Instead they got Cobb."

"I don't care if he stopped the Hackers, he's an Executive and should be killed."

"What does Carys_Angel have to do with anything? Isn't she a criminal?"

"If Queen Jillian liberated Nitebane, why were the Hackers more interested in Carys than her?"

"I thought I saw Cobb getting escorted back to the castle. What's Jillian thinking keeping him in there?"

"We used to be able to go to and from the castle with ease. Now it's on lockdown, yet I still see certain Crafters able to go in and out. What gives?"

"Something deeper is going on here, and Carys_Angel and King_Cobb are at the center of it."

"Have you noticed that some of our forces seem more in the know than others?"

"There's a clear distinction between Jillian's forces and us Nitebane citizens who've lived here all our lives. Captain Attila knows it, but she isn't telling us squat. I thought she was one of us."

"I can feel a separation too. Jillian's forces are more skilled."

"Queen Jillian's been good to us. Her decrees have helped rebuild this ruined kingdom."

"She's hiding something. Mark my words."

"We can't turn on each other now. Look at all the people we lost."

"If she can be trusted, why are we forbidden from Lunar Castle? Answer me that."

"Who are we kidding? The Hack Clan are going to come down stronger once they learn four of their brethren were killed. Nitebane is doomed!"

"We're only doomed if we abandon each other and let those godless pricks pick us off one by one."

"I've tried asking several of Jillian's forces for a straight answer, but they seem to be just as confused about King_Cobb."

"Jillian will have an answer. She was there on the front lines, fighting for her people."

"I want the truth, not more secrets. Why stay here if everyone will keep lying to me?"

"What if we're just here as a bolstering army? That's why they can't tell us the truth. We're just bodies to throw at the Hackers."

"We deserve an explanation. About Cobb, about Carys, about who's really in command, and about how Jillian intends to keep us safe from the inevitable retribution of the Hack Clan."

"You don't think a big guild is operating Nitebane from the shadows, do you?"

"If it is, it better not be the Scouts or so help me I'll throw myself off the cliffs."

---

[Cobb]

When I woke up, I woke up smiling.

I stretched my arms out, feeling like I had the longest, deepest, greatest sleep of my life, before I kicked out of bed.

"Good morning, Minecraftia and all who inhabit it... except for the Endward Cult... and the Hack Clan... and Carys."

It was closer to noon, but whatever. I'd have upbeat background music playing while I got ready if I could. Everything just felt brighter after yesterday's victory. I felt so giddy, and my face was already cramping from smiling so hard. All the painstaking lengths I'd gone through - the weeks of draconian torture training - had borne fruit. I took out four Hackers, one of whom, Thed, being a foe I previously lost against but had now conquered. I felt like I took a huge step forward and broke through my old limits. I saved Carys' bacon protecting Nitebane to boot. She may have boasted fighting two Hackers at a time, but I had doubled down with four. If Jillian sent that report, the Angel of Death was likely grinding her teeth to powder in envy. Oh, it filled me with glee!

Not only that, but I had secured an artifact for the first time, and a powerful one at that. The Vivlio Zythopoiias - safely tucked away in my Ender Chest - was a game changer in the variety, duration, and potency of the potion effects I could buff or hinder with. I had Hackers helpless, and it was all thanks to the Vivlio Zythopoiias. It may even be an artifact stronger than the Severe Shield given its versatility. I couldn't fathom why Herobrine felt confident enough to hand that over to Akasha's King Tanner. Ironically, it was used exactly how Herobrine warned the Hackers it would be used: challenging the power of Hacks.

On the talk of Herobrine, I recalled where I was. Lunar Castle, in the monarch's bed chambers. I wasn't aware of any remodeling that might have gone on in the centuries since, but this was the same room Herobrine slept in. The same room he retired to after long days. The same room he woke up in, ready for another day of progressing the world. There was a large window and a balcony with a view overlooking the ocean. Herobrine might have enjoyed the view some days. You could feel the afternoon breeze as it carried the smell of salt. It was a beautiful day, no sign of the storm that thundered all of yesterday.

It was Jillian's room now, the queen lending it to Lenz and me while we were confined to the castle. We couldn't be seen in public due to my status as a supposed Endward Cult Executive, but everyone had to know I was there. They saw my enlarged nametag dueling with the Hackers, and they had to be drawing their own kinds of conclusions. Lenz was better off. His posters were only in Ringwood's territory and maybe a bit further.

Speaking of the engineer, he wasn't there when I woke up. We had separate beds, and his was empty. He must've gotten up in the morning and let me sleep in. He was so wiped out last night we barely shared a congratulatory 'we didn't die' hug before he collapsed in bed.

My stomach rumbled audibly, and I realized I was in the mood for a hearty breakfast that didn't include Chorus Fruit. I ate enough of those things last night for a lifetime.

The monarch's bed chambers were connected to a private spacious bathroom equipped with a grand shower. I willed off my shoes and clothes and hopped in before turning on the hot water and letting it blast my shoulders and neck. It was a shame you could never will off your belt or backpack.

As I turned to get my chest wet, I let out an involuntary wince as my left breast cried out in tender pain. I recoiled from the spray of water and glanced down.

The weathered black diamond of skin over the left pec greeted me.

I felt my mood dim as I held out my left arm and looked upon the similar damage there. Charred black up to the elbow. It looked like I was wearing a long, black glove if not for the rough, dried texture I could feel running my hand over it. It was tender and sensitive, the blackened skin hurting if it was under the water for too long. There was also a tightness to it. When I flexed, there was a resistance and a twinge of pain, but everything still worked. It was just a constant ache - a painful reminder of what Thed's Nuker had done to me.

And yet I was one of the lucky ones. Those fully engulfed by the black spheres were gone. There wasn't even any gear to burn or bury.

I gingerly washed my arm and left pec before gently scrubbing my left cheek. Through the shower's glass pane, I could see the stained glass mirror hanging over the sink and my reflection within. The charred mark on my cheek was like a black blot that stood in sharp contrast. It sobered my euphoria knowing there was no healing it. Not even the Vivlio Zythopoiias could heal the damage done.

It was a scar.

A badge of honor, Jillian called it. A reminder that I fought Hackers and won.

So what if my face was ruined? Not like I'd be trying to attract anyone.

Heart: Hey, don't be like that. You gotta put yourself out there.

I turned off the water somberly before drying myself with wool blocks on the towel rack. I took a closer look in the mirror, tilting my face and tracing my fingers against the blackened skin. Even trying to smile brought a twinge of discomfort as it stretched the tight skin.

I pushed off the sink and willed my clothes on. My light blue undershirt, my jeans, my black and white hoodie, my sneakers. I dried my hair with the same wool blocks before tossing them on the floor for me to clean up later, then I trudged out of the bathroom.

My stomach gurgled again, demanding sustenance. I could have brought out the Vivlio Zythopoiias and buffed myself with Saturation, but I was feeling in the mood for a real meal.

Stomach: Yeah, none of that book magic slop. I want me some real food.

I opened the bed chamber door and took a single step before bumping into Queen Jillian. I recoiled sharply while the Paragon simply tilted her head up to address me, her hands clasped before her and resting on her stomach.

"Good morning, sir." She greeted with a slight bow and a straight face. "Or rather, good afternoon. I came by earlier, but you looked to be enjoying your rest so I decided to let you sleep in. Not to worry. The information meeting between the leading Paragons won't start until you arrive, when ready."

I blinked in dumbfounded silence. Sir? When did Jillian ever call me sir? And why is she acting so... subservient?

"A Paragon informed me you had woken up and were taking a shower." Jillian reached into her backpack and brought out a piping hot meal. Cobb's mouth watered as he saw cooked fish, apples, baked bread, and berries. "I took the liberty of bringing you a hearty brunch, as I'm certain you must be famished. If the food isn't to your liking, we can stop by the kitchens and have them prepare something more suitable."

"Er, no. No no. This is good. Great even." Cobb carefully accepted the food from Jillian, his arms overflowing as he struggled to carry it all. It was tough to eat while standing like this, but he tore into a hunk of bread with his teeth. "Uh, thanks. Mmm. You didn't have to get me this-"

"Oh, it's no trouble, sir." The Queen waved off my attempts. "This is but a small token of repayment for your efforts yesterday. You were courageous and noble. Steadfast and merciful. Nitebane is lucky to have you as a protector."

Yesterday she was picking the most painful words to bury me with. What gives here?

"You'll be pleased to know I sent my report on yesterday's events to Carys as you instructed, sir. I also relayed your message word for word. There's been... quite a few colorful responses back," she noted awkwardly, "but I've decided to let them go unanswered for now until things simmer down. We can address them at the information meeting once you're ready, if you wouldn't mind."

