AN: Sorry for the wait. I recomend following this story because I have no idea when I finish a chapter. And no, this is not a shameless attempt to get more follows. (:I)
I'm answering a couple of questions first, because I said I would. I'm only answering the reviews for Chapter 115, since I can't time stamp everything.
ThatGuy: Is this story even halfway through yet?
Thats tough to answer. I've already gone through a bulk of planning. I think one of the safest estimates of this story's length is what Kingdom's have yet to be visited. I intend for all of them to be visited, not always by the Beginners, and then maybe some extra. Just because I feel like saying it, we're currently in Part IV of the story. Part V is going to be a real doozy. Hoo Boy. I'm hoping it doesn't take another million words to finish this thing. As I said before, this is a long story. I might even put a disclaimer saying this is a long-ass story. And while I'm trying to keep you, the readers, interested, I can understand why you'd much rather read a shorter, more concise fic. Short answer to the above question is I don't know. I think the end of Part V will mark more than halfway done with the story. But I could be wrong. Again, I'm bad at this. Sorry...
Laner13:Where did you get the idea for Hacker lines? As an identifying mark for Hackers, you chose to put lines over their eyes. Where did that idea come from?
Funny story actually. When I was first designing the characters, I used an anime face maker app to envision their faces and clothes. The lines over the eyes were an added feature like make-up or facepaint, so I gave them to Floyd. However, later on, I decided to make his character a Hacker not only to give him more character (since he was boring), but to add a new understanding of what these Hackers are and where they came from. And since Floyd had the lines, I figured, why not make them all have the lines? It just goes to show that now everything is as planned as it seems.
The Perpetual Shadow: U mad Carys?
Yes. Yes she is.
Dang2112: Is it just me, or is every character in My Craft comparable to characters from RWBY.
God, I hope not. Watching Volume 5 physically hurt me at times. I can only hope that Cobb has more character than Ruby.
BanjoMano: Are you going to make more artifacts for Noman? Does Carys really want to kill Cobb? Can I make a fanfic of this fanfic on another site?
There are only nine command block made artifacts. I don't want to throw around God-creating powers if I can help it. Carys wants to kill Cobb eventually, but wants him to see his friends die first, much like he did to her when he killed and devoured Mr. Piggles. God rest his soul. And fanfics of fanfics don't always pan out so well, you're better off writing your own thing, making your own world, with your own rules. Also regarding your OC question, I'm still debating whether or not the Zeppil Arc will be crammed full of OCs.
DarkOneOfBlight: Will you include any more Mods? Please research Mods before-hand, your Tinker's mod information is outdated, can you go back and fix all instances of diamond's tinker's and cutlass? Is Erin going to run to Zeppil or Jolin? How large will the Beginners get? And are Ciro and Carys going to work together?
Lot of questions. Okay! No, I will not include any more Mods. I'm trying to keep things PC vanilla and consistent with updates because throwing to do otherwise would be like throwing too much information at the readers. This is a personal thing for me. I'm sure there are some amazing Mods out there, but... I'm trying to make the world natural. I don't need the characters to blast off to the moon or master different dimensional nukes and solar panels. Part of the fun is taking normal Minecraft and envisioning all the ways I can make challenges, but in a natural way. Using Mods would kind of throw that out the window. There is an exception (Hybrids), and with Tinker's but only because it gives more variety with weapons.
Building on the above argument, researching all these different Mods would use up a lot of time I could spend writing and planning. Not to mention, some readers might have to research some of these Mods themselves. It's a lot. And the Tinker's basis I'm going by remains outdated. I know there's like mandyulian materials or something, and other things, but I found it simpler to use the basic weapon materials and, like, a handful of weapon options. Again, I don't want to overcomplicate, even if the Mod's information is outdated. I'm not gonna go back and change diamond and cutlass. And no, you are not being too judgmental.
As funny as that would be, no, Erin will not be running anywhere. The Beginners' maximum size will probably reach around six. And I haven't planned for Carys or Ciro to be working together. They're each doing their own thing for now.
Guest: What happened to Catface?
First, love the name. Best name 11/10. Second, Catface is currently staying at Soul's house near the Silver Intent's base in Ringwood. He is being cared for by Brett and Cara when she's available.
AzuraHope: Are we ever going to find out more about the Hybrids and those secret experiments from that lab in Daymonte? Last I heard of it was the slime girl in Dover Plains.
Yes, you will. I can't say much more without spoiling something... but the Hybrids certainly have a part to play in this story.
DaChickenyOne: When is Cobb going to the Nether?
Eventually. I got something big planned for that... probably one of the best Chapters ever (if I can pull it off right), but for now, no Nether.
Well, that's enough questions and answers! Time to sit back and enjoy another Chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't own Minecraft. Bwuh.
Chapter 116
Barrier
[Cobb]
"Attention, friends. There is a group of Crafters being besieged by Mobs at the base of the hill to our northwest."
"How are they holding up?"
"Poorly." Lenz informed, already taking out his bow.
"Alright, let's help them out." I announced as I took out Backlash. "Just like before. Jade, maybe you should stay back this time."
"That Creeper was just a fluke! It won't happen again." She argued.
"Yeah, Cobb. I don't think you're giving Jade enough credit." Floyd chimed in. "I'm sure she can handle herself just fi—" Jade shot him a pointed look. "I mean… she's an amateur, of course, but a couple of Mobs shouldn't be a problem. For someone of her level. Which, again, is amateurish." Jade slapped a hand to her face.
"Okay, well, Soul already charged in, so I'll just go ahead." I ended the conversation hurriedly before sprinting after the axe-wielder. He was already decimating some Zombies by the time I got there.
Taking a cursory glance, I noticed seven Crafters with only three of them clad in iron. The rest sported leather and held wooden weapons. However, they had a caravan of animals I'd never seen before. Animals with long necks and white, wooly fur, and irritated faces.
