The Herobrine Quest

Chapter 46. Once and For All

Zero watched as five zombie pigmen were let loose in the combat area using a mini portcullis. He frowned a little, trying to work out the best strategy. He knew he couldn't use his skill to its full potential, otherwise Toxic and Herobrine might begin to suspect.

Instead, he took a different route, one that involved picking them off from a distance with a bow and arrow. One by one, the pigmen flashed red and died, until there was only one left. He drew the broadsword, made a show of struggling a little with the weight, and charged.

In five strokes, the Pigman was reduced to a pile of rotten flesh. The golden sword dropped, but Zero ignored it. He turned to Toxic, who was nodding approval.

"At least you're still reasonably capable with a sword and bow. I half expected you to have no skill at all." She said. Zero smiled and replied "Well, I guess I'm a good fighter. I actually surprised myself a bit there."

Herobrine interrupted, saying "Toxic, an urgent matter has come up. You're needed in the battle strategy room as soon as possible." Toxic looked angry, then said "Very well. I want you to oversee the rest of his training."

And with that, she walked off at a brisk pace to the huge double doors, which opened when she neared. As they closed, Herobrine turned to Zero and said "Well, on to the next wave." Zero nodded and said "Whenever you're ready, Saltwater."

Herobrine looked at him, furious, and Zero added "Toxic did give me permission to call you that for some reason. Did I like that nickname?" Herobrine snorted and replied "You have no idea."

Zero dropped the conversation and readied his broadsword. Herobrine flicked a hand, and the lever to the mini portcullis opened again, letting out ten Pigmen. Zero looked doubtful. "Was I good enough to make it through this before?" He asked hesitantly.

Herobrine nodded. Zero turned back to his opponents and charged, swiping left and right, hoping he was at least making contact with his blade. He heard first one, then another, then several grunts of pain, and knew his strategy was working.

At last, he made it through the second wave of Pigmen. Alive. He was left panting for breath, and Herobrine nodded. He said "I'm surprised you managed that. Many new recruits cannot withstand ten Pigman at once."

If you only knew what I've been through, Zero thought.

Herobrine nodded and said "Next wave will have fifteen Pigmen. Do you think you can handle it?' Zero paused a second, then said "Why don't I fight you? It'll be better practice than these Pigmen, and I swear I won't hurt you."

Herobrine's eyes narrowed a little, and Zero could have sworn he heard him say something along the lines of See how that worked out last time?

Zero dropped his gaze and said "If you think that's a bad idea, I respect your decision, General." Herobrine shook his head and said "Actually, I think it would be good for you to have experience in fighting actual players who react like players. Plus, because of my skill level, you could learn faster."

Zero's heart did a little dance with excitement. Herobrine had agreed to a battle. As far as he knew, it was no more than a training bout, but he didn't know what Zero knew. Zero knew this was his chance to destroy Herobrine once and for all.

Herobrine teleported down to him. Zero stumbled back a little, but regained his composure quickly. Herobrine smiled and said "Not used to having sorcerers near you?" Zero looked down at his feet and mumbled "Yeah...I guess I'm not."

Herobrine drew an obsidian dagger. Zero looked at it doubtfully. He drew his broadsword and said "Don't you want to choose another weapon?"

Herobrine shook his head and replied "I'll manage with this."

Zero and Herobrine took up their positions across from each other. Zero glanced at the dagger. He knew exactly what it could do. It was a channel for his power; but Herobrine wouldn't be using his powers in this fight.

Until he realized Zero's intent.

Let the battle begin, Zero thought to himself. And this time, he wouldn't need Wolf to save him.