18 Void and Nether

(Monkey)

Fooling Kurama never gets old pfft; look at acting all mighty but running at the sight of a giant bird.

I would have trolled him more, but when I was following him, I found another interesting place, so I looked there.

(Ender)

Now my familiars have all gone to different places; I should also do some exploration not of Earth but of Minecraft world. Though there is a lack of blocky texture, it is still Minecraft where there is always something to explore.

But let's inform Gaia first.

'Gaia I am going to look for something in Overworld.' I told her via the telepathic link we had.

'Okay, but don't take too long.' She replied, and I relaxed. As for being late, no chance.

(It is not a flag)

Opening a portal to the Overworld, I stepped onto the familiar grounds of my fortress. There was still so much to do. I had explored a good chunk of the Overworld, the Nether, and the End as an outsider. Even so, the sheer scale was staggering. A standard Minecraft world was seven times larger than Earth in the game. Now, in this reality, who could even fathom its true expanse?

Yet, a question, more like curiosity was there: was the Minecraft world a planet or a massive floating landmass? Below the bedrock was the Void, a realm of infinite nothingness. But here, in reality, was it the same?

I felt a surge of curiosity bubbling within me, a feeling akin to explorers embarking on uncharted voyages. "Let's see where this takes me," I muttered with a grin, channeling a significant amount of my XP to fuel a portal.

With a flash, the gateway appeared. I stepped through, fully expecting to land on solid ground.

(Into the Void)

"W-Whoa—what the—" My footing vanished as I tumbled down, but instead of plummeting endlessly, I landed with a thud on a small, floating piece of land. Dusting myself off, I stood up and surveyed my surroundings.

The Void stretched infinitely in every direction, an expanse of nothingness punctuated by swirling greenish-gold gases, interspersed with other strange hues. The land beneath my feet, a small, 2-3 meter slab of stone, seemed to have materialized out of nowhere.

As I placed my hand on the ground, I felt it resonate with a familiar energy: Overworld XP. Yet, there was something off, another foreign energy intertwined with it. It was like clay mixed with coarse sand, malleable but imperfect.

Closing my eyes to focus (a habit more than a necessity), I attempted to shape this energy. It felt like an extension of my Creation Divinity, which allowed me to use my XP to forge simple matters. Normally, creating rocks or dirt was easy, but here, I sensed a resistance. The foreign energy disrupted the flow, like impurities clogging a pristine stream.

After several attempts, I managed to form a small lump of soil. Upon closer inspection, it was riddled with unknown contaminants, particles of an alien energy that felt... dangerous. Harmful, even, to any mortal life.

This Void was unlike anything I had encountered. Its properties intrigued me, but my sense of time, already skewed by my divine (Herobrine) physiology, felt even more distorted here. I decided not to linger. Becoming the proverbial "dad who went to buy milk" wasn't on my to-do list.

I poured even more XP into the portal I'd left open and jumped through.

(Return to the Overworld)

I landed back in the Overworld, checking the temporal differences. "Phew! Not bad. Only a day has passed on Earth and 72 days in the Overworld. Time dilation's manageable, but thank me that I didn't linger long; otherwise, who knows how much Gaia would have been worried."

Looking around, everything was exactly as I'd left it, down to the smallest detail. "So... was that Void different from the End? Or was it another dimension entirely?" I mused aloud. The terrain remained untouched, unchanged, as if the passage of time itself had paused in my absence.

Shrugging off the thoughts, I smirked. "Now, what next? The Nether? Oh yeah, the Nether Fortress I reworked while playing. That place was epic, bet it looks even better now."

With a slap to my forehead for not visiting sooner, I opened a new portal to the location of the Nether Fortress.

(Another side of the portal)

Stepping onto the balcony of my Overworld fortress, I was greeted by my ever-loyal armor knights standing guard. Their gleaming forms saluted as I walked past.

The portal to the Nether was just behind the fortress but was connected to the corridors of the fortress. Each step echoed against the stone walls as I made my way there. My anticipation grew, would my old creation live up to my expectations in this reality?

As the familiar hum of the Nether portal filled the air, I grinned. "Time to see what my masterpiece has become."

The portal itself was no ordinary structure, it was a colossal, ornate sword plunged into the earth, its blade towering high above. The hilt, crafted from crying obsidian, obsidian, and Blackstone, shimmered faintly with an otherworldly glow as though it pulsed with life. For some strange reason, I felt an inexplicable connection to it, as if the blade could be wielded, not merely by anyone, but by me.

The violet, shimmering curtain of the portal radiated an ethereal beauty. It was similar to my portals, which carried a hybrid texture of Nether and End portals, yet this one retained a simplicity that was mesmerizing in its own right. With anticipation surging through me, I stepped forward, letting the portal's energy envelop me.

(The Nether Fortress)

Emerging from the other side, I was greeted by a realm of fiery magnificence; the temperature was very high, more than 100 degrees maybe much more than that. The fortress, no longer limited by game mechanics, had transformed into a grand palace fit for a 'demon king' or hell lord. Blackstone towers rose high into the crimson sky. One thing I noticed that was weird, the Nether had clouds instead of the roof.

