As the bell of the Elves rang five times, Jackson’s eyes suddenly opened. Without a yawn nor a complaint, he donned his uniform and looked at himself in the mirror. His eyes questioning who that absurdly handsome and beautiful man is as he turned his head to the left and right, his finger moving along his chiseled and well defined cheekbones and jaw.
He just shrugs as the rays of the morning light hit him from all sides. Shining up his room and its marble tiles. The bed’s embrace was still there yet he felt no urge to go back to its softness as he walked outside and the Servants of the Trenthaus Manor were already hard at work in doing their daily duties.
With many of them using magic to clean every nook and cranny of the lobbies and hallways, the Elves were robotic and deadly efficient. They took no shortcuts and performed their duties to the fullest as the daughter of the Family walked to the front garden with the mother, both of them holding clay pots whilst the son soon followed after them, wearing his Cadet Uniform.
He put his fist up his chest and the two returned it with a slow and deliberate bow and the son then swiftly turned around and marched to the otherside.
Jackson then followed his path, as on the second floor, he had a perfect view down below and the open lobbies were perfect for him. Being able to just casually walk as Malik reached the front door where their carriage was already parked.
Meeting him there was his father, the Admiral still in his lavish tunic took a good look at his son. Fixing the little things he found wrong and subsequently sent him off with a smile. The son gets into the family carriage and after saying his goodbyes, slowly closes the door and the massive gates of the compound automatically open as their carriage drives out.
Still on the balcony, Jackson sees the heavy coach turn left and then right. Disappearing into the wavy and hilly road. Leaning in as Thydis walked back into the front doors. Unlike with Humans, the Elves didn’t build their houses to be square. There was always a contour and a respect to the terrain, with their foundations having to shift to what the incline was.
All in all, it looked far more organic and pleasing to the eyes as each building had differing heights and shapes that formed with the terrain than the other way around. “Ah, General Jackson. A well morning, I see?” Turning around, Jackson was surprised at how silent the Admiral was. “Ahahahaha, you can say that, Admiral.”
“What do you think? It's a beautiful city isn’t it?”
“Of course. It's magnificent. I was just thinking about the times I was looking out a balcony and to see the civilizations had been built and destroyed.”
“Hm.” Walking towards Jackson with a smile, the Thydis looked at his left and right, soaking in the gleaming glamor of the metropolis. “Not Elvennur. This city will never be destroyed again. Human cities had fallen numerous times in the course of an Elves’ life. But Elvennur only fell thrice. Once with the First Demon King, in a time long before mine. Second against the forces of Man that broke through the shackles of servitude, and the last one… the ancient Vampire Queen and her insatiable desire for violence and blood and that shall be the last one.”
“Though how do you make sure of this? Does your people know how to defeat an enemy you’ve not met in a long time?”
“We’ve already fought the Free species of this world many times.”
“And when was the last time, Admiral? May I remind you that their cultures and traditions shift and move far faster than yours. What tactics that might’ve worked hundreds of years ago might only do miniscule today.”
“Hmmmm… you have a point. But we’d rather not escalate anything. Reaching out a hand to the Free species of this world is far more challenging than expected with the differences we each hold.”
“I’ve seen it first hand. But that’s just a bit of advice if you may excuse me. As I’ve been in many places and situations and I’ve learned that people change so fast, the ways to kill them are only becoming more and more easy but the way to do it efficiently is always challenged.”
“I think… a good test would be for the best. Maybe a Vampire versus Elf competition? General, I think you can teach us a lot. Those eyes of yours tell me a story that even my ancestors can only speak a few of.”
“Maybe. But my experience is still limited, very limited compared to yours, Admiral.”
The Elf then rests his elbow in the thick marble railings. Looking out into the front door as his family members left one by one. “I’m surprised you're still here, Admiral.” he smiles and turns to the Vampire. “Of course. The Ministry of Army Air Power does not need my overseeing eyes. It’s just patrols and patrols that we’ve made a system on that would change every so often. But, since you are here. Why not come with me and your companions as I perform a routine check up on the units of Elvennur? I believe our new Airship has recently arrived from her maiden voyage.”
Hearing this, Jackson didn’t even have a shrewd doubt on his face as he instantly nodded and stood straight up. “Of course. This would be an amazing opportunity.” Thydis then opens his hand. “This is a gesture from your world, correct?” and with a smile, Jackson takes it. The two exchanged a firm handshake. “For our first trip, why not the Docks? I believe one of our prototypes has finished sailing from Antionnur.” he then starts walking back to the hallway. “I shall change to proper attire. Wait for me downstairs, General.” he nods and walks to the door to Bahamut’s room. Before he could knock, the Dragon was already awake. Though descheved and in an extremely rowdy mood. “Gah! Master, let me sleep. Please.” he just smiles and pats her head as she lets out a small and solemn “Uuuuuu…” her head lowering as he patted her more and more. Her eyes were still closed, the girl yawning as he stopped rubbing her hair.
