As the battle died down, Mages quickly got around to fixing the damage caused whilst Elves in the field of engineering got to put their specialized magical skills to the test. Going for the holes in the wall and the various types of magical damage on the ground.
It is a team effort, with everyone doing their bidding as their voted leaders get to make sure they're all going as planned while also performing duties that the weaker Elves couldn't do.
In one of the parts, a patch of ground has all but been completely destroyed. Having been attacked by so many types of damage, the Elves with all their magic nullification and removal couldn't eliminate the leftover burns as the fire still rages from a Yellow Team Mage.
Going to it was an Elf with red hair, though he did not hold the same stature and overwhelming presence as the Red Team's leader. The tall and lanky Elf was more proactive in being silent and dutifully performing his tasks as Malik tapped his shoulders and then hoisted up his hand to his heart.
“Neurobar, how is the damage today?"
"I hope you give my brother a good punishment. This is a violation of school rules."
"The University of Goddess Forrus also lets its students experiment and be free without our societal expectations. This tested you and your department didn't it?"
"It didn't test us. Merely, it annoyed us since we have better things to do. I myself do not like the idea of continuously cleaning after my barbaric brother. He should marry a Human if he is this thirsty for blood."
"Neurobar, you came from a family of valiant warriors. I've long expected this from you two."
"I was only like him when I was a child. I do not want to be remembered like the rest, but as an Engineer."
"I'll surely tell my Father of your designs. But for now, do continue to help the Council of Students in fixing this up."
Neaurobar just sighs and with a quick nod, goes back to repairing the area with the other students of his Degree.
On the top of the balcony. Thydis looked like a smile on his face. "No. He is better than me." As Jackson and the girls return to their floor, the Admiral opens his arms wide. "Ahahahah, what a fine show."
"That was fun, Admiral. They had their ways of fighting and the magic of the Elves is truly impressive."
“Even you Vampires got caught off guard by the strength of the Piotry family's son, Yunthe didn't you?"
"Alana was the first to attack him and she couldn't believe it herself." The Countess then presented herself, hands together and all elegant. "Indeed. My hands are usually enough to penetrate even veteran magicians with magic fields but his was strong enough to stol mine even when I put a bit of strength to it."
"Lady Minuit, these Elves are the future of our civilization and though they are stronger and wiser than the past. They lack tact and discipline." Jackson though couldn't agree to it as in the entire battle, everyone was elegant and masterful in their moves. "Like the son of the Jantaung family. Going head on into battle to stop you from targeting his troops. It makes sense but lacks depth."
The Admiral looks down once again and sees that most of the garden and front backyard has been repaired already. "He should learn a bit more from his younger brother. Don't you think so too, Bergin?"
The professor crossed his arms and after a quick silence, nodded. "Yes, indeed." He the turns to the Vampires and properly bows and ends it with putting his hands on his heart. "I am Professor Bergin Bun-Yelmig. I hail from the more Eastern lands of this vast Empire. Pleased to meet all of you."
Jackson was about to reach out his hand till he diverted it to his chest. Making the same gesture as the Elves would.
This made the professor smile, who returned it with much glee. "I see you've gotten accustomed to our ways. Please, do tell me. What do you wish to see here? The Headmaster and Dean are both out right now on some scientific excursion to Angea even at the behest of the Imperial Migration Center."
Looking around, Jackson points to the big Spectral Tree at the end of the University. "Ah, that one. The Dew of Forrus as we call it. Please, follow me. We'll be passing through underneath in the Hospitality section."
Turning around, the Professor then leads them into the first floor. They had to zigzag through a bunch of halls, each floor having its own specialization. Some being play areas with miniature recreations of past battles and others were weapons research. One even housing a cannon used on their blimps.
Reaching the backyard, the professor didn't opt for the Teleportation Circle on the pavement and instead led them to a grand staircase inside that leads to the even lower levels.
There, the decor didn't only become more extravagant, but the ratio of Elves changed to an all Female one.
Many walked their books ontop of their heads whilst in high heels that had the same height as Elizabeths.
They walked with complete elegance and did not dare let the two pretty Vampires overwhelm their own Elven beauty. With subtle changes to their movement, the shift in how they walked. They parried with the Vampires as some of them would glance a look at Alana.
Though no words were said, she already knew and Jackson just kept his wits with himself.