"Oh, uh, yeah. Okay! Let's do it, but, um..." I gestured helplessly to the food in my arms. "Can you give me a minute to finish all this?"

"Of course, sir. Take your time and enjoy your brunch." She inclined her head in another polite bow. "I will be here ready to escort you to the meeting room when you are done. Excuse me." Seeing my hands full, she reached out and closed the door before stepping aside.

I was left along in the bed chambers with my arms full of food.

Brain: Well, file this under 'C' for curveball.

Bladder: Filing.

That was weird. I thought as I carried the food over before dumping it onto the bed, uncaring for the stains. She acted like some sort of aid or butler... or a maid.

Queens shouldn't be acting as such, and Jillian definitely hadn't been acting like that when I was a prisoner. I remembered how ruthless she could be with her words. She had a silver tongue and knew how to rile people up or make them feel miserable. She used to be a Captain of Zeppil and she knew how to lie. Was this just her attempt at lowering my guard? Was she just trying to butter me up?

Whatever it was, I was grateful for the food and for her sending Carys my message. I'd be interested to learn just what sort of colorful replies Carys sent back. With that in mind, I polished off the food until I couldn't take another bite, then I exited the bed chambers out into the corridor. Jillian was there waiting for me as promised.

"If you'll follow me, sir."

Still weird hearing that.

---

[Lenz]

"Hey, you can't be here."

I froze in the threshold of the dungeon, my eyes wide under my tinted glasses. The gruff guard spoke with authority, and it almost made me apologize and retreat with my tail tucked between my legs if not for Z7 squeezing around me and making herself known.

"Oh! Z7. I-I didn't know you two were together. Go on through." The guard backed down obediently. Z7 flashed me a grin and a wink before gesturing me forward. It was a good thing she agreed to come with me.

We stepped past several armed Paragons stationed at key points in the dungeon. They all stood straighter when Z7 padded by, but I heard them whispering to themselves when they thought we were out of earshot. No doubt they were whispering about who I was. There were surely rumors I was one of Cobbert's allies.

I tried to put it out of my mind. As long as Z7 was with me, I did not have to worry about any Paragons. Instead, I focused on the cell I wanted to visit.

Alfonso_Bialetti - the Mocha Snipe - was calmly sitting in a cell flanked by no less than four Paragons. They watched him like hawks, ready to respond if he tried anything. They all knew he was in league with Trishmegistus. While he turned over his share of the twenty-thousand emeralds - about half - that Trish had been paid to fight the Hackers, he was still being held on account of attacking Paragons and helping Trish. I did not know what his future held.

I still felt compelled to visit him just once.

He saw me coming and perked up considerably, the guards tensing as he moved. "Lenzington... the Gray Eagle, eh?"

I looked upon the defeated former Bird of Prey. His gambler hat had been willed off and his brown hair underneath looked disheveled, sticking out in places. His eyes were dull, no longer sharp like an archer's should. Though he helped Trish and tried to kill me, it was hard not to feel some small bit of pity for the man.

"Do you mind if I talk to him for a bit?" I asked the Paragon guards. "Privately?"

"What are you saying? You don't have the authority to ask that." The guard replied. "Jillian ordered us to watch him. He's dangerous."

I turned to Z7 pleadingly. "(Can you get them to clear out? I want to talk with Alfonso. Just for a few minutes, I promise.)"

Z7 nodded before walking up to the guards and hiking a thumb towards the exit. "Leef. Owt."

Shock registered on their faces over the Jibberwoman speaking in common. "Wh-What did you just-?"

"Owt. Owt!" She repeated rather disjointedly. She grabbed one guard and shoved him towards the exit, the other three getting the idea as the assassin dogged their heels with shouts of "OWT!"

That was certainly one way to communicate.

Alone with Alfonso, I walked to the cell bars to take a closer look.

"Must look a sorry state, don't I?" He gave a lopsided grin, his head hanging slack. "Least they're keeping me fed. Can't have an emaciated corpse standing trial."

"...Did they give you a date?" I asked.

"Sometime next month. Generous considering she could just butcher me down here without anyone the wiser." He tilted his head up. "This capital... this kingdom... it's the Paragons', isn't it?"

My silence was as good as an admission. Alfonso chuckled.

"Man, were we clueless. So much was going on behind the scenes we didn't even notice." He shook his head. "We didn't know a guild secretly ruled this place. So Jillian is the Angel of Death. Who'd a guessed it."

I did not have the heart, nor the permission, to tell him he was off the mark again. A rare instance for an archer like him.

"Why did you side with Trish anyway?" I asked. It was the question I had been burning to ask. "You - a Bird of Prey - joined hands with a cruel Berserker. Why?"

"For protection." He answered. "After the horror stories I heard about the Cult's actions in Ringwood, I... I was frightened. I wanted to live." He shifted. "Trish's book was the most powerful force I ever saw, and she was looking for someone to watch her back. And, yeah, she killed and exploited Testificates and did a lot of other horrible things - things I didn't like - but I wanted to live. I had to worry about my own safety."

I looked down sadly. "Was that how things were like for the original Birds of Prey?"

Alfonso fixed me with a stare for a long time before speaking. "The Birds of Prey have been dead for quite some time, Lenzington. We collapsed when our leader left. The title is nothing more than a show of experience. Let's people know we can shoot with the best of them. It's why Trish chose me as her guardian." He sighed. "Back then, we competed with each other, constantly trying to outdo one another and polish our own skills. We got to pick our bird names whenever we became legendary in a certain bow skill, but we always tackled our problems at a distance. Safe from afar, that's how we operated. It's little wonder I joined Trish. Let her fight with that book of potions while I support at a distance."

"I do not think all archers have to be that way." I told him. "A friend of mine taught me to face problems head on." I smiled slightly. "It is how I beat you."

"Haw!" He threw his head back to laugh, a bit of life coming back to his eyes. "You sure did. You beat me eight ways to Sunday. Can't believe you fired that many crossbows. Who mentored you?"

"Velocishot - or, uh, Veronica." I corrected.

"The Golden Hawk of Daymonte." He hummed. "Now that's a perfect instance of a reputation preceding someone. She's a good archer."

"She is quite skilled, yes." I nodded.

"I meant, she's a good archer to train a pupil that has already surpassed her."

It took a second to process the honest praise for what it was. I lowered my tinted glasses to look upon the Mocha Snipe as he smiled.

"I may have just dueled the best archer of my life."

He spoke it with such reverence and respect that it left me stunned. A Bird of Prey - a master archer - was not only acknowledging my efforts but praising them as going above and beyond my Mastah. I did not feel of the same calibre he thought of me - I could not even pull off an Arc Shot - but it humbled me to hear my level of skill was already better than a master's.

"It's a comfort. Knowing the archers are getting better and not worse with the generations." Alfonso continued in my silence. He sounded like an old man saying that. "I see in you an untapped potential. In a few decades you might even surpass our old, one-eyed leader."

"Abyssmal, was it? The Night-Raven?" He raised a brow. "Chen - the Azure Jay - told me about him. Briefly. He is good, I take it?"

"Good is too sissy a word to describe his degree of skill. So is masterful. No, he's... his skills are unreal. Legendary. So good, I've seen them myself and still doubt my eyes. Things I never thought possible. He's what all archers should aspire to become, even knowing it's an impossible goal to reach. No Bird of Prey ever came close to being as good as the Night-Raven. What else can I say? He's a legend."

Chen had said much of the same about the man. Abyssmal was an archer among archers. He must have been for Alfonso to talk my ears off about him.

"So what happened to him? Did you ever learn why he left?" I asked.

"I'd hazard a guess he felt inadequate after witnessing the Tragedy of Nitebane. That's right." He added upon noticing my alarm. "Old Abyssmal was in this very kingdom the day that monster was unleashed upon the populace by Herobrine. Man wasn't the same after coming back from that. Within a few weeks of coming home from Nitebane, he left and was never heard from again. Some of us reasoned he was out training, so he'd be prepared for the next three-headed monster that showed up." Alfonso's face darkened. "That's why when I heard there were three monsters our leader couldn't beat in Ringwood, I knew I needed the protection of Trish's book. But even she wasn't invincible with it."

"No one is invincible." I told him. "The Hackers' defeat should be proof enough of that. It means that no person, no matter how indomitable they seem, is truly untouchable. The Endward Cult is no exception."

"That's rich coming from you. Aren't you helping an Executive?"

"I did not want to say this, but you and most of Minecraftia are woefully misinformed." I said flatly. "Cobbert has been framed for angering the Angel of Death. He is no more a cultist than you are."

"...Oh." He scratched his head. "No kidding? Huh." He looked terribly lost. "Well... now I just feel stupid. No wonder you saved me."

