As their food arrives, Bahamut starts digging in. Sipping on the ramen and eating up the beef. The General on the other hand just leaves her alone and to his surprise, Elizabeth wasn’t annoyed by her decorum as she ate slowly and methodically tore apart the crab she ordered. Alana on the other hand just politely took her food with the General and ate.
“Oh, M’Lord. Did you know Zavalda uses concrete that mimics the ones that the Kingdom of Rose uses?”
“Really? What concrete do you guys use? It felt really durable when I was walking inside your buildings.”
“It’s called Self Healing Concrete, M’Lord and it can only be found in our Kingdom. We use the volcanic ash to make them have the ability to self reconstruct after a period of time.”
“I didn’t even know Zavalda has concrete like that. But that’s new info for me. Does that mean their buildings can reheal? That might come in handy if fighting ever returns here.”
“Ahhhhh… when I visited the museum. It said it's only used on countryside roads.”
“That is pretty understandable. Back in Tur, many player Guilds just leave the countryside to dirt roads that can be repaved by magic later on. It’s pretty damn hard to make sure concrete or stone roads stay as is when there’s constant wars and beasts going about the forest day by day.”
“I’m surprised more by your space technology, M’Lord. The Saturn Five or as it was called?”
“Oh, the Mark One. Yeah, the Space guys really went over the top there. I think it was destroyed in a terrorist attack but I personally don’t believe it. The Astro mages just wanted an excuse for their poor performance after all the resources the guilds gave them.”
“Well… it did say it was disputed, M’Lord.”
“I’m saying it did happen, but you’ll never know. With magic, so many things can be done but also be abused. That’s why it's always recommended to level up your resistances to it.”
“I also saw photos of your world, M’Lord. I find it truly impressive to see so many humans in such densely populated areas. You truly do live in a world like this. Do you miss being back in those cities?”
“It’s a mix for me, Alana.” as the man ate his fish, he wiped his mouth with a tissue and pulled down his jacket and rims his collar. “I do miss it but at the same time, this place… it's so much more wonderful and truly fantastical. Here, I am not just some corporate guy. I can be someone names will remember, be put in history books for fighting the good fight… yet…”
“Hmph. Such is your luck, M’Lord.”
“You don’t have to tell me… but what makes me want to go back there is not really the life I used to lead. Believe me, it's not something as amazing as adventuring around with Vampires and a Dragon. It’s mundane and boring. It’s my parents, my brother, uncles, aunties and my grandpa and grandma. That’s why I have to return to that life, so that I can be with them.”
“My Lord, when you return. Promise me one thing.”
“Hm?”
“That you enjoy the rest of your life.”
“Heh. Thank you Elizabeth.”
“But M’Lord, don’t forget to never be yourself. You're a far more different man than you were before.”
“Don’t worry, the influences you all gave me will be sure to stay till my last breath.”
After filling their stomach with Chinese food. Alana stops the General and points her finger at a Music Shop.
“Oh, you wanted to buy a guitar right?”
“Hm hm.”
“Okay then. Let’s see if anything is up to your taste.”
Entering, a Demon player with two long vertical horns bows to them with a helper who is visibly an Incubus with a tail.
“Good Afternoon, I welcome you beautiful ladies and damming man to RJ’s Music Shop!”
“Thank you. My companion here, Countess Alana, wants to see an electric guitar or maybe just anything modern.”
“Oh, J. Go and show her our selection.”
The Incubus with his stubby spiked tail would twirl as he happily shows the vampire their collection. The General on the other hand lightly puts his arm on the counter.
“Give it to me. Straight up, how much do you sell for a general use electric guitar?”
“Well sir, our Beginner ones are modeled after Yamaha’s and Squiers so you could say they’d be around Four Hundred to Five Hundred Gold Coins.”
“WHAT?” His sudden reaction takes the attention of Alana and J, while Elizabeth starts playing around with a Cello, she was slow but was making music. Bahamut on the other hand just boredly places her chin on top of his shoulder. “Ahem, Four to Five Hundros? Excuse me?”
“There’s also those for professional ones.”
“Tell me, what’s the percentage of the taxes the Guild of Ervtes asks of you?”
“Property Tax is Ten Percent, Income Tax is Five Percent… there’s also Employment and Excise tax…”
“Aka a lot.”
“Y-Yes sir.”
“Tell me, what would you feel if your Guild was to use that to buy something stupid?”
“The Guild has always been using it to buy stupid things. They tax us so much yet we don’t have Internet or Global Communications.”
“Technically, you do but that’s only for like… the top dogs… and modern satellite and transmitter systems are far too much of a burden for the economy that’s already in war mode. We don’t even know how to pull that off yet.”
“W-Who are you again, sir?”
“No one. Don’t mind me, so I’d like to buy one that’s for Beginner and Professional if she ever catches one that takes her eyes.”
“Would you like the Professional one to be enchanted? No need for an electric cord and the amplifier is built in.”
“Ahhhhhh… I'll let her decide on that.”
He then goes to Elizabeth who's playing the Cello calmly, he tilts his head at the dark and brooding music she’s playing as Bahamut yawns as her music seeps into her ears.
“What is that anyways? I keep hearing that in the Castle halls.”
“My Lord, this is the anthem of the Kingdom of Rose.”
“Eh? Really?”
“Yes, My Lord. It’s a bit slow but you can say it's a play on how we look at time.”
“Why is it so sad then? Like, that's music you’d hear when storming a cursed gothic Castle or sorts.”
“It’s supposed to be an ode to our sad eternal lives, My Lord. Slow like our bodies, sad like our fate, and brooding like our souls that have lived for far too long.”
“Ohhhhh… will you look at that? I’m still learning stuff about your Kingdom. But I do believe that there’s happiness in there too.”
“Maybe there is. I have found it.” She takes a quick look at him and then back to her hands. “But not everyone is as lucky. Stuck in a perpetual loop of sucking and drinking blood while living eternally beautiful and perfect whilst having the power to change the lives of so many… it's a sad life.”
A sick riff then comes as Alana goes full metal.
“Damn girl, Alana. You did that?”
“M’Lord, I’d like to have this.” Alana had a sparkle to her young face which the General was caught off guard with.
“Sure. J, Are there any other variants?”
“Hm.” The Incubus with his short messy brown hair takes out some other variants with different colors and finish. “Oh wow, and also, Wow! The price tag!”
“Hmmmm… M’Lord, I want… the one with the chrome and silver.”
“Looks classy. Hm, Chrome is good. Chrome is life.”
“Yes sir, this is supposed to be a nod to the ones they used back in the fifties.”
“Oh really? I love music from that era. Eighties too, I jam to them even before I got teleported here.”
“I was actually supposed to go to a recital sir.”
“How’s being an Incubus treating you so far?”
“It’s actually been very easy sir.”
“Good, good. You don’t have any problems with the humans or your urges and such?”
“No sir. I’ve been pretty well in control of my faculties.”
“Nice. That’s good to know. Well, Alana. Want to buy a professional one too?”
“R-Really M’Lord? You’ll buy me these?”
“Sure.” “We’re using taxpayer money anyways.”
“Mister J.”
“Please follow me.”
“Alana, want me to go pick a strap for you?”
“If you could. I must thank you again, M’Lord.”