"Is your daughter here too?"
"Nah, no. My daughter goes to a university where it's all females. Her mother wanted it. Though I did suggest she'd attend here instead since their combat course for females is way better, having more hours put to it."
With a slight nod, the professor started getting inquiries from the students which made him use magic to take the papers that were being handed to him and with ink forming words on it. "At Least these centennials look more promising than the past. Be sure to be an hour early when Archery classes come this winter again. Tardiness is inexcusable to an Elf."
"My, is this Bergin I am hearing?" Coming out of one the classrooms was a female Elf in a lavish toga, on her arms was a large book. Her gleaming purple eyes light up at the sight of the Vampires, mostly the two females that were behind Jackson.
Walking towards them, she had the stride of a supermodel and the elegance unmatched even by the nobility and upon getting close to the Vampires, she immediately started to inspect them. "My, my, my! Such posture! The subtlety and that fine seductiveness! Perfect! Just perfect!" With a bow, the two Vampires return it.
"If you may excuse me for my excitement, this is the first time in my short life that I've met a Vampire. I am very pleased to meet you, I am Alince Ver Turgo. Born and raised in Elvennur." The two Vampires then lifted the sides of their gowns and bowed.
"Countess Alana Minuit of House Minuit."
“Duchess Carmilla of House Bartley."
This made her lift her book, the long finger of the Elf then pointed at the author. "Art of Elegance by Duke Francis James of House Bartley."
"Ah, that pompous-I mean, a good friend of her Queen, yes."
"Lady Carmilla, were you alive at his time? You seem familiar with him."
"Y-yes. Though our relationship is much less interesting due to the broad issues the Kingdom was suffering at that time."
"Ah yes. I do remember his era was at the height and decline of the Vampire Kingdom."
"Correct, and rather than pulling his weight as everyone did in the King's court. He was busy writing books and poems."
The Elven teacher then changes her attention to Alana, who was holding her hands together all prim and proper. "And of course, the daughter of the Minuit family. This is the first time in my short life that I have witnessed an offspring born from the womb of a Vampire."
"Thank you, my parents were picked to make sure the vampiric blood that gives me strength and beauty is a hundred percent."
“And so did I hear. Your family has quite a reputation when it comes to its wine and heritage."
Looking at Jackson, she is immediately curious with the end. "Interesting, a red eyed Vampire. That certainly suits your pale complexion, General. I humbly welcome you to our abode."
"Thank you, Miss Alince. I get it that you also know of Admiral Thydis?" She scoffed at his name and instead, presented the grand hall of the Character Studies area. "Professor, may I ask where are you taking our guests to?"
"General Jackson would like to know more about the Dew of Forrus. I took the moment to have the Outworlder see a bit of our education system."
"Ah, very well. I also heard a little scuffle occurred a few moments ago?"
"Ah yes, the Council Leader Malik has taken care of it."
"Very well. But if they want, I could teach them a bit more elegance. Such barbarism should be reserved for the Mong'krol." With a bow to the three Vampires, the Elf then leaves the scene as students start to hound her.
They asked all manners of questions as she walked away whilst they were taken to a large lobby where the students would lounge.
The grand hallway directly led to it, with a great Golden Chandelier that's the shape of the Great Tree and its crown, the light inside flowed like an energy that'd gleam a strong illuminate as the students below ate in tables of polished brass and steel.
Passing by the main floor. None of the students looked at them as they climbed up another set of stairs, this time leading to the outside. To the far corner of the University where the Dew Tree lay waiting.
The spectral souls of the former Headmasters were there, mostly convening to the students and instructors as they were given guidance and advice. Jackson's eyes reflected its divine glow as he walked towards it again, this time, not weighed by the tense of battle.
"Please, feel free to talk to them. They are no longer High Elves. But Great Elves."
"Great Elves?"
"Yes. Originally, we Elves were made to be the Army of the Gods. We were Angels, the soldiers of the Divine till the foreign Gods came to Threa and threatened it." With his hands behind his back, he approaches it. The Spectral Headmaster in a Toga notices him and looks behind the Vampire to notice an old visage. "Oh Holy Forrus." He immediately retreats and disappears as the General finally reaches the step of the gleaming golden tree.
"We had to go to this mortal plain, though still retaining our long lives and great strength." looking at the spectrals of the Elves, one of them got his attention. Donning an older segmented breastplate, the ghastly person moves to the front of the General without much effort, having no more need for his legs, the Elf merely floated in front of the Vampire.