"Beginners save people." I told him seriously. "That is who we are. Maybe not always, but we do when we can. Even Cobbert spared the Hackers... mostly."

And the Beginners deserved to have the greatest archer in their ranks. I would need to continue to hone my skills to uphold such a title, as well as the title granted to me by Mastah Veronica. The Gray Eagle would be a name known and respected the world over. Maybe even greater than the Night-Raven of old.

"Sorry for disturbing you." I bowed to the man behind the bars. "And thank you for your kind praise. Farewell."

"Hold your horses." He called out, his body getting up and moving to the bars. "If you're really not a cultist, and you got Hackers lying about somewhere, there's something you're gonna want to know about Trish's book."

Interest piqued, I turned and listened attentively to what he had to say.

---

[Cobb]

Being around Jillian was pleasant. Unnervingly so.

"I can give you a brief rundown of the site of yesterday's battlefield, if you'd like. It'll be reiterated at the meeting, but it's best to be kept informed so as not to suffer any surprises."

"I'll wait, thanks."

"Very well, sir."

Walking with Jillian through the castle while she talked about this and that, all with an air of dutiful respect, made me feel like her boss. I wasn't her boss. Hell, I didn't even get along with her boss. Acting queen or not, she was supposed to be in charge here and I was just supposed to follow her lead and not make her mad. Basically how I interacted with Wynn, minus the friendly banter. But Wynn never threw around 'sir'. She respected me as an equal, but not as a better. Not with more authority than her. This was just freaky, but I didn't want to say as such and make Jillian mad. Maybe this was just because she didn't know how to act around me and opted for however she acted with Carys.

Maybe I could ask Baltic for help. He knew her better than me. Surely, he could find some way to tell her to stop acting so subservient. Until then, I'd just put up with it in my own awkward way.

Lunar Castle was pretty nice, though. Walking through it, it was hard not to appreciate the ornate architecture and impressive chambers. It was even better now that I wasn't blinded and could actually see the place. Herobrine must've spared no expense to the architects and construction crew that built it. There were also many windows overlooking the ocean, a sight that would surely traumatize Lenz.

Occasionally, I would pass a familiar face in the hall. Sometimes it was one of the Paragons I had been traveling with, like Doyle or Perry. Other times it was one of the new ones who knew me less, like Captain Attila or Gregory of Team Beta. I waved hello to Milton only for the alchemist to stammer, bow profusely, and then scurry out of sight.

"Only those I've deemed trustworthy are allowed inside the castle." Jillian explained, walking with her arms clasped behind her back. "They've been screened and cleared of being either cultist or Ten Eyes, they personally fought beside us against the Hackers or they're members of my team, and they've been officially filled in on Carys and your being framed as an Executive. Everyone else has been barred entry, but you should know everyone in this castle is on the same page. There is no need for secrecy here, sir."

I breathed a sigh of relief I didn't know I had been holding. So Milton's nervousness was just because he was in awe of me. I was afraid of having to deal with distrustful gazes and repeated assurances that I wasn't a cultist. Instead, Jillian set up an environment where I could truly be myself. It wasn't admitting to the world I was innocent, but it was a start, and I was grateful to her for it.

"Thanks."

"You should know, however, that rumors have been making their rounds outside the castle. You are not to leave these walls. I have no control over those and plenty of people saw your name in the battle. I'm still finalizing a way to break the news that you aren't a cultist." It was like she read my mind with that reply. "It will take some doing..."

"I guess there's no urgency." I offered as leeway. "I mean, I've put up with it until now okay."

"And I offer my sincerest apologies for all the turmoil my announcement caused." She stopped in place immediately to apologize, her words expelled in a flurry. "When Carys had me issue your posters, I didn't know..." She paled and floundered. "I mean, I wouldn't have issued them if... I mean-"

"You didn't know I'd help you out." I finished just as awkwardly. Just to break her awkward.

"M-Mmm..." She grunted, her gaze falling to the floor.

What followed was the loudest silence I ever heard.

Really, what excuse could she fall on for a situation like this? She issued my bounty and considered me an enemy only for me to turn around and help her out. I doubt she protested much when Carys gave her the order. I'd feel pretty humbled if I were her. The fact I could see that went a long way in forgiving her. It was easier to blame my troubles on the real bitch, Carys, but now there was an unbridgeable awkwardness between us. No wonder she deferred to subservience around me. She was lost. We both were.

I looked around for inspiration, trying to find a way to switch topics. I'd settle for anything so long as it filled the silence.

"...It's so peaceful." I noticed with a pinched smile. "Almost makes you forget the volatile nukes we have in the basement."

Jillian straightened up, latching onto the topic change with steadfast focus.

"If you're referring to the Hackers, sir, we're not keeping them in the dungeons. It would be the obvious place to look for anyone trying to rescue them, and there's no sense risking Thed using Nuker to kill everyone in the castle - Hackers included - out of spite." She shook her head. "No, we have them in a secure location away from Lunar Castle. Underground and out of sight, heavily guarded, and always under threat of death should they make any aggressive actions."

"The threat of death works on Hannah?"

"It does when we have her suspended over the Void."

Oh shit. Wow. Okay then. Question answered.

With the Hackers paralyzed and blinded by the Vivlio Zythopoiias, and beaten and demoralized thanks to me, there was no threat of them breaking out. Even if they did, any one of them knew they would be risking the safety of the other captured siblings by trying to escape. The best way to keep a Hacker in line was to have other Hackers hostage.

Hopefully it could be that simple when other Hackers eventually showed up.

"We can't really kill them, though." I said. "We can't. If they go, we lose our only shield from the rest of the Hack Clan."

"I'm aware, but we won't be doing ourselves any favors admitting that to the Hackers. Let them think we'll kill them at the first sign of trouble. Having more of them instead of less lets them know they have more than their own safety to worry about." She closed her eyes. "It's the only reason I thought this might work."

"Carys would've just killed them." It wasn't a question.

"Yes. Even if we had the Vivlio Zythopoiias when we first took this place, Carys wouldn't have kept Ocan and Urson as prisoners. She wanted the world to see that Hackers could die... not knowing you already made that a reality, sir."

"You don't need to - ugh, nevermind."

Jillian guided us through a set of double doors into the throne room. It was illuminated only by the sunlight streaming through the windows; the lights had been knocked out and were currently being repaired by Arwen and Belenzia. The two engineers waved to me in greeting, prompting me to wave back. At the back of the room, I looked to the large, ornate throne with an idle curiosity. Would it be childish to go up and have a seat on it for a measly six seconds - to sit where Herobrine sat?

I never got to see, as Jillian hurried us along. She ushered me up a small staircase at the back of the throne room into a room she dubbed the great chamber - a place of privacy for a monarch and their advisors. The room was small, made even smaller by the large, out-of-place table set up in the middle. Seven chairs were set up, a few of them filled by familiar faces like Baltic, Captain Attila, and Lenz's redstone pal, InesTheInsipid.

"Afternoon." Baltic greeted with a wave. "I was afraid you'd sleep the day away." He added jokingly.

"Sorry. I only had a war to sleep off." I countered bluntly.

"He meant no disrespect." Attila assured in a rush. "We're all just eager to learn your techniques, like those powerful explosive crystals. When you're ready, of course!"

I internally groaned recognizing the same subservient tone I had been getting with Jillian. Sparing a flat look to Baltic, I saw the old man shake his head with a chuckle.

"I told you two, you can act normally around him. What you're doing now is just making him uncomfortable. He won't snap at you."

"I-Is that so?" Attila stammered before breathing out a sigh of relief and loosening up. "Alright. Sorry, I just... you were incredible last night. I feel like I'm standing before a legend."

"No harm." I stepped forward and stretched out a hand. She stared at it apprehensively before reaching out and shaking firmly. "Good to officially meet you. Floyd and Soul spoke highly of you, but they were worried you perished when... well..." It was my turn to falter as she grew melancholy. "I'm so sorry for your loss. I could never imagine losing everyone close to me like that, and you are so brave for fighting for Nitebane in spite of that."

"That's so nice of you to say. Thank you." She tried to smile but her eyes were dull and hollow in the way you get when you're just going through the motions. I looked much the same after Jade. "Right now, there's only two things keeping me going." A fire was lit in her grayish green eyes. "Reviving Nitebane and destroying the Endward Cult."

"Don't act like you can't make friends again. I've been down that road and it's pretty empty." I told her. "Having people worth protecting is a strength, not a weakness. Don't give up." I chucked her on the shoulder.

A bit of sympathy shone through her eyes. "...You've lost people?"

"Yes. And I kept thinking how much better off I'd have been if I just buried myself in revenge and closed my heart to all else." I gave a sad smile. "It was a shitty existence. You can't fall apart just because the world's crumbling around you. You have to stay optimistic."

