Roaming around the underground Fortress of the city. Bahamut in her small form crawls about the vents and piping of its sprawling halls and pathways. Reaching back to the door they took to the Castle. It was now closed and locked.
With this, the Dragon then continues to squirm about the underground labyrinth. The luminescent ceiling lights were the only thing that showed life was still there. Not even the sound of the sprawling city above was able to disturb the sanctity of the ancient fortress.
Reaching the hallway to the University, it was still open and she could clearly see traces of activity with the stench of a living being just being there a few moments ago. With this trail, she takes advantage of the wind and follows it down through the armored doors till she reaches a bulk door that’s the width of the entire hallway and it was guarded by a lone person.
Small in its stature, it couldn’t be anymore taller than her Human legs if it was to stand next to her. Humanoid in its presentation, none of its skin or face could be made out. Even she couldn’t make out its features without having to result in sonar which promptly made it alert. “Hm?” With a manly voice for such a short person, it opens its hand and a clothed warhammer materializes.
This made the Dragon to quickly scurry off and hop into a vent. Even though the clacks of her sharp nails wasn’t enough to even alert the house spiders inside, it did though take the hooded person’s.
He quickly ran around the corner and jumped. The second he had to check was more than enough and there was nothing but darkness on the vent.
Crawling to the otherside, the Dragon stops before the grill and looks down on the large room. With armored walls that cover its concrete. The entire place was ready to take on any blast and the tables were full of letters. “Get me the one from Bishop Seus.'' The hooded people in their oddly scaled armor were mostly resting and sorting out the letters being brought forth between the Church and their connections.
On the corner, there was a small fire and meat was being cooked. Sitting there were two of the Demented Crusaders. Not removing their hoods at all as only the shape of their bodies could be seen which would vary from small Dwarven height to tall Elven ones.
“You know, I’ve heard from one of the Outworlders that the population of their planet has more than nine billion Men.” Reaching for a sack. He proceeds to materialize a normal dagger and starts peeling them. “Such an absurd thought. Nine billion of their kind. Imagine that. I’d be surprised if that planet has more than five years left before its main inhabitants do something to completely destroy it.” whilst the person sitting next to him on stool and holding a fork just flipped the meats they have cooking.
“Your kind thinks way too low of Men. Us being here is already proof of their insanity. I do not believe they’d do something like that.” with a gruff sigh, he leans forward, his hands almost embracing the fire. “We’re talking about the species that’d make the sky fall if they could get an upper hand against their enemies in a normal battle. Even now, as we carry out their indignant missions, we see how truly different and unique they are.”
“Haaaa… to think my ancestors built this Fortress. Now, it's been delegated to a secret passage for us. The chambers, tainted with Evil and vile.”
“Hm? Is that why can’t I go to the chambers?”
“Oy, Daemon. Your kind may be resistant to curses, but do you not know of what the Vampire Queen used this Fortress for in her time? Were you Demons so disconnected you did not know of her crimes?”
“Daemon? Don’t you disrespect the title given to our Deities.”
“Pfft. The Vampire Queen when she was still reigning over Geraldia used this Fortress to test the weaknesses of the species. The Vampire is a devious creature, and the moment to entertain them, you have already stepped one foot into your grave.”
“I might be new to the team, but even I know of their danger.”
“Do you? Demons like you revile in the thought of pleasing your Alien Gods. We don’t do that here.”
“Why do you think I got kicked out of my town? I’d rather not pray to anyone or anything. We never cared for the main continents or what’s happening here.”
“Ah, quite special aren’t we? Just because the ancient Vampire Queen didn’t give a trife for your red skinned gore fests you call towns that you’d sway away how devious they are. They’d wait for centuries, outliving Elves if it meant carrying out their plans for a minor economic shift to their favor." He then stops peeling his potato, lifting the dagger to the normal height person. “They even started the Era of Crimson Blood by making us send our best to that damned continent of yours where no civilization nor society that is acceptable and moral ever rises.”
“You don’t have to be so angry about it. Vitas never attacked your Empire out of spite.”
“Because it's for that ringy Gods of yours that brings about creatures and creations that’d make even the fiercest warrior recoil in disgust? They told you about making you go back to the planet you originated from? Or some grand delusion of your fiery paradise?”
“Gah, just go back to hating the Vampires instead, Mahmeg.”
“Fine. Her entire plan, with that bootlicking King Charles. He was far too soft for all his intellect and genius that could rival even our best leaders. She started it all by provoking everyone to invade Schon, then trapping everyone in that forsaken land as her real armies sailed and flew to Dragovh and Geraldia.” He then goes back to peeling as some of the Crusaders carrying mail would sprint past them. They’d be going so fast that only their shadows could be made out.
“And you see, since she had been planning this even before the entire Noble Lineages had taken their foundation to a good enough place, Kingdoms upon Kingdoms started to fall. Even our Empire was useless as Elf after Elf fell to the Vampire’s allure that’s been seeded for hundreds of years. We were complacent and we paid for it.” going back to peeling, he’d leave the sentence with a small chuckle.
“Is that why your Imperial Capital now floats?”
“Ahahahah, for a disgusting vile redskin that came from the dredges of that insane land, you know more than the others of your tribe.”
“Of course and I take much pride in that. But even Man doesn't hate us to that degree.”
“They're always afraid! These people with their lower echelon of sentience would rather be afraid than to study and master. They’d only do that later after touching a dangerous creature with their hands or throwing rocks at it.”
“And yet you see their machines. Machines that defy even the best magic out there. Gadgetry that makes the rare Message Spell seem like something even a child can do.”
“In return, have you not seen their logistics?” the normal framed person shrugs as he takes an extra butter and puts it on top of the red meat there cooking. “I was sent once to perform a recon mission on one of these cities. Woodstock they call it and the military base they have there could put the Empire’s busiest Airship docks to shame with how much clutter and chaos there was." This made the person cooking the meat laugh.
“Oh, they had a vehicle for everything. Their ships were metal because of how much that needed to be transported. All this to attain highly regarded magic without actually using any. I’d rather have us be stuck in this ignorant position than live long enough to develop the need for such a society.” he recoils at the thought as he starts going faster and faster in peeling the potatoes.
“You make it sound like the Outworlders have a society that’s far out past ours and your kind is jealous. I doubt that life there would be that bad. From the Outworlders I’ve met, they didn’t judge me nor gave me hatred. They’d tell stories when they’d eat food made from so many different ingredients, or the things they’ve discovered like how air is made up of these small things they call Atoms.”