“So, you're one of the Outworlder I’ve been hearing so much about. I see Vampires exist in your world too." The General removes his hat and puts it under his arms and salutes at the armored ghost who returns the gesture by removing his Galea and resting his fist on the etched image of the Mother Tree on his plate armor. “Yes, I’ve come from another world. Names General Jackson.”
“I am Legio Yusha Bing-Ilmig. I am pleased to have taken some time to convene with those in the mortal world today. It seems that I have come across a like minded person.”
“Thank you. I am just here as a visitor, looking around and soaking in the culture.”
“That is good. That is how bridges are built between species that might not always meet eye to eye. Then, as a Guest of the Empire. What can this old Legio do for you? Do you want me to tell you great stories of when my Legions barred the Demon army from accessing the Mother Tree or when we Elves made first contact with the Mong’krels?” Jackson shrugs and instead looks up at the crown of the transparent tree.
On it were an unknown energy flowing around the nonexistent bark like veins to a person's body. “Do you think this is going to be the last End Time?” The Elf then tilts his head, his long black hair flowing down to the ground. “Calamity I mean.”
“Hmmmm…” the Legio then massaged his forehead and closed his eyes. “The biggest indicator would be us, the Elves. If we are to ally with the Mong’krels once again… then it might be the last one. The evidence is already jarring seeing the Gods employ foreigners from another world just to aid us." He then goes upside down and settles at a height where both their eyes meet. “Yes, I do believe that’s a good indicator this is the last since when that happened, the Cosmic Gods ran like the pitiful Mud Goblins that they sent to conquer the swamps of Olskullkogen when Man, Dwarf, and Elf came together.”
Jackson looked at Elizabeth and Alana, both sharing the same concerned stares as he nodded at the ghost. “Thank you. Do you have any questions for me then?”
“Hm!”
“What is it then?”
“How do you find our Empire, foreigner? I already know of the Vampires opinion… but to think they’ve grown past their weakness of the kiss of Lambrose and her eternal light.”
“It’s been an amazing experience so far. Never have I seen a city that looks this organic and pleasing. The people have also been very pleasant though a bit weary at first.”
“Of course. We Elves are a very reserved species. We do not tend to the affairs of anyone outside this Empire. I like your answer.” his apparition then disappears and the professor stood next to him. “That Elf you just spoke to is a legend amongst the Legions and he only speaks to people he finds worthy of his knowledge.”
“So what is this made out of, exactly?”
“The dew of Forrus. It is a story as old as time… when it rains, and lightning strikes the ground. It is said this is from a tear of her Goddess. Time long before Elvennur floated, a lightning strike as big as a hill hit that exact spot and what sprouted from it was that translucent golden tree.”
“And I am guessing the trees you use to talk to the Elves in your heaven came from the same method?”
“Oh, absolutely not. We cannot tell Forrus where to sprout these trees. We instead took its seeds that it sprouts and gave it to the people. Those who want a terminal to Alioloc, to meet their ancestors who had now moved back where we originally came from.”
“Wow, and can these be taken down then?” The two Elves just froze in their place as the Admiral laughed to break the sudden silence. “General, may we return now to the main academy? I believe we’ve wasted enough of my friend's time.” This made Jackson nod and the group started walking back.
Though Elizabeth couldn’t help but feel the stares of some of the Great Elves as she just stayed as nonchalant as ever even though her senses could easily make out the eyes that were stalking her from afar.
Returning to the main academy, the professor was still at his spiel at explaining the history of the University as Thydis sneakily looked into the classroom they were passing. The Admiral bows back and starts walking again. “Ah, good to see my son is doing well today. Such a fine Elf he has become.” Jackson then starts walking next to him again, with the two Vampires just behind and intently listening to the professor. “And thus, the King said that the Elves must need an institution wherein we may localize all of our knowledge, as Forrus ordered us to learn about the world so that we may find a way to better it.”
The two female Vampires were experts at it, even though they were already long lost at the explanation, they could still pick out moments of relation and would hit back at the Elf who’d be ecstatic. Though Jackson was just closely observing the busy yet slow life of the Elves. Though a tingle did run up his spine. “I wonder if that’s how they are sometimes if I explain military tactics.” he then looked at Thydis, just with a smile to his face as he looked at the new cadets of the military.
