Chapter 4

Chapter 4 Ash Stands Alone! She Also Runs, Jumps, and Fights Alone. But I'm Sure She's Got This. She's Very Capable! The damaged lab was quickly blocked off and the hallway mopped, and school resumed as normal, although students and teachers all watched the classroom windows with concern. While Morgan and the others tried to focus on their school lessons, Ash and the rest of the visiting Wildling Scouts spent the day across the street at Stonesword Library.

Hours later, after a full day of carrying ruined books and furniture out to a dumpster, Ash's muscles ached. She wanted a shower and a nap. But her friends needed her. The Evoker King needed her. Ash decided that going into Minecraft might actually reinvigorate her. The decision wasn't that difficult when she saw the look of pure exhilaration on Harper's face. They were meeting in the cafetorium, with Ms. Minerva's permission. She'd even given them some snacks: fresh fruit and little cartons of milk. "I've got an idea," Harper said. "Mr. Mallory mentioned that the library's computers are still on, and that should include the networked PC we use for Minecraft. If I can connect your headset to that computer

remotely by piggybacking off the school's Wi-Fi, then one of us should be able to get into the game from here." "That all makes sense, kind of," said Ash. "But why is Po covered in aluminum foil?" "Because I'm helping!" said Po. He held a spoon high up in the air. "It's possible that by taking on the aspect of a giant antenna, I'll boost the signal and help Harper's plan work." "It is technically possible," said Theo. He rubbed his chin doubtfully. "Likely? No. Possible? Sure." "Good enough for me!" said Po, pulling out a second spoon and holding it in the air.

Harper turned back to Ash. "Doc's already boosted the school Wi-Fi to a ridiculous extreme. That's what makes this plan possible. Well, that and your headset." "Which is why you should be the one to go into the game," said Morgan. "Me?" said Ash. "I was sure you would want to." "I do," said Morgan, smiling. "But I've gotten better at sharing. And it's your headset, so fair is fair." His smile dropped. "But be careful. It felt like the

entire Overworld was falling apart. Who knows what you'll find when you connect?" "Only one way to answer that," said Ash, and she donned her goggles. "I'm ready when you are, Harper." With Morgan's warning ringing in her ears, Ash expected the worse as she pulled the goggles into place and logged in. To her surprise, her avatar appeared just where she'd left it, on a tranquil, grassy plain, near a smattering of flowers. The sun was just peeking over a snow-capped mountain

range, and Ash's bed, chest, and inventory were all just as she remembered. So far, so good. A low groan alerted her to new danger. She turned to see a zombie approaching her from the edge of a heavily shaded forest. As it stepped into the sunlight, the zombie's skin should have burst into flame. But the zombie didn't burst into flame. It didn't seem bothered by the sun at all. And Ash was standing there, unarmed. "Sword," she mumbled. "Where's my sword?" She quickly rifled through her inventory, selecting her best weapon: a diamond sword, enchanted with Sharpness. It would make exceptionally short work of a lowly zombie. Even if that zombie seemed strangely unbothered by sunlight. Ash thrust with her sword. But the sword never connected with the mob. She watched in amazement as her weapon broke apart into pixels before her very eyes. One moment it