AN: Really short Chapter, but I needed it separate to focus on Inventories. You'll see why when you read.

Disclaimer: I don't own Minecraft. If I did, I'd make a Potion of Dolphin's Grace.

Chapter 239

The Nitebane Care Package

[Nitebane Wall]

Early morning on December 5th, the members of Team Delta on watch rotated. One blonde-haired female exchanged words as she relieved her fellow Team Delta member of duty.

"What are they doing?"

"Nothing." A silver-haired Paragon replied. "They're just standing there. Menacingly."

What he was referring to were the thirty Hackers positioned on undamaged stone juts outside of Nitebane's walls. They were churning a constant stream of dark smoke that stood out against the light blue of the brightening sky like signal fires. They were unmistakably Hackers, yet they didn't dare make any moves knowing two of their siblings were still being held hostage somewhere within Nitebane. They just maintained a constant vigil, watching and waiting for the right moment to strike. It was unsettling.

"Can't Jillian threaten them to leave?" The silver-haired Paragon, Eustace, asked of his companion.

"She doesn't want to overplay that card for fear of cheapening it." The blonde, Daisy, answered. "She and Cobb-sama have already threatened the Hack Clan into staying out of the capital, staying away from the kingdom's villages, and forbidding them from obliterating any more kingdoms with Nuker. Any more threats would require killing a Hacker, which we can only do once before we all but sign our death warrants."

"I'm sorry, Cobb-sama?" Eustace asked with incredulity. "You never used that title for anyone other than Carys."

"Cobb-sama left an impression." Daisy defended hotly. "Seeing him throwing around lightning the way he did. It was electrifying! Plus, he went out there to negotiate with 303. He's the real deal, and I can't wait to join his team and learn from him!" She let out a giddy laugh.

"Well, I won't deny having him in our corner is a comfort." Eustace nodded, having been saved from Thed's Nuker when Cobb threw off the Hacker's aim. He showed off his belt. "These totems he demonstrated are another comfort. I don't mind being out in the field with a safety net like this."

"I know right!? He's added to our equipment set to improve our safety. He even bestowed that artifact book to Jillian." Daisy fawned. "I never thought I could depend on someone other than Carys-sama, but Cobb-sama is a welcome ally. Oh, God, should I call him Cobb-sama or is that too weird? Would using his name be too familiar? But his full name would be too rigid! Oh! I don't know!"

"As much as I'd love to listen to you prattle on my free time, this isn't my watch, and I need a drink." Eustace swapped with Daisy and got off the wall while the sun continued to rise on a new day.

The day Cobb and his group would depart Nitebane and head to Oak Docks.

[Lenz]

"(O-Okay! I am in!)"

Z7 gave me a flat look from her submerged position in the public swimming pool. It was hard to judge since her long, damp, purple hair covered her face completely.

"(Nerdling, that's not what I meant when I said 'get in the water'.)"

"(S-Sorry. Something must have gotten lost in translation. Yes! That is it!)"

("I'm sure...")

Since we were setting off to the beachside kingdom of Oak Docks soon, Z7 had the terribly rational idea of getting some swimming practice in to help me overcome my Thalassophobia. She and Team Epsilon reserved a public swimming pool for the morning that was twenty-five meters long, twenty meters wide, and at its deepest was six meters. At its shallowest, the place I was standing, was one meter. Up to my stomach.

My hair was completely dry. I did not dare submerge myself, despite having my yellow-tinted and waterproof goggles on. My scarf, collared shirt, gray undershirt, and navy-blue jeans were all willed off, leaving me in just my underwear. My skin was so ashen it could have been blinding, with zero muscle definition. Compared to Z7's toned body, I was feeling a little self-conscious. She didn't have to will off any clothes, as her black t-shirt and black shorts were practically swimwear already.

We were speaking in Jibberish, me pretending not to understand her whenever she tried coaxing me into deeper waters.

"(Come on, nerdling. I'll be right here the whole time.)"

"(I-I am plenty close enough, thanks! See?)" I shifted in place, splashing water around me.

"(You're not holding your end.)" She pointed out. "(The deal was five minutes in deep water or else you don't get to pilot the Icarus.)"

I screwed my eyes shut and let out an aggrieved whine as I remembered why I was doing this. Z7 knew I would not willingly face my fears, so she sweetened the deal by promising I could pilot the lead airship of our fleet - oh yes, we had a fleet - when we departed for Oak Docks. The fleet in question was Zeppil's, but Captain Fo had graciously lent it and her forces to Jillian for the inevitable attack on the Eastern Division. The Paragons had helped Zeppil with the Southern Division. Now, under the banner of their alliance of kingdoms, Zeppil was going to help Nitebane crush the Eastern Division.

If I was to pilot Icarus, I needed to get more than my feet wet.

"(Don't make me come over and throw you in the deep end.)" Z7 threatened, prompting me to walk towards her floating form. The bottom of the pool began to slope down, the depth increasing, the water reaching my upper chest.