“Pfft. That is elementary. How do you think we Elves had advanced farther than most? That information is old to us. Ancient, even. It's just that you Demons would rather be busy praying for your Alien Gods return than to make the most of this beautiful planet the Goddess Threa gave so much to populate and give life to.”
“I know, but it's just amazing to think another world like that, one filled with Men actually exists out there.”
“Hah. All this technology you see from them is the culmination of thousands of years of beating each other with rocks and advancing to the next thing. You see these Humans…” the person then proceeds to tap the side of his head. “Without any competition but themselves, they got themselves into a circle of how can we out violence the other. Looking at them and observing them, I don’t have a doubt that they were like us too but since we didn’t have our problems. The growth of their technology just kept going faster and faster till they are where they are now.”
“You know, for someone that has more hatred to Men than Demon and Vampire, you awfully are into them.” with the last potato done, he throws it into the sack and dusts his hands. “Do not take my fascination to hatred. I did my fair share of fighting for the Empire. But Man is kind enough to not have me beheaded and instead, employed my skills. I owe them as much.” He proceeded to stand up and turned around to take a letter from the table.
“The first round of talks also failed. A friend of mine from the Capital had said that the Private Sector kept raising objections to the Pope and his Cardinals. Last I heard they stormed out of the Curatius Domus as the Military seemed to lean with the Private Sector. Giving them only the minority.” seeping through the well sorted letters, he takes it and walks to the bulk door.
“I hope the Pontiff does win a victory, Mahmeg. The Holy See cannot lose.” he scratches his hood and sighs. “Heh. Knowing the Pope. I believe he might make use of that information we have regarding that Admiral who wants to leave the Religion of Forrus. As Holy and Uptight as he looks, he is just as dangerous as those conniving Vampires.” walking to the wall and pulling a lever, he proceeds to lean forward and then promptly runs at high speed.
In his tail was a small Dragon that’d glide from one post to another. Bahamut, who was just done following one of the Demented Crusaders, stumbles upon this one and changes her direction to him.
His footsteps were quiet, not even a single sound was made and to her surprise, she couldn’t even detect their presence at all nor make out the shape of their body and the type of species they are.
This Crusader then reaches a munitions department. Where the massive shells of the gun platform were stored and on the end of the long straight hallway that shows the carousel and its pulleys for the autoloader was a lone door with a yellow light on it.
Opening the door, he quickly gets in as Bahamut closely follows behind where she could see the empty platform which has been turned into a unified center for the Universities and Schools of Magic between Man and Elf. “Heh. So this is how they’ve been doing it. Master will love this!” She then crawls into the main platform itself. The Crusader effortlessly kept itself hidden from the swathes of Holy Knights and the Composite Armor of the Empire as a Roc lands and he quietly slips the small tiny covered letter into one of the big birds saddle bags.
Inside the complex room, the massive golden globe spun around as an Elf and a Human Priest both observed a red dot on it. “Call for the Third Order, they should be near it.” while in another corner, two Elves turned to one another. “This information coincides with the books. The spike of attacks has risen, all Holy See Adventurer’s Guild Houses are relaying the same thing. It's on the rise everywhere.” while Priests were on the chalkboard, crunching numbers left and right whilst floating books with quills on it would write down. At times, they’d call for their Nuns to bring them food and water while also having them carry the finished paperwork on carts back to the Holy See Offices.
Everything seemed so busy that Julieanne and Jackson both stood out as they neatly sat on the wooden chair, observing everybody go about their duties. Though everything seemed to be messy, their notion was completely removed upon seeing the Elves hand out the extremely specific paper a Minister asked for and vice versa with the Human Priest and an Elf looking for an equation. Already curious, the Knight would stand up and start walking towards the bookshelves on the wall where a decorative sword with a floating and glowing orb was at its crossguard.
Before he could go far, the Captain grabs his collar and makes him turn around. “Eh?” With his attention moved to see the Holy Knight shrugging her head. The only expression on his face was a smile. “You can be a handful too can't you? Jackson, please do not touch any of these things. Lest you want us to get kicked out.” He then returns the statement with a simple “No.” as she brings him into the seats. “I can see now why you and the Goddess are so compatible.” crossing her legs, she kept an eye on the man.
Blown away by the large place, he couldn’t even muster a single word to say as behind them, the half globe spins left and right to the command of the Professors and Priests. Turning it left and right as they pinpoint areas where there's a rise of Demon creature attacks. Looking below, he could see they’ve stamped papers on its sides which made Jackson tap Julieanne’s shoulder. “What do those say?” She then starts reading them. “Oh! They are about the big things that’s happened so far!” She then points at the ones behind their chairs. “These ones speak of you, actually. Janasu Eight, of the Fourth Reset of the Calendar. Outworlders arrive in Threa, bringing with them technology.”
She then turns to the one next to it. “Maya Fifth, Creation of the United Nations, Outworlders banded together.” Jackson then fully turns his chair around to look at the next one she pointed at. “Junusl, All the Heroes had banded together, including one Outworlder named Elizadeath. Named Sword Saint of the Holy See after her inception by the Cathedral of Deus Vrax in Dragovh.” rubbing his chin, he then looks to the one farthest from them and the two stood up to read it. “Desemnovis, Son of King James, Grand Prince Sigured pulls Gram the Sword of Man from its mantle and proceeds to an Outworlder City named Zavalda. Please investigate further. Massive spike detected in that area but is contained and neutered”
… Huh?” Checking the map, it had all sorts of markings on it which made Jackson immediately turn the conversation somewhere else. “Tsk, they got a sniff off that?” as he spoke to himself, he clapped his hands. “Well let’s look at the other things, shall we?” He then points at one that has another paper attached below it. “Novenix Twenty, Vampires swear and sign a Pact of Neutrality to Outworlder affairs in Schon with the help of the Minuit family, in exchange, Technology and probably even weapons was given to them. Must investigate further, Outworlder technology in Vampire hands might become a problem after the upcoming Calamity." She then turns to him with crossed arms and a killer look, which makes him just scratches the back of his head. “Ah… ahahahah, wow. They have a very good Intelligence Department.”
“Sir Jackson, you were involved with this weren’t you?” He once again turns his face away and starts looking around the place. Some of the Elves had flocks of books following them while he silently observed the busy people with Julieanne in tow. Though she’d try and try to open a conversation with him about the Vampires Neutrality, the busy atmosphere made it hard for her and the man's constant movement made it impossible to get in front of him.
All the while, the Knight busily stared at the drawn maps they had. In one of them, he is shocked that they have mapped out almost all of the Airbases. The places where the Fortress icons are, were perfect to the ones he knows inside the Internal Bureau’s map. Iron Mountain in of itself is marked with a huge eye on top of its icon. While on the shorelines, marked are ones with Docks and Ports while also having another sheet next to it. This one, familiar to him. “Tonnage?” he looked at the strange numbers as the Captain had finally caught up with him finally.