“Sure. I’ll only take Elizabeth and Alana with me then. Where are they?” she just lifts her finger and points at the two doors to the right of hers. “Alright. Stay here and enjoy your rest day." She then walks back into the darkness of her room as he goes to the next room. The door to the Dragon’s room slowly closes on itself.
Knocking, it quickly opens with the Countess already in her gown and fully ready to go out. “We shall we be going, M’Lord?” he steps back, letting her get out into the hallway. Looking left and right, she stretches her arms and body. “Ahhhhnnnn… that was a good night, M’Lord. Though… I hope you can join us again as those two soured the mood for me after a bit.” he then turns left and starts walking to the other door. “Don’t worry Alana. I’ll soon be back in my Human form. We just gotta finish this and humor the Admiral as much as we can." She then catches up to him and with her hands on her back, leans forward to see his face. “It's… it’s just so odd, M’Lord. You are so different that even when I call you. I just can’t help but feel like I am doing something that’s breaking the oath.”
“Why? Is there something with Vampire Lordship that I am not abiding by? The nip of our relationship is born from the battles and tribulations we’ve fought and survived.”
“It’s… it’s not the normal way, M’Lord. Most of the time, I would be far more reserved as relationships like this are birthed from two powerful creatures outleveling one another in battle and the defeated, to be in your shadow as a ghoul that you can call, use, and discard. You are my Vampire Lord, the one who holds my life and autonomy.”
“Ahahahaha, you speak with a tone that holds truth. But be reminded, Alana. I am not your Lord. You may address me as such, but I treat you as someone far above a lover or a best friend. Do not let your culture and tradition get in the way of this odd circumstance that I’ve made.”
“Of course, M’Lord. It's just that your aura and control has gone far stronger so it seems as you become more immersed in that form.”
“Hm? What do you mean?” he stops just as he reaches Elizabeth’s door. Turning around to look at her. “M’Lord, don’t you remember? You can order us without our consent. But since you are a Human, this was severely weakened… but now, as a Vampire that’s on the level of a Duke. You may just think of it, and we might be influenced to move.”
He was silent for a bit then soon nodded. “I’ll… I’ll keep that in mind then.” Alana then bowed properly, lowering her head as a maiden as the Elven servants all passed them, amazed at the stature of the Vampires. “Of course, M’Lord.”
Reaching the door next to his, he knocks and it opens by itself. Walking into the Queen's room. It was orderly and still, with the blonde woman by the desk with the mirror on it. Still busy doing her makeup and hair. “Just a moment, My Lord. Let me finish my eyeliner and I shall be with you.” he then sits on her bed alongside Alana. “Take your time. Thydis wants to take us around Elvennur. So that we could learn more of the Elves and their culture. Alana giggles and looks at him with a smile. “M’Lord, all that research really came to fruition, didn’t it? I couldn’t believe things would go this smoothly.” he shrugs and turns to the opened door to the hallway, the Elven Maid using wind magic to collect the dust and push them into a corner.
“I don’t think so, Alana. The Elves are much more than what we could possibly ever know in the few days we’re here. It's better we go the extra mile. If we can tap more into the Emperor and the Military’s side, I believe we can push for a Majority. I’ll let Bahamut to handle the Empress and whatever she has planned.” Elizabeth’s eyes opened wider but then reverted back to her usual stoic form and then finished up and stood up, turning around to face the General. “Though I agree with the Countess more, My Lord. I do have means to make them sway as I had made this Empire fall before. I shall try your method. I do think it is more… more suitable than my ideas.”
Looking at her properly, he immediately noticed something with the Queen's eyes. The hues of her emerald eyes seemingly have a different shine to it. “Don’t do anything rash now. I am aware of the Empress, Elizabeth. You need not to worry about her nor her machinations that involve me.” She merely smiled and simply lowered her head.
He takes this and nods. Walking back to the hallway, the trio then went down to the front yard where Thydis, in his Admiral Uniform met them. With black leather jack boots, white silk plump trousers, and a blue woolen coat that’s embroidered with golden epaulets of the Rocs alongside white cuffs, he looked like an entirely different man from before. The golden trim of his exquisite uniform made him stand out even in his extravagant house. “It’s the more modern take of our older uniforms. We used to wear our alloy armor but we must get with the times.”
Wearing his bicorne hat that’s adorned with wings. The same one found on the helmets of their winged units, the Admiral looks at them and notices something.
“The Goddess won’t be joining us for today?” Jackson shrugs and smiles at him. “She’s tired from yesterday, do forgive her.” he then shakes his head and walks towards the carriage that’s brought to the front balcony. “The Gods are truly a mystery. You’d think she’d have enough energy for a million battles. But it seems like her physical form has its limits or has an influence on her.” The Vampire just smiles as he steps aside by the stairs to the carriage.
One by one, the two gentlemen helped the two ladies get into it before themselves. Being the last one, the Elf held his hand up his chin and his eyebrows lifted up as his eyes widened. “You Vampires are truly something. The elegance is just something my kind can only dream of reaching.” Elizabeth who had her fan up giggles cutely as her eyes said all she wanted to show. “You surely jest, Admiral. The Elves themselves are beholden to a pride we Vampires can't reach.”