The attacking Mobs consisted of Spiders, Zombies, Skeletons, and—worst of all—two Witches. They'd be a problem without milk.
Spotting a Crafter barely holding back a hissing Spider, a flicked out Backlash's line and snagged it off of him. As the eight-legged Mob soared towards me, I bashed it with the handle, activating the Knockback enchantment and sending it hurtling into an approaching Witch.
The Skeletons clacked angrily before arming themselves with arrows and firing them upon me. I smirked though, when every single arrow was shot down. Lenz was getting better and better with his intercepting skill.
Any confusion the Skeletons might have felt was washed away when Floyd and Jade rushed in with sweeping blades. While Jade's swordsmanship was lacking compared to Floyd's, the two were able to work together to clear out the undead monsters.
The other Crafters were far from helpless. The ironclad ones helped when they could, dispatching a Mob or two. They only had trouble because they had the caravan to worry about.
A Zombie broke off from the group and went for me. I narrowed my eyes, returning Backlash to my backpack.
Alright, let's make this interesting.
As the Zombie got closer, I held up my arms, puffed out my chest, and waited.
The Zombie clawed at my leather tunic, taking a chunk out of my Health, but I remained standing. Though I didn't return the attack.
"Come on! Is that all you got!?" I shouted, my arms still held out. I practically walked into the Zombie, confusing it. "Attack like you mean it!"
This was the only way to get rid of the stupid cursed clothes. We had to wear out the durability, and I was bruised enough after a week of Soul hitting me. The Zombies were as nice a change of pace as any. Across from me, Floyd and Jade did the same.
"Hit us already!"
"You call that a scratch? I barely felt it!"
Soul hit himself with a Splash Potion of Swiftness and tore through one of the Witches like paper. The other one was shot to death by Lenz. I let the Zombie claw and scratch at my tunic for a few more Hearts before finally killing it. Had to be careful, after all.
Of course, I was only rewarded with a small dent in the tunic's durability; the Unbreaking III doing a good job in all the wrong ways. I wanted my green tunic back, already!
The others sighed in equal disappointment, the cursed leather armor still holding strong. Lenz had it worse since he fought at a distance. He couldn't let those Mobs get close enough to shave off some durability. The engineer hurried over to pick through the Skeletons' loot for much needed arrows.
With the Mob threat averted, we moved to check on the caravan. They were hurt, but alive.
"Is everyone okay?" I asked.
"Yes, nobody died." One of them breathed out in relief. "I never thought I'd see the day where we'd be saved by a band of masochists."
"Wha—We're not masochists!" Jade protested, pulling at the hem of the tunic which refused to yield. "We're trying to get these annoying things off. They're cursed."
"Well, if they're cursed, why would the four of you put on matching sets of them?"
"Because… Cobb, excuse?"
"We lost a bet."
"Yeah, lost a bet."
The Crafters nodded along slowly, though it was obvious they were just going along with it. I heard one of them whisper 'Scouts' and made a cuckoo gesture. It was annoying, but it was probably simpler than the truth. The Crafters didn't seem to recognize Floyd and me. It made us hopeful that our posters hadn't reached this far south.
The Zeppil region was what Jade called an Extreme Hills biome, and I could see where it got the name. Tall, grassy hills rolled along the landscape, forming sloping valleys where Mobs tended to congregate. Sticking to the valleys was also the path of least resistance, but our maps said we were closing in on Zeppil and Lenz's waiting airship.
Speaking of Lenz, the archer frowned as he walked over, only five arrows on hand. It looked like we would have to resupply at the next village if we didn't reach the Kingdom first.
Food wasn't as scarce as in the jungle. True, the only animals we found to eat were the sheep that made homes along the grassy hills, but there were a ton of them. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we gorged ourselves on cooked mutton. Thank God cholesterol wasn't a thing, otherwise we'd all be fat or dead.
As an added bonus, we used the wool from the fallen sheep to make us all beds. No more camping on the grass for me and Lenz. Just pleasant slumbers… built on the sacrifices of lambs. Hmm…
"Thank you for your aid." One of the rescued Crafters nodded in gratitude. "We are but humble caravan merchants trying to reach Zeppil, so we have little to offer you in return. If you'd wait for us to reach our destination, we should have some—"
"There's no need for payment." Floyd waved away their offers, causing Soul to fold his arms in mild annoyance. "We're just happy to help. Crafters should stick together, after all. Though, if you wouldn't mind, could we travel with you to Zeppil?"
"Of course!" One of the caravan merchants agreed wholeheartedly. "Just stick with us. We know a few shortcuts that'll get you there in no time."
"Shortcuts?"
"Yes, yes. There are plenty of tunnels merchants frequent that cut right through many of these hills." He splayed his arms out. "The tunnels are leftover from Zeppil's dark times under the rule of the Endward Cult. They were carved out by Crafters fleeing the Kingdom of the Clouds. The cultists may be gone, but the tunnels still have their uses."
"Cultists, huh?" Soul's expression darkened and Floyd whispered something to him. Beside me, Jade pulled a face.
That was another thing we needed to worry about. We may have been going to Zeppil to get Lenz an airship, but Floyd and Soul had a Silver Intent mission to deal with. According to Brett, cultist activity was starting to spike. If this was a sign that the Southern Division was returning, it was the Silver Intent's duty to stop it. There was a good chance we'd be facing cultists in the Kingdom of the Clouds.
"If those tunnels get us to Zeppil faster, I say we go for it." Lenz spoke hurriedly, his body vibrating with excitement. The guy was counting the moments until that airship was his.
"I guess we're in, then. Thanks." I spoke for the group, seeing no arguments from any of them. "So, what are those things behind you and what are they carrying?" I gestured to the wooly animals.
"Oh! Those are fresh from the Bounty Day. Llamas." One of the caravan merchants walked up to the closest one, petting its neck fondly. "These bad boys are great for carting our dyed wools through the hills. Before, we had to deal with mules and donkeys."
