Zephyr POV
As I crossed over I couldn't help but feel the increasing heat with every passing second, as I slowly opened my eyes I saw the Nether be just like I remembered it.
Full of Crimson forests and Warped forests and as luck would have it, a mature Hoglin was nearby and stared at me.
Huff!
Whoosh
Suddenly it started rushing at me and I placed my hand on Shinoyami as I stared at the charging Hoglin before I drew my katana as I felt Sakura energy flow through my entire body.
Whoosh
Clang
Thud!
I slashed the Hoglin thrice in quick succession as it dropped onto the ground before it turned into smoke as green lights dropped and floated within my body.
I took out an iron pickaxe and looked at the ceiling that had lava pooling down into a sea of pure lava and I could see two-legged creatures walking around ontop of the lava.
I stared at the ceiling where there was a mass of glowstone spread out throughout the ceiling.
Zephyr: "So it's still the same…well time to get to work.."
34 minutes later
I got to mining the netherrack until I got up to 2x stacks and found nether quartz which I mined fully for the experience gain and as a necessary item for aspects.
Hiss!
While mining I hadn't payed attention to my surroundings until I heard a hissing noise and I stopped to turn around and stare at a rather large red-skinned anaconda.
Zephyr : "I cant catch a break can I?"
As the red anaconda approached me slowly I raised my hand and concentrated with using Gaia's power to gain the red Anaconda's trust.
Hiss!
The red anaconda had stopped before it continued to slither forward and as it opened its mouth I couldn't help but sweat the more it creeped closer.
That was until the red anaconda moved its head onto my hand and I saw it nuzzle closer with its eyes closed.
I carefully patted its head before I let go and watched it look at me before it turned around and left into the Crimson Forest until I couldn't see it anymore.
I sighed with relief and stared at the ceiling before I started building up where I broke the first cluster of glowstone and moved to the next.
30 minutes later
After awhile I had collected nearly 4x stacks of Glowstone and while on the last one I stared at the far distance that had a nether building fortress but not one at the same time.
The more I stared at the place the weirder I felt seeing somewhat familiar machinery but it seemed to still be operational with some piglins nearby moving carts.
I stared at Shinoyami that sent a pulse that I could interpret to be careful and so I ventured forth to the area.
20 minutes later
After nearly falling off into the sea of lava I arrived near the structure before a wide screen appeared before my eyes.
[You have reached the Soul Forge!]
[Commencing raid on the Soul Forge of the Remnants of the Piglin Empire]
Zephyr: "W-wait I don't want to ra-"
It wasn't long before piglins rushed from the Soul Forge with their gold swords raised charging straight at me.
Zephyr: "Oh for the love of god!"
I took a deep breath before I charged forth meeting the first three piglins head on taking it as further training.
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
With the first piglin raising his sword to do an overhead swing I swiftly drew Shinoyami from her sheath and slashed twice as the piglin squeeled before dying.
I raised Shinoyami and swung horizontally in a wide angle as the blade turned into different fragments killing the two piglins.
I saw more and more piglins rush forth and I couldn't help but feel like I might be here for awhile.
Whoosh
Clang!
Squeel!
Whoosh
Clang!
Squeel!
Whoosh
Whoosh
Clang!
Squeel!
While in thought I blocked a diagonal slash from a piglin before kicking his body away and using my bokken to block another sword strike from my right before the fragmented blade shard scattered sinking into the piglins heads or necks.
After getting rid of the majority of the piglins a few of them stopped charging at me and a piglin brute with a large mace walked forwards.
???: "Oink! Stoo this bloodshed human! I can't stand to see my fellow kin be hurt Oink!"
I stopped and stared at the piglin brute as numerous questions were raised in my head about this sudden development.
???: "If you wish to claim the Soul Forge you will need to spare my fellow kin and beat the Netherite Monstrosity…"
Zephyr: "Netherite Monstrosity? What is that?"
???: "One of our Piglin races most famous creations and one whom the Soul Forge is for Oink!"
I awkwardly nodded and the large piglin brute commanded the other piglins to prepare the machine.