“Julieanne, what’s this?” He points at the paper and the woman tilts her head. “It’s the tonnage moved per week by Air and Sea, Sir Jackson. Those numbers are pretty impressive for us but for you, that’s just another day.” he then scratches his head. “Does it have a decimal with it?” she nods and the man’s eyes widens. “Oh wow. Even the very decimal point of the cargo weight delivered? Sheesh.” The man then shuffled around the desk as he turned from one paper to another, all of it marking out the UN’s positions and various bases scattered about the land. In one of them, there’s even an accurate illustration of the Quadrupedal War Robot that the Three Kingdoms used to fight one another with and went loose and almost ended the world.
Holding the paper, the man's hands were trembling as Julieanna tapped his shoulder.
“Ahem. Sir Jackson?”
“Oh… uhhhh… yes?”
“Were you involved with the affairs between the Outworlders and Vampires?”
“If I said yes, would that put me in jail?”
“Pfft. Absolutely not, Sir Jackson. I was merely curious. So that was you then? Or partly you? Lady Minuit’s name was a dead giveaway with your involvement.”
“Partly. I had multiple help. I am not the only Outworlder who has defeated a Vampire and got access to the Kingdom of Rose. Alana just helped me get around and know the place and the people.”
“Amazing. Then, Sir Jackson, How was their Capital? Have you been there?”
“I was. Looked pretty neat and clean. Though it was very cold, the architecture was beautiful and every angle looked like it could be used for a scenic photoshoot in an old Victorian city. Wonderful place, but the people and the culture were just too much for me.”
The woman then took three steps and got in front of his chest. Her hands behind her back.
“And other affairs did you tend to… I wonder? Those two Vampires with you seemed to look at you in a very intimate way.” Blushing, the man violently fake coughs as he looked around to find where He’ruth was. Looking around the sea of busy people, he remembers the Yellow and Purple the man had and instantly spots the two tone hue of his ensemble. Walking to the Elf, he was busy chatting with another Priest on some maps that was recently bought by a Nun. It showed Labyrinths and Dungeons scattered across the world and numerous ones were marked with a big X on it.
“Hmmmm… No. Father Schlau, I recommend you check the Book of the Demon Empire. Page Thirty Six, Paragraphs One to Ten. It puts a good idea on the teleporters and their effectiveness. The Pontiff wishes to block some of these, correct?”
“Yes Doctor. Is that possible?”
“No. Most of these are also scattered in hard to reach places, some only Dwarves could reach and I doubt they’d be willing to work with us knowing who is behind the plans.” He smartly looks at the Priest who is left scratching his head. “Then, I’ll have to make a report to the Pope about this then.” The Elf then suddenly looks at Jackson while rubbing the tip of his sharp chin. “Tell me Sir Jackson, what do the Outworlders plan to do with these underground crevices of Evil?”
“We have a map of areas to bombard upon the start of the calamity. Those places are the top ones. We’d already done the math for the expenditure of bombs in the first opening days and we have saved almost five hundred thousand tons of explosives just for it.”
“Bombard? Ah, you do possess enough long range weapons for an attack of that large then. Very well, I will notify the Kingdoms of this so that they can adjust their plans.”
“We do. Previously, the plan was to actually drop Mana Nukes on… them. But it's now regulated to long range cruise missiles of varying tonnes of explosives on their warheads.”
“Mana Nukes?”
“Uhhhh.. Should I have said that?” As the thought wandered in his head, a sudden shift to his expression came. “Do tell me more about these… Mana Nukes.” With a now stoic expression, he sighs and stares directly at the Elves’ eyes. “Let’s just say it's a Core of pure Mana ball that’d explode causing atoms to be disturbed in a way that could make even the most ancient and explosive magic look like fireworks.”
“How dense is the Mana concentration inside these Cores then? Atoms I believe are your version of Menthos, the basic particle of an element, yes?”
“Very dense. You could say dense enough to power a city indefinitely or power a suit to be capable of not only buffing but also giving it offensive ability whilst having it create a protective shield that can ward off all sorts of magic..”
“And you Humans weaponized something that grand?”
“Y-Yes.” The Elf just facepalms. “And?”
“Majority of our bomber fleet got shot down. We don’t have ICBMs fully worked out yet as those are still in the prototyping stage, so we’re left with more… conventional means of deployment with the handful we got left.”
“You lost your bomber fleet? To whom?”
“... Our own selves.” The Elf’s facepalm even got worse. It prompted him to make a long hard breath as he pinched the middle of his nose. His shoulders tensed then relaxed as it came with a long hard sigh. “I can’t with you Humans sometimes. It feels like your worst enemies are yourselves than anything else the Universe could throw at you. How come we never had this problem in the Elf Kingdoms and the Empire that came after?” he just sighs once again. “So now, you plan on still doing this but with less lethal weaponry?”
“Yes. We got Kalibrs and Tomahawks. They could easily demolish the entrances but we don’t know if that would permanently stop them. The main idea anyways is just to slow them down.” Touching the map, he draws an imaginary line on Schon, a frontline that’s as wide as the continent itself. “Our weapons and plans are never meant to stop them but to instead just slow the tide. We all know it's an impossibility, so we went with the other option. Shoot, retreat, shoot, retreat till you're backed into the ocean.” One of the Priests leans into the conversation, and upon getting an image of the Outworlders, plans to lift his hand up.
Getting in between, the man draws on the map with magic. “Exactly who do you plan to do this with? Even with the total number of recorded Outworlders, you simply won’t have enough.” he then counters the man's hand with his own. “But Priest, we have a skeleton army. An army of damned souls. They are the… as we say coup de grâce to all this madness. An army that does not need to eat, tire, or have morals. They're perfect.” This made the Holy man nod and pick up some of the scattered papers and proceeded to walk away. “Sir Jackson, won’t your logistics be strained with such a fighting force?” The Elf then proceeded to mark out the main headquarters of the Outwordlers and the vast ocean that separates the two. “The enemy would simply send more than you can kill. They’d falter before you can even make a second line of defense.” he continues to mark things, including the airbases and ports. “Even with your technology and our predicted movement of cargo, you simply cannot sustain a fight like this.”
He then proceeds to stand straight up and fix his toga. “I study history and this isn’t anything new. Something like this was thought up before. The Ancient Vampire Queen who planned to use a similar method but instead with summoned Demons. She later used it against the Main Continents in her world dominating plans. They would just outnumber and outflank you.” hearing this, Jackson crossed his arms and shrugged. His face, now of a valiant and seasoned person on the topic.
