In solitude of her office, Alana finishes up some more paperwork as she stretches her arms and legs on her leather armchair. The woman then opens her lower cabinet and brings out a Manga and proceeds to continue the previous page she was on.
With a glass of wine and the curtains open for the morning star to kiss her solemn space in the large Manor. The woman elegantly read and drank at her own pace as the bat wings of a Vampire glided outside of the window and to her front yard.
With this catching the edge of her peripheral vision, the woman got up and looked down on her yard as a Vampire in red plate armor outlined with blue hands a letter to one of her maids. The two exchanged bows and the Knight flew away as the woman hurriedly got inside.
Within a few minutes, a knock came to her door. “Please come in.” opening it, the pretty maid kneeled down as she presented to her the letter sealed with the same logo as on the Knight that just came by. The five point star with a snake entwined to a Longsword. She didn’t even dare to open it with her hands, going to her drawers to use a letter opener.
“By the Gods, Earthling literature is just so addictive.” She dropped her Manga and looked to her maid. “Amanda, prepare the entire Manor immediately. Have my best gown ready. The one for social activities inside my property.”
“As you wish, My Lady.” She got up and immediately jogged to the hallway as Alana lifted her hand and rested it on her forehead. “Just what does he want? By the Gods.” as an Elven Butler comes to her office holding up her gown.
“Ah, Treshne. Do tell, is the flight still delayed?”
“Yes, My Lady. The Humans with their flying machines outside the border has had problems with a storm currently passing the south of the continent.”
“Tsk. I wanted to gone from here as quickly as possible.” She then walks out of the room, rapidly going to her own room where she prepared.
Jackson who was behind the Manor, practicing with his sword has a tingling feeling come to him. Elizabeth who was there, next to him mentoring him also stops as she removes her hands from his arms. “My Lord, what you are sensing is the presence of another Vampire. One that’s unfamiliar and strong.” This made him stand straight up as he looked at his hands.
“Odd. But regardless, the ability to use powerful magic that could blind both the user and the things you are pointing it at and not blink is such a strong thing. I could see why someone would want to be this species. Body control is beyond words.” as he looked to her, the Queen was not at her place. Instead, he felt a tugging come below him.
“My Lord. I shall be in this younger form so as to not alert the fool coming here. Now, back to your stance.” as she positions herself, the new Vampire does as she shows. “You are no longer using feeble Human legs, My Lord. You can be more aggressive and less reserved in your stance, you could even just stand straight up if you wish, but this is more optimal.” with one leg in front, and the other, in line with his body, he had a straight posture and the sword in one hand.
All the while, Alana jogs down the flight of stairs as she gets all her Maids and Butlers to the front door. Bahamut who was enjoying her meal got interrupted with the Chefs even going outside to form a line by the red carpet.
Donning her pretty light blue gown with frills all over the outline and laces in the waist area, she approached the entrance and stood with her fan ready as a carriage. She had one last look at the rings of sapphire on her fingers and the expensive gold necklace she has that has a ruby in the middle. “Ah! M’Lord!”
As the thought came to her, a carriage pulled by eight white horses rumbled into her front yard. Followed by an entire troop of lesser Vampires and Nobles.
Treshne then walks to the door and kneeled as the gloved hand of a person comes out. With a cane and a cape that goes over his shoulders and arms, the Vampire looked young and pretty but the medals on his uniform, along the many frills and laces on it with the epaulets that hid inside his cloth showed an entirely different person.
Walking down the carpet and to the Countess. He bows, removing his tricorn hat, revealing his curled white hair. “Miss Minuit, how pleased am I to once again gaze upon the beauty of a new generation purebred.”
Alana then replies with a bow, lifting the sides of her skirt as she lowered her head. “My Lordship Roch. I am pleased to see you visit my region. How goes the life in the frontier lands?” He removes his gloves and shoves it alongside his cane to her Butler.
“Horrible. Cold, and darb. The Demon people are such boring creatures… Or maybe that’s because they're in some sort of a faux war with the Outlanders? Anyway, I’ve come here to personally speak to you in an affair that I find quite insulting.” Alana raises her head and steps aside, letting the Marquise inside with her tailing him to her main lobby. “Shall I prepare some Wine and food?”
“Nay, I want to find that Human that you’ve taken a liking to. The Royal Capital has been up in chaos since he had brazenly moved his army inside it to incite some sort of rebellion to his superior.” Hearing this, the Countess had a slight tremble as she recollected herself. “I-I believe I’ve explained to the King of his reason… My Lordship.”
“I know, and the King wishes to give him not even Knighthood but the title of Baron.” he turns around, looking down to Alana. “I do not want a Human to receive a Hereditary Title. Nay, that is an affront to this Nation, its Culture and Tradition. He has not even been here for more than a mere few weeks.”
“My Lordship, if I may talk out of my line. He had given and provided achievements on behalf of us Vampires that may help us prosper in the long future. I do not think the King’s decision is wrong to give him a title.”
“Huh?” he tilts his head and opens his hand, the Butler of Alana handing him his cane as he uses it to lean his body to the side. His elbow is sitting right on top of it as a show of his perfect balance. “Countess, am I hearing this right? You’ve never interacted with them apart from Business and as your Servants. What makes this one special?”
“My Lordship, he had rightfully given advice, shared Earth technology using his power, and even saved our country by preventing his General from awakening an ancient Knight army that sleeps from within the castle. I believe the King’s decision is right to give him the title.”
“But that is such a problem given to me. He wants a piece of my land to be given to that… Human. Fief of Man… in my territory?”
“My Lordship, your territories are out on the frontier. I believe this is a right decision for those who are unfamiliar with the concept of a Human in our history.”
“This is not a decision that I agree with, Miss Minuit. I will not have a Human Knighted by the King in my territory.”
“Then may I ask why you are here, My Lordship? You are part of the King’s inner circle as you own the land that borders the Demon Nation. What makes you come here, then?” As if she had caught onto him, the man scoffed and sniffed the air. “Hm? What is this unfamiliar and familiar scent?”
Going into the garden, he turns to the left immediately and his face changes from that of an annoyed person to a curious one. “Who… are you?” Jackson, wearing his Knight armor, turned around and performed a gentlemanly bow. “Paul Jackson of Eldwood. Pleased to meet you, sir.”
“Weren’t… weren’t you Human?” he proceeds to rub his chin, curious of this Vampire now infront of him. “Your stance, your air… your voice… Miss Minuit. Is this the Human?”
“Yes, My Lordship. He is currently in this form to perform diplomatic work to the Empire.”
“Ah, yes. The current limit of Humans and foreign Elves has been reached… interesting. For a Human to go this far… Knight. Do you know who I am?”
“I’d like to formally apologize in advice for my lack of information but I do not know.”
“Very well. I am Marquis Juland Macabare Roch Of House Dreyfus. I serve under the King’s retinue and inner circle and own land in the northern part of the country. I’ve come here due to rumors of your possible… promotion…”
“Is that so? Well, I am not here for long, Sir Roch. I believe that land will not be used.”
“That is indeed correct… but to the Empire? I think Duchess Tempest is currently there due to the arrival of the Human Pontiff.”
“Miss Tempest? Yes, I know of her. May I ask a query about her mission there?”
“Just to observe. The Elves had invited her formally and as a Duchess and part of the King’s most trusted. She has the right to go there… but you, you are a foreigner to us, yet you speak our tongue with an accent and live in the esteemed Minuit Manor.” he continues to rub his chin as he sniffs the air to follow the familiar scent that goes to a bush.
Going to his, he leans his head down to get a closer feel of it. “This smell though… it's not only strong but… ancient. Who is this?” popping out of the hedge was a small girl in a gown. She did it so fast it hit the bottom of his chin, sending him flying where he caught his feet and looked up with a predatory gaze.
