AN: Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a happy new year...unless you don't celebrate either of those holidays...or you celebrate one but not the other...or you celebrate them at different times...
...
Anyway. No puzzle again this week. But I have reasons, both good and bad, at the bottom. As from last chapter, I'm putting the prompt for the humorous story suggestion below. If you've already read it, you don't have to read it again.
I am planning a humorous chapter in the future. It will involve several short stories strung together on the basis of Cobb's travels with Wynn's group to Daymonte. Therefore, I have decided to give the viewers a chance to devise part of the story and give me their best A-game humor.
Here's the prompt: Cobb has set off to Daymonte with Wynn, her guards, Floyd, Soul, and Cara. The trip takes seven days, and each day Cobb finds himself in situations demonstrating his 'newbiness' to those around him. Resulting in mockery and laughs. Anything goes.
If you wish to send an idea, I'd prefer it sent as a PM (if you can't PM, then a review is fine). And if the idea makes me laugh enough, I'll include it in the story and credit the brilliant writer that suggested it.
So if you're interested, give me your A-game humor. I'm certainly looking forward to the entries (if there will be any).
Disclaimer: I don't own Minecraft. If I did, then Potion's would stack.
Beta: Void of Shining Darkness
Chapter 27
Departure
[Noman]
Ringwood's Southern District had a number of bookstores and libraries. Each one housed hundreds of books dedicated to various facets of Minecraftia. Cooking, sword fighting, fishing, camping, interior designing, etc.
But the most important topic was history. Dozens of books outlined Ringwood's past, from its founding by Notch, to its rise as the largest Kingdom in Minecraftia.
And yet, after pulling an all-nighter, neither I nor Spark were able to find anything on Notch's death.
He had stepped down as King 25 years prior to the date on his tombstone and had mysteriously dropped off the face of the earth. He was widely respected and well known, and the entire Kingdom fretted over his disappearance. Then, one day, his grave and Head were found in the Crystal Catacombs. Nobody knew who killed him nor did they know who set his Head there, but the Kingdom grieved heavily.
So, with a loud sigh, I snapped 'The History of Ringwood' shut and turned to the floating book besides me, entitled 'The Life of Notch'.
"Anything?" I asked the invisible space besides me. Its response was the book shaking back and forth: No.
"Same here." I rested my head on folded arms. There was no clue as to what 'great evil' had silenced Notch. And for some reason, there were no books about the Endward Cult. Was it possible the cult was so feared that nobody dared write about them? That was a scary thought.
Just how tough were they? How numerous were they?
Was it too much to hope that they had a single self-destruct button that, if pressed, would cause the entire cult to implode?
Maybe that's one of those artifact things. A self-destruct button.
I glanced around the library to make sure no unwanted eyes were watching before I withdrew the artifact book. No matter what we historical information we found, I would need to decide which artifact to go after first.
Okay, so they're eight artifacts and each one was last sighted at eight of the nine remaining Kingdoms.
Location would definitely be a factor. How close is the Kingdom? Are the people there friendly or hostile? What kind of events are occurring within said Kingdom? Any dangers? Cultist presence? All important questions.
Then there was artifact worth to take into account. The descriptions from the book made the artifacts range from useful to powerful to insanely-out-of-my-league-Severe-Shield-level. And since the Severe Shield was arguably the strongest, it made sense to obtain artifacts of similar strength.
But on the other hand, there was no guarantee that these God-like weapons would be lying on the ground just waiting for someone like me to pick them up. More likely they were in the possession of a Crafter. One who had discovered the true value of the artifact and were wielding it for great good.
Or great evil.
Or great…neutral…gray area.
And if that were the case, the wielders wouldn't relinquish the artifacts with the excuse of 'they're for a special mission given to me by Notch'. Some might even get violent and it would be one God-like artifact versus another.
The weaker artifacts may not be as powerful, but if owned by a hostile wielder, they wouldn't do much damage.
Finally, the power of the artifacts themselves. The Severe Shield had unintentionally killed Crafters (albeit cultists). It could be possible that the other artifacts are as equally dangerous or worse, unpredictable. It would be more prudent to target the artifacts with the least amount of dangers, to either the wielder or the people around them.
So many options swirled in my head as I skimmed the artifact book.
Which one to choose?
Which one to choose?
Which one to choose?
I was saved from my cycle of thoughts when I felt an invisible nudge to my shoulder. I turned to where I assumed Spark was sitting and saw a book slide over the table towards me. It was her message book.
[WHY ARE YOU SKIMMING THAT BOOK OVER AGAIN?]
"I'm just trying to figure out which artifact to go for first." I whispered so as not to attract attention from any other Crafters. "Furthest or closest. Strongest or weakest. Most Dangerous or…most super dangerous."
The book retreated and was quickly scribbled upon before returning.
[WELL, IN TERMS OF DISTANCE, THE CLOSEST KINGDOMS WHERE AN ARTIFACT WAS LAST SIGHTED ARE DAYMONTE, LAZULI, OR DOVER PLAINS. RESPECTIVELY EAST, NORTH, OR WEST.]
Well that was a start. It at least narrowed down the Kingdoms from eight to three while at the same time giving me options. The artifacts sighted at Daymonte, Lazuli, and Dover Plains were, respectively, Endabou, Stivali Magma, and Voda Shlem.
Endabou and Voda Shlem seemed normal enough and easy to understand. But looking over the descriptions, Stivali Magma was more powerful and dangerous than the other two combined.
Would it be better to go for the more powerful one, or settle for the less powerful artifacts? Provided they're even there in the first pl—
"HEY!" A loud voice thundered from behind me and I turned to see a face I hoped I would never see again.
It was DomPiano. The same Crafter who had attacked me on my first day in Ringwood.
And he looked mad.
"Thought I wouldn't find you. Eh, skinny?" He drawled as if locating me was the most impressive things he's ever done.
Which wouldn't be surprising.
"Oh, yeah." I responded uninterested. I knew he was trying to scare me, but I had more important things to concern myself with. Not to mention the memory of him flailing away like a frightened child overshadowed the memory of any pain he caused me. "Looks like you found me."
He grinned stupidly. "And now that I have you right where I want you, it's time for some payback." He cracked his knuckles menacingly, but I really couldn't care less.
"Unless you couldn't tell, this is a library, not a boxing ring. So if you could postpone your 'payback' until after I'm done reading that would be great." Although shrugging off tough guys on the street would end in street fights, it was perfectly acceptable in a public building like a library. After all, what staff would want their customers punching each other between book aisles?
