Chapter Text
Once, there was a kingdom in the far north. This kingdom was considered powerful and filled with treasures. Though not with military might or coin. In fact this kingdom had only one thing; knowledge. A place built with more libraries, museums, schools, and books than the entire continent. To say that you could learn anything in Purpura was not impossible. Though in the kingdom of knowledge, there was one job where you could learn everything.
The grand advisor was a special role.
Not anyone could get it. You had to pass every test in top scores, had to memorise multiple boojs, had to be tested and tested until you were at your limit mentally. The tests itself took half a year, and once you had this role, you had limitless knowledge at your fingertips. You’d be sought out by everyone for answers, learn secerts that nobody else knew, and would be equal to the ruler of Purpura themself.
There had only been twelve grand advisors.
The thirteenth had been considered a legend. One who was the smartest in history.
This grand advisor wore the deep purples, and was very young. He passed every test with ease. When the king asked what favours he wanted when he granted his title, he said only this-
“I only wish to help everyone. That is my duty.”
This impressed the king and the kingdom’s citizens. Who followed the grand advisor and worshipped the ground he walked on. Who knew that all that worship gave great luck. The grand advisor himself ascended to the heavens. Becoming the god of magic, scholars, knowledge, and generosity.
To ascend as a grand advisor?! Was this not a sign. The citizens built as many temples as there were museums. They prayed to their new god. They wrote of his exploits and hoped their prayers were answered.
They were answered; almost literally.
The grand advisor descended with his heavenly status still intact. He said only this-
“To be in the heavens grants me little power. So to better serve my kingdom, I shall walk side by side you all.”
What a wonderful god! What a powerful being! The people were in awe. They were truly blessed. Their god walks among them. They would keep their distance, but gave their money and followed every order. They built more temples. He had more worshippers than anyone else. He gave advice and help to anyone who would come to him. Afterall , he was now blessed with magic.
However this would not last. Small fights between Purpura broke out with other kingdoms. Small fights that bloomed into fierce battles. Lives were lost, and the kingdom was outraged. Afterall, the king was in charge of the military and international affairs, why did he not stop these fights? Did he not listen to the grand advisor? Should… should the grand advisor not be their king instead?
Before things could be discussed, the king died.
The people took vote and the grand advisor was placed as king. Worshippers grew, and more people moved to the kingdom itself. Yet the wars only grew in size. Their god had managed to hold them off only so much. Still it continued to worsen and worsen. Even so, the people believed in their grand advisor.
Their king.
Their god.
He was their only hope left.
Except that hope was only a fake light in the darkness.
The reveal had come from inside the palace. A servant with a scroll showing the sins of the grand advisor. That the grand advisor was a scum among scum. That he had cheated his way through each test to become the grand advisor. That he bullied servants, stole knowledge only for himself, blackmailed scholars, and took bribes. The worst however had been that he had assassinated the king himself.
The worshippers could not believe their ears. Surely these are rumours. Surely this servant was mocking their god.
Until their darling grand advisor surrended their kingdom.
A total surrender, which meant they’re at the mercy of their enemies.
An angry mob stormed the palace, and they caught the grand advisor in the cruelest act. Having slaughtered the king’s family. Sword in hand, he had only smiled and said one thing-
“What can I help you with?”
Captured, the grand advisor was at the mercy of the people. The gates of the kingdom were closed to keep out the enemy armies. Heaven had turned its back on him. He was placed on a short trial, then subjected to the deadliest punishment in their laws.
The eight tortures.
Unluckily, on the eighth day, the grand advisor had escaped the kingdom. Having opened the gates, and allowed the opposing forces to invade fully. Bringing an end to the kingdom of Purpura and its people. Not all knowledge was lost, but there would be no kingdom like it ever again.
Though what happened to the grand advisor? Nobody knows. When a heaven turns its back, one would usually lose their godly powers. Becoming mortal again. Though many rumours appeared. That the grand advisor had not lost his powers. Instead he had become corrupted in form. Becoming an ugly monster. A shell of his former humanity. Another said that he was captured by slave traders. Becoming a slave for his sins and punished until he died.
His legacy was one of warning.
Power corrupts the self. The ambitious who fly too high will always fall. That not even gods are filled with mercy and generosity.
The know-nothing grand advisor. The god of corruption. The king of destruction.
