“He’s uhm… doing his personal business Elf. And do not do that again, it might be acceptable for Elves to walk in on each other's properties without knocking, but our Lord is human and respects the fact that you need to announce yourself… and maybe get a pair of trousers to boot.”
“You vampires never change. The stories of the past and what books survive didn’t even make a single mistake about your personalities and that culture of superiority.”
“Same could be said about you, Wood Elf. Tsk. At least we’re true to ourselves and of our eternity.”
“Hahahaha, then I guess I’ll wait here. Don’t wanna make any more problems.”
“Hm? And why? Just leave. Our Lord shall see to it if he ever wants to find you.”
“As you said, respect. I’ll wait here till he returns so that we might be able to converse about our hunting path and so that I may be able to be aware of their plans. The Chiefs won’t be happy if some Outworlders were to walk into our city without permission.”
“Haaaaa… why do we bother? Countess. Do tell, have we been talking to these people?”
“Not as much Your Majesty. The Wood Elves have been doing their own thing since then.”
“Ah, I see. No wonder they're so curious again. Now, don’t misunderstand me, Elf. But I do think it’d be better for you to leave than wave your naked body around.”
“Hahahahahah, I guess something did change with the Vampires.”
“Nothing had, I am merely annoyed by your presence. At least wear shoes.”
“You should never be ashamed of yourself nor of your beauty.”
“That does not mean I will go naked here and frolic in the forest like it's my personal private room.”
“Then please, just ignore me. I am sure you Vampires can do something as simple as that.”
“Oh you're really pushing it.”
Bahamut in the back just stayed silent. She then started looking around and found something in a bush.
Meanwhile inside his bush. In the middle of his session, the General notices the ground and looks around. The frozen marshlands opened his eyes. “We’ll need more Wreckers…” he then takes a closer look at one of the stone goblins that’s been stuck, with moss and vines growing over its long frozen body. Cleaning its body a bit, he stares at its curved sword that's half buried in the mud. “Hmmmm… these guys are pretty damn dangerous.'' He saw that the goblin even had a pouch’s string wrapped around his wrist. “Poisoned? Dang.” The small creature also wore leather and metal armor with greaves and a full helmet and had extra infantry tools in his belt.
Looking further into its outfit. The Goblin Infantry wasn’t the ones he is used to and is visibly experienced and very well equipped for combat and even had tools normal Goblins wouldn’t have. He then looks at the other Goblins and finds the same set up but with varying arrangements for Archers, Shielders, Lancers, Spears, and Swords. But not one was lacking in equipment and others even had Demonic horns on their metal helmets. “The forces of Hell know what’s up. Wow.”
“How long are you going to wait here? Can you not sully our camp with your naked body?”
“Oh my, a vampire that doesn’t want to see a naked body? More so the wonderfully carved bodies of us Elves? What world are we living in?”
“Grrrrr… Bahamut, can you not do something?”
Bahamut with some berries on her mouth and hand looks at the two emptily. She then shrugs and continues picking berries from the bush. Alana takes some and while eating a berry, looks devilishly at the Elf. The Dragon continued eating without care as the Elf curiously looked at her, tilting his head as he inspected the woman silently eating berries.
“And who might you be?”
“Bahamut.”
“What name is that? Are you native to this land?”
“Nope. I came here with Master.”
“Master? Oh, you mean the human General?”
“Yes. With Master. Hm, these berries taste very sweet.”
“Those are native Wild Berries only found in this region. I am pleased that you find them tasty. It's actually good for the gut, if you eat more. You might be able to eat an entire cow. What could you be?”
“I am a Dragon. A prideful Dragon from the Void Sea. I’ve come to the physical realm after a human has summoned me with his offering. This really helps with the gut? Hmmm… I should eat this before I have dinner later.”
“Void Sea? I get it that you are no normal Dragon then?”
“I am not. I am one that you would call “Dragon God”. But as I stand here before you, I am just Bahamut. The Black Dragon.”
“Interesting, super interesting. To think a human has a group like this. What an amazing adventure you must’ve all had so far… and I wonder what kind of man is the General to lead such a group.”
“Hah, words cannot begin to describe what we’ve been through. I am enjoying every moment of it. Even though I’ve been adventuring myself and been to many realms. I can say, this has so far been the most fun. It is better to fight with someone than fight with nothing but yourself.”
“I feel like we’ll get along. You do not judge me and you only see me as an Elf.”
“I have no desire for the physical body… okay maybe except for Master’s but that’s only because I am curious of how my human body would interact with his. But other than that, as a Dragon. I see things through the lens of fight and survival. If you wish to gain my friendship. Prove to me in battle that you are capable enough.”
“Now I understand why our Elders have respected the Dragons so much. Even our more extreme cousins, the High Elves dare not disrespect your kin. I see now, such a wonderful species. To have such a mindset, no wonder you rule the Land, Sea, and Air.”
“Mindset? All I know and have been taught in my entire life is that it's fatal to be weak. But it's a death wish to stay weak. That’s why I’ve fought endlessly, till the day I received Godhood. I never stopped fighting and continued to grow and now, I’ve reached this apex of my species.”
“Weak… I do wonder.”
“How come you speak Dragonian? Is that because of your family?”
“I have contact with the outside world. I do not only do hunting but also trading occasionally as I work in the House of Economics from time to time. It's good to know Common so that I may be able to transmit what my tribe wishes and needs.”
“You Wood Elves have seen better days have you?”
“In the days past, I’ve heard many stories of the glory we once had. Before, we were only one. There was no Wood Elf, High Elf, or Dark Elf. It was only The Elves. Then the Dark Elves came to be in their pursuit of the power of the Ancients, and soon. The High Elves for whom they wanted to be more than forest dwelling people. I’ve heard that they now have flying cities with tall buildings on them. I must say, there is great shame to how weak we’ve become. Eons before the Humans came, we Elves ruled Geraldia and shared it between the Orcs and the Dwarves. But centuries of fighting and the coming of the Dragon Age with their Human friends led to endless wars and… you can see who won said wars with how many humans there are in the continent now.”
“There isn’t any shame in being weak. We were all weak once. The shame is in staying weak, and unable to become stronger. Be not weary of one's strength, be weary of one's inability to grow.”
“Your words speak true. True like the Elders. What wisdom lies with you, I wonder. For someone so ancient and old. You could probably fill an entire book with nothing but lessons learned from the past.”
“I do not know much in life. I’ve only known fighting and war. This is why I need Master. He helps me see things differently, with his mortal eyes. I am able to experience a whole other world I would’ve never seen as a Dragon. If you want wisdom, ask him. Though I have made a book, one the Cult of Bahamut uses. It's not meant for the masses but only to those willing to follow in my footsteps and learn of my story to become a God.”
“You mean a human has more wisdom than you? A Dragon that has risen to Godhood?”