All the while, Bahamut finds a pile of shiny Guitar picks and starts staring them down. The General sees this and pulls her away before she starts biting on any of them. After a good thirty minutes, they finish buying everything with the Countess having a super satisfied face.
“Good?”
“Very good M’Lord! Oh, I want to have the Professional one sent back home.”
“A Les Gib something something. Geez, Seven thousand Gold coins. Or Fifty thousand Maximallus coins… ouch.”
“If I may ask. Where did you get such funds My Lord?”
“I’m gonna use my own… and the UNs…”
“My Lord…”
“D-don’t worry. I got it all under control. I just need to get some stuff sorted so that I can pay for the majority of it. My money is back at City Zero One so I can’t really access it.”
“Goodness… Well, where is that suit shop then? We still have a trip to the Downtown Police Station, My Lord.”
“We will, we will. Let’s just explore around a bit. This is as close as it gets to our cities back on Earth.”
Leaving the shop with a note and receipt on Alana’s hand. They started walking around a bit more, joining the crowd of people going about their busy day in the city, as the General and Bahamut talked about random things, the Queen stopped as she passed a shop. Something caught her eyes and the woman stopped dead in her tracks and looked at the mannequins on display. “M’Lord! Her Majesty has stopped!” the General then stops dead in his tracks, nearly shrugging off a man with a small magic mirror on his hand. Talking to a disembodied ghostly head on it. “Hey! Watch it!”
After almost getting hit by a random passerby. The General turns around and goes into his tip toes. Looking over the heads of the various players from all species. With a majority being Humans and Elves. He could then see the blonde hair of the vampire a bit behind them staring at a shop with her hand on her chin and another on her hip. Shoving through the crowd, he leads the two back to her and they both look at what has caught her attention.
“My Lord, do you prefer a woman who wears something more modest or more risque like the many people in this city?”
“Hah…hah…hah… phew. What?”
He looks at the mannequin and sees that she is looking at a shop that has animated dolls wearing floral dresses in differing types.
“What do you think My Lord? I feel like this is more appropriate compared to the turtleneck I have.”
“I mean, you can wear a turtleneck. That’s actually what normal people would wear in this cold climate.”
“But… I do not feel such things. Hmmmm…”
“Well… if you're really asking. I don’t really mind either.”
“C’mon, My Lord. Just say it after all. What else do I have to hide?”
“If you really want. I am more into the modest types that’s for sure.”
Without wasting time, she heads into the shop, the door bell ringing as her heels clanked loudly on its wooden floor. “Hello! How may I help you?” They are then greeted by a lanky, polite looking female player with reading glasses on wearing an apron that has tapes seeping out of its front pocket. “Yes, Good Afternoon. May I ask for a long dress? Something polite and presentable.” The young player with ponytailed hair claps her hand with a big smile on her face. “Oh my! You look absolutely gorgeous!” She hops over the counter with extreme agility and speed and immediately inspects the Queen in her olden frilly purple gown. Without even thinking, the woman has bought out her tape measures and has started to inspect the woman. “Woah! Woah! Woah! The curves! The measurements! This is magnificent!”
The General with Bahamut and Alana just stood a few meters back letting the woman do her thing as Elizabeth with a big inflated ego laughs maniacally. “Hahahahah~ yes, do hail me more, mortal.”
“May I ask where you’ll be using this dress for?”
“I need something that fits in with your lot. I was thinking of something more in the modicum of a modern modest woman than my former.”
“Ahhh… I see. Have you tried pants?”
“I have. Although I do find their worth. I prefer something with skirts.”
“Hm, hm. Many of these dresses often can get you comments that you look like a Mom. But I guess with looks, you should be able to get away with it.”
“Hm…? Mom? Isn’t that the English word for Mother? What is wrong with such a wonderful role?”
“Ahhhh… nothing. Just live in a different time, you know?”
“My Lord, care to explain?”
“I don’t know. Back on Earth, I don’t really go around with women much. I’m more concerned with paperwork and running a company than anything else.”
“What is it with Mothers in your world? Shouldn’t it be a role that one must be praised with? Having children is one of the main reasons for living for almost all creatures, correct?”
“Sir… can you explain it to your… wife?”
“As I said, I don’t know. I am a working man who is too busy with money to look into that.”
“I just thought of this now, My Lord. But have you ever tried actually talking to a woman back on Earth?”
“I mean… it's not as easy as you think. My face has been advertised back in Asia and it doesn’t help that I reek of money and hardcash and that I have my own Wikipedia page that has my military background to my corporate life written down to the tee.”
“But how should that be a problem? Wouldn’t that attract better and far more suitable mates for you, My Lord? I don’t remember much of my human life but I am aware that I was of high birth but oddly live in a village. It would not be called fate if a Heroically dashing Knight was sent to protect a fair maiden like me.”
The General then starts scratching the back of his head as Bahamut and Alana peek from his back.
“I don’t really wanna talk much about it but let’s just say when you have so much power and money at a late age, you’ll only attract those with certain motives to them. I don’t look this good, you know? I am not a six foot tall guy with six packs back home, so it's an instant red flag when an attractive model becomes suddenly enamored by me. They might be beautiful but I know there’s something more.”
“Hmph. I see, then have you ever considered deleting information about yourself from the Net? As it seems that’s the root of most of your problems.”
“I literally can’t Elizabeth. I do networking and as a corporate head, I need to maintain a visible internet appearance so that people know I exist. My PR team would also probably stab me to death if I even dare delete my Twitter, knowing how much they’ve sacrificed in keeping that account as neutral as possible and in reminding me daily to not speak my mind too much.”
“My Lord. Have you ever thought that maybe your worlds’ humanity should slow down? You’ve also spoken of a population crash and a large war that you participated in. Could it be that your society is unable to adapt as quickly as the changing tides? Those are all signs of a failing civilization. The Dark Elves peaked when they refined the Dragons Magic System which is now used by almost everyone but soon, they became far too powerful and regarded offspring as an after choice as they busy themselves with their machinations, and thought only of their weapons and power and soon, they all disappeared and only a few are around today.”
“I mean… maybe? Heck, truth to be told. I don’t even think society has been able to adapt to the Internet even in the twenty thirties as robots and AI became a common sight. Dark Elves huh, I think only Bahamut has been to one of their settlements. How was it anyways?”
“Oh Master! It was so cool! They had buildings made out of metal and had an underground Naval base. They also had their own version of the Mana Core but it didn’t exactly store a huge amount of magic but instead used a certain source and turned it into mechanical power and then steam as I saw lots of exhausts and pipes that carried water from the nearby body.”
“That oddly sounds like a Nuclear Reactor. What were the Dark Elves up to…? Well anyways, let’s get you that dress… Just what the heck was the Dark Elves doing?”
“Their tunnels were also so far and wide, Master. Even by the areas we walked through, I could feel their cave system zigzagging into areas that are far too complex to be mapped out by normal means. Even as a Dragon, it would take us hundreds of years to fully uncover what they’ve built.”
Left thinking and scratching his head, Elizabeth faces the polite shopkeeper and she smiles at her. “I apologize. As you can see, we all have very intimate relationships.”
“No worries, I kinda started it too. Ahem, We have this awesome selection of dresses for you to try out! Please follow me.”