"Huh, and here I thought they were hairy horses—AGH! That bastard just spat in my eye!" Soul rubbed at his eyes while the llama sneered in his direction.
"I'm so sorry! They usually only do that if you make them mad. There, there." The caravan merchant rubbed the llama's neck with extra attention, making the llama close its eyes in bliss. "That's a good girl. Or boy. Don't really have the dangly bits to tell us."
Soul was held back by Floyd as he swung his axe angrily at the animal. "Soul, stop! It's just an animal. It doesn't know any better."
"Lies! Look at its face! It's sneering at me! It knows exactly what it did!"
The llama gave a contemptuous snort, working up another wad of spit before a merchant's petting soothed it.
Soul clicked his tongue before his anger simmered to an end. "Just keep that thing away from me."
The merchants quickly led the llama away by lead, and the others followed obediently in its wake. They all had chests attached to their sides and sported cloth on their backs like saddles. In all colors. Blues, reds, greens. They probably color-coated them to match their wool.
"Judging by your tunics, I take it you boys are from Jolin?" A female merchant enquired.
"We visited." I offered in a vague attempt to summarize fifteen chapters worth of content. "We're actually from Ringwood."
"Oh? You're quite a way off, aren't you?" We walked beside the caravan, the others striking up similar conversations with the others. "You're pretty skilled, too. I take it you're not newbs."
"Fresh spawns." I corrected testily. "And no, we've been around."
"Clearly. Your friend's diamond gear speaks for itself." She gestured to Soul, who even now was glaring uneasily at the lead llama. "Most ne—fresh spawns traveling to Zeppil never make the journey. It's just so far south. Not that I'm one to talk." She chuckled. "We were nearly bested by some Mobs."
Her eyes slid to the llamas. "May I interest you in any wool?"
"Really?" I asked with a smile. "You're trying to make a sale now?"
"I need to earn my keep somehow." She replied unashamedly. "Maybe I can interest you in a nice green. It's Ringwood's colors~!"
"No thanks. But, actually, what are the other Kingdom's colors?" I asked, genuinely interested.
She quirked an eyebrow before gesturing to the various llamas. "Take a guess. We got wool of all kind. Which do you think represents which?"
So she was making a game of it? Fair enough, we needed to pass the time, after all.
"Well, I know green in Ringwood." I started, checking off the llama draped in green. "Daymonte is red. Jolin is brown." That was all I knew off the top of my head. There were still seven more.
"Um… Zeppil is… pink?"
"Try again. Remember it's the Kingdom of the Clouds." She hinted.
Clouds… clouds are…
"White."
"Correct." She smiled, pointing to the white llama. "It's easier to dye considering all they need is bone meal."
"Right. As for the others…" I sighed. "I got no idea."
"That's fine. It's understandable you haven't been everywhere." She began to point to the remaining llamas. "Dover Plains is yellow, like the golden wheat they harvest. Lazuli is blue because of their lapis mines. Akasha is orange, like the sands of the mesa. Nitebane was black—who knows what their colors are now. Exter is purple like the sharp obsidian mixture of red lava and blue water. And Oak Docks is cyan, the color of a warm sea."
Easy enough to remember. Most of the Kingdom's symbolic colors were representative of something. It was probably why Daymonte, famous for redstone, had red as its color. And why Ringwood, surrounded by trees, was green.
Or at least, it used to be surrounded by trees before Soul burned most of it down. Whoops.
"You guys get paid much for wool?"
"No, not really." She sighed. "It's mainly the artsy types in Lazuli that ask for wools, but some guilds have been asking for custom made banners. We do those too."
"Really?" I asked with interest.
"Oh, sure, any guild worth their salt needs a banner. It's like a coat of arms." She shot me a sly look. "And if you boys want, we'd be willing to make you one. At a discount price no less."
A banner, huh? I hummed in thought
It wasn't a bad idea. Now that we had a fifth member, the Beginners could legally register as a guild—though whether it was wise or not to do so when our reputation was so low was questionable. Still, we could at least have our own banner. But what to make it…?
"…I'll think about it." I said, wanting to hear my guild's input first. They deserved as much a say in it as I did.
I was leaning towards a fishing rod, though.
[Noman]
It was dark when we reached the village of Ju… Joo… Joo gu?
Zhuge was how it was spelled, but it was pronounced joo guh, as one of the villagers was quick to correct. He waved aside my apology, explaining that many out-of-towners had trouble, and that many of Zeppil's villages were named from a different dialect than what I was used to. Zhuge, Duoyishu, Xijiang, Wuyuan. My tongue was in knots just trying to sound them all out.
Zhuge was nestled between two tall hills, and, much like the name, stuck out from any other village I had encountered. The architecture, for example, employed sweeping, gabled roofs on the houses. And the farms were layered and rounded as opposed to the stiff edges of traditional farms.
The Feilong Inn—the buildings' names were similarly different—was where the five of us decided to stay for the night. We split the cost fairly and unpacked before evening, giving us time to burn.
"I kind of want to go to the bookstore." Annette spoke timidly. "I haven't had much free time to read."
"That sounds good, we could—"
"The bookstore!?" Eric interrupted. "Are you listening to yourself? We should be going through or training routine. We need to stay in tip top shape if we want a chance at winning."
"He has a point." Conrad added. "The other teams won't be slacking off."
"If you guys need any help training," I offered, "I would be more than happy—"
"No more training." Sam cut me off. "Too much practice can make us choke. We've worked hard. It's time to play hard."
"Zhuge isn't exactly bursting with fun alternatives." Eric rolled his eyes.
"Maybe you can compromise… with… um…" I trailed off, realizing that the conversation was going on without me. This was what being a fifth wheel meant.
It wasn't rudeness on their part, it was just that they were a tight-knit group and I was the outsider. Once I found out some common interests, however, I was sure I'd click with them.
