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There was someone in his base.
He really should've worked on moving out a few weeks back, but then Flame came and pestered him about wanting his god-forsaken mentorship, so that plan got pushed back. He was going to scout out potential new bases last week too, but he truly doesn't run out of enemies trying to jump him in the name of revenge— common occurrences faced by assassins, of course— so that got delayed as well. He didn't get why people got so mad and dramatic over player deaths, couldn't they just start a new server together or whatever? Oh well.
Maybe he really really should've dipped yesterday when he heard shuffling near the entrance of his base, but hey, screw him for thinking it was another false alarm. An assassin needs his sleep! Especially after finally settling down to organize his riches, that was tiring work.
Lamentations and what-ifs aside, the digging sounds surrounding the cave were practically deafening, which meant they weren't trying to hide their presence anymore, unlike yesterday's pathetic attempt.
Either really confident they can overwhelm me and win, or really stupid.
The first glint of netherite reflected off the ceiling, he felt the air pressure change as blocks vanished above him, one water bucket clutch after another as players fell like rainfall. His cave was the perfect place to show how ridiculous the player count surrounding him was. Every individual practically shoulder-by-shoulder, what an annoying way to fight.
A laugh bubbled up his throat uncontrollably, how fun.
It reverberated sharply across the packed but otherwise silent cave, and Manepear felt the edge of his eyes crinkled up with mirth.
The last block broke on top of his house, landing the last guy on a higher plane than others. His player name flashed across Manepear's eyes, LettuceK. Doesn't that sound familiar.
Flame must've mentioned someone like this during their time together, and he only talked about the Law throughout their mentorship. Ugh, he should've kicked that guy out as soon as he saw him, what's with Flame and his tendency to attract trouble?
"Manepear! Just the guy I've been looking for!" Lettuce spoke up abruptly, as if the stand off between them never happened. Pretty awkward opening line, in Mane's opinion.
The guy's grin widened at his continued silence, "I've only recently discovered you, and I seriously couldn't believe I didn't get to know you sooner!" He pulled out his fingers, pretending to count on them, "The Fastest Spear Master, The Deadliest Assassin, and one of Unstable's most feared combat master? Tell me, why haven't you been on my radar at all, Manepear?" Then, before even giving him a chance to reply, Lettuce continued, "Say, you've been accepting requests for assassinations lately, right? Is it still open? I'd love to see you in action!"
What a sickeningly sweet tone for someone with obviously bad intentions. Well, Mane was the same, so he couldn't complain. He was slightly annoyed at the conversation being led by this rando that got lucky with finding his base (he practically announced it to everyone within a 2000-block radius the week before when he tried scouting a new area) and his lame act of superiority. But, playing along with a psychopath's sick joke of a roleplay was something Manepear was more than equipped to do.
He lit up with a genuine grin , canines on full display, "Sure, bro. Who do ya want gone? Though I gotta say, my prices ain't cheap."
Chuckling at the waver in Lettuce's plastered smile, he titled his head for a wink, a metaphorical one, with his eyes covered and all, "Ya got what it takes for me to listen?"
A snarl, before Lettuce's poor excuse of composure slitted back onto his face, fists firmly clenched on his side.
"I want you to assassinate Flamefrags."
Mane felt his smile harden, "Offer denied!"
"I'm afraid you don't have a choice."
Mane tightened his grip on his spear as he laughed, hearing the splash of potions echoing through the cave walls, "Ohhhh, really? You got the price to convince me otherwise? How much we talking about?"
"I might let you off if you agree to come with us."
A harming arrow straight to Lettuce's head was his answer.
In principle, he knew all the techniques to fight against multiple players— target the weak ones, confuse them with his speed, make space with his wind bursts, and eat golden apples any second he's not attacking. His movements had to be faultless too, wind bursting any chance to knock people off their feet and spearing anyone who had their guard off. Players dropped like flies, reminiscent of a firework show from how loot bursted from their vanishing corpses, painting the ground a myriad of netherite and potions.