She nodded, her hand coming up to wipe a tear or two. "Mmm. I'd... I'd feel more positive if you taught me about those explosive crystals."

"Sure, whatever'll cheer you up, Captain." I promised. "The recipe's an easy one."

This time, her smile, while sad, was genuine.

At that moment, Lenz and Z7 entered the great chamber. The engineer's eyes lit up as he saw me.

"Cobbert." He greeted. I met him halfway and held up my fist for a fist bump he didn't understand how to acknowledge. I rolled my eyes as I lowered it. "Your face..."

"The cost of my mistakes." I finished for him, my good hand coming up to touch my blackened cheek. "I'm fine with it." I lied. "Gives me personality." Lenz looked on with sadness as I tried to smile it off. It didn't help that smiling stretched my burned skin. "But enough about me. You trumped Trish and Alfonso! Way to go!"

"Oh, that? That was nothing." He tried to wave it off before Z7 gave him a strong pat on the back as she swept past him into the room. Lenz righted himself before continuing. "You are far more impressive with your achievements. Four Hackers! I wish I could have been there to help..."

"Newsflash, ya dumb nerd," I rapped a fist on his forehead, "you got me the artifact. Sniped it out of Trish's paws from what I heard. I never liked that lady." I added petulantly. "But you got me the book. That thing helped turn the tides against those Hackers. You're a hero! We all are." I gestured to the Paragons in the room. Jillian, Baltic, Z7, Attila. They all played their part.

"I was just doing what I thought was most practical at the time. The book was our surest way to win." He explained modestly.

"It was the smart move, Lenz. I'd expect no less from the Beginners' best archer." I wrapped an arm around his neck and brought him in for a noogie against his gray, unkempt hair. Not like I could mess it up further.

Lenz struggled lightly, his lips curling in a smile he fought to suppress. It was a losing battle. "So... how does it feel?"

"How does what feel?"

He smirked as he lifted his tinted glasses. "The both of us being two-for-two on saving doomed communities from Hackers?"

At that moment, I didn't care that my face would hurt as perhaps the biggest, proudest smile of all broke out on my face.

"It feels pretty good." The noogie intensified. "Yeeaaaah~!"

"Yeeaaaah~!" He laughed with me, and we proceeded to high-five one another over and over again.

"If you two are done with your little bromance..." Ines sounded off from her seat. "I'd prefer we get this meeting over and done with. Arwen's eating up my turn flying the Insipid."

"Don't you mean the Sporr?"

"Not anymore."

"Comparators, Ines, I told you we have to respect the airship's original name. It was christened." Lenz broke away from me to reprimand his pen pal. "Also, what are you doing at a meeting of Paragons?"

"You didn't hear? You're looking at the new Team Leader of Team Zeta, Redstone Research and Development!" Ines declared proudly.

"Team Zeta?" I questioned. "There is no Team Zeta."

"There is now." Jillian interjected. She stepped forward and placed a hand on Ines' shoulders. "Attila vouched for this young woman and her two companions. Their rapid-fire arrow turrets held off the Griefers masterfully and relieved pressure off the front line for a while. I never imagined redstone could be arranged as such a powerhouse of force in so little time. In light of their achievements, I decided on the creation of a new team with Ines at the helm. She, Arwen, and Belenzia accepted my offer, and thus, Team Zeta was born."

"You accepted such an offer?" Lenz asked in bewilderment. "But your field of study is redstone structures and traps."

"And now I get to build traps and defenses for Nitebane." Ines placed her hands on her hips. "And get paid for it! I also get to improve the standing of redstone to all those foolish plebs who call it worthless. No offense." She added to Jillian, Attila, and Z7.

"You saying 'no offense' and looking to us only makes us more offended." Jillian spoke dryly.

"Is it just you three in Zeta?" I asked. It seemed too small for a Team. Z7 and Jillian had dozens of assassins and archers at their disposal.

"Jillian is working on recruiting people with an interest in redstone. Mainly from the EXP Factories and Mob Grinders." Ines explained. "In fact, you could say we're merging to become one. They're all Nitebane citizens and not Paragons, but their redstone experience is a good foundation. We'll drill all we know into them. The subtle science..."

"Just teach me better ways to kill things with explosives." Attila piped up.

"Oh, Attila..." Ines tittered. "You can't just skip ahead to explosives. You gotta walk before you learn how to run."

"She is right." Lenz nodded sagely. "Redstone is a delicate process. You cannot just plow through carelessly."

"Must be why Teal couldn't stand it."

"If Teal could not stand it, it is because she is a redstone dropout." Lenz spat the word like an insult, his arms folded. "Nobody likes being reminded of their failures."

"How would you know?"

"Lieutenant Teal_Larkspur attended the Redstone College in her youth." Jillian summarized. "It's all in the report Trenay sent over. Any information we can compile about our enemies is valuable. Hence, the reason we're arranging this meeting and information session." She pulled out her chair and sat down. "Now that we're all present," Jillian withdrew a book and quill and placed it before her, "we can commence the meeting and information session. Get comfortable everyone because we have a lot to talk about."

Right. Another swap of intelligence like we had with Carys before we split up. Seeing everyone take their seats, I did the same with the closest chair. Lenz sat on my left while Baltic sat on my right. I was opposite Jillian.

"To begin with," Jillian cleared her throat, "I would like to draw attention to the aftermath of yesterday's fierce battle." She flipped a page in her book. "Many stone juts have been worn away and reformed as cobblestone walls, ceilings, pillars, and bridges. These will exist as ruins as there is no advantage or disadvantage to demolishing them aside from a source of cobblestone. The exception, of course, being the bridge crossing our moat. That will be taken down."

"Most of the structural damage is due to Thed's Nuker attacks which have left sizable craters in the land and have wiped out the top portion of Nitebane's skyscrapers. The outskirts of the capital look like a couple of meteors impacted the earth. The largest - the first Nuker - has exposed a great many caves and ores for mining but is deemed as an unsafe hazard. I've spoken with Ines, and we're still deciding whether to utilize the shallower craters as Mob Grinder sites, or for gravel fall traps similar to what Lenzington used in Halstatt's defense."

"The deeper crater is another story. Thed's Nuker was powerful enough to break bedrock and expose the Void. We've plugged this up as best we could, though we are using this particular crater as a prison for the three Hackers in our possession. From Kal's experience with Poulsen, the threat of being thrown into the Void is one the Hackers cannot contest."

It was amazing how quickly Jillian was rattling things out. She was all business now that the seven of us were behind closed doors.

"About the Hackers," Attila piped up. "Are we sure keeping them alive is a good thing? What if 303 catches us with them?"

"What if he catches us without them?"

The rebuttal had Attila trail off worriedly.

"303 won't jeopardize his family." I spoke up, sensing my chance to involve myself. "Having them hostage is the best shield for Nitebane. He can't nuke us like he did Akasha without killing his siblings."

"At the same time, he won't do nothing. He'll try to rescue them." Baltic added. "Should they die or escape, Nitebane will be vaporized."

"Which is why we need to shore up our defenses." Jillian slapped a hand onto the table. "We need more EXP, more enchantments... more ways to escape death." Jillian added, her eyes looking to mine meaningfully.

"More explosive crystals." Attila added, leaning forward to stare at me.

"More techniques from a seasoned Hacker Slayer." Jillian leaned forward.

"More of an artifact that can imbue infinite potion effects."

"More... uh... fisherman skills."

"Alright, alright! Tone it down!" I relented before digging into my ender chest and ripping out the Vivlio Zythopoiias. The powerful artifact drew the eyes of every other Crafter, including Lenz. "Put your eyeballs back into their sockets. I'll teach you what I know."

And so, I shared with them all I knew.

I told them about the death-defying totems. Told them they dropped from the Evokers I encountered in Milstatt. Told them holding one when your Health ran out would use one up and leave you with a bit of Health and a handful of healing effects.

I told them about tridents, and, more importantly, the Channeling and Riptide Enchantments that only worked in rainfall.

I told them about the End Crystals (within reason of Landon's annoying censor), showing them the simple recipe and that it had to be placed on Obsidian or Bedrock. I also told Attila that they were more or less as destructive as a Charged Creeper. The Captain started to salivate hearing that.

Oh, she's just as quirky as the people I put up with.

I even told them about the Vivlio Zythopoiias and how using it to inflict Wither on Thed gave me second-hand smoke for a short while.

They listened with rapt attention and Jillian took meticulous notes, especially about the totems.

"An item that can cheat death..." Jillian shook her head with an awestruck smile. "The Bounty Days continue to bring us incredible things. The Testificates have already confirmed a Bounty Day in response to Rrhys' demise. December 3rd."