"Okay, how about a compromise?" Annette proposed. I bit back my protests of suggesting the same thing only ten seconds ago. "Light training, then we can peruse the village."
"Alright."
"Sounds good."
"Hm." Conrad nodded.
"I—"
"Noman, we might need some Swiftness and Regeneration Potions if we get tired." Annette said, smiling kindly to me. "Would you mind checking the market if they got any?"
"Oh… uh… sure." I answered, slightly off put by the request. I supposed somebody had to restock on potions. "Will you wait for me here?"
"Nah, we'll probably jump right into training." Eric waved airily. "I saw a rock garden off to the side that would be perfect for parkour training. We'll meet you there."
"Okay." I got to my feet, already halfway to the door. "Are there any other potions you guys need? I have plenty of emeralds so I don't mind."
"Well, I wouldn't say no to a Strength brew." Sam smiled. "Just don't go out of your way."
"You got it. I'll be back in a flash." I dashed out the room, mentally recalling where the market had been.
After the incident in Dover Plains, I was loaded with emeralds. A post-mortem Notch had entrusted me with a large allowance via Helena and Marble had gifted me with an equally generous sum, so I had no trouble splurging on the others. Plus, there was nothing I really needed aside from the artifacts.
Reaching the market, I was disappointed to find they were sold out on potions. They had plenty of cooked mutton though and I didn't want to return empty-handed, so I bought five emeralds worth.
Running back, I stumbled upon passing the bookstore Annette mentioned. Through the window were shelves of books, and above that, a small sign.
'Myths, Legends, Tales of Old, and More'
'All can be found at the Zhuge Bookstore!'
I almost kept going, but stopped myself before returning to the display window and that sign.
Making a decision, I stepped inside.
"Hello. Welcome to the Zhuge Bookstore." A Testificate greeted unenthusiastically. He was garbed in white, denoting his profession as a librarian. He had a nasally voice and dull eyes. "How can I help you?"
"Hi. Sorry." I automatically replied. I don't know why, maybe because he seemed so inconvenienced by my presence. "I saw your sign say you were stocked on books about myths and tales of old?"
"Yes." The librarian sighed. "The Zhuge Bookstore hosts a plethora of Zeppil's most engaging myths. And at a reasonable price."
Notch, he sounded dead inside.
"Okay, see, I'm actually looking for… something specific?"
The Testificate raised a brow. "Are you asking me or telling me? Because I have other customers I could be dealing with, sir."
I glanced around the empty store.
"Okay, maybe not right now…" The Testificate sighed. "Nobody likes myths much..."
"I'm… sorry?"
He frowned. "No you're not! Nobody's ever sorry for the poor librarian! You think I wanted to be a librarian? No! I wanted to be a butcher! Or a cleric! Cleric's make crazy bank and get all the girls!"
"Er…" I felt bad for the guy, but I really needed some help looking into myths. I had very few leads about the Bottes Zephyr, but maybe there was a hint from the past that could help. Surely someone must have seen magic boots that could make you fly and taken note of them. It was the stuff of legend and myth. I needed something to go on.
"Kyle's a Cleric! And he's so successful! Everyone trades with him for emeralds and bottles o' enchanting. It's not my fault all I can offer for emeralds is bookshelves!"
"Look, I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" I held my hands up, trying to calm him down. "Please, I need help finding books about myths. I'll even buy some bookshelves off of you. Just help me out."
"You will?" He asked, hopefully. I nodded, resigned to it. "Oh, thank you! Thank you! He walked around the counter, shuffling up to me. "Heh. Heh. How many bookshelves will you buy?"
"Uh… four?"
"Oh." His mood soured. "Just four?"
"…Fourteen." I corrected with a sigh, already taking out some emeralds. "How much?"
"Fifty-six emeralds."
My eyes widened, the handful of emeralds tumbling out of my fingers. "…What?"
"Fifty-six emeralds." He repeated. "And let me just say, I really appreciate you doing this for me. I'll be sure to help you with any book you might be looking for."
Looking into the man's hopeful eyes, I bit the bullet and handed over the emeralds, earning fourteen bookshelves.
"Thank you for your purchase." He said in a much brighter tone, the green particles of a successful deal shimmering over his head.
"…No problem." It was no wonder nobody ever bought anything from him. What could I even do with so many bookshelves? "Now about those myths…?"
"Right. Right. This way." He shuffled over to the far side of the room, leading me to a dusty looking chest with item frames hanging from the wall. Each frame held a book. "What specific legend were you interested in?"
"Something about boots. Flying boots." I gauged his reaction, but found nothing. "Anything like that?"
"Hmm. No, nothing like that. How about a nice flying tortoise?"
My mood plummeted. "Flying tortoise?"
"Yes! Surely you've heard of the great Xuanwu?" The librarian rummaged in the chest before withdrawing a neat tome. "Xuanwu, the flying tortoise. A great beast that scoured the land for sinners and evildoers. Those that sought to repent had to offer sacrifices of emeralds and redstone to its great, snapping maw." He clapped his hands with a snap for emphasis.
"Er… what else you got?"
"Hmph." He returned the book before withdrawing a new one. "The Wailing Vale?"
I shook my head.
"The Seven Tempests?"
"No. No tempests. I'm looking for boots."
"Well, I'm sorry, sir, but there are no legends about boots." I bit back a frustrated sigh. The man was doing his best. But if there was nothing to go on… "Is there anything else about what you're looking for? I want to help, but I need more to go on."
I thought to myself. How much could I reveal to the guy?
"Well… how about a weapon. Something dangerous. Or a treasure?" I suggested instead, finding the word fitting. "Yeah, a treasure, something unique."
The librarian's eyes widened in recognition. "Ooooh! That, my friend, has a certain ring to it." He rummaged in the chest once more before pulling out a new book and handing it to me. I tentatively read the title.
"The Labyrinth?"