"Oh! Is that so?" Dom inquired as he slammed a hand on the table. I felt Spark's comforting hand on my shoulder to show that I had her support. "Well, it seems to me like you're just finding excuses to back out of a fight."
I sighed before depositing my book and turning my full attention to the muscle-headed jerk looming over me. "Would you leave me alone faster if I just acquiesced?"
"Akwe…Acqui...don't go making up words to sound smarter!" He struggled dumbly.
I rolled my eyes at his idiocy. So long as he didn't kill me, I'd gladly let him win the fight. Especially if it got him out of my business for a while.
"And don't think you'll get lucky like last time." He assured confidently. "After all, you're still just a Newb."
I was suddenly reminded of what Spark told me about Dom. "Don't we all start off as Newbs." I countered.
"Whua?"
"We all started as Newbs right?" I continued. "We all lacked experience at one point or another. Even you."
Dom's eyes widened for a second and his face grew pale as he tried to laugh off my statement. "Ha! What are you saying? Of course I was…I was always this experienced! I-I never needed any help."
"That's not what I heard." I pressed on, even when I felt Spark's hand trying to silence me, telling me I didn't have to convince him. That I didn't have to stress all the noble work she's done. That she didn't care what Dom thought.
But I did.
"You're satisfied harassing people who were once like you." I advanced on Dom who began to back up in fear. Not from any violence, but from my words. "Is that what makes you happy? Giving others a hard time?"
"Wha—No! I-I…uh…" He trailed off as beads of sweat formed on his brow.
"Y'know what I think?" I continued sharply, finding confidence in Dom's retreating figure. "I think, deep down, you resent being inexperienced at one point during your life. That you couldn't even cook your own food properly."
His eyes widened again. "How…how did you know I—"
"And to repress it," I continued on, "you target Newbs in a vain attempt to prove you're better. But you know what? You're worse!"
Dom's back hit a bookshelf and he no longer had anywhere left to go. He was cornered by my words.
"So go ahead and beat me up! When it's all over, I'll still be the better person and you'll still be a…a…"
Just say the word!
"...Jack-Ass!"
After ending my rant, I stepped back to see if any of what I said registered to the brute. Surprisingly, however, I saw his eyes tear up before he ran out of sight.
Was he…crying? I thought to myself as he fled. Maybe I said too much.
Before my guilt could manifest, Spark patted my shoulder and turned me around. I saw another book practically shoved in front of my face.
[WOW. THAT'S THE FIRST TIME I EVER SAW A GROWN MAN TALKED TO TEARS.]
[YOU SURE HAVE A WAY WITH WORDS.]
"And you have a way with no words." I countered while pointing to the message book. "I can't believe you're afraid to show your face to people like that."
[IT'S THE LIFE I CHOSE TO LEAD. HELPING THE NEWBS, LIKE THE SILENT NINJA I AM, BEFORE VANISHING INTO OBSCURITY TO ASSIST THE NEXT GROUP OF NEWBS. STILL, IT'S NICE 'TALKING' WITH PEOPLE EVERY NOW AND THEN.]
[ALMOST LIKE I ACTUALLY HAVE FRIENDS.]
Those words sounded sad, but they told me why she stayed invisible. It truly was her personal preference to help those in need out of the kindness in her heart. Despite the burden of loneliness that came with it.
She could never advance with the rest of society if she was always hanging back helping the next generation of Crafters.
I thought for a moment before smiling and draping an arm over where I assumed Spark's shoulders were. "Well, you're in luck Spark. Because I'll always be a Newb. Which means I'll always need your help, one way or another." As an afterthought I added, "That's the closest thing to a friend if ever I heard it."
I couldn't see her face, but I knew she was beaming at my genuine words.
[THANKS, NOMAN. I KNOW THAT, EVEN WHEN YOU BECOME THE BILLIONTH HERO, YOU'LL ALWAYS BE A NEWB TO ME.]
How nice of her…
[ALSO, THAT'S NOT MY SHOULDER YOU'RE TOUCHING. IT'S MY BREA—]
I immediately recoiled my hand as if the cloth I had draped my arm over had become white hot. The message book slipped from my hand, but was caught by Spark before it hit the ground. My face was as red as a tomato as I attempted to stutter out an apology.
"T-the invisibility…I-I couldn't quite s-see…I-I didn't m-mean to…" I trailed off as Spark pressed a finger to my lips and held up a new message.
[I NEVER THOUGHT YOU COULD BE SO FORWARD NOMAN. AT LEAST BUY ME DINNER FIRST~]
[^3^]
"Th-that's…I mean…not that you're not attractive…but…um..." I looked around the library for anything that could distract me from Spark's teasing. All I saw were several Crafters giving me odd looks. I suppose appearing to stutter to an invisible space would earn such stares.
Really wish Spark could be visible right now!
Spark patted my cheek good-naturedly and led my embarrassed self from the library.
However, despite my 'heated' state of mind, my exchange with Spark had convinced me of which artifact I should go after first.
If I was to retain my Newbiness and not let the power of the artifacts corrupt me, I should start with the weakest: Voda Shlem.
Which meant Dover Plains would be my first destination.
[Floyd]
It was an unusually foggy day.
I stretched my back as I walked over to the Silver Intent's HQ. Soul would probably be there, maybe with some comments about last night's brawl in the park.
Maybe Cara or some other members would be there too. It couldn't hurt to branch out and make friends within the organization.
As I glanced forward, I noticed smoke steadily rising from one of the barns ahead of me. Judging by the color and plumage of the smoke, it was a big one.
As I stared at the smoke, a frightened thought crossed my mind. I broke into a frantic run to get to the HQ.
It can't be!
They're fine!
They're all fine!
I tripped over my own feet and slid face first into the gravel path. When I struggled to my feet, I could see it more clearly.
The Granger Barn, the structure concealing the entrance to the HQ, was ablaze. A ravenous fire devouring anything in its reach and billowing black smoke into the sky.
And laid strewn in front of it were several piles of gear.
Soul.
That was the only thought that registered as I got back up to my feet and rushed over to the piles of gear.
Each one with a Head of the killed Crafter.
I saw the light purple of Cara's hair.
The silver locks of Brett.
And…
I sank to my knees. "No…" I mumbled in a vain attempt to deny what was before me. To deny the spiky brown hair or the red eyes that stared coldly into mine.