Mane would pick them up to restock if he weren't busy fighting a following group of attackers, then another group, then another group, then another…
A lunge to break their totem, then a wind burst up to escape the next hit— his feet gets hit with a slowness potion anyway, dragging his body back down to the ground. He somehow defies the gravity weighing him down and dodges to next axe swing, but a hasty swipe at his torso breaks blood; he spears 2 players at the same time, but his totem pops when an arrow breaks through his shield.
Conceptually, sure, he knew nothing could be done about it. He knew he couldn't have fought any better. He was the player known for easily winning many disadvantaged fights, perfecting every single aspect in fights where he'd be completely alone. 10v1s? Easy peasy, his resources would tank but he'd still win. 15v1s? Risky, he'd lose a few totems for sure, might pick off 2 or 3 players, but he would've survived by running away. No one could catch up anyway, speed was his specialty.
Feels like fighting against a tsunami.
Blood coated the inside of his mouth as the next spear almost broke his chestplate. He couldn't tell where one player ended and the other started, it was way too many hands, and swords, and shields, and those damned slowness potions. His blindfold must be soaked with sweat and blood by now, and while he's sure he could last a few more fights, he was even more sure that the tsunami wouldn't stop coming.
"Seriously?!" He shouted over the sounds of battle, regulating his breath, "This is…" A pant as an axe hit his shield a little too hard, "How many people do you have, bro?!"
His golden apple supply was restocked by standing over the nearest corpse, while managing to pick up a new shield even among the chaos of limbs reaching for him. Distantly, he thought he heard a laugh, an irritating one.
"I have as many men I need to take you down," This guy was actually answering his question, "Don't feel discouraged yet, Manepear, I'd feel disappointed after hearing about all your achievements."
Mane scanned his surroundings, having blocked out Lettuce's goofy ramblings 20 seconds ago. He'd been slowly moving towards his secret exit (1) planted right under his farm, though from the explosion carnage right on top of it, alongside unmoving players guarding the area, Lettuce probably found it already.
Staking his sword through a player's head, he looked toward secret exit (2), the task proving near impossible with the combat marathon he'd been forced to fight in. It doesn't look like it's been discovered, but it was so far away Mane seriously doubted he could get there without advertising to everyone in the vicinity he had an escape tunnel that way.
A slowness potion broke against his leggings, a sound accompanying it that sounded suspiciously like armor br— oh his leggings are gone. The next axe hit brought him down to 2 hearts.
Any normal player would've panicked in the moment. However, his mind chilled with the chunk of blood that came with the popping of his totem, successfully changing to the leggings he picked from an earlier corpse and windbursted up into the ceiling.
Only 2 totems left, and no escape in sight.
He made an effort anyway, wondering whether Flame would arrive in time if he sent an SOS right now, then dismissing the idea immediately. His target's obviously Flame, must've found out we got a connection somehow. Clicking his tongue, Mane thought he kind of got the gist of what was happening. He probably doesn't want to kill me, or he would've brought stronger players. He doesn't want me to escape either, so he defo wants to capture me alive.
A hostage to threaten Flame? Likely scenario, except he didn't think Flame would risk his life, and alongside that, his reputation, for Mane. Their relationship had improved, definitely, but Mane was still the outsider of his world, and they'd never truly be each other's ride or die when constantly being millions of blocks away from one another. So, Lettuce's plan was stupid and it definitely wouldn't work.
Still, Mane let anger overwhelm him at the realization.
Fuck it, he'll make a dash towards the escape tunnel anyway. Being captured alive is worse than dying in this stampede battle.
He flew across an ocean of heads, fatigue amplified at every lunge as his hunger deteriorated. I don't think I've ever wanted more food than right now.
A sword flew at him from a direction he didn't expect, a sound of armor breaking, a realisation of that was my chestplate, and then pain, pain, pain, pain.