Alana then takes one of the dresses and puts it on top of her and then takes another one and gives it to Bahamut. The General visibly smiles and nods as the two are left to their devices. “I just got the ones you want! Please follow me!” As Elizabeth is led around the shop, she is given three dresses to test out and before heading into the changing room. She drags the man by the collar and makes him take a seat on the bench in front of it. Letting him catch her gown, stockings, skirt, and corset as she tries them on while the Clerk was once again enamored by Alana and Bahamut. Taking notes of both of their shapes and recommending them dresses.
Elizabeth soon reveals the first one which was a higher cut above her knees, sleeveless and showed her cleavage with a design of thorns and roses and little frills. Making her look like a woman out of the 50s with her white gloves. Her long and well built legs are fully exposed to the world. The General immediately drops his jaw at her unearthly looks and thighs and claps his hand.
“Dang! That’s good!”
“Hm. Hm! But is it to your tastes, My Lord?”
“I mean… It's great but the problem here is that it's too high cut. Unless you're wearing-”
“I am not. My Lord.”
“Get something else.”
She closes the door and then soon reveals the other one, which is far more polite and shows sunflowers and little cleavage but her curves were more accentuated and more emphasis was put on her hips and thin womanly shoulders. This one was longer and goes below her knees. Coupled with her sharp high heels, the woman was dressed to impress while looking formal.
“And this?”
“Woah! Totally! Yeah, that’s good on you! If you can, maybe buy two more with different designs. It's all on me.”
“If you're going to spoil me that much, I might as well buy some jewelry.”
“Except for that. Nuh uh.”
“I jest, I jest. But shall I wear the other one too?”
“Oh sure, we might as well.”
As she wears the other one. Alana has tried on some bracelets and Bahamut on the other hand has started biting into some ornamental seashells which prompted the cashier to pull it from her mouth as the woman then looks at some fake rubies and inspects it. Losing interest in the seashells as soon as it got taken away from her. The General just facepalms as the Dragon while giving Alana a thumbs up. The door then suddenly opens and it reveals the Queen in a longer sleeveless dress that reveals a bit of cleavage but reached down to her heels.
“What is your opinion on this one, My Lord?”
He just stared at her with sparkling eyes and a dropped jaw. He had to remove his fedora and stand up to face her and she just smiled and did a small twirl and closed the door. “My Lord, my articles of clothing please.” he snaps back and returns her clothes. After a while, the General walked out of the store with bags on his arms as they returned to the busy stream of people outside. “Well, if that’s all. We should start heading to the bus stop and get to Uptown so that Bahamut could herself that suit.”
He then takes them to the bus stop and the group had to take two buses which lead to the upper part of town. On the way there, the General is still surprised with the amount of players going about their lives as if they're back at Earth even though some of them are far from normal humans and some even wearing modified modern clothing to fit their species. With humanoid earless fox and cat people having special headphones even.
Arriving on the upper part of town, the air quickly changes and from the brooding and grayish feel of the Downtown, the Uptown had a golden glare to it even with the light coat of snow over its clean streets. Walking through the shops, one of them caught Elizabeth’s eyes. Which was selling modern gowns for women and jewelry.
“No. I already bought you stuff.”
“Ehhhhhh…”
“Elizabeth, if you want. Just have someone from Downtown make one for you. The prices here are… meh.”
“M’Lord, if I intrude, why the suit?”
“Well, Bahamut wanted one like mine. The thing is, this suit is specially tailored, built and made for my purpose. Later when we find one, I’ll show you all the process.”
“My Lord… please can’t we at least check?”
“Haaaaa… alright.”
The three beautiful women are getting stares from the high class people, some of admiration to their magnificent looks while some of jealousy and others, of full lust. Inside the extravagant air conditioned Mall. The General had to dodge some Nobles shopping around with their servants.
“Watch it, peasant.”
“We don’t use that word anymore in the Twenty-First century lady.”
“Really? Hmph. I don’t care.”
With a pompous attitude and an expensive corset and dress, the woman carries on just to be shoved by Elizabeth who lets her air of far higher luxury and extravagance overpower hers. She just scoffed and quickly walked out with her slave, the poor Elven man carrying twenty odd shopping bags of varying sizes.
Going inside, they were greeted with a polite attendant. The player elegantly bowed in her business suit.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
“Oh my, Vampires. This is a first. How may we help you?”
“Uhm, the blonde one here wants to just look at your gowns.”
“Please, we have the best designer gowns in town. Feel free to browse and if you want one custom made, just approach our counter.”
At the counter, an Elven woman with long silver hair waves at them. The General waves back, obviously smitten by her good looks. All the while, Elizabeth with Alana and Bahamut was already looking at gowns.
“Tell me, what’s the usual price of these?”
“Fifteen thousand gold coins, some could go as far as sixty thousand depending if you want it enchanted or made from a special material.”
On the back, the man seemingly has a heart attack from hearing the price, his legs go limp and his arms powerless as the bags he was already carrying plop to the clean and well polished tiles. In his head, he could only imagine a bunch of Secret Service Agents storming his room to ask about his recent purchases as he haphazardly tried to contact Eldwood to get his money.
“Oh my, such a beautiful Evening Gown.”
“You have a good eye, Miss. That’s our top seller with most of the Nobles from Dragovh and Geraldia buying ones similar to it.”
“I love it, My Lord.”
“Y-Y-Yes?”
“What do you think? These modern gowns or the ones I already have?”
“Master, they don’t have any dark ones.”
“E-Ehm… personally speaking, I have to say the ones you already have. Now it might be just my tastes speaking. But the Gothic and Victorian era gowns are more gorgeous and appealing to my eyes but in our setting, the floral ones I bought for you fits things more than those. Okay, back to passing out from hearing the prices.”
“Is that so? Thank you Miss Sylvia. We’ll be on our way.”
“Of course.”
“Oh, could you direct me and my entourage to the nearest shop that makes suits?”
“Hm… there’s Languini’s on the other block. Though the prices there are also just as high.”
“No matter, thank you again.”
The two exchange bows and Bahamut had to drag the limp General back to the sidewalk, his soul still sucked out of his body from hearing the price of a gown.
“My Lord, have you never bought a gown? Even for just an acquaintance?”
“I don’t live in the Medieval times anymore, Elizabeth.”
“M’Lord, you should try it. It’s usually one of the best ways if you want to court a woman.”
“Alana, I might be rich but I’m not one to spend money just like that. Asian parents hotwired me not to spend more than enough or even the bare minimum daily.”
“Just an advice. You’ll never know, M’Lord.”
Walking for ten minutes, they find the shop, named Languini’s Suit It Up! The group heads in and already, the General’s eyes squinted and started looking at their prices. Bahamut on the other hand is overwhelmed with happiness, seeing the suits all on display.
“Master! I want that one!”
“Uh uh uh, I’ll stop you right there.”
“Eh?”
“Having a suit is no joke. If you're gonna get one, make sure it fits you and you’ll feel comfortable wearing it daily like me. My slacks are a bit baggy on the thighs as that’s how I want it, so you too have to find one that fits you. Wearing a suit means to want to be respected but also to tell others that you want to look your best when meeting them. It goes both ways, so beware when wearing a suit. It's not only a status symbol but a message to whomever you're talking about that they're important enough for the hassle of wearing a suit.”