???: "Oink! Boss the other piglins will want to know why …Oink… The Soul Forge was activated!"
???: "When a human finds a way into the Nether that means we can travel to the Overworld!"
Zephyr: "You can try it but I think you know what happens when you invaded the Overworld"
???: "Oink! Shut yer trap human!"
Zephyr: "Then how about you and your kin join me to the Overworld to re-create the Netherite Monstrosity if I beat the beast and I will take you to see the the Overworld"
???: "Oink? Join you to go to the Overworld? Hah you think I can be tricked Oink!"
Zephyr: "Not trying to, but I am incredibly interested in trying to replicate the Netherite Monstrosity for that is my nature as a enthusiast"
???: "Boss wasn't that the Glorious Piglin Empires dream to see the richness of the Overworld Oink?"
???: "Oink! That is our dream but we must inform them that we found a way out again!"
???: "But couldn't we take the credit for finding out the portal and bring back materials to show for it Oink?"
???: "No th- Oink? No considering the rest of the Piglins like hogging all the gold Oink!"
???: "Oink! We were just making sure the Overworld was safe boss! Then we can enjoy the richness of the Overworld for ourselves!"
???: "Oink! Yes! We won't give them no gold!"
As both kept talking I hummed in thought as the rest of the remaining piglins moved carts filled with netherite and lava to the top floor where I catched a glimpse of a giant behemoth.
I couldn't help but feel undergeared for defeating what would be a massive War machine that had this massive structure built just for it to be used.
Zephyr: 'But then again I havent used the Golden Karmic Lightning Lance yet…'
I focused up and waited until the piglin brute had finally nodded to me of the Netherite Monstrosity being fully operational.
???: "Remember what you promised human! Otherwise we will curse you to be hunted throughout the Nether realm!"
Zephyr: "Sure thing, I just need you guys to help me rebuild it"
I walked through the large forge and walked to the right up the stairs before I saw the Netherite Monstrosity and I couldn't help but think that I need to be incredibly careful otherwise I might die.
I took a deep breath before I focused entirely on the Sakura energy within my body and connected it with Shinoyami before I whispered Shinoyami's 2nd skill.
Zephyr: "Sakuranomai…time to get a little wild!"
Slowly my heartrate quickened and I felt my veins bulge and my entire body be full of newfound strength.
Rumble
ROOOOOAARR!!!
At the same time, I walked forwards only the Netherite Monstrosity had raised up its head before it looked at me and roared before It slowly started getting up.
Whoosh
Swirl!
Rumble!
Whoosh
BOOOOM!!! x4
I saw it raise its left fist before it split into four parts and a swirling mass of lava gathered before it shot at me.
I swiftly got out of the way as four projectiles were shot and spires made of flames spread out from the impact zone of each projectile.
I rushed forward and infused Shinoyami with its Sakura energy and started striking its rather tough netherite plating making its metal creak from each blow but not enough to stop it.
ROOOAARRR!!!
Rumble!!!
BOOOOOM!!!
Rumble!!!
Seeing the massive metal behemoth raise both of its arms I quickly jumped back just in the nick of time before it brough down both arms that were slammed into the ground creating a shockwave that lifted the ground up.
I jumped up onto the ruble and onto its head before I started cutting into its head with strike after strike but it would appear that it wasn't enough before it started charging onto the first floor.
As we both fell down a level I jumped off its head and seeing it roll into its back I couldn't help but curse as it opened its left hand and four projectiles were shot out before the ground was lit in a fiery blaze of flames.
I dodged back and charged once more hitting his limbs to try and immobilize the behemoth but it was easier said than done.
I needed to get a stronger skill capable of penetrating through steel of this caliber but I don't think I will have enough points.
And I don't want to know what happens if I use the Golden Karmic Lightning Lance repeatedly given its current grade at {Divine}.
Zephyr: "Luna! Can you get me a skill that is appropriate to cut through steel!"
As I was speaking I jumped onto a nearby pillar to avoid the Monstrosity's earthquake attack that seemed to lift the ground up.
[Searching for suitable skill now! …searching… search found!… Buying skill now!]