The jagged silhouettes of towers were framed by rivers of molten lava cascading down their sides like fiery waterfalls. Crimson and warped vines draped over the battlements, their eerie glow adding to the infernal splendor.

(Battlements-a low wall around the top of a castle with spaces in it that people inside could shoot through)

Piglins roamed the fortress grounds, grunting and snorting as they patrolled the area. Some carried golden weapons, their armor shimmering faintly in the orange glow of the lava, maybe enchantments on their gold armor. Others bartered among themselves, tossing nuggets and trinkets like merchants of this hellish realm. Despite their usual chaotic nature, here they seemed organized as if the fortress itself demanded their respect.

As I moved deeper into the fortress, my attention was drawn to something else: they were similar to the Armor Guards of the Overworld. The Nether Guards stood like sentinels at key points within the palace. These fearsome constructs were once made using armor stands adorned with wither skeleton skulls; though they were just decorations before, the case was not the same now. Their glowing eyes followed me as I passed, and though they remained still, their aura was enough to make any intruder think twice, imbued with dark energy that made them more than mere decorations.

Lava moats encircled key sections of the fortress, their bubbling depths bridged by sturdy Netherbrick walkways. Giant chains, forged from a mixture of nether iron (custom) and obsidian, stretched across the fortress ceiling, holding massive glowing chandeliers made from blazing rods and quartz.

I ascended a staircase to the throne room, a vast chamber carved into the heart of the fortress, every fortress of mine had one. The walls shimmered with a beautiful combination of netherwart block, Nylium, and gilded blackstone, their surfaces etched with runes of power. A massive throne sat at the far end, made entirely of netherite which was surprising and glowing faintly with various runes.

I approached it and sat on it, surprised at the comfort and substantial surge of power and authority; I didn't expect the result. "Maybe I should try this on the Overworld throne, too."

I could feel everything about the castle as if it were my part, I sensed a few powerful presences on the level around my strongest familiars, I can already guess what they were but I will check later, this feeling was eerily similar to the time when I awakened my divinity and my time in the void as of the whole fortress was responding to my will and I could feel that if I want I could even affect the surroundings of Nether near the fortress.

He could feel some metaphorical locks being unlocked as he instinctively manifested Nether Fire (Hell Fire of Minecraft) on his palm.

Previously, he was able to manipulate fire like all elements, but he wasn't able to create them out of nowhere without his divinity; this was different. It consumed barely any amount of energy, not to mention Nether Fire is vastly superior to normal fire.

"Ghost Rider also has Hell Fire right? Maybe I can use this to the crazy stuff like him too." He muttered, after all, who didn't want to try the cool stuff Ghost Rider does, "Maybe I can even make my version of Ghost Riders." He is seriously considering it.

It would not be difficult for him to do that if his assumptions were correct. He was able to create entities like Armor Knights even after transmigration, though that did put some strain on him, it was manageable; he wasn't sure it would work on others since he has yet to try with others.

"Maybe I should try with various Golems and experiment with all those skulls or heads I received in the dungeon." The carved pumpkin was going to become one of the most important resources. Thankfully, Ender has created various farms, too.

Jumping from his throne, Ender lost nearly all of his boosts except the new perks that 'unlocked'.

(Check the notes at the end of the chapter)

"Man, so this is similar to those beacon boosts, I feel weak now." He mutters, even though his strength was the same as previously, maybe even stronger with new perks.

He will experiment later. He has to explore changes in the Nether, after all.

"I wonder if there is a void after clouds or something else." He starts walking towards the balcony of the fortress, opening his wings that now have some nether 'theme' on them. "Now this gives me a feeling similar to a demon." He jokes before jumping into the skies, creating a sonic boom. Fortunately, the fortress was strong enough to withstand the aftermath.

Soaring toward the crimson sky, Ender could see the various mobs. Some he had seen and some not; there were beasts like wyverns, the iconic ghasts that looked more like balloons similar to a cat head, and there were even some small birds that looked like miniature versions of Wither.

Ignoring them he continued his flight.

(After a few hours)

"This is never-ending," Sighing Ender said he used every method to reach the highest possible location using the Lightning Cloak to speed up, Ender Blink to teleport to the farthest he could see in the sky which was a lot even going as far as to create a portal but every time it felt like the sky was endless and it probably was so he decided to leave the skies and explore the land.

The residents of the Nether have many different mobs like demons, imps, and demon lords (who are stronger demons) thanks to the mod Imps & Demons, which added another touch to the Nether.

While the mobs around the fortress didn't become hostile, probably due to him being the one who 'created' the fortress and gave them a safer place, what about others? Would Demon Lords become some kind of ruler? Would they be hostile to him?

