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Pixelated spear crossed over a wooden shield on a yellow hexagon with the words CHALLENGER THE ZOMBIE HORSE next to a zombie riding a green horse holding a spear under a dark night sky
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Sofia Dankis
Written By
Sofia Dankis
Published
11/27/25

Mounts of Mayhem: Midnight Arena

Help! It is way past my bedtime!

Good evening, my adventurous audience! As we’re gearing up for our grand finalé, this challenge is getting an extra layer of difficulty because it's happening at night! For the first time in my sleepy life, I am not only condoning staying up past bedtime, I am demanding it! We’re risking phantoms, Endermen, and all the other hostile mobs that spawn in the dark. But the reward is balanced. The victor wins honor, legacy, and whatever loot is left to claim! But we, the spectators, get the true prize. Bragging rights for staying up late! Priceless.

You know, the night isn’t so bad. The moon is really cool, everything is kind of moody, and those horses look incredible. And undead. Argh!!

Three zombies riding green zombie horses in a dark forest at night with birch trees and moonlight in the background

Zombie horses! With zombie riders! Zombie a deux, mon dieu!! I regret everything, bed please forgive me!

In the pale moonlight, the zombies stampede towards us. This isn’t happening, we’re not in the challenge! We’re just here to watch! Did anyone bring an extra spear?!

Their zombie hooves beat against the dirt, but suddenly another sound rings out! Just as rhythmic, but distinctly of the foot variety. Our hero! It’s about time!! Oh wait. Those footsteps were mine! Well, you can’t blame me for running away, have you seen the zombie horses yet?! They may be passive on their own, but the zombies riding them sure aren’t!

*SWOOSH*

OK, but I can guarantee that sound wasn’t me! Can you look up for me? I can’t seem to pry my eyes open and run for my life at the same time. OK, fine! Just a lil peek… yes! Our hero has arrived! By elytra!

Minecraft player in dark armor flying under a night sky while holding a glowing teal spear with the moon shining brightly below

CHALLENGER: ROUND 7

  • NAME: Oskar Thysell
  • OCCUPATION: Java Professor (Coffee & Minecraft)
  • Strengths: Soaring, swooping, spearing, and packing
  • Weaknesses: Can tell time, but chooses not to
  • Survivability rating: 3/5

They’re soaring through the sky with their spear!

Top-down view of a dark forest at night showing five zombies riding green zombie horses holding spears, with a glowing teal spear visible in the foreground

The zombie horses are fast, but our winged warrior’s weapon is faster! Jabbing from the sky, lunging forward, they unseat and attack the zombies one by one, until the last one is left. But before they can deliver their blow from above, their elytra wings break! Such timing!

Two broken Minecraft elytra wings and a shattered item floating in the night sky under a bright moon with dark trees in the foreground

Our hero plummets to the ground! The zombie doubles back!

Top-down view of a dark forest at night showing seven zombies riding green zombie horses holding spears, with scattered pumpkins and yellow flowers near the trees

The hero produces an anvil. While this is an extremely metal move, I worry it’s not going to be that effective in combat and voice this opinion in my shrillest tone.

The zombie is gaining ground when the hero yanks a membrane from their inventory and manages to repair their elytra in the knick of time. They lift off and deliver one last aerial attack. Victory!

So maybe staying up to take on phantoms has its perks, if you’re brave enough! Or awake enough. Neither of these parameters pertain to me after this penultimate challenge. I’m going to get my beauty sleep in before the final challenge, and I suggest you do the same!

Want to find out what happens next?

Read the next chapter!

Missed a chapter?

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7

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