“Yes. Master’s mortality has led him to experience as many things as possible in the shortest amount of time. Though of course I’ve known and felt more, how he lives his life is a good example for us all. Regardless of our inability to truly die. Eloquent with his words and ways, Master might judge. But he never casts his stone before knowing what you're truly capable of. If you want a balanced lesson, it is better to talk to the Humans. But if you wish to survive, it is better to talk to us Dragons. Isn’t that right?’
“Hm. M’Lord is a prime example of a human who has learned and applied the things he got from his life. Heroes created a Legend, a Legend created a Myth. Through the stories of old, M’Lord took the best lessons and turned it into his personality and fighting style. That also makes him a great leader, for he knows how far he can push a man’s soul before it shatters. He has enough stories to know the beauty and terror of his own kin and make the best use of it.”
“What do you see in that human? When he walked into my tent. He seemed like a toy breaker.”
“Toy breaker?”
“It’s what we call adults who usually have little to no experience in life.”
“M’Lord is nothing of that sort. If you’ve seen that man's face in battle. He is an entirely different man when it comes to such things. Maybe later, you might see such a display from him. Words cannot express how much he has impressed me and Her Majesty. It's already appalling enough that a Human would openly accept a Vampire. Though that’s a strange thing that is common amongst the Outworlders. They love Vampires even though we don’t exist in their world and are merely a work of fiction. Maybe if they learned of our horrors and looked past our beauty will they know why we are feared and revered.”
“I do look forward to that. What kind of human might you be to impress not one, but two Vampires and have a Dragon God tail you around? I’ve not met much of the Outworlders. The ones I’ve talked to have been strange and quite peculiar but I never find them to be annoying. Their childlike fascination with our world is also innocent to a degree. But just like anything else, this innocence soon leads to curiosity and then… conflict. I do hope your man will be able to solve the problem plaguing both of our species. I hold no grudge against Men as they are kind when needed and more accepting than anyone else in this world when it comes to it.”
“M’Lord will return later. I suggest following Her Majesty’s orders and vanishing. It’s been good chatting but the other humans have started to notice your naked presence and right now, I do not feel the urge to explain to them why you're wearing nothing. I know you are curious about the foreign men that have stumbled themselves into our world but you still need to wear something at least if you wish to stay here for long. Bahamut, these Wild Berries taste amazing.”
“Goodness. To think your human Master and his Dragon friend didn’t see us as barbarians but his Vampiric servants do baffle me. But I can see his influence in all of you, as you’ve talked to me and conversed in such an open tone. Humanity is seeping through all of you even just a bit.”
“Huh, he let us think for ourselves and thus… My opinion of you Elves has not changed nor will it ever. Maybe the Countess is more open to change but I am not. The annoying resistance you put up eons ago still brings me great stress in the present when I am reminded. Your absolute loyalty to the balance Forrus gave you is just far too stupid at this point. The world is moving forward, stop being stubborn and allow yourselves to wreathe the benefits of a new world.”
“Oh my, a scary blonde vampire lady is trying to intimidate me. Look, we aren’t stubborn. It’s merely that we take our time to adapt to new things. If the Outlanders were to gift us these horseless machines they have. We’d gladly take them after learning their inner workings. Even these weapons are mesmerizing, guns as they are called right? I do hope we’d be able to replicate such things one day. Man has truly peaked in their world to have such magical and powerful machines to do the killing for them.”
Rustling from the bushes, the Knight General stumbles down as his ACU gets caught by thorns. He immediately looked up and could see the pristine and chiseled body of the handsome elf. “EYYYOOOO WHAT THE FUCK?!” The man stands up, cleaning himself as General Paul’s shocked face and dropped jaw becomes more and more worse as he gets closer to the edge of the camp. “Dude, how many inches is that? What the heck?”
“Yo human. I think it's about twelve?”
“W-Woah… Dang mine would be like a fraction of that.”
“My Lord, do not compare yourself to that thing… And I think it's the same length? Right, Your Majesty?”
“Please. It doesn’t matter. Such childish conversations should be left at home.”
“Master, did you seriously just go there? And I think it's the same length at full erect.”
“What? Like, look at that thing dangling like a ten inch Banana! Even when mine is alive and firm, no way it's that long!”
“M’Lord, are you sure you’ve properly done it? It seems that you might need to go for a second round.”
“I did do it properly and no. I am not gonna go back to the forest with scary stonified statues of Goblins littered about. I just didn’t expect Mister Tyrone would be here with his package all out for the world to see. So, what is it? Can’t you at least wear a pair of pants or something?”
“Next time. I’ll properly get a pair of trousers. For now, I’d like to talk about what will be our upcoming plans for all visitors, foreigners to this place. Getting lost is very easy for those who haven’t been here for all their life.”
“I see. Sure why the heck not. I got time to burn anyway… but are you sure you don’t want briefs? I got an extra set somewhere in my tent. Don’t know if it fits you though but it's garterized and super comfy.”
“Since we’re currently hunting for some more food. We’ll be going through the usual hunting route which is very remote and isolated and will be cutting through some marshlands and swamps deep inside the forest. The cold is also not good for you humans, correct? And I’d also like to remind you about historical sites and such that may still hold dangers of the ancient times. May we not deface nor awaken the Ancients that sleep in this eternal forest.”
“Uhm, yes. Even in ACUs, it’s still super cold for me.”
“That is indeed a problem… hmmmm… Do you have a proper map at least?”
“Nope. If we did, the Captain hasn’t given me one yet and we’re already deep into it. So yeah, I highly doubt we have proper maps to use or even remotely accurate as the trees are so thick that roads can’t be seen from above. Even with the helicopter ride here, we had to fly low and underneath the crowns to even see the path.”
“How about you join us in hunting then? After that, we’ll be returning back home anyway with the food. With my presence there too, you shouldn’t need to wait long for us to return. I’ll be giving the Chiefs my word and vouch for you General.”
“I mean, whatever is fine with me. I just need to talk to your leaders and sort this entire thing out before violence could escalate to a level where High Command will be dropping fire bombs into the forest.”
The Elven man then returned to being silent with his hand on his chin. Thinking while Elizabeth just facepalms and Alana and Bahamut continued to eat wild berries.
“You guys got more of those?”
“Here M’Lord.”
Alana then feeds the General with the berries she had in hand and soon, even Elizabeth herself joins in, picking a branch with wild berries from the bush behind her without looking and just starts eating them in peace as the Elven man continues to think in peace. “These wild berries are pretty good huh?” “Right Master? You should try these ones too.” all the while, the Elven man suddenly flicks his finger.
“Alright, I’ll be guiding you then.”
“Eh? But I have so many people with me. Are you sure? I’ll probably have to get the vehicles to continue on the road though.”
“I can still guide you all but with your numbers, I cannot assure everyone’s life. I’ll also tell your drivers where to go. It shouldn’t be far with your vehicles, you just need to find the proper way and after we're done hunting, meet up with them and join into one big group on the last part of the trip.”