"So my good luck charm can actually save my life?" Ines asked. She still had the one she showed me, and she passed it around the table for all to examine.

"As long as you're holding it, yeah." I nodded.

"I only wish we could stockpile these." Baltic frowned. "We'd never suffer a casualty again."

"...Who says we can't stockpile totems?" Jillian asked slowly, a dawning smile splitting her face.

"Huh?"

"They're a drop from Evokers, and Evokers spawn during Raids." She put what I told her into relevance, and with remarkable comprehension and ease. "Trish started a Raid on Rosses Point with that artifact. Why can't we start our own Raids, and on a community with a readily available moat that's also a Mob Grinder?"

Everyone looked at each other, the idea taking root as no protests could be found. When Lenz relayed the specifics to Z7 in Jibberish, the assassin slammed both hands on the table and leaned over the table.

"Ziv blf gvoormt nv R xzm hglxp fk lm 1-FKh orpv gsvb'iv glrovg kzkvi!?"

"Zkkzivmgob hl." Lenz pushed her back in her seat and calmed her down. "I cannot imagine someone more deserving of these Undying Totems than Z7. Quickdraw proficiency is a must to properly use them in extreme situations."

"Carys will want one." Baltic added.

"Too bad she's on the other half of the world right now." I shrugged.

"Cobb."

"Yes, Baltic?"

"Stop smiling."

"Shorry." I mushed my face back into a neutral frown and held it. "I'm just really bummed Carys is missing out on totems. I'm not smiling. You're smiling."

Baltic shook his head. "See, Jillian? He's not someone you need to be subservient around."

"Be that as it may," Jillian went on, "perhaps it's for the best that our discussion has turned towards the elephant in the room."

"We just calling Carys an elephant now?" Attila asked.

"I am surprisingly okay with that."

"That's not a surprise. You'd be missing a few teeth if Carys were present."

Jillian brought out her linked map and placed it on the table before everyone. Even now, I could see a white blip blinking angrily. "For lack of a better word, I've been ghosting Carys' calls since this morning's report."

"You mean the one where you used words like FAM, LMAO, and LOL?"

"I was merely the messenger." Jillian countered with a bit of a blush. I could only snicker at her plight. "Anyway, Carys has been messaging non-stop to get in touch with us. My Team members fear for their safety if they ignore her any further."

"Can't we put her on hold?" I suggested to much skepticism. "Okay, sorry. That wasn't an actual suggestion."

"We can't keep ignoring her. We're a united guild and she's our leader." Baltic sighed, one hand coming up and making a beckoning motion. "Slide the map over. I'll smooth things over."

"Only a diamond grindstone could smooth that jagged bitch over." I said aloud without fear, knowing Carys was thousands of miles away and could not hear it.

In all honesty, Baltic and Jillian were right to want to message Carys back. There were some things I had to let her know by obligation of our alliance, and I wouldn't be able to contact my friends without going through her. I watched Baltic drop and pick up the map repeatedly to send out the morse code message. He had to use Jillian's because everyone else's maps had been given to Wing and Aurand who were still crossing the Cadboro Bridge to Oak Docks.

After sending a message Baltic didn't bother speaking aloud, Carys' angry blip flashed incessantly, the relayed words earning a wince from the old alchemist.

"Carys demands assurance. Jillian, were you joking about Cobb defeating the Hackers? Also, where the hell do you get off sending a closing message like that and ignoring my calls?"

Baltic slid the map over and Jillian started speaking her message aloud. "I reported the truth. King_Cobb fought the Hackers, killed one, and captured three with the aid of the Vivlio Zythopoiias now in our possession. We have him with us now, along with Attila, Z7, myself-" She cut off as Carys' blip flashed angrily, then started again with a slight scowl. She relayed back with great speed and more than a little heat. "I won't permit you to belittle this. You've grossly underestimated King_Cobb as an asset. You made him out to be a lucky idiot, but he dueled four Hackers at once - with an understanding of the Hacks of only one - and prevailed."

"Baltic, can you relay what she's saying back. I wanna hear this." I requested, kicking back in my seat with my hands on the back of my head, sitting pretty. Baltic moved over to Jillian to read and relay Carys' rebuttals.

"He had new Bounty Day techniques." Carys tried to wave away, even though the excuse sounded lame to my ears. Four Hackers was four Hackers. "...He had an artifact!"

"You're wrong. He's more than that." Jillian replied. "You didn't see him the way I did, Carys. He fought with such ferocity and energy and ingenuity. He inspired Team Beta and leveraged their talents like a true leader."

"The conditions were working with him. The storm-"

"You'd call two Hackers, and the sudden reinforcements of two additional Hackers, favorable conditions?" Jillian cut off. She would have no lame excuses. "Operation Overshadow would have crashed and burned if two more Hackers showed up. Cobb had a plan, had his plan routed, and yet he adapted. He learned their abilities throughout the fight, planning accordingly. He kept adapting and throwing out aces until his opponents couldn't get back up. That's not the kind of strength you shrug off as a lucky break."

Interestingly, Carys had gone silent. She wasn't the only one, as the praise humbled me in ways I couldn't express in words. It made me forgo kicking back with my feet on the table. Instead, I straightened up, scooted my chair closer, and adopted a respectable posture. They had to know I was taking their praise seriously. I wasn't shrugging them off without a care.

"Baltic and Trenay both say Cobb spent his time getting here by training ruthlessly nearly every day and picking up new skills. He didn't rest on his laurels and rely on luck. This victory is a culmination of all his efforts and experience. We can't make an enemy out of him. We can't." Jillian spared a glance to me before averting her eyes as if afraid I would accuse her of something.

"This alliance is set to be temporary until the Cult is ended but having Cobb as an enemy isn't viable. His growth is unnatural. He's at a level of strength where he can become a serious threat if he deems us a threat. We need to keep him happy. Cozy up to him."

My eyes widened hearing this. Should she really be saying all this in my presence? Or maybe she just figured there was no point kidding anyone and was instead being straight with me. Complete honesty from the woman who taught me to lie. The irony was thick in the air.

"You may dislike this, but I'm going to treat him with the same respect I reserve for you. I consider he's earned it, and Baltic vouches for him. His adaptability, intellect, and strength are military assets, and it's in the best interests of the Paragons to sharpen his arsenal and skills in the same way we lift you up, Carys."

Again, Carys didn't immediately answer. Her blip was still as she contemplated Jillian's words. The Queen didn't look bothered by talking back to her leader. Maybe having to look after Nitebane gave her some more backbone.

After a while, the blip started flashing again.

"She wants to talk with you, sir." Jillian told me. She got up out of her seat and walked around the table to stand over me, the map laid out before the two of us. "Dictate your words and I'll relay them." She hunched over the table, map ready.

I held Jillian's gaze for a moment before thinking about what needed to be said. What absolutely needed to be said. I gripped the Vivlio Zythopoiias between my fingers.

"Tell her... I want to speak with Noman."

Jillian was already sending the message before I was done. She was fast and responsive with that map. Probably because Team Delta was used to messaging with maps and sharing intelligence.

Jillian's nose wrinkled as the answer came back. "She's asking what that waste of space has to say that's more important than her."

I almost decided to forget my generous idea because fuck Carys, but I reminded myself Carys wasn't her guild, and gave myself the strength and patience to endure. "Tell her that she better put him on if she wants something worthwhile."

Jillian sent the words and we waited. Nobody else at the table dared to interrupt. They all watched in silence, listening to this meeting between two leaders.

Eventually, Carys must've wrangled Noman to the map, because the next message came out. "This is Noman."

"Ask me something only the real Noman would know."

There was a short pause. "Cobb, where did I conceal us while you were comatose following Jade's reveal."

"Under the leaves of a birch tree." I answered back hollowly. "You built up walls out of dirt and used the leaves as cover and camouflage."

Verification accepted; we now knew we were talking with one another. "Good to hear from you, Cobb. Sorry I brought that up. I blanked on what else to ask you."

"It's fine. Lenz and I are okay here. We stopped the Hack Clan, and Nitebane is more or less in one piece."

"I heard. You also spared three of them, capturing them instead. I'm proud of you."

"I..." Was I even thinking of Aikido when I spared them? I just didn't want to watch Thed waste away like Jade. Everything else sort of snowballed from that one act of mercy. "There's something important I need to ask you. I have the Vivlio Zythopoiias in my hand right now."

"I heard that as well. It must not have been easy to get your hands on it." He answered. "It was Lenz's doing, was it? I'm grateful for his hard work securing it. With that artifact, we can find a better, non-violent way of stopping the Endward Cult without killing them. This opens so many doors for us."

"I want to..." I struggled. "I have to give this to Nitebane."