Eight hundred years passed, and the grand advisor was nothing more than a myth.
Maybe that was a blessing in disguse.
Seto took only two steps before he crashed down. Feeling the way his face slams into road sends pain through his head. Of course he hears the fight behind him. Fist meeting flesh, yells, and the knocking over of stalls. Grunting, he starts to crawl away- until the edge of his robe is stopped.
Glancing back, he finds a large spear lodged right in the ground. Having sadly snagged his clothes. He could rip it. Though this robe had come from Nether City itself. The material would be much stronger than normal. He even paid the expensive price to get it. It fluctuates the temperature well, and even has-
Pain. A kick to the side that Seto mildly registers. Hearing a sharp rip as he rolls away. Right under one the other booths. Managing to adjust himself, he sees his robe has been ripped at the edge. Seto can only sigh, and pray that he can sew it up later on.
Crawling from out of the booth, he tries to dust himself off. Only glancing back to see the fight. He didn’t mean to start a fight. Really, he didn’t. How would he have known that bringing up the Nether Lord himself would have started a fight? (That is the only thing he misses. The access to information. How gossip and rumours reached his ears so easily. It made it so much easier to talk to people. Now he has to stumble through every conversation praying he doesn’t offend anyone… which fails eighty percent of the time).
“Where do you think your going!?”
Before he knows it, something knocks into the back of his head. It sends him stumbling, and something snaps. He watches as his wooden mask falls. Clattering to the ground as he gasps. Jolts of panic flood through him. He bends down to reach for it, until his shoulder is grabbed. Yanked around until he faces one of the offended.
Anger transforms into shock. Not shock in that he is recognised, but in what everyone does when they see Seto’s real face. Eyes tiny as cold sweat appears on his forehead. Hand lets go and the fist pulls back.
“Wha… what did you do to get that?” Questions the man. His voice is raised enough for people to turn. Most being the leftover fighters. Fists lowered as heads turn. The same expression passes on everyones face. Poses frozen mid-fight remind Seto of those gorgeous paintings of battle scenes. Ones which Seto use to have on the palace walls.
Seto stares at them all. Sighs, then turns to walk and grab his mask. The moment his back is turned, the talking starts.
“I mean… what the hell is that mark?”
“I’ve never seen anything like it. I mean- isn’t that a curse mark?”
“Geez, no wonder he walks around with a mask. I thought he was a criminal. Hiding his face and all.”
“Could still be criminal. Most criminals have weird scars.”
“You fool! How can that be a scar!?”
“I guess… and he was asking about the Nether Lord.”
Finally he replaces the string. Retying the mask around his head. The wooden cat mask sits neatly on his face. Turning around, he nods his head in acknowledgement. The group falls silent. Their uncertain now. Possibly mapping out choices. They could call the sheriff on him. Could just lock him up on starting a fight. However he also saw pity. A deep set pity that Seto only likes when he can use to his advantage.
“My apolgises for starting this fight. I truly do not know anything about the Nether Lord… you could say I’ve been living under a rock.” Starts Seto. His polite tone unsettles the group. Even more uncertain, nobody speaks up.
Realising his luck, Seto nods his head and turns away. Slowly walk until he hears footsteps.
Turning around, he sees the one man who looked ready to punch him before. He stops. Eyes flicker around. The midday sun heat makes the air dry. Seto waits for any reaction. He doesn’t want another fight. He doesn’t want to use desperate measures.
“Umm… I know you don’t know much, but the Nether Lord is extremely dangerous.” Warns the man.
“Really?” Asks Seto. Conversation pipes up all around as he finally gets gossip.
“He’s a menace. Every where he goes brings chaos and diaster. Any town in his way falls to misfortune.”
“He can also shapeshift. So be wary of anyone suspicious.”
“Worse if yer met him in person. If yer do, then don’t start a game with him. He loves to cheat and lie his way into winning. He always wins.”
”Even if you run away, he’ll always find you and punish you.”
Seto hums, “huh. He sounds like a demon. Why doesn’t any kingdom go after him.”
A bearded man speaks up with more energy, “cause he’s smart. He may give chaos but he also gives yer riches. If you strike a deal with him, then you might get lucky.”
“He’s also powerful.” Speaks up a raspy voice of an older man, “he’s a tactical genius in a war. He can leap from one place to the other. He can snap his fingers to cause explosions.”