“They won’t. They’d first send meager trash, then come the proper armies and legions with tactics and cohesions. But it will slow them down. They will have to constantly check and check where to go and then, we will respond by plugging the holes with armies manned by Players like me.” he then makes another line with his finger. “Our plans are easy, slow them down in Schon, then Dragovh. The last place they should reach is Geraldia.” The Elf then proceeds to rub his forehead and then chin.
“I see, since your project with that ancient portal is in this continent, you plan on routing and routing them till you could conjure the way home. To this planet called Earth.” Jackson nods and with a fist, lowers it to the continent of Geraldia. ”That is exactly it. We will dispose of everything to make sure this continent is the last one they'll march into. Nothing else is acceptable.” nodding, the Elf would point at places on the map as his eyes wandered from one part to another.
Left with silence, the Knight observes the Elf. With his long sharp ears, tall stature and impressively handsome face, he could read a bit of his thoughts as the scenario ran into the Elf’s head. “Question… Doctor.”
“Speak.”
“So… all the species of this planet only united when the Vampires attacked and… on the times of the End Time?”
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
“Correct.”
“Then, why isn’t anyone uniting right now then?”
“Easy. Tensions are still high due to the arrival of you, Outworlders. But things are slowly coming back. The Pontiff of the Holy See was even allowed to the Empire. We have a limit to how many Humans are allowed in our lands, you know?”
“Eh? Really?”
“Yes. But I sadly think with how slow the politics of our… compatriots are. I doubt many fully grasp the weight of the situation. Being with Men, it made me realize how much I’ve taken time for granted. That is why we’re a bit different from those in the Empire now. You could say the Human trait of panicking due to deadlines has also reached us.”
“Too slow… what would make them unite then?”
“If you Outworlders where to try something? It already happened if I remember correctly. The Sword Saint appeared at the Congress of the Kingdom of James and called for a Combined Assault on a city that is said to have been attracting Demons and contains an army that could be out for blood.” Jackson then was the one to sigh. “Yeah… I know that… and that city was attracting Demons since the Mana Core was exposed and the army there was not out of blood. Not at all.”
“Were they now? Well, everyone is afraid of your weapons now thanks to that massacre and put on top of that the Calamity, we have more than our fill with problems that will make the general political situation ten times worse. Now factor in the slowness of Elves in certain things.” He had nothing to reply with, only nodding in agreement. “Then what the hell is Maltese planning?” He then turns around to look at the busy room of Elves and Humans. All in harmony as they set their differences aside for the moment. “So… exactly what do you do here?”
He’ruth then leads them to the golden sparkling globe. “You see those red dots? Like cancers spreading to one's perfect skin?” he nods. “This is how we know if it's coming. The Holy See has a vast network of Adventurers Guilds that they sponsor. You have an ID correct?” He then goes to his pockets and then shows the man his Adventurer ID with the stamp of the Bishop. “Exactly. With that, we know the potential army we have at hand, those who can fight while also giving us an idea of where the attacks are. These red ones are specifically Quests that involve Demons, the brighter the color, the more frequent it is.”
And on the globe, the bright red ones were more seen in Dragovh and Western Geraldia. “This is why we don’t disallow even Outworlders from attaining this as your kind seem to have an odd attraction to helping anyone and anything. More than your usual band of Adventurers with a Hero Complex.” This made Jackson facepalm knowing what he did to get theirs. “Errrr… man. I kinda regret doing that now.” He sighs and returns to looking at the globe. “Do Demon Beasts like Wolves and stuff like that are also included? Most of these are in rural areas.” the Elf then smiles. “Indeed. You caught on fast, Sir Jackson. I presume this is due to your journey in our lands?”
“Yup… I’ve been around.”
“Those attacks are uncommon. Mutated creatures from Magic aren’t counted. But the ones you see that’re of darkness and armored with thick black scales are corrupted. Smarter, Stronger, and more volatile. They become more aggressive as the opening to the Cosmos becomes larger and the actions of the Outer Gods and their alien tendrils become more known.” Jackson then looks back at the first day he had there. Their city. City 01 was full of these. Even encountering one Demon Knight that was lingering inside their settlement.
Slowly his feet begin to tap rapidly. Knowing what all that was about and how abnormal that was. “I thought Demons were just attracted to Mana…”
“They are. But only few would flock to a Mana Source to avoid confrontation.”
“What if there were more than a flock? Multiple flocks actually.”
“What do you mean by this?”
Jackson then proceeds to recall his first days in Threa. The large number of Demonic creatures that lingered in their city trying to find its Mana Core. He’ruth immediately gets one of the Elves and has him write it down. “How? Does your Mana Core emit radiation when it's not being used?”
“Yes. The Mana Core is stable, but some of it might spill out when it's not in use. That’s why we always turn on as many lights as we can. Use everything we can use as if not, it's wasting energy.”
“Hm. We’ll add this to the list. That is one of the most abnormal ones yet.” The Elf with a less pretty Toga then walks to the corner and adds the City 01 to one of many cases where Demons of all sizes and types came to visit. The Knight just swallows his saliva to see how much they've collected already. Ranging from rural villages with only a hundred people to now full cities.
The Elf then writes it down on a smaller paper and stamps it on the side of the Globe’s housing along with the others. He then takes an odd looking metallic pencil with a gem on its tip and spins the globe around till it lands on the exact coordinate of City 01. Marking it with a big red. “So that’s Dragovh?” the continent itself already had multiple such cases, and all of them being far from one another. “Then what about Geraldia?” He’ruth swipes the globe, changing the area to their current Continent.
There, the cases have tripled. But since the Continent is twice or even more than the size of Dragovh, the areas were all scattered. To his surprise, even the ones inside the Elf Empire were also marked. Complete with town and region names and the exact coordinates.
“So… with all this, how long?”
“Hmmmm… a year still? We are also waiting for the University of Benber the Pilot for their own predictions.”
“What’s that? Some Elven Institution?”
“Indeed it is. Named after the Elf that discovered and mapped out the entirety of Angea. It is the home of magic research in the Empire and has a direct teleporter to the Imperial Capital. It is a beautiful place that’s located on a hill that overlooks the floating city of Oceanowa.”
“Ah! I’ve heard of that before. It also can sink as a defense mechanism right?”
“Hm. Of course, that is one of the many methods we’ve drawn up apart from making an entire city fly.”