A Dwarven man then comes out of the back, carrying with him a tape measure while touting a well groomed beard and wearing an expensive vest with gold coloured ornate design.
“Ah, customers! How may I help you, well well well! Look at your uniform, Signore. Fit, well designed and functional. I can see the work of a fine tailor from afar.”
Though the small player had a thick Italian accent to him, he was understandable and his English was perfect.
“Thank you, I had this done in Woodstock actually but it was designed by a good friend from Eldwood. He actually designs gowns for Supermodels but he also takes time in making military uniforms as a hobby on the side. It was thanks to Dark World that he could express that side of him.”
“Ah! Very good friend. He knows how to make things intimidating and yet professional, striking the perfect balance. Now, how may I help you and your entourage of… ciccio?”
“My longtime companion and partner in crime here, Bahamut would like to get a suit.”
“Bahamut?”
Bahamut appears from the other side of the Shop and waves at the man.
“il mio cuore…”
The man was almost about to pass out when Paul stepped in to calm him.
“CHILL! CHILL! She’s not here to fight or anything! She’s with me actually!”
“Oh oh oh… so the rumors are true. Bahamut is on our side!”
“Yes and she wants to get a suit like mine.”
“Like yours? Non! Non! Signora Bahamut! Remove your Crown!”
She does as she is told and removes her crown, lifting alongside it her veil. Revealing her divine face, with a sharp jawline, pointy nose and a pair of lizard slit golden eyes with a circular perimeter around it. The man shakes his head.
“Non! Your taste is far too bland! If you want to dress a Signora of this beauty! Like the Vampires with you, she must be given the best!”
“Uhm… Mister Languini. I’d like to have one that Master wears.”
“Eh?” the small Dwarven man walks to Bahamut and reaches out to hold her right hand. “Non Signora. You know what we call you in Roma?”
“What?”
“BELLA DONNA! And a Donna shall not be wearing some bland office suit turned uniform like that! It’s a waste of your beauty! Look at your pale face, long side bangs and shiny black hair. Non, a bland suit like that will not do!”
“Sir Languini, that’s what she wants.”
“Then how about this! Allow me to make two sets! One like yours, and another where I can go all out! This is such a rare opportunity that I won’t be given again in life! To give a divino clothes to wear! Eccitante! I shall get going immediately!”
He then drags Bahamut to the mirror, having the tall woman slouch as much as she can while Paul is left with Elizabeth and Alana. “Sooo… about that gown.” As he talks with the two, the Dwarf starts measuring her from top to bottom, absolutely stunned by her measurements which he writes down on a small notepad. Curious, Paul walked to his back as he wrote down the three main ones first before going with the arms and thighs and legs.
“Very nice.”
“You are a man of good eye, Signore. She is rar-rar.”
“Can I take a closer look?”
“Of course. I must say, she is built like a wonder pasta. One can never get enough of looking at such a well prepared dish.”
“Divino, 2 sets, 1 for uniform, 1 for personal.
Bust 89 cm (36)
Waist 59 cm (23)
Hips 88cm (35)
H Cups.
-Will put less padding and use thin fabric to accentuate body curves even more. Recommend her with heels.”
“We happy, Signore?”
“Yeah, we happy.”
The two exchange grins as he continues to measure her body and starts asking questions about that style she wants it to be.
“Slim fit, Signora Bahamut?”
“Uhm… Master said I need it made to my standards, Is that correct?”
“Hm. A suit must not only look good, but also functional. One must take their time in picking, do not be afraid to come back and have it altered signore. Of course, free of charge.”
“Slim fit then.’
“In terms of color… nera, black, I presume, signora?”
“Yes.”
“Anything else you’d want? That’s going to be a Two Piece suit. You do know what your Master wears right?”
“Not really, what is it that he wears?”
“It’s called a Business suit, he has an overcoat on top of it for cold times and pairs it with an old Mafioso Fedora. You know what that means signora?”
“No. I am not accustomed to human clothing.”
“It means he is hiding something. A man who wears such things has many to hide, but also wants to say that he must be taken seriously. Just like your gown which I’ve intricately inspected before online. You have a lot of secrets, Bahamut. But not as much as the Vampires there, those who wear little may sometimes hide the most.”
“Then, will mine be like his?”
“We shall see. But I think yours will look meglio! Now, any material in mind?”
“Hmmmm… Can I have it made with the same material as my gown?”
“Oh, I think your Gown is made from Divine Sewns and the Fabric used, unknown to all of us. No way could I replicate such an artistic Dragonic marvel… sadly.”
“Then, what’s the most top and most expensive material you have? I’ll try going to the Abyss and making something better then.”
“Is that so? Okay. Signore!”
“Yes! Is there a problem with her?”
“May you leave us? This is going to take a long time.”
“No worries! I guess me and the Vamps will be walking around Uptown a bit.”
He walks up to her and hands her a gold coin.
“Ahahahaha, Oh bontà, a God has no money?”
“She never did and I don’t have the time to explain to her the concept of money yet. I’ll leave her to you then, just send me a check or something.”
“Oh non! It's all free! The experience alone is worth a million coins!”
“I see, thank you then. I’m off with Alana and Elizabeth, we’ll be back in an… hour or two I guess. Bahamut, behave.”
“Yes Master.”
“Alright, you two. With me, I can’t believe you smooth talked me this much Elizabeth. Argh. What gown do you want?”
Two hours later, as they walked with the General carrying double the original amount of bags to Main Street and took a bus back to Downtown. The General quickly tried to hail a taxi but was ignored. “Alana, Elizabeth, try hailing a taxi. Tell the driver our destination is the Downtown Police Station.” While waiting, the unsupervised Bahamut senses something and she starts walking ahead of them. “Oh no…” weighed by the bags, the General was unable to catch her as she went into another store around the corner next to the main street.
They follow her and she takes them to a black shop with a mysterious lanky woman wearing a dark violent evening gown with a stylish cowl hood sitting down with a round table in front of her with a transparent ball of marble in front of her, she sat in the middle of the shop surrounded by shelves. Bahamut quickly enters, ignoring her and takes one of the potions that’s covered by a glass case and smells it.
“Master! Look!”
Barging in all tired and exhausted, the General looks at what Bahamut has on her hand and his eyes almost go into the back of his head. “PUT THAT BACK! BAD DRAGON!” Bahamut laughs and gently returns it.
“M’Lord, what’s that potion for? I’ve only seen those ones with silver encasings in Castle.”
“That’s her blood mixed with ingredients. That fiery color? If a potion has that, it’s made from the blood of a Divine Dragon… phew… ahhhh, my back.”
“I see. What does it do?”
“If one is a Dragonkin. It will temporarily turn you into a True Dragon. If you are a True Dragon, it will turn you into an Eldar Dragon for a duration of time.” They looked at the mysterious woman who spoke with a polite but deep tone. “If one is a human or humanoid, it will give you the strength and power of a Dragon. Please, do enjoy my selection of potions.” She sat silently, her violet lipstick exposed under the shade of her hood and with it, the curled lips of a pale woman.
Alana and Elizabeth start looking around, with the two taking more interest with the ingredients on the leftmost part of the store that has rare Turian Flowers all displayed for them to see.
