by Terry Mayer
This got a few back slaps from the guys but if looks could kill, Darth and his cronies would have finished me off right then and there.
"Right, just like your final Survival Exam, just in case your have all forgotten, we will practice taking down Zombies with bows. I want groups of four. Two shooters per group and two armed with Diamond Swords. Here is how it's going to work. I will spawn six Zombies per group and the shooters will put them down, those with the swords will stand defense, just in case the shooters are too incompetent to kill the Zombies before they reach you. Do not intervene until the last possible moment, but DO NOT allow the Zombies to reach the shooters - Do you all understand?"
Everyone nodded yes and eyed each other nervously - Zombies aren't the strongest of mobs but they can still kill you pretty quickly if you are not prepared. *gulp*
Hoody raised his hand and asked what were the rules, Mr Mayer just looked at him, using his death stare then replied.
"The rules are simple Hoody.
Rule #1 Stay alive.
Rule #2 Work as a team. If the shooters fail to kill the Zombies they step back and let those with the Swords deal with them.
Rule #3 Stay alive.
Is that quite clear Hoody, do you now understand?"
"Uh yes sir, stay alive it is then," Hoody replied winking at Mr Mayer. WINKING again, what is it with this guy? Anyway, Hoody's charm offensive worked and Mr Mayer cracked the smallest of smiles.
"Good, now everyone light your torch. First group, Jeb, Hoody, Numbers and Gravy, out into the open, your Zombies will spawn in the woods. Place your torches in the ground, shooters ready, Swords Bearers step behind the shooters and prepare to defend them. Are you ready?"
We all looked at each other nervously. Me and Numbers had our bows ready, Hoody gave me wink, I'm really going to have to speak to him about that, then Mr Mayer shouted, "Good luck team - Captain, TIME SET NIGHT, lets begin."
And the Survival Room went dark - ah man, I forgot they could change the time of day with cheat codes! The next instant moaning emanated from the trees and four Zombies shambled into the open. Numbers, you take the two on the left, I've got the ones on the right, wait until they are in range.
Numbers then did something really brave, nah scratch that, really STUPID! He ran forward, screaming at the top of his lungs and shot the first Zombie through the head, quickly notched his second arrow and took down the next Zombie with an awesome arrow straight through its dead heart. Me and the other guys just stood there with out mouths wide open, jaws almost on the floor. It was only the shouting from the crowd that spurred me into action. The two Zombies that I had assigned myself had turned and were heading for Numbers, who was in the process of notching his third arrow and aiming at the incoming walkers.
"You want me to take yours too Jeb," he laughed, but the look on my face must have scarred him to death, as the color drained from his face.
I screamed, "behind you Numbers," and I let loose my first arrow. It sailed over the Zombies heads, skimmed past Numbers cheek and planted itself between the eyes of the fifth Zombie that was just about to take a big munch out of Numbers neck. Well to his credit, Numbers swung around and let fly his arrow at the sixth Zombie, taking it out just in time. I put an arrow between the shoulder blades of Zombie number three (yeah, I finally got around to taking out my Zombies!) and notched my last arrow.
"Hey, meat head," I yelled and the last Zombie turned to face me. "Eat this," I shouted as I released the arrow and it flew straight into the Zombies open mouth. Yeeha, six Zombies down and no casualties.
"Nice work boys," complimented Mr Mayer as he strode up behind us, "but Numbers, if you ever pull another stunt like that I'll shoot you myself. It was totally irresponsible and could have got you all killed."
A crest fallen Numbers meekly replied that he was sorry and we were kicked, unceremoniously out of the clearing. *shame*
The rest of the day was spent observing the other teams as they took down their Zombies. It got a little hairy at one point when Fingers missed a Zombie that was charging him and in his haste to get out of it's way he tripped on a tree stump. I did not think it was possible for a person to scream so loud, maybe it was a cunning plan to trick the Zombie or whatever but he just lay there on the floor, seconds away from certain death when Pippa jumped in and cut off the Zombies head with her Diamond Sword. I guess Mr Mayer was right, if you stick to the plan then even when it all gets out of control you still get to live. Note to myself - Have another word with Numbers about following the rules. Way to go Pippa - she was definitely the hero of the day.