To deny that Soul's Head was before me.
"Well hello, again!" A chipper voice sounded above me. I looked up and immediately recognized the face of Silent's killer: Spring_Fever. "Didn't think I'd find you again, hmm?"
I didn't answer. All I saw was red as my unbridled fury for this one man increased ten-fold.
"I gotta say," the cultist continued as he lazily kicked at Soul's Head, "this guy was one tough nut to crack. Put up a better fight than Silent, that's for sure." He chuckled to himself as a thought crossed his mind. "But not you. You were the weakest.
"In fact, I bet if you were the one that died back at the Warren, then these two would have had less to worry about." He laughed out loud. "They might have even been better off without you to burden their sorry asses."
I rose to my knees and gripped my iron sword so hard my knuckles hurt.
"It's a real shame that they have to pay for your weakness. Amirite?"
"I'LL KILL YOU!" I shouted furiously as I lunged towards Spark, sword poised to cleave him in half.
But the next moment, it wasn't Spring or his cocky grin standing before me.
It was Silent. His white hair immaculate, face pale, and eyes empty.
I told you before Floyd.
I stopped cold in my tracks as Silent spoke to me. I didn't even notice him reaching into his belt.
You could have saved me.
He withdrew a sword and stuck it into my torso. It burned like fire, and yet it was still less painful than being stabbed by a friend.
"No…" I called out again as I gripped my head.
You could have saved Soul. The sword twisted further into my torso.
"No! It's not my fault!" I shouted louder as I desperately tried to wish away whatever I was experiencing. Nothing about it made sense!
All you had to do was die!
"STOP!" The foggy world around me began to shatter, letting in streaks of darkness. Black inky tendrils of the Void.
It should have been you!
"AUGHHHHH!" I yelled as I woke up in a cold sweat for the second time that week. I whipped off the covers and looked around the room, frantically searching for Silent or Spring or anything that could have indicated the experience was real.
After finding nothing in the small room, I fell back onto the small bed. I vaguely registered that I was panting like I had run a marathon. I willed myself to calm down and take a few deep breaths to steady myself.
I needed to distinguish from memory what truly happened. Whether I was dreaming or not.
I…I was with Cobb. We defeated those thugs…I took the prisoner to the guards…they paid me some emeralds…and I used my newly acquired to pay to rent a room…sleep on a bed for a change.
That was the room I was currently in. And looking out the window, it was morning, and not foggy at all as in my dream.
I couldn't have run there and back. I reasoned logically. I didn't go back to the Granger Barn yet.
It was all a dream. I concluded as relief relaxed my tense muscles. I nibbled on some cooked fish.
Nobody was dead.
…But it had seemed so real.
…
I quickly packed up all my gear before leaving the Inn. It wouldn't take long to reach the HQ. Just to confirm everyone was still okay.
I yawned and rubbed at my eyes tiredly. Those damn dreams were still harassing me. Making it impossible to get any sleep.
Well, then who needs it!? I mentally shouted as I turned the corner towards the Eastern District. I'll just do without sleep!
If not for my sleep-deprived mind, I would have realized how idiotic my internal statements were. But at the moment, I was only praying that my dream was just a dream.
Also I was praying that Brent could concoct a Potion of Coffee to wake me up.
[Cobb]
"Let me just see if I understand this correctly." The Captain began while sitting on the couch. I gulped nervously. Judging by how she began that sentence, she had some problems with the proposition I relayed to her.
"While you and Erin were on your walk, a walk that was well within the confines of the Northern District," I spotted Erin fidgeting slightly and prayed that she would stop, "you just so happen to have spotted your friend, hovering outside the walls."
I nodded in agreement, not trusting my voice enough to verbally attest.
"And your friend suggested that he and some of Brett's men accompany my envoy mission to Daymonte, on the grounds that it was 'on the way' to a destination of theirs."
That, I had no trouble speaking for, seeing as how it was actually true. Erin felt the same way, not even fidgeting in the slightest. "Strength in numbers right? If the land is as dangerous as you say it is, then why not?"
"That is not for you to decide." She snapped. "This isn't some party we're attending where you can just bring whoever you want. This is a mission."
I remained silent as she meshed her fingers together and leaned forward in contemplation. I shared a brief glance to Erin standing behind her, who just shrugged helplessly.
"Brett and I," Wynn stated simply, "are by no means friends. Even if he'd like to believe we are, we're not."
So Floyd was lying? That couldn't be right.
"However, we are not unlike acquaintances."
"So…" I trailed off as she raised a hand to silence me.
"We're allies with a common interest: the ousting of the Endward Cult from this Kingdom." Wynn stood herself up and walked around the room. "Brett and his…people…serve as informants on cultist activity. And every lead he's presented to me has been 100% accurate and has led to the imprisonment of no less than fifty cultists."
"So you trust him then?"
"No." She answered bluntly. "His information has a price. He asks that he 'interrogate' any cultists we capture. Alone."
I shuddered at that thought. The way she stressed the word made it sound like he was torturing cultists for information. But Floyd had described Brett as a good guy. Understanding and charming.
Wynn continued on. "And I can tell just by looking at him the kind of person that he is. That 'happy' face he puts on for people is just to win them over. Make him seem like an angel. But I've seen more than enough of the results from his 'interrogation' sessions to argue otherwise."
So now it was Floyd associating with dangerous people. It was an ironic, yet welcome change of pace. Too bad it was overshadowed by the fear I felt for Floyd.
Wynn clapped her hands together to shake me from my thoughts. "But I suppose since Brett himself isn't coming along and I don't want to risk losing his informants…his men can be allowed to come."
I relaxed upon hearing those words. That meant Floyd would be coming with us…at least until Daymonte. Hopefully I'd have the chance to warn him about Brett.
"Well with all of us working together, I'm feeling a lot better about this mission." I stated confidently. And I really meant it. I was brimming with assurance. My spirits buoyed by last night's actions…
…making sure to ignore the parts where Soul brutally murdered half of them…
…and when Erin saved me by chucking eggs…
…and when Floyd interrupted my battle with Grengo…
But all the rest was confidence boosting! Really!
Too bad Wynn had a professional career as a wet blanket. "Don't get overconfident. Even with their addition, any of us could die at any…well not me…or most of my men…all of my men are actually trained enough to handle two Griefers apiece…and Brett's people can probably hold their own…but aside from them, any of us could die at any moment."