"Man let's see how those piglins react." He muttered, wearing a golden coat that was very flashy. He wasn't wearing gold but adamantine, which looked similar to gold but was in almost every way better than it.

~~~~

2043 words

[Congratulations You have become the Overlord of Nether!

Rewards: Overlord of Nether (Title)]

[Title: Overlord of the Nether]

[Abilities Unlocked:]

[Netherfire Manipulation: Control and generate Netherfire, an intense flame that burns hotter and consumes stronger entities than ordinary fire, capable of incinerating spiritual and magical energy.

Soulfire Manipulation: Wield Soulfire, a pale blue flame that directly burns souls, bypassing physical defenses. It can be used to torment, purify, or even strengthen the souls it touches.

Effect of Title: Overlord of the Nether

This title grants abilities and influence (akin to the Hell Lords). As the Overlord:

Domain Mastery: You command all elements of the Nether, including its creatures. Piglins, Striders, Magma Cubes, Demon Lords (even Ancient) Ghasts even Wither recognize your authority instinctively.

Creation of Hell/Nether Bringers: You can imbue mortal beings or creatures with your Netherfire and Soulfire, transforming them into your agents, Hell/Nether Bringers. These entities (similar to Ghost Riders) possess fiery skeletal forms, immense strength, and the ability to channel Nether and Soulfire. They are bound to your will and serve as enforcers of your power.

Demonic Aura: Your presence in the Nether causes the environment to react. Lava burns brighter, the air grows heavier, and even the most rebellious of Piglins/mobs are subdued in your presence.

Nether Resurrection: Any creature that dies in the Nether under your rule can be resurrected as a Netherbound servant, retaining a fragment of their former self while serving your will.

Netherbound Constructs: You can now create more advanced Nether-based entities, such as magma-infused golems/mobs, sentient lava flows, or fortresses that adapt and repair themselves.

Dimensional Lock: You gain the ability to temporarily lock the Nether, preventing any entity from entering or leaving without your permission.

Soul Insight: Instantly perceive the full moral, emotional, and spiritual history of any soul. This allows you to judge them with absolute accuracy.

Weighing the Scales: Manifest a metaphysical scale to determine a soul's worth, weighing their sins against their virtues.

Verdict Power: Deliver judgment that binds the soul to a corresponding fate: eternal torment, purification, reincarnation, or servitude in the Nether.

Infernal Pacts: Forge unbreakable contracts with mortals or immortals. These contracts are written in Netherfire, binding the signee's soul and essence to the agreed terms.

Deal Sealing: Your deals can grant anything the signee desires, power, wealth, immortality, etc., in exchange for their loyalty, soul, or a portion of their life force.

Clause Twisting: As a master of contracts, you can insert hidden clauses or loopholes to serve your ultimate goals, ensuring the deal always benefits you.

Devil's Mark: Place a mark on signees, signifying their binding connection to you. The mark grants them minor infernal powers while also acting as a leash to ensure obedience.

Soul Capture: Extract souls from living or dead beings and imprison them in items, structures, or your domain.

Soul Refinement: Refine captured souls into powerful energy sources or weapons. Pure souls create divine artifacts, while corrupted souls forge destructive infernal tools.

Soul Fusion: Combine multiple souls into a singular powerful entity, creating monstrous hybrids or servitors.

Soul Liberation: Purify souls of corruption, granting them a chance at redemption or empowering your allies with purified soul energy.

Hellfire Chains: Summon burning chains infused with Netherfire and Soulfire to bind, torment, or control enemies. These chains can also bind spiritual and divine entities.

Shape-Shifting: Take on any form, monstrous or divine, allowing you to deceive, intimidate, or manipulate others.

Temptation Aura: Emit an aura that amplifies desires, making those around you susceptible to temptation and deals. This is particularly effective on the weak-willed.

Nightmare Projection: Enter and manipulate the dreams of mortals, turning their fears into tools of coercion or punishment.

Summon Infernal Beasts: Call upon legions of infernal creatures, to fight or serve you.

Nether Corruption: Expand your influence to other realms, corrupting land, creatures, and even divine beings to align with your energy.

Hellscaping: Reshape the Nether to your will, creating fortresses, labyrinths, or illusional lands to deceive those who enter.

(Upgraded)Portal Mastery: Open or close rifts between dimensions, allowing you to invade other realms or defend your own.

Time Bargains: Make deals involving time, allowing signees to alter past, present, or future events at great personal cost.

Reality Bending Deals: Contracts with you can bend reality itself, granting wishes that seem impossible but come with hidden prices.

Cosmic Awareness: As the Overlord of the Nether, you gain awareness of other infernal realms and their rulers, allowing you to negotiate, ally with, or undermine them.

Soulforge Mastery: Craft unique items or weapons imbued with the power of captured souls, giving them unmatched strength and abilities.

Nether's Mercy: Rarely, you may offer mercy to truly repentant beings, releasing them from their sins or transforming them into your loyal agents of redemption.

(NOT that it will happen but) Eternal Throne: Your rule over the Nether is eternal. Attempts to overthrow (good luck with that) you will result in your resurrection, stronger and more vengeful than before.]

Well, if there is Hell, there should be Heaven, too, right???

But how should I integrate it??? End will be different it isn't suitable for Heaven.

Mephisto misunderstood but he wasn't wrong that Herobrine would be a threat to him.

The void was a reality version of Far Lands.

Powaaah Stones!!!

How was the chapter???

There might be a bonus side story coming up next.

Title-Oinky the Goldsmith!