Tuesday
We made more potions today. Darth was quiet for a change, I don't think he wanted a repeat of the Potion of Slowness debacle. Hey, whatever keeps him quiet is ok by me. We had to make a load of Splash Potions of Healing, they do exactly what they say on the label, they heal you but they also hurt undead mobs like Zombies. Hope we won't have to use them in the next lesson. To make the Potion of Healing we first made an Awkward Potion, that's a base potion you make by adding Nether Wart to a Water Bottle in the Brewing Stand. It's not a lot of use for anything on it's own but we then added Glistering Melon and Gun Powder and turned it into a Splash Potion of Healing, well cool.
Wednesday
OMG! I feel so alive. We had Zombie training again today and it was
We swapped rolls so Hoody and Gravy were the shooters and me and Numbers the Sword Bearers. Anyway, Mr Mayer told us to walk out into the clearing and Zombies would be coming at us, shooters put them down yada, yada, yada and then he said something that woke us all up. To spice things up a little, today you will be attacked by twenty Zombies and to make things more realistic, you will not know in advance where they will spawn. Everybody ready, ok Captain, TIME SET NIGHT - and begin.
Twenty Zombies, are you kiddin' me? "Come on guys, quick, light some torches and stick them in the ground, look out Hoody, over to your left, here comes the first Zombie." And it all kicked off.
Hoody and Gravy did a great job taking out the first four Zombies with their Bows, then two spawned right behind us and before we even knew what was happening they were in amongst us, reaching for Hoody. I jumped forward and swung my Sword just as it's dead fingers brushed the back of Hoody's neck, taking it's head clean off. Numbers took the other one out with a fine upper cut that left his Diamond Sword sticking out of the Zombies torso, but it did the job.
Six more fell to Hoody's and Gravy's arrows before another four Zombies burst into our little circle, threatening to overwhelm our defenses, but Numbers fought like a seasoned pro, slashing and thrusting his Diamond Sword and decapitating three of the Zombies while I took care of the last one.
Four Zombies left, but where were they. We huddled together, waiting for the imminent arrival but nothing happened. I looked around, trying to catch Mr Mayer's eye but he was in a heated conversation with the Captain and did not look too happy.
"Ok guys, we can't just sit here all night, there must be a time limit or something. I think we should go find them." Yeah, that went down just about as well as it sounds.
Are you mad, don't be an idiot, just sit tight Jeb, let them come to us. We could have argued all night but enough was enough, I gave Numbers a questioning look and to my relief he shrugged and nodded. Yes - game on. Grabbing a torch each we moved cautiously out into the night, looking for the last four Zombies. When the other two saw what we were up to they grabbed their Bows, notched an arrow each and fell in behind us.
"Ok, me and Numbers will take the lead, Hoody and Gravy stay behind us and be ready to take these undead Mobs out the moment you spot them. We all ready? Good, lets head towards that low rock outcrop."
We moved cautiously through the night, the torches only fully illuminating a few blocks around us, ever aware that a Zombie could dash out of the darkness at any moment.
"You ok Numbers, I whispered," hoping that he would hold strong.
"I'm better than ok Jeb, this is awesome," he replied.
I did a double take - he was grinning from ear to ear - this guy was loving every minute, and I was worried about him!
As we edged up to the low rock outcrop, we braced ourselves, ready to defend against any attack. Nodding to Numbers and Gravy to circle to the left, myself and Hoody went to the right. Just as we came out behind the rock a Zombie dashed at Hoody, grabbing him and throwing him to the floor before he could get off a shot. I jumped into the melee and cleanly sliced its head from its shoulders. Hearing a noise I looked up as Numbers and Gravy came around from the side of the rock and my heart nearly stopped. Standing on top of the rock were the last three Zombies and they were preparing to drop on top of my friends. It was a trap!