It wasn't long until I saw the skill Luna bought me and I swiftly pushed the orb into my body and let Shinoyami control my body as I felt a massive headache before passing out.
Zephyr: "Shinmusō Hayashizaki-ryū huh..?"
Unknown Location
Zephyrs Mindscape
As I woke up I looked around the place and saw myself be in a place similar to a dojo where I dueled against the old man.
I looked at the man sitting in front of me in surprise and I couldn't help but feel like I could die in any moment even if he only had a kimono on.
He had blonde slicked back hair tied in a ponytail with the sides shaven, a stubbled chinstrap beard and a scar that runs down his right eye and a necklace around his neck.
???: "Hoh? This is the first time I have had someone who wished to learn my own technique who already has gods gift…"
Zephyr: "Then why don't I show yo-"
As I placed my hand on Shinoyami I felt the wind pass around my body in quick succession while the guy was still sitting down.
???: "You could have died 108 times there kid…tch"
???: "You god gifted people really don't take time to practice when everything is given to you in a silver platter huh?"
Zephyr: "How did yo-"
???: "Shut it brat… If you came here to learn I won't show mercy until you learned it fully with hard work…"
I grimly nodded before I asked him who he was to which the man smirked and told me to focus on training
???: "Until you seem like a worthwhile candidate to use my technique on…"
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes and placed my right hand on Shinoyami's handle and lowered my stance to prepare as I had created a 5 meter area around me using Gaias Energy and the Sakura Energy to detect anything.
Clang!
Feeling movement I immediately striked but it wasn't even close to reaching it before I felt three cuts on my face and I winced.
???: "At least you got Maai understood but your draw speed is incredibly horrendous! Is this how much gods gifs are squandered?"
I focused once more but every single time I felt his blade enter my area I gained more cuts on my entire body and there was nothing I could do but endure it until half of my body was bleeding.
???: "Well isn't that quite disappointing…thought you would have more given the strange power you seem to hold…"
I grimaced and as much as I wanted to use Sakuranomai I need to learn the basics more otherwise I will just rely on skills.
Zephyr: "Youre right…it is disappointing that I have to rely on my gifs to try and beat you but then whats the point in trying to understand your technique if I can't learn the basics…"
???: "So you wish to start all over? From the very beginning…?"
Zephyr: "Yeah…"
Even the swordmanship I bought can only work if my physique matches with the training of 8 years otherwise I wasted it all for nothing.
???: "Very well then I hope your mind can take a beating of time because I will teach you from the very beginning…"
Zephyr: "Then all I can hope is to learn from you Sensei…"
???: "Sensei huh…? Then lets get started with a laido stance first…"
8 Hours later
Panting!
Panting!
???: "C'mon kid if this is how long you last, any woman you're with will be the most dissatisfied woman in the world…"
Zephyr: "Fuck off! Lets go again!"
Clang!
Clang!
Thud!
I rushed forwards with my hand on Shinoyami's handle before I drew my sword in quick succession but he lazily blocked the strikes and elbowed my chest making me cough up saliva before he punched my face into the tatami mats.
I slowly got up before I had to defend as he approached me slolwy before I started swinging to the right and left avoiding quick strikes that targeted my limb joints.
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
Even lowering his own draw speed I still can't see the strikes until they are right in my face but it doesn't matter as long as I keep adapting to his strikes.
3 Hours later
Panting!
Panting!
Whoosh
Clang!
Thud!
Zephyr: "I-I cant continue!"
???: "And here I thought you wanted to train yourself to learn my skills"
Zephyr: "N-not when… *pant* youre pushed to deflect and defend every single minute! …fuck!"
Clang!
I raised my right arm weakly before I blocked his sword strike but I couldn't hold on and i felt his blade stab through my left shoulder.
Zephyr: "Argh! W-wasnt this just training!?"
I hastily clutched my bleeding left shoulder and grit my teeth in pain as I spoke in pain at the bastards words.
???: "Think on what you just said to me kid… you won't learn a single lesson if you don't experience pain and have one goal in mind to continue through the pain…"
Hearing his words I couldn't help but think of Gaia and of the Gods that I will have to deal with.
