Buch lesen: «Book Three: Part 1 The Dusk of Hope»

PROLOGUE

A faint breeze blew through the Great Wood, rustling the leaves of the blocky trees that ringed a small, unassuming knoll. It had been months since Stan2012, so new to the world of Minecraft, had stood at the precipice of Spawnpoint Hill, in awe of the cubic world around him. By all accounts, very little had changed since then. The trees still stood tall, dark and ominous. The hill was still dotted with patches of overgrown grass, and the occasional patch of red and yellow flowers. The squared-off brook still trickled lazily down the hill, passing by the opening to a bottomless ravine.

However, the server was now drastically different from when Stan had first entered it. On this day, the sky was a dull grey, and the air was charged with the onset of a storm. A roll of thunder crashed in the distance. A light drizzle of rain began to fall as the gentle gusts of wind shook the boughs of the leaf blocks in the trees. The midday sun was unable to shine through the clouds above, and the sky cast barely enough light to see.

Then, all at once, a figure appeared on top of the hill.

A streak of lightning crackled in the distance, illuminating the figure for a split second. The figure held nothing in his pale, blocky hands. He wore navy-blue trousers and dark-brown shoes, while the upper half of his body was covered by a black cloak. The covering extended upwards over his head, obscuring his face from view.

This figure was known by many names. One of them was the Black Hood.

The Black Hood took a deep breath, then slowly let it out. He held out his blocky hand and opened it, allowing the rain to cascade over his outstretched palm. He relished the feeling as all his senses slowly came to life and he, once again, felt the sheer wonder of existing in the realm of Minecraft.

Oh, yes, the Black Hood thought, euphoria spreading throughout his entire body. It has been far too long since I have been in this game. I had forgotten just how it feels. It is so good to be back.

The Black Hood looked around. Spawnpoint Hill was completely deserted. The Black Hood was relieved as he hastily jogged down the hill and into the forest, taking refuge from the light rain. After all, he was not supposed to be here. If anybody found out about him, the Black Hood’s life could be compromised.

The Black Hood sighed again, this time with determination. There was a reason that he had come to this server called Elementia. Though he had vowed to never again return to Minecraft after his last experience, the Black Hood knew that this particular server was in a state of horrible unbalance. A great evil had risen here, manifested in a power of untold strength. If this power should win the war now being fought, far more than the server would be destroyed. It might very well pose a danger to the game of Minecraft itself.

The Black Hood knew what he must do. Although this unspeakable evil had spread throughout Elementia, a glimmer of hope still shone. Element City, the stronghold of justice and the spirit of rebellion in the world, was still alive, however weakened it may be. And as long as Element City remains standing, the Black Hood mused to himself, so too was there a chance that the people within may be reunited with the one single player who had the ability to lead them to victory over the great evil once and for all.

I must move quickly, the Black Hood thought urgently. Although Element City will never stop fighting the invading forces of the Noctem Alliance, there will inevitably come a time when fighting is futile. And if that time comes before I can reach him… The Black Hood glanced down at his pale, blocky hand. It was imperative that he achieve his goals unseen, which may necessitate that he kill any witnesses he encountered. He would need a weapon to swiftly and inconspicuously dispose of anyone unfortunate enough to cross his path. With all his willpower, the Black Hood concentrated on his hand. He imagined the feeling of a diamond sword clutched tightly in his grasp, equipped with the highest of Sharpness enchantments. In a few seconds, the Black Hood could feel the hilt of a sword clutched in his hands, although it was not yet visible. He continued to concentrate.