Wouldn't that just leave…
…
I frowned at her implications. "I'm not the same Newb I was yesterday."
"A few orbs of EXP aren't going to change much." She replied while pointing to my left arm. "I assume you met a couple of Mobs during your walk?"
I glanced at my arm, and realized she was pointing at the green meter. It shone with the number 7 and was partly filled. It was the same color as the green orbs I picked up every time I killed a Mob. Those must be the EXP she was talking about.
The only problem was I didn't remember killing any Mobs between yesterday and now.
The only thing that died near me was that thug.
Is it possible Crafters drop green orbs as well?
But shaking those thoughts away, I realized Wynn was right. I did need training. My newfound proficiency with a sword barely saved me from those thugs. I didn't want to think what would have happened if I didn't learn those skills from Iron_Lung.
I wanted to try out the Crit Aura again. See if I could use it more frequently.
And if it saved my life out there, it would be worth the effort.
"Then, I better get some training in." I stated as I walked towards the backyard.
"A few years should be enough time." Wynn called out as a parting shot before I left the room.
[Wynn]
I made sure Cobb was well out of earshot before turning my attention to Erin. "That was some quick thinking replacing Cobb's fishing rod. You've just earned yourself a substantial pay rise."
Erin bowed low in thanks. "Th-thank you, ma'am. I-I only figured that, since he had his own fishing rod and his attention to detail is negligible, he w-wouldn't notice the swap. I-I have the same problem with drinking water bottles, since I can never tell which one is mine or someone else's…maybe that's not a good comparison…it's like—"
"I understand, Erin." I interrupted. She should really learn when to accept a raise quietly. "Anyway, I'm sorry I have to make you do this, but if Brett's men are accompanying us, I'll need you to tell him we leave early tomorrow morning. East gate."
"Y-you're leaving tomorrow?" Erin whimpered as she looked down. "A-and Cobb is g-going with you?"
"Unfortunately." I strolled over to a chest and searched for Brett's address of residence. It was somewhere in the Eastern District. Some farm or something.
"Oh…that's too bad…I was hoping I could spend some more time with Cobb." Erin looked crestfallen. Although in hindsight, it never would have worked out between her and Cobb. She was shy and he was oblivious.
And I mean REALLY oblivious. So much so that it would take an outright sappy confession just to convince him.
"But you'll come back in two weeks…both of you. Right?" Erin ventured hopefully.
"I said it before. Cobb doesn't have the experience to last out there. I'm just hoping his idiocy won't risk the lives of my men."
Erin frowned at my cold statement. "How can y-you say that about him. He's not the c-complete idiot you think he is."
I rolled my eyes. "Erin, I know you have a crush on Cobb, but you need to know that he's a criminal." I rummaged in the chest before finally finding the address. Granger Farm. "He broke the law several times. And whether he meant to or not, he's a danger to himself and those around him."
Erin shook her head. "That's not true. Sure Cobb might get involved in dangerous situations, but he's a nice guy. And brave. A-and heroic." She paused for a second. "A-and, hypothetically, if I was surrounded by deadly thugs, I'm sure that Cobb would be the type of person to d-defend me without a thought for his own safety."
"How could you possibly tell that by just looking at him?" I inquired skeptically.
"Just a hunch." She stated with an innocent smile while taking the address from me. "I'll g-get the message to Brett, don't you worry." She walked over to the door before stopping at the threshold. "B-but you really should give Cobb a chance. And quit putting him down."
I scoffed as she left. A chance? Absurd.
He may be a Newb, but that doesn't mean he's harmless. His naivety will get him killed one day. And anyone sticking with him will suffer the same fate.
But thinking back, that wasn't quite right. If what he said was true about Carys, then he survived. He didn't run like so many others would have. I'd seen more experienced men than him defecate themselves just from the killer's cold crimson eyes.
So…why even bother challenging her when he could have just run? Did the threat…just not register to him?
In that sense, his obliviousness saved him.
Common sense usually dictates what people should and should not do. But Cobb, being a Newb (or maybe because he's just an idiot), has no common sense.
So he just does whatever he wants, with no fear of repercussions.
That's just as bad as being a criminal!
Still, perhaps he just couldn't help himself. If that were the case…then maybe he could be taught how to properly think. Perhaps he could be redeemed.
I walked over to the backyard window to see Cobb jumping and swinging a golden blade around like an idiot. An exercise in futility. There was no way he would be prepared by tomorrow morning. And despite his…admittedly noteworthy skill with a fishing rod…it would never be able to kill a Griefer.
Although that golden blade is something. Where did he get it?
I rolled Erin's words inside my head. It would benefit the envoy mission if Cobb could better defend himself. Plus it would prevent any of my men from risking their lives for him…or dying from his stupidity.
I let out a heavy sigh and reluctantly walked over to the frame holding my rapier.
But as I reached out for it, I was taken aback by how a trick of the light made it look like a fishing rod for a second. I recoiled before narrowing my eyes, confirming that the tool was, in fact, my trusty rapier.
"Great." I muttered sarcastically before hanging the rapier at my belt. "Now I'm starting to see the fishing rod wherever I go…and now I'm talking to myself."
Maybe Cobb's crazy was contagious.
[Cobb]
I slashed at the air again. White stars erupted from the golden blade before fizzling away.
The Crit Aura was powerful, but it was tricky getting the timing between jumps right. Sometimes I was too late, other times too early.
It wasn't like using the fishing rod.
But to effectively use it I would have to be jumping around during battle. The imagery of that alone made me chuckle.
*Ahem*
I turned the source of the cough to see the ivory-haired Captain, watching me swing my sword around. What could she possibly want now?
"I see you've discovered Crit Aura from your training session with Iron_Lung." She stated simply, no contemptuous tone to be heard. "Is that where you got the golden sword too?"
I held the sword loosely in my hand and stood there awkwardly. "Yeah. Thanks, by the way, for warning me of his…deafening character."
She let out a single laugh, but I didn't quite trust it. I had seen the way she could change personalities in front of the King. Like flipping a switch.
"Iron_Lung has always been like that. I believe his motto is 'Actions speak louder than words…but I speak louder than actions!'" She smiled to herself as she tossed something to me. "Here. A peace offering."
I caught the item in my hand and discovered it to be a [LEATHER TUNIC] dyed green as the lawn I stood on.
"You said yourself that you couldn't decide between blue or green." She casually stated with a flip of her ivory hair. "Well green is the color of Ringwood so I decided for you. It's not strong, but it'll help a bit."