Whoosh
Clang!
Whoosh
Clang!
Whoosh
Clang!
Whoosh
Clang!
Whoosh
Clang!
I weakly raised Shinoyami and focused once more before I charged forwards striking with every last ounce of strength within my exhausted body whom couldn't keep up after 11 hours of purely defending.
5 minutes later
Clang!
Thud!
With every horizontal swing he would block but I pushed on not trying to let him move freely just as he did to me but after a couple of minutes later my body couldn't continue no more.
Zephyr: "I- I cant move my body no more"
???: "Well tou definitely lasted a lot longer than many would and your physique itself is a wonder to me but it will make things take longer for you to learn my technique"
Panting!
Zephyr: "W-whatever just let me rest…"
Panting!
???: "But it will be fun to see my technique reach unprecedented levels of power that I couldn't quite reach in my lifetime"
I closed my eyes and soon enough I drifted off to sleep with thoughts of using the time to train my body fully.
1 Week later
???: "Well it seems I underestimated your body's healing factor…"
I stared at the sky and turned my head to see my left arm severed from my body and a large cut running from my left shoulder all the way way down my torso.
Zephyr: "So thats your technique…and to think you're not using it at its fullest…"
???: "Yeah, it seems like you got another month until your body fully synchronizes and a couple more until you can catch a glimpse of my blade…"
Zephyr: "Sigh, then lets wait until my severed arm is back for training to continue…"
???: "Heh? Training doesn't stop till you drop dead kid! And I still see some fighting left in you"
Zephyr: "Damn you!"
???: "Less talking more training…"
2 Weeks later
As I walked outside I waited for the tough bastard to explain his technique that took a while to learn.
???: "Now pay close attention and I will see how far you have come…."
I took a deep breath before I exhaled a breath of hot air as I activated my Sakuranomai skill and I felt all of my heightened senses increased.
Chirp
Whoosh
Clang!
Clang!
???: "…Time cutter…"
I finally saw the fleeting shadow of his blade slash cleanly through a massive boulder and the trees behind it before the massive trees started falling towards us.
???: "Making your entire body synchronize to every nerve within your body and brain to go beyond human limits…"
As both were about to fall on us, the crazy bastard had sat down with his katana to the side.
???: "…And cut through the divine who haven't dedicated themselves to the fullest…"
Whoosh
Thud
Whoosh
Thud!
In an instant I saw both massive trees be split in half as they fell beside us but I couldn't see him move his katana to strike.
???: "If you saw a glimpse of it then you are ready to learn on your own…"
Zephyr: "Ah? Sigh, well I must say it has been an interesting journey training my body with actual combat"
???: "Hmph, real combat experience makes you grow tremendously especially when paired with a goal in mind…"
Zephyr: "So you ready to tell me your name now?"
???: "Tch, you still haven't become worthy for my name but I will congratulate you for getting the first few steps right…"
Zephyr: "Oh well, thanks for teaching me for the past few weeks sensei"
???: "Mhm, atleast your stamina got higher otherwise a brat like you will never satisfy a woman ever again"
Zephyr: "Talk about yourself at your old age, atleast I can still do it"
???: "Heh, just don't die without letting my technique grow to higher heights"
Zephhr: "I could say the same to you, you better be alive for me to beat you with your own technique"
???: "Whatever, just get out of my home already"
______________
Zephyr POV
Overworld
I chuckled before I left my mindscape and regained consciousness slolwy as I felt the condition of my exhausted body.
I witnessed the amount of strikes scratched onto the Monstrosity's Netherite plating and I couldn't help but grin before I took a deep breath and exhaled hot air.
Zephyr: "Well time to see what an unfinished version of the technique is like…"
ROOOAAR!!!
Thud!
Thud!
Thud!
I put my hand on Shinoyami's handle and as the Netherite Monstrosity roared and charged at me I infused Gaias Nature Energy and the Sakura Energy into Shinoyami's blade.
Zephyr: "Time Cutter…"
I waited until the Monstrosity reached my Maai and I focused entirely on the left arm and once its arms crossed my zone I drew Shinoyami from her sheath.