“Haaaaaah… who is this?”
“Hm? Who in the Gods are you, girl?”
“I am part of Lady Minuit’s retinue. If you may excuse me, My Lord. But I’d like to continue resting with nature.”
“Wha-” before he could finish, the little blonde girl pops back in the hedges. “Wait! How is your scent so attractive? Just who is in your lineage?” he puts his hand into the bushes and finds nothing to grab. With a scoff he fixes his jacket and turns to Jackson. “Just what circus is this? You, are you even holding blood good enough for the Countess?”
“May I ask where this question came from, Sir Roch?”
“I presume you and the Countess have a relationship already established. The fact that she took you into her own house as if she owes you a dowry is damning evidence of what you two have for each other.”
“Sir Roch, if I may please.”
“No, I won’t have it. Knight, bring me a test kit.” one of his Knights then returns to the carriage and brings a small ornate box to him. Inside was a syringe and a piece of paper that’s thinner than a line of hair that’s divided into multiple quadrants. Each for the title of a Noble Vampire. “Hand.” Jackson then removes his gauntlet and gives his hand to the Marquise.
With a prick, he makes the blood drip into a paper that’s named “Knight” and its color changes to a blue. “Hm. I might actually let this pass then.” he proceeds to take another named Lord and it changes to blue.
This made the Knights with him grasp at the results as he moves onto Baron and the paper still turns blue. With this, he gets another for Count, this being thicker than the last ones and it goes into the positive color again. It went on till he rested on the thickest of it all, only reserved for those in the Royal Family and it remained red.
“By the Gods, what were you before you became a Human? No Human can merely turn to a Vampire worthy enough to hold the title of Duke. Could you be a Hero? A legendary warrior?”
“I am a Warrior, I will say as much, Sir Roch.” Looking back at the results, he nodded as he closed the box. “Interesting. Miss Minuit, with me now as I do not have much time left to spare.” he proceeds to walk out back to the lobby, leaving Jackson with himself as a young Elizabeth’s head pops out of the hedges. “So that’s the newest generation of Macabare. Seems that fools errant for tradition are carried on.”
Back inside the lobby, Bahamut nonchalantly passes them both in her small Dragon form. It made him dodge the creature as it crawled to the garden. This made him look at Alana whose long thin eyebrow was twitching at the disrespect. “Ahahaha… ohhh… please do forgive the Dragon, My Lordship.” she unfolds her fan and waves it to her mouth. “Such is their culture, it is far more different than ours.”
He scoffs and fixes his cape. “Miss Minuit, with this red eyed Vampire in your house. When do you plan to give birth to offsprings?” This made her eyes open wide as she fanned herself a bit faster. “Ah, but you see, My Lordship. We are both busy… and-”
“He has blood pure enough for him to reach the rank of Duke. Like you, he won’t have any problem gathering influence for promotion if he ever stays.”
“I.. Uhm… I do plan such a thing, but we are both busy with our respective duties. He is also not yet a formal citizen of Rose Cramoisie. Lest the rumors are true, I doubt we would have enough time.”
“Then I shall make time. I will also formally notify Duchess Tempest so that she may be given a heads up that another Vampire from our country is participating in the grand meeting in Elvennur.” She smiles and bows to him. “Thank you, My Lordship. If you may, I’d like to give you a barrel of my finest wine.”
“Very well. Knight, have it brought to the wagon.” with a mere gesture, the armored Vampire disappears from his sight as he walks next to Alana and stands next to her. “As he holds a very good blood purity, and yours. Your offspring might become stronger than the current generation of Purebreds. Miss Minuit, the sight of the rank of Duchess may not be so far-fetched now for you.”
“Of course, My Lordship. I am aware of the power and influence our child may hold. But I do not want to give myself that future as things are still uncertain as it stands.”
“Then, why not make him stay? A Vampire of that caliber could easily move pawns around and… in all actuality, I thought you were married to him as your blood is more pure. You have the responsibility to give him a dowry and allowance. I thought he bought that armor off your money.”
“Ah, of course not. He had that armor crafted for himself, all from his blood and hardwork.”
“A fine choice then. I thought the day will never come that you will pick a husband.” He opened his hand and his gloves were put into it. “When I found out not even the handsome Sir Percival or the good looking Donnatello was unable to bed you, I thought the nation’s stockpile of purebred Vampires would soon be in dangerously low levels…” with his gloves fully put into him, he wiggles his fingers and tightly grips his cane. “Miss Minuit, I hope you are aware of what glory awaits you if the two of you were to birth a child. The more the merrier too.”
With her fan up her cheeks, her head sways to the left as a light blush comes to her. “I actually plan to birth eight kids if possible. Though that is just a mere passing thought." This made the Marquise scoff and giggle. “A very fine number. I still thank Queen Elizabeth for all her research into our species. She paved the way to a future where we do not need to go to the mainland to get more Vampires. We may now naturally do it though it may take some effort still, it is possible.”
He turns around, taking his tricorn hat from Alana’s Butler as he walks to the front yard.
“If the King is serious with his decision, then I won’t stand in front of it. This country is always in need of Vampires with pure blood and if his achievements are true, then who am I to stand against him. For you to have chosen that Vampire, then he must be more than worthy than I make him out to be.”
He then looks at Treshne, the Elf bowed and averted looking at his eyes. The Marquise just uses his cane to lightly tap his chest. “You look well still, Treshne. Do keep up a good job.” he proceeds to get back into his carriage and his Knights, returning to their mounts as he is driven away, back to the direction of the Capital.
Alana on the other hand quickly slouches as she makes a long hard sigh. “Finally… it is over. Phwah. I want a bath. Prepare one quickly.” She heads back inside and to the garden where Jackson was sitting down by the circular marble table with Elizabeth and Bahamut.
“Oy, Bloodsucker. Who was that man? He smelled pretty strong.”
“The Marquise… haaaaah…” She proceeds to sit down on the empty chair, lazily waving her arm as Jackson passes her the teacup and downs it in one go. “M’Lord, when are we leaving?”
“Errrrrr… tomorrow?” she just sighs, looking at her garden with sleepy eyes. “I hope so… the more we stay, the more people know. I’d rather be gone… and M’Lord. Morgan is in Elvennur.”
“Eh? This might actually be a good piece of news then.”
“I believe so. Even then, M’Lord. This conflict between the Elves and the Church had even reached us Vampires.”
“I know. But the plan won’t change. We’ll keep it plain and simple. We head in, get in touch with their Nobility, find out about that Admiral and sway the Military to favoring the Church.”
“I hate it when you make it sound so easy, M’Lord.” She then rests her head on her arm, rimming the teacup with her long finger. “I have the first on the bath. Your Majesty, this is of no problem, yes?” Back in her adult form, the Queen just nodded as she silently drank some tea.
Waking up the next day, Jackson notices his arms were already fully alive and his eyes wide awake. Unsure of himself, he stood up and his entire body was ready to rock for the day. Opening the blinds to his room, the summer dew was everywhere as the Servants were out and about clearing and cleaning the front yard. The maintenance of the flowers, hedges, fences and gates was in full swing whilst birds were chirping loudly which he could hear through the thick glass balcony door.
He then looks at his pale hands as the light strikes it. Though he could feel the heat, it was far too weak to even change the coldness of his body. Before long, he had gotten himself all dressed up in his uniform. With his baggage ready and his suitcase all filled, the door opened and it was Bahamut in her Dragon form. “Eh? Master, you're already awake?” seeing him all dressed up and ready to go, all he could hear was a disappointed roar as she returned to the hallway.