As I stared at the tunic, Iron_Lung's wise (if not ear-bleedingly loud) words drifted to me…
'Our color is the symbol of our camaraderie. And every guard or Captain worth their salt knows it!'
Despite my own obliviousness, even I couldn't ignore the implications of what Wynn had given me. She was serious about the peace offering.
I turned the tunic over in my hands before putting it on. It felt warm and smelled of…cacti.
"Thank you." I spoke each word clearly, not wanting to settle for the common 'thanks' or mutterings of gratitude. The gift felt deserving of more than that. "Really. Thank you."
The Captain nodded at my appreciation, but was left standing lamely, unsure of how to proceed next.
So I took the initiative. "Hey. I know you think badly of the fishing rod," I deposited my gold sword for the fishing tool, "But it can be useful at times. I wouldn't use it for combat, otherwise."
She scratched a spot under her chin and looked away. "Yes…well, we all have our preferences." She patted the rapier at her belt. "Different ways to get things done."
I smiled. "And if you ever want to learn how to use it—"
"Let's not get carried away." She urged sharply before breaking out into a smile of her own. "C'mon, Mr. Billionth. Let's see about strengthening your gear." She beckoned me back over to the house and I quickly followed. Eager to learn how to strengthen my weapons.
"So it's…magic?" I questioned as she pointed towards a black table with red tablecloth, light blue gems at the corners, and a gold covered book hovering atop.
Wynn groaned in exasperation. "It's not magic. It's Enchanting." She gestured to the black table. "That is an Enchanting Table and it's one of the most practical items in Minecraftia. It is an inexhaustible source of power, flexibility, and convenience for Crafters everywhere."
Looking at the table was all I needed to confirm Wynn's description. There was something mystical about the way the table appeared. Positioned amongst shelves of books in a dim light. Its book hovering ceaselessly above. It made the table seem…sacred.
"Knockback, Sharpness, Smite, Unbreaking, Power, Punch, Flame, Efficiency…Feather Falling." She lifted one of her white leather boots. "And that's just to name a few. There's an enchantment for practically anything…even your fishing rod."
I walked up to the table in awe. "So I can really have whatever enchantments I want?"
"Not quite." Wynn admitted while fishing around her backpack for something. "There are a few…rules. Limitations would be a better word. First, you need EXP orbs. Those green things you get whenever you kill a Mob, or in some cases other Crafters, will always float into your left arm whenever you get close enough to them."
I looked at the green bar on my left arm with the number 7 imprinted on it. "The number represents your level of EXP, and each additional level requires more EXP to reach. The same amount of EXP to get you from level one to level two would barely register getting you from eleven to twelve. And even though you can hold onto your levels to get to the high thirties, you'd be more practical spending what you get on anything to beef up your gear."
"The second rule is that generally, the higher level you have, the better chance you have of getting a powerful Enchantment." She showed off her diamond armor. "Since diamond is pretty durable, I saved up to enchant it and lucked out with Protection III and Unbreaking III, and Feather Falling IV for my boots. It really made my fighting style more convenient."
Finally she withdrew what she was searching for from her backpack: a handful of deep blue gems. "And third, you need these gems, called [LAPIS LAZULI], to initiate the enchanting. And that's pretty much enchanting in a nutshell."
She placed the blue gems in my hand while my mind was too busy catching up with everything she said.
"The Enchantment Table can reinforce flimsy leather armor to withstand explosions. It can make a simple wooden sword burn with the power of fire, it can supply a bow with limitless amounts of arrows. The possibilities are endless…provided you have the EXP and luck to attain them."
That…sounded cool. The table was my ticket to wielding gear on Carys' level. It was Sharpness and Knockback she had on that iron sword. If I had that same strength, those Griefers wouldn't stand a chance!
But a sudden thought rained on my parade. "So it's mostly luck?"
Wynn nodded. "Yes. Unfortunately not every Crafter can have the precise enchantment they want. But there are ways around this." She walked up to a nearby chest and pulled out some books. "Every time you use an Enchantment Table, it gives you a maximum of three options. The first requires one lapis, the second two, and the third three. After you pick one, the table randomly resets to give you three new ones. However, if you enchant a book instead of a tool or armor, you can save a particular enchantment for later."
"That's why enchanting books are so valued. The books holding higher tiered enchantments can go for hundreds of emeralds at auction."
"So…does that mean you're—"
"I'm not buying you a book." She spoke bluntly. "I'm not that generous."
I sank in disappointment, but perked when hearing Wynn's next comment. "But luckily we have something to aid us."
She pointed to the gold sword at my belt. "Gold is an excellent conductor of both redstone and EXP, improving your chances of getting better enchantments. Even though it's weaker than stone, it has an advantage that none of the other sword materials have."
I withdrew the gold sword and stared at it in new appreciation. So Iron_Lung offered this to me, knowing that it wouldn't matter if it was low on durability or weak.
What was the saying? 'All that glitters is not gold.'
Except…it's kind of the opposite. I thought it was crappy, but it turns out it's not. So…all that glitters…is gold.
…
Still doesn't sound right.
I stepped up to the table to enchant it. As I got closer, the golden book hovering atop opened so that it was facing me. There was writing gleaming off the pages in some unknown language, and it mesmerized me.
I slowly placed my gold sword on the table along with three lapis gems. In response, the book hummed to life in a mysterious tune.
Suddenly, the words of the book lit up in the same shade of blue as the lapis. Not only that, I could actually read them!
But only two of the three options.
The first one had one orb of EXP to the left of it and read 'Unbreaking I…?' along with a level requirement of 2.
The second option had two orbs of EXP to the left of it and read 'Sharpness I…? along with a level requirement of 6.
And the last one, which I couldn't read at all, had three orbs of EXP to the left of it along with a level requirement of 8. So I couldn't read it because I didn't have the necessary EXP.
But that didn't stop me from making my choice. Carys' Sharpness enchantment was insanely powerful, so without a moment to waste, I selected the second option.
Immediately, the glow from the writing surged forward into a blinding light. I stumbled backwards from the brightness, but upon opening my eyes, I saw I was holding the same golden sword that gleamed with a faint purple-blue hue.
And the enchantment on it was Sharpness I…
And another one? Unbreaking I.
"Wait. I got Sharpness and Unbreaking?" I pondered aloud.
