Doc Ivy made the biggest revelation of our lives. We were born in a radioactive lake, and we gained the ability to speak due to radiation. Now, we had to locate a Copper Block and give it to Frank Bones in order to save our friend.
“Wait, we cannot go yet. There is something I need to ask Doc Ivy first.” I said.
“What is it?” She asked me.
“Doc, what will happen to us once we start living in a lake without radiation? Do you think we will lose our ability to speak?” I asked her.
“Good point, Morgan. The mutant Hoglin named Fergon made it clear that the Copper Block was his ‘source of power’, and that he could even lose his abilities if he didn’t keep the block around.” Tom chimed in.
“That is true for Fergon, who has just been exposed to radiation recently. As for you four who were born in a place that has been radioactive from the beginning, there is no danger. The radiation in Heat Lake has already mutated your genes, and it cannot be undone. Simply put, you won’t lose anything.” Doc Ivy replied. “That is, according to the tests I ran using Zack’s blood sample. Since you all lived in the same lake all of your lives, you aren’t taking any risks.”
“Great, thank you!” I replied.
“Oh, a family meeting, I want in.” It was Chief Derek, who just showed up out of nowhere.
“Chief Derek, where were you?” Paul asked. “I was looking for you yesterday.”
“Yes, I was dealing with some issues back in the Overworld. But then I heard my favorite group was back, and I decided to come see you all. So, Paul, where is my hefty payment? Frank Bones must have sent the rest of the Shulker Boxes with you, right?”
“No.” Paul replied.
“What? Oh, I see he preferred to send it by land in the Overworld using his deliveryman to ensure a safe delivery. I gotta say, Frank Bones is a shrewd guy. He is always taking good care of his own money.” Chief Derek said.
“Sir, he did not send you any payment at all.” I replied. Paul looked at me in dismay. Chief Derek did not react at first.
“There must be something wrong here. Could you repeat that for me, please?” Chief Derek asked.
“He didn’t send it.” Paul said.
“Apologies sir, but one of the Copper Block was with a group of radioactive Hoglins led by a Hoglin named Fergon. He refused to let us go if we didn’t hand him the block. The radioactive block gave him superior abilities, even the ability to communicate with others. We had to tell Frank Bones that we had failed our mission, and that’s when he refused to pay for the rest of the price and to lend his equipment to Doc Ivy.” Paul summarized the situation for Chief Derek, who remained in silence.
“Chief Derek, are you alright?” I asked him.
“Yes,” He replied. “I am just thinking about what Paul just told me. So, just to confirm, no payment?”
“Yes.”
“No equipment?”
“Yes.”
“No Copper Block?”
“Yes.”
“That is so unfair!” Chief Derek yelled. “How can he forfeit payment on the Copper Blocks I gave him just because he lost one? He still has 11 blocks!”
“What about the equipment, sir? Do you think that’s fair?” Paul asked.
“No of course not, I was simply voicing my opinion regarding the payment, but not lending the equipment is equally unfair. He received most of the Copper Blocks after all.” Chief Derek replied.
“We got a plan now, Chief.” Paul said. “According to Doc Ivy, there might be other Copper Blocks in Heat Lake where the Striders live. If we manage to find even one single block, we might resolve this situation once and for all.”
“Another Copper Block? That sounds promising.” Chief Derek replied.
“What do you think, Chief? Should we go after it?” Paul asked him.
“Of course, what are you even waiting for? This is now your priority, Paul.” Chief Derek replied.
“Okay, good. I wanted to talk to you beforehand to make sure you did not have any other tasks for me.” Paul said.
“No, I don’t have any. This is your only job from now on. Make sure you help the Striders find that block immediately!” Chief Derek commanded.
“Okay, good. Striders, let’s head back to Heat Lake then.” Paul replied.
“What about you, Doc Ivy? Would you like to come along?” I asked.
“I am sorry Striders, but I must return. Like I said, we are hard at work in the lab and even if we don’t have all the fancy equipment from Albeja, we can still develop the cure, although at a much slower rate. I need to get back to work just in case.”
“Thank you so much for everything, Doc Ivy. You have given us hope once again.” I replied.
“No worries. Good luck with finding another Copper block.” Doc Ivy replied.
The game was on. Could we find another Copper Block in Heat Lake now?