“Hmmmmm…. sure. Why not? I wanna adventure more anyways around these parts. The forest is so beautiful, like every inch of this place had scenery in mind or am I just so used to the cities that I forgot how beautiful nature looked? Either way, I’ll go talk to them. Wanna wear something before talking to the Captain and the rest of the men? I can’t really have you walking around our newly set up camp naked and dong out dangling and all.”
“Ahahahaha, of course. We’ll be going anyway, I’ll be donning my hunting outfit.”
“Eh wait, then if the land is basically marshlands, how do you guys travel around? Don’t tell me…”
The handsome Elven man with his black ponytailed hair just points upwards to the branches and everyone looks, when they leveled their heads, the man was gone. “Tsk, what a bore. My Lord, shall we get going?”
“Wait, I’ll have to think of a way for us to traverse this place. No way I’ll be jumping around like them with my normal body. Hmmmmm… will my Knight Armor boost my stats enough? Or should I let Elizabeth or Alana lunge me around while they fly?”
“Master, I have a plan.”
“Oh really? What is it Bahamut?”
“I’ll transform into my dragon form. It should be large enough to be able to traverse this place without much problems, yes? I have very large claws Master and my weight and height should be more than enough to get around the ponds and lakes. I can also swim if needed.”
“Hmmm… yeah we’ll do that. I guess I’ll don my Knight armor. Bahamut, send me Mana!”
She stands up and heads to him. Placing her hand on his shoulder, the man materializes his Death Knight armor in place and just like that, the man was in full set instantly.
“Haha! So handy! Alright! I’ll go talk to the others with him and we’ll get going. Elizabeth, Alana. Take as much rest as you need as we’ll get going soon.”
Talking it out with the other players and the Captain, the skeleton soldiers return to the Humvees and continue onward to the road while Bahamut transforms in her larger form. Putting the Wood Elves in awe of the giant metallic dragon with its gleaming black scales and massive size paired with the Dragon Gods’ divine aura. The huge metallic horns of Bahamut would occasionally hit branches and rustle trees as she lowered her head so as to be able to squeeze through the tight place.
With her monstrous and Godly voice back, the giant dragon’s head peers over the clean pond and to her Master who was standing in peace, ogling at the Elven women in secret as his Gothic helmet completely covered his face and eyes. “Ahhhhh… I’ve never been so blessed to see all these beautiful women in one place. The blonde ones are really nicely shaped.” while Elizabeth and Alana just smirked as Bahamut lightly pushed his back with her exhale. This powerful gust of wind immediately made him lose his balance.
Not paying attention to his surroundings, the man turns around to be met with the sharp teeth of Bahamut and sends him down to the pond panicking and in absolute fear of what he just saw. “DON’T DO THAT! JESUS! DO YOU KNOW HOW SCARY YOU LOOK?!” Bahamut just laughs alongside everyone else as the General slapped his front plate and used magic to steam the water.
Within the next minute, Paul, Elizabeth, and Alana are riding on top of Bahamut as her sharp claws dig into the marshlands of Geraldia. The Elves on the other hand are hopping from one branch to another, while Alligators avoid the giant dragon as it steps over the wetlands with no effort at all. In some parts, the water was so deep that Bahamut’s legs would be completely under and she’d occasionally slither in the water like a snake.
“Dragons are such an amazing species, right My Lord?”
“Hm. They are called the perfect creatures for a reason. Look at how Bahamut can traverse this without changing her body at all. That’s the pros of being a giant lizard with wings.”
“M’Lord, do Dragons also live within the marshlands? I’ve only heard of such Dragons in the stories.”
“Oh you should see them. They are usually camouflaged and have cross shaped eyes. You’d just be spooked. The giant moss covered boulder in front of you starts moving on its own and the next thing you know, you're melting. Me and Bahamut have both been killed by one.”
“I am surprised that God or whatever made you a Chosen One.”
“Well, Chosen Ones are actually just a fancy word for souls meant to be repurposed till Tur’s light has been returned. Or some lore like that. Bahamut knows more.”
The Dragon then completely starts to swim fully. Her body was fully slithering in the deep water as the Elves continued to hop through the branches on top of them. Soon, carcasses of giants started to appear. With water reaching nearly their throats and veins holding them up like a show for those who dare walk into the forest without being prepared. The moss made some completely unrecognizable.
“Woah… what’re those?”
“Their the Dwarves Iron army. What they made up with their small bodies is sheer creation of automatrons like those M’Lord.”
“Wow, and how did they get here then? Did the Dwarves try to invade this place or something?”
“I shall answer that My Lord. This is actually from the Demon Army. These Iron Golems are powered by the souls of creatures. Thus, when the Great Hordes of the Underworld came over to the living realm. They bought with them these, you can actually make out the seal of the Gods of Hell in some of them still.”
“Geez, they used these humongous weapons against everyone?”
“Indeed. Their armor is also insanely tough. I’ve personally fought them and even with my strength and vampirism. They still pose a threat if left unnoticed. You can only hear the growl of their souls and the cranking of their joints as they hurl their large armored bodies at you.”
Out of nowhere, a giant iron golem rises from the water. The Elven Hunter they talked to then jumps down to the back of the Dragon. “Hey humans! Watch out for that! That’s a Relic of the First Demon King and his army!” Bahamut opens her mouth and throws flames at the ancient creature as its withered giant sword strikes the dragon's jaw. “I suggest just avoid it!” But the steel giant with his shield overgrown with vines and leaves blocks her flames. Angry, the giant dragon just bites its head. To its surprise, the sturdy thing wasn’t made of flesh at all. With a bit more effort, the head of the golem is crushed and nothing but gears and mechanical parts seep out and the Dragon vomits the gears.
“Holy damn… it's still alive too! Bahamut!”
Breathing more fire, the Dragon slowly lifts its front legs and swipes the Iron Golem with her claws. Scratching its shield and frontplate. The ones behind her back then open fire with their weapons and the General unsheathes his sword.
“I never knew I’d see the day M’Lord.”
“What? Do you know what that is, Alana?”
“An Automatron. That thing doesn’t possess a soul like the others here. Bahamut, I suggest you rip it open and take its core. Right, Your Majesty?”
“Correct. These machines are instead powered like how Outworlders use Cores as batteries. Pull it out and it should power down without the need to completely destroy it.”
Following her orders, Bahamut starts to dismantle the machination with her frontal claws. Ripping it apart limb by limb till only its torso remained and floated in the marshland. Slowly, the dismembered limbs seemingly make their way back to the main body. The Elves watched in prayer as the Dragon God forcefully rips open the front plate of the Iron Golem and with her mighty mouth, forcibly makes her way into its innards till she finds a metallic ball and bites it down. Completely destroying the ancient relic. Its limbs would stop moving and soon sink into the water.
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“How sturdy is the First Demon King's Army? The fact that even today, they can do this baffles me… heck will they also have modern weapons now that I know they can actually use corpses of anything?”
“Heh. Even I do not know, these creations are far older than I am and when I invaded the human continents, I only found one or two of them and none of them were of this size.”