Wynn walked up to the table and took the leftover lapis. "The options you're given only represent one possible enchantment you can get. If an option reads Unbreaking, that doesn't mean you can't get an additional one like Smite or Sharpness. It's all about luck. And getting two for one seems pretty lucky to me.
"Now your sword will be able to do more damage than a standard golden sword and will last longer too." She handed me back the lone lapis. "You still have one level left. Try enchanting your new tunic."
I took the lapis with a nod and walked up to the table. This time, the options had different level requirements, but it didn't matter since I could only afford one of them. And one enchantment later, I had a Protection I, green-dyed leather tunic.
"Good. Now you'll stand a better chance out there." Wynn commented as she left the enchanting room. "Now if you'll excuse me, Mr. Billionth, I need a nap. You'd best do the same since we're leaving tomorrow morning. Early."
"Sure thing!" I agreed a bit too boisterously. But I couldn't help it. The enchanted items just felt so amazing. Like I was a new Crafter.
Although it was a shame I didn't have any leftover levels for the fishing rod.
[Floyd]
I collapsed at the gate to the Granger Farm. But it wasn't in despair.
It was in relief.
Because the barn was still standing and not burning to the ground as in my nightmare. And there were no piles of gear scattered across the ground.
The cult hadn't found the place. Spring_Fever hadn't found the place.
And everyone was still alive.
"Floyd, was it?" I turned around to see Cara holding up some glass bottles. "Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."
"Ah, well, I kind of did." I commented mysteriously as I wiped the sweat off my forehead. "But it was just a bad dream."
At my words she smiled in sympathy. "Yeah I have bad dreams too. Usually after I've eaten a ton of sugar." She walked towards the barn and I walked beside her, content to start up a conversation. "If you ever have them again, I find that a good bucket of milk before bed can help."
"That's nice of you to suggest, Cara." It was a little awkward calling her by her name since we didn't know each other very well, but she didn't seem to mind. Probably because she had used my name first.
It was then I remembered the bottles she was carrying. "What's with all the glass bottles?"
"What glass bottles?" She inquired playfully. "Ooooh, you mean these glass bottles." She pretended like she had only just realized she was carrying them. "Brett needs them to make—"
Her sentence was stopped when she abruptly smacked into a wall just to the left of the barn entrance. The bottles fell out of her arms and she rubbed her head in pain.
"Ow ow ow." She hissed as she fixed her goggles. "Who put that barn wall in front of me?" She joked.
"Don't you think it was just you not paying attention to where you were going?" I suggested while helping her pick up the bottles.
"Nope." She spoke, popping the 'p.' "Not possible. Someone must have just picked up the whole barn and moved it a foot to the right while I was talking with you."
"I see." I played along jokingly. "Someone must have really wanted you to embarrass yourself in front of me."
"I'm betting it was Soul." She stated suspiciously while trying to keep a straight face. It was honestly nice to joke around with a co-worker. It made the Silver Intent seem less like an organization and more like a family.
"So…what were you saying about these bottles…before you fell victim to a convoluted barn-moving plot."
She laughed as we entered the barn. "Well, Brett needs bottles for potions. Y'know, the jumping, running, strengthening, healing, and whatever-else-you-can-think-of ones we all know and love."
"How many other potions are there?" I questioned with interest.
"Um…let me think…" she counted with her fingers, "one, two…five…seven….Twelve—no wait. Thirteen. I forgot Potion of Weakness." She then climbed over the hay bales to the secret ladder.
Once in the HQ, she beckoned me over to the brewing stands and began filling the glass bottles with water from a well in the corner.
"Brett should be the one to tell you about this stuff." She commented as she rigged each brewing stand with three water bottles. I did the same. "I can manage some of the minor ones, but he's a master alchemist."
"Is it really complicated to understand?" Knowing how to brew ability enhancing potions seemed like a valuable skill.
As Cara opened her mouth to respond, she stopped when she saw Brett entering from the map room.
"I thought I heard interest in potion brewing." Brett spoke with a charming smile. "And no it's not complicated at all."
He gripped my shoulder and guided me towards the stands. Meanwhile, I noticed Cara slinking away, her purple hair vanishing into the map room.
"Now, the most basic root of potion brewing…is the base! No pun intended." He opened a chest and withdrew an odd looking item. "Nether warts are the best base ingredient around. Just pop it into the stand and watch the magic of distillation at its finest."
I raised an eyebrow at his wording but complied all the same. I placed the [NETHER WART] above the hot golden rod and watched as the water bubbled and frothed.
"Shouldn't a cauldron be better for potion making?" I inquired. "Like the kind witches usually use?"
"No. Cauldrons are used for storing water and washing off dyes." Brett responded easily.
"Then…shouldn't you be using a cauldron to hold water instead of that water source in the corner?"
"Well, the cauldron can only hold three bottles worth of water while a water source can hold an infinite amount of water."
That confused me. "…Then what's the point in even having a cauldron to begin with when water sources are better?"
The silver-haired man just shrugged. "Décor?"
Finally, the wart was done cooking, resulting in three Awkward Potions. So that was what they were for!
"Nicely done." Brett congratulated. "Now we need to add an ingredient. Perhaps I should handle this part." I scooted over and allowed the man to work.
As his fingers flew to the ingredient chest and the stands, I was suddenly reminded that I forgot to say something. "Thank you, sir. For letting me join the Silver Intent."
"Oh, no need to thank me." He replied without taking his eyes off his work. "You seemed like an upstanding sort with noble goals."
"But you had every reason to distrust me after what Soul said." I thought back to Soul's distrustful words.
Brett just chuckled. "You know, I'm sure he didn't mean them half the things he said. Why, I'm confident that the two of you will be able to reconcile by the time your mission is done."
My hopes perked up. "You really think so?"
"Of course!" He placed nether warts in each of the neighboring stands and tossed a pufferfish into one of them.
Pufferfish?
While Brett wasn't looking, I withdrew the pufferfish from my inventory and placed it into one of the stands as an ingredient. The water frothed and bubbled until it turned a shade of blue unlike the initial awkward potion. It was a potion I was familiar with.
I had made three Potions of Water Breathing.
"Ah! Well done!" Brett clapped a hand over my back. "Seems you're on your way to becoming a top-class alchemist.
I grinned tiredly before I heard a noise behind me. I turned to see Soul climbing down the ladder.
"Ah Soul!" Brett greeted with a wave. "You're looking chipper, today."
Soul just grunted in confirmation as he slid his hands into his belt pockets. "Captain Wynn sent us a message. We're to meet her group over at the East gate. Tomorrow morning. Early." He groaned at the last word.