"Look out above - it's a trap!" I screamed as the first Zombie dropped onto Gravy, knocking him to the floor.
Numbers immediately came to his rescue, finishing off the beast before it could get its filthy teeth into him. Hoody pulled himself to his feet next to me and shot one of the Zombies as it launched itself at the others, giving Gravy just enough time to reload his bow and shoot the last Zombie before it got a chance to attack.
That was awesome. I really thought I would be terrified but I was just energized. We strutted, yep strutted, back to the rest of the class who gave us a resounding cheer, well Darth actual gave us dagger eyes, but I guess you don't get everything. I expected Mr Mayer to congratulate us but instead he was still arguing with the Captain. The next instant the Captain shouted TIME SET DAY, turned to face the class and screamed, "I want you all out of the Survival Room now," and he then rushed off, calling the guards to him and telling them to get everyone out. All eyes turned to Mr Mayer, who shrugged and said, "It seems we have a little problem and the Captain has ordered us to leave until it is sorted, class dismissed."
And that was it, we were ushered from the room by the heavily armed guards and told to return to our rooms and await instructions. That was twelve hours ago, and there is still no explanation. I'm tired, whatever the problem is can wait for the morning, I'm going to bed.
Thursday
What? I was shaken awake this morning at 6am, can you believe that? Gravy told me we had all been summoned to the atrium by the headmaster. Breakfast was coming early this morning.
OMG! You will not believe what we were just told. I don't have much time to tell you so I will be really quick. After we fought the Zombies yesterday, Mr Mayer and the Captain had that big argument and it turns out it was because of the way the Zombies behaved in the fight. They set a trap for us and worked as a team and apparently that has never happened before, it should not be possible for brain dead Mobs to be that organized!
Anyway, the bottom line is the Captain sent out a squad of heavily armed guards (that's thirteen bowmen in Diamond Armor) to the Portal, that's right, I said the Portal! It's location has been a heavily guarded secret ever since Steve returned from the Overworld, but I guess it makes sense that it is in the Survival Room. Apparently it has been locked open and that is why the gravity in the Survival Room is the same as the Overworld.
But get this, the guards never returned. The Captain sent a full platoon (that's three squads or thirty three soldiers!) on horseback to find them but they were gone. They found a few Bows and Swords lying around the Portal so they are presumed dead.
Every available Avatar has been ordered to the Survival Room to help secure the Portal from attack. We have been told to bring all the equipment we had previously made in Crafting School plus all the potions from Mr Larrson's class. We have all just been drafted into the Minecraftia Defense Forces and assigned active duty.
Sunday
I have been sooooo busy. Join the Army they say, travel the world, have great adventures, yeah right. All of the noobs have just spent the last four days building accommodation blocks and fortifications around the portal. Man, I know I'm only a noob and have not yet finished my training but I did not think that would be all I would get to do.
Ok, that's enough moaning from me, here's what happened. We all met up at the Survival Room and were immediately spilt into ten groups of twelve noobs. We were then assigned a Corporal, that's is a real soldier, who is in charge of our group. Our Corporal's name is Henckman but he said we can just call him SIR. Yes, the capitals are needed as every time he speaks he shouts!
Anyway, we spawned in Squads straight into the Survival Room but instead of landing in the clearing like normal we spawned right next to the Portal. There are no words to describe it, so all I can say is
Mr Mayer met us at the Portal and informed us that for the duration of the disturbances we were now under the command of the Captain, BUT, whenever there was time we would continue our lessons. No excuses - DO WE UNDERSTAND?
Yes sir. What is it with all the shouting today? He went on to explain that our duties would be building fortifications and accommodation blocks for the incoming troops. Man, this sounds serious. Oh, and when we are no longer in a class room situation we are to refer to him as Colonel Mayer - UNDERSTOOD?
Yes sir - way cool, Colonel Mayer, that's like really senior or something.
The Captain set us to work the moment Colonel Mayer finished with us. Our job was to mine for cobblestone, *yawn* but without building materials no one could construct anything.