The carriage soon leaves the Trenthous Manor’s walls and into the morning street. The traffic wasn’t bad, though there were certain spots where the speed went down to walking pace. It didn’t last long enough to be of hindrance and they reached the edge of the city within an hour.
Looking out the window, Jackson’s eyes flutter at the sight of the Docks. The big airships were hoisted up with ropes and couplers. Making them stay in place even with the wind gusts hitting the place from all directions as they are protected by an enclosed pen that has glass panes on the roof to let natural light in whilst point defense cannons scatter on the buildings and the corners of the military port.
The massive metal wall and gates were adorned with arching feathers and on the main gate, stood two Elven grunts. They instantly stood at ease and held their chin up, their Great Pikes close to their right as the carriage rode in unstopped by them and the administration building was the first to greet them. With five floors and a shape similar to a mausoleum more than a military building, it was filled with pillars, arches, glass and had cannons on its roofs alongside strips of armoring on its exterior, as if meant to protect critical parts of it.
The driver of the family then parks right in front of it where they disembarked by opening the door. The Commander of the Docks saluting. He wore a set of fine brass and composite armor, littered with medals and epaulets and not a uniform as he held a curved saber on his hips.
“Admiral! I wasn’t notified of your arrival. I apologize for the haphazard greeting.”
“No worries, Ulrik. Just show me Antion.”
“Ah! Very well! He is indeed a very fine airship, Admiral. The people of Antionnur did a beautiful job in his construction. He is up to all of our specifications.” He then sees the Vampires following the Admiral and Thydis just ignores his stare as they follow him inside. The Commander then gestures for one of his soldiers to come to him. The young grunt stopped before the high ranking officer. “Do we have any blood in store? Buy some if you need. I want wine glasses, the Admirals favorites, and the Maintenance Team looking spark. Go.” He then turns around and follows behind the group.
Bowing his head, he constantly kept his eye level below there shoulders as he passed the Vampires and to the Admiral where he then started opening each door they encountered. Those he can’t reach, he’d use magic to make it open by itself. Not hindering their walk, the Admiral started talking.
“This is the first floor. You can mostly find our maps and airways here. This is also where we screen deployments for the weekly Air Patrols.” Looking into the windows of each room, the charts on the boards weren’t that much different from the ones in modern times. Though a lot more simpler and easier to understand that even someone without full knowledge of aviation could get an idea of what was being shown. “And here to our left is the briefing room for the crews.”
Unlike the ones in the UN which mostly just consisted of thirty chairs, the ones they had held more than a hundred and even had to use magic mirrors to convey the map that was being shown. The briefing currently being done was by an older looking Captain in a uniform. He was showing their expected food consumption, the images of well drawn pieces of meat and the amount they were to take.
While on a constantly changing and shifting chalkboard was the wind speed, the expected adjustments they’ll have to put into their instruments, and even the dewpoint and temperatures alongside the humility. The crews took extreme care in their calculations, taking into the consideration the active charts that moved on real life, showing the weather report on the surrounding regions.
After passing it, the last door to the main port was opened and the Admiral smiled upon the sight of their Airships. In Front of them alone were five large ones that were fixed in point. Coupled into place as cranes went left and right, cargoing crates and munition into it.
Elves with specialized gloves would be crawling all over it. Polishing and cleaning rust off the main body while ones with wings would take to the roof and perform maintenance duties. Whilst on the platforms that’d rise and fall on the sides of each Hangar were sections of armor and plating was being removed by Elves using a wand that’s the size of a pen. It’d melt the newly produced armor into place while another was busy removing the next section.
The entire place worked like a finely tuned clockwork. Not a second was being wasted and Elves were always busy bringing in certain things to pull out parts that had reached the end of their lifespan and needed changing. Jackson who could finally get up close to one couldn’t fully grasp the size of it, as even back in the Capital of the Vampires. The Airship the Elves used to reach them overshadowed a good half of the Castle. With it right in front of him, he could finally take a good look at the finer details. His Vampiric eyesight helped him more.
There were canards in place of the two blimps they use to hold up the platform, whilst the platform itself having the shape of a boat, the tip looking more like that of a modern airliner whilst all bolts were only present inside and not on the exterior, making the skin as smooth as Elvenly possible.
Though there were less decorations on the platforms under the blimps, they still had them adorned on the front and the sides, with the bow having an icon of Goddess Forrus on it and the name of the ship bolted onto the door of the platform under it.
“Welcome to Pen Number Six. The Elvennur Airship Docks holds Twelve. Commander, where is Antion?”
“He’s at Pen One. It’s the only one large enough to hold him. Ah… that ship's visage is so magnificent. Brass and gold that weighs that of a small town in such an astute message to those Druisvikings, a magnificent machine.”
“I see. Very well, follow me then.” as Thydis walked. The Elves took a quick moment to salute to him. Resting their fist on the level of their Mother Tree emblem that’s on the level of their heart as he responded with a smile and nod. “Pens’ Seven to Twelve usually hold the Airships that need maintenance that’d last longer than a week to a few months. The Airdock works on all around shifts, so it never sleeps truly.”