Whoosh
Zephyr: "Now I see for myself the progress Ive made…"
Whoosh
Clang!
Tear!
ROOOOAAARRR!!!
My blade infused with Sakura & Nature Energy cut half-way through the Monstrosity's netherite plated left arm as it roared in pain and I got knocked back into one of the lava containing pillars.
Whoosh
BOOOMM!!!
Zephyr: "Cough…damn does it pack a punch"
Whoosh
BOOOM!!!
Whoosh
BOOOM!!!
The Monstrosity raised its right arm into the ground repeatedly, making the ground rumble and some of the ores in the rails of the Forge fall down.
Whoosh
BOOOM!!!
Whoosh
BOOOM!!!
As I saw the lava break free from the glass within the pillars I grimaced asit spread out through the floor and I swiftly charged in once more cutting deep strikes into the Netherite plating of the Monstrosity's.
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
I kept striking its joints and legs until one of its legs finally managed to break and as it kneeled and let out a roar I started putting more energy into Shinoyami's blade.
Whoosh
Clang!
Seeing it grab onto one of the lava pillars and sucked in the lava before it roared and shot out the lava into three different areas before they blew up and lava spread out from the impact zone.
ROOOAARR!!!
THUD!!!
THUD!!!
THUD!!!
THUD!!!
BOOOM!!!
I jumped back and raised Shinoyami up to block the Monstrosity's charge but I couldn't fully stop its impact and I was launched into one of the pillars once more.
Crash!
Zephyr: "Cough! Damn…this will hurt later in the morning…"
ROOOAARR!!!
Seeing the monstrosity roar with its half-cut left arm raised with a swirling mass of lava within I charged forth and exhaled before empowering Shinoyami once more with both Sakura and Nature Energy.
Zephyr: "Shinmuso Hayashizaki-ryū Technique…"
Zephyr: "…Time Cutter!"
Whoosh
Clang
Tear!
ROOOAAARR!!!
THUD!
In a single draw I completely cut off the left Netherite arm and watched the monstrosity stop amd roar in agony and with that I ran forth and jumped near its head and empowered Shinoyami for one last time.
Zephyr: "…Time Cutter…Sayanara Netherite Monstrosity…"
Clang!
Tear!
Clang!
Tear!
Clang!
Tear!
Clang!
Tear!
Clang!
Tear!
ROOOAAARR!!!
Feeling a sudden burst of energy from within my body I exhaled and slashed through the Netherite Monstrosity's head numerous times slolwy watching as his netherite horns were chipped off along with its head.
Seeing it raise its arms once more I jumped back before It slammed down its right arm as the ground rumbled and rose up.
Zephyr: "Shit!"
ROOOAARR!!!
I jumped to one of the last remaining pillars and watched as the Monstrosity roared high before It knelt down on one knee and stayed guard in front of the flowing lava behind it.
Zephyr: "Hmm? Why isn't it striking no longer..?"
I cautiously took a step closer and saw the Monstrosity raise its lava coated right arm and open surprising me.
I stepped back and saw it lower its arm and I thought on why it was just there guarding something…behind the lavafall…
I put Shinoyami in her sheath and I took a look at the piglins on the outside that stared in disbelief and I took a look at the piglin Brute that was grumbling before I shook my head.
Zephyr: "If it was made by them, why does it fear them…"
I walked away and walked towards the Piglin Brute that now held two large fist bladed weapons and took a cautious stance.
Zephyr: "So how did you guys exactly make it?"
???: "Oink! We made it with the leftover Netherite as ordered by the Piglin Empire!"
Zephyr: "Then when did you receive those orders…?"
???: "Oink! Damn you hu-"
Whoosh
Rip!
Tear!
Thud!
Thud!
Hearing me now start to fully question him the Piglin Brute quickly charged at me but with the quickest possible draw I unsheathed Shinoyami and cut the Piglin Brute into halves before he dissapeared and glowing lights entered my body.
Zephyr: "Hey you…"
???: "Oink! y-yes…?"