Instead of looking into the terrifying depths, I tilted my head up and looked to the fleet on standby above Lunar Castle. My thoughts were solely on piloting the Icarus across the Eastern Ocean.

"(Yep, this is good! This is exactly what I want! Okay!)" I spoke with forced enthusiasm as I waded up to my neck in water, my tiptoes barely scraping the bottom of the pool. I stopped there, unable to go deeper. Z7 sounded unimpressed.

"(You're not gonna drown when I'm here.)" She called out in Jibberish. "(Take the plunge already.)" I did not move, my gaze to the sky. "(If you can't do this now, how are you going to manage on a kingdom surrounded by water? Come on! You want to pilot?)"

"(Yes! Yes, I do!)" I cried out pathetically.

"(Then swim! Get your hair wet!)"

I tried to tilt my head down to look towards Z7, but glimpsing the deep water nearly set off a panic attack and forced my head back up. My arms floated against the water and my tiptoes started getting tired from holding me up. I needed a distraction.

"(Lenz!)"

"(A-Ask me about redstone!)" I blurted out.

"(What?)"

"(ASK ME ABOUT REDSTONE! Distract me!)" I elaborated with my eyes screwed shut.

"(Oh, uh, okay...?)" She thought for a moment. "(What the hell is a Comparator for anyway?)"

"(A R-Redstone Comparator is a block that can produce an output signal from its front by reading chests, hoppers, dispensers, and similar container blocks, or repeat a signal without changing its strength.") I pushed off with my tiptoes and started paddling with my arms as I moved inexorably forward. I kept my eyes screwed shut as the bottom of the pool sloped out of reach. ("It can also be set to either stop outputting a signal when its side input receives a stronger one (front torch off) or subtract its side input's signal strength from its output (front torch on).")

("...How interesting!") Z7 lied, though her jubilant tone over how I was braving deep water was genuine. ("Tell me more!")

("Okay!") I cried out as I sank a little and got the back of my head wet. ("Comparators can also generate a signal with certain non-container blocks, including, but not limited to, cauldrons, cakes, jukeboxes, and item frames. The signal strength varies from block to block, but one cannot deny it is a versatile tool for an engineer.")

I bumped into something and felt damp hair floating in the water and tickling my chest. I had swum into Z7. In the deep end.

"(You're doing it, nerdling! You're doing it!)" Z7 encouraged. Her voice sounded clearer with my eyes shut. The sensations on my skin were stronger too. Having my eyes shut enhanced my other senses. "(Now try to open your eyes.)"

"(That was not the deal. You said five minutes only!)"

"(You have to see that deep water isn't scary. Come on. Open up.)"

I shook my head. "(Ask me something else about redstone.)"

"(You want a distraction? I'll give you one. Real talk: Hoppers are useless junk.)"

My eyes snapped open and regarded the grossly uninformed blockhead. ("Useless junk!? Useless junk!? The hopper is pivotal for automatic farms and grinders! For sorting and transportation systems! For item locks and hopper clocks!)" Z7 grinned through her hair as I ranted to her face, all fear forgotten in lieu of outrage. "(Hoppers can push items into connected containers, pull items from connected containers, or collect items littered above them! They can be locked with a redstone signal! They can sort items! They can make automatic smelting stations! They can act as a lock requiring a specific item to open! They can-")

As I began my rant in earnest, Z7 swept her arms and floated further into deeper water, prompting me to follow her without my realizing. She also rotated, making me have to swim around her to keep talking sense to her face. This went on for five minutes, then another five minutes just so I could reiterate the salient points.

"(-so in conclusion, hoppers are not useless junk. I daresay they are one of the most essential redstone devices in Minecraftia. Care to retort?)"

"(How come you're swimming in deep water?)" The Jibberwoman fired back without missing a beat.

"(I...)" I trailed off before looking down and realizing where I was. The next second, I was seized by paralyzing fear. My Thalassophobia came hurtling back. It was so dark at the bottom of the pool. The depths threatened to swallow me up.

Before my body could fail me, however, Z7 swam in and grabbed me under the arms to keep me afloat. I clung to her for dear life and kept my eyes focused on her torso and soaked hair.

"(See? There's nothing to be sacred of.)"

"(I would like to get out now!)"

"(Okay, it was nice while it lasted.)" Z7 blew out dryly before buoying me to the shallow end. "(If we get you ranting about nerd stuff, you forget about your fear. It's a step in the right direction.)"

I took a calming breath when my feet scraped against the bottom of the pool, and I was allowed to stand on my own. I let go of Z7 and walked further out of the water before I felt safe to answer.

"(I appreciate all you are doing to help,)" I began, "(but I do not see how this is necessary. I have lived my whole life avoiding deep water. Despite visiting a beachside kingdom, I can take steps to avoid the ocean. I can stick to the mainland and docks, and I am a good enough shot to support from the distance if a water battle ensues.)"