“So, by your knowledge. What would they predict it as?” The Elf then puts his hands into the sleeves of his toga. “That, we do not know. You see, the University of Benber has a piece of Mother Tree that’s matured into a full branch. We plan on using it to maybe talk to the Gods, maybe even Forrus herself and get an exact date.” his face then looks down and the Elf sighs. “But sadly, that project is yet to actually show results. We need someone or something that is truly Divine and maybe then, we could make an exact prediction.”
Nodding, Jackson then looks at the other scattered paper on the globe’s foundation. “But in terms of just an opinionated date on the minimum at least. What would they say?” He’ruth closes his eyes and taps his chin till he turns to face the man. “A month or two from now.”
Julieanne and Jackson both had their jaws drop at the information. “THAT CLOSE?!” The scream of the two made the room stop for a moment. But then everyone immediately got back to their tasks as Jackson started to bite his nails. “Tsk. Not even our numbers are that accurate. Maltese, what the hell are you doing?! Was Elizabeth right? Is he wasting my time?” He remembers the dates shown to him were also in line with the ones the University says, a year. But now hearing the other date, his feet start tapping the floor. “Then, Doctor He’ruth. May I ask of you about the Fortresses?”
“Fortresses?”
“The ancient ones your old Empire built around here.”
“Ah those. What about them?”
“Do they have teleporters like the one underneath here?”
“Pfft. Of course. All of them have one. We wouldn’t be stupid enough to trap ourselves in such a place without exit now wouldn’t we?”
“Do they lead back to Elvennur?”
“No. Only the largest ones have direct Teleportation Sigils of that magnitude. The ones outside of cities lead to it.”
“I see… so it's a vast network then…” Rubbing his chin, he looks at Julieanne. “What do you think?”
“I believe you are onto something. You’ve already told me of your findings, this could be how they were able to communicate and plan the attack.” She then drags Jackson to the sidelines, making the Elf tilt his head. “Jackson, my theory is that they used the Roc to talk about and execute the assassination plot on Seiness, using the Fortress, these Elven assassins could’ve easily come from the border with the Empire and reach Janishaire.” The Knight nods and smiles. “Hm. That was also what I was thinking. Since the Demented Crusaders align with no one but their job and only do what is tasked of them, they might have never known that they are also working against the Church and its Pope.”
Making a deep breath, he had a dastardly smile to him as if the pieces were now falling into place. “I hope Bahamut can give me some juicy info when I get home. This might lead us to a place where we could get concrete evidence to throw and wave around.”
“But how would they do that?” He’ruth then butts in between the two. Making them act as if they weren’t having a deep and thoughtful conversation just now. “Is this some conspiracy about that Priestess that caused much aire when she came?” Caught they both nod. Remaining serious in their expressions. “Well… Since I do respect you, Captain Ammor. I recommend you look at the Couriers. They take Roc’s to and from the border. It only takes a few hours with those large birds and unlike Teleporters. They leave no evidence as it is done through legal and agreed upon ways.”
“Rocs?”
“Yes. Best way I could describe them to you is that they are a mix of Eagles and Falcons upsized to the scale of a three storey house. It's a creature native to my homeland. East of the Empire.” Remembering the sight of one as he passed through the injured Veterans on the street, his eyes lit up and as if a fire was lit. He had a slight smile on his face. “When do they arrive?”
“Every three days. If you want to look, then turn there. Morning and Afternoon, a Roc would arrive to exchange information between us, the Empire, the Holy See, and the University of Benber the Pilot.” Jackson and Julieanne nodded at each other. “Do you know where that is, Julieanne?”
“I do. It’s on the empty Gun Platforms. Number One to be exact. I never knew it. Of course, it would be so obvious yet you’d never look there… and… I believe the Gun Platforms are all connected to the Underground Fortress. Jackson, this might be it.” He made a light expression of approval and gave a thumbs up. “But don’t get excited yet. We’re still not sure.” Looking at He’ruth, the Outworlder respectfully bows like a proper mannered gentleman. “Thank you, Professor.”
The Elf in return made his own bow, swaying his toga to the right as he let the Outworlder have a sight of his gleaming wreath. “Hm. Carry on then. This trade of information of ours has been fruitful. Take this not as confirmation though, as in the end. I am merely a scholar of History.”
The two walk out of the room and into the front of the now silent and less active University. Looking up, it was already nearing dark and Jackson stretched his arms. “Ahhhhh… that was insane. But now we might have a potential lead.” with Captain Julieanne looking at him with a thoughtful smile, she once again puts her hands behind her back and leans forward to peek at his face. “Y’know, I should be able to get you access there without much of a hassle. The Bishop and the Captain’s stamp will give you access to basically the entirety of the Holy See though.” The Knight then slowly turns his head to her and with the most serious face he could muster. “Bishop Blast did say you’re allowed to stamp my card.”
She nods and reaches out her hand. Jackson hands over his Adventurer ID and she slips it into a pouch in the back of her hips. Usually covered by the woman’s cape, the rays of the afternoon light hit the Knight General’s head. “What will you do when you get home?” He looks down a bit to see her deep blue eyes and he smiles at the sight of the innocent looking princess in front. “I hope Alana cooked fried rice. I miss it alot.” with a giggle, she turns around and starts walking away.
“Good. Collect this tomorrow from the Offices. The Officers Barracks is in its Right Wing. Just ask for Julieanne." She then walks the opposite direction of the light. “Uhhhhh… isn’t the Holy See’s office the other way?” the woman just shrugs as she continues her pace. Not looking back at him. “I must do my duty and perform my daily afternoon patrol. Go home now, Sir Jackson. Those three are probably worrying about you.” with one wave of her armored hand, she walks out of his view and the man just shrugs. “As the lady commands.” he then begins his walk but not straight home. Taking a detour to Downtown, he reached the Cathedral Square at night.
Already, most of the city had started to draw down. Preparing the closing of stores except for a select few, the robed Nobles had also begun their tasks of cleaning the streets as University was already over and they’ve switched over to now helping maintain the land they’ll soon rule on. With his hands in his pockets, the man breathes in as the summer afternoon starts to dissipate and the cold night approaches. “Ahhh… I hope it's meat for dinner. This day exhausted me beyond belief.” He then stops and looks at a puddle of water on the curb and stares at it. “A violent and chaotic charge… hmmm… I might need Elizabeth’s devious planning.”
After a few minutes of walking, he soon reaches the hotel they're staying in. He first looks at himself at the polished windows of the first floor. Moving his cheeks left and right and then turning to his clothes and fixing any wrinkles he sees. After, he smells his breath and makes a satisfied nod. The man returns to the hotel they're staying in and knocks thrice on the wooden door. “Who is it?”