Jillian's dutiful relaying ground to a halt when she processed my words. She looked up from the map, her light blue irises quivering as she dared to hope.

"Wh-What...?" She croaked.

"You gonna send the message or what?" I asked back.

She looked between me and the map before shakily sending the message out. Over in the corner, I saw Baltic smiling in approval.

Quit smiling, you sentimental old man. I thought with a bit of heat. Stop looking like you're proud of this.

The response from Noman was... about as expected.

"WHAT."

"I'm sorry, but Nitebane needs this artifact to defend itself." I explained. "I told the Hackers Carys killed their boys, and it was a mistake. I made a stupid mistake." I repeated for the benefit of everyone watching. Carys never admitted or apologized for her mistakes, but I was better. "I saved them this time to make up for it, but the Hackers will want to come back in a week. If I can't be here, Nitebane will need more than a few hostage Hackers, they need this book."

"More than you know." Lenz added, standing up and letting his voice be heard. "The Vivlio Zythopoiias effects are not as infinite as we were led to believe." I balked at the new information, as did the listening Paragons. "I just spoke with Alfonso about it. The effects only last a week at most before they expire. Trish just lets people believe they were infinite to demoralize them. Nitebane needs the artifact to keep the Hackers immobilized. Otherwise, they will break out of their paralysis and blindness on their own."

"Wait, seriously? I could've been free on my own if I just waited a few more days?" I canted my head as I thought about that. "Well, shoot, all the more reason why Nitebane should keep it. Ah! But I can't hold on to any effects!" I realized before grumbling. Even if I zapped myself with the ultimate potion combo, it would only last a week before I was back to normal. That was more a problem with the incarcerated Hackers than anything.

"You... uh... you didn't confer this to each other ahead of time, did you?" Jillian asked tentatively. She looked like her head was spinning. "This is all unfolding organically and in real time, sir?"

"I don't know what you mean. Of course this is real time. What even is fake time?"

"So does that mean Trish will fall back down to earth once her Levitation wears off?" Lenz asked. "She will become a stain if we do not do something."

"Can we test this ourselves?" Lenz went ignored as Attila spoke up. "Alfonso can hardly be trusted no matter how cooperative he seems."

"Er, hello?" Lenz tried again. "Trish will go splat against the ground in a week. Should we try to catch her, or-?"

"We'll take it at face value and verify the artifact's limits on our own time." Baltic decided. "Until we're sure, I say we keep refreshing the potion effects. Better safe than sorry."

"We are really just going to ignore this?" Lenz spoke emotionlessly. "No attempts. No energy diverted. Just casting a human being from our mind-?"

"Relay to Noman about the artifact's limits." I told Jillian. She complied and Lenz just threw his arms up in surrender.

After the message was sent, Noman's reply came fast. "So the book has limits. But Notch said we need all the artifacts to beat the Cult. And this book." I detected the desperation in the words. "This book is everything I've been looking for in non-aggressive alternatives. The Vivlio Zythopoiias can restrain Hackers without killing them. Think of all the lives it could spare - Carys is telling me I'm talking like a rhymes with wussy, but this artifact is another way to beat the Cult without killing them! Giving this up to Nitebane is... it's just..."

"Nitebane needs this to save lives." I put it bluntly. It was the best way to get through to Noman. The one thing his Aikido philosophy could not ignore. "This book is the best deterrent against the Hackers, and it can hold them tighter than any prison bars could. With the Vivlio Zythopoiias, Nitebane won't have to end up like Akasha. Isn't that worth keeping the artifact out of your hands for a little while?"

What followed was a long, drawn-out pause in which I knew Noman was considering my words carefully. The artifacts were important for his destiny, but saving lives mattered more than that. Otherwise, he would've pulled on the Severe Shield and stormed every cultist base he could find. That was Carys' way, but it wasn't Noman's way.

Truth be told, I wasn't too keen on letting go of the artifact either. I felt invincible while imbued with its potion effects. Then again, did I really need to be invincible all the time when I was on the move? Nitebane was a stationary place that couldn't get up and hide when more Hackers came knocking. And if what I suspected between the Hack Clan and the Endward Cult was true, then the Hackers could come knocking a whole lot sooner than the Paragons realized. They needed the artifact's firepower more than me. I just hoped Noman could see that.

After a while, Noman's reply came back.

"Carys is somewhat rushing me because she wants to say her piece, but I'll permit Nitebane to hold onto the Vivlio Zythopoiias in the interest of saving lives. I cannot stress that enough. It can't be used to kill. Only to prevent any and all death. Is there someone there you trust with it?"

My eyes gravitated to Baltic on reflex. He was Team leader of the Beta alchemist; it made sense giving him a book on potions. However, the old man simply shook his head and pointed with his eyes toward Jillian. The Queen dared to hope.

Queen Jillian as an artifact wielder? By virtue of authority, it had to go to one of Carys' Team Leaders. Baltic, Z7, or Jillian. Baltic was the obvious choice, but he didn't want it for some reason. Maybe because he couldn't be tied down to Nitebane to protect with it. Maybe because he wanted a tighter alliance and entrusting this book to Jillian would go a long way.

Z7 couldn't get it for the same reasons, but also because she couldn't read common.

Jillian, a queen, would be fine with staying behind to guard Nitebane with the artifact. She used it with great judgement during the battle, empowering her people and not just herself.

She entrusted it to me, first. She saw me fighting and threw me the book. That was all the reason I needed. I shut my eyes.

"Jillian's trustworthy." I decided, my words making the queen's breath hitch. I opened one eye to look at her stunned expression. "Go on. Relay the words. For someone who does this regularly, you're pretty bad at it."

"Apologies, sir!" She said a little too enthusiastically before shooting off the message at record speed.

"You can't kill with it, though. That's the caveat." I told her privately. "Noman and I won't be around to see you uphold this promise, and there's nothing we can do to force you to keep it, but just think about this moment whenever you feel the urge to kill with it, alright?" I held up the Vivlio Zythopoiias dramatically. "This book is meant to save lives."

"Yes, sir. I understand." She nodded. "Its purpose is to shield this kingdom from those that would do it harm. It is not meant to be wielded maliciously. I will not seek battles with this, but rather resolve them. You have my word as this Kingdom's ruler, even if it's as a figurehead."

Noman's reply was much of the same as what I said, the words officially giving Jillian his blessing. I handed the artifact to her with deliberate slowness, the simple act of loaning a book being grander than it seemed.

I remembered the beginning of this alliance, when I considered the artifacts as a trump card to crush the Paragons. Now I was handing possibly the strongest artifact of all to one.

Life is a funny thing.

"With that out of the way," Jillian continued to relay for Noman, "tell us what happened! The report this morning was..." Jillian trailed off as the blip abruptly stopped blinking. She wore a perplexed expression before a new message came in. She cleared her throat. "It's Carys this time. Don't think this makes us even, and don't think this repays me saving Noman from Gunnah. I never asked you to stick your neck out for Nitebane."

"Don't flatter yourself. I did this to clean up my own mess." I replied contemptuously. The Hackers going to Nitebane was my mistake to make right. "Though I suppose this settles once and for all who's strongest."

"It settles nothing!"

"That sounds like someone who only managed half my maximum number of conquered Hackers." I poked fun. "What am I at now? Five? Seven if we're counting ones dealt with by Beginners."

"Don't make me come back to Nitebane. We'll see who can or can't measure up when next we meet, and I'm sure you'll be screaming that girly scream of yours before I'm through."

"That was the old Cobb! I'm back and better than ever!" I took out one of my tridents and stabbed it into the floor.

"Sir, please don't tear the carpet." Jillian spoke as an aside.

"Oh, sorry..." I swept my sneaker against the holes in the carpet before I continued with my message. "As much as I'd love to keep whupping you with quips, I got more important things to tell you."

"Whupping? Please." I could practically hear Carys' scoff. "And I have a few things to say too. Since you went and involved yourself in Nitebane, the Endward Cult are slated to figure out we're allied with each other."

My eyes widened. I had to admit, that was a good point I had neglected. Our alliance was kept secret to this point to throw off the cultists. Now they knew we were in league with each other, because why else would I defend the kingdom of my sworn enemy? So far in our journeys east, we had been avoiding major villages with cult presences, and keeping separated from the Paragons in public. Same with Carys' group. Now our alliance was out in the open. Our joint force would be feared, but also expected. The element of surprise was gone.

"This is Baltic." The old alchemist interjected. "Concerning Cobb's actions, he had no choice but to reveal himself to defend Nitebane. His reveal - and our alliance with the Beginners - would have become public knowledge eventually."