"(So you wouldn't want to beat this thing?)" Z7 asked crossly with her hands on her hips. "(You wouldn't want to overcome your fears?)"

"(...It would be nice not having to revisit it,)" I conceded, "(but at most, it is sanative. I can function as an archer just fine in spite of it.)"

In other words, I would repress it. Bury the issue deep and never address it. It seemed to work well for Cobbert where Jade was concerned.

Z7, however, did not let it go. "(What about the bridge when you fell in? I had to break off to go save you.)"

"(And I have since reflected on that and vowed to be more careful in the future.)" I nodded. The Jibberwoman merely shook her head.

"(You're missing the point. This isn't just about a phobia. This is about a weakness your enemies will be able to exploit.)"

"(Oh, be reasonable-)"

"(I'm serious!)" She urged. "(Who do you think we're going to be fighting from now on? More brainless Griefers and Hackers? No. We're going against cultists. Lieutenants. Executives. People who can think. People who are battle-hardened and experienced. Your phobia is like a weapon you're handing them. Having that phobia is giving them something to exploit - giving them a power they can hold against you. It's your weakness, and if they figure that out, they'll use it to their advantage. You have to cover your weaknesses... so you don't end up like Stayer.)"

I held back my immediate protest as the weight of loss hit Z7. Her team member died to a Hacker at the Obelisk. The whole thing was relayed to us via map message. It was honestly shocking to hear that Soul conquered a Hacker wielding two artifacts with nothing but a cat, a parrot, and his own grit. Almost as shocking as Floyd's new Hack, or Noman beating Null into submission. Still, we had losses. A member from Z7's own team had fallen. Kal lost Dyson too. Z7's efforts to train me to conquer my phobia were just her coping with her fresh loss.

"(You are right. It is a weakness.)" I agreed with her out of consideration for her feelings. "(But it is not an immediate problem. Right now, my more pressing weakness is close combat.)" I countered. "(And just like with deep water, I will take precautionary measures to ensure it will not be taken advantage of. I can be careful.)"

Z7 shook her head. "(I won't be letting up on this. Today's session is over, but we're going to continue working on your phobia once we land in Oak Docks.)" I paled at the prospect. "(Now let's dry off.)" She grabbed a heap of her hair and wrung it dry like a towel. "(Jillian's got a care package to send us off with.)"

"(And then I can pilot the Icarus?)"

"(And then you can pilot the Icarus. Little Gremlin.)" She added as a form of endearment before the two of us toweled each other dry with wool blocks. It was more contact than I was used to with her, especially given my swimming attire, but she started it and did not raise concerns when I reciprocated, so I assumed it was normal.

I was just happy to be away from that grueling swimming pool. I would need to look for any excuse I could latch onto to avoid swimming practice in the future.

[Cobb]

I sat at the table, tapping the fingers of my blackened hand along the wood as I waited on Dwight's work. The Paragon in question had an intense focus on his face as he carefully wrote in a book. Every so often, Dwight would pause to pore over his work and check for mistakes. He went through it with a fine-tooth comb, ensuring there was nothing suspicious.

What was he doing, you ask?

He was forging a replacement for my lost Citizenship Information.

"Finished." Dwight cheered to himself before sliding the book over to me. "You sure you want that number, though? You said it yourself that you and Noman switched numbers."

"It's a little late not to be the Billionth now." I pointed out as I reviewed the forgery. As a member of the theft and arms unit, Dwight had experience forging false documents. My old Citizenship Information and Kingdom Entry Passes had been stolen by Trish when she captured me and emptied my Inventory. I'd have to pay for new Entry Passes, but Dwight had offered to replace my information. Despite my eidetic memory, I hadn't bothered to peruse my personal information and, thus, had no means to replicate it. "My number should be exactly as it was on my old records. As if nothing has changed."

"Well, I put my best efforts into it, so it shouldn't raise any alarms when you move through kingdoms."

"What do you usually do if you lose your information?"

"Well, if you recall, the kingdom you registered in will have a copy of your information in a Hall of Records or some such building. That's the only real way of proving your name and number is what you say they are. In other words, you'd have to go back to Ringwood to get a copy of your Citizenship Information, or get a copy mail delivered to you, before you can enter and leave kingdoms freely. In either case, there's a replacement fee."

"Herobrine, that sounds like a hassle."

"Don't utter that name!" Dwight snapped disgruntledly. "And yes, it is a hassle. Which is why a first-class forger like myself deigned to save you time and money. You may thank me now." He added ostentatiously.

I rolled my eyes. "Thank you, Dwight. I don't care what everyone says. You're pretty useful."

He smiled at the praise before it fully sunk in and made him frown. "Hey. What the hell does-?"

"Cobb, heads up!"

I turned in place and blocked a glass bottle with my hand as it broke open and splashed yellow and green orbs of EXP onto me. The orbs sunk into my arm, slightly increasing the EXP meter tattoo.