As they pass a cart that’s loaded with composite plates of armor and the exterior polished brass and gold, he smacks it and slides his hand on its smooth surface. “We also have a record of each of these plating. Inside it is the production date and serial number. They usually last around five years if constant maintenance is respected before needing a quick change.” Jackson then raises his hand, which Thydis noticing, not even needing to turn around. “What do you do with the used parts?”
As they pass Pen Five and into Four, he turns to the airship there. This one being only a thinner platform that’s being held up by one blimp. He then points at the lesser polished plating on its upper deck. “We usually repurpose them after some time in the Ethanoic acid bath. Holes from battles are also filled in via Metallurgy Magic and then those bent are just returned back to shape and would be checked by a Mage intune with Wind Magic. If it passes, it goes back into an airship. If not, it’s melted back into raw metal and a new one is made.”
Elizabeth then turns to Alana. “Countess, the Elves have been busy learning and improving since then, have they not? Their Culture has not changed, but their technology has.” She nods. “Duchess, I believe their paranoia had long made them like this. I do not believe they’ll be stopping this kind of life soon knowing when they return to being Great Elves, they're now in service of Forrus’ Heavenly Army.” The Queen nods as they look at the massive industrial capacity the Elves were showing in full as the morning shift came to a full ahead with the Admiral present.
Behind them, horns blair as a crew of a hundred Elves. A full complement consisting of forty crew members and sixty Winged Knights entered the Airship on Pen Six. The Elves there all saluted as the couplers holding the blimp up slowly pushed it into the open air on the edge of the city. It would then rotate it to face away from the floating isle and as its propellers spool into full thrust, the couplers let go and it flies away into the clouds whilst another Airship, this one being weaponless and the Blimp itself holding the passenger compartment soon enters the docks, it's usually polished skin was now full of rust and there were some damage showing on the front and sides as it parks on the now empty spot.
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Reaching Pen One, the width and height of it was thrice that of the others and what sat there was an Airship platform that’s held up by not two, but three huge blimps. The platform itself holds huge cannons on its sides whilst having twice the armor plating on all sides.
Looking over its bow was another Elf with a Bicorn hat and sporting the same hue of uniform as Thydis. Though the decorations on it were not as luxurious as his. Only holding the silver color as his right hand inside his jacket. Staring down on the statue of Forrus that’s on the bow of the massive flying warship.
“Ah! If it isn’t my old friend! Pelmore!” The Captain then turns to his left and sees Thydis and the man shares the same happy expression and opens his arm. The two then stood opposed to one another and put their fists up to their chests, their expression, the same as if when two men would hug and with it as the Admiral shakes his shoulders at the sight of an old colleague. “I can see you’ve been given control of Antion! Magnificent work my friend! He is a beauty! I always knew the Board of Vetus would give you the flagship of the Central Airship Armada!”
“Hah! After aiding the Outworlders in fighting the Druisviking Wooden Fleets, I was proudly given control of him. It’s an odd shift from a big boat to a… flying big boat. But it's better than being down there, that’s for sure.”
“I’ve heard of that! Yes, you saw the inside of their ship, correct? Ahhhh, I thought I was never going to meet you again when you went to the Oceanowa Naval Academy.”
“Have you seen the interior of their metallic naval ships? It was cramped and full of these heavy bulk doors rather than using shields! It was a pain to get around and they made those as slim as possible and fitted as many guns as they humanly could! Such barbarism of these Outworlders.” He crossed his arm and looked towards the more elegant and stylish Antion of the Empire. “They have technology that could make us think the Gods have given them the fruit of knowledge yet they waste it on making those dull grayish warships of theirs.”
“Ahahahaha, Indeed but you also sang a bit of praise to them. I wonder what happened.”
“Their barbarism paid off, the weapons on those ships were lethal to say the least and the big one, the Montana Class named Spirit of Fire also did a good number on those damned Pirates.”
“Have you found out about who is paying these people? How was the expedition to Angea? Were there any truths to the rumors about a Kingdom hidden deep within those barren lands?”
“I sadly cannot say. All travels there have been stopped as the Outworlders have also appeared in that lawless continent and are waging religious wars against one another. We cannot fly there due to the extent of their weapons.” Jackson didn’t react to it, the two Vampires though flew him a stare as he kept silent.
“But… My friend, the Goddess, has her ways in making old friends meet. And…” he then looks at Jackson and the odd uniform he is wearing. “Are you sure they should be seeing this?” Thydis just nods. “Of course, this is odd of you, Pelmore. Why shouldn’t we show our art to the world?” He then returns back to the Vampires and then to his friend. “Have you seen the ships of the Outworlders?” he shrugs as the Captain sighs.
“It’s… it’s a hazard as I said. There was no beauty in it. It's all functional. You know the bulkheads they have? It's protruding and not abiding by the shape of the hallway! I believe the Outworlders entire development plan on the… the.. What was it called, Ar-leigh- Alright?” Jackson then coughs. “Arleigh Burke.” the Captain then flicks his finger as if to remember it.