"Yes, the Labyrinth. Quite an interesting myth. It speaks of a poor boy desperately seeking riches, who, one night, gets whisked away to a mysterious labyrinth. However, the maze is a-maze-ing in more ways than one. The walls move in the wind, and anything the boy tries only gets him more lost. He spends his whole life trying to reach the center, knowing that such a difficult maze must house a spectacular treasure. And when he finally figures out the labyrinth's secrets…" He swelled, building up suspense and keeping me at the edge of my seat.
"What happens?"
"…Nobody knows." The librarian finishes maddeningly, causing me to slump. "The myth tells of the boy nearing something and seeing something, but all the build-up amounts to nothing. Whatever the boy found, he exited the labyrinth with nothing, though his fortunes improved dramatically. Following his encounter in the Labyrinth, he married, discovered a vein of emeralds in the hills, and succeeded in everything he did. Perhaps it's a tale of never giving up and being rewarded at the end. All I know is that it's the only myth with any mention of a treasure."
I sighed. "So how does the myth end?"
The librarian winked. "That's for you to find out should you make the purchase."
Well, something was better than nothing. If the artifact was easy to find, then it already would have been. The Labyrinth myth sounded promising and, if nothing else, it would be a decent read.
"Okay, I'll take it. How much?" I was already wincing as I fished for emeralds, but the librarian waved my attempts aside.
"You've already paid plenty. This one is on the house." He shuffled back over to the counter, waving over his shoulder. "Please come again if you find yourself weighed down by emeralds."
I stuffed the book into my backpack, thanking the man for his help, before exiting the store. I quickened my pace realizing how long I must have kept the others waiting. I didn't even have the potions they asked for. Hopefully they'd settle for some delicious cooked mutton.
Returning to the Feilong Inn, I spotted the rock garden where the others said they'd be training. It was a fenced in area with pristine sand, a small creek, and Crafter-sized rocks dotted around.
I also noticed that it was vacant.
"Hello?" I called out, walking past the garden's gate and placing a hand against one of the rocks. "Annette? Sam? Anyone?"
No answer.
Strange. The rock garden was right next to the Inn. It would have been impossible to miss. So where did everyone go?
I scratched my head before leaning against the rock.
Maybe they decided to forget about training? But then one of them would have stayed behind to tell me…
Did they think I took too long? Maybe they went out looking for me…
Or maybe...
A new, terrible thought crossed my mind.
Maybe they were attacked…!
I pushed off the rock, my eyes darting as the idea began to take shape. They could have been taken. Maybe this Inn was a front, just like Nana Widow's place had been! The village of Zhuge could have been taken over by bandits or cultists or Griefers or worse!
Or… maybe I was jumping to conclusions.
There were no signs of struggle in the rock garden. Maybe something else happened.
I couldn't help but be worried, however, so I quickly left the garden to ask around. Surely someone must have seen them. And if not…
Then I could overreact.
[Floyd]
Stumbling upon the caravan merchants proved to be a stroke of luck the second they pointed out a hidden tunnel through one of the largest hills we had encountered. Without their guidance, we would never have found such a time-saving route.
The tunnel was illuminated by redstone lamps and even had a minecart rail rigged up, much to Lenz's fascination. We couldn't use them, however, since we would have to rudely abandon the caravan. Instead, our group walked on, occasionally conversing just to break the silence.
Even though the tunnels were erected at a time where Zeppil was controlled by the Endward Cult, they were surprisingly well-made. Maybe it was just merchants fixing them up over the years, since they allowed for safer and easier travel. At the time, they were only intended to keep fleeing Crafters hidden from cultists. If the Origin Zone had such a thing connected to Ringwood, it would ensure more Crafters survived the cult.
We entered the tunnel late in the day, though, so we had to make camp for the night halfway through. The llamas were left off to the side (Soul refusing to get near them and glaring daggers at the lead llama) while Cobb and Jade went off to do some of their usual training.
Since Cobb was an amateur at parkour and Jade appeared to be mediocre at swordsmanship, the two agreed to train the other in what was lacking. Lenz pointed out that Soul would have been a better choice of combat instructor, but Jade vehemently picked apart his argument, wanting Cobb to be the one to teach her. She said his spontaneous fighting style was more versatile than Soul's brute force.
Cobb and Soul took that as a compliment, respectively.
In reality? I think she just wanted an excuse to spend more time with him.
The two were currently engaged in heavy sparring. Heavy because light sparring wouldn't have taken off those cursed tunics any faster. Cobb was armed with a diamond sword while Jade used her iron sword. If either of them reached three Hearts or less of Health, they'd yell 'stop'.
Cobb had more of an advantage than he realized, but he was going easy on her… and she was going super easy on him. It was easier to understand than it sounded.
Cobb struck high with his diamond blade, causing Jade to skip back. She had the chance to dart back in, but she refused to take it, instead bringing her sword up protectively. Cobb kept up the offense, slashing and stabbing whenever he could and overextending more than once. Whether it was purposeful or not on his part, I had no idea. Either way, Jade never took advantage, even if it meant taking hits.
After slashing her arm and causing her to stumble back, Cobb sighed. "You gotta fight back, Jade. You can't defend forever."
"Right." Jade nodded before tentatively rearing her sword back. "Here I come!"
She leapt up and drove her sword down, unleashing a Critical Hit, but Cobb blocked it, supporting his sword with both hands. Cobb struggled for a bit, their strength even, until he tilted his blade, diverting the green-haired parkourist's attack. Jade overstepped and Cobb took advantage by shoulder charging into her gut.
Jade skidded back before a fishing line snagged her leather jacket and yanked her back forward. Cobb spun, the edge of his sword sweeping into Jade's center. Her purple eyes narrowed before she bounced off one foot and angled her body over the slash, surprising Cobb and me. Her parkour reflexes gave her the edge, for as her body went past Cobb, her leg wrapped around his neck before being slammed down into the ground. She rolled to her feet, turning around and aiming for Cobb's prone form.