“I’m also surprised as an Admiral, you have the time to leisurely walk around and even visit your family around town.”
“Of course, General. I don’t really have much to do as everything ahead is already planned. I usually just come to the office for an hour or so and then go home. I spent the rest of the day loitering and relaxing.”
“Sheesh.” Jackson looks up to the ceiling and the tree shaped chandeliers that litter the hall, all seeming heavy enough to not even sway as the gusts from the outside get directed into the hallway there in, giving it a sense of air conditioning. “How lucky of you people.” He then strikes a look at Alana. The two of them seemingly agreed on something unanimously as the Admiral took them back down to the first level.
There, the professor bowed his head and opened the door to the carriage for them. “Thank you for visiting the University of Her Goddess Forrus! Please feel free to visit us again at any time!” The two Vampires were already out of there as Jackson tipped his hat at the Elf and Thydis being the last to get inside.
They soon go out of the university and inside their coach. The Admiral looked out and saw the star had fallen already and a positive expression lit up on his face. “I believe it's best we visit my most favorite part of the city!” The three Vampires then tilt their heads. “The Royal Thermae!” Thydis, with a giddy attitude, hops into the coach’s center seat where he opens a small hole and talks to the driver where they are immediately driven to the center of the city where a massive structure was emplaced.
With the size of it being akin to that of an International Airport. It had a massive open air museum like structure, the Nobles even having proper parking spaces for their steeds and coaches where there servants would usually be toiling around maintaining their ride.
With the door open, the Admiral looks up to the clear blue sky and sniffs it. “Hah! The smell of soap and the laughter and conversation of people. Vampires, your ears are more sensitive than mine. Do you also hear it?” The General nodded first then Elizabeth and Alana.
“Is this… a public pool?” Thydis then laughs at him. “Bahahahah! What in the Green Leaves is that General? This is the Balmaeum as those below the Nobility would call it. Please, follow me to the baths.” he then turns to Elizabeth and Alana. “Do any of you have any clothes for bathing with you right now?” They both shrug and then he turns to the Admiral. “As you can see, me and my colleagues do not have any clothes. I am also in my general attire with medals and-”
Before he could finish, the Admiral was already walking to the entrance wherein he then pointed to them and servants came out with towels and simple togas. This left Jackson with a stare to the two Vampires with him. “You’ve got to be fooling me.” Elizabeth then taps his shoulder. “My Lord, your style would be, kidding rather than fooling.” he then sparks up. “Oh yeah. Ahem. You’ve got to be kidding me.”
As they were bought inside, the main entrance itself leads to a huge open lobby that spans the length of three hundred meters. With the ceiling being easily fifty meters above them and covered with stained glass and murals of the ancient Elves' great battles and exploration. Near the exit of the baths were the art of the stars and how to navigate using them as around them were hot steam and the smell of soap was everywhere as Elves went left and right. Some were sitting on the floor drinking and eating whilst others were on the tables, reading, writing and loudly speaking out poetry.
Birds were also present alongside Cats. Frequently guarding the crevices and checking for any insects and critters, they’d also entertain the Bathgoers. Often not afraid of any of the Elves and even approaching them without a care to the world as they were fed and even cradled.
On the sidelines were Elves performing plays, some singing and using instruments, furthering the lively atmosphere to the far beyond as an air of happiness engulfed every sense the Vampires had. There was no malice in the air nor a hint of violence, the calm and peace only made them heighten their mood with the lack of killer instinct in the surroundings.
The Admiral then took them to the right where they left the big lobby and to one of the ten pools. “This is one of the smaller ones. Bare my kin no mind.” They all wore no clothes, but thanks to the water. It covered their privates just fine. None of them reacted to the fact that Vampire women were walking in their area as they casually conversed amongst one another. Some have their servants bring wine to them. “I forgot to mention this, but the women’s bath is located on the other side.” while others played games while in the big pool.
This made Jackson confused as he scratched his well combed hair, forever unaffected by the air or humidity.. “That’s odd. When I met the Wood Elves, Male and Female were both usually together.” This made Thydis giggle. “Ah, ignore my more primitive cousins. Though we may learn a thing or two about how they breed! Goodness, if their record keeps going up, they might make up a population that could match one third of the Empire!”