He just smiles as the man gets his shoes on and walks outside with his baggage all ready for the move. Soon, Alana pops out of the front door with her crate of belongings. “Are you sure of this decision, Alana? We will only be there for a week at most.”
“M’Lord, hearing that only secures my decision even more. The Elves are finicky when it comes to fashion. I might even have to wear their traditional Toga if it comes to it.”
“I believe it would be a better factor to use the timespan rather than overpreparation, Alana. We are not having a good time.”
“Yet, something unforeseen might happen. Bahamut is correct about you, M’Lord. You're a magnet for problems but I cannot help but be there for you every step of the way… and you should really change your speech pattern.”
“Pfft. Is it that noticeable?”
“Indeed, so.”
“Alright. I’ll put in more effort into making my speech more normal… And Elizabeth?”
“I saw Bahamut crawl to her quarters. I believe she’s dumped on the floor now.”
Inside her room, the Vampire Queen instantly reacts upon the first contact of Bahamut’s head and she dodges her attempt to push her off the bed. Disappearing and reappearing in a plume of Roses. “Ah hah! Nice try Dragon! But thou shalt needeth to be faster!” with a high and mighty aura, the Black Dragon just shrugs her head. “Haaaaah… today is not my morning. Didn’t lick Master’s cheeks and now the Bloodsucker avoids my head. Hmph.”
“Oy, what’s that about?”
“The Human from the Airbase had arrived. The weather is clear so get ready, Master and the other one are already downstairs.”
“My personal effects is already ready for transport. What about yours?”
“It’s only two trolley luggage bags of modern human clothing. Hurry up now. You know how Master is with time.” She exits out the room as Elizabeth collects her sewing kit and the hat she was making. Dumping it into the ornate crate she has as the woman called for the Servants to bring it down.
In the horizon, a convoy of two Humvees and a 5-Ton army transport truck rolls through the dirt road and to the front yard of Alana’s Manor. Looking at the stuff the two Vampires bought, he nods to himself at the truck. The two players immediately get down and grab the heavy storage up to the back while they get into the four doored armored cars. “Alright girls, let’s do this.”
Riding to the Airbase, Jackson is surprised they weren’t given a cargo plane but instead a luxury private jet with a metallic strip and gleaming white paint over its fuselage complete with a fighter jet escort waiting on the sidelines to take off, complete with three drop tanks for the long flight.
“Ah! Finally, My Lord! We may travel in style.”
“M’Lord, I thought it was going to be another cargo aircraft?”
“Intriguing. I bet this has something to do with Higher Command. That, or the Elves have a reception prepared for us upon arrival.”
“I believe your assessment is correct, My Lord. We are no longer trying to lay low. We must make an entrance, befit of your status.”
“Master! Does it have meat inside?”
The convoy stops right at the tarmac and the party disembarks as the two pilots, donning civilian airline uniforms and one flight attendant wearing a divine amulet, await them by the stairs.
“General.” With a respectful salute, the three aircrew stood proudly in front of the 5 Star General. “Pilot. You have my gratitude.” The two Elven airmen were taken aback by his voice, not only was it lighthearted and deep, but also commanded your eyes to turn and listen.
The Flight Attendant, with her ponytailed auburn hair then stepped aside and let the passengers in. The two pilots were the last to enter as they hopped into the cockpit, leaving the door open as everyone got to their leather seats and buckled up. “Gold One to Thorny Rose, requesting priority taxi and take off at Runway Two Three.”
In Front of them, an Ilushyin IL-76 slowly started to gain speed. With immense weight in its cargo hold, the aircraft slowly got into take off speed. “Geez, what’re they hauling back?” The Copilot leaned forward to see the Eastern European design of a cargo plane take up almost the entirety of the runway before taking off. “I think it's ancient stuff they’ve been digging up. Probably taking it back to Woodstock for research.”
“Gold One, cleared to Taxi through Delta then Alpha.”
“Copy Thorny Rose. Delta then Alpha." With the ground crew gesturing for the release of the chocks, the Pilot put the throttle to a meager ten percent as the flight of F-15 Eagles tailed them from behind.
The Copilot then closes the door to the cockpit as the Flight Attendant gestured for the seatbelt sign above her as she walked to the very rear of the plane and sat on her own seat with the kitchen and first aid kids.
“Soooo… what do you think? I heard he was more down to Earth but Idunno. He seemed different.”
“Yeah… but hey, he did thank you.”
“He just spoke to us like those crazy Vampire players though.”
“I’m telling you man. Something happened to them, when they got transported here. I’m one hundred percent sure their personality got altered.”
“Like they became real Vampires?”
“That and their Human side. I think the ones who have easily become bloodthirsty or psychotic beauties are already messed up in the head. It probably left little resistance to the insanity of Vampirism.”
“Real shit?” As the private plane, a fancy Gulfstream G500 with flare pods on its rear made its way to the Runway, stopping dead on the line, the two pilots buckle their seatbelts and made sure of its tightness. “Yeah, we’ve transported Scientists before dude. You heard them talk about how hard it's gonna be to get everyone to the portal since everyone’s personalities except Humans have been changing drastically.”
“But what about us though? We’re Elves. We don’t look down on Dwarfs or Humans.”
“I guess we’re two down to Earth dudes.”
“Guess so, being an airman isn’t something everyone can do. Ahahahaha!”
“Gold One, you are cleared for takeoff to Runway Two Three. Wind is at Two Three, Two Knots, Clear skies, Have a nice flight.”
“Copy Thorny Rose. Good to know its clear skies. We got delayed yesterday thanks to that cyclone.”
“Yeah, but METAR reports its all clear to Princeps Dydares.”
“Roger that Thorny, thanks for the service. I’ll give it a ten!”
With a smile on both the Elven pilots, wearing specialized headsets that’s to the shape of their longer ears. They put the throttle to ninety and proceed to perform a smooth take off from the Airbase, the lone civilian aircraft stood out with its white and metallic yellow golden stripes amidst a sea of dark gray and camouflage combat and cargo planes that’re neatly lined up by the tarmacs.
After a few minutes of climbing, the seatbelt sign is turned off and the two Vampires quickly get acquainted with the flying deluxe suite they’ve been given. With Elizabeth sitting on the fancy swinging chair with a reclining feature with cup and wine glass holders on the window while Alana got to check the assortment of Wines displayed on the wall. “Oh! Bubble wine!”
Bowing to them properly from the cockpit door was a stewardess. “I shall be your stewardess for the flight. My name is Natasha Horningfield, but if you must know. ElegantLinen is my player name.” Immediately, Alana presents to her the Bubble wine she got. “I request some glass and a notepad with a pen.”
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
The player looked prim and proper with a red scarf on her neck. She bows and gives the Party a warm smile. “Of course, Miss Minuit.” as she hands her the glass and writing peripherals. She walked to the front where she had both her hands together and gave a warm smile to her Vampiric passengers. “The flight will only take two and a half days. If you need help, I will be here ready for any request. Everything here is available for your taking.” Bahamut instantly raised her hand. “Do you have meat?”
As they reach the skies and enter a cruising altitude where Jackson relaxes himself by the window seat. With his leather chair fully reclined, the man watches as the clouds pass them at such speeds. “General, this document was to be given to you.” The stewardess then hands a brown envelope to the Vampire and as he takes it, the contents inside were already felt by him. “Pamphlet?”
Opening it with great elegance, not even making a sound as the glue was torn off. He was shown a folded pamphlet, the information was meant for any player about to embark to the Elf Empire and in all of the pages, there was a reminder that Dwarves were absolutely not allowed to enter and for players to not to push it as it would taint the reputation of Earthlings in Threa.