A fishing line tripped her up, causing her face to land on Cobb's chest, nearly kissing it, and for Cobb to get a face full of cleavage. Jade let out a squeak, her face going red. Cobb threw out a hand and trapped her sword arm to the side before tapping her chest with Backlash. The Knockback enchantment did the rest, knocking the girl off of him and into the tunnel's wall.
Her sword left behind in Cobb's hand.
"Let's call it there." Cobb panted, his forehead damp with sweat. Jade's chest rose and fell, but there was no sign of sweat. "That was a good dodge you pulled." Cobb complimented, tossing Jade's sword back.
"It just came to me." Jade grimaced at the weapon before shoving it roughly in her belt. It was quickly washed away in favor of a bright smile. "You're amazing, though. I never thought a fishing rod could be so—"
"Annoying?"
"Innovative. I was going to say innovative."
"It's fine." Cobb smiled. "I've long since accepted the fact that this weapon can be little more than a pest at times. But nobody ever thinks it can do any good. Nobody ever sees it coming."
"It's a lot like you." Jade smiled. "The dark horse nobody expects."
"Yeah… I guess it is." Cobb smiled fondly. "Anyway, you're better with your movements than you are with your swordsmanship. No offense."
"None taken. I know it can use some work." I reflexively let out a snort, earning a glare from Jade. "Your parkour is getting better too. If we keep training one another, I know we can push ourselves to greater heights."
"Yeah!" Cobb nodded enthusiastically. "Same time tomorrow?"
"It's a date—" Jade took a noticeable pause, her face reddening. Cobb did the same, no doubt understanding the awkwardness in the air.
The two averted their eyes, unsure where to look, before Cobb scratched his chin. "I… think I'll go make sure Soul isn't strangling any llamas. Haha… ahhh…"
Cobb walked off, embarrassed, and Jade fared slightly better, a small smile gracing her features as she watched him go.
I cleared my throat to snap her out of it.
"So…" I whispered, earning a frown from the girl. "True or false: You could have wiped the floor with him?"
"In over eight different ways, yes." She replied flatly, her panting subsiding as proof that she didn't desperately need oxygen. Her brow had no sweat. Her muscles weren't sore. It was all an act.
It was the same with all their training. Cobb was the only one benefiting, getting both combat training and parkour training. With her cutlass—no, with her sword skills, Jade could have beaten Cobb easily. All she gained from this was Cobb's attention, and lucky for him, that's all she wanted.
It was painful to watch, though, and must have been frustrating for Jade to have so many openings she couldn't exploit. She had to pretend to be bad to maintain the illusion.
"You know, Cobb isn't going to like it when he finds out you were throwing all these fights."
"I know that." She spoke through her teeth.
"You'll have to tell him eventually."
"I know that too."
"So why are you dragging your feet? Why suggest this training in the first place. You're just digging a deeper hole for yourself."
"I wanted to spend more time with him, obviously." She snapped, though she kept her voice down. "And what's with you? You keep snorting whenever I say I'm an amateur. If you slip up and he finds out—"
"Then just tell him and get it out in the open!"
"I'm… working on it…" She threw out, glaring at the iron sword at her belt. "I want to be free to use my cutlass too. It's just… I'm taking things step by step."
"That usually involves making the first step."
"It's hard." She spoke firmly. "I've been through this before, and… and I don't know how this will go."
"You're worried over nothing!" I tried to reassure her. "Cobb isn't going to freak. If anything, he'll think it's cool you're a badass. Less so if he finds out you're throwing these fights."
"I'm not trying to be patronizing, you know that." Jade countered before rubbing her arm. "I just…" She inhaled and exhaled. "People see this diamond-clad warrior with impressive weapons and cool one-liners and think 'this person was made to do the tough jobs'. Or how about 'this person, is out of my league'. Or… or… 'there's no way that person can't have friends'." She looked sadly upon the redstone lamps along the wall. "There's always this invisible barrier separating the skilled from the unskilled, and I hate it. It's easier to pretend."
I scratched my head, getting exactly what she was saying. But she couldn't lie forever. She had to know that. Eventually, Cobb or the others would find out. And then trust would be hard to come by.
"Okay… okay relax." I calmed her down. "I still stand by what I said. I won't tell anyone. And I'll… try harder to keep my mouth shut. No more snorting or slip-ups." I thought for a moment to myself, debating whether or not to tell her. "I… know a lot what it's like to be afraid of what you are."
"I know." Jade nodded before whispering. "Because you're a Hacker."
"Yes," I acknowledged, "but even before that, I… I was something else."
Jade raised an eyebrow and I beckoned us over to the wall where we could sit and talk in private.
"The others know this, but… it's not something I like to admit often." I rubbed my hands, suddenly feeling cold. "I… had an encounter with some cultists in the past. Similar to what happened between you, your husband, and your teacher."
She looked on, her face softening.
"Back then, I was with these two guys. Soul, you know, but also my friend Silent. We ran into some cultists near the Origin. They wanted us to come with them before suddenly attacking us." I chuckled bitterly. "Take a guess which one didn't make it."
She looked down sadly.
"What's worse is that I ran away like a coward." My voice was heavy with regret. "I just up and left Soul to fend off those Crafters. I was so scared of death, that nothing else mattered." I held up my hands, looking at them worriedly. "Sometimes… sometimes I wonder if I could have Hactivated back then, how different things might have turned out. Maybe I could have fought them, maybe I could have done something…"
"You can't think like that." She placed a hand on my shoulder. "It wasn't your fault. Those cultists were the ones who—"
"I know." I cut her off. "But the fact remains that I ran away like a coward. Soul could've died to them, and it's a miracle the both of us are still alive. And not a day goes by that I thank the stars I have such forgiving friends. Friends that I'd fight tooth and nail for. Friends that I'd face death a hundred times over for."