“Wow, My Lord. Tur has a fine selection of flowers. The smell and colors, such vibrancy.”
“Look but don’t touch. On this day alone. I’ve wasted all the coins I’ve been saving for a new set of armor.”
“Hah-hah-hah. A human commanding Vampires and a Dragon. How peculiar.”
“Believe me, as much as its fun. Too much can’t be too much.”
“How about I read your memories? I am a Mage you see, a Mage specializing not only in Potion Making, but also in Mystics.”
“A Mystic Magician?! Wow.” The General quickly drops the bags covering his arms and neatly assembles them underneath her round table and sat down. “What level were you before?”
“A hundred and fifty. I have almost mastered all levels of Mystic Magic and Potion Making. In the past few months, I’ve been dabbling in Fire Magic.” she opens her palm and a thick book on the shelf falls out of its place and flies straight into her hands. It immediately opens and it shows her stats, passives, and skills.
“But of course, one should not look into the other information.”
“Ah, I know, I know. Only the first page.”
Name: KarlaTheGreat
Class Tags: Mystic, Psychic, Mage, Magician, Witch, Scepter, Staff, Knife, Hybrid
Level: 151
Stats: (F-(Awful) to SSS+(Godly))
Strength: D
Dexterity: B
Endurance: B
Intelligence: S
Wisdom: A
Charisma: C
Magic: SS
“Woah. SS Magic? Jesus, you are a part of the Magician Association Higher Plaintiff with a rating like that. uhm. Here’s mine.” The General then takes the book and it closes and suddenly opens once again. This time, the pages are all different.
Name: PilotMan
Class Tags: Knight, Sword, Hybrid, DPS, Tank, Shielder, Frontline, Cavalry, Dragon
Level: 200
Stats: (F-(Awful) to SSS+(Godly))
Strength: A
Dexterity: A
Endurance: B
Intelligence: A
Wisdom: C
Charisma: C
Magic: D
“A quite a balance have you?”
“T-Thank you. I also wanted to dabble in magic a bit after being in a general Knight class position that I reached.”
“Then, would you like to have your memory read? It’s plain and simple. Merely remember a fond memory and you shall relive it. If you want, you can also take your companions with you there.”
A potion then opens and Karla quickly peeks behind him and sees that its Bahamut sniffing the potion made with her own blood.
“Bahamut just being Bahamut. I apologize.”
“No need, I’ve dealt with many Dragons before. Their… entertaining personalities are normal to me.”
“Well…” he turns the chair he sat on around. “Do you guys wanna have your memories read?” Alana and Elizabeth quickly peeks from the corners of the shelves and nod. Bahamut on the other hand sigh and returns the potion. They then grabbed extra chairs and sat in front of Karla.
“Also, how much is this gonna cost me?”
“How about… a pint of Bahamut’s blood?”
“Hah. As if. I know how much a Dragon’s Blood cost in the market before.”
“Then, take the potion there. I am sure Bahamut herself would want her blood back.”
“I have no need! The blood tainted by human hands cannot be used by me any longer!”
“I’ll just pay. Bahamut, can you teleport my coins? How much is it?”
“Since there’s four of you. I shall request four hundred gold coins.”
“Bahamut, do it.”
The Dragon then crossed her hands and suddenly, gold coins started appearing below them and piled up till it reached the requested amount. It all then disappears in a blackened mist as a garbage truck starts reversing outside, coming from the main street. It had to park in front of them in reverse, the noisy high pitch reverse sound mixed with the honking of the cars and taxis trying to pass it as it tried to squeeze its way into the alleyway next to the shop. The skeleton city workers trying their best to make way.
“Pay it no mind. Who wants to be the first?”
“Me.” The General raises his hand. “That sound is really annoying me right now. I wanna remember the day I graduated College.”
“Would you want me to take your companions with you? They’ll see your Earthly form as this is your memory.”
“Why not.”
She then touches the marbled orb in front of her and a portal opens on it and it shines brightly to a blind. The crystal ball then sucks them into a new world. The sound of the high pitch reverse noise of the garbage truck outside soon turns into the sound of the alarm of a city on fire. Opening his eyes, the General looks down on his body and sees that his wearing his old dusty uniform. The hexcam of the United Asian Alliance with his rank and name on the right, and his ribbons on the left and underneath it, a steel exoskeleton undersuit as his Heads-On Display screams a warning to his very pupils. “WARNING! ONGOING DRONE SWARM!” as his radio blares to his ears.
“KNIGHT! THIS IS MANILA, ELECTRONICS WARFARE HAS BEEN PUT OUT OF ACTION BY A HELLFIRE! -FLIZZ- WAIT FOR AN HOUR, WE HAVE ANOTHER ONE COMING! ล่าถอย! ล่าถอย!”
“HIGH BRAISE TO KNIGHT! ANTI AIR GUNS ARE OVERRUN! REQUESTING BACK UP! TANGINA! KUNIN MO YAN AT ITAGO MO!”
“TANK KAMI MATI! MEMINTA KEMBALI SEGERA! O-TWENTY HIGHWAY NORTH!”
Slowly reaching for his longwave radio strapped to his vest as various languages from overlap each other in panic and confusion, he switches it off bringing peace to him as he looks up and then to the side to see the piercing sun on the horizon in between the alleyways like a seeping ball of blood as the stacks of blackish fire rose to the skies like towers of death, and above him. In the thousands were unmanned drones, larger than pelicans, orbiting the damned city, with some diving down to those unsuspecting, like a vulture pecking on the corpse of a dead animal in the desert. The streaks of the hot sun were brutal, and the long destroyed asphalted road of the once proper city was roasted by its flame. The pulsating malevolence of the sun he knows and missed sore his eyes through his visor as the man catches himself grabbing his rifle.
He didn’t even know, nor knew he had a gun. Only his hands knew what to do and instinctively pulled the charging handle as the debris around him paled the decaying corpses of dead men, women, soldiers, and children strewn about the scraps of once cars used for daily life of the normality taken by the brutality of human nature. Anti air rockets flung into the skies, uselessly taking down one or two drones as more and more kept appearing and any source of gunfire that was once there, were all gone and those daring enough to appear, would receive the divine explosive end one could not wish for.
“Ugh… whaa… what the fuck?”
A hand then grabs the straps of his vest and pulls him into cover. On Top of him was a stylish teenager with long black hair, a busty office woman with blonde colors and another, a mother-like figure in a modest dress.
“My Lord! My Lord!”
Hearing the deep and amorous voice, he knew the office lady was Elizabeth. Though still retaining her beauty, she was more human than before. He merely lifts his hands, covered by the steel of his exoskeleton as he is lifted up. “Fuck me… my head.” he looks at where he once lay and next to it was bits and pieces of a drone and a small crater.
“M’Lord, what’s happening?!”
Seeing the panicked voice of Alana, he trudges around and checks the location he was in. “This… this is Doga street in Ankara. Damnit. Why this memory?!”
“Why, M’Lord? What happens here?”
“It’s the day NATO performs a huge counter offensive against us. We’ve reached half the city and they weren’t gonna let us have the rest of it without a fight. The birds you see on top of us?”