“It’s me.”
“Ah, M’Lord!” The door immediately opened and the man was greeted by Bahamut’s body. Flying straight into his face as Alana smiles and Elizabeth looks at him from her place on the sofa. “My Lord, how was it?”
“I have a lot to tell you. But for now, what’s for dinner?”
“Oh, I got this very good meal plan for tonight! M’Lord, I believe you’ll enjoy what I’ve prepared by hand. As requested, I have managed to cook that Yang Chao fried rice you’ve asked for.”
“Aw, I can only imagine it. It's only been a year and you're already ten times better than me with this whole cooking thing. I’m jumping in excitement with how good that fried rice will be!”
She then makes a twirl as she returns to her duties. Elizabeth on the other hand stands up from her relaxed place and walks up to him. Smelling the man up and down. “One… two… three… four…” Bahamut then follows and also starts sniffing him also. “But one got very close to you, Master. Very, very, close for a long period of time. Her smell… is it that woman?”
“Ah…ahahaha… that might be the Captain.” Elizabeth then smiles at him as she pushes her chest up his stomach. “Hm… what would you like to do first, My Lord? Shall I prepare you for a bath? Some snacks? Or would you… want me?” with a blush to his face, the Knight just shrugs his head as he walks to the bathroom with a devilish grin on the Queen. “Pfft. So easy. Countess, are you sure he will actually do it?” As she finished the fried rice, the teenage looking Vampire turned around and in her pretty face, was a hint of devious intent.
He soon finishes and with a surprise, the dining table is full of vegetables, fruits, beef soup, and some roast beef with herbs and spices. But the greatest thing that Jackson’s jaw dropped at was the sight was the fried rice and the aroma instantly overtakes his nose and before long. Him and Bahamut were both sitting together, ready to eat while the two Vampires got everything in order. Utensils and plates, they made sure everything is up to their standards, not even letting a centimeter to be off.
With numerous candlelights around them, they started to eat. With Alana swallowing her food as she puts her fingers up her mouth. Covering it completely. “M’Lord, what did you want to discuss again?”
“Bahamut, how was the patrol?” she sips the entire noodle into her mouth and swallows it violently. “Phwah! I found out the location and how they transport the messages! I also found out the exact ones we’re looking for! The Bishop was right, his hunch was somewhat onpoint. They transport the messages through the Roc!” Jackson then smiles as he victoriously rubbed his chin. “Eheheheh… it’s all coming together. Ah! Man! Alana, this fried rice is the SHIT. I might actually ask you to cook this for me once a day.” the Countess just giggles as she lowers her hand and stands up. Taking some of the fried rice and eating it alongside her roast beef.
“I sadly cannot, M’Lord. If we were back in my Manor. This should be of no contest but I do not have access to all the ingredients in a ready state. I can only do this for once a while.” This made him stop and become sad, but after a sigh. He continues eating and talking. “And good job Bahamut.” he strokes her straight black hair and ends with patting her head, making the pale woman stop and just push herself into his hands more.
“Ahhhhhh… right there Master, right there.” he then turns to Alana and Elizabeth, his right hand still stroking the Dragon’s head. “With how things are going, we should be able to conjure something up soon and I can slap evidence to Matlese’s face. The date he has given us is wrong. The most minimum of estimates says we only have a month or two left before the End Times happens." The two Vampires continued to eat in peace as the Queen leaned her head in.
“Does this mean, My Lord?” he nods making her a very happy woman that night. “Heh, this is why you are such a formidable person, My Lord. You know when it is time to move and do what is needed.” she promptly lowers her utensils and places them neatly next to one another. “This shall be a fast one then. What is our duty for tomorrow?”
“Uhhh… tomorrow. We’ll head off to the Gun Platforms again. This time being Number One as stated by Bahamut from her patrols.”
“Hm. I am guessing you’ve learned a lot from the University and the Captain?”
“You have no idea. The amount of stuff I learned from there and the complex things they had inside that place… they even have this huge half globe.” Jackson tries to gesture at its immense size. Spreading his arms as far as he can with a pompous expression on his face as his mouth was filled with beef and fried rice. “It was thiiiis… big! And sparkled gold! And get this.” Swallowing the food in his mouth, Elizabeth then picks up her utensils and eats as she leans in a bit forward. “Both Elves and Humans have been working a long time together in predicting the exact date of the End Times. They have a direct line to the Pope and the Empire’s top people and it seems like things aren’t going well for the Holy See’s leader inside Elvennur.”
This made the Queen rub her chin while Bahamut sneakily took the slice of cutlet roast beef her fork while also taking the potatoes and celery. “That’s a problem for us Vampires though. The divide between the Elves and Humans had helped us scour the land and everything between the two. Such an alliance to this degree is damning and would hinder us to a degree in the future.”
“Oh not only that, they also have been sniffing out Outworlder activity. They have marked almost every Forward Operating Base we have in the land and are somewhat aware of our overall plans.” He then takes a large portion of the roast beef and pours some oil on it as he devours it. “They even marked out the tonnage we move out per day, so I might as well leak our plans since there’s not much to hide at that point anyways. I hope it also sows some trust.”
Alana on the other hand had emptied her plate and turned to look at him. “M’Lord, would we have to stealth our way in? I do believe we’ve yet to hand our card to a Knight for a stamp. Such a place should be neutral, so we’d need a more specific stamp to get in.”
“No. Julieanne took my Adventurer card. She said she’ll stamp it for us and we should be able to waltz in without any problems." The two Vampires perk up. “Ohhhh, look at you My Lord. Knowing how to talk to the ladies, huh?” The Countess then rests her head on her hand. “Ahahaha, I am quite surprised at how fast you’ve gotten used to women, M’Lord.” she said it with such confidence Jackson’s expression just went blank at her. “Oy, I might not be as well versed back then but I’ve learned much now.”
“M’Lord, what exactly would we be after though? I’m sure if they're using this as a means of communication, they’ll be doing it through legal means. I presume we can use the Bishop's to maybe intervene a bit and shake the leadership of the Holy See?”
“I was planning to do exactly that. Me and Julieanne have an agreement. I’ll help her, she helps me. I will give her the original copy of whatever secret message is being sent between the two sides while I take a written copy. She goes to Blast, get this sorted out on her side while I’ll get my side sorted out.”
“My Lord, I do not question both of you but what is our secondary option? I believe these letters are of extreme importance. I do not think a single Bishop's influence will be able to do so much.”