Though a line caught his eye in the economic section. “Though the Elves take ages to enact new laws due to the care and attention they give to each section of it. Their bureaucratic system is fast and efficient in where it matters. Merchant players are recommended to trade Iron and Sulfur to them, and if possible, Enchanted Metals. The only modern tools allowed to be sold to Elves are limited to Hammers and certain Mana-Power tools. (Check Embargo Section on the Questboard).”
“Hm, that goes in line with what was given. Elizabeth, I believe in all of the books you’ve had me read. The Elves tend to be slow but when pushed, they can be quite reactive, yes?”
“Indeed, My Lord.” The Queen, who was in the armchair behind him, was swiping through the pop up computer. Checking them for any TV soap operas. “It's usually the Humans who push the Elves to do things faster. Even today, as you’ve seen in Janishaire. Humanity’s haste usually pushes them to act, even in their great annoyance.”
With a flick of her finger, the Stewardess stood up and walked to the blonde woman. “Do you have this Korean show named Crash Landing Onto You.” the auburn haired girl smiled as she went to the search bar and typed it in, having all the episodes in Season One in it. “By the Gods! I thank you.” with her body leaned forward, Elizabeth was fully engrossed with the story.
Jackson, with a smile tapered on his face just looked at Bahamut who was in her corporate attire. The Dragon, brazenly browsing through pictures and videos of World War Three. She ends up stopping at an image of a Main Battle Tank sitting in front of the Grand National Assembly Building of Turkey. Around it, a sea of Asian soldiers and tanks all charging towards the frontyard
The General just laid his cheek on his knuckles as the Dragon swiped up for more information on the picture.
“Shown on this photo was the last active Western Main Battle Tank in World War Three. The STRV-123B+ armed with the longer 120mm L/55 A1, the extra sets of Antennas on its turret were for Electronic Warfare, making it near invulnerable to Non-AI controlled suicide drones. It was taken out by the Indonesian Brigade Infanteri who were the first to reach the National Assembly.”
“I was there, you know.” Bahamut then turned to Jackson who was smiling as he recalled that day. “The radio was going ham on this lone Swedish tank running around the O-Twenty Overpass shooting at UAA tanks rushing for Istandbul to meet with another pincer from the North.” he reclined his seat, crossing his legs as he stylishly got some wine.
“Odd. When I remember Ankara, I usually just think of the lives wasted for a bombed out city where water and electricity isn’t even a thing… but now, all I feel like we won and they were weak. It was a good thing they all died or surrendered. Weak creatures have no place in this world.” Hearing this made the two Vampire girls turn from their seats and to him.
“Uhhh… My Lord! You said when we reached Elvennur. We will have an entourage to meet us?”
“Ah, of course. Though no information was given on how large they’d be. The Elves are pretty secretly still when it comes to us.”
“I see. Then I best be wearing my most elegant gown. Countess, which should you think fits me best?” The Countess on the other hand was taking her time taste testing the most expensive Bubble Wine of the players, her shot glass always having alcohol in it as she snapped out of hearing the coldest line her Lord has muttered so far. “Oh, I believe your Crimson one would be best. The Elves I believe have a thing for the smaller details. Its various laces and frills should get much of their eye.”
“Hm. Then it shall be it. Though donning it is so tiring. I hope the two of you could help me in that process.”
Finally calming down, Jackson turns his seat to the Countess. “Oh Alana, you remember that I visited the part of Saint Berthal where the Elves and Humans work at, right?”
“Hm, Yes, M’Lord.”
“The amount of art on the pillars and marble walls there was insane. Me and Julieanne could basically spend hours just looking at the first arch with how much stuff was tightly packed on it.”
“I believe that is the Dares Style the Elves are much known about. I’ve only seen it once myself and it's in one of their Merchant ships, M’Lord.”
“I’ve seen it a lot. It actually dies down when it comes to buildings the Empire uses for Governing. Oh, My Lord! Our lodging will be in the UN building in Elevennur, correct?”
“Uhhhh… yeah, what about it?”
“May I request for an assortment of Soap Opera’s I could watch? More like these?”
“K-Dramas? Sure, why not I guess. I’ll do some paperwork when we get down.”
He then rests the back of his neck on the small pillow and takes the remote for the flatscreen TV. Opening it, Channel 1 is filled with News.
The Elf and Slime player would both convene and make jokes as segments come and go. The Slime even changed to the Species or Race that’s being talked about in the current topic. “Boo. Boring.” as he was about to change channel, the News quickly shifted to a War Room. With three players in fancy suits standing up, a huge screen was behind them, showing the ever so shifting frontlines in Schon.
“So Kleo, do you think the UN Forces will be able to finally punch through the Rogue Insurgency and make their way into the territory of Vitas?”
“I can’t say for sure, Hondur. Those Towers that protect the best three axis of attack to Vitas have been causing significant damage to the war effort. Our armies can’t push forward unless something is done to those crazy armored towers!”
The slides then change, showing General Maltese with his personal Army Battalion going down a flight of stairs on the Vampire Kingdom. “And Sir Buskemi, what do you think of the political move General Maltese wants to say with this historic visit to the Vampire Kingdom?” with his blue suit and black rim glasses, the player fixes his shoulder as he faces the two.
“Well, first things first Hondur. The image General Maltese projecting here is quite aggressive don’t you think? He brought a Battalion of UN Forces with him to the Capital of the Vampires and this photo is quite striking as you can see this Human with an Army of soldiers brazenly exiting out the front doors of the King’s Castle.”
Elizabeth then shifts her body to the TV, leaning out of her seat as Jackson was adjacent to her. “See, My Lord. No normal Leader would not trust their own Intelligence Agency. To have your own troops to surround you than those whose job is to specifically protect you means distrust is sown amongst the ranks, or even the Departments.” he just nods as he turns his head to her.
“I know. I know. You pointed that out already before. But I just thought he preferred having his Men around to show himself as one of the soldiers.”
“It could easily be it, My Lord. But if you were to do that, you wouldn’t distance yourself from your Men even when you're away. General Maltese was cooped up in his office even in Iron Mountain. He gave it away long before, My Lord.”
“Yeah… I guess even at the end of the day, I still have the good loyal soldier deep in me. I bit the bullet, going to Zavalda and having us use our strengths to the max. That’s all Maltese needed to know what we were fully capable of.”
Meanwhile sitting behind him, Alana had a notepad out and was writing down pointers on the wine she was tasting while Bahamut kept asking for seconds for the onboard meals. “Hmmmm… texture is definitely good, but that sweetness.” She then would look at the labels behind and underneath and would write it all down, even down to the table and the grams of ingredients and how many years it took to cultivate.
“Oy, Bloodsucker.” She didn’t look at Bahamut. Only rubbing her chin as she took another sip of another Wine. “What is it, Bahamut? How may I help you?” she then nods and starts writing down some more pointers. “I could make another version with this lighter taste… and is it Lemon? Hmmm, this could sell well with younger Nobles.” whilst next to her on the other side of the tight private plane, the Dragon just had a blank expression to her face.
“Bloodsucker, have you done business with the Elves before?”
“Hm? This is odd. Why’re you curious, Bahamut?”
“It’s just that the Elves of this planet seem to have a big stick up their ass.” Her way of saying it was so out of place for her professional attire and calming demeanor that it made the Countess giggle. “Yes. Yes I have. But only in the form of letters and envoys. I’ve yet to step foot in their territory, let alone the Capital. Their restrictions annoy me too much as my servants are made out of Elven Maids and Butlers. They put up so many things in front of me to make a meaningful visit.”