"It wasn't fair that I never owned up to the truth. That I never gave them the chance to forgive me. That they'd never know how much I trusted them." I glanced up at the ceiling. "If I could do it all over, I would have let them know weeks before it was revealed I was a Hacker. So that they could know how much I trusted them, instead of the other way around."
I turned to face the silent Jade. "It's gratifying having people that accept you for who you are. But you need to give them the chance to forgive, or I'm sure you'll regret it."
Jade pondered my words for a moment, before nodding slowly. "I… I never thought about it like that…" She admitted, sounding more than a bit choked up. "Um… I… can we sit in silence for a bit…"
"Sure."
And sat in silence we did. The others were just starting to go to sleep when Jade finally breathed out a sigh and stood up. She wiped her eyes subtly before turning to smile at me.
"Thanks for the tip, guild-mate."
I smiled back. "Anytime, guild-mate."
"You've… given me a lot to think about. I… I can't promise I'll manage it right away, but…" She clutched her chest. "I'll tell him. I'll tell them all. They deserve it. Just… be a bit patient, okay?"
"Sure."
And with a nod, the green-haired parkourist returned to the group to get ready for bed. Me? I rested my head against both arms and got ready to stay up for a bit.
Somebody had to watch out for everyone.
[Noman]
I was way past worrying.
Nobody at the Inn saw anyone enter the rock garden besides me. And all our horses were still in the Inn's stable.
Nobody had any clue where Eric, Conrad, Sam, and Annette had gone.
Leaving the Inn, I rushed around the village, panic coursing through my veins. They had asked me to protect them. They were my responsibility. And now I had no idea as to where they went or what happened to them.
I passed by house after house, store after store, but found nothing.
Was this my fault for taking too long? If had said I'd be back in a flash, but instead I got sidetracked by a possible lead for an artifact. This was exactly what Marble had warned me against! I had put an object before peoples' lives!
Slowly, the sun crept behind the hills throwing the village into shadows. Torches were left out to illuminate the road, and Testificates went back inside for fear of Mobs. Guards garbed in white leather caps patrolled the streets and I asked each one if they had seen my companions, but all of them offered little help.
I kept searching and searching, trying to think where they would go before realizing I had no idea. I didn't know them, or their tastes. I had bonded with none of them; they were just faces and names to me.
It was around midnight, when my eyelids were getting heavy, that I had to call off the search. I'd be no help to them exhausted. I trudged back to the Inn under the light of the moon, fretting over what became of those four.
Going up the steps and reaching the room, I pulled open the door and let out a shocked gasp.
"Oh, Noman! You're back." Eric yawned. He was halfway into his bed, Annette and Sam already looking to be asleep.
"You're okay!" I couldn't hold myself back as I rushed forward to Eric's bedside, startling him. "I… I was looking everywhere for you guys. What happened? Why weren't you at the garden? I was so worried that you'd be—"
"Oi, keep it down!" Sam growled, waving a hand with his eyes squinted shut. He absolutely refused to leave his bed. "We're exhausted from training and it's late. So shut up and get some sleep!"
"Uh… but… but I was…" I trailed off, shooting Eric a questioning glance. He looked uncomfortable.
"Well… we're okay. Nothing to worry about." Eric shrugged. "Sorry, we... we sort of decided to train somewhere else. The rock garden didn't feel right. It was a last minute thing."
I stepped back. I had been full of such panic and desperation, that hearing they were fine made me feel lighter. Hollow too.
Conrad, the last of the four, exited the bathroom. He had a dull expression and, without acknowledging me, crawled into bed before falling asleep.
"I… I…" They were all safe and sound, so what was I feeling? "Why didn't you let me know where you—?"
"Look, Noman, it's late." Eric cut me off, massaging the bridge of his nose. "Like Sam said, we're exhausted from training. Can we talk about this in the morning?"
"I… I mean, sure, but—"
"Then goodnight. And can you get the light? Thanks."
Eric yawned once more before snuggling into his bed, effectively ending our conversation.
I was left standing, my body still calming down from all the running and worrying I had been doing trying to find them. And yet, here they were. I should have been happy.
Instead, all I could think about was why they didn't even bother to let me know about a location change. I felt… I felt like I had just been disregarded.
They didn't even ask about the potions they sent me out for.
I opened my mouth to say something, but they were already lightly snoring. Waking them up now would just irritate them.
…Why did I feel like doing it anyway?
I shook my head, still struggling to identify what I was feeling. They were safe. Everything was fine. So… sleep. Sleep was what I should have been doing.
So, with stiff movements, I turned to flick off the lights before crawling into my own bed. I noticed that it was distanced away from the other four. I had more space, sure…
But all I could focus on was the distance between them and me.