"Not this soon, though. I was hoping to save it for the fall of the Eastern Division." Carys shot back. "You need that kind of unexpected surprise to catch a division off guard. That's how we did it with the Southern Division. We showed the world what the Paragons were about."

"We may have bigger things to worry about." I piped up. "Namely, the notion that the Endward Cult maaaaaay have approached the Hack Clan with an alliance of their own."

All conversation ground to a halt as pairs of eyes turned to me. Jillian's translation stopped mid-sentence and she spoke to me in a hushed whisper. "Sir, what are you talking about!? This isn't just conjecture, is it?"

"The time of the attack, you all heard Thed's announcements." I spoke to everyone watching. "His voice echoed in all our heads. I know you heard it." Slowly, the people around the table nodded. "He demanded Floyd, Carys, and the Lighter Billionth."

Lenz gave a start. "That is what the Cult referred to Noman as..."

"And Thed called me the Darker Billionth. Though I guess this more than earns me that nickname." I traced the dark marks along my cheek and arm.

"That's what the Cult called Cobb, I take it?" Attila slapped a hand on the table. "No one else called you guys that?"

"Never."

Jillian carefully relayed my words to Carys, the reaper's blip going silent as she processed this. How else would the Hack Clan know of those nicknames Ember coined for us?

"I don't imagine the Hack Clan would ever join hands with anyone. Especially not those they view as Herobrine's lackeys." I pointed out.

"Don't mention that name." Attila narrowed her eyes. "Not everyone is as okay with that monster as you seem to be."

"Uh, sorry."

"It's not impossible, though." Jillian added. "For the Cult to even approach the Hack Clan with this... even if just to share information. It could become a serious problem."

"We joined hands to fight off a bigger threat." Lenz added, his brow furrowed in thought. "What if the cultists and Hackers do the same?"

"It'd take a lot of effort to unite those enemies." Attila said, hoping to dismiss the idea.

"More effort than it took for us enemies to unite...?" Lenz asked, putting words to my worst fears. The telling silence only confirmed our worries. If those two groups joined together, they'd possess the transportation of the Endward Cult's portal network and the raw power of the Hackers. We're talking instant, kingdom-ending destroyers.

"We don't have all the facts." Unexpectedly, it was Carys' words that hemmed in our fears and brought a wave of comfort. "It could be they just leaked your identities the same way a certain massterbaitor leaked mine. The Hack Clan are too proud to admit they need help, let alone accept it. Until we have more information - something I expect you lot to extract from our trio of Hacker guests - we can't assume anything, alliance or otherwise."

"We'll conclude this topic for now." Jillian spoke next. "Carys. I'd like to discuss matters of your identity. The Hack Clan made mentions of you, and Nitebane's populace are beginning to have doubts as to who truly rules this kingdom. There's also the matter of Cobb's wanted status." She spared a glance to me. "The longer we hide behind these lies, the more trust we'll lose."

"We can't tell them the truth. They'll all up and leave and I'll lose my army. What were our losses like?"

"Our combined forces of Paragons and Nitebane citizens was forty-five hundred." Captain Attila reported before growing dour. "...We lost twelve-hundred."

"However, our victory against the Hackers and Griefers is likely to inspire those watching." Jillian added. "With what happened to Akasha, I daresay the kingdoms of Minecraftia are contemplating a more proactive stance against the Hack Clan and are considering our proposals more seriously."

"Proposals for what?" I asked.

"You mean you haven't heard, sir?" Jillian asked. "I would have thought you'd know coming back from Ringwood..."

I shrugged, still clueless.

"Carys is appealing to the kingdoms for a united army against the Endward Cult and Hack Clan." Jillian explained, Carys' lofty ambitions being made clear and leaving me awestruck. "Nitebane, Ringwood, Zeppil, Daymonte. We're very close to cementing an alliance of Kingdoms, complete with a united army comprised of tens of thousands of Crafters. What you're part of, sir?" She emphasized. "It's history in the making."

---

The meeting continued well into the night, with much information exchanged and plans shared. Carys actually had to forgo traveling to properly coordinate her orders to Jillian. It was a long meeting, with much talk, and yet I was wide awake for all of it. The topics we discussed would shape our movements for the next couple of days, though it seemed we'd be remaining in Nitebane for the time being. Oak Docks was on hold, and we made sure to message Wing and Aurand on the Cadboro Bridge to alert them of this fact. They'd be crossing into the kingdom tomorrow, November 28th.

Z7 - unable to follow the fast talk even with a translator - fell asleep early in. Lenz offered to carry her to bed, tried to, then promptly collapsed under her slight frame. We really needed to buff his EXP levels. Anyway, we called in her assassins to carry her out and Lenz supervised with an embarrassed face.

Food was brought in as a late dinner, and Ines left shortly after when the redstone talks for the craters outside the capital dried up. It was just the four of us left, then. Me, Baltic, Attila, and Jillian. And Carys, of course, on the other end. Despite our animosity, we kept it under control by focusing on plans for the capital and sharing discoveries. She was fascinated by the totems of undying, as I feared she would be.

We'd both have extra lives on the inevitable day we fought.

It was past midnight when we were forced to conclude. Sleep was important to making level-headed decisions. We signed out with Carys and left the Great Chamber in pairs. Baltic and Attila went one way, Jillian and I went the other. We went straight for the monarch's quarters. Lenz was already in bed, fast asleep.

"Where've you been sleeping?" I asked Jillian.

"There are guest rooms, sir."

"Shouldn't we get those? You're the monarch."

"I'm only monarch because Carys couldn't be tied down." She shot back somewhat bitterly. "Besides, you're the one in need of privacy, sir. Outside these walls, you're a wanted criminal. Hopefully, tomorrow, we can change that." She added, somewhat lost in thought. She must've been nervous for tomorrow's announcement. The people could very well revolt against her. Not that I would let anything happen to her. We were allies, now. "Please, don't concern yourself with my sleeping quarters, sir. The guest rooms have comfort and regalness to spare. My quality of life will in no way be diminished or affected."

"Well, if you're sure, you're sure." I pointed to the Vivlio Zythopoiias at her belt. "Take good care of the artifact. Don't lose it."

"I'll die before I let anyone steal this."

"NO!" I bellowed suddenly, startling her terribly. "Don't talk of dying. Talk of living AND keeping this thing safe. Your life is never of secondary importance. You fight like hell and keep what's yours. You got it?"

"...I got it, sir." She sounded like she was only humoring me. She didn't get it. I sighed before elaborating.

"I don't want you to die for this." I emphasized. "And knowing what we know, you won't have to. You had a brilliant idea on how to use this. I want you and your people armed to the teeth with totems of undying so that death is no longer a threat." Her eyes widened as she understood. "You keep talking like dying is the last thing you'll do, but I've died five or six times now. We have the power to face death and keep on fighting. I don't wanna hear you say you'll die, then lose this book. I wanna hear you say you may lose this book, but you'll take it right back and survive because you're made of harder stuff than me! You got it?"

I smacked her chest to get her heart pumping, the action making her stumble backward slightly. Something was shining in her light blue eyes. A mix of admiration and shame. She broke eye contact first.

"...Why?"

"Eh?"

"Why are you acting so nice to me? Why are you so supportive? Why does my life matter so much to you?" She snapped her head up and her eyes were beseeching desperately. "I locked you in a cage and called you worthless! A liability!" She was starting to cry. "Why would you ever want to be my ally?"

"You're absolutely right. Carys is my enemy. She made my life difficult at every turn, she demeans me, she split me from my friends, and she's threatened to kill them on more than one occasion." I listed off the facts. "You're her Paragon. I shouldn't care what happens to you, and I won't." She flinched as if struck, though she didn't argue. She felt she deserved the verbal lashing. It was a quarter of what she put me through. "Your life is meaningless."

Her head fell as my words wounded her deep. I let them sink in for a moment before breaking the facade.

"How was that?"

"...What?" She asked, more confused than ever.

"All lies have a kernel of truth, remember?" Dawning comprehension spread across her face as she remembered the lesson she taught me. I grinned cheekily. "So? Did I fool you?"

"I... you..." She struggled for words, her face darkening as she scowled. Finally, she lunged forward and gave my sensitive, blackened arm an Indian burn. "You made me think you despised me!"

"Higyahowowow!" I cried out in alarm before wrenching my tender arm out of her grip. "That fucking hurts!" I complained as I massaged the raw skin. "What happened to treating me with respect?"

"Didn't you tell me you didn't care for that? Well, allow me to make you more comfortable!" She lunged forward again, one hand pinching my blackened cheek and the other going to the blackened nipple under my shirt and twisting. I yelled as she targeted my new weaknesses.

"YEEEEEOW! MERCY! UNCLE! STOP! PLEASE!"

