Let’s Play Minecraft in a World of Swords and Spells Chapter 242: Volume 6 - 20: Silverfish
Previously on Let’s Play Minecraft in a World of Swords and Spells...
Mount Tsubo, within a private chamber offering some seclusion.
Positioned at one side of a compact, circular table, I observed a petite woman and Belle as they exchanged information before me.
Upon our initial encounter, I immediately recognized her as the [Vassal of The Earth].
She was a young lady, standing approximately 150 centimeters tall, her white hair styled into twin braids. She wore a maid outfit of unconventional design.
Typically, maid outfits, irrespective of their specific style, evoke an image of simple black and white attire. However, the one adorning the individual before me featured a blue-gray base, complemented by a dull gray apron.
"Zakarina, this is Walson, the Mutant I spoke of earlier," Belle stated, turning her attention to me and introducing me to this peculiar maid.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Goblin. I am Zakarina Lepisma, the esteemed chairman’s personal maid. A pleasure… for you," she remarked, her gaze fixing upon me with an unusual intensity. It was then I perceived the source of her peculiar aura.
Her eyes—the sclera were black, contrasting starkly with eerie white pupils.
"Uh, pardon me, my name is not Goblin." Despite her intimidating appearance, I found myself unfazed.
[Zakarina Lepisma_LV107_HP 3014/3014_Status: [Blessing of the Earth]_Title: Vassal of The Earth]
Her status and title indicated she was also a Vassal. However, her level was astonishing—not merely exceeding one hundred, but significantly surpassing Krista, the Vassal of the Flame!
As previously noted, reincarnators (or "mutants") share a subtle yet discernible connection. I felt this same resonance with her.
—These mutants are indeed the transmigration of mobs!
Lori Aivett, the "Wither," and Krista Eva, the "Skeleton Archer," were both girls who had originally been mobs from the game Minecraft, reincarnating into this world alongside Steve [Myself]. As for the one before me, her original form remained unknown, but she certainly did not seem benign, did she?
"Your name holds no significance; it amounts to the same thing," Miss Zakarina stated coldly, adding, "…to me."
Hmm, this individual possesses a truly impolite demeanor. While both serve others, Melan exhibits courtesy and politeness to strangers, whereas this one is distant and arrogant, responding with rudeness.
"Mr. Goblin, what was your Prototype Entity?"
"I am unaware, Miss Zakarina," I responded, my tone friendly yet tinged with irritation. "Before we proceed, is it not customary to introduce oneself before inquiring about others?"
"That may be true, but it is not a necessity for me to know, as it holds no importance… to me."
An awkward silence descended upon the table. Belle, sensing the rising tension, attempted to mediate.
"Zakarina, what are you doing?" Belle inquired.
Upon hearing Belle’s words, Zakarina appeared visibly startled, then murmured in a low voice.
"… I do not know? For some inexplicable reason, I instinctively harbor a dislike for Mr. Goblin. This is unusual, as I do not typically experience such feelings when meeting new 'mutant' compatriots."
I knitted my brows; her explanation did little to alleviate the situation.
"I offer my apologies for my discourtesy. My Prototype Entity is an insect that consumes books. Furthermore, should Mr. Goblin be unaware of his Prototype Entity, perhaps you could consider joining the [Mutual Aid Society] and seeking assistance from the chairman. She possesses knowledge beyond compare," Zakarina added, her demeanor seemingly… strained?
Impossible, could she be experiencing the same facial expression difficulties that Grace exhibited in her youth? Hmm, contemplating it from this perspective does offer some solace.
However, an insect that consumes books… could she be referring to a [Silverfish]? Indeed, a book-eating insect exists in the real world, and the sole mob fitting her description within Minecraft is a [Silverfish].
Could she truly be a [Silverfish]? In Minecraft, [Silverfish] are among the weakest mobs, posing little threat; many players regard them as a mere annoyance, akin to a mosquito or a fly.
This is because [Silverfish] tend to conceal themselves within stone blocks, launching surprise ambushes when a player excavates the very stone they inhabit. Their diminutive size makes them difficult to target and eradicate, rendering them quite bothersome.