“Secondary is using a bit of your Vampirism and Bahamut’s powers. People fear and revere both of your kind. We can easily conjure another method, this one being more straightforward. With Bahamut being a Dragon, she should be able to gain the respect of the Holy See’s top brass and have them listen and see. But we’ll leave that for when we’re there.”
“Hmmmm… I understand, My Lord. And after this, what do we plan to do?”
“Return to Maltese. Elizabeth, we might have to return once again to that Outpost. You said the Colonel’s table was hollow right?”
“Heh.” As if she switched to another person, the woman’s light and embracing aura had changed into a dangerous and ill-intent one. “Something like this should’ve been sniffed out by your higher command. Yet, they gave us faulty, after faulty information. From the dates, to how much larger this problem is. It seems that you have fully made up your mind. My Lord” he nods at her. “I have, and before I came here. I visited the Outpost again and sent some troops to Schon, back to that Airbase near the Vampire Kingdom’s borders.”
He straightened his back as the man’s chin was pointed upward. “As per your recommendation, I’ve sent the National Guard of Zavalda, though now, they’ve been reorganized into a proper Mechanized Division thanks to their veterancy and experience.” As if she had been given the elixir to life, the Queen’s emerald eyes lit up. “Those are good men. You made the right decision, My Lord. With what you’ve gone through with them, there is no question they got your back.'' She then put her hands up together and rested her chin on top of it as she crossed her legs below the table.
“My… you’ve also picked the most devious and violent option. Pfft. I would’ve gone with something more… talkative and face to face persuasion with a select team, but I am not one to shy away from something violent.” She then turned to the large window to the now dark exterior of the hotel. The view of the Cathedral was beautiful at night, with all the lights and torches, it seemed scenic. “And the Intelligence people?”
“Morgan might’ve been fed wrong information or faulty ones. It's the Military that’s in control of the spaces here so we’ll deal with her if we get concrete info that she’s involved. So far, it’s all the Military and not the Intelligence Department.”
“But… My Lord, all the military? Wouldn’t that mean?” Jackson then stops eating his food and looks to Elizabeth. “I know… but I’m holding out that it isn’t what it is. Because if you're correct, I’ll go head to head against the Top Brass of the Military. Let’s hope it's just Maltese. One five star General, I can probably go against with all my influence. But an entire cabinet of Supreme Generals? I am practically ending my career early.”
“I believe you can overcome such a problem, My Lord. So far, we only know of Maltese. He also seems to be the type to conjure up something like this.” She then extended her leg and began to skim the Generals with the tip of her shoes. “He is the opposite of you, My Lord. You prefer a straight solution, but that Maltese prefers complex plans with lots of moving parts to assure the best result. He must have something very devious in his head to have us waste our time here.”
“I don’t know… we’re talking about the head honcho of all the fronts. This will be a battle of sheer influence.” Elizabeth then recessed her back as she let her one hand feed herself with meat. “My Lord, do you know that people who wish to rebel against the system usually go first too?”
“The people below right? Those who have a problem with the system beforehand already?”
“Wrong. Its Generals with influence. Generals who are popular with the people. Soldiers don’t follow Generals willy nilly. You have something Maltese don’t, My Lord.”
“Frontline experience.”
“Exactly, My Lord. You’ve already seen it back at Iron Mountain. Everyone either knows or has an idea of you and of your exploits. I believe you have your own weapon up your sleeve. Maltese may be intellectual, but he doesn’t have the backings of many soldiers, like you. I am sure this plan you’ve thought of will succeed.”
“And to add to Her Majesty’s comment. M’Lord, some of the most Veteran troops of the UN are also subservient to you. After the Zavalda debacle, those players are absolutely loyal to you and your command alongside the Legions of Eldwood who's at the frontlines.” Nodding while rubbing his chin, Jackson breathes a long sigh. “Tsk. Maltese and his games. To think even we’d be affected by the internal problems between the Army and the Internal Bureau.”
“Hah-hah-hah. Master, Humanity’s worst enemy is itself. The factions eating themselves within the UN are all desiring for either power or influence. What they don’t know is that the will of Humanity follows the strongest, and I believe you are the strongest of them all, Master.” Blushing, the man waved off Bahamut’s statements. The big wide smile on his face accompanied by his beet red cheeks as he eats his steak and hamburger. “M’Lord, don’t forget about the vegetables now and the promise.”
He stops eating and looks at her. “Promise?” she then points down to her thighs. “You said it will take King Arthur to pry yourself from me if I cook you this fried rice, correct?” dropping his fork, the man’s brain seems to go into overdrive. “Ahhhh… can that… uhhhh wait? We have a thing to do tomorrow…” she then crossed her arms and made a loud and audible “Hmph! After going through all the effort, this is how I am rewarded.” Jackson, unable to resist her, immediately put up a white flag after one skirmish. “Alright, alright. But let’s at least get some proper sleep. Please?”
They soon finished eating and everyone got together in the main bedroom as they prepared to rest, even though it was still early, the Knight thought it was time to rest. “Ahhhh… tomorrow is going to be another long day.” with Elizabeth to his left, and Alana to his right. Both of them flanking his sides and Bahamut on top of him. He has no choice but to sleep in a position that’s facing the ceiling as the man was sandwiched by the two. “Alana, wake me up at three. We’ll do it.” closing his eyes, he just tries but can’t help the feeling of the breasts of the two Vampires on his elbow. Soft and squishy, he squirms his eyes even more, forcing to sleep.
After a while, he surrenders to his inability to sleep with the bountiful chests of the two Vampires up against his arms, he attempts to slide his body to face the right where Alana is. Just as he turns his head to her, Elizabeth’s emerald pupils shine in the darkness. “Unable to sleep, My Lord?” Her voice was in a slow and lovely whisper, and with his right ear up in the air, he could hear her so clearly that it would put him to sleep if he continued to listen to her voice.
“Hm.” a mere quick reply, he continues turning his body over as Bahamut falls into the sheets. Awakening her autopilot, the small Dragon with her eyes still closed walked next to his face. She thumped her four legs on the soft pillow multiple times before balling herself up again right in front of his nose.
“Huh, she can do that?”
“Dragons have an autopilot mode. The caves they either make or find are usually dangerous so if they need to move without awakening to preserve energy, that happens.”
“Interesting. Dragons are such truly mythical creatures, aren’t they, My Lord?”
“They are. How come you can’t sleep?”
“I’m still a bit unfamiliar with the feeling of sleeping with clothes on.”
“Ahhhh… even though the night gown you're wearing is thinner than a piece of paper?”
“Pfft. My Lord, this custom of yours is so odd for me. Why would one wear clothes when they sleep?”