“Really? Older than you Elizabeth? Then this thing could be tens of thousands of years old. Holy crap. So this might be pre fourth End of the World?”
“Something of that sort, My Lord. These Golems are true Automatrons from the past beyond even mine.”
Bahamut finally opens its torso and inside, connected through smelted veins is a gleaming golden core the size of a sedan in it. The mighty black dragon pulls it out with its clawed front legs. She then slowly brings it closer to her eyes, carefully observing the circular core of the iron golem. With a blink, she opens her mouth and crushes it with her sharp predatory teeth. The mashing of the metal made an irritating sound like a car was dropped from a skyscraper and exploded upon impact on the ground.
Flying transparent seams of mana flow through her body and the Dragon's tail wiggled and continued on forwards. The Elves immediately got up after watching the show from above and took the lead. Guiding them through the wetlands with its overgrown trees and bushes as ruins and defenses lay scattered alongside dead giants and golems all wearing full armor and wielding proper weapons. Where all of nature was at its peak, the cycle of life was on display in every inch and cranny as old and new linger around them. Even the armies of Hell was unable to conquer it as it openly brandished the armies of the past that never got out of its grasp.
Peacefully living now are the animals of varying types and sizes. Hopping, slithering, flying, and running through the bush as the Elves took into account every animal they encountered while the creatures of the land took notice upon the giant dragon swimming at its marshlands. Not afraid or terrified, just staring at the huge primeval lizard with its gleaming armored metallic scales and its sharp and mountainous spine that runs from the top of its head to the tail.
Huge cracking of trees is then heard to their left and Bahamut stops. Lifting her head and growling like a predator. Appearing from a giant fallen bark of a tree is a strange round creature with four glowing white eyes on its front with huge antlers holding up glowing vines and having eight legs, four on each side. The creature just stared at the Black Dragon as Bahamut continued to growl heavily and Paul just lifted the visor of his helmet and looked at the strange creature with birds landing on its back. Its entire body is covered with moss infested fur and vines.
“Woah… what the heck is that?”
“It’s a Forest Spirit, My Lord. Better just look. Bahamut’s Divinity must’ve attracted it.”
“What’s up with its four frontal eyes though? I see no pupils. Its like its made out just pure light.”
“Because it is. I’ve always wanted to capture one to experiment on. But these creatures are so rare even the Elves believe they're merely a myth or legend.”
“What are they supposed to be anyways?’
“Guardians of sorts. The Goddess Forrus created them to monitor the forest of Geraldia and to give those who have been extinct a proper burial and remembrance so that they may walk freely into the Cycle of Life.”
“For someone who hates the Wood Elves. You sure know a lot about them.”
“One cannot destroy an enemy you do not know.”
All the while the Elves on top of the branches had kneeled and started praying to the creature as it stood there frozen. Not heeding to the Black Dragon’s warnings and just staring at her in peace. Its head then perks up as it looks to the golden eyes of Bahamut and as if it has a flute inside it. Music comes out of it even though the General cannot see a mouth. It plays a soothing tune and soon after, hops out of their vision and runs deep into the forest to never be seen again. Bahamut then returns to her slithering. Crushing and moving trees out of the way as she navigates through the forest with creatures just staring at the Divine Dragon dredging around their territory.
“Boars, a kilometer north, Master. Elves, you hear me?”
The Elves nod and follow the Dagon's instruction and soon, they end up with a strange humming Boar. As it exhales, the thick furred boar with large horns seemingly would be humming as air passes through the top of its head. The Elves shaked their heads and Bahamut once again sniffs the air.
“Eh? Why can’t we just hunt those?”
“I think it's because those are Females and Young Adults, M’Lord. I remember eating one of those at a banquet. One of the Nobles told me they’d hum to attract their mates.”
“Just how expansive is this forest? The fact that so many things are happening at once. From the preserved army of Hell to the crazy mythical creatures. How the heck did the Wood Elves last this long without being completely wiped out by it? This place, as beautiful as it is, holds just the same level of danger. Like Elizabeth, the beauty it holds also contains a danger to it that one needs to carefully thread.”
“This is why no one has yet to conquer the forests of Geraldia. Man, Orc, Demon, Vampire, and even the Elves themselves M’Lord. No one has true proper claim over these lands. Hence the autonomous zone that litters the entire forestry. Though I do not know if the UN sees it as such.”
“Makes sense anyways. This place, it's no place for man or machine. It will preserve itself without much effort and will basically eat anything that dares waltz into it without preparation. The UN doesn’t recognize any autonomous zones on the map. This place is just labeled Wood Elf Territory. Might be due to the misconception of some sort with how the Elves work. No one back at base seems to know anything about the Natives of this place.”
Suddenly, Bahamut turns into the forest. Crushing and mowing down trees as she started to jog. Creating small earthquakes as the Dragon slithers through the thick bushery that would get destroyed by her spiky body and claws. Like a machete cutting down hundreds of leaves that’s covering its path. The Black Dragon kept on the tail of the Elves even through the tight and pathless forestry where one couldn’t even see five meters ahead of them.
“This is also why Her Majesty here harbors a hatred of this forest. What could be at least roads and lanes, it's nothing but unconquerable marshes and swamps where no army could ever invade. Even the mighty Demon Army and its Iron Golems as we experienced fell to this place, we vampires are just the same, M’Lord.”
“Well, I feel lucky that my time conquering lands is mostly open deserts and cities. Not this, no army could traverse this place. Tanks, choppers, jets and all the likes are just useless unless we’d glass everything but at the same time, that wouldn’t be morally acceptable nor will there be enough ordnance on Earth in short of nukes that are capable of clearing trees of this type. Just looking at the bark alone, it would be the size of two suburban houses placed side by side.”
“I’m surprised the Men of the Woods is even able to put a Forward Operating Base here, and even build a road. Not even Her Majesty was able to do that, M’Lord. We Vampires, when we once owned these lands. Even Her Majesty never built a castle or outpost here. Our armies would always come from the outside of it and march in through new paths. We never managed to set an actual permanent road from how dangerous it was.”
“What was I supposed to do? These backward aboriginals would rather be hopping like rabbits and multiplying like rabbits in this cursed place. I’d rather be in the frozen tundras of Vitas than this place they call home. It’s detestable, a true thorn to any King or Queen, a land that can never be conquered. A naturally unconquerable land that no army can take. Forrus made sure her creation will never be tarnished.”
“Which makes this all the more interesting for me as the Wood Elves are basically untouchable. They’re the perfect civilization and it might be just me, but I get the feeling when the End of Times arrives, it's going to be a usual Monday for them and whatever Demon reaches them. It would probably be far too tired or exhausted to even be a problem. I’m surprised your spies weren't able to topple the Elves Elizabeth.”