Zephyr: "Why is the Monstrosity protecting something behind the lavafall?"
???: "Oink! I-I don't know!"
???: "Oink…tell him the greedy bastard already got whats coming to him…oink"
An old Piglin that had a scar in his right eye and a red wrench appeared before surprising me.
Zephyr: "And who might you be..?"
???: "I am the old lead engineer who had participated in building the Netherite Monstrosity…oink"
Zephyr: "Based on your words earlier you know what it's guarding…?"
???: "Well…I had secretly taken some netherite to build a mimi Netherite Monstrosity as I saw it was lonely with it being paraded by the Piglin Nobility a long time ago Oink…"
Zephyr: "Ah…then would you mind telling it that I'm planning to take it away from this place with its child to the surface?"
???: "Hmph….another who wishes to use them for war…Oink…"
Zephyr: "Initially yes, but seeing it be protective made me realize that even as a war machine it has something dear to it just like I have mine.."
???: "Oink…then what will you do after…?"
Zephyr: "Well after I get them into the Overworld I will build a place for them alongside the rest of you to live.."
???: "Hmm? Oink…then let us continue working on the Netherite Monstrosity and to leave us in peace to enjoy the Overworld…"
Zephyr: "Deal, but I need your help in convincing it to follow me to the Portal"
???: "Oink…I got it, let me go talk to it…"
I stayed far away as the old Piglin Engineer walked towards the Netherite Monstrosity and took out a jar with a red burning flower within before it lifted the top of the jar off.
I felt the temperature rise quickly as the red flowers flames began to grow slowly and I witnessed the Monstrosity's chest open wide before a wilting red flower was shown.
The old Piglin had grabbed the wilting flower cautiously before he replaced it with the hew one and the Netherite Monstrosity closed its Netherite plated chest and stared back at me as the old Piglin started speaking.
Slowly I saw the Monstrosity get up and with its right arm plunge it into the lavafall and suck the lava within its body releasing hot steam.
???: "Oink…it wants to have its child activated and unharmed and it will follow you to the Overworld Human…"
Zephyr: "Very well then"
???: "To power up the mini Monstrosity it needs a Lava Power Cell, luckily enough I always have some with me"
He handed me a Lava Power Cell and I took a deep breath before I entered the room behind the Monstrosity and walked down the hallway where I saw a bigger room filled with nether gold ore and ancient debris scattered around.
In the middle of the room there was a smaller monstrosity in a powered down state and I carefully approached it before I took out the lava power cell and stared at the open back of the Mini Monstrosity.
Whoosh
I plugged the lava power cell in and watched its back close slowly before I heard ticking and gears shifting before its body was filled with flowing lava.
Whoosh
As it raised its head it stared at me in surprise and before I knew it, ran up to me and waved at me and I couldn't help myself to pet its head.
[Achievement unlocked!]
["Tame a Mini Netherite Monstrosity!]
[Granting Rewards!]
[You have recieved the following
- 30x Lava Power Cells
- Passive skill {Fire resistance} unlocked
- Map of the 6th Soul Forge]
I smiled gently and I looked at the ancient debris in room and quickly bought a diamond pick for 500 points.
I started mining the ancient debris that took awhile but after mining that and the nether gold ore I found myself with 7x Ancient Debri and 17x gold nuggets.
After collecting everything inside, I walked out with the Mini Monstrosity following close behind me.
Once we stepped out the room the Mini Monstrosity had ran towards the Netherite Monstrosity and hugged its leg.
Thud!
Thud!
Thud!
Clang!
The Netherite Monstrosity had wrapped its remaining arm around the Mini Monstrosity and closed its eyes.
Witnessing such a heartwarming sight I couldn't help but think deeply of the consequences of my actions if I had killed the Netherite Monstrosity.
And so I decided to walk over once both Monstrosity's had their moment and took a deep breath before I spoke.
Zephyr: "I…uh am sorry about earlier…my mind wasn't working properly to think that you had your own child and I was doing it for a selfish reason…and I apologize for attacking you in your maddened state earlier…"
Whoosh
Whirl
After a few seconds the Netherite Monstrosity had simply nodded before it opened its chest and pull out a weapon and dropped it to the ground as it slowly floated.