"Bottles of Enchanting?"

"Bottles o' Enchanting."

"Like it freaking matters. What's this for?" I asked Trenay as she came in with her arms laden with Bottles o' Enchanting.

"You tell me. Jillian just asked me to bring these to you." She held them up, the quantity making Dwight's eyes pop. She had to have ten stacks of them. "We got these from a combination of the Raids we keep triggering, our reserves, and favorable trades with enamored Testificates now that we're using Hero of the Village."

"H-How many levels is that worth?"

"Depends on the Crafter's current level. If you're asking how much EXP, though, I'd say, on average, probably six-thousand, three-hundred-and-seventy-seven, buuut I'm just guessing."

"Those are all for me?" I guessed, genuinely stunned. I remember I requested EXP so I could reach Ember's high levels, but ten stacks were more than I could fathom. How much would that make my level rise?

"Yep. All yours. Let's crack 'em open!" She cheered as she started flinging them at my face and torso.

"Wait, wait! Too bright! Can't see!" I flailed with my arms up as I became covered by yellow and green orbs like a swarm of angry bees, which were now apparently a thing. Trenay ignored my protests, continuing to throw the bottles at my body and chastising Dwight for trying to get in on the EXP shower.

I could feel my strength surging as my EXP meter absorbed all the levels. It was an exhilarating feeling, despite being unable to make out the green number indicating my level. Even when Trenay had no more bottles to lob, the lingering orbs swirled around me, jostling each other aside to get into my arm. It reminded me of how Z7 looked claiming all that EXP from the Ender Dragon, not that I could discuss that aloud.

Finally, the last dregs of EXP seeped into my arm, and I could make out my new and improved level.

Before, I was Level 34.

Now I was Level 53. Nearly a twenty level swing. Even then, I was kind of hoping for more. Closer to Ember's level of 105.

"Looking good." Trenay nodded as she registered my level increase. She saw my expression, though. "Something wrong?"

"No, it's great. I'm grateful, thank you." I hastily assured. "I'm just thinking of Ember's 105 levels."

"Yeah, well that woman never enchanted once in her life and has spent her whole time here accumulating levels." Trenay noted with folded arms.

"Out of curiosity, how many stacks of Bottles o' Enchanting would I need to hit Level 105?"

"Oh, geez." Trenay thought to herself for a moment. "If you're currently Level 53, it would take sixty-four stacks of bottles to get you to Ember's level." I blanched at the number. "Or you could kill two-hundred-and-eighty-four Level 15 Crafters and suck up their-"

"I don't even want to consider that." I stopped her. Quantifying Ember's insane gains only made her superior levels more daunting. Still, I was at least halfway to 105.

Brain: Not really, since it's an exponential increase-

Heart: He's halfway there! Keep it up!

Brain: Oh! We're lying to motivate him. Right. Ahem. Egad, it's like 105 is right around the corner!

My psychosis sucks sometimes.

Trenay was acting pretty nonchalant about it, but I could tell from Dwight's reaction that she just upended the kingdom's EXP reserves into my body. It was on Jillian's orders, and they probably had the EXP Factories cranking 24/7, but I knew the weight of what she and Nitebane were bestowing upon me in the midst of looming Hacker threats. All for the sake of our mission in Oak Docks.

I had to show her it was worth it. We had to take down the Eastern Division.

"Jillian's got more stuff to send us off with on the castle ramparts." Trenay told Dwight and me. "She's sparing no expense to see us prepared. The full Nitebane Care Package. No way those Eastern cultists can beat us."

"Well don't jinx it." Dwight admonished. "We may as well head up now."

"Yeah." I nodded, clenching my blackened fist and using the pain to channel focus. "Let's go."

The usually windy ramparts were kept silent and the air still by the six airships on all sides. Zeppil's fleet, headed by Captain Fo and carrying a sizable number of Zeppil's guards and Nitebane's Paragons. It was the force Jillian promised me for when we assaulted the Endward Cult's Eastern Division.

The lead ship, the Icarus, had white sails and was made of birch wood. It was also noticeably larger, making Lenz vibrate in place at the prospect of piloting it. Seems he and Z7 struck some sort of deal for the privilege.

As expected, Queen Jillian was there to see us off. She offered me a light smile out of all the gathered Crafters, among which included Captain Fo, Captain Attila, Baltic, and even Alfonso_Bialetti, the Bird of Prey made Captain in name alone. It was quite a collection of quality fighters.

Of course, all the regulars of our group were in attendance as well. Heather and Luis holding hands. Perry, Dwight, Shroud, Doyle. Z7, Trenay, Witige. The Beta-males Milton_Bancroft and GregoryShistu were present also, but then there were a couple new faces. An eager blonde staring intently at me named Daisy_Amaretto. A thin, serious-looking man with silver hair named Eustace_Sterling. And, I noticed with a wince, a shapely woman who had charred, blackened skin from the neck up and no hair named Neiro_Wice.