Nodding along, Seto soaks in this information.
“Though there are ways to keep him at bay.”
This starts a flurry of conversation.
“I’ve heard if you leave out lavender cakes, then he won’t touch yer town.”
“That’s horseshit. My cousin in the East did that and he still make sinkholes in there town. No, you gotta leave out gems. He only likes rubies and orange quartz.”
“Now you’re both talking stupid. What he truly loves is rare historical things. Things so unqiue that nobody could replicate their history. He greedily collects them like a magpie.”
“Better to call him a fox! Apprently he uses them as spies! That’s why nobody likes foxes. Better to kill them anyways.” Snorts one of the men.
Seto tilts his head, “wouldn’t that be bad? If they are his spies then wouldn’t he be angered?”
“Well some thought of that and everybody stopped killing them. Then there was too many, and now it’s better to kill one when yer see one.” Explains another man. Folding his arms and shaking his head.
“Well he’s called the hyena in some places.” Pipes up an older man with a beard. A rather nasty look to his face.
Seto had only ever see hyena’s in books. Even as a god, he rarely was able to explore the other continents. He heards of the vast planes in the south that had hyenas there. “Really?”
“Yeah. Cause he has a laugh like one. An ugly one.”
“Don’t say that!” Hisses another, “he might be listening!”
“Well I’ve heard his laugh damages yer ears.”
“I’ve heard that when he laughs, that all food nearby goes rotten.”
Finally realising that the group are gossiping, Seto nods his head in thanks. The men in return wave Seto off. Once he manages to leave, he breathes a sigh of relief. People don’t scare him as much as before, but he never got rid of the itch. The one that crawls down his back to escape. Only years of needing basic nessessities made him even talk to people. Thankfully most want to ramble, and listening is a skill that Seto has trained.
Though he now has to deal with the next issue.
Pulling it out of his pocket, he sees the yellow paper in his hands. Highly expensive paper. Opening it up, he rereads the words scrawled in bright red ink.
Honourable merchant.
The Nether Lord has heard of your service, and now requests you. Please come to the Nether Manor when the Waning Moon appears. You will be paid handsomely for your service.
Signed,
Nether Officer One.
It’s an offical request. No, more like an order. If Seto heard correctly then missing this meeting would end poorly for him. Even more so if they tracked him here, and hurt the villagers. Sighing, he carefully pockets the paper. Allowing the back of his head to hit the wall behind him. Honestly he thought he had kept himself invisible.
Never bragging or showing off. Rarely using his magic. When a hint of recognition came through, he disappeared or faked his death. However it seemed he got too lax. Well it couldn’t be helped. Nether City was the only city he could go to and not worry. Frankly he needed Nether City more than most people.
Though if anyone realised who he was… well Seto knew many ways to disappear.
“I can handle this.” Murmurs Seto. Hoping he might feel more confident.
Usually he rarely feels confident, but that doesn’t mean he won’t stop moving forward.
Nether portals are hard to find. Not too hard, so that travellers won’t be disuaded from finding it, but enough to keep away from certain cities. Many used the Nether City, but just as many wanted to see it wiped away from human society. Thankfully most portals that disappear are built somewhere else. Thankfully Seto knows the perfect portal to find.
Under the dark sky, an obsidan arch way is built from thw ground. A wave of purple magic leaks from the middle. A purple mist that Seto takes in.
He enters the purple mist and steps into another world.
First is the heat. Seto huffs as his body twitches at the radiating heat. He’s never gotten use to the temperature. Not since he became ‘cold-blooded’ (a joke he only found funny to himself). He adjusts his robes a little, then walks the path ahead.the netherrack crunching under his boots. Making his way through the tunnels that shelter him from the ghasts. He can heard their pained cries mix with the bubbling of lava.
Seto passes by the odd hyrid traveller, or the rare human merchant. They pass by him without a hello. The glowstone lanterns light up the tunnels, and after several hours of walking, he finally exits and arrives.
The Nether City has existed longer than Seto’s own. He’s read hundreds of tales and stories of the city. How it became, it’s residents, and of course the power itself. Seto had wanted to visit the city as a god, but was unable to due to his duties. He only managed once he escaped from the mines. When he figured out what he wanted to do. When he realised how the Nether City was a blessing.
