Author's Note: This is a story featuring a TON of original characters, you've been warned.
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Steve was a legendary figure. He managed to do the impossible, free the world from the grip of hostile Mobs allowing Humanity to expand and truly establish civilizations. He was hailed as a hero for many, many years. He ushered in a Golden Age by forcing back the hordes of Mobs that threatened the Overworld on a daily basis. He managed to create an era of peace, something others considered to be impossible. Steve was a champion of mankind and was celebrated as such. Under his guidance and protection, Humanity spread across the Overworld, establishing new towns and cities as well as entire Kingdoms. Three in total. They are Avalot, Ivor, and Veeral. In the Era of Steve, these nations coexisted peacefully and together they held back the Mobs. But Steve didn't do all of this alone, of course he had friends, but he also trained others to follow in his footsteps. They were called Master Builders. They are essentially a jack of all trades defined by their independence and self-sufficiency. They helped protect Humanity from hostile forces just like Steve. But even legends must pass away.
After living an adventure filled life, Steve eventually passed away from old age and left his family and the Master Builders to pick up the mantle of protecting mankind. For years, the Master Builders and Steve's family kept humanity safe until the day Steve's family faded away from public eye, leaving the Master Builders alone to protect the world. But that was all in 107 ASV. Centuries have passed since then. In that time the Master Builders slowly faded away as they became stricter in who they recruit leading to their extinction. In 477 ASV, they are nothing more than memory and stories told in history books. At least, that's what Theo Whitlock was told. He's lived his entire life in his hometown of High reach, one of the many towns that cover the land. It was a peaceful life with the rare occasion of a Mob attack. But High Reach was protected by Guards from the Avalot Army or from the town itself. During his free time, Theo would train to learn how to fight with his father who was an expert fighter. But after his father died, he's had to train himself. His mother moved to the big city, and he decided to stay at High Reach as he liked the vibe of the town.
Theo loves his hometown, but he also loves history. Specifically, the history of the Master Builders. He always dreamed of becoming one as a kid but since they have gone extinct, that dream will never happen. But he didn't care. He'll become a hero another way. As he walked through his hometown, he saw all the townsfolk doing their numerous tasks for the day. Vendors sold items to customers, Guards were on patrol, children were playing, elderly folks were sharing stories and more. It was a peaceful time. He walked up to one of the blacksmiths of the town who was creating a few items. As our protagonist approached, the blacksmith noticed his approach.
"Ah, Theo! I was wondering when you'd show." The Blacksmith said.
"how's business Frank?" Theo asked.
"It's going good, some folks came by asking for tools and I provided." Frank said. "Thankfully I had some made already so it saved me the time of having to make a whole new set of tools."
"Where they of high quality?" Theo teased.
"Of course! You know me!" Frank said with a chuckle. "Only the best!"
"Hear any interesting stories lately?" Theo asked.
"Nothing too interesting, just the same ol' stuff. But I have heard that the Capital is thinking about sending out more troops to safeguard towns like ours from Mobs." Frank informed. "Apparently towns have been hit by Mob attacks more frequently lately."
"Really?"
"Yeah, heard a bunch of folks are moving to the big cities for more protection." Frank said.
"Nothing like the big cities." Theo said jokingly.
"Heh, yeah. How's your mother doing by the way? Haven't heard from her in some time." Frank asked.
"She's enjoying her time in the Capital, met some new friends, saw some new things. She's enjoying it." Theo said.
"that's good." Frank said. "Though I'm sure she misses this town."
"She does, but she made her choice." Theo said with a shrug and a smile. "How's Nick?"
"Eh ya know, same ol' stuff. He's gotten more animals for his farm." Frank said. "Hear it's doing good this time of year."
"Yeah, no kidding. Nice weather, prime conditions. Perfect for farming." Theo comments.
"So, what brings you here at this time?" Frank asked. "Looking for something?"
"Nah, just figured I'd go on a walk." Theo answered.
A gush of wind blew past him for a split second, moving leaves that found themselves resting on the ground.
"Walks are always good, especially in this weather." Frank said.
Theo heard a commotion and turned to the noise. He saw a woman accidently dropped a few boxes and then saw a man with a Diamond sword in its sheath on his hip move over to help her. As this happened, Theo took a good look at the man.
"Who's that?" he asked.
"Don't know, he showed up recently and began helping around town." Frank said, looking past our protagonist. "it's always nice to see good people."
"That it is." Theo said before returning to look at Frank. "Never enough good people in the world."
"That's true." Frank replied.
"Well, I'll see you later, Frank." Theo said.
"You too, Theo." Frank said back.
Our protagonist walks away from Frank and his building as the man with the diamond sword took notice of him and watched him walk away.
"Hm."
[Sometime Later]
Hours have passed and night has fallen onto High Reach. Town guards stood watch on the walls with torches lit up around town. Our hero was still walking around town even at night, he quite enjoyed the vibe of the town at night despite the potential danger of Mobs attacking. There were a few people still out at this time, but it was mostly guards. He reaches the market area where vendors mostly spend their time and when he got there, he saw a number of Guards relaxing. He walked up to them and they noticed him.
"Oh, hey Theo." Guard 1 greets.
"Everything okay?" Theo asked.
"If being bored is okay, then yes." Guard 2 said.
"Beats fighting Mobs." Guard 3 said. "Have you heard about what happened to the recent attacks?"