“Arleigh Burke! Yes, it had nothing but weapons and technology on it. It was so cramped already and they prefer to cram it more just to make space for more weapons of war. No lounges or proper suites, just metallic chairs and tables for a crew lounge they call. The Orcs could make a better living space than that.” he then starts dragging his friend around the bow to the portside where he could have a better view of the lower levels of the platform where there were more than sixty guns on each side going on three floors.
“Have you seen these things they call a Battleship? Like Spirit of FIre?” Thydis once again shrugs. “These… insanely large metallic ships that had cannons as large as some of our buildings. Can you believe they use these against other ships even beyond one's eyesight?” the Admiral just started laughing. “Ah, Pelmore. Your obsession with ships be with ours or foreign still hasn’t changed.”
“No, no, no. You must know my friend. The Outworlders are something else. These… people if you can even call them that know no beauty, it's all function and quality. They're relentless in their art of war, but the art of beauty… well, they seem to have long forgotten it if such concepts even existed to them in the first place. There ships… it's all these boring gray colors. Ours stand out like the Emperor’s child in a Moonlight ball.”
He then turns around to see Vampires didn’t follow them, only left to observe the huge airship. “These war pigs, I do wonder if they ever even have a God to pray to. Will they pray for their sins?” Thydis just pats his friends shoulders. “My friend, they are like the Humans in Threa. They know beauty, but I hold this personal theory of mine. Their world is far beyond our understanding, trying to make an image of it will be impossible but hear me out.” The Captain then pushes his long sharp ears into the mouth of the Admiral. Making him lean back a bit.
“My theory, from what little interactions I’ve had with the Outworlders has been that there is far too much engrossed in their worlds. They only care about the end, not the journey. Unlike Elves that treasure the beginning, the journey, and the end. They’d rather maximize everything for the sake of a quick, efficient, and timeless arrival of the result they desire.” Pelmore just constantly nodded, having nothing to counter the Admiral. “I agree, I fully agree. These Outworlders, just what happened to their world for them to become like this? Do they even have Elves and other species? As don’t you think that there Elves, even the ones working here in Elvennur seem… Human?”
Admiral Thydis then let's go and starts walking back to Jackson. “Have a safe trip, Pelmore. Be sure to keep that ship afloat!” the Captain of Antion just laughs wildly, holding his tummy. “Thiye The Navigator, my ship sank, you know! I don’t know if I can make this one stay afloat if that armored and glistening vanguard of our seas could sink! Bahahaha!” Returning to the guests of the Docks, the Admiral just smiles at them as he clasps his hands together.
“Old friend?”
“Very old friend. I’ve known that man for hundreds of years.”
Thydis then walks to the exit of Pen One where they were then back at the grounds of the Docks. “Now, why not visit my Son at the Academy? The University is not that far from here.” The Vampires all looked at one another and didn’t protest. “I’m sure the Cadets and Military Professors are also curious of what a Foreign General has to say about our tactics.”
Going back to the Administrative building, they hop back into the carriage where they were then taken to a few blocks away. The edge of the city seemingly more industrial than the rest, they soon reach a bridge that leads to the fancy University. It sat on its own isle, easily two kilometers in its length, it had a huge open park next to it where students in their well combed uniforms were sitting by the fountain as on the other section were cut up pieces of an Airship. As it was already in the middle of the morning, there was already a class there.
The professor hands only a short wand which he uses to make arrows appear in the air and to highlight certain parts and sections of the cutlout. Inside of the armor plating were piping and the pulleys. The wires are as thick as a human’s arm. He’d then show using magic the inside of a pump device which was actually a Hydraulic actuator, to make the load on the main ship's steering wheel seem like nothing. Acting like power steering but for a huge flying platform that’s supported by blimps.
The professor who was busy couldn’t help but hear the odd clacks of multiple hooves and turning to face the road, his eyes widened at the sight of the Trenthaus carriage. He immediately gestures to his class of fifty airman cadets to stand up and bow as the driver of the coach opens the right door and the Admiral is the first to exit as he waved back at them with a friendly smile.
Jackson though immediately looked up, the University itself was imposing in its stature. With white and yellow paint coupled with polished brass and bronze, the massive pillars that hoisted the pointy and triangular entrance felt like a dagger piercing through the clouds of the floating city.
With its blue glass windows and the stained one, depicting the Mother Tree at the center being surrounded by the five races of the Elves, it was nothing like he had ever seen before.
Up close and personal, the meticulous details that the Elves obsess about in every part of their lives can be made out, as its surroundings seemed as if it was all just finished yesterday with how well ironed the gutter was. Even the area between the tiles was whitened and carefully given attention to as the garden that surrounds it gave it a nice green accent aside from the immense glitz and glamor.