He bit the edge of his cheek just hard enough not to pass out, and watched how the crowd parted for Lettuce's entrance in his peripheral vision. The guy's posture didn't suggest he was a fighter, so Mane let down just enough of his guard to not expect a flying sword pinning him to the ground. Who throws their non-throwable weapon at an enemy? How are you meant to fight after throwing your primary weapon? The saying that there's no one scarier than beginners was definitely true, the guy had beginner's luck too, since it actually worked.
His adrenaline helped numb the pain, though the sensation was still sharp enough to pause his internal monologue for a moment. His arms were wet with blood by the time Lettuce's footsteps stopped, paws halting in front of his eyes.
The guy wasn't even wearing armor, but was comfortable enough to step within punching range anyway. From the victorious grin he bore on his face, Lettuce must've thought the battle was over. Mane spit blood at his feet.
A laugh, before his maddening, grating face greeted Mane.
"You must've killed atleast hundreds of my people, Mane. That's really impressive! You definitely weren't disappointing."
Then, as if he didn't think he'd pissed Mane off enough, pressed the top of his head down hard, knocking his face into the ground. He thought that might've worsened his concussion, but the dizziness didn't make it easier to examine his condition.
"Why don't you call for some help now?" Lettuce's voice pierced through the thick fog glazing over his mind, voice mocking, "I'm sure Flame would have no problem dealing with these players." The guy's voice was a whisper next to his ears, he must've not wanted to insinuate his people were bait for Flame right in front of them, "Why don't you call for him? I'll wait."
Mane almost resisted the urge to laugh, but ended up huffing a breath towards stone anyway. Lettuce's hand on his hair tightened painfully, but Mane's fists were also painfully clenched, and he struck it right across Lettuce's face. Seriously, putting your face this close to a combatant was basically asking to get socked.
The regret didn't hit even after Lettuce kicked him in the head, the guy was seriously weak, it didn't even take half a heart. It did leak in when Lettuce twisted the sword embedded in his torso though, Mane's sure his lungs were punctured, suffocating him.
A healing potion hit his head, and the blinding pain that blossomed from it might've made him lost consciousness, but a muffled scream was all Lettuce was gonna get. If he'd lost consciousness, he'd have lost control of the situation.
"Call for Flame, now, Mane. Or we'll have to do it the hard way."
"Hahah… you mean there was a harder way than this?"
"I could bring you back to my empire and advertise your capture everywhere, until Flame notices and comes to save you. Then, he dies."
Staring back into Lettuce's eyes, Mane wasn't sure if his shock was obvious, who the hell talks about their evil plan out loud?
"…He wouldn't do that." He said, chuckling at Lettuce's confusion, "Didn't do enough research 'bout us, did you."
"Or," Grinning with his teeth fully on display, Lettuce leaned in again, giving Mane full view of the bruise he created, a satisfying look, "you might not know how much you mean to Flame."
Mane snickered, struggling to stamp down the re-emerging anger flooding his veins.
And you think me, his older brother, wouldn't know that?
He tested his arm's strength against the floor, which definitely weren't enough to fight his way out. Mane was also sure the moment Lettuce's sword was pulled out, he'd die. A slow and painful death. His body relaxed at the thought, slumping against the ground.
"It's painful, isn't it?" Lettuce's faux pity sparked his instincts when the guy patted his head, he snarled at the cat's touch. "It'll end when your brother comes to rescue you, so call for him."
"This really is your last chance, Mane, I'm normally less patient than this."
Right, he is my younger brother. Mane raised his hand in a show of opening up his communicator, and struggled not to laugh at Lettuce's visible excitement. He's trying to achieve great things on this server, so I guess it's my responsibility as an older brother to support him.
His fingers stilled against the screen, and he saw Lettuce's smile drop.
"Unfortunately, Flame's my brother, and our relationship kindaa just got better. Sooo, I'on reallyy wanna ruin it by putting him in danger again." He reached for the sword in his back, idea forming at the sight of a harming potion he picked up from a player corpse. He had 5 hearts, so it would work.
"Did you know?" Mane twisted the sword into an awkward angle, the pain barely registering at the delightful face Lettuce was making, "I have the most fun when ruining someone's plan."
A splash of potion, and his pain ended.