She must've been caught in the Nuker in the worst way. At least for me it was just my cheek, and my hair was spared. I couldn't imagine how bad it was for a woman who cared about her looks. Neiro seemed to sense my pity, for she glared at me as if daring me to say something aloud. I quickly averted my eyes.

"Are these the new recruits?" Baltic asked kindly regarding Daisy, Eustace, Neiro, Milton, and Gregory.

"Yes." Jillian nodded. "They requested to join your team, and I feel their skills will adequately serve you in locating the Eastern Division." She presented them. "Milton and Gregory will fulfill the support role with Witige and Baltic, while these three," she gestured to Daisy, Eustace, and Neiro, "are proud members of Team Delta. Fine archers, all of them."

"Welcome aboard." I nodded to them.

"IT'S AN HONOR, SIR!" Daisy saluted while deafening me. Several of us winced at the girl's exuberance.

"Let's turn it down a few decibels, okay?" Trenay swooped to the mortified girl's side and addressed her fellow Team Delta members. I was fine letting her show them the ropes.

Lenz looked to the two Nitebane Captains. "Are you tagging along?" He asked more to Alfonso than Attila. Attila saw fit to answer anyway.

"Sure are. I'll be damned if I let Teal get away with wrecking my home."

"But you two are Captains. You're fine with them leaving?" Heather asked of Jillian, who nodded.

"They won't be far, and I'd rather throw everything I have at the Endward Cult before going back to worrying about defense." She shifted her beret. "Besides, it's not far via airship. We can hold down the fort for a week or two while they're gone."

"Well, it is a comfort having a former Bird of Prey watching our backs." Lenz nodded respectfully to his peer. His words seemed to make Alfonso straighten up.

"My arrows will intercept all threats." Alfonso assured, a fist smacking his chest. "You can count on the Mocha Snipe."

We certainly had a large party to disembark with. Having so many dependable allies would help lessen the burden each of us needed to carry.

It also made my World larger. There were more lives to look out for. Right now, my priority was Lenz, Baltic, and the usual group I'd been traveling with. I needed to get to know the new guys and girls if I was to grow attached and protect them properly. That's just how I operated.

"A few more points I'd like the touch on," Jillian continued. "Wing and Aurand have already landed in Oak Docks, set up a safe house, and found some leads regarding the Eastern Division. They've been busy, and Aurand has requested we bring something along." Jillian gestured to the airship. "Which is why the airships have been loaded with a cargo of Griefer Heads."

I did a double take at that, as did several other Paragons. "Hah?"

"It's to infiltrate under the guise of a new recruit for the cult." Jillian explained. "Aurand and Perry worked it between them, and it's a solid plan. These Griefer Heads were taken from the big Hacker battle. The plan is to pretend you went on a killing spree in Oak Docks, using the Heads as proof."

That... was actually a brilliant idea. Appearing like a psycho killer without doing any of the killing or terrorizing. Was Jillian sure that was Perry's idea?

"We also got more goodies for the landing party." Jillian grinned as she gestured to a row of double chests. "We have totems of undying for you to distribute amongst yourselves." There was a gasp from the new recruits, clearly not expecting having the pick of the litter when it came to totems. Most Paragons and Nitebane citizens only had one. "Also, we've brought in specially enchanted armor for you to equip in light of your adversaries." She reached into a random chest and withdrew an iron chestplate and boots. "Since we know the Eastern Executive is a skilled archer, we've enchanted these with Projectile Protection IV. Since Teal fights exclusively hand-to-hand, we've got Thorns III. And since Teal is known to wield an artifact - the Voda Shlem - we have Depth Strider III boots to counter it."

Right. Teal's artifact made the space around her have the effects of water, slowing down projectiles and Crafters besides her. She'd have Aqua Affinity, Depth Strider, and Water Breathing, making her immune to the effects. The artifact book said it was a six-meter radius. It also irrigated soil but who cares. Fighting her was like fighting someone in water, so it made sense we'd need Depth Strider to match her.

"The downside, unfortunately, is we could only afford to enchant five sets of armor, so these will only be going to our best fighters."

The best fighters being me, Z7, Attila, Alfonso, and Captain Fo. I would've argued Lenz's case, but he couldn't carry armor heavier than chainmail. He didn't seem to mind the decision, lost as he was in the grandeur of the Icarus.

The five best fighters collected the specially enchanted gear and stashed it away in our ender chests. It wouldn't do to wear it now and waste away the durability early. It wasn't a green dyed tunic, but nitpicking such a thing would be petty and ungrateful. I accepted the gift for what it was and decided on how many totems to bring.

I currently had four totems on me. It stood to reason I should grab as many as I could, right? After all, each one was a mulligan in the golf course of life.