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Being led to the changing room, the two males quickly changed to a pair of loincloths with a toga on top of it . Coming out, Jackson couldn’t feel anymore ashamed even though he has the best looking body out of everyone there. As most Elves, though many touting abs and muscles, the majority had flat bodies devoid of fat tissue. But his, not only did it have a chiseled look but contained just the right amount of fattiness to make him look extremely well built and not boney at all with a height that is easily the average around the place.
Even the Elven women coming out of the changing room for them couldn’t help but stare at the pale Vampire. Though not exuding confidence like the male Elves in the pool to their right, they still can’t help but stare or give him a quick glance and get infected by his looks, blushing immediately and running away smiling.
After waiting for a few minutes, Alana peeps out of the women’s changing room and gestures for them to come close. She was already wearing a towel but the Queen was nowhere to be found.
Getting to her, the Queen soon pops her head out from the door. “Uhm… My Lord. This towel. It’s way too small.” the Admiral quickly flicks his finger. Calling for a servant. “I apologize, Lady Carmilla. I shall get you a larger one as quickly as possible.” One of them briskly arrived and Thydis then ordered for a longer towel to be delivered which made the servant run to the second floor.
“I truly apologize. High Elven women aren’t particularly known for their big chests.” Elizabeth just smiles at him and nods. “Of course. I do not mind the setback. As long as they could come quickly as a line is seemingly building up.” Jackson on the other hand looks around and checks out the female Elves. Though not flat, their chest size certainly didn’t put up a fight to that of Alana or Elizabeths. Whose bosoms were not only well rounded, but also were large enough to hit all the right spots. Exaggerated but only to a certain degree that could get the attention of any male.
“But wait…” Thydis then turns to the Vampire man. Who then remembers the Wood Elves. Their breasts were above average in size, but still. Didn’t really match up to that of Vampires, who usually are on the tip of above average or even more. “Nevermind.”
“Hm? What is it General?”
“I just remembered meeting the Wood Elves. Their boobs- er breasts were certainly larger.”
“Ah, of course. I believe that has something to do with the birth rates. As women there tend to be at home more when not in hunting season. In High Elf society, things like that are becoming less and lesser… and it's something I can’t help but feel jealous of.” the Admiral looks around and then back to him. “Though… there are High Elves with big chests still, they are becoming rarer and rarer.”
“Why not use magic?” the Admiral lifts his index finger and makes him stop his thought. “Magic to alter one's body is not something to be proud of. Forrus gave you this body to treasure, to modify it like our Dark Elf brethrens is a shame to her creation. It is best to be left untouched… and after seeing the fate of the Dark Elves, we’d rather not befall to that level.” This made Jackson nod as the servant came back with a larger towel which was good enough for the Queen.
She came out with the end of the towel only covering half of her thighs. Wasting no time, the Admiral quickly led them back to the main lobby. “There are six public baths. Two for Hot, Two of Cold, and another Two for Steam. As you know, one is for Male another for Female.” He then points at the left side of the Thermae. “This is the side for the Female.” he then points to where they just went from. “And the side we came from is for the Males. Now, follow me closely as we go to the Royal Baths.”
Leading them deeper into the large location. Passing by the Hot baths, placed in between the Hot and Steam was an open gymnasium where people would be throwing discs and practicing magic by making objects float and shooting concentrated magic into floating targets of varying speed and type. There’d also be sections cordoned off for specific exercises and on its outer layer is a track for people to run around in.
There, the people were wearing thinner and lighter togas. Though some opted to just stay in loincloths or towels. “There's a path meant for Nobles only but I think it's best you engross yourselves to the entire Thermaeum.'' The ceiling and the pillars and even to the arches were full of paintings and artwork as he then led them to another section of it, this one full of steam.
The large aisle in the middle is still part of the entrance structure and the stained glass now depicts the cooling of Threa by Forrus and some other Gods as she began to give life to the soil, bringing with it the flowers, trees, leaves and soon, the animals.
Arriving at the area between the Steam and Cold baths, there a quaint library was placed. “Though, I gotta give it to you Outworlders. The mass production of Soap will certainly increase the lifespans of the Man by thrice the number.” inside the library, there was no distinction as all were commoners who had the luxury of reading.