Cara took the opportunity to return from the map room. "Well, since we're all here, why don't we stock up on potions."
"Brett clapped his hands together. "A wonderful idea, Cara. I knew I was right to make you mission leader." I expected Cara to beam from the praise, but she looked away with an expression akin to shame.
What's with her?
"I call Strength Potions." Soul called dibs as he rushed to grab a set of three dark red potions from the stands.
"What!?" Cara shrieked at being out-dibbed. "Um…then…I call Sw—"
"Swiftness!" I raised my hand, as is the ancient art of dib calling, and swiped a set of electric blue potions.
"No fair!" Cara called as she hurried over to grasp at straws.
"Actually, Cara, dib calling is legitimate in claiming fresh-brewed potions." Brett stated sagely.
"Ngh…then I'll take Night Vision!" She grabbed a set of medium blue bottles.
"Harming for me." Soul reached for some maroon bottles, but his hand was slapped away by Brett.
"They're not done yet. Give me a minute." Brett growled as he added some glowing dust to the stand.
"I better take Fire Resistance…for a friend." I grabbed the amber potions while thinking about all the times Cobb caught fire.
"Could you make the Invisibility Potions into Splash Potions?" Cara asked.
"Do I look like an alchemist that can't turn Invisibility Potions into Splash Potions?"
"…I don't like rhetorical questions Brett."
"I—Just…give me a minute."
"I don't suppose you have anything to wake me up?" I asked the silver-haired man.
"Afraid not."
[Noman]
[YOU SURE YOU WANT TO LEAVE TODAY?]
I put down Cara's message book and nodded. "The longer I wait, the more likely the artifacts will get snagged by someone else." I had purchased a horse and map of the Dover Plains Kingdom (at Spark's urging) for the journey and we had left Ringwood. As soon as we were away from the walls, Spark had downed a bucket of milk to reveal herself.
Now we were saying goodbye.
"Thank you for all your help Spark, but this mission I'm going on is dangerous." I really wished she could come with me, but without a constant source of Invisibility Potions, her stealth wouldn't do much good. She would be endangering herself, and she knew it.
[I UNDERSTAND. AFTER ALL, I MUST STAY AND HELP CRAFTERS AS THEY SPAWN INTO EXISTENCE.] She smiled with her eyes, but it seemed sad.
I fiddled with my horse's saddle. "I hope you won't mind if I visit you every now and again."
She nodded eagerly. [OF COURSE! ANYTIME!]
I smiled as I read the message, before a thought occurred to me. I scribbled something down into the book before signing it and handing it to her.
[It was a pleasure getting to know such an outspoken woman. You and your goals are noble, but your responsibilities should not only be for Newbs.]
[You have a responsibility to yourself to enjoy life. To make friends. To find love. To be happy.]
[So don't you forget.]
[Because you deserve happiness too.]
[^_^]
[P.S. I didn't mean to touch your…chest. I thought it was your shoulder.]
Spark read the message.
And she reread the message.
I could just imagine the big smile forming on her face under the mask. Tears of joy were streaming down her face.
Finally she wiped her face and pulled down her mask, flashing me a thankful smile. Then she tossed me an Invisibility Potion for the road.
The next instant, she slapped the horse on the rear, making it whinny in surprise before racing off, taking me along with it. Straight towards Dover Plains.
[Ringwood East Gate]
Wynn stifled a yawn as she waited besides Cobb for her and Brett's men to show up. Even after going to bed early, it had been torturous getting up at such an ungodly hour.
She stole a glance to Cobb, who was trying his best to stand up straight. She appreciated his effort, but he really had no excuse. He only had himself to blame for his lack of sleep. After all, she allowed the ten-digit Crafter to sleep on the couch instead of the outhouse. Erin had even packed him some additional pumpkin pies for the road.
What does she even see in him? The Captain questioned as she noticed a group of three people approaching. By the potions at their belts, she assumed they were Brett's men.
Although, since they had a female among them, 'Brett's people' would be more appropriate.
A purple-haired woman stepped forward to greet the Captain. "Wynn. It's nice to finally meet you. My name is Cara and I hope to be of assistance to your envoy mission." She was positively beaming, undaunted by the early morning mission.
I like her. The Captain thought while flashing a rare smile of her own. "The feeling's mutual. It's a pleasure to meet someone so eager to help. I only hope the rest of your team is the same."
Cara chuckled nervously before casting a hesitant glance towards her 'team'. The two were deathly silent. The blue-haired one (whom Wynn immediately recognized as Floyd) looked exhausted with dark rings under his eyes. Not to mention he looked guilty about something.
Meanwhile the brown-haired one looked disgruntled and upset. Obviously from waking up so early as well as some hidden tension from what the Captain could glean.
She was already regretting letting them come.
Hopefully, her own soldiers would arrive any minute to demonstrate proper preparation for a mission.
In fact, there they were now!
All eight of them, marching in order. Armor and uniforms pristine. No weary expressions. Fishing rods at the ready. Enough food stocked for—
…
All eight of them, marching in order. Armor and uniforms pristine. No weary expressions. Fishing rods—
…
FISHING RODS!?
Wynn furiously rubbed at her eyes, convinced that this was just another trick of the light like yesterday. There was no way her soldiers, ones she handpicked for that particular mission, would be absurd enough to wield fishing rods like hallowed diamond swords!
She was just hallucinating! A combination of little sleep and her mild frustrations over not mastering the tool!
Yes! That had to be it!
And once she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, everything would be as it should!
No more fishing rods!
But as she lowered her hands, those same damn fishing tools were held with the same grace and care.
Mocking her.
At that moment, only one thought crossed the ivory-haired Captain's mind.
This is somehow Cobb's fault.
She didn't know how, but she knew it was him. And glancing to her left to watch his reaction was all it took to verify her suspicions.
He looked proud to have tainted their combat style with his flimsy fishing rod. A smile already beginning to form on his face.
Then he froze. Undoubtedly feeling someone directing a large amount of hate in his direction.
He subtly tried to steal a glance towards Wynn to gauge her reaction. The fool. Thinking she wasn't already watching him like a hawk.
And then their eyes met.
And judging by the way Cobb's smile vanished, he knew that she knew.
And she knew that he knew she knew.
Cobb, in an attempt to not catch any more attention, shakily returned his gaze forward and tried to inch away from the Captain. Slowly. With no sudden moves to instigate a violent confrontation.