"Do you despise me or what!?" She demanded, pressing - or rather twisting - her advantage. "Tell the truth! You hate me for what I did, right!?"

"No!" I cried out desperately.

"No, what!?"

"Because you did nothing wrong!"

The pain lessened as she fumbled her grip, allowing me to escape. I shielded my nipple and cheek with my hands, backing away from her lest I incur her wrath.

"...What do you mean I did nothing wrong?"

"Nothing you told me in that cell was wrong. I was responsible for the Hack Clan. I didn't realize how many people died because of me..." I added sadly, thinking of those twelve-hundred Crafters that were now gone.

"We would have lost more if you did not intervene." Jillian consoled. "I felt that despair when Thed leveled that Nuker at us. You stopped that. You captured the Hackers. You saved Nitebane. I was the one in the wrong for imprisoning you. I treated you like a liability when I should have treated you like a warrior."

"But I did do wrong. And... and I was expecting you to bail me out." I admitted. "What you said to me in that cell got me thinking. It hurt, but it got me thinking about the kind of man I wanted to be. I wasn't willing to face my own consequences. I just needed someone with a... brutal way with words... to hammer that into my skull."

"Yes, well..." She coughed awkwardly. "People have often said I can be particularly blunt with my silver tongue."

"It was a hard truth, granted." I nodded. "But it made me see how petty and cowardly I was being with Carys. No more. I'm ready to be 100% honest with this alliance. The Endward Cult and Hack Clan need to be stopped."

She smiled genuinely, her eyes crinkling with relief. "I'm pleased to hear that from you. I was so afraid you'd see us as enemies that I bent over backwards to please you and shower you with devotion." She pressed a hand to her cheek. "Perhaps I can scale it back now."

"Yeah, you can tone it down several notches."

She giggled. "So you're sure you don't hold anything against me? You're not just a really good liar?"

"I still need more practice in lies, believe me." I sighed. "You remind me of my friend, Captain Wynn - or I guess it's Queen Wynn, now. She disapproved of me and saw me as... not so much a liability as an annoyance. Things started out shaky between us, but we became close friends. Practically siblings at times. I see a lot of her in you, so I get where you're coming from."

"That can't be the only reason for you to forgive me." She spoke. "You're rude to Carys, how come I get off scot-free?"

"Let me put it to you this way. I'm fine with whatever you did or will do - nipple twisting included - because not once did you target my friends. It was all on me. So you're in the black." I assured her. "Carys, on the other hand," I growled, "openly threatened to kill my friends and has split up the Beginners. She's in the red. The Paragons may be her guild, but she's the only Paragon I despise."

"And when the time comes," I told a wide-eyed Jillian, "I'll face the consequences of my actions again and face Carys myself. Just like I did with the Hackers. No friends to get hurt in the crossfire. Just me and her. And, when that day comes, the Paragons are going to need a new leader."

It wasn't a promise aimed at the Paragons. Not the guild, but the leader. I now knew there was only one person to prepare for once the cultists and Hackers were defeated. My final foe. The showdown that was always meant to be.

With that parting threat, I retired to the monarch's bed chambers and shut the door on a quiet Jillian.

---

Inventory (Cobb): 7 Obsidian, 1 Ender Chest, 44 Chorus Fruit, 26 Snowballs, 3 End Crystals, 1 Fishing Rod, 1 Fishing Rod, 1 Fishing Rod, 1 Trident [Riptide III, Unbreaking III], 1 Trident [Loyalty II, Channeling], 1 Diamond Cutlass, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Green Shulker Box {Pocket Box}

Green Shulker Box {Pocket Box}: 53 Eyes of Ender, 32 Blocks of Emerald, 8 Emeralds, 1 Lapis Lazuli, 64 Books, 2 Books, 1 Enchanting Table, 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}

[EXP: 42]

Inventory (Lenz): 1 Chainmail Helmet, 1 Dragon Head, 1 Chainmail Chestplate, 1 Chainmail Leggings, 1 Chainmail Boots, 1 Iron Dagger, 9 Ender Pearls, 1 Bucket, 1 Compass, 1 Bow, 1 Bow [Infinity], 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 42 Arrows, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Furnace, 62 Dark Oak Planks, 50 Chorus Fruit, 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}, 2 Fire Charges, 36 Charcoal, 4 Torches, 32 Pumpkin Seeds, 1 Book {Redstone Textbook}, 1 Book {Notebook}

Gray Shulker Box {Pocket Box}: 53 Arrows of Poison {0:11}, 64 Arrows of Harming II, 57 Arrows of Harming II, 52 Arrows of Weakness {0:30}, 49 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}, 63 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: 25]

Inventory (Baltic): 1 Iron Helmet [Protection III, 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, 64 Bones, 1 Ender Chest, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Gold Citizenship Pass}, 20 Emeralds, 64 Cooked Chicken, 64 Cooked Chicken, 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 Regeneration II {0:05}, 1 Blue Shulker Box {Pocket Box}

Blue Shulker Box {Pocket Box}: 41 Glass Bottles, 64 Dragon's Breath, 59 Dragon's Breath, 64 Blaze Powder, 64 Nether Warts, 30 Soul Sand, 62 Phantom Membranes, 64 Blaze Rods, 64 Fermented Spider Eyes, 64 Carrots, 64 Melon Slices, 64 Rabbit's Feet, 64 Gold Ingots, 64 Gold Nuggets, 64 Gunpowder, 64 Redstone Dust, 64 Glowstone Dust, 64 Ghast Tears, 64 Sugar

[EXP: 32]

Inventory {Jillian}: 1 Book {Vivlio Zythopoiias}, 1 Bow {Artemis} [Unbreaking III, Punch II, Power V, Knockback II, Curse of Vanishing, Infinity], 1 Bow {Apollo} [Unbreaking III, Flame I, Punch II, Knockback II], 1 Crossbow, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Clock, 35 Torches, 1 Book and Quill {Planner}, 1 Book and Quill {Notebook}, 45 Cooked Cod, 56 Cooked Salmon, 56 Arrows, 16 Firework Rockets {Flight Duration: 1, Small Ball x 7, White x 7}, 16 Firework Rocket {Flight Duration: 1, Large Ball x 7, White x 7}, 1 Map {Paragon Minecraftia}, 1 Paper {Gold Citizenship Pass}

[EXP: 53]

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, 39 Cookies, 64 Baked Potatoes, 2 Buckets, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Gold Citizenship Pass}, 1 Purple Shulker Box {Pocket Box}

[EXP: 47]

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, 2 Iron Ingots, 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]

Inventory (Soul): 1 Diamond Axe [Sharpness V], 1 Iron Pickaxe, 62 Iron Ingots, 20 Flint, 12 Gold Ingots, 1 Shears, 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, 61 Cobblestone, 32 Jungle Wood Planks, 1 Armor Stand, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Zeppil Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Exter Entry Pass}

[EXP: 41]

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 Diamond Chestplate, 1 Iron Leggings, 1 Iron Boots, 1 Iron Chestplate, 1 Iron Pickaxe, 60 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, 33 Glass Bottles, 4 Packed Ice, 1 Ender Chest, 16 Ender Pearls, 4 Ender Pearls, 3 Phantom Membranes, 61 Glowstone Dust, 29 Gunpowder, 18 Redstone Dust, 61 Blaze Powder, 62 Gold Nuggets, 61 Brown Mushrooms, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Zeppil Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Exter Entry Pass}, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Book {The Art of Peace}, 1 Enchanted Golden Apple

[EXP: 35]

Inventory (Kalmarin): 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 Mob Head {Skeleton}, 1 Diamond Sword [Sharpness III, Unbreaking I], 1 Map {Paragon Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Gold Citizenship Pass}, 22 Cooked Chicken, 29 Apples, 1 Bow [Power I], 36 Arrows, 12 Ender Pearls, 1 Bed, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Furnace, 40 Torches, 31 Sand, 12 Cobblestone, 21 Oak Wood Planks, 1 Water Bucket, 1 Lava Bucket, 1 Milk Bucket, 43 Coal, 1 Clock, 1 Compass, 1 Iron Pickaxe [Unbreaking I], 1 Wooden Pickaxe {Old Reliable} [Unbreaking III, Efficiency V], 1 Book {Meetup}

[EXP: 37]

---

AN: In case anyone was wondering, when you're in the red, you're in debt, but when you're in the black, you've got a profit.

Sorry this is late. Been busy with things as usual. Year end work, Christmas shopping, Pokemon Scarlet. Normal real life things.

Very much an aftermath Chapter for the characters to gather round and chart their course now that Hackers have been dealt with.

FAV. FOLLOW. REVIEW. FORUM. DISCORD. Roast Duck.

Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope you all got everything you wanted. And here's to 2023.