Many being young, studying and reading stories. In the shelves, the topics range from Sciences, Magic, Weaponry, Tactics, History, and Mathematics. There was a section dedicated to foreign books and fictional stories and nothing was off limits, as even stories from the Kingdom of Vitas were also present.
On the female side of the library, there was an abundance of Economics, Home Making, Logistics, Stealth, and Archery while a large section of just brand new published books, some even coming all the way from Dragovh and rarer ones coming from Meridia and Schon. With even Vampire literature finding its way in the public library.
And since its walls were connected to the Steam and Cold baths, its climate was just perfect for a calm read. With most people being on the side of the Cold bath wall as Thydis leads them in.
“Don’t worry about infection or diseases. Our baths all circulate through a filtration system with pipes. Each bath has one Healing Crystal on its main pipeline. You can say, if you are mortally wounded. You can jump into the water and it’ll certainly heal your lost limb.”
“Healing Crystal?”
“Ah, you know of the Goddess’ Great Tree, yes? Since you’ve visited the Wood Elves.”
“Is it… It's that huge humongous tree, right? It’s still insane to me that a few kilometers off Zavalda’s outskirts, I could see its crown peeking in the horizon.”
“Hm. You could say it has sprouted too, just as any tree. Maybe if you come to walk on the Empire’s territory more. You’d encounter them. These trees are often ten times larger than the normal ones around here and in every fifty years, they’d sprout this rare green crystal that could heal every living thing. No need for the complex concoction Man came up with.” He then takes one of the empty flasks used for drinking.
“Man uses corn as its base, and then they’d add aloe vera with a bit of fern with berkin herbs to make a simple healing potion, right?” Jackson then turned his head to Alana who nodded. “Why use so many ingredients and herbs for something a mere sprout of a tree can do? What Man loves more than war is grand logistics and it's something we Elves tend to simplify, as to avoid overcomplication.”
“Wow… and I am guessing this helps with the soil then?”
“Ahahahaha, you are smart. Indeed it does. That is why our farmland is considered to be just as rich as Gold and Sapphires. When these giant trees sprout them, almost all end up getting eaten by the soil and absorbed fully.”
“Amazing. This means your Empire could technically outlive scarcity.”
“I do hope that day will come, General. But as we live with Humans, Orcs, Ogres, Demons, and many other sentient species. War will always come, and war is the best breeder of scarcity.”
“Ah… Yeah, you are correct.”
He then opens another pair of doors. This one being heavier and made out of an extremely smooth wood that had golden and bronze lines around it as the climate once again changes to this time, being Hot once again.
There, the Servants were everywhere as they tended to their Masters every request. “Now, Lady Minuit, Lady Carmilla. To the left side please to the women. General, with me to the right.” parting ways, Jackson then joins the hot bath where the Nobles quickly recognize Thydis.
“Ah! Friend! Please sit here next to me! I have good news to tell you about the production of a new Skyship!” and then another Elf speaks, this one wearing a crown of oak leaves. “Save that for later Pelrun! Thydis! I have collected my region's tax recently and I’d like to invest it in your wife’s business!” He then lifts his hands as Jackson keeps close to him. “I apologize, friends. But as you see, we have a guest today. A Vampire from the other world.”
The Noble Elves then drank while others just ignored what he said as the two males sat on the bath. Many of them were casually conversing, whilst eating and drinking carelessly. Already, Thydis looks as if he was about to slip into a coma as his body relaxes beyond belief.
“Errrrr… is this really a good thing for an Admiral to be doing?”
“You act like a Human, General. Best enjoy your long life. You have so much time to waste/”
“I mean… to be doing this while big things are afoot. Is this really necessary?”
“General, we Elves have planned for almost every conceivable thing. You know of your plans with the Vampires, yes?” he nods. “That was in the works for the last hundred years.” This made Jackson lean forward as his eyebrow rose. “Hundred years?!” Thydis then spreads his arms and yawns. “Indeed. As things were rapidly changing as the new Emperor started getting news of Man moving far too quickly than us. We had to forcibly think ahead and plan accordingly… as a reaction of sorts.”
Jackson just kept silent as one of the Servants kneeled behind Thydis with a scrub and extra oil on a flask. The young looking Elf also had wine and bread on the plate as the Admiral leaned forward for the scrub to begin. “Ahhhhh… right there. You know, in Threa. General.”