“No. It was actually quite the opposite, My Lord. It worked, hence why you see some groups are fighting us while others are more open and accepting. That was my plan, to let the infighting get to them. Remember My Lord. All will be revealed to me in due time. When it was the time for the Wood Elves to falter, I knew everything and I successfully put them apart. Brothers against Sisters, Fathers against Wives. My plan worked as intended. As much as the Elves try to live communally, the very essence of Greed and Difference will always work no matter what.”
“And where did it go bad then? Looks like you had pre planned everything years before.”
“It was the aftermath My Lord. No amount of heavy Knights and Grunts could traverse this land without making a lot of noise even with flight. I did conquer them, but it was an ever ending insurgency from that point on. I could better use those troops against the Sultans of Meridia than mere barbarians. It reached a breaking point and I no longer cared about this place and just left some useless Noble to guard it. I took much of the Snails anyways, so I got what I wanted in the end.”
“Your Lord of Logistics must’ve been wanting to shoot his foot with every attempt. Even with modern machines, we have to use Bahamut. You guys alright back there?”
“Yes sir!”
“Good! Keep your heads on a swivel. We should be able to link up with the convoy soon after this.”
Bahamut then lifts her leg and points to the right and left as she sniffs the air. “Over there sharp eared man.”
“Oh, I’ve forgotten to introduce myself as per human culture. It’s Hunter Oslom. Please call me that General.”
“SURE! BUT UHMMM… CAN WE CHOP CHOP!?”
“Of course. Goddess, where are they?”
“Hm. Go, there is a herd of sorts in that direction.”
The Elven man divides his group, and splits into two as they follow the Dragon Gods direction. Not even ten minutes in, the two groups reunite carrying dead skinned boars on their back. Oslom then waves his hand as he points to the right. A kilometer away, Captain Kristiansen is reading some magazines in the passenger seat of his Humvee as it slowly sinks in the muddy terrain and the radio comes blaring to life. “Captain? This is General Jackson. If you're hearing this, we’re nearing your AO. Hold fire and keep your heads on a swivel.”
“Dette er dritt.”
He then feels light rumbling, the skeletons were all but silent but the shaking got more and more intense and the Captain starts panicking. Holding onto the flimsy interior of the Humvee as the ground starts to violently shake with the thumping sound of a giant's feet crushing bushes and small trees gets closer and closer.
Their vehicles were so much deep into the mud that not even the shaking could remove them from the solidified clay that their Humvees and Army trucks are sitting on top of. “HVA SKJER!?” The captain could only scream in absolute confusion as he’s shaken to bits inside the humvee, his body hitting the all metal interior of the vehicle and all of the sudden it stopped.
With a messed up ACU and helmet, the Captain walks outside and sees that it was all dark. “Eh? How?” He brings up his watch and sees it should only be three in the afternoon. A light growl soon comes and the man slowly looks up, first he sees the bushes and trees and soon, wide opened trees and the armored black scales of a giant black dragon. “AhhhHHHHH….AHHHHH!” The man dives head first into the Humvee, his helmet making a loud bang as he frantically closes the door. “SHOOT! SHOOT! YOU STUPID SKELETONS!” but knowing it's friendlies, the skeletons just stayed quiet, not moving an inch.
A knock then comes to his window. The Elven man leaning down with a polite smile on his face. Kristiansen tries to roll down the window. Realizing it's busted, he just forcefully opens the Humvee’s door. “Y-yes?” he looked up and could see the armored neck of the dragon. The shadow it casts looming over him. “H-How may I help you?”
“You went, wrong way.”
“W-wro-wrong way?”
“Hm.”
He then points to a secret path near the last vehicles of the convoy which opens after Oslom activates a magic gem hidden underneath a rock. The path is on a solid dirt road and wide enough for their vehicles.
“That. Way.”
“O-Okay broken English man. Thank you.”
Out of nowhere, the ground shakes and mud is thrown everywhere as a Death Knight appears. Landing right in front of the Humvee. “Helvete Fitta Dritt!” as he was about to grab his M4, another hand, this time wearing an ornate gauntlet was already there. “Calm down Captain. It's me.”
“O-ohhhh… General! Nice armor sir.”
“Yes, do you need help? You seem pretty bogged down.”
“Affirmative sir, all vehicles are stuck sir.”
“Alright. Well, at least we found you. I’ll get everyone off Bahamut and we’ll get to digging.”
After everyone has disembarked from the Dragons back. Bahamut’s arm then reaches out, her claws like an arcade machine picking up toys and lightly placing them properly on the dirt road. Bahamut in her Dragon form trying to not destroy the vehicles as she helps them to get around. But even with her large forelegs being used to push them, the trucks and humvees would rather sink lower and their tires sticking to the mud like glue. The Humvees were soaked in clay and mud, their entire undercarriage and suspension hidden away by the bog. But the trusty machines carried on and on the back of the M939 transport trucks is the party with the Elves enjoying a comfy ride to their city.
“Wow, I can see now why you humans always ride around in carriages and these machines.”
“Hah! HAHAHAHAHA! You think this shits comfy? Ride a Tourist Bus, not this. I’m pretty sure riding army trucks contributed a lot to my back pains. Humvees? Ninety percent sure all of my spinal problems came from it.”
After an hour of having an extremely rocky and roller coaster ride through the mud and bog. The convoy arrives at the front of a massive wooden wall and the Elves disembarked the trucks, and a Elf wearing iron armor exits out the wooden gate and greets them. After presenting the boars, the man got all giddy as the General and his party kept their distance. Oslom then returns to them.
“I’ll go and talk to the elders. Wait here and be patient, please.”
“Alrighty. Take your time I guess.”
Captain Kristiensen on the other hand takes a good look at their vehicles and the amount of clay that’s gotten stuck to the suspension and rims of the heavily armored cars and trucks. Even kicking the suspension was impossible as the clay had taken over every nook and cranny on the exterior and the suspension no longer had the ability to flex unless extreme force was pushed onto it.
“Fitta…”
“Looks very bad, later I’ll get Bahamut to heat up and melt it. But damn though, I can imagine the skeleton mechanics back at the FoB will be busy with these shitbuckets for a while.”
“Ay. Looks like it's going to be a fun ride home.”
“Oh God, don’t even tell me. The truck ride was already so stiff… ugh. I might just ride on Bahamut. Bweheheheh… I am a General. I should get the best vehicles available to us.”
Behind the two, wrinkled and aged Elves wearing Emerald circlets, and emerald rings and earrings look down in curiosity of the machine as the two kick the bumper of the Humvee.
“Yeaahh… I can’t believe you guys bothered in making these things.”
“You aren’t from the West, General?”
“What? No, I’m from Asia.”
“Eh? You seem very Americanized. Even in how to speak and act, I actually thought you were American, sir.”
“Well, it might be because growing up, I watched a shit ton of Eighties movies from America and listened to the music of that era too. Geez, look at these. Like, whose idea was it to make them?”
“I am actually Nordic and rode a lot of these in my Mandatory Service. I’m sure it wasn’t this bad when it was snowing.”
“These things are really something aren’t they? They're like the Ford version of a UAZ or something.”