“Ah, I don’t wanna get into the whole cultural thing and why it became this way. Just know that it feels comfy for me and… I can’t resist any of your naked bodies so you're doing me a favor by doing this.”
“Haaaah… well, if you say so, My Lord.” she then brazenly hugs him from behind. Squeezing hard, Jackson couldn’t help but awaken even more as his Excalibur sprang to life as her curvy body and abundant chest was pushed up to his back. Bahamut on the other hand started snoring a bit, the heat being emitted from her mouth reaching his nose as his expression just went blank. “Haaahhh… this is going to be a long night.” he then tucks the large white blanket for him proper, making it reach his chin as he closed his eyes just to have the front of his face be bombarded by the Dragons hot breath and then Elizabeth’s more alluring and collected ones at the back of his head.
Sleeping for a good hour, Alana takes him up. “M’Lord. It is time.” he turns around to see Elizabeth and Bahamut both asleep. “But, they're already sleeping…” She then proceeds to stand up and walk around the bed. With a tap on the shoulder, the Queen wakes up. “Eh? What’s thou query?” She immediately sees the eyes of the Countess and picks up the Dragon by the top of her neck and walks out of the bedroom. Jackson on the other hand stretches and does a sign of a cross as the door closes.
On the dinner table, Bahamut soon wakes up as she is greeted by the hard wooden material of it. “Eh?” she turns into her Human form and instantly stops. “Oh, that Bloodsucker really wanted it huh?” lousily resting on the sofa, the Queen’s arm goes back and forth. “Indeed, such is the drive of a Vampire for lust.” Sighing, she puts her torso straight up to see the Dragon had a disgruntled expression on her as she wore a pair of dolphin shorts and a t-shirt. “Grrrr… I was having a good sleep. Of all people, she should know what it means to wake up a Dragon!”
Elizabeth then puts her hand forward and gestures for her to stop. “Just leave them be. He's already in the mood and so is she, you can hear how much fun they're having. Just sleep, lest you want to join? We both know how much Our Lord loves seeing two women go at it.” the Dragon shrugs as she walks to the armchair and sits on it. “Hah? As if I am going to do that! I wanna sleep!” The Queen then rests her back on the sofa once again. “I do find it amazing that your kind can control their lust. For us, it feels like we are missing out on something to drink or eat.”
Taking a peek at Bahamut, her eyes were flat and blank as her bangs as she crossed her legs and yawns. “Of course. This is why I don’t know if a fruitful relationship can ever bear for Vampires and Dragons. We are far more controlled and regimented unlike your kind that seems to be on the swirl of emotions and are driven and controlled by it.”
“Heh. That might be truthful, but how do you ever pick a mate then?”
“Of course we are still driven to a degree when finding a Male to be suitable. But we won’t simply just jump them. No, we would fight them first to a duel and if this Male is indeed as strong as we felt him to be, then it's time for conception. A dance in the skies as two Dragons mate and conjure a perfect offspring, one that benefits from both of its parents' genes.”
“Hmmm… does this mean your parents were both extremely powerful Dragons?”
“Yes, they both were. My Father was a Dragonlord and my Mother, a Mythical Dragon.” She then leans in, as if her tire disappeared. “A Dragon Lord’s title can only be achieved if a Dragon has its own band of subservient Dragons, and most all, immortality.” This made the Queen lift an eyebrow. “Huh. So all Noble Dragons in Tur are Immortal?” Bahamut nods as her eyes don't peel away from staring back at the Vampire's eyes. “My parents were some of the best of their species of Dragons. I am proof that you do not need to be a Chromatic to become a Dragon God.”
“Chromatic? As in, like the color chrome?” Bahamut opens her hand and conjures an image of a perfect white chrome Dragon. Four winged, horned and legged chrome white Dragon with long aerials on top of her head. She’s a magnificent beast that any person would consider as a God and her scales, so perfectly polished that it could be used as a mirror. “Known to be the most strongest and most magical of the Dragons, Chrome Dragons whether White, Blue, Red or Green are the ones birthed with the most strength.” closing her hands, she leans her back into the armchair and folds her legs.
“Heh. My birth is also a bit special like theirs, as I was designed by Albion to be a perfect mix of my Black Dragon Mother and Red Dragon Father. I’ll only say this once to you Bloodsuckers. But when I was born, it was said that the special red lightning only used to signify the coming of a disaster struck the cave that I was born in. The mountain turned into a bowl from how powerful it was.” awestruck, Elizabeth’s eyes widen at the fact and softly nods. “I see.”
Rising from her slumber, the woman in her thin lingerie that’s adorned by laces and sits just above her thighs, the Queen stumbles into the back of the sofa and opens a cabinet where she starts browsing through the books they’ve collected. Her finely shaped and sized breasts, squished between her chest and legs. “I do wonder though, Our Lord’s plan is not very subtle. I do get his plan was to be noticed and heard, but that Maltese is not one to not have other plans and secrets up his sleeve.” The Dragon on the other hand just turns sideways and rests her body on the armchair.
The dimly lit room was intimate in its atmosphere, the pale black haired woman in the living room glowed as the view of the Cathedral and the terrifyingly empty cobblestone square invaded the hotel with its warm shine.
She then yawns at the sight of the beautifully carved building as she leans down to see the Queen had already and placed herself on the dinner table with some ink and writing materials. “Is this what you waste your free time on?” She quickly nods as the woman puts a parchment on top of the table and a quill. Without even needing to take it slow, she wrote with elegant calligraphy. Curved and having lots of old words, she outlined the main task on hand.
“Our Lord’s plan is basic yet it carries a lot of weight to it. What will happen though if General Maltese notices the sudden movement of troops towards my Kingdom? Wouldn’t he be alerted?” The Dragon then stretches her body, her long voluptuous legs touching the floor as her back rested on the armrest of the leather and hide chair. The dolphin shorts she wore giving her a vulgar yet sensual air. “You give too much thought to the Humans, Bloodsucker. That Man would be too busy dealing with whatever he is looking at the Vampires for." This made her stop as she tapped her cheeks with her sharp nail. “We better ask about that too, don't we? Just what is he planning on doing?”
On the other hand, the ruckus inside the main bedroom disturbs her train of thought as she tries to reorient her attention to planning. “Grr… those sounds. Our Lord must be really giving it to the Countess.” But as she turned to her accomplice that night, the Dragon had already gotten asleep even in the awkward position she found herself in, loudly snoring as Elizabeth just facepalms.
“Ah, I wonder how long I will be able to hold out.” jittery, she looks at the book. Named as the “Historical Collection of Garethenian Strategies and Military Figures Volume One”. She bit her supple and lightly red lips as she opened it and started reading.