He smiles and waves at the cadets. “Carry on!” The professor bows and the cadets promptly return to the onsite class they are given. Their faces were gleaming with excitement as they had smiles written all over their faces. “Looks like the new recruits are stunningly high in potential. General, with me please.” Walking along the sidewalk, where the large polished gates of the university were now behind them. The emblem of the Great Roc in full spread flashing all those who were to enter.
Thydis then led them to the sides of the University. The three Vampires could clearly see inside it, behind the next set of concrete fencing is a massive backyard complete with a gigantic Spectral Tree tucked in between the white walls, in front of it. An equally gargantuan statue of Goddess Forrus with whales and dolphins hopping out of the water and around her.
Made up of five equally large parks, the backyard sat on a lower level as it was adorned with brass pillars that stood holding the banners of the foundation courses the University offered. Each of the parks goes to the respective schools behind with the Military Academy being the front of it all and on the pillars, were the banners. For the first time, Jackson saw standards aside from the military parade he was given upon his entrance to the city.
With his new eyes, he could even spot cadets with mages far in the yard, playing a sort of ball game where two teams would fight over a small ball. The team to hold it the longest being the winner. Though it was a rough game as they bumped and pushed into one another while the one with the ball had to push his body constantly with so many following behind. It looked brutal from their position but the Elven cadets themselves had knowledge of magic, and a fraction of them knew healing magic and would gladly use it on their fellow students.
Regardless of which team they were on. The ones that know Healing would go to the aid of anyone. It has gotten to the point that it is second nature to them to heal even a small cut or bruise. But at the same time, this only made the game more chaotic and in some cases, violent. Though no ill-will was being thrown and everyone was into it as they game on.
Reaching the rectangular front doors of the university, it had ten floors and four massive pillars on its front. On the pillars themselves were an art of the Elves enveloping around it. Holding up the sharp roof with all their might.
Following the Admiral inside, they were greeted with marble tiles, polished white walls, chandeliers and grand staircases as the female elf on the reception desk stood up. “A-Admiral!” Thydis turns to his right and smiles whilst to his left was an accurate portrait of him when he became titled as Admiral. The three Vampires just looked at it in amazement. “Carmilla, can you read the plaque below?” she nods. “Air Admiral Thydis Trenthaus the Third, Commander of the Central Air Army Armada. Graduating Class of the Seventh Cycle. Holder of the Highest Air Merits in the Academy.” he then leans in to her. “Didn't they say before that it's the Ninth Cycle?” she nods. “Hm. The Elven calendar is a bit different, My Lord. A cycle means two hundred years at least. But it changes per the Emperor’s birth.”
He wipes his head as Thydis returns to them. “Ah…. I see that they’ve done that. Please follow me, it seems like classes are still in session. Odd. Last time I was a student here, it’d be a short break time right now.” he then starts walking forward to the two grand staircases that lead to the second and third floor. “I’m guessing there’s more to learn now, less time to rest. I don’t know how to feel about that. You need to be in a good mood to fully learn.” In between the grand staircase was a gigantic statue of the Great Trees, on its branches were Great Rocs, their sharp talons gripped into the wood as they looked down on the guests and students walking up.
On the second floor, all the classrooms had big windows on them, giving the people on the hallways a perfect view of the inside. Their chairs were surprisingly ergonomic. Having a wide writing pad, it has leather and cotton on the lumbar rest and the main padding. Making it seem like a chair meant for a fireplace than one to be found in a school.
Reaching one of the classrooms, they turn to the left where the Admiral could see his son, Malik in the middle of a test. They didn’t have any covers but Jackson could see none of them even had a hint of wanting to cheat as they were all fixated on their papers and most of them having the same answers, though only varying on the sentences part of the exam.
Continuing to observe them, he sees that they're taking their time. Many not even pinching themselves at the crunch. “How long is the test for?” Thydis then smiles and looks at the General. “They have until Phorus returns to his sleep.'' He then tilts his head and his eyelids open and close multiple times. “B-But… it's only a single page test… how hard are the questions?” he then shrugs.
“Hm? Isn’t this how the Vampires also do there tests?” He then turns to the back of Thydis where Alana steps in. “Ah yes, tests usually last three days to the entire week. I can still remember my tests and they all lasted for multiple days. But… They were multiple pages. With history having the most. Ranging from ten to fifty.” Jackson then once again tilts his head. “F-Fifty?” The Countess nods at him. “Yes, M’Lord. Though, they weren’t of any hardship to me. To everyone. If any, I often feel it came from the wording of the questions.”
He just turns back to the classroom, looking into the Elves. Their perfectly combed and manicured look was unreal even to his new eyes. But their diligence was real, and their focus, unsteeled by anything as their professor was just on the sideline. Looking out the window opposite of them, staring at the skyline of the city as explosions rocked the ground.
Though this would be normally unnoticeable, Jackson could clearly feel the tremor ringing through the floor making him walk towards the backyard. The Admiral just smiled and rested his hand on the General’s shoulder. Leading him to a balcony where he has a direct view of what was happening.
The half of the backyard has been turned into a warzone. Two groups of Elves, one with the hue of yellow and another, in the hue of red were using magic and dulled swords fighting one another.