In the distance he saw hundreds of houses, towers, and buildings carved into the Nether wall. All these buildings were aystemrical in design, but each obe had red fungi or vines grown over one or the other. He saw the glowstone in the ceiling. Saw how they resembled stars when the lava pool becomes dim. He saw the tunnels and paths created to lead to the city. Saw the citizens walk past him, through trash in the lava, or chat as they ate fried mushroom with crimson roots. The heat pressing onto Seto’s shoulders. Taking in the smell of smoke in the air.
Nether City is still gorgeous.
Seto smiles under his mask, and walks forward.
The one issue with Nether City, was that it was almost overcrowded. Filled with people and travellers, one had to know the roads well. Dodge the odd cart, or the odd enemy. Worse of you were a human. Anyone was welcome to try their luck, but Nether City was built and maintained by hybrids. Humans were seen as outsiders at best, and enteirtainment at worst. The sorcerer found that wearing his mask and avoiding the main roads helped. A longer route, but helped him think.
When he said that he had been living under a rock, he wasn’t entirely wrong. He visited the city multiple times, but they were for selling items or to hide away. Seto never gossiped, all talk was business, and he tended to find a hole to dig and sit in. Waiting until the trouble passed. So he understood why he missed the Nether Lord completely. Though he wasn’t certain when the Nether Lord had started? Usually this city had nobody to rule it really. Gangs cropped up, but they died off as easily as they appeared.
The Nether Lord must be powerful. To stamp out any competion, then have allies to place in rules, and make sure citizens didn’t start a coup. Seto does not want to be here if a coup happens. He doesn’t want to get arrested for being in the wrong place.
Walking down an empty alleyway, he halts. A prickle of magic reaching him. Glancing up, he sees a fox appear at the end of the alleyway. A charming thing with orange fur and black ears. Seto tilts his head then approaches.
“May I ask if you are one of the Nether Lord’s allies?” Seto politely asks. The fox’s nose twitches, then gives a nod. It’s shockingly human-like. Then said fox turns tail and walks away.
Of course he follows.
Seto had first assumed the foxes were servants. Perhaps the Nether Lord had many shapeshifters under his command. Though the radiating magic proves otherwise. These are familiars. A magical familiar. He could see the level of detail from fur to even the paw prints on the ground. To have such detail impressed him. The Nether must have amazing control. He couldn’t even see a mistake.
Even as they walk through alleyway after alleyway. Even as they cross bridges with a lava river running underneath. Even as the fox would take sharp turns, there was not a single mistake. Usually the odd thought might make a familiar blink out of existence.
Finally he finds himself at the highest point of the city. Having walked up the steps, he sees carved orange glow stone hanging from metal chains from the walls. Eyes examine Nether City’s Manor. A blizzard structure that reminded Seto of the buildings in his old kingdom. The dark roof tiles, the carved corners, the hanging lights, and the swirling shapes. A reminder that gives Seto some ease. Contrasting the green vines and the nether trees that were planted around. Though for all his ease, he didn’t want to enter. The Nether Lord could do anything to him. Maybe he’s someone Seto forgot about who wants revenge. Maybe he just has nefarious intentions. Either way, he needed to keep on his guard.
He did not want a repeat of last time.
Hearing a yip, he refocuses. The fox stands at the entrance. Alerting Seto to being late and also no guards. That didn’t ease him at all.
“My apologises.” Seto says and starts to move. Past the entrance, into a large courtyard. Two large nether trees stand, and decorative gold and silver mushrooms are placed at its roots. Though Seto has no time to watch. Instead he sees a man standing on some stone steps.
The man had brown hair cut short, and a round face. He wears some unusal robes that Seto can only describe as ‘way too old’. High collar, carved blue buttons, puffy sleeves, black boots, and embroidered edges. The only distinct thing was the orange jasper pinned to the front. He had no weapons.
“May I ask who I am speaking to?” Asks the man with a neutral expression.
Seto says nothing, and hands over the invitation. Carefully taking it, the man examines it. Even holding it up to the light for several seconds. Finally he pockets the invite and nods.
“Please follow me.”
Seto nods. “Thank you Nether Officer One.”
Walking through a door, he sees a hallway. Then through two more doors before they get to a gilded door. One carved of deep wood, with rubies and purple sapphires inlay in the handle. The Officer One stands still for several seconds, then finally grasp the knob. Opening it carefully and finally walking inside. Seto follows even as his heartbeat quickens. Stepping inside a very bright room.