While taking as many as I could carry was an appealing idea, any fighter worth their salt would see it was a dangerous trade-off. Inventory space was limited, and totems didn't stack. I could carry thirty-six totems but have no weapons or strategies aside from dying thirty-six times. Not a good plan. On the other hand, this was my one chance to stock up on totems. I wouldn't have another chance on the road. It made more sense to keep a few on my person and store the rest in my Pocket Box to withdraw later.

With that said, I helped myself to six additional totems and stored them away in my Pocket Box. That way I had ten in total. A nice round number. Lenz and the other Paragons of our landing party took extra totems without overpacking.

"Next, I have something for Cobb." Jillian made me turn before holding up a pair of enchanted tridents. "Two more tridents enchanted with Riptide III. Team Gamma tested them and found you can switch directions in an instant by swapping to a new trident and throwing. I won't bore you with how many Drowned we had to go through to snag these." She handed them to me and I gave them an appraising look. If I could change directions in midair on the fly, my Dart Leader Technique could hook around corners and change my trajectory. Instead of a straight, predictable line, I could throw in some zigzags to confuse my opponent. It gave me a more flexible fighting style, but only in rain and water.

"Fantastic." I nodded to Jillian. "Thanks a lot."

"Just do me a solid and stamp out the Eastern Division." She requested before addressing the gathered fleet. "Last thing!" She reached into her belt and withdrew the Vivlio Zythopoiias. "Everyone gets a lasting support buff!" She had to raise her voice as the gathered Paragons applauded and cheered such news. "A veritable cocktail of potion effects that should last you one week and no more! The effects will include Speed, Haste, Strength, Jump Boost, Regeneration, Resistance, Fire Resistance, Water Breathing-"

"Oh, thank Comparators." Lenz breathed out beside me.

"-Health Boost, Absorption, Saturation, Luck-"

"Luck?" I asked aloud.

"Is that real?" Milton and Gregory asked Baltic, who could only shrug.

"-Slow Falling, Conduit Power, Hero of the Village, and Dolphin's Grace." Jillian finished.

"What does Dolphin's Grace do?" Lenz asked.

"Increases swim speed." Jillian answered. "And, in case you were wondering, no, we have no clue how to obtain it naturally."

"We were thinking dolphins drop something that make the potion," Witige spoke carefully, "but none of us had the stones to test it."

"Why's that?"

"Because dolphins are our friends."

"I... okay?"

"Dolphins are our friends." Baltic nodded sagely. "Carys would agree."

"Dolphins are our friends."

"Dolphins are our friends."

I looked around in bewilderment as various Paragons murmured the same thing. Lenz shared in my confusion, but we just shrugged it off as unusual.

Bladder: No, no. They've got a point. Dolphins are pure and innocent and our friends.

Blood: The strong must protect the sweet...

Am I missing something here? Why is everyone pro dolphin?

Bladder: You'd have to experience a dolphin to understand.

"Question." Captain Fo raised her hand. "If the aim of the landing party is to appear inconspicuous, won't having multiple potion effects floating around us draw unwanted attention?"

"I'll leave it to your judgement. You can always drop the effects with a bucket of milk. Or dying." She added as an afterthought. "I'm just thinking that these effects will give our army a much-needed edge."

There was a murmur of assent from the combined forces of Nitebane and Zeppil. No lie, I felt pretty good with them backing me up. Though, since we'd be traveling three of the seven days, the potion buffs would only be good for four days, until December 12th. Four days in Oak Docks. We would have to work fast to find the Eastern Division.

"Well, I don't want to hold you up any more than necessary. I've covered all the support and gear you'll be given." Jillian concluded. "I've done all I can to prepare you, but I will stay in touch if ever you require my information network." She held up her map. "I wish you all the best. I'll just buff you all, and you're free to disembark."

"Before we go, I'd like to hear a speech to hype us up." Daisy's arm shot up. "From Cobb-sama."

Cobb-sama? I questioned the title, even as I became the center of attention. A fair percentage of them agreed with Daisy, encouraging me to spin them some motivational speech.

Did they envision me like Carys? Some inspirational figure that would lead them to victory. If they were basing that off my win with the Hackers, they didn't understand how troublesome Lieutenants and Executives could be. From my experience, they were no slouches.

I thought of the Diamond Cutlass in my Pocket Box and how hard that fight had been, both physically and emotionally.

"Speech! Speech! Speech!" Our forces cheered.

I sighed as I called for quiet. I just had to speak the truth and say something to hype us up. Something simple and meaningful.

"I was in Ringwood when the Withers attacked." I began, thinking back to that night. My voice carried to the quiet crowd. "My home kingdom," I patted my green-dyed tunic, "it lost a lot of good people to the cult, including King MilesPerMinute."

"That king had a saying: N.D.Y. Not Dead Yet." I revealed. "It's a simple saying for when you're beat down and weak, or when things look their darkest. You pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get back in the fight. Because as long as you're alive, you can do anything."

I was pleased to see I had the crowd spellbound by my honest words. I started to pick up in fervor.