Whoosh
Zephyr: "Whats this?"
It pointed its hand to the hammer weapon before pointing at me again and I nodded seriously before I grasped the handle and felt the heavy weight of the hammer.
[New Weapon Gained!]
[Name: Infernal Forge
Type: Greathammer
Rank: 350
Description: A Warhammer kept within the Netherite Monstrosity that creates earthquakes with every heavy swing the user performs
1st Skill: Earthshaker
With every slam of the weapon enemies are knocked into the sky and have their movement slowed.
2nd Skill: Hardened Resolve
When equipped on main hand, gains a temporary buff that raises strength twofold
3rd Skill: Monstrous Form
When equipped with the Monstrous Helm, defense and strength is increased greatly and able to perform combos with a greater increase in knockback of every swing.
If health drops below 33%, user enters an enraged state with every stat increased massively
_____________________________
[Achievement unlocked]
["Gain the broken Nethers War Machine's Trust"]
[Granting Rewards!]
[You have recieved the following
- 4x Netherite Ingots
- Passive skill "Fire Resistance" Gained
- Relation with Netherite Monstrosities is set to Neutral
- 1x Monstrous Horn
- 1x Music Disc]
I took a deep breath and told the old Piglin Engineer that I will be back as I will be expanding the portal to fit the Netherite Monstrosity.
???: "Oink…then we will be waiting for you to get them to the Overworld…"
I nodded and headed back through the same path I had taken before arriving at the portal and headed back into the Overworld.
Whoosh
Swirl!
As I felt my vision warp I got out of the portal and took rapid breaths as I felt the regular fresh air of the Overworld.
Zephyr: "Ah how wonderful it is to breathe fresh air again…"
Gaia: "So how was your trip Zephyr?"
Zephyr: "We will be having guests over who are giant so be careful of not getting spooked too much"
Gaia: "Hmm? I wonder if Tartarus is still awake…"
Zephyr: "Also can you make a large space somewhere on the surface where we can put them temporarily? I will help replant saplings with you once the matter is done with"
Gaia: "Sigh, fine but make it every few days!"
Zephyr: "Anything for you~"
Gaia: "Gah! J-just go already!"
I chuckled before I grabbed the leftover obsidian from my cave and walked back through the portal and arrived on the other side to see the gathered Piglins and both Monstrosities waiting on me.
If it still worked, then I could extend the length and height of the nether portal quickly so lets get it started.
20 minutes later
After putting the last obsidian block down I took out the old lighter and stared at the large nether portal that could now fit the Netherite Monstrosity's build.
I ignited the lighter on the obsidian block and watched as it turned into a swirling mass of purple light.
I turned back to stare at the somewhat destroyed Soul Forge as the Netherite Monstrosity was carrying a large box of materials that was the Soul Forge.
Zephyr: "I see the Soul Forge is coming back with us…"
???: "Oink…to help reattach the Netherite Monstrosity's arm we need the Soul Forge who has the right machinery to reattach such a heavy object.."
I nodded and slowly they started pulling warped wood crates through the portal and few stayed behind to continue taking down the Soul Forge.
Once I stepped through the portal I witnessed a wholesome scene of all piglins dropping their tools and just staring at the sun, some at the nearby animals running around, and some just taking deep breaths and exhaling.
Rumble!
The Netherite Monstrosity had stared at Gaia before it sat down making the ground rumble from the impact.
Gaia: " Oh you have been scarred haven't you dear…"
As Gaia approached the Netherite Monstrosity I saw her raise her hand and lay it gently onto its chest before a rhythmic pulse could be heard as Gaia closed her eyes.
Whirl
Whoosh
The more the rhythmic pulse sounded the more Nature Energy was used to coat the entirety of the Netherite Monstrosity as it let her do whatever it was doing.
???: "Oink! Human why does that human give out familiar warmth…"
Zephyr: "Familiar warmth? Hmm guess its because of the domain Gaia rules over, every life that is to be birthed into this world is her children so maybe it's a mother's warmth your experiencing…?"