Donning foamed plate armor, Jackson could notice the two male Elves that stood out in the far back. With their arms both crossed as they watched the students battle it out below them.
“Ah, a bit of a competitive scuffle. Looks like the School of Sciences is fighting the School of Philosophy. The Scholastic Guild is also watching the new graduates.” He points his head on a window at the right side, there were some middle aged Elves silently watching the two sides fight it out. Their eyes observe it with great attention and care.
"Now, why not let some Vampire action here today?" Jackson's head slowly turned to Thydis, slowly shrugging his head. "Don't worry, look at the sidelines. The students of Biology and Health are lying in wait for when it is over. Worry not about death, they'll intervene."
"Admiral, as much as I respect this recommendation. My two companions here are not like me." He turns around to see Alana and Elizabeth were no longer flanking him as a crash happens below them. "Oh no..." In the midst of the battling Elves, the combat mages who were not only trained with the wand but also with a sword and those of the red team having weapons capable of deflecting oncoming magic. A huge billow of smoke is thrown into their lines as with a single flick of her finger, the air clears and the Elves are smitten by the view of the two fully gowned Vampires.
"Come! Those who attack me first, I shall consider to be the bravest of thine all!" While the leader of the Yellow team settles his staff and squints his eyes at the sight of the black haired Vampire. "Isn't that the daughter of the Minuit family?" His friend just nodded as the first Elf came attacking them, wielding a long great axe.
He was about to make the blade make contact with her neck as he was pushed aside by a taller and more handsome Elf. With a fiery hair, akin to a Phoenix in full flight as the wind blew it to the back of his head. The Elf's saber beheaded the Queen. Her pretty head, alongside her long golden hair still attached to it tumbled down the stone pathway.
His face was full of glee but the body didn't follow, the long white gloves of Elizabeth's that covered much of her arm became animated again and with a swift punch in the face, it made him spin multiple times as his sword is thrown out of his grip as an explosion behind the headless body of the Queen rumbles the vicinity. Alana had blocked the Yellow Team's leaders' concentrated energy blast with the Red team's sword. With disregard for the flimsy weapon
She threw it into the grass as it smoldered. Burning the leaves which was stopped by one of the Mages. "You play well, but a Vampire's opening is not as easy to exploit.
Duchess Carmilla also won't die nor even get harmed with such a meager magic attack." "Ah! Indeed, Countess!" To the Team Leader's surprise, Elizabeth's beautiful head had completely returned.
Making the Elves from both sides take a few steps back, some looking at their compatriots nearby who were sweating bullets from what they just witnessed.
Not even the bloodtrail the lobbed head of Elizabeth had any traces anywhere as she grabbed the Elf by the neck, lifting him up. "Now, scream! Cry for your life! I shall let thou's troops know one's fragility. A mere knock is all one took to fall."
Looking at his eyes, Elizabeth's smile only widened. It wasn't full of doubt nor fear, instead was burning with a fiery passion that could light up even the Mother Tree itself as way in the end of the backyard of the University, the Spectral Tree has the former headmasters appear.
One of them, wearing a white toga, immediately recoils in fear. "No! No! She can't be alive!" Suddenly, a dark shadow flew above them and landing in front was a Humanoid with massive black bat wings. "I assure you, you are seeing wrongly." "Heathen! Only a single Vampire has such a voice! I could feel her lust for blood, violence and gore from all the way here! Have none of you remember such a recent past?!" The bat wings then furled as the person turned around.
It was Jackson. "For my first flight, that was pretty good. Now, old man, let's calm down first." The golden ghastly apparition of the olden Headmaster shrugged his head. Though the other students were far too busy looking at the rare spectacle as he smiled at the disembodied figures. “Let’s have a conversation like civilized people, shall we?”
On the smoke, Elizabeth was using her hands only to punch and kick the students while Alana used the fuller of the blade. Wielding the blunt sword as if it was a bat. Tied with her elegant moves, she’d perform jumping kicks alongside using the tip of the sword to smack the Elves in the skull, knocking them out.
She reached the Yellow team’s leader who was sitting on a balcony, and on the final jump got stopped by a shield. Forcing her to return to the grass, surrounded by combat mages.
Catching her fall was the General, holding her tight in his arms as he opened his hand. “Let’s see how good Bahamut’s flame magic is.” with blackfire appearing out of the ground, small balls started to appear one by one. Popped open, some of the mages were quick on their feet, knowing the danger and preparing beforehand but those caught in the panic were knocked completely out.
On the other side, Elizabeth had taken to a dance of swords against the Red team. Using only her hands, she’d forcibly make them close ground where she’d grab their swords, pushing the wielder into her for a quick punch in the face. Their leader, still trying to land a single hit on her as she constantly kept dodging his relentless attacks. Some of it, even hitting his own troops causing them to not flood the Vampire with their numbers.
While on the balcony, another Elf appears. He had his hands behind his back, his blue uniform and the cape over his shoulders covering the other half of his golden laces and epaulets as he held his bicon hat under his armpits. He’d then turn around to the hallway and notice the Admiral. The Elf was of the older type, even having silvery hair. Yet his skin was still youthful but his face showed only a tinge of age. He just smiles at the Admiral and bows. No one noticed this as they were all far too busy looking out their windows at the fight happening below.