All three of them look up to the metallic aircraft, devoid of flapping wings and only a small rotor propeller behind it and the screeching sound of one diving headfirst into the streets and buildings below them.
“Yeah, it's not good. This is the largest drone attack in human history… ugh… we lost so much from this day.”
As he spoke gunfire could be heard firing up into the skies and rockets exploding, in a vain attempt to cull the numbers of the drones that had blanketed the skies of the burning city. He switches his radio back on and immediately switches frequencies, met with a familiar voice on the other side.
“Colonel Jackson, do you copy? I repeat, do you copy sir?”
Unlike the others, the voice of the man was calm and collected. Not even a pint of panic or concern could be heard as gunfire emits from the back of him.
“Yeah… Captain Benedict, what’s the status?”
“We have multiple casualties and our recon forces have been eliminated. Their last transmission was a large NATO armored force supported by aircraft, artillery, and drones coming towards us in the direction of Saray, East of Ankara, sir.”
“What’s the status with Galatine and the other batteries? Are their guns still operational?”
“Last call from them said they’ll be repositioning sir.”
“I know… tell me Adrin. Have you ever thought of joining the Yakuza?”
“Sir?”
“Nevermind. I just felt like you’ll be problematic when we return to society.”
“If we do, sir.”
“Yeah, yeah… well I have three times civilians with me, all women. I need a pick up.”
“Bager copies you sir. But we’re currently hiding as ordered. When will electronic warfare come back up?”
“Ahhhhhhh… like I know.”
He then lowers the volume of the radio and faces the three women behind him. “Okay, we can’t stay here. A kilometer or two from here is ANKMALL. My tanks and armored vehicles are all parked underneath there. Right now, we cannot stay here. Those drones will soon find us. Stay close to me alright?”
“My Lord, just how did you survive this?”
“No idea. Keep close alright, NATO forces are swarming into the city as we speak.” He pulls the charging handle of his M4A1 and checks if it's loaded. “The UAA is lower in numbers, but is technologically superior and has the firepower advantage… well not right now but usually we do. So don’t worry as much, we will survive this.” he then gestures for them to follow him as they run through the alleys, watching as gunfire continuously like a stubborn fighter, beaten but not yet out of the fight. On his visor, a pop up appears and it points an arrow to the left of audible noise. “Take cover.” The three women then hid in the frames of the doorways as a Hoplite MRAP zooms past the street in front of them.
As he was just about to lift his hand and the women peeking out of cover, a bunch of NATO soldiers in AOR camouflage and exposed exoskeletons on top of their uniforms appeared and spotted him. The man quickly took cover in a shop. Using his body to ram open a hole into it and starts blindingly firing back. “MASTER!” being a few meters away from him, Bahamut was unable to do anything. Her magic, strength and speed wasn’t there and Elizabeth oddly felt frozen in place.
The squad leader of the opposing force then signals for something and a drone kamikazes into the alleyway. Its wings get clipped by the edges of roofs, but it's warhead ultimately falls into where the General was. Alana on the other hand took advantage of the cloud of smoke created by it and punched one of the NATO soldiers in the face. The man merely stopped in shock of what the late teenage woman did. “Squad lead! I got civilians here! Calm down ma’am! We’ll help you! Are you wounded?!”
“Copy! Protect them right now! We have an MRAP coming to us with reinforcements! Bring them back to the evacuation camp!”
“Calm down ma’am!” She was quickly restrained by the man with an exoskeleton frame. Elizabeth and Bahamut then come out of cover to try to disable the man but their punches and kicks do nothing as more soldiers appear to take them to safety. Grabbing them and pulling them into the street “Geez! We’re here to save you! We’re Americans! NATO!”
A shot then rings and on the end of the alleyway was the General. Headshotting the soldier. Taking advantage of the sudden action, the three women push the muzzles of the guns of the soldiers next to them down to the ground. On his visor, the helmet of the General aids him in shooting as the three women ducked down, one of the soldiers quickly drops his rifle and pulls out his sidearm, hitting the man but his vest and oversuit stops the bullet and he kills all three of them in quick succession. Elizabeth and Bahamut then remove their high heels and run to him and into cover.
“Good work girls.”
“Hah-hah-hah. Of course Master! As if we’ll just stand idly by!”
On Top of them, the reddish skies of the city were disturbed by waves flying upwards into the West and suddenly. All of the Drones in the skies turn off and the screeching of their engines stops as it rains down on them all and out of nowhere, their inside a cold high speed train piercing through the white snow of a mountainous nation.
“Kalinka, kalinka, kalinka maya,
f sadu yagoda malinka, malinka maya”
Music played from the band on their car and the three women were now wearing modern outfits, thick suits with Alana donning a bear skin coat and Elizabeth, with a thick business long coat with an ushanka on her head. Bahamut was in a military uniform, with the tricolor of the Russian Federation on her shoulder. Around them were men from different ethnicities, dark to light skin donning a single light brown uniform and none of them bore the nation they used to stand for and only the uniting logo of the UAA on them.
“Woah! I never knew there was so many humans! Are they just dirty or is that normal?”
Bahamut stands up, approaching an Indian man who was casually chatting with his friends. He turns to his left and sees the tall lanky woman in a military uniform. Her handkerchief out, but before she could wipe his cheeks, a man appears and bows. “Sorry, sorry.”
“Ah! You're from the First Combined Tank Army right? Colonel Jackson?”
“Yes, that is me.”
“I’ve heard about you from my brothers. Dhanyavaad.”
“It's no problem.” Although he didn’t reach Bahamut’s height, the wide shoulder of the uniformed man stood out and his posture, strong and steel as his peaked cap with a shiny visor covered his face. The Dragon lady could only see his lightly tanned face as he stood emotionless looking at the soldier. “No my friend. You saved my brothers, and I shall give this to you.” The soldier then removes his watch and gives it to him. Holding his hands and clasping it. “My friend, its leaders like you that make the difference in battle.”
“Thank you. I’ll be sure to remember it.”
The Indian man then shakes his hands and he takes Bahamut back to their seat.
“Oh, Elizabeth. Alana. You're all here.”
“My Lord, may I ask where we are and why is it so cold?”
“Just a quick train ride to Moscow. After this, it's to Belgium. Brussels to be exact. The war is over, and I’m one of the attendees to witness the signing of the Twenty-Twenty Pact which was supposed to be, to make sure this is the last great war of humanity.”
“Something tells me that is not going to work, My Lord.”
“You think?”
Alana then takes a good look at his normal human form.
“M’Lord, you don’t show much emotion don’t you?”
“How can you show emotion after witnessing so many horrors? And Bahamut, since when were you an Officer of the First Guards Tank Army?”
“Hm? I don’t know Master. But hehehe. I’m wearing a uniform.”
“If you really want a uniform. I’ll have your suit converted to one after you get it alright?”
“Really Master?! I’ll have my own uniform?!”
Everyone then looked awkwardly at their direction. The Colonel gestures for her to simmer down and Bahamut covers her mouth. The train then shook violently as it passes some debris on the tracks and they are back in the shop.
“What an interesting memory.”
The sound of the garbage truck still reversing behind them.
“H-Ho-holy shit… that was an experience to relive…”
“My Lord!”
“M’Lord!”
“Master!”