“At least a UAZ runs sir.”
“You got that right. Even when we found these things abandoned. I’d rather just leave them be. Only take MATV and JLTVs. Those are the only worthwhile things to capture.”
“I… I actually ran away from the draft so I never managed to fight in World War Three.”
“Oh, good for you. It’s an adventure for sure.”
The General then kicks the doors lightly, scoffing at the vehicle as the Elder Elves follow them around in absolute silence. Letting the two judge the poor Humvee as they both mocked it and at the same time, impressed by its rigidity. Even at its sad state, the vehicle was running albeit with leaking oil from its engine.
“Sir, I think we have to check the gates. I just realized it's open right now.”
“Yup. That thing is wide open. Wow, they have some neatly placed tiles.”
The two simultaneously turned around and immediately leaned backward as the Elven Chiefs were right there behind them. They immediately stood straight up with the best professional look they could muster and bowed as the Elves reached out their hands. Seeing this, the two reached out their hands just as the Chiefs bowed in return. Making them miss each other's greetings completely and an awkward smile was exchanged between the two sides.
On the sidelines, Elizabeth was covering her mouth and holding her tummy. Trying not to laugh at the absolute diplomatic travesty that just occurred right in front of her. But soon, the dam breaks and she turns around to the nearest tree. Laughing her stomach out while Alana just facepalm and Bahamut, sniffing the air.
“H-hello! Names Knight General Paul Jackson! Commander of the Eastern Army Corps and Knight of Eldwood!”
“Kapitan Kristiensen Orson from the Scandinavian Guild of Gokstand! Currently serving under the Joint Command Effort of Internal Peacekeeping Forces!”
The Elves also saluted, copying them and then bowed with their right hand on top of their heart.
“I am High Chief Burning Wood or in modern terms, Elias The Illustrious Fire Maker, Chief of the Med Skogen Wood Elf Tribe.”
“Forrus be with you, I am High Chief Óláfr The Magnificent. My old name is Boulder Mover. Chief of the Från Jorden Nedanför Tribe from the West.”
Elias with his long black hair swings his arm wide, inviting the two inside their city as the gates swing fully open to let the convoy in. The skeletons and players start the engines and the four people make their way inside the organized city. With a stone road and interconnecting stone paths leading to wooden houses with front and backyards, the two players are blown away by how organized and lined up everything was.
With clean streets and Elves going about their day with little cloth and just slippers. The fully dressed visitors looked extremely out of place as the Elders led them on to the massive tree in the middle of the city. Every house had their own plot of land and people were greeting each other without question and happily conversing on the streets and exchanging goods.
“I welcome you Outlanders to Jorvik, our capital and home.”
“Wow… what’s the population of this place?”
“There’s about seventy thousand of us from the two tribes that came together. Hundreds of thousands more scattered throughout the land, not wanting to be part of this city.”
“I see… wow. Well, we were actually attacked by Elves.”
“Ah, I apologize for them. But with someone of your stature, I’m sure you’ve given them all a worthy death. It takes for a fool to attack the invading armies General without proper planning. I suspect these people are from a small tribe from the East. They’ve always been very violent and quick to act.”
“Yeah… technically. They did make a stand but…” his eyes then wandered to the Vampires and then back to the Chief.
“If you want to buy anything or trade, there’s a market place on the East side of the city. Most currencies we use so that we may barter to the outside world. If you wish to sell your wares, please talk to anyone inside the Economic Building. You should be able to see it with the large two storey building that houses a bell.”
“Uh huh.”
“M’Lord, can we visit that later?’
“If we have time, sure Alana. What? Already planning on some business stuff?”
“Oh I do. This is the legendary place that birthed the rare Purple dye.”
“What purple is that?”
Alana points at Elizabeth’s purple frilly dress.
“Oh I see…”
“As you're a General with his concubines, I presume you’d want lodging?”
“No need, I’m only here to talk about the Microwave Antennas being destroyed and then maybe a trip to your Economic Building as per Alana’s request..”
“Ah those, yes. Please follow us. This is something we’ve been talking with the Colonel for quite some time now and for the visit to the Building of Economics. Please take your time after the meeting. Both of us might have another meeting to go with, so you must go there alone without us.”
“Is that allowed though? Since we’re foreigners and all that?”
“Of course. It's actually one of the only places foreigners can go to without any sort of permission.”
“Oh. That’s pretty handy then.”
Their walking took two hours when they finally reached the massive tree’s base where the Elves had an entire building inside it, complete with windows and emergency exits. Guarded by so far, the most well equipped Elves they’ve encountered in chainmail and iron armor. Inside the giant tree, pathways that lead to multiple areas were all labeled in a language they both don’t understand.
Walking around, the place seemingly had a faint golden hue to it as Bahamut sniffed the bark of the tree. Enamored by its size and smell. The Dragon violently rips out a plank of the sacred tree. Gaining the attention of everyone and the Elves, all shocked beyond belief at what the black gowned woman just brazenly did. “Bahamut… no. Put that back.” she looked at her Master and then back to the plank and after another good sniff. She took a bite off the plank and chewed it like gum. Elizabeth just started laughing deviously as Alana and the General took the part of the tree from her hands.
“Oh Forrus…”
“Hmmm… interesting taste. Master, this thing isn’t a God but a beacon of the God that created this.”
“A beacon?”
The Chiefs only understand a bit of Dragonian walks forward. Curiously listening to the Dragon.
“Hm. I think this tree was made to keep track of the leaves and animals of this place. Wherever this Forrus Goddess is at, she’s somewhere far and unreachable that this needs to be in her place.”
“I see… huh. So even the Gods of this place have seemingly left for better. Uhm Chiefs, I apologize. As I’ve told you in our walk, Bahamut is a God herself. A Dragon God and she’s… eccentric.”
“N-No worries. Ahahahaha, all Gods are to be respected. Thanks to her, we learned something about our Goddess. Please, we must continue walking.”
Following the two Elves who were getting bows from everyone, the two high ranking soldiers are led into a private conference room.
“Lord Jackson, please tell your followers to stay here.”
“Eh? Uhm sure.”
Kristiensen headed inside while he looked at the three women in tail. Alana laser focused on the outline and map of the tree, Elizabeth was constantly looking over to Bahamut who was seemingly smelling something extremely good.
“Can you guys stay and behave?”
“Don’t worry M’Lord. I’ll watch over these two.”
“Just make sure of it, Alana. If you need anything, don’t be afraid to break down the door. That’s sarcasm by the way, don't do that please.”
“Yes yes, now shoo shoo. My Lord, remember, differences of cultures.”
“Yeah, don’t have to remind me.”
General Paul then enters the conference room. It was large and roomy with a wooden table that had a map of the area all marked and labeled in the middle. Carved into the wood itself, impressed by decor and intricate carving they’ve done. With the design of a waving ocean on the beach on all four corners of the room.