"This fight is gonna be tough." I admitted. "It's gonna be a challenge, I know, despite all we've been gifted. Things are going to get hard, and many of you might break from the strain. But don't. Hang on as long as you can, even if it's hopeless. You cling to life, no matter how desperately, and help will come. We all need to go the extra mile. We all need to push past our limits. If you're Not Dead Yet, you stop your bitching and get shit done. We don't let up until the Eastern Division is toast! YAH!"

"YAAAAAAHHHHH!" The crowd echoed, their shouts shaking Lunar Castle.

"We're gonna win!" I hyped us up further, raising one of the tridents Jillian gave me.

"We'll win!"

"Those cultists are dead meat!" Perry screamed.

"The East will fall!"

"I swear not to bring shame upon my Prince nor my saviors." Captain Fo swore. "Zeppil will repay the Paragons and see this mission done."

"Let's show them their time is over!" I shouted to much assent.

It was time to go, and after the cheers died down, Jillian buffed everyone in our army. We clambered into the six airships and Lenz took the helm of the Icarus and led the fleet off the castle ramparts and out over the ocean. Queen Jillian saw us off with a hopeful expression and a gentle wave.

Next stop: Oak Docks.

Inventory (Cobb): 1 Diamond Sword [Sharpness III, Fire Aspect I, Sweeping Edge III, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Pickaxe [Efficiency II, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Helmet [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Leather Tunic [Dyed Green, Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Leggings [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Boots [Protection IV, Feather Falling III, Unbreaking III], 18 Obsidian, 8 Ender Chests, 43 Chorus Fruit, 56 Cooked Salmon, 53 Cooked Chicken, 6 Rotten Flesh, 64 Oak Planks, 64 Cobblestone, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Furnace, 1 Bed, 30 Blocks of Coal, 64 Torches, 1 Lava Bucket, 1 Water Bucket, 1 Milk Bucket, 1 Potion of Night Vision {8:00}, 64 Snowballs, 64 Snowballs, 11 End Crystals, 16 Ender Pearls, 1 Fishing Rod {Backlash 2.0} [Knockback II, Luck of the Sea III, Lure II, Unbreaking III], 1 Trident {Awe} [Riptide III, Unbreaking III], 1 Trident {Shock} [Loyalty II, Channeling], 1 Trident [Riptide III], 1 Trident [Riptide III], 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Mobs of the Bounty Days}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Green Shulker Box {Pocket Box}, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Totem of Undying

Green Shulker Box {Pocket Box}: 36 Eyes of Ender, 32 Blocks of Emerald, 8 Emeralds, 1 Diamond Cutlass, 1 Iron Helmet [Thorns III, Projectile Protection IV], 1 Iron Chestplate [Thorns III, Projectile Protection IV], 1 Iron Leggings [Thorns III, Projectile Protection IV], 1 Iron Boots [Thorns III, Projectile Protection IV, Depth Strider III], 25 Lapis Lazuli, 64 Books, 64 Glass, 64 Glass, 64 Glass Bottles, 1 Fishing Rod, 1 Fishing Rod, 2 Books, 1 Enchanting Table, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Book {How to Kill Stuff for Numb Nuts}, 1 Book {Advanced Mob-Slaying}, 1 Book {Mobs of the Nether}, 1 Book {Mobs of the Bounty Days}

[EXP: 53]

Inventory (Lenz): 1 Chainmail Helmet [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Dragon Head, 1 Chainmail Chestplate [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Chainmail Leggings [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Chainmail Boots [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Dagger, 16 Ender Pearls, 1 Milk Bucket, 1 Compass, 1 Bow [Power IV, Flame I, Punch II, Unbreaking III], 1 Bow [Infinity], 1 Crossbow [Piercing IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Crossbow [Multishot I, Unbreaking III], 64 Arrows, 64 Arrows, 16 Firework Rockets {Flight Duration: 1, Small Ball x 7, Gray x 7}, 16 Firework Rockets {Flight Duration: 1, Large Ball x 7, Gray x 7}, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Furnace, 62 Dark Oak Planks, 50 Chorus Fruit, 56 Cooked Salmon, 52 Apples, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Daymonte Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Zeppil Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Akasha Entry Pass}, 1 Red Shulker Box {Pocket Box}, 1 Gray Shulker Box {Pocket Box}, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Totem of Undying

Red Shulker Box {Pocket Box}: 1 Shears, 1 Lever, 9 Redstone Torches, 8 Redstone Repeaters, 3 Redstone Comparators, 18 Blocks of Redstone, 2 Hoppers, 3 Pistons, 2 Sticky Pistons, 1 Book {Airship Piloting 101}, 2 Fire Charges, 36 Charcoal, 4 Torches, 32 Pumpkin Seeds, 1 Book {Redstone Textbook}, 1 Book {Notebook}, 5 Ender Chests