It isn’t bright in light but colour. The walls painted bright orange, and translucent silks hanging from the walls. Paintings of castles, kingdoms, wars, and more are neatly placed in rows. Stepping onto a fine woven carpet, he smells a strong scent of wine in the air. The room contrasts everything he’s seen before. Its gaudy air makes him unnerved. He wonders if that’s the point.
Glancing up, he sees four figures. Three standing and one lazily lying on a long seat. The three turn. Seto notes a blaze hybrid, armoured person, and a snowman. The last one is odd. Aside the armoured man, the other two wear similar outfits like Officer One. Except one is white and the other is dark orange and green. Seto only gives them a moment before he finally moves his eyes downwards.
His heart beat becomes faster.
The person on the seat wears dark glasses, almost black in colour. He can’t see his eyes, but his face is obvious. Sharp jaw, pointy nose, and tanned skin. Thick black hair cut short frames his face. Though the black fox ears tinted orange at the top is a surprise. Moving past the face he sees the outfit. Black shirt with an orange waistcoat, black pants, and orange boots with heels. A darker orange coat flows down with a reddish tint at the edges. Sleeves rolled up reveal a chain bracelet attached with red gems, and long claws instead of fingers.
Seto had met many people through his long life. He has never met anyone with so much sharp charm and a handsome face. These features radiating from the Nether Lord makes Seto understand. Just as many admire beauty as they respect strength. Maybe the Nether Lord charmed his way into his title.
Finally the Nether Lord raises his head. His expression blank as he stares at Seto. Though the brunette doesn’t falter. His heart calms a little. He can escape. He can find a way out. There is nothing to worry about really.
Finally that clawed hand lifts up to shoo away his officers. “Leave.”
The blaze hybrid scowls, but the snowman and armoured one walks away. Finally all three leave. The door shuts loudly behind them.
“So you’re that honourable merchant I’ve heard about.” Speaks the Nether Lord.
“Yes. Thank you for the invite.”
“Yes, yes I suppose so. I’ve heard you’re good.” Mutters the Nether Lord.
“I try my best.” Shrugs Seto. This is the wrong answer as the Nether Lord huffs. Instead he a pair of cards are pulled from nowhere. He starts to shuffle them around with his hands.
“Best isn’t enough… but if you fail you fail.” Nochantly replies the Nether Lord. His claws manage to shuffle the cards in more unique ways. Seto recognises the years of skill.
“Is this task hard then?” Seto asks with a tilt of his head.
“To an extent. Tell me, how good are you at finding things?” Questions the fox hybrid.
“Well I’ve never not found something,” admits Seto honestly, “though most get upset when it isn’t in perfect condition.”
A scowl comes over the Nether Lord. The cards are shuffled even faster. Moving at a speed that Seto cannot keep up with. He finally decides to continue the conversation.
“I am assuming you want me to find something?”
“Someone.”
Seto stills, then nods. He has been sent out to find people. Usually in large disasters. He took the odd piece of food as payment, then went to search. Usually coming back with corpses or the odd body part. Sometimes he found people who wanted to stay missing. Sometimes he made sure they were safe, then turned around and said they were dead. Usually her got black eyes, bloodied noses, or the odd broken finger in return. Though he wonders who the Nether Lord is searching for exactly.
“Oh… who exactly are you looking for then?”
“A god.” Replies the Nether Lord with some force. Shuffling the cards faster and faster.
Seto blinks as a bad feeling settles in his stomach. “A wandering god?”
The Nether Lord huffs. “Right on the mark. I’m bringing you in to help me.”
Seto finds a million questions racing through his mind. Finally he decides on a safe question. “I see… then this person does not want to be found?”
The fox hybrid shakes his head, “not really. The world is wide, and I for once have had terrible luck. I have used up all my options, and I have decided to bring in you in to help. Your reputation of getting the job done is well known.”
Seto smiles under the mask. “I see. Then I hope I can be of service. Who exactly is this god?”
“His highness Seto the god of scholars, knowledge, and magic.”
One reason to wear a mask is to hide his mark. Another is to hide his face and any expressions. He usually keeps his cool, but his eyes widen now and he bites his lip. Panic races down his spine. It’s the worst case scenario. Someone so very powerful, so very long-lived is trying to find him. The panic is pushed down until it’s at the furthest edges of his heart. Keeping his body still as his tilts his head.