???: "Oink…I see…"
It wasn't long before I saw Gaia clench her fist and pull out a ball of black ink out of the Netherite Monstrosity's chest.
She clenched her fist as the black ink deflated into a thin trail of smoke into the air before looking down in a saddened state.
Gaia: "So many scars that they have done upon you oh child of mine… Zephyr I have a request to you…"
I perked up at her voice and walked over and asked her what she needed to be done if related to the Nether.
Gaia: "Rescue all of the children from captivity and get rid of the twisted Piglin Empire…the greatest scum of the earth…"
[~~~~~~~~~~NEW QUEST~~~~~~~]
Quest Name: Save The Netherite Monstrosities from further Suffering
Quest Type: Extraction/Annihilation
Quest Giver: Gaia, Primordial Goddess of the Earth
Quest Time: The sooner the better
Description: After seeing all the torment and suffering the gentle beasts of Netherite were subjected to, Gaia wants you to rescue all of her tormented children and save as many possible
MISSION OBJECTIVES
- Save the Netherite Monstrosities (0/25)
- Clear out the Soul Forges (0/25)
- Save the imprisoned Piglins (0/200)
- Capture the Piglin Engineers (0/75)
- Destroy the Piglin Brutes (0/50)
ADDITIONAL MISSION OBJECTIVES
- Find out why the Netherite Monstrosities were mass produced
- Help all of the children of Gaia to escape the Nether and help them escape to the Overworld
REWARDS:
- Gaia's affection
- Reputation with Netherite Monstrosities changed to Friendly
-Greater control over Nature & Sakura Energy
- Gain 30,000 Points
ACCEPT QUEST?
[Y/N]
[~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~]
I took a few seconds before I accepted without hesitation and welcomed it with open arms but this is not the time.
Hearing her talk calmly with the glow in her eyes go out scared me and made me realize that I should talk to Gaia to clear up her mind.
Zephyr: "Don't worry I will make sure to save them all from being hurt anymore…"
I hugged her gently and waited for a few seconds before she started speaking quietly and let out her current feelings.
Gaia: "Zephyr…why do my children need to enslave their fellow kin and treat them so badly…?"
Zephyr: "Because many are born to use whatever is at their disposal to survive in this world with others having something they don't have and thus a loop is created…"
Gaia: "Why do they need to subject others to such pain and torture…why can't they live in peace…?"
Zephyr: "Its in their Nature…but not many are like that because they have someone that cherishes them deeply and that in itself gives them hope and peace to continue living…"
Gaia: "Hmm…"
I kept my arms around her until I felt her head move to look at me straight in my eyes before she spoke softly.
Gaia: "Then am I the one that gives you hope and peace…"
Zephyr: "Yes, you are my sunshine that keeps me going and the one that gives me peace with myself…"
I smiled down at her and her eyes that were close to tearing up earlier were let lose as she hugged me tightly in her embrace.
Gaia: "You also are my hope and peace Zephyr…and I don't want to lose you and be lonely again…"
I held her tighter and hummed a lullaby as we stood there in silence before I heard her breathing softly and I picked her up in a princess carry.
I turned around to awkwardly stare at the piglins and the old engineer who whispered youth, staring back at us.
Zephyr: "If you guys wouldn't mind choosing a location big enough to fit the Soul Forge we will be retiring to our home…"
???: "Oink…Then we shall find a place near here and infor you by then…"
I nodded and left all the Piglins and. Etherite Monstrosity's to their own devices and headed to oir small yet now decorated home courtesy of Gaia.
I laid her down on the bed gently and put a blanket over her before I sighed and while I was about to leave she held my hand tightly.
Gaia: "Please don't go Zephyr…stay with me…"
Zephyr: "Im not going anywhere, but my task can be delayed if it means your mood improves…"
I laud down next to her and closed my eyes as I heard her hug me close before she fell asleep.
Zephyr: 'I hope you feel better after today Gaia…you mean a lot to me…'
With these last thoughts in my mind I dozed off to sleep alongside someone I cherished and adored from the bottom of my heart.
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To be Continued