Breaking their conversation was Jackson flicking the channels one from another. He keeps encountering nothing but news about the war or advertisements about joining the military. “Tsk, don’t they have anything other than the war? I don’t even feel like it exists.” but his efforts were futile and it stops on a Documentary about life in the other world. With the interviewer going street talk about what they think of the war and the Demons of Threa. “I’m like… just wanna go home and chill.” “Man, why they do this to us? I still have a competition to attend to at my college!” “I wish our soldiers the best of health. I know we can respawn but the mental scars are permanent from what I hear. I wish them the best.” Jackson just scoffs at the people interviewed as he lightly throws the remote into its place.
Seeing this, Alana creeps from behind his large leather armchair and tilts her head. “Isn’t it good, M’Lord that the Common people support your cause?” he just shrugs as he puts his hands together and interlaces his fingers.
“Pfft. It's all a bunch of baloney if you ask me. It’s so bad it reminds me of how good the advertisements were on Earth. They weren’t even trying as everyone signed up to die.”
Landing back in his home country, Jackson puts his rucksack behind him as he receives a Heroes welcome alongside the various other soldiers out on rotation as the war carries on. Even at the Terminal, he sees five large posters advertising the United Asian Alliance Military and the benefits it’d give you. With many of them mimicking the image of Uncle Sam while another for Women to go to the factories.
In his Crimson uniform and golden braid, the Falcon holding the Oak Leaf with its beaks on his epaulets, the man didn’t rejoice at all. The color of the city seems more darb than before as he walks to the taxi bay where he gets a twenty percent discount for his service. The entire way to the hotel, the driver didn’t stop at one moment to thank him over and over again for serving while also talking about the status of the war from his view at home.
The entire time, Jackson just kept an obvious fake smile to his face while just nodding to whatever thing the man was saying.
Upon entering the sidewalk, he noticed there were far fewer men than before and the women left behind looking more dejected than ever. He just breathes a sigh as he enters the lobby of the three star hotel where he soon puts his rucksack in as he checks the calendar on his Smartphone. The day labeled with “College Pep Talk for UAJROTC Officers”.
He immediately fixes his visor cap and proceeds to the lobby where he requests for another taxi. The flatscreen TV on the lobby playing the News about the war reaching Turkey and the territory of the UAAM enclosing on NATO as a repeat of the message of the leaders of the Asian Coalition repeats. “We will accept nothing else other than the complete disarray of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the full complete disposal of the entire Eurozone. This is not a suggestion but a demand for the thought of peace talks to even begin.” Jackson just scoffs at it as the woman on the Reception desk bows to him and gestures for the taxi outside.
Thanking the woman, he immediately goes to the College where the fences were showing younger recruits in the Army and the Military Academia, showing the benefits this will bring to Teenagers, including the plethora of skills they can learn for free and the job titles they might be able to land after the service. With the minimum age being Sixteen years old.
The streets there though seem a bit more livelier than the ones before, with younger men and women in their uniforms going into the large modern building full of glass and windows. Jackson swallows his saliva knowing how Elite the school is and him, only graduating from some unknown College deep inside the Capitol. Fixing his crimson necktie, the man offers to pay for the taxi with cash but he shrugs, instead showing a QR code.
“Eh? No cash?”
“Nope. Only E-Money now. Prevents thieves from stealing stuff from me. Sorry.”
He just sighs as he brings out his smartphone and reads the QR code. Paying for the cab. Hopping out, he starts scratching the back of his head as he starts going through the notes on his phone. Walking in without a care to the world as he puts on his white silk gloves. “AAAAA-TENTION!” hearing this, he immediately got into parade position. Not noticing that it was the Junior Officers greeting him with a grand entrance and red carpet.
“Colonel Paul —---- ” He shrugs upon hearing this, having to calculate what was happening as the Headmaster of the University alongside the Upper Echelon of the School Board shook hands with him. The City News and Local paper were there to take photos of him.
“Colonel! What do you think is the current trend of the war? Are we winning?”
“Colonel Paul, what does it feel like to receive a Medal of Valor?”
“Colonel! May I ask about the newest Main Battle Tanks issued to our frontline units!”
The Headmaster immediately got the Junior Officers in combat fatigues to tear the Journalist away from him. “Sorry about that Colonel. Please follow me to the Auditorium. The students and graduating Officers are ready.” as he follows the man. He notices all the rooms were empty and upon climbing to the top floor where a huge atrium lay, the stood in front of the thousands of students of the college and proceeded with the entrance of the Honor Guard of the school’s Junior Officers which was followed by the Headmaster's speech and then his own opening one.
Everything went smoothly and the young Colonel watched as the students dispersed into the exits obediently. He then soon walks out from backstage and exchanges his final pleasantries with the College staff and board who then lets him loose on the premises of the institution.
With nothing else left to do and just back from the frontlines. The Colonel put his hands on his back as he nonchalantly walked around the corridors. Everything was seemingly normal, like there’s no World War occurring just beyond the borders of Near East Asia. In one of the rooms meant for physics, he notices an odd looking lady. With pale skin and auburn hair. She stood taller than even him and his head tilted at the odd woman. “An American?” He then walks past the room without making a noise and after passing it, stops at the teacher's door where he listens in.
“Students, sit down now.” She had a thick accent to her, a natural even while the students were seemingly not listening and was making a ruckus. “Haaaa… if I knew it was this hard, I would’ve gotten a school in the countryside. But the pay here is better so come on now, bare it with me.” Her tone was pretty lax, too lax even for a Professor that’s supposed to be teaching Physics to a bunch of Third Years. “Shut up Westerner! Are you a spy? How did you even enter the country?”
The Colonel couldn’t believe what he just heard as his hands clench into the fist. “I was already here teaching before the war began. If I was a spy, I wouldn't be wasting my time teaching students advanced physics.” he then hears one of the chairs screech as the student sitting on it stood up violently. “Yeah?! You know you are just a replacement of our Professor who went to war? He was a kind man and he didn’t deserve dying because of you people!” He then peeks through the square window and notices one of the kids had balled up a bunch of pad paper into a large ball full of glue.
He watched as they threw it at the woman who used her Physics book that she was holding as a shield from the attack. “Is that necessary? Class President, write down the names of those students. I want them punished.” with an innocent and gaudy look, the girl didn’t open her notebook to write down the names of the rude students. She merely sat with her legs together and hands on top of her thighs. “Haaaaah… look, what does my nationality or origin have anything to do with teaching physics? Education goes beyond creed and blood.”
No one listened to her as the students in the back had already made three more paper balls. Seeing the dire situation, the Colonel knocks on the front door of the classroom. He neatly made sure his beret was positioned clearly and his Hexacam fatigues had no wrinkles on it.
Opening the door, the Professor’s eyes widen at the sight of the high ranking officer of the Asian Militaries. He politely bowed his head to her and reached his hand out. “Pleased to meet you. I’m sure you already know who I am.” She looked at him from bottom to top. Wearing the thick kevlar combat boots and the puffy fatigues that’s meant to be used with an undersuit exoskeleton and the beige combat belt alongside the medals and ribbons he had on his upper left chest. She just nods as he lets his head low. Entering the podium of the large classroom.
The students all quickly stood up but the Colonel gestured to all of them to sit down.
“Sorry for the intrusion. But I can’t help but notice the rowdy atmosphere of this classroom. You people are the future of the country, you shouldn’t waste precious time arguing.”
One of the students in the back raised his hand. He quickly points his finger at the kid who quickly stood up.
“Colonel! I’m a big fan of you! I watched every video of your Mechanized Tank Company in combat on the internet and it's amazing that you can kill so many Western tanks!” The kids all agreed and got riled up by the ecstatic tone of the young man. But he on the other hand just scratched the back of his head. “I-Is that so? Thank you. I am just doing my duty.” one of the kids this time a woman raised her hands which he nodded to. “Colonel, if I may ask. Is the Officership a quick way to join the army in a high rank?”