“Hm?” The Admiral then takes the bread and hands him one. Making the Vampire eat while in the bath. “Men often say it was the Demons that invented Magic that could wipe out entire populations.” he then breathes in and then slowly out. “But it was the Man that invented Magic that could kill. They were taboo to us Elves, even to this day. That is a topic mostly reserved to Magica Scholaras and requires permit after permit and certifications to research.”
Resting his back onto the bath. He yawns once again. “To Men and to an extent, the Dark Elves, they were once afraid of it. Seeing it as something bad and not to be toyed with.” He then turns his face to Jackson, the Admiral looking absolutely serious. “Then they started playing with it. Little by little, they discovered its many uses and soon… how it can kill then how it can wipe out city states to entire species.” stretching his hands, Thydis then took the wine and poured himself some. “They spent no time in making sure they made magic that even the Demons would be afraid of. That’s why when they found out Man is too… special to be turned Evil, they instead sang songs of treasures and knowledge to the Dark Elves, employing them fully like they did to the last Giants.”
He then managed to down it all in one go. “Man often says that Mortality is detrimental… but to us Elves…” settling down his glass, he looks up to the skies. Watching the cloudless sky with an empty expression. “It seems more like a gift. Thanks to it, Man aren’t afraid to kill themselves if it means to get ahead of their competition. This is what so many are afraid of, General. The private sector has been battling the reckless innovation of Man, something we are very much afraid of. Wanton research leads to wanton deaths.”
Jackson just stayed silent, letting the Admiral talk as much as he wished. “Though many, like the Emperor, know it's better to just work with Man. Many also see the usurping of the Elven Supremacy that we’ve enjoyed for thousands of years to be an absolute disgrace.” Looking back down, he observes his colleagues, the Noble Elves all busily chatting amongst themselves. Cracking jokes, talking about plans decades ahead, and others. Just casually reading books. Making it float with magic as they read it to their heart's content.
“Empires don't last forever.” Hearing this, Thydis looks at Jackson intently. “All Empire’s have an ending. That is how all things are, they all have an end to see. Some go down violently, some in a fit of glory… most just get crushed under its own weight.” A gust of wind then blows, and Lavenders from the rooftop gardens lightly fall on the hot bath. “I can understand that the Elves are afraid of the future, just like we are. But I don’t think it will be as bad as you think it is.”
“Is that so, General?” Jackson quickly nodded. “The future is never as good or bad as you think it is. But maybe your lifestyle doesn’t really give you the benefit of just going for it like the Humans who have a limit on how much they can relax.” Thydis then returns to looking up at the skies once again. “I do hope we could make friends with the Dragons, truly. Not just an alliance of powers, but as true friends like they are to Man. I wish to one day fly side by side with these magnificent creatures.”
“Don’t you do it with the Dragon Tower here?”
“With how we view Dragons, do you think it would be socially acceptable for a mere Elf to fly next to one as equals?”
“Ohhhh…”
On the female side of the bath, Elizabeth and Alana are both busy conversing with the female Elves. Mostly gossip and business as the piano started playing from one of the balconies. It then came with a violin. Slow, methodical, and sweet. The two Vampires quickly recognize this type of rhythmic style. “Countess, isn’t this?”
The Queen waited for a few more minutes, letting the sound overtake her ears as she lifted her hand to silence the Elves. “My… it's him." She then looks at Alana who just nods. Making her stand up and take her towel as she disappears into the pillars. Turning into a bat, she flies to the balcony where there’s an old pale looking man with sharp ears. Not long, just sharp.
He had little hair on his body, and played the piano in a hunched position. With the rings on his ten fingers being far too large for his now lanky figure. The suit he wore, a familiar cravat and white breeches full of laces and ornate design of roses and the nails on his fingers, unkempt long.
Even with his sad state of affairs, he played the piano like it was nothing. The tune, being more sad and yet, bittersweet. This went on for the entire afternoon, ending in the evening as the Baths closed.
But Elizabeth didn’t return to Jackson. Instead follows the pale and weak Vampire to the hallway where he then walks to the attics. In one of them was his room. It had a lone grand piano and a Queen sized bed with four posts. But no carpets, and what little furniture he had was made of hardwood. Yet he wore his ensemble with great pride, flying even the long defunct Bartley House Logo on his cravat’s jacket as he stumbled around like a frail old man and sat on his bed.
Looking around, the Queen sees that it was a solitude. With the only things