“I knew this would be something of your doing, Thydis. Why did you bring such esteemed guests into the University of all places?”
“To teach them of course. Dandir, it's been long since this University has tested its students against the other species.” He then sneaked a look down below and then back at the professor. “It’s important to not only teach them what was passed down, but also what is new. As you can see, our former opponents have long outgrown their older tactics.”
Opening his hand as it pointed to the fight, the two Schon Vampires were completely holding back, but the way they fought intrigued the professor so much that it made him lean into the railing, carefully observing the fight. “Huh… that Minuit lady. She’s not fighting like her ancestor. Though she has that iconic Minuit Sword Fighting Style, she’s also dancing… what in Forrus’ leaf is this?”
Admiral Thydis just shrugged his shoulders as his attention was watching the blonde Duchess who was with Jackson. In his hands, the General held Dragon lightning on his palms, its blackish color and white outline made it stand out on the sea of polished brass and gold.
“Send word to the farthest corners of your Empire, child of Forrus. The exaltation of blood begins here.” Elizabeth then quickly went straight for the red team leader as Jackson strikes the lightning on the ground below him, causing the students to lose their balance as he started to perform martial arts on them. Not even bothering to use a sword.
His face was in absolute merry as he could even detect attacks meters behind him without care and perform dodges that would take an immense amount of effort with normal flesh and blood.
Though the Elven students were resilient and fast, not wasting a moment to let him rest. Constantly forcing the Vampire General to dodge. Jackson though kept a calm expression, stoic and unmoving, all he had to do was wait for a mistake which would be the ultimate cause of the demise of every Elf that’d go for him.
Launching himself off the ground, the Red team leader takes another sword from one of his knocked out friends and hurls himself at Jackson who immediately turns his face to meet with him. “RAAAAH!” With a scream that made the General lift an eyebrow, he takes the sword straight into the head.
To everyone’s surprise, it went through his entire head but the man didn’t even shiver. “So this is how it feels. Weird.” lifting his hands, he pulls the sword out as the Elf then fiercely pushes it in. “Oops. Pardon me.” The cute voice of Elizabeth passes them both as she comes out of the fight and trips the Red Team leader. Taking the opportunity, Jackson knees his head. Putting him to sleep completely.
On the other side, Alana has been performing reconnaissance on the shield of the Yellow Team Leader. Donning a standard uniform but on it were medals and sheaths. He walks around the balcony and steps down to the grass.
He then began to levitate as Jackson and Elizabeth had moved to the Yellow Team. The Mages would run away constantly, covering each other's back and forcing the two Vampires to be in a constant defensive posture, having to dodge all sorts of magic from Fire to Wind to even Ice.
The manicured pathway and garden had turned into a mini battle scarred zone. Having many hints of combat littering around it and the pillars of the buildings. Though the Elven professors and instructors just silently kept watching through the glass windows.
Alana once again touches the shield, but whenever she’d try to find a weakness, it would immediately strengthen and drain her of strength.
Jackson, who was free for a second, grabs a discarded sword and throws it with half of his strength directly at the shield causing it to buzz for a moment which made the Countess look around and upon seeing a nearby tree, completely unharmed from all the combat took to its bark and with multiple quick kicks started to tumble down. The Yellow Leader team notices this and with a swift sway of his long hair, pointed his finger at it making it levitate like him.
Gently settling it down, he shrugged his head at the poor sight of the tree. “Such Evil. What does destroying such a bark do?” and quickly turns to his left, Alana had thrown multiple discarded swords at his shield as Jackson and Elizabeth both ran towards him and pushed through the translucent force protecting him and to his shock, the two’s hands reached inwards.
They then spread their bat wings in full and full sends it inside, both of their fists hitting the pretty face of the Elf.
Ontop, Thydis and the Professor both nodded in unison. “Well, the students are truly as inexperienced as I expected them to be. They’ll have a grand time when they join the military or the Guilds.”
“Haaaah… we haven’t been in a war for so long and our lack of contact with the outside world had gotten us nullified in terms of retaining much needed up to date skills.”
“Don’t worry, maybe in the future, we will no longer have a need for this type of training.”
A bell then came and it was his son, Malik in his uniform. “Students of the Biology and Anatomy Class, please come out of hiding and heal everyone. Those you can’t heal with your current skill in magic, do not touch them and wait for an Instructor.” Standing together, the three Vampires just had satisfied smiles on their faces as the child of Thydis then looked at them and bowed. “I honor your skills in battle, and I thank you for holding back and teaching us much needed lessons on combat.”
He then picks up the two leaders of the sides and shrugs his head. “I will tell them later. Unscheduled battles like these are a violation of the rules.”
Thydis just smiled and nodded once again. “Heh, he’s growing up to be a fine Elf.” the Professor though just leaned in even more into the railings. “Maybe a bit too much like you.”