“I’m fine, I’m fine. What about you three? Wow. How did it feel?”
“It was certainly an experience to be a human once again, My Lord.”
“Master, are humans really that weak?”
“M’Lord, what was I wearing?”
“Haaaah… good to know. Phew.”
“Would you like to continue?”
“Anyone here with a good memory? At least?”
“Oh, I do.”
Elizabeth raises her hand.
“If this is about you fighting the Hero Saint…”
“Hahahahaha, of course not, My Lord. It should be something very calming after that hectic memory.”
“Alright, but this is the last one. We have to go to the Downtown Police Station… and I need water.”
Karla then touches the crystal ball once again and they are transported on an open top carriage being pulled by eight horses adorned in jades, diamonds, and gold. The General suddenly felt strange as he looked down on himself. He was wearing a white and blue Noble uniform with large epaulets and a braid. He looks in front of him and is met with a burly Vampire man. The medieval buildings around him were all brightly coloured as festive decorations were strewn from one building to another and people were waving white handkerchiefs to them as they passed.
High above them, winged Vampires would orbit them. Dropping confetti and coins
“My Lord, the King. What seems to be the problem? Your face looks flushed. Have you drunk enough blood?”
“Wha.. blood? Wait… your Mar Marioleone!”
“Uhm… yes, My King. I indeed am.”
He then turns to look around and sees that the Vampire people were all cheering for them as Knights escorted them around through the tight streets of the Capital of Rose. Turning to his left, Elizabeth was wearing her crown accompanied by her majestic Royal gown, and in front of her was Alana, in an extravagant gown full of frills and jades, and Bahamut, nowhere to be found.
“Woah. So this is what it feels like to be the same height as you.”
Elizabeth was so busy waving and smiling that she didn’t even notice him till a few seconds later.
“My Lord, wave.”
“Wave? Eh? Oh!”
He starts waving and smiling at the vampire citizens.
“What is happening here? Is there some celebration?”
“Yes, My Lord. The Dance of the Swords. It's happening in the Park in the middle of the city.”
“Your Majesty, the Queen. If I may intrude.”
“Speak freely, Marioleone.”
“If I may, but isn’t this far too casual for the occasion? The Lords are right behind us.”
The General turns around and his eyes get blinded by the show of the hundreds of Houses behind them. Their leaders and the families under each of the Houses behind them. Wearing their best and utmost as they presented themselves to the people of the Vampire Kingdom in the open sun.
“Hah. This is but a fleeting moment. I shall do my best and enjoy it. Right, My Lord?”
“Dang, I look super handsome.” Paul on the other hand was looking at his reflection through a small mirror. His features were that of a caucasian man, though not too manly and not too effeminate. It was the perfect balance, and his golden hair spoke true and his gold eyes were calming as the open sea.
“Hm? Count- I mean Duchess, doesn’t he look the same to you?”
“What you mean, Your Majesty, the Queen? Our Lord looks very different today.”
“Really? In my eyes, you haven’t changed. Even the height is the same.”
“Eh, but I swear I look super handsome right now… and I feel extremely light. Like I can walk on clouds if I wanted to.”
“Ahem.” They all then looked at General Mar. “My Lord, the King. Have you eaten any concoction? May I remind you that later today will be the inspection of the Fifth Corps the Charlemagnes is donating to the Kingdom.”
“Oh, sure. -ack!” He then receives a quick light punch in the stomach. “I-I mean of course, General. I shall get to it.” Marioleone just bows slowly as he held his helmet under his armpits.
“Uhm… does he wear that armor everywhere?”
“It’s My Queen Consort, My Lord.”
“Oh… Queen Consort. May I ask why he wears that set of finely crafted pieces of armor and articles?”
“Pfffftt… AHAHAHAHAH!” The blonde lady just laughs at his vain attempt to sound high and mighty. “My Lord, it just doesn’t suit you.”
“Ahem.” the two then suddenly silences themselves. “My Lord the King, My Majesty, the Queen, Have you two done anything tonight? Both of your moods are slightly… higher than usual.”
“I-i apologize. Ahem. My Queen Consort, how far are we?”
“Ahem. Your Royal Highness. We shall be there in a few minutes.”
Their carriage passes the zig zagging hill down from the Castle. The General was confused at first as he swore this road used to be the main road that heads straight into the Castle walls but it was not. Instead it was replaced by vibrant streets full of stalls, people, houses, and buildings of all types and the singing and dancing could be heard from all directions as everyone celebrated. They arrive in the park and there, they find a familiar face wearing a full plate of armor, with long ponytailed hair. Bahamut stood at ease as the King’s carriage arrived.
She immediately walks through the Knights and Noblemen in uniform waiting in a circle at the park. But before she could get close, a Knight on horseback wearing in a bulky crimson armor with horns on his helmet stops her.
“Halt. Lady Arianne, please give way to the Royal Family.”
“Wait, I smell Master!”
“Master? Lady Arianne. Final warning. Please step aside now.”
“Giveway.”
The Knight’s armored warhorse flying the flag of the Kingdom of Rose suddenly moves on its own as Elizabeth and Alana appear with the King.
“Where’s Master?”
She then starts sniffing around and to everyone’s horror. Sniffs the King up and down. “MASTER!” She then brazenly hugs the King of the Vampires in front of everyone. Making the people whisper to each other. “AHEM. Lady Arianne, please go back to your position.” Elizabeth was just trying to contain her laughter while Alana couldn’t facepalm any harder.
“Ah, the Grand Duchy of Lelton is here. What is your business with the Royal Family?”
A tall handsome Vampire with clean white hair stood in front of Alana as she crossed her arms. Ignoring the man and walking alongside the Royals who were soon joined by their entourage.
“Do not ignore me now. We will get married one day. I know the Morgana lineage needs me and soon, we shall be together and our Houses will create a powerful institution in the Kingdom!”
After a lengthy opening sequence involving the Military band and the High Nobles of the Kingdom showing their dancing skills against each other and one another. It was then the main event of the day, the Dance of the Swords. “I hope Bahamut takes it easy… oh no.”
“Worry not, M’Lord. When you were in a coma. I thought her how to Sword Dance.”
“You did? She does know not to take this seriously right?”
“Uhm… I did tell her, M’Lord.”
“My Queen Consort, does she know?”
“Your Highness, you must look your best right now. Whispering in front of people can be a bad gesture.”
“Oh man, I hope she doesn’t overdo it.”
The Military band then starts playing a fast tune, as if it was meant to be played in a game’s Battle OST. The opponent opposite of Bahamut was a Vampire with long black hair that was loose and wavy, with a pale face. He wore no helmet, showing his sharp jawline and a bit longer ear than your average Vampire. The two then started walking and when they came into their swords reach, both of its tips hit each other and then they started clashing. But it was unlike any other he had seen.
This was methodical and followed a certain step, alongside the intense violin playing. The Vampire wielding it danced on the tips of his toes as he opened his wings and danced around the park. But no matter the range, his heavy metal violin playing could be heard and the two below played the dance to a matching perfection. They didn’t take a break at all, and Bahamut was surprisingly able to already do much in a body that she’s not used to. Breaking down each other, the two dancing fighters grinded slowly as a low part of the tune plays.