Gray Shulker Box {Pocket Box}: 1 Crossbow [Unbreaking III], 1 Crossbow [Unbreaking III], 1 Crossbow [Unbreaking III], 1 Crossbow [Unbreaking III], 1 Crossbow [Unbreaking III], 1 Crossbow [Unbreaking III], 1 Crossbow [Unbreaking III], 53 Arrows of Poison {0:11}, 64 Arrows of Harming II, 57 Arrows of Harming II, 52 Arrows of Weakness {0:30}, 49 Arrows of Slowness {0:30}, 64 Arrows of Fire Resistance {1:00}, 64 Arrows of Healing II, 64 Arrows of Invisibility {1:00}, 64 Arrows of Leaping {1:00}, 64 Arrows of Slow Falling {0:30}, 64 Arrows of Night Vision {1:00}, 63 Arrows of Strength II {0:12}, 64 Arrows of Swiftness {1:00}, 63 Arrows of Swiftness II {0:11}, 64 Arrows of Water Breathing {1:00}

[EXP: 25]

Inventory (Baltic): 1 Iron Helmet [Protection III, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Chestplate [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Leggings [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Boots [Protection III, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Sword [Sharpness II, Unbreaking III], 1 Shield, 1 Bow, 1 Diamond Pickaxe [Silk Touch I, Mending I, Unbreaking II], 35 Arrows, 3 Brewing Stands, 1 Water Bucket, 64 Bones, 1 Ender Chest, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Gold Citizenship Pass}, 20 Emeralds, 64 Cooked Chicken, 46 Cooked Chicken, 1 Lingering Potion of Slowness {1:00}, 1 Lingering Potion of Slowness {1:00}, 1 Lingering Potion of Healing II {0:05}, 1 Lingering Potion of Regeneration II {0:05}, 1 Blue Shulker Box {Pocket Box}, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Totem of Undying

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

[EXP: 32]

Inventory {Jillian}: 1 Book {Vivlio Zythopoiias}, 1 Diamond Sword [Sharpness II, Unbreaking III], 1 Bow {Artemis} [Unbreaking III, Punch II, Power V, Knockback II, Curse of Vanishing, Infinity], 1 Bow {Apollo} [Unbreaking III, Flame I, Punch II, Knockback II], 1 Crossbow, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Clock, 35 Torches, 1 Book and Quill {Planner}, 1 Book and Quill {Notebook}, 38 Cooked Cod, 42 Cooked Salmon, 56 Arrows, 16 Firework Rockets {Flight Duration: 1, Small Ball x 7, White x 7}, 16 Firework Rockets {Flight Duration: 1, Large Ball x 7, White x 7}, 1 Map {Paragon Minecraftia}, 1 Paper {Gold Citizenship Pass}, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Totem of Undying

[EXP: 53]

Inventory (Z7): 1 Diamond Helmet [Protection III, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Chestplate [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Leggings [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Boots [Protection III, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Pickaxe, 32 Cobblestone, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Furnace, 21 Charcoal, 40 Torches, 59 Oak Planks, 1 Cake, 1 Cake, 1 Cake, 28 Cookies, 48 Baked Potatoes, 1 Milk Bucket, 1 Bucket, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Gold Citizenship Pass}, 1 Purple Shulker Box {Pocket Box}, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Totem of Undying, 1 Totem of Undying

Purple Shulker Box {Pocket Box}: 1 Iron Helmet [Thorns III, Projectile Protection IV], 1 Iron Chestplate [Thorns III, Projectile Protection IV], 1 Iron Leggings [Thorns III, Projectile Protection IV], 1 Iron Boots [Thorns III, Projectile Protection IV, Depth Strider III]

[EXP: 47]

AN: I scaled back on the Inventory List to focus on the Eastern side only, which is what I should have been doing with the West for the past two chapters since we only focused on them. Could've limited my word count.

You better believe I had to pay particular attention to the inventories as Cobb and his group are receiving the Nitebane Care Package. Some people speculated it would be a bad package, but nope. Totally useful stuff, much of which Cobb requested of Jillian following his victory against the Hackers. We also see some new additions to the Landing Party, as I'm calling it. This is the same group that started in Ringwood, but is now getting seven new members, including Daisy, Milton, Gregory, Neiro, Eustace, Attila, and Alfonso. Adding Wing and Aurand already in Oak Docks, and the landing party is twenty-one people. I'm sure they'll all make it out alive.

I feel this really needed its own Chapter since there are a lot of goodies I needed to focus on. Jillian really is going all out to ensure the Eastern Division is eliminated. She's using everything in her power to prepare them, and Cobb, for the inevitable showdown. I'm sure Carys had thorough preparation in place when she decimated the Southern Division. All the more reason the detour to Nitebane was needed. Cobb wouldn't have all these goodies if he never challenged Trish and Alfonso on the bridge to begin with.

FAV. FOLLOW. REVIEW. PM. FORUM. DISCORD. PIÑA COLADA.