But, the level 100+ stat attributed to this young woman is entirely incongruous with the characteristics typically associated with a [Silverfish]!
Why is her level so extraordinarily high!?
Moreover, the young lady before me appears to be a dwarf, and a mundane dwarf at that—hmm? So, in addition to their Minecraft Mob origins, these reincarnators also possess an original race native to this world? Like Krista from before—she had twin rabbit ears adorning her head, suggesting she likely belonged to the Rabbitfolk, despite her being a [Skeleton Archer].
"Should circumstances permit, I may entertain that possibility," I replied, keeping my response non-committal. As I had stated previously, I have no desire to affiliate with any dubious organizations.
“Enough with the pleasantries. We need to discuss the Elemental Guardian,” Belle interjected, abruptly shifting the conversation’s focus. And so, information was exchanged. Zakarina shared details about the current situation and news from the surface world, which only added to the complexity. I organized the gathered intelligence as follows: Firstly, the identity of the Earth Elemental Guardian has been confirmed. Without a doubt, the power within the purple sun is indeed the Earth Elemental Guardian. Furthermore, the Vassal of The Earth is this reincarnator, Zakarina. It’s somewhat ironic that this ordinary dwarf from the surface world is the one chosen by the deity worshipped by the underground inhabitants. Zakarina recounted her attempts to contact the Earth Elemental Guardian upon arriving in the city, but the outcome was peculiar. Unlike other Elemental Guardians, the Cat God sleeps for 364 days annually. In the past, even without a direct response to a Vassal of The Earth’s call, the Cat God would manifest mystical phenomena within the subterranean realm through dreams. However, the current anomaly is that Zakarina senses the Cat God is ensnared in a dreadful nightmare, unable to awaken. Prolonged exposure to such a state could have detrimental consequences for this town, or perhaps these effects have already begun subtly. In essence, the Earth God appears to be under attack, necessitating an immediate investigation. Next, let’s address the information concerning the surface world. The Flame Labyrinth, our previous sanctuary, has succumbed to a devastating calamity, now a landscape of both ice and fire. This is undoubtedly the handiwork of Krista and that individual known as “Dawn Hunter.” Reincarnators are truly formidable beings. The subsequent piece of intelligence was quite startling. The Hero King has lost his mind. Yes, you heard correctly. I previously mentioned a western nation governed by two Heroes. The king of this land, one of the Twin Heroes, has gone completely insane. He is now rampaging eastward, decimating cities in his wake and advancing toward the Braatio Empire. Currently, a coalition of nations has united to subdue the deranged Hero King, striving to intercept him before he reaches the Elf Empire. Belle, the other of the Twin Heroes, sitting beside me, turned ashen-white upon hearing this news. “Is that Hero King also a [Vassal of The Light[?” “Yes, and he possesses far greater strength than I do.” Belle rose, pacing the room with a grim expression. What!? Significantly stronger than Belle!? Does this imply the coalition forces are marching into a deathtrap!? “Zakarina, has the [Mutual Aid Society] dispatched anyone to manage this crisis?” “How could they? Ever since Alwin went mad, I lost contact with Meine. Krista vanished after causing chaos in the Labyrinth City. As for the others, don't even mention them. The [Dawn Hunters] have been relentlessly active, keeping us fully occupied,” Zakarina exclaimed in frustration. “Therefore, I must resolve matters here swiftly and proceed to offer support; otherwise, our numbers will be insufficient.” “No, this is what we shall do, Zakarina. You will go find Alwin. Regardless of the reason for his madness, he must be halted,” Belle interjected, cutting Zakarina short. “You wish for me to forsake my Elemental Guardian?” “No, Goblin and I will manage the situation here. At present, you are the sole individual capable of swiftly reaching and incapacitating Alwin,” Belle responded. Damn it, I knew I’d be entangled in this. “Very well, I place my trust in Belle and the [Vassal of The Forest] she relies upon. I shall entrust the affairs here to you,” Zakarina declared after a prolonged silence. “However, Mr. Goblin, should you falter, I will personally end your existence.” Regardless of her cultivation level, she cannot counter an Enderman’s Teleportation. If she attempts anything, I can simply request Grace to teleport me to a distant location, so I remain unconcerned.