Inventory (Cobb): 1 Leather Cap [Dyed Brown, Curse of Binding I, Unbreaking III], 1 Leather Tunic [Dyed Brown, Curse of Binding I, Unbreaking III], 1 Leather Leggings [Dyed Brown, Curse of Binding I, Unbreaking III], 1 Leather Boots [Dyed Brown, Curse of Binding I, Unbreaking III], 1 Fishing Rod {Backlash} [Knockback II, Luck of the Sea III, Unbreaking III], 1 Golden Shovel [Silk Touch I, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Sword, 64 Cobblestone, 47 Cobblestone, 1 Bed, 5 Dirt, 19 Torches, 37 Coal, 8 Cooked Chicken, 12 Jungle Wood Logs, 60 Jungle Wood Planks, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Clock, 1 Water Bucket, 5 String, 1 Leather Tunic [Dyed Green, Mending I, Unbreaking I], 1 Diamond Leggings [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Iron Boots, 5 Emeralds, 2 Gunpowder, 25 Rotten Flesh, 1 Book {How to Kill Stuff for Numb Nuts}, 1 Book {Advanced Mob-Slaying}, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}
[EXP: 28]
Inventory (Floyd): 1 Leather Cap [Dyed Brown, Curse of Binding I, Unbreaking III], 1 Leather Tunic [Dyed Brown, Curse of Binding I, Unbreaking III], 1 Leather Leggings [Dyed Brown, Curse of Binding I, Unbreaking III], 1 Leather Boots [Dyed Brown, Curse of Binding I, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Pickaxe, 1 Iron Sword {Weak}, 30 Iron Ingots, 1 Fishing Rod, 2 Ender Pearls, 1 Furnace, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Minecart, 1 Bed, 1 Boat, 5 Emeralds, 1 Iron Sword, 1 Diamond Helmet [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Diamond Chestplate [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Diamond Leggings [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Diamond Boots [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Iron Leggings, 16 Cooked Mutton, 1 Potion of Fire Resistance {8:00}, 17 Gunpowder, 1 Iron Helmet, 1 Iron Chestplate, 1 Iron Leggings, 1 Iron Boots, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}
[EXP: 30]
Inventory (Lenz): 1 Leather Cap [Dyed Brown, Curse of Binding I, Unbreaking III], 1 Leather Tunic [Dyed Brown, Curse of Binding I, Unbreaking III], 1 Leather Leggings [Dyed Brown, Curse of Binding I, Unbreaking III], 1 Leather Boots [Dyed Brown, Curse of Binding I, Unbreaking III], 1 Bow, 1 Shears, 2 Levers, 1 Flint and Steel, 1 Stone Button, 5 Redstone Torches, 1 Bed, 9 Redstone Repeaters, 3 Redstone Comparators, 28 Redstone, 18 Blocks of Redstone, 2 Hoppers, 3 Pistons, 2 Sticky Pistons, 21 Cobblestone, 1 Minecart, 1 Compass, 25 Gunpowder, 5 Arrows, 16 Jungle Wood Planks, 1 Crafting Table, 16 Sugar Cane, 8 Cooked Mutton, 8 Paper, 5 Ink Sacs, 3 Leather, 9 Emeralds, 1 Book {Airship Piloting 101}, 1 Book {Notebook}, 1 Book {How to Kill Stuff for Numb Nuts}, 1 Book {Advanced Mob-Slaying}, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Daymonte Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}
[EXP: 15]
Inventory (Soul): 1 Diamond Axe, 1 Iron Pickaxe, 64 Iron Ingots, 55 Iron Ingots, 12 Gold Ingots, 1 Milk, 1 Diamond Helmet [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Chestplate [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Leggings [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Boots [Protection IV, Feather Falling IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Crafting Table, 1 Bed, 1 Furnace, 1 Anvil, 35 Torches, 34 White Wool, 37 Dirt, 64 Cobblestone, 31 Cobblestone, 5 Stone Slabs, 38 Coal, 32 Jungle Wood Planks, 2 Sticks, 1 Armor Stand, 48 Emeralds, 21 Cooked Mutton, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}
[EXP: 49]
Inventory (Jade): 1 Leather Cap [Dyed Brown, Curse of Binding I, Unbreaking III], 1 Leather Tunic [Dyed Brown, Curse of Binding I, Unbreaking III], 1 Leather Leggings [Dyed Brown, Curse of Binding I, Unbreaking III], 1 Leather Boots [Dyed Brown, Curse of Binding I, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Helmet [Protection IV], 1 Diamond Chestplate [Protection IV], 1 Diamond Leggings [Protection IV], 1 Diamond Boots [Protection IV], 1 Iron Sword, 1 Bed, 1 Iron Pickaxe, 18 Cooked Mutton, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Furnace, 19 Coal, 36 Torches, 34 Jungle Wood Planks, 64 Cobblestone, 29 Cobblestone, 16 Obsidian, 1 Water Bucket, 1 Bucket, 1 Compass, 1 Clock, 17 Emeralds, 5 Ender Chests, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Dover Plains Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Lazuli Entry Pass}
[EXP: 29]
Inventory (Noman): 1 Diamond Chestplate {Severe Shield}, 1 Diamond Sword [Sharpness I], 1 Black Shield {Slight Shield} [Blue Cross], 1 Bow [Infinity], 34 Birch Wood Planks, 35 Iron Ingots, 19 Sticks, 13 Torches, 1 Bucket, 1 Crafting Table, 64 Cooked Mutton, 1 Birch Fence, 1 Bed, 1 Book {Notch Mission II}, 1 Book {Artifact List}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Book {The Art of Peace}, 1 Book {The Labyrinth}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Dover Plains Entry Pass}, 1 Map {Dover Plains}, 1 Map {Mesa}, 1 Compass, 64 Arrows, 2 Glass Bottles, 5 Sugar, 14 Bookshelves, 7 Enchanted Golden Apples, 1 Diamond Helmet, 1 Leather Tunic [Dyed Blue] {Weak}, 1 Diamond Leggings, 1 Diamond Boots, 64 Emeralds, 64 Emeralds, 61 Emeralds, 2 Bones
[EXP: 15]
Beetroot the Horse
AN: Time to play everyone's favorite game: What Myths And Legends Will Have Plot Significance Within The Next Few Chapters!
It's a slow start, but Arcs usually have slow starts. Mainly just to show where the pieces are and what they're all doing. They'll get into Zeppil itself next Chapter.
You may have noticed, but the Kingdom of Zeppil is based off China, with its upturned roofs and village names. If you want an idea of what Zeppil's landscape looks like, look up the Guilin Hills or Limestone Hills in China. Even though Zeppil itself isn't a Chinese name, many of the characters that call Zeppil home might have more exotic names. It's a subtle difference, but one I felt like pointing out.
Llamas hate Soul. Soul hates llamas.
This Chapter's title comes from the barriers Jade AND Noman are dealing within their own groups. I think Noman is having it worse, though. At least Jade has Floyd to be honest with.
Review, Fav, Follow, and hope the next Chapter comes out before Halloween.