“Th-the army? Why?” He looks at the young girl. With thick rimmed glasses and a slender stature, a Kalashnikov or M4 would look oversized for her even though many of the students in the room should be in the age of seventeen. “My father died in the offensive through Syria. I want to finish what he started and help the United Military to take over Turkey.” The Colonel shrugs his head. “No need. Please. Just think of something else. I assure you we will do that. Just let us have the time we need.” He then sees three more hands raise which he ignores.
“I am actually here to ask for your conduct. I saw how you kids treated your professor. That is unacceptable. How many here want to join the army?” To his surprise, all of the boys raised their hands while 2/3rd of the women did. “Sooo… why are you even in college? Sorry, I mean…” he closes his eyes and puts his palm over it. His eyelids clenching as he makes a long sigh. “I mean… you want to join the army, yet you can’t respect your professor? Do you know the responsibilities that will be on you the moment you hold a gun?”
“Colonel! She’s an American!” The kid had his polo unbuttoned and not tucked in. This made the man shrug his head and looked him right in the eyes. “So what if she’s an American? She’s still a professor and you have an obligation to listen to her. No matter what nationality she may be. She can be a Martian for all I care, but she’s here to teach you. So better listen, alright?”
Another kid stands up. “Haven’t you killed many Westerners already, Colonel? Why are you defending one now?” he once again shrugs his head. “These aren’t Westerners. They are people. People who believed in their country, just as each and every last one of you. I don’t want this left and right horseshit rotting your young brains unless you want to become the crisp corpses of sixteen year old kids in combat gear that I’ve sadly gotten used to.” Everyone was silent as the Colonel leaned forward on the podium stand.
“Every each last one of you should signify a better future for the country. One that is plagued by the mistakes of the past. Yet with so many of you wanting to join the war to kill the Evil Westerner that you keep seeing in Social Media makes me sad. Do you know why I am fighting?” He looked at the class president and she quickly knew the cue and lowered her head.
“In your speech this morning, Colonel.” She had an immensely respectful tone. It was low and slow yet audible and clear. “You said it's so that the younger people wouldn’t have to experience the horrors of war.” He bangs on the podium suddenly, making everyone jump. “Exactly! Do you know how bad I felt when I started seeing women in the frontlines? Like what the fuck? So who the Hell is left behind now? The elderly? Those disabled and forever stricken with the consequence of this shitty war?” He then lifts his finger and points it at every last one of them. “BE BETTER. Your professor even with the current political and geopolitical climate went out of her way to teach you. Do you kids know that long before the war, being taught by someone from the West was seen as a great privilege? Maybe not now since our economy has gotten past theirs and the education is way better. But that doesn’t mean you should forget basic human decency.”
He leaves the podium and down the stage. His hands on his hips as he looks at the men and women in the room. Staring them all down with his mere presence alone. “DO BETTER. Respect her. She’s already giving you respect you don’t deserve. You kids better fix your shit. If I see any of you in the frontlines, you better be ready for an asskicking because this war will eat you and spit you out either a mangled piece of roasted meat on the side of the road or a person so damaged he won’t be able to look anyone in the eyes the same way. Professor, thank you for your time.”
Leaving the classroom, he makes a long sigh as he pinches his nose. “Jesus… what is this all for then?” With his head down, the man disappears through the corridors as he wakes up once again in the luxury private plane.
The turbulence awoke him as it was dark in the night. Looking out the window, all he could see was the clear night sky of Threa. The Moon and its Satellite in perfect view of him as he sighs. Looking down on his hands, it's marked with his nails as he remembers he was no longer Human. “M’Lord, are you fine?” He spins his chair around and meets Alana’s eyes. The woman is still in her notepad, categorizing the thoughts she had on the player wine she just had.
“A bit… I just remembered an old memory. Not gonna lie, I feel pretty happy knowing I can still feel like this. Whatever I felt a few hours ago, that was insanity. Complete utter insanity.”
“Hm. But it seems as if you were very angry there. It almost woke up Her Majesty and Bahamut.”
He makes a sigh once again and leans his back on the armchair. “Alana, do you think the differences of the species here will ever be settled and everyone would be able to live together in harmony?” Hearing this, she tilts her head. The woman began to stroke her long black hair as she took a wine and poured herself one. “I believe that will never happen, M’Lord.” he chuckles at her answer. “Of course, that’s the realistic answer, isn’t it?” she nods.
“Indeed it is, M’Lord.” She then takes a small sip of the wine on the tall shot glass she has.
“The differences are just far too much apart. A society with all of us together would be one for havoc. Some species are too strong in all categories, lest we were to defang ourselves, there would be no way to create an equal footing in a society with all of us in it.”
“Yeah… I guess so.”
“That is why General Maltese wanted to use Her Majesty, as in all times of history. It was always an external force that united all of us, you, M’Lord. Wasn’t Eldwood attacked by a united army?”
“Ahahaha, thinking about it now. We Outworlders are also an external force. It’s just that unlike the Demons, we have the same face and body as everyone else.”
“M’Lord, already, on Earth. A world where only Humans live. There are World Wars from differences and disagreements. If you Humans alone could have such terrible events occur, what more in our little haven? The only thing preventing that from happening are the Demons and the Calamity they threaten us with.”
“And you Vampires are thinking already ahead, aren't you?”
“I believe that is what the King wishes. The Demons only target the Humans we have in our farms. Hence why we barely participate in the thing you call End Times, M’Lord. It's only the Elves and Humans that really call it that. For us, it's just a cataclysmic calamity of sorts. Very bad, but not bad enough to mark extinction.”
“I see… and do you think the Elves will be able to turn to our agreements then? It’s so easy. Just back off from Seiness and let the Holy See do their thing and prepare.”
“I am curious about that myself, M’Lord. The Elves are not one to usually have disagreements. Their society is very agreeable as long as it's another Elf talking. But with the Pope there and the UN, I believe we will be able to pull this off.” Seeing her smile and the determination in her golden eyes, Jackson nods. “Hm.” He then spins his armchair to face the window. “Aren’t you gonna sleep?”
The Countess shrugs as she clicks the fountain pen she has gotten. “I must say no to that, M’Lord. Sleeping isn’t really a natural necessity for us Vampires. It's just a means to keep us sane.” he reaches his hand out and pats her head. “And are you sane enough, right now?” with a blush, she touches his hand and is shocked at how cold it is. “M’Lord… this form of yours is really different.” As if a switch was flipped, he retracts his hand and the man nods. “Y-Yeah… woah. That was super weird. I just felt a rush of self confidence there.”
Seeing his confused red eyes, she just smiles. “Hm. That is how Vampire Males are. It's quite the opposite of yours, M’Lord.” With an awkward smile, he just spins his armchair around once again and instantly sleeps upon the thought of it crossing his head.
He soon wakes up. It’s Bahamut licking his cheeks. “Eugh… Master, you taste too sweet for me now. You need to sweat again.” with his belt all buckled and tightened, his body could sense the lowering altitude even with all his senses just coming alive.
Already fully awakened, he looked around to see the aircraft was descending. The flatscreen TV showed them nearing the airport that sat in the heart of the Elven Empire. Elizabeth was already wide awake, carefully dissecting a small cake as the private plane descended below the clouds where he was met with a vast luscious forest of tall pine trees and a wide highway cutting through it.
Before he could take a closer look at the immaculately dense landscape, the plane smoothly landed on a paved runway. The Airbase was full of luxury jets and military planes all lined up just meters from each other. His head then moves in closer at the players around. They are all Elven avatars. Not one of them had a Human or any of the many species a player could choose to play as.