“Who is that?”
“He’s a god from long ago. I have to met him.” This time he stops shuffling. Instead he slams the pack of cards onto a small table. Seto startles at realising the table had suddenly appeared.
Seto nods. “I see. Though if a powerful being such as yourself hasn’t found him… then why would I find him?”
“I have searched for many years, but I realised that he might be avoiding anyone powerful. Perhaps if you were to approach him, then you could talk and bring him here.” This time the Nether Lord picks up a plate from the table. A plate of lavender cakes. Small enough to hold between two fingers. He starts to eat them one by one.
“If he asks not to meet?”
“Then tell me everything you know when you’ve met him.”
“Sir you are quite powerful. If you are desperate to met him then why not track me as I search. When I find him, you could appear and see him for yourself.”
The Nether Lord goes quiet. Instead he examines the cake in his fingers, the places it down. Shaking his head as he mutters, “he is quite powerful. He would notice a tracker.”
‘I would.’ Seto thinks.
“Instead I want you to present yourself honestly when you find him. Say that someone from his past, who has no desire to harm him would like to met. If he refuses the meeting then he refuses.” Shrugs the fox hybrid. Though Seto notices the tension in his arms. It is enough to keep him on guard.
A question appears in his mind. He hesitates to ask, but he manages to do so. “If I find him dead then… or a corpse?”
“Then tell me the location.” Replies the Nether Lord calmly. Shoving two cakes in his mouth.
Seto nods and lets the silence pass between them. The Nether Lord continues to eat the cakes until all are gone. Finally he turns his head.
“You’re very calm.”
“Am I?” Questions Seto. If only he knew the turmoil he was feeling.
“You’re in the Nether City Manor. I am one of the feared four. Yet you seem rather calm.” There’s no judgement, but Seto thinks of how tense he is inside. Maybe hearing the worst news possible has looped him back into looking calm. He feels anything but calm.
“Well… I am rather excited about the pay.” Coming up with an excuse, Seto meekly replies. He would like some money to get a room. Perhaps food. Though his mission does not feel worth it, but refusing sounds like a bad idea.
“You’ll be paid well. Seven emeralds, seven diamonds, and seven gold chunks as well.”
Seto’s inner anxiety disappears at the pay. He could get a room- no, some good food. No he’s thinking way too small… he could even purchase a book! An excellent one with a leather cover perhaps. An actually book and not scrap pages he finds every so often. It takes all self-control not to shake with excitement at these fantasies.
The Nether Lord stares at him. “So will you do the job?”
“I mean… well it is a god. Sir if I fail…” mutters Seto. Realising that being paid means finding himself doesn’t sound good at all. No matter how nice the pay is, he can’t just reveal himself. Not for a Nether Lord it’s vague intentions.
“I would rather you try. If you’re refusing then get out.” Coldly speaks the fox hybrid. Ah, he looks annoyed. Then he adds something else that makes Seto actually jolt.
“Though you’ll have your memory erased so you won’t blab about this meeting.”
Memory erasure!? That is such a powerful spell! To not only find what exact memories to erase, you’d need to make sure the spell would not have backlash! Even then it’s clear the Nether Lord would want to keep this a secret. His own self-control crumbling, he nods timidly. The Nether Lord smirks, then stands up. Slowly striding until he stands much taller than Seto himself.
“Perfect. Then to make sure you won’t run away or turn your back, I can assure you that I’ll hunt you down and rip your limbs off.” Threatens the fox hybrid with a nasty smile. Revealing his sharp row of teeth.
‘I’ve had much worse’. Seto thinks mutely.
“I only ask Sir for one thing.” Says Seto.
“What is it? Don’t waste my time.” Sneers the Nether Lord. Showing his fangs once more.
“I would like to use your library for two hours. I would like a map and need to double check several things. To find the wandering god that is.” Replies Seto. The Nether Lord stares with a raised eyebrow. Bushy tail swishing back and forth. The brunette almost wonders if he’ll be refused until the fox hybrid nods.
“Fine. Once down, one my officers will bring you some items. Do not refuse.”
Under the mask he can’t help but smile. He’s thought of the perfect plan.
There are four beings in contrast of the gods that are greatly feared. Unlike the Star Painter, God who granted Knowledge, the Axe Prince, or the Golden Eyed God; who are legends among mortals and the Heavens… there four beings are greatly evil. Only born from pure despair and resentment.