All day - that's how long we worked, I must have mined 10,000 Cobblestone blocks today, oh ok, maybe not that many but is certainly feels like it. Any usable Ore's were stored in a huge warehouse erected at the mine's entrance, everything else was sent to the camp by rail cart.
The first of the accommodation blocks had been built by the time we finished mining and we are all staying here tonight. No one is aloud to leave their block after sunset, anyone who disobeys orders will answer to the Captain for military punishment. *gulp*
Monday
What already? I forgot that the moment you lay down on your bed in the Survival Room you wake to a new day. Really messes with your head but at least I feel refreshed.
This morning we are on defense building duties. That has got to be better than mining.
Nope, I was totally wrong. Mining was much more fun than building defenses. All we did was stack Cobblestone blocks all morning. Twelve blocks deep by twenty blocks high, surrounding the whole camp. I don't know what they expect but it will never get through these walls!
Yes, this afternoon was so much fun, we went back to school. Mr Larrson, or should I say Major Larrson, started our Enchantments class today and we have been given the task of making and enchanting Weapons and Armor for the whole army! We started by making 100 x Diamond Swords. I have never seen so much wealth but I suppose it's different in the Survival Room, pity we can't take them home with us, I'd never have to work again. Not that I have actually ever worked before - after all, I am only eleven!
After we completed Crafting the Swords the real lesson started - Enchanting 101.
Someone had already been busy and built an enchanting room, ready for today's lesson so we were all set up ready to go.
Major Larrson informed us of the theory behind enchanting. Simply put, you can enchant objects on an Enchanting Table, but to get higher level enchantments you need to surround the Enchanting Table with bookshelves. "Uh Sir, um, Major, Mr Larrson."
"Yes Jeb, and how about you call me Major Larrson, that way you will not be guessing whether school is in session."
"Right, Major Larrson sir." Yeah I know, messed it up already! "I see the Enchanting Tables but there are no Bookcases, does that mean we are only making basic enchantments?"
"Good question Jeb, and no, we have been instructed to make higher level enchantments wherever possible, so your first job is to make the bookcases, 15 per enchanting table."
"Why can't someone else make the bookcases and let us get on with enchanting the Swords?" asked Hoody.
"I can see someone has not read the course book I supplied at the beginning of term. Has anyone here actually read it yet?"
"Yes Major Larrson, I have," replied Pippa.
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br /> "Good, then maybe you can inform your unprepared friend why it will be necessary for him to build his own Bookcases before he begins enchanting."
"Yes Major. Enchanting any object requires Experience Points or XP, and the more you have the higher the level of enchantment you can produce. As we are all still noobs we have little to no XP so we need to engage in an activity that will generate XP."
"Very well said Pippa, it's nice to see I still have some considerate students."
"Uh Major, surely the quickest way to gain XP points is to kill mobs, you don't suggest we have to kill Zombies or something, do you?" stammered Gravy.
"No Gravy, although the time will come when that will be expected of you. Today you will be killing Mobs but it will be an easy task, if maybe a little distasteful. To make bookshelves we need Books, and to make Books we need Leather and Paper, in fact 45 pieces of Leather and 135 pieces of Paper per set of 15 Bookcases."
"Uh Major, where are we going to get 45 pieces of Leather each. Cows only drop 0 to 2 pieces of Leather when you kill them so being realistic, we are going to have to kill about 100 cows each and there's like 120 of us, that's thousands of cows!"
"Yes Pippa, you are almost correct. We will work in groups of four and gather the materials required to build one Enchanting Room per group. There is a farm established not far from here, cared for by some villagers who also cultivate Sugar Cane for the Paper. Right, form into Groups of four, grab your Swords and follow me," replied Major Larrson, strolling from the room.
And that was how we started enchanting. It was gross, then fun then totally gross again. The first Cow I killed was messy and gross but sooo awesome. I walked up to it hacked away at it while it tried to run, blood sprayed everywhere until it eventually died and dropped some Meat. What, after all that no Leather!