Soon, they stopped at the pad in front of the Aircraft Control Building where a parade was waiting for him. Greeting him at the end of the red carpet was a female diplomat, Human race and another, a One Star General who is an Elf. A military band was playing as the sounds of helicopters and jets could be heard from miles away and the whirr of the engines of the Main Battle Tanks in idle as their guns pointed upward and the crew saluted and watched as the Five Star General entered the premises of the airfield proper.
Walking towards them, the hundreds of soldiers that stood in parade position and the tanks and armored vehicles with their crews out of the hatches followed the Vampiric entourage as they walked to the end. Their heads watching as they stood as still as a statue, wearing their white silk gloves and the newly polished rifles and boots, the presentation was magnificent all around and the greeting for such a high ranking member of the UN fully translated for all to see as a large formation was also in front of the hangars.
Brigades upon Brigades of players all in parade position alongside the Divisions of skeleton soldiers and unlike the others, these skeletons had their bones all whitened to the color of a perfect tooth. A far cry from the sight Jackson knows back in Zavalda, with rotted soil like color as they fought tooth and nail alongside the players.
They both respectfully bowed when he reached them and they all exchanged handshakes. The Diplomat and the One Star General having a smile on their face.
“Names Miss Angelica. You may call me Ange if you wish.” The average height slender woman wore a tan business suit and held on her arm a leather briefcase. She had an expensive looking pair of see through glasses frames which she’d occasionally reposition. With a kind tone and a light voice, she was clear and concise with her wording and only bowed to him. Standing next to her was a high ranking officer. Though the ribbons and medals on his chest pale in comparison to Jacksons.
“Sir, General Juan Martinez. Player name, SpaceMarineNinethousand. Pleased to meet you, sir.” Jackson was weirded out by him. He looked no different from the High Elves he had met. But to see one in such a modern military ensemble and without the disrespectful stare, in opposite of it. He had to take a second first before shaking hands with him once again. “Pleased to meet the both of you. Where is the Capital?”
With a smile, the General points upward to the sky behind him as jets with white smoke trailing their wingtips fly past above them. Turning around, Jackson was amazed by it. With the clouds moving away, he could see the bottom of a humongous floating island just peeking below. “W-Woah…” he had to take a good minute to take it all in. Underneath the soil of it were glowing boulders and on certain ducts and tunnels, winged birds and creatures of all sizes were taking off and landing.
“We have the limousine ready, Sir. We’ll drive to the Entrance Town and teleport to it. The reception of the Elves had changed, Legio Legatus Hanset-les il Caul has requested to meet with you personally.”
“Teleport? The Elves have teleportation for the masses?”
“Yes sir. It's a circular metallic object on the ground with a thick glass circle inside it that’s engraved by a rune. We’re actually using a special one meant for visiting officials sir.”
“I see… carry on then.” He looks around and just sees the two of them. “Uhm… where are the lower ranking officers though? Aren’t the Elves also gonna meet with me?” they both nod. “Yes sir. But due to the arrival of the Legatus. The plan has changed. You will meet them topside, sir.”
“Ah. You have my gratitude, General Martinez. Please do lead the way.”
The General and Diplomat then lead him to a Cadillac Armored Limo with fully blacked out windows and the flags on it soon signifying the UN and the Empire. The ride wasn’t bumpy as even the off beaten path to the airbase was properly paved with asphalt and concrete and the escort of black Chevy Tahoe’s made sure nothing was to stop their commute.
Entering the main route, Jackson is surprised to encounter a large two lane highway. With the Elves riding horse drawn carriages that’re assisted with magic. Being able to give them speed and endurance no normal horse could bring.
It was also well lit, with the road having interval lighting in the form of crystal gems that emit concentrated light. Even in his time on Earth, he had never seen such a building before. With the road even having metal on the sides alongside strips of neon lighting almost. Their path was soon protected by an army of armored vehicles and military police cars. The luxury Toyota Crowns brandishing the Men of the Woods Military Police Logo on the doors with hidden interior lighting while being driven by fully camouflage soldiers with blue armbands.
High above them, Gunship helicopters were circling about like Vultures and fighter jets soar the skies whilst the armored blimps of the Elves were orbiting the town they were driving to and winged Elves in there composite plate armor was in constant patrol, with some shifting from one roof to another as lines of villagers was up to the paved road, throwing Sunflowers and Leafs at the passing convoy.
Not even nearing the proper territory of it, there were Royal Guards in parade horseback, the Elves not wasting anything on the preparation and show as they rode along the Limo where they were soon transported to the middle of the town where the citizenry of the Empire got more and more active with their gifts.
Some even threw coins at the convoy as the Grunts of the Empire kept a staunch pose, their head following the vehicles as it passed them.
“That’s an Interesting way of greeting us.” Angelica then fixes the position of her glasses as she holds her briefcase tightly. “It means they wish for your health. The Sunflower and Leaf were old symbols of Goddess Forrus before it was changed to the Mother Tree and the money, well, it's more for the wealth of your life.”
“I received a much grander greeting when I visited.” Elizabeth then crossed her arms as she had a smile to her face. “Even their Nobles were out on the streets with their peasantry, just to have a slight glimpse of me. My, just how long has it been?”
Martinez on the other hand has his fingers ready to open the door. The very moment the limo stopped, he opened it and hops out. Checking the surroundings, he turns around and salutes to Jackson.
Exiting out, the Five Star General took a gander at the architecture of the Elves first. With the tint finally gone, he was immediately surprised at how its a mix of modern and medieval, many still baring the intricate designs yet having a more boxy and ergonomic style to them whilst retaining bands or even shards of metal on the sides and front, usually on it were elaborate sculpts of Elven Heroes and Battles.
Almost all of the buildings were either two or three storey high, and not one structure didn’t have a pot or flower bench outside of its window or curb. There was also glass, but it was mostly limited to first and second floors whilst third floors were left with screens that’s seemingly shaped to vent the air inward to the interior.
“Ah, General Paul Jackon, yes?” He turns to his left to see an Elf just about his height wearing a Toga of gold and red. His wreath was that of golden branches. “I am Sir Sherig-ool Tulmak Bernharden. Governor and Lord of Elvennur. Pleased to have you with us.” he then swipes his Toga’s sleeves to the side and opens his hand. “This is a good custom. I’d like to add it to the Elven ways of greeting one day.” He is shocked to see the opened hand of the Elf, ready for an exchange of pleasantries.
Walking past the Governor. Elizabeth lifts up her chin and makes an expression to him of seriousness. He nods and puts up the face of a Vampire Lord. “Of course, I am pleased to be your acquaintance. Interesting name, I must say.” He said it with such grace that Bahamut couldn’t help herself but giggle at the sudden complex taste her Master had developed. “Your Majesty, Our Lord has really changed hasn’t he? He had ever shown such refinement before.” she nods to the Countess, crossing her arms.
“He’s doing well. That potion outdone it in the Vampire’s Urbanity.” They were then met with an old face. “Countess Minuit, I apologize for not meeting you personally in the Kingdom of Rose. I am Lady Gerrana Destrau.”
Seeing her, she was reminded of the Elven woman Jackson encountered back in the Castle of Vampires. She immediately bowed and lifted the sides of her gowns skirt and properly introduced herself, alongside Elizabeth.
Meanwhile, Sir Sherig had gestured for Jackson to walk into the circular object planted on the ground. Made out of some unknown composite alloy, with a glass flooring that gives the person on top a top down view of the large sphere of energy underneath it, they were transported to the main city itself.