This despair and resentment allows them to tap into the leftover powers before Herobrine was ripped to shreds. They take this power, and their souls will embed it in and they will become similar to demons or powerful ghosts.
Ardenter Fox of Orange. The second most powerful being in the land. Any past is rumoured, and all is known is his rule over the Nether itself. When he pleases he reminds the gods and mortals of his power, by overturning villages or laying vicious traps. His most fierce action was to rip a hole in heaven itself, and let hundreds of gods to die. Though he will also tempt those to him with bets or rewards. Be wary as he always gets what he wants. Never join him in a game or a challenge. Never catch his eye. Though what he’ll have is enough, as his gluttony is bottomless.
Malicious Avarice the Dragon. The youngest creature to be born. All is known is that he crawled from the End itself. His soul mixed with the Enderdragon itself. This monster is greed himself. When he does not steal or trick gods or mortals, he tortures anyone in his path. Secreting a thick poison that destroys anything surrounding him. It is best to avoid this monster, as he mostly resides in the caves in the North. Though he travels, always remember to watch out for any signs of poison.
Envious Whirlpool Blue Fish. The third oldest being and not to be taken lightly. Cursed in life and now in death, this monster crawled from the reaper itself, and now rules over rivers and lakes. One must give an offering to cross, or find a blessed river or lake to use instead. This creature keeps away from mortals, but if you dare catch its eyes then be prepared to not survive. However this creature has one flaw is that it despises the gods. If you were to distract it, then you could potentially escape. If cursed with some bad luck by the gods.
Wrathful Acadia. The first and most mysterious. Only appearing twice in history, this creature did two things. Firstly was causing a sinklehole that-
Seto shuts the book before he reads anymore. Placing it back on the shelf (he had taken thirty minutes to soak in the library. Too giddy to even move. When was the last time he had been in one?!)
It makes sense missing the Nether Lord. He also rarely crossed rivers unless by bridge and he never tried to swim. He also avoided caves unless desperate to hide. No wonder he completely missed this set of knowledge. Even more so that one was in the Nether and the other two keep to themselves. The last one hasn’t been seen since, and the writer sounds very relieved in the text.
Well now that he’s up to date, he can go and find-
Seto stills as he sees a Nether Officer stomp into the room. His face is in a scowl, and it worsens as he sees Seto. He stomps over. Boots slamming into the wooden floor. Seto realises that his footprints are steaming literally.
“Here.” States the Nether Office. Giving a throw, Seto catches a bag. Quickly opening it, he sees a rolled up piece of paper, several golden nuggets, and what seems like a black choker. It has a red pendant sewn on the front.
“Uh-“
“It’s a teleportation device.” Explains the Nether Officer in a very unfriendly tone, “Wear it when you find him and press the ruby. It is not a tracker.”
Seto nods, and finally notices someone behind the Nether Office. Blinking he tilts his head. The Nether Officer glares, realises something, then scowls, and steps to the side.
Standing there is a hybrid. Arms behind back, and a quiet look on the man’s face. He’s much shorter than the Nether Lord, and mildly fashionable at best. Brown hair tied into a thick braid that rested on his left shoulder. Square glasses, a youthful face, and a simple grey and black travelling robes. However it was the black horse ears and curly thick tail that made Seto surprised.
“Ah, who is this exactly?” Questions Seto.
“What? Are you not grateful? Spits the Nether Officer. The horse hybrid rolls his eyes.
“No. No. I just… I assumed I would be alone.” Admits Seto. Looking at person, he can’t tell if he is a shapeshifter or not. He can’t detect magical suppression or any objects on hand. Part of him wants to use his own magical to see any defects. Instead he just nods.
“Well the Nether Lord changed his mind. This is Jasper. He is a servant of this manor and he’ll be accompanying you.” Giving a weak wave of his hand, the Nether Officer rolls his eyes.
Seto smiles under his mask, “it is a pleasure to met you. I hope this investigation goes well.”
Jasper gives a lukewarm smile back. “I hope so too. I shall start by sharing the details of our Nether Lord’s own search.”
His own smile is hidden under his mask, but he wants to laugh. There will be no point. After all Seto will never be meeting this Nether Lord.
He will be after all, faking his own death.