Sitting near each other, the Chiefs removed their leader-like aura and sat down next to them like buddies, legs spread and their backs slouched.
“So, what can we help you with?”
“Yes, I’d like to talk about doing something with the destruction of our antennas. These are very important structures that give us the ability to communicate far away. So, I’d like to find a recompense where both sides may meet in the middle and maybe find a way to still build these structures without the furthering of violence.”
“Hm hm… hm hm…”
Being far older than the two, the Chiefs just closed their eyes and hummed and nodded.
“... So… uhm… yeah, can you maybe do something with the Elves destroying them? Like what can we do for them to stop?”
“Stop building them.”
“E-Eh? B-but I just said, we can’t do that. These towers are not only special since they link communications between Schon and Geraldia, and the military, us, uses it too and could lead to our overall cohesion getting faltered and our contact with High Command from Schon completely cut off if it gets destroyed again. We only have so many replacements.”
“But have you ever considered the fact that these are all sacred grounds? The building of structures may be only in places that’s already open. We let that rectangular base of yours stay as it's already on an open ground and nothing has to be cut down. Those towers that you build, it's not the same.”
“So you're telling us it's the act of cutting down these trees that's making your tribe angry?”
“Not only our tribes, all of the tribes.”
“Ohhhhh… oh.”
“Yes, can’t you just maybe make it taller or if you have this much technology, bypass the need to build them entirely?”
“... I’m not an expert in this field. But I do know that we can’t really make the towers taller due to the limitation of steel and other materials, if the tip is just high enough to bypass most tops of the trees then it should be good enough. Many if not everything is put into the war effort and building the communications towers higher will also make them prime targets.”
“See that’s where the problem began, so instead. You Outlanders thought it’d be better to cut down the tops of these trees or even fully cut them down. That cannot be.”
“Then what do you suggest?”
“Let nature do it for you. All of our houses here are built upon fallen trees, let them fall for you. If not, do not disturb it. These trees are all connected to the one we’re inside. Where the body of her greatness, Goddess Forrus lay in silence. To cut down those trees, is to cut down her power and divinity itself. I know these machines you have are also part of nature, as the materials they are made of came from the land. But the cut down trees that stood even the age of strife with the Armies of Hell. That cannot stand.”
“Even though there’s probably millions of these trees around here?”
“Yes, even though.”
The two went silent, and deep into thought. “What do you think Captain? If I leave this as is, Ripper might just glass this place into dirt and soil.”
“I have the same feeling sir, Ripper has long been out of his head. That guy is getting crazier by the day” The two then went silent once again, thinking deeply of what to do.
“Wait, then how about this, we’ll send the people who build them here? Because it seems that this whole entire thing is rushed beyond proportions and offended them, like a lot to the point of sending people to die. Seems that their problem is the trees and the tips being cut right? Then can’t we maybe have the Engineers sent here and let them think of an alternative place? I’m sure we can send one or two of them to at least check on a new location right?”
“Well sir, the Colonel himself has been trying to tell that since the beginning but none of the Generals listened and opted for the building of a FoB instead to guard the towers as the logistical chain that will have to follow that would be far too much for what’s it's worth sir. As we’re currently at war, the Microwave Antennas being put up in the fastest and shortest time available is more important than to send Specialist Surveyors and Engineers for alternative locations.”
“I fucking knew it, these sons of warmongering bitches. Alright, I’ll take care of this. I have a very easy solution to this entire conflict and it shall be resolved within a matter of a few days. I swear, we have millions of numbers and they can’t find one who can stay here for a day or two just to check around with a helicopter or something and get this thing resolved instantly.”
“Oh really? Hah! I look forward to it then General!”
“Thank you. Please do. I thank you for all of your hospitality. I’ll be sure to put in the good word with how you’ve opened your doors for me and my men.”
The two then stand straight up once again, facing the Chiefs.
“We’ve finally reached a conclusion.”
“Good! Let us hear it then in full and if we hear anything wrong, I shall raise my hand.”
The Elves then lowered their heads and listened carefully to the General.
“How about we let you decide where to put them? These Microwave Relay Stations are placed on those hilltops with the big trees to get as much range as possible. Remember, we use these to communicate transcontinentally. So if we have some of your priests or maybe religious experts to go with the Surveyor and Engineer. We might be able to find a middle ground to where to put them and maybe, if things go smoothly. We’ll all meet what we demand without the need for further bloodshed.”
Nodding, the General and the Captain breathed a sigh of relief.
“What needs to be done then General?”
“I’ll go to the nearby city of Zavalda and see what I can scrounge up, but it can be done without violating anyone's cultures or trees. I can assure you that. Conflict will stop here forever between our factions.”
“Finally! The Outlanders have sent the man we’ve been looking for! Someone with peace and dialogue in their heart! Of course! And Óláfr!”
“I know, friend. I’ve been listening, and you speak well. It shall be done, and I’ll personally tell the other tribes of the good news. Be assured, the attacks will stop or they’ll feel the wrath of our tribes combined.”
“YEEESSS! Woho! Thank you. I’ll see to it we get our side sorted out and the right people sent to your country and get this entire thing accomplished in a speedy schedule.”
The two walk out, bowing and smiling as they hear a loud person in the hallway.
“VAMPIRES OF ROSE! BE ASSURED THE HOLY SEE SHALL GET ITS REVENGE!”
Alana and Elizabeth with their heads on top of their hands just politely listened to the man in a stylish white robe accompanied by Knights. As Bahamut smelled the leaf on a pot next to the bench that’s naturally growing from the tree, the Queen could be seen with her crossed legs and the free feet wildly swaying. Her hands are ready to take the heel and use it on the man.
“HARLOT! HOW DARE YOU IGNORE THE HIGH PRIEST!”
Alana tugs the man's robe. Gaining his attention. “I’d shut my mouth if I were you, if you only knew who you're talking to.”
“Let go of my Holy Cloth you heathen!”
“Oh please, continue to talk to her like that. Don’t mind me. I was just warning you.”
Paul and Kristiensen start walking to the scene as the man gets more and more argumentative. The rowdy scene taking the attention of the Elves going about their day inside the huge tree.
“Now… you blonde harlot. Tell me why you’ve come to defile this peaceful and traditional settlement? Are you here to spread that vile vampiric culture of yours that promotes hedonism and open use of slaves? To spread your unethical lust that knows no bounds? As a part of this missionary. I cannot stand the idea of your Evil culture spreading like a cancer to these innocents!”
“Haaaaah… I oddly remember knowing that a vampire was part of your saviors party. He had united all races right? And fought against King Vitas?”
“H-How… y-yes. That is indeed true.”
“Then, why the hostility? You already know not all Vampires are like that. Carry on old man before I have your head paraded on a stake.”
“Because of their ancient Queen! That nympho Ancient Queen of theirs destroyed so much of our great Churches and even the Great Library of Zahringen! You filthy hedonistic creatures had the gall to destroy the largest storage of knowledge Threa has known! Look at how much it set us back, now the High Elves have flying machines that need no Griffins or Dragons! Thanks to the Vampires' selfishness, we humans have been paying for thousands of years now!”