"Can't say I have why?" Guard 2 asked.
"The most recent attack hit the town of Blackstone, from what I heard they lost a lot of guards and a lot of townsfolk were hurt. Town nearly fell." Guard 3 said.
"Why didn't it?" Guard 1 asked.
"Reports say a man in diamond armor showed up and fought off the Mobs all on his own." Guard 3 answered.
"Where they from Atlas?" Guard 2 asked.
Atlas was an organization focused on Security, Science, and Exploration. They were formed hundreds of years ago, many people believed that their existence helped in the downfall of the Master Builders. Atlas was a key defender of Humanity in the absence of Steve and the Master Builders, so they were pretty famous.
"I don't think so, reports didn't say anything about a possible Atlas connection." Guard 3 said.
Theo noticed the guards on the wall looking spooked as they grabbed their weapons. He raised a brow at the scene but the other guards near him didn't notice.
"Wouldn't be surprised if it was Atlas, they've been rather busy lately." Guard 1 said.
"Move, Move!" A guard on the wall shouts.
Suddenly the wall explodes as debris goes flying. The Guards in the market area are startled as is Theo. Our hero, with wide eyes, looked at the newly formed hole and soon saw Illagers pouring into the town.
"Illagers!!" A Guard calls out.
"Fight you idiots!" Another guard shouts.
The Guards all charged forward to meet the invaders head on. Pillagers and Vindicators met them in the middle and a battle ensued. Theo took cover as arrows started flying and swords and axes clashed. The clashing of metal is heard as our hero watches. The Guards put up a good fight. Guard 1 cuts down one Vindicator before dodging an arrow from a Pillager. Guard 2 rammed his shield into Vindicator knocking them to the ground before he thrusts his Iron sword into them killing the Illager. Guard 3 fires his arrow and takes down a Pillager before an arrow strikes him in the left shoulder, making him fall onto his back before another arrow strikes him and kills him. Theo watched as the Guards, one by one, were cut down by the Illagers. Some guards remained and kept fighting before an Iron sword landed beside our hero. He hesitated but picked it up. He came out of cover, and a Vindicator spotted him, so he rushed our hero. Theo let out a war cry and charged forward, ready to defend his hometown. He swung his sword and the Illager brought up its Axe and parried the attack making our hero stumble.
The Vindicator walked forward and raised his axe to strike him down but Theo brought up his sword and blocked the attack but it was enough force to bring him to a kneeling position. Our hero pushed back and stood on both of his feet as the Vindicator glared at him. As Theo glared into his eyes defiantly, the Vindicator pushed his Iron Sword aside but not out of his grip and slashed once but our hero stepped back and dodged in time. The Vindicator slashed again and Theo tried to parry but the force of the swing knocked his sword aside. The same thing happened when the Illager tried to attack again. Our protagonist thrusts his sword forward but misses as the Illager dodges before punching Theo in the face, knocking him back and making him drop his sword. As he stumbles back the Vindicator moves forward and trips our hero, making him land on his back.
Theo looked up and saw the Vindicator raising his Iron Axe ready to strike him down. Our hero looked scared as he knew he couldn't stop this. Just as the Illager swings downward an arrow strikes them in the chest and knocks them back a short distance and he lands on his back. Confused, Theo looked behind him and saw the man with the diamond sword but this time in diamond armor. The man puts his bow away and grabs his Diamond Sword as a Pillager shoots an arrow at him. The man drew his sword and deflected the arrow before charging the Illagers at quick speeds. Pillagers take aim and open fire, launching a wave of arrows. The man deflects the arrows or dodges them with ease before coming to a stop beside Theo. the man sheathes his sword, and a block of TNT appears in his right hand out of thin air shocking our hero. The man tosses the TNT like a bowling ball at the Illagers before grabbing his bow and an Arrow. The TNT slides up to the Pillagers before the man's arrow ignites into flames and he fires it.
The arrow hit the TNT and ignites it causing the Pillagers to shout in panic before it explodes killing them. The rest of the Illagers look to the explosion as do the remaining Guards. Suddenly the Man ran through the smoke at the remaining Illagers who seemingly recognize him and panic. The man reaches the Illagers and proceeds to cut them down like grass shocking the guards who snap out of it and keep fighting. The smoke dissipates allowing Theo to watch the man cut through the Illagers like it was nothing. He'd never seen anyone so skilled before, he's only read about skilled people in history books like the Master Builders. The Illagers soon turn and run, leaving the town through the hole in the wall they created. The man watches as they flee before he sheathes his Diamond sword. The Guards cheered for their victory once the Illagers fully left the area with archers shooting at the retreating Illagers. The man nods seemingly satisfied before he turns and walks away. Theo, now standing on his feet, kept his gaze locked on the man. The man stops just as he went to pass our hero.
"W-Who are you?" Theo asked.
The man turns his body to face our protagonist and notices his eye color. He narrows his eyes as he gets closer, making Theo back up.
"Purple eyes." The Man points out.
"Um, what?" Theo asked.
"You are purple eyes." The Man said.
"Yeah? What about them?" Theo asked, still shaken by what happened.
The man appears to be deep in thought before speaking.
"Meet me in the market area tomorrow, I'd like to have a word with you." The man said before he walks away.
Theo watches him off in confusion. Who is that man and why does he want to speak with him?