"Mane," Flame was only half his height at the time,"can't you not go out today?"
"I gotta keep us well fed, bro. And you're too small and tiny to come with me, it's too dangerous."
His brother pouted, it was a familiar routine they went through every morning.
"Okay, but can you come back sooner?"
"Of course I will, buddy."
He smiled at Flame's happy giggle, "Only if the animals are easy to catch though, last time I was late 'cause the boar was way too fast for his size! And right before that the rabbit I caught was—"
"Ughhhhhhhhhh," Flame cut him off, and Mane laughed at his brother's attempt at a not-smiling face, "Stop ruining the mood, bro! Just go already!"
"I'll be right back, lil bro."
"You better."
Manepear was killed by LettuceK using magic
Manepear left the game
Flame's sword was on the floor. He registered it falling, sure, but the thought of him losing his grip on his weapon was a grim reminder. He thought he should pick it up. He really should, it was just laying on the ground, after all. What if someone came and stole it? Then he'd be without a weapon in a fight.
Still, his body wasn't moving. Why?
Manepear was killed by LettuceK using magic
Why? Why did this happen? How was it possible? He made sure nobody followed him to Manepear's, and he made sure anyone who saw them fighting together died with the information. He left no traces. So how did Lettuce find him? How?
Wemmbu whispers to you: are u seeing this????
Wemmbu whispers to you: what happened
Wemmbu whispers to you: how did lettuce find him
Wemmbu whispers to you: ??????
Wemmbu whispers to you: real or fake
Somehow, he typed a response.
You whisper to Wemmbu: i donknw
You whisper to Wemmbu: i know his
You whisper to Wemmbu: base coords
You whisper to Wemmbu: im going
Wemmbu whispers to you: send them to me
Somehow, he picked up his sword, and somehow found the coords he noted down in a notepad. Somehow, his body moved.
How? Why? Why?
Mane wasn't even apart of the main universe anymore, he was content being away from the senseless fighting. He was happy away from Flame, and Flame was happy that he was happy. Finally, Flame had finally came around. He could finally love Mane without anger, he was finally happy that Mane was happy. So why was Mane dead? Why did Lettuce hunt down an outsider? How did Lettuce know? How did he know?
Wemmbu was already there when Flame stumbled into the cave. He couldn't read his rival's expressions for once, the ever-present smile now an uncertain stretch of the mouth, eyes lacking the same mirth that urged Flame's fighting spirit.
Wemmbu looked conflicted, and Flame didn't know how he looked right now.
"…You good man?"
"You found anything?" He asked instead, voice hoarse.
Both heads turned towards the ruins of his brother's base. Ruins, because everything Flame remembered from their time spent together in the cave was gone. It looked more like an excavation site than his older brother's home.
"Looking at the ceiling, he must've been overwhelmed." Flame looked up at Wemmbu's hint to see holes littering the ceiling, sunlight filtering in through them.
"He wouldn't have went easily, why didn't we see any player deaths killed by him?"
"… I don't know. Might've had pearl stasises, or we were outside the death message radius."
"…Manepear's was broadcasted."
"Lettuce wanted it broadcasted, maybe."
"Then why isn't he here?" Wemmbu's pretend nonchalance lacked its effect when a hint of rage curled around his words.
"Mane wanted it broadcasted then."
"…Why?"
And wasn't that the question. A question Flame knew the answer to.
"To warn me, I guess." Flame tried for a surprised laugh, though a strange noise came out instead, strangled, "Lettuce tried to use him to get me."
He pointed at the blood stained sword stuck firmly in the ground, and the stone around it with faded, stark, red. Wemmbu's eyes hardened, which meant they reached the same conclusion.
"His escape tunnel was there, must've wanted to escape."
Silence.
"…I didn't know you guys were good again."
Wemmbu's voice sounded weird, Flame didn't know how to answer.
Then,
"Lettuce has to die, Flame."
"He will."
"You did allat even though you could've just logged onto Lifesteal, bro?"
"Different universes, bro. You're more annoying in Lifesteal."