“Oh that… yes. It was indeed a marvelous structure, divine even with the wealth of knowledge it held. I wanted to hold it, but my forces were spread far too thin and my King at that time was far too busy holding down the Elves to send reinforcements. So… I just had it burned down. Quite an interesting selection you had on the new vampires. I can tell the Vampire Hunters had a good time trialing and erroring the methods to quickly dispose of us.”
“Insolence! Queen Elizabeth has long been perished by the Hero Brownley!”
“Ahhhh, is that so?”
“Though, it could be that you are indeed her... From the records that remained of that ancient time, the Queen did drink enough blood to fill an entire ocean… could it be that her powerful soul remained afloat and awaited for a new host? Or could she have gotten so powerful from her immense bloodlust that not even the power of a divine Hero could fully kill her? Impossible.”
“Or… I wasn’t actually defeated by that stupid brown haired idiot but put to sleep?”
“As if hag-”
Elizabeth quickly reaches for her heel but her hand is stopped by Paul. “Uh huh… let’s keep the cool alright?” the Priest looks at him from head to toe. As if to scan the man and see his worth from the exterior alone.
“And who are you? An Outworlder?”
“Yes. Names General Jackson. Though you may call me Paul, Father.”
“I see… as expected from you Outworlders. At least unlike the Commoners of this land, you know basic respect and dignity… and you smell quite nice. That already makes you ten times better than most.”
“Thank you, now I shall take my leave.”
He takes Elizabeth by the hand and gestures for Alana and Bahamut to tag along as they reach the stairs back to the ground floor.
“Hold on a minute Outworlder.”
“Y-yes Father?”
“Do not call me Father. I do not know of your Religions, but High Priest is my official title.”
“Of course, I apologize, High Priest.”
“Nonetheless, since you're a General. It would be great of you to transmit to your Lords about the current happening in the Kingdom of Gareth.”
“Uhm… what’s happening?”
“Pft, so even with your technology, your Generals have no idea what’s occurring?”
“Well, High Command doesn’t really send much other than what needs to be revealed.”
“Preposterous, how can any Army function as such. But then, carry on. You're of no use to me.”
“Wait, what is it though?”
“The Pope’s ambition to carry on the baptizing of Demons and Hybrids is going into full lever. You Outworlders seem to be interested in partaking in the endeavor. I personally have been waiting for this chance, as the Wood Elves and their natural fortress are impenetrable by any foreign forces.”
“Ah I see, I get it too. I guess you want to build a Church or Holy Base here. So that when the End Times come, your Religion may carry on even if it means the entire world is gone.”
“Of course, such is the duty of us Priests. But I do wish you Outwordlers wouldn’t be so underhanded with your methods. Seiness is a fragile wolf girl, to have her to be given the rank of Priest at such a young age and from Slavery. I cannot fathom it.”
“Exactly what’s the part of us Outworlders in this entire thing? Like, I am not representing everyone from Earth. I am merely just another cog at the end of the day.”
“Oh, you're the ones who found her and gave her to us.”
“Ah, I see. Yes, meddling in foreign affairs. I guess it's Wednesday today. Welp as I said, I have no idea what you're talking about as I am only told what I am told.”
“It’s Nenesder, not Wednesday Outworlder. Remember, you're in our world, our land. Respect it.”
“Of course High Priest.”
The aged human then goes around the General. Carefully inspecting him up and down as his Holy Knights stayed behind. Watching the two Vampires who are merely enjoying their peace alone. “Hmmmm… a high ranking Outworlder. Do tell, are you of Noble lineage?”
“No High Priest.”
“Yet you carry yourself and smell good… Hmmmm… your kin is truly a strange one.”
“Uhm… have the two beautiful women here done anything to offend you?”
“Ah yes. The ignorant foreigner trying to understand a long complex history of conflict between us and the Vampires. Just know this, I wouldn’t trust these bloodsucking lust demons with even a pint of my soul. They’ll turn on you the very moment they see weakness. Contracts do not matter to Vampires when they know they can turn things around against you.”
“Do not worry, High Priest. I am definitely sure these two won’t be a problem for you or me or anyone else… well maybe except for those that try to cross them. The blonde one most of all is most volatile. So I suggest you do not try to poke her further. I do not want any more conflict. I’ve been through enough.”
“A mere Commoner, a peasant trying to order me? AHAHAHAHAH! You come from a truly interesting world. I shall forgive you of this indignant behavior for you are a foreigner and our Savior favors those who see a person through their action rather than status.”
“Th-thank you.” the General then lightly steps aside to Alana. “Are Priests Nobles? What’s with his shitty attitude?”
“They are M’Lord. Priests and Knights are usually of Noble blood. Though the Church is one of the only ways for a Commoner to rise to such levels in equal terms. You can easily spot those who came from… rustic origins and one of high blood.”
“I see… well High Priest, sir. I’ll carry on now. I’ll be sure to keep my eyes on these two. Please go on ahead, I think the Chiefs stayed in the meeting room as they were expecting another visitor.”
“I’ll be on my way then, be sure to cleanse those vampires of their lust and sin. They are truly a dangerous sort, those of the Eternal Kingdom that lies in the Northern Continent.”
“I do it every night, High Priest. Thank you.”
“Hmph.” the Priest just pouts and goes on his way to the direction of the room the two Officers left from. The two Knights kept their eyes on the group as they left each other's visions.
“High Priest, don’t you think that Lady in the black dress seemed interesting?”
“Oh her? Better not delve with the Dragon Gods, Knight. The knowledge they know far outstretches ours. As said in the Codex, treat them as you’d treat your Gods. I treat mine by ignoring them unless needed. I do not pray for strength unless truly required. Same as with that woman, I have no need to talk to her. A mere mortal like me has no business with such a powerful creature.”
“Of course High Priest.”
“What was that about?”
“Leave it My Lord. The Holy See has their reasons.”
“Just what did you do Elizabeth that to even this year, literally this far flung into the future from the whole world domination thing you did back then and they still hate Vampires so much?”
“A lot. Let us leave it at that, My Lord.”
“Alana?”
“I could name many things the Majesty might’ve done back then that could be carried to this day. But that would take multiple days, M’Lord.”
Facepalming. The General pinches the middle of his nose as he breathes out and in.
“General? Sir?”
“Just… let’s go to that Economic Building of sorts. C’mon. Alana, take your time by the way. I need to talk to the Captain anyways about getting this entire thing sorted.”
“Of course, M’Lord. Though I don’t think I’ll be long. I do not have my Secretaries with me. But the information might help. If the Snails they used long ago are still alive today, the Vampire Kingdom could have the once superbly rare Purple Dye that every Royal sought after once again.”
“Alright.” The General then walks to Bahamut and takes the leaves off of her hands before she could munch on them. “Everyone ready? Let’s get out of this tree and into action.”