The Captain merely stretched her left arm before resting it softly on Cobb's shoulder, freezing him in his tracks. To any onlookers it appeared to be a friendly movement. Harmless.
But it was really to trap the ten-digit Crafter. Daring him to try and shrug the arm off.
The Captain put on a big smile and pulled Cobb closer to her. She leaned towards him so she wouldn't be heard by her men, already recognizing Cobb as the 'fishing rod champion'.
"Cobb." She hissed darkly. "Why are my trained soldiers convinced that a fishing rod is the weapon of choice for traversing deadly territory?"
The guilty man gulped while silently trying to convey distress to his blue-haired companion. His BS skills wouldn't do much good here.
After several failed attempts to send S.O.S. signals through blinking, Cobb took a deep breath before turning his head to face the Captain. Preparing what could possibly be his greatest excuse.
"I would like to speak with my lawyer first."
And then the Captain broke his arm.
Inventory (Cobb): 1 Wooden Shovel, 1 Stone Sword, 1 Golden Sword [Sharpness I, Unbreaking I]{Weak}, 1 Wooden Pickaxe, 1 Wooden Pickaxe {Weak}, 1 Wooden Axe, 1 Bow {Weak}, 1 Fishing Rod, 26 Cobblestone, 12 Flint, 4 Coal, 8 Torches, 1 Minecart, 16 Oak Wood Planks, 1 Clock, 37 Dirt, 2 Signs, 1 Water Bucket, 1 Glass Bottle, 10 String, 1 Stick, 4 Cooked Fish, 13 Baked Potatoes, 24 Pumpkin Pies, 48 Cookies, 1 Leather Cap, 1 Leather Tunic [Dyed Green, Unbreaking I], 1 Leather Boots {Weak}, 1 Crafting Table, 3 Rotten Flesh, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Entry Pass}
Inventory (Floyd): Wooden Shovel, 1 Wooden Pickaxe, 1 Iron Pickaxe, 1 Iron Sword, 1 Wooden Sword {Weak}, 1 Wooden Axe {Weak}, 1 Bow, 1 Flint and Steel {Weak}, 1 Fishing Rod, 1 Furnace, 1 Crafting Table, 3 Sticks, 37 Oak Wood Planks, 17 Cobblestone, 1 Oak Wood Door, 1 Minecart, 1 Book {Miner's Warren}, 1 Potion of Fire Resistance {8:00}, 1 Potion of Fire Resistance {8:00}, 1 Potion of Fire Resistance {8:00}, 1 Potion of Swiftness II {1:30}, 1 Potion of Swiftness II {1:30}, 1 Potion of Swiftness II {1:30}, 1 Potion of Water Breathing {8:00}, 2 Flint, 2 Gunpowder, 9 String, 14 Cooked Fish, 10 Ink Sacs, 2 Arrows, 1 Iron Helmet, 1 Iron Chestplate, 1 Iron Leggings, 1 Iron Boots, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Entry Pass}, 4 Emeralds
Inventory (Noman): 1 Diamond Chestplate {Severe Shield}, 1 Diamond Sword {Sharpness I}, 1 Bow {Infinity}, 1 Wooden Pickaxe, 1 Wooden Axe, 1 Crafting Table, 2 Oak Wood Planks, 1 Book {Notch Mission II}, 1 Book {Artifact List}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Entry Pass}, 1 Map {Dover Plains}, 1 Arrow, 1 Glass Bottle, 1 Potion of Invisibility {8:00}, 46 Steaks, 10 Enchanted Golden Apples, 64 Emeralds, 27 Emeralds, 2 Bones, 1 Gunpowder, 12 Rotten Flesh
AN: And that concludes the Ringwood Story Arc. It lasted less chapters than the last Arc, but probably had more words. It concluded rather nicely with Cobb and Noman going their separate ways.
So...I got good news and bad news.
The good news is I'm posting another chapter on January 1st. Kind of like a late Christmas present. Two chapters in one week. I'm also working on uploading a map of Minecraftia to replace the story picture. But the corn stays as my profile picture.
And the bad news...I'll tell you in Chapter 28.
And since you enjoyed last chapter's omake...Here's another one.
Omake: Should We...?
Cara stared at the spectacle before her. "Should we...do something?"
"Nah." Soul commented while he munched on some bread, never once taking his eyes of the scene of the leather-clad Crafter getting the crap kicked out of him by the Captain.
Cara glanced to her axe-wielding co-worker before returning her attention to the fight. Although it really couldn't be called that. "She broke his arm."
*CHOMP* "I'm sure he knows what he's doing."
"Soul..." Cara raised an eyebrow skeptically. "He has tears in his eyes and he's literally screaming he doesn't know what he's doing."
"I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M DOING!" The leather-clad Cobb cried out in fear.
"YOU AND YOUR STUPID FISHING ROD!" The white-haired fencer roared as she flipped Cobb over her shoulder and into the ground.
"I'm sure it's all just an act." Soul defended halfheartedly as he began munching on a second peace of bread as if it were popcorn at a show.
Cara shook her head. "There's no way this is a act. I'm gonna try and calm her down."
She moved to intervene, but Soul grabbed her hand.
"Cara, please, I had to get up real early to be here. And right now, this fight is making all of my exhaustion worth it." He pointed to the watching guards. "See? Even the guards are getting into it."
And indeed they were cheering both Captain Wynn and the man, referred to as the 'fishing rod champion', to win the fight. Even though Wynn was currently strangling him with his own fishing rod.
"SAY IT AGAIN!" The Captain screamed while choking him. "I DARE YOU TO SAY THAT THE FISHING ROD IS A GOOD WEAPON!"
"Hkk...it...grk! G-good...ugk...wea...pon..." He managed to choke out.
Cara just blinked before turning her head from the fight to Soul's pleading face.
Well... Her mind thought traitorously. We did have to get up pretty early.
She glanced back to see what Floyd, who was surprisingly quiet the whole time, thought to do.
Only to find him dozing off. Obviously still tired after not getting much sleep last night.
...
"Five more minutes, then we intervene." Cara concluded as she withdrew some bread of her own and munched on it while keeping track of the fight.
"Five emeralds betting it won't take three more minutes." Soul commented.
"Ten emeralds it won't take two more minutes." Cara responded.
Soul thought for a moment. "I'll take those odds."
AN: I like these omakes. Gives me the chance to write pure funny.