“ROYAL GUARDS! ATTENTION!”
He was taken aback by the massive presentation. With banners hanging on polished bronze poles, waving the flag of the Elves and the numerous City states and Kingdoms under it. The Elven Military Band played a slow and solemn song as two high ranking officers from the Imperial Army marched towards them. With armor styled with Abs and braids of gold and a cape of crimson. Their elegant helmets had the hair of a rare animal, styled were the wings of the Rocs and the oak leaves on the forest.
They approached the foreign General with their rapier standing guard at their hands, completely vertical infront as the eyes of thousands of soldiers followed them.
They then stopped before them and kneeled down. “Governor, the Mighty Twentieth would like to extend our greeting to the Vampire of another world. May we give you a gesture of respect for our military’s respect. Low bow! Low bow! Low bow!” the soldiers in their plastoid composite armor all then proceeded to perform three low bows. Their hands on the side of their bodies and their feet together.
Walking with concrete feet, and heavy hands. The middle aged looking Elf looked at the Vampire General and saluted with a fist to his chest, where the icon of the Mother Tree is carved on.
“From one military commander to another, I welcome you General Paul Jackson of Earth. This is the Empire of the Elves. I hope you do not mind me coming here personally to greet you.” Even though his face was that of an adult, his voice was still lively and well modulated. “Of course, but may I ask why the reception?”
“We do not judge Outworlder for its follies here in Threa. We are Elves of the Military. To disrespect others is a disrespect to our training and honor bound tradition of countless victories through sheer knowledge and respect. Do not see nor look at us like those of the Business owners or land owners. What they are doing, to not greet such a high ranking foreigner is a disrespect to those who had been slain in this Empire’s many wars and battles. Dying due to their unfortunate miss calculation of their enemies strengths.”
He turns around, lifting his rapier as the Elves of the Legio collectively breathe in. “SIX TIMES OUTNUMBERED! SIX TIMES THE BRAVE!” He then returns to Jackson, lowering his rapier to his chest once again, at level with the icon of the Mother Tree.
“I come here to you as just an Elf. I’ve witnessed the Outworlder’s many abilities and I’ve come once again to bask in your marvels as did the Man of Dragovh and Meridia when they set foot to Oceanowa and her floating city streets to the three hundred besel tall Colossus of King Dydares guarding the mouth of Port Antionnur.” he then lowers his rapier more, this time to the level of his belt. “General, I’ve personally come to greet you out of pure respect and admiration to the accomplishments of Earth. From soldier to soldier, commander to commander. I welcome you to the Empire’s jewel.”
“The dew of Goddess Forrus came down to the soil of Threa, summoning upon it her Angels, the High Elves and soon, came the Wood Elves, then the Dark Elves who arose from the caves of this Empire to then, the vastness of Schon. While farthest to the East, did the Elves of the Sky come to birth and the sea between Geraldia and Schon surfaced the Elves of the Ocean and this was once the heart of it all. May you come to love this city as it did our ancestors, General.”
He then turns around and slowly starts marching. Matching the pace of the Governor as he gestures for his party to walk on the gold carpet.
With a long breath, he puts his chin up and walks along the aisle. The eyes of the Royal Guards followed him as the Governor spoke to him.
“Lord Jackson. The Emperor himself would like to tell you that the Imperial Army is always prepared to help you if needed. The Legio Twenty, the mighty Legion that ousted the many rebellions and even credited for killing a Supreme Demon and even the death of many Vampire Dukes and Counts. They are ready to help you if needed.”
“Sir Sherig, Am I the only Earthling General who has stepped foot here?”
“No. But you are the first to be given access to the Senate itself. A privilege only a handful are given.” he then looks around before proceeding to continue his talk. “Is it true the horned woman behind you is a Goddess? I could understand why the Board of Vetus would allow you… but could she maybe help with our communication with the Goddess Forrus?”
“I apologize, Governor. But what Bahamut wishes to do with herself is only up to her. I am merely a conduit of her wishes. If you want to request something, I personally recommend talking to her.”
“Ah, I see. Thank you, thank you. I just couldn’t believe it myself when I heard the rumors… but when the Board of Vetus overturned the Curiate Assembly and had you given so many privileges, I already knew it was true.”
“Her horns may seem threatening, but Bahamut is as sweet as a falling petal from the meadows. Be not scared of her, she is as harmless as a child.” As Jackson looked around to the younger and handsome looking Elves, the chestplate they wore had the Mother Tree and 5 Twinkling Stars above the crown. “Very interesting though that a Legate of your Army is willing to greet me even with a Goddess tailing me. Isn't there loyalty to Forrus?”
“Ah, but you see, Lord Jackson. The Military had long been disconnected with the rest of the Assembly. They have their own world as so in your speech.”
“Ah yes, I came from Jansihaire and I could understand why. You are aware though of why I am here, correct?”
“Of course, Lord Jackson. Though I am not one to speak of the… untidiness of International Politics. It's bad luck to talk about things like this in a fun and good event.”
“I see. Very well. And do most people stand against what the Pope plans to do?”
“I believe many don’t really care. It’s not as if we are the olden Empire anymore except for one part of the Assembly.” Jackson nods and rubs his now very well endowed chiseled chin. “I see. Thank you Governor Sherig.” on the end of the gold carpet was another limousine and their guards were exchanged once again to players and they were soon transported to the UN Embassy inside the central part of Elvennur.
On the way there, the party was subjected to the many Elves that roamed the sidewalks of the city. To their surprise, its layout was more of a modern city than anything. Though the buildings were far from the boring concrete boxes they are used to. These ones have art engraved in every inch and trees with flowers littered in every corner. Alongside it were the cats and dogs. All freely roaming the streets with collars and groomed fur.
In the alleys, he’d notice the houses meant for the animals. With the Elves bringing leftover food to it, while others take time in petting them. They were even maintaining the houses, repairing holes and making sure the beds were all fluffed up while near the windows of the taller buildings were birdhouses where nests were carefully laid out to blend with the architecture. “Man… we need more cities like these on Earth…” rolling down the window, the air was fresh and clean.
To his surprise, the deeper the drove into the city itself. The more it seemed like they were on the ground. The thought that they were in a flying island left his mind as the gravity didn’t feel off nor was the air quality hampered by the altitude. Though the cold breeze was higher than normal, since he was in an entirely different body. It didn’t bother him a bit. Looking inside, Alana was drinking the complimentary wine while Elizabeth was flicking about the flatscreen TV. Bahamut on the other hand on all fours as she rummaged through the small bridge tucked between the leather seats. The One Star General and the UN Diplomat both just confused and unable to react to what was happening. “You’ll get used to this. Heh.”
Angelica wasn’t unable to survive the smile of the extremely handsome Vampire. Lifting her documents up her face to protect herself from the radiant beauty of the man while General Lorenzo just had a confused face on him. Turning to the Diplomat. “What? Why are you hiding your face, Ange?” she then lightly pushes him away. “Can’t you see him?! He’s… he’s a dream.”
The man was just left with a confused face. “All I see is a punchable face. No offense to you, Sir.” Jackson just shrugged as he looked out the window. The flashiness of the Elves is on full display everywhere and anywhere. The people wore clothes that were still Medieval but made of higher quality fibers with more elaborate designs on the buttons and tunics. As if these weren’t just mere commoners and had a level of wealth to them.
Before long, they arrive at the UN Embassy. Tucked in the heart of the city, it had a thick steel gate with CCTV protection and all the modern safety systems put in important buildings. The guardhouse even had its own Thermal cameras with 360’ view and the Elven player there just saluted as they were driven in without stopping. Hopping out as the limo stopped at the front door, Jackson breathed in. “Let’s get to work!”