Mythical Artifacts

Chapter 6: In Unity

After he left, it was awkwardly quiet. I looked out the window at the spring flowers, wondering where that elusive sword really was if it hadn't been in Dragonstar. There were now four people ensured to be a part of the team, with three people pending. Ferbooper was the first to make the next decision.

"I definitely want to join," he said. "Having the entire reward would be great . . . but if I can just use The Sword for a little bit, I won't care about any reward."

"Hey, that's . . . great!" I said, feeling good about a current total of five people.

"But if we do get The Sword, I want the victory dance when we trade it in for the rewards," he said.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there," I said evasively. "I don't know how we'll do it considering the ratio of rewards to players, especially if . . ." My eyes went to the only two people who hadn't decided.

"I don't know, Flawed," said JetRaidz. "All of this is pretty cool, and it was nice that you invited me, but I don't think it's really for Dia or me. Plus, I have a guild to run."

I had really wanted Jet and Dia to join, but that hope was gone. Still, five people, I thought, but the team suddenly felt emptier knowing they wouldn't join, even though I had anticipated their denial.

"Well . . ." said Dia, which got my hopes up. "I would join, because I think it would be fun, but there's the guild and . . . well, I'm just really busy."

"It's cool, guys. I get why," I said, forcing a smile. "Maybe if you get more free time or something."

"Yeah, maybe," said Dia, smiling slightly. I gazed at her thoughtfully. . . .

"On the bright side, it seems like you have your team here," said Jet. I looked around and saw everybody that had joined the team. "Might be a little small, but it will be more personal that way."

"Thanks, Jet," I said, looking back at him.

"Yep. . . . Well, we'd better get going," said Jet, getting to his feet. "See you later, Flawed."

"Bye, Flawed," said Dia sweetly. They both headed toward the doorway.

I got out of my chair. "Dia, wait," I said suddenly, walking toward her. Everyone else was talking, and Jet was already at the door. "You . . . sure you don't want to join?" I asked quietly.

She frowned. "I'm sure. . . . Sorry."

"It's fine. I was just . . . making sure," I said. I forced another smile. "See you, Dia."

"Bye," she said, turning and walking away. I held my breath, watching them leave, giving Jet a fake smile as they left.

I turned to my new team, and they stopped chatting and looked back at me. Melon, Typo, Mine, and Ferbooper — a small group, but a group nonetheless.

"What first?" asked Ferbooper. "Got any leads on The Sword?"

"Actually, a week ago I thought I had found The Sword, but when I looked more closely a few hours later, it wasn't there," I answered. "Anyway, first I think we need to promi—"

"Wait, was that in a minigame?" asked Typo.

"Uh . . . yeah," I answered. "I was playing with Michael in Dragonstar and thought I found The Sword but I had died before I could closely see it."

"And then what?"

"A few hours later I went back to the map and it wasn't there," I said uncertainly.

He got to his feet. "Flawed . . . there are multiple copies of maps," he said, his voice dead serious. "The Sword is one of a kind. If you didn't see it in Dragonstar once, that doesn't mean it was never there."

The reality of what he said hit me, and immediately I took out my compass and teleported to the Bedwars lobby, determined to find The Sword for real.

- — —— — -​

"People still haven't found The Sword," reported Codename, "but some people are teaming up with their friends to find it."

"It has to be found sooner or later," said Hypixel. "I hope nobody's started questioning its existence?"

"Some, but nobody listens to them," he answered. "I doubt it's so well hidden that everyone will get bored of looking for it. Plus, a few staff are still looking for it in less common games."

"And we're sure that it's in a minigame?"

"It's unquestionable," he answered. "The detection techniques have confirmed its rough location."

"All right. Thank you for the update, Codename," said Rezzus. "You are dismissed."