All of the sudden it picks up once again and the Vampires from the crowd and the windows roared in excitement as the two clashed their enchanted swords, breaking about wave of air from them. The shocking turn of events made the General drop his jaw at the two, he could also clearly see that Bahamut’s style was not that of a Vampire only. But was also mixing in the old lost ancient Dragon Sword Style to accompany her move.
The exhilarating dance of the two didn’t stop and only picked up even more when their wings opened. “What?! They're really gonna do that?!” The two then started flying a few feet above them, clashing swords to the rhythm of the violin as they started using magic against each other and soon. Everyone goes into their pockets and releases their blood red handkerchiefs. Waving it alongside their white ones as the two’s sword once again stopped each other and the dance finalizes as a bomb of confetti goes off and the roaring of the crowd could be heard for miles.
Elizabeth’s smile couldn’t be any bigger and soon, the drowning of the sounds of the crowd returns her to the shop.
“Woah, that was badass. Bahamut, did Alana teach you all that?!”
“Hehehehe. What else would I do when you were asleep, Master?”
“Dang. Nice work Alana. That was magnificent.”
“Hmhmhm… yes. But I should teach you more Bahamut! You have such potential!”
“Hm!”
The General then faces Karla and shakes her hands. “Thank you, that was magnificent.”
“Hm. I thank you for your money. Please, do come back if you wish to get any potion or ingredient. You might even catch me when I am in my adventuring mood.”
“Oh, having a Mystic in the party can be a big deal. Thank you again.”
It’s already eight o’clock when they return to Bach’s apartment. With him having to open the door to be met with a wall of paper. He crosses his arms and puts his hand up his chin.
“Hm, a shopping bag monster.”
“No Bach! It’s me! HELP!”
“Oh goodness!”
He immediately starts taking the ones on the top and gently places them in the hall. There’s enough bags to fill the entire side of it, with most of it being shoes and articles of modern clothing. From crop tops to aprons and sneakers.
“Just how rich are you Mister Jackson?”
“Hah, I’ll have to borrow your phone. I have a shit ton of explaining to do and fuck! I forgot we had to go to the Downtown Station! Arrggghh!”
“Oh… I see. You can use my private one inside my bedroom.”
“Thank you. Well shit, this is gonna take some time to explain. Geez.”
The General immediately grooms himself. Dusting his shoulders as he puts his chin up and walks valiantly to the Masters bedroom. He closes the door as he swallows his pride for the moment.
“Is he going to be okay?”
“Our Lord is a businessman to boot. He won’t falter. Alana! Help me with these!”
“Of course, your majesty.”
As the two unpacked some of the bags, but leaving much still on the Generals arms, Alana takes her Apron and wears it. With the text “Dance with the Chef” as she starts the oven and the ingredients while helping with the Queen in unpacking everything they’ve bought. Bach also helped with how much they bought.
“Oh, and who bought those pairs of guitars…? They arrived a few hours ago. Oh wow, that’s a lot of bags.”
“I did Mister Bach… and can you help me with the bags please? My arms are about to give out.”
“Ah, you have good taste Lady Minuit.”
“Thank you, I hope it was worth the price.”
“Absolutely, as long as you're willing to learn.”
“Hm, and I can’t wait to do so.”
“Hah, I shall give you some pointers and tips! Electric Guitars are the way to freedom as they say! There’s even a joke that the Cold War wasn’t won with who had largest nuclear bomb. But the one with the sickest rift!”
“Cold War?”
“I’ll explain it to you later. For now, let us unpack everything. What’s for dinner?”
“I’m making curry for now. M’Lord seems to be very tired from all that carrying and paying.”
“Tomorrow, could we have Pasta?”
“Hm, you have some here. What do you want?”
“Carbonara please.”
“With beef topping?”
“Sure.”
“Alright, Your Majesty…”
“I’m fine with that, now Bach. Take good care of those gowns. My Lord fainted at every swipe of the card.”
“Ho ho ho, I can only imagine. I wouldn’t, as I’d already be dead on the floor! Ahahhahaha, my wife likes gowns like these. She’d always pester me to buy her some.”
“She has good taste.”
“Expensive one to say the least.”
“I couldn’t agree more with Sir Bach. Her tastes are as expensive as the United States Military Budget.”
“Ah, General.”
“Any news from Bahamut?”
“Nope. And where the hell is she? Don’t tell me that woman is at the restuarant on the ground level again.”
“My Lord, deal with that later. Your arms are about to falter.”
“She really needs to know when to not eat or have Alana just cook some for her. I hope she won’t get off-course or have her miniscule span of attention taken by something tasty outside and get lost around the city. Ugh.”
After helping, they managed to unpack and organize everything in the span of twenty minutes and by then, Alana had finished with her cooking and everyone sat down. Just waiting for Bahamut as only her chair was empty.
“Soooo…”
“Ahem.”
“How was your day Bach?”
“Well General, there seems to be a lot of commotion with the Idol arriving.”
“Ah, that explains why there’s lesser people today.”
“Hm. She’s truly an Angel. That aura alone…”
“An Angel? My Lord?”
“Oh, Angel is one of the hardest species to start as in Dark World. Not only are you a wingless divine creature, but you're also forced to do “Good” things. If you don’t you’ll stack negative stats till a wisp of air is enough to kill you.”
“But, this Idol… is truly an Angel?”
“Yup. Her singing alone is an AoE magic that can heal on a stupidly wide range. I’ve only heard snippets of her singing online though as I’m not really into the modern pop stuff but from what I got, she has a killer voice.”
“Hm, Angel Vladimera as we call her is a true Legend in the Full Dive Idol Community, she was one of the OGs as they call and to this day, even in another world. She still provides us with her calming and powerful voice.”
“You should hear Elizabeth’s singing voice. She sang this Latin song of sorts and man, her voice is enough to put me to sleep. Alana, can you sing too?”
“Is that even a question? Of course M’Lord, It’s common for us Nobles to be trained how to sing to perfection.”
“Nice, then. I hope to one day listen to your singing.”
“I can actually help with that. Since we’re waiting for Bahamut, wanna karaoke?”
“Oh God.”
“I got beer too.”
The two vampires tilt their head in curiosity and Bach immediately springs to life in his pajamas. As Alana covers the Beef curry, the man opens the flatscreen TV and the sound system.
“You can’t be serious with this.”
“What? C’mon as we wait for the other one.”
“Haaaaa… wait, other one?! BAHAMUT?! IT’S ALREADY BEEN HALF AN HOUR!”
Miles away, Bahamut presses the stop on the bus as she exits out. Sniffing the air as something has once again caught her attention. The woman quickly bolts to the alleyway and stops in the middle of it. Shrouded in darkness. After a quick sniff, she jumps to the emergency staircases railings till she reaches the roof. She then closes her eyes and could feel a strange and powerful frequency distorting the space time.
She then starts running and jumping from one roof to the other, making no sound as she reaches the heart of the commercial district with sprawling glass buildings. Looking around, the woman is met with empty rows of roofs but her senses tell her something is still amiss. She then starts running once again, going to the top of the highest building and stopping on its edge.
“Inside?”
Transforming into her small Dragon form. She slips into the exhaust vent and to the inside of the complex ventilation system. Using her nose she stumbles upon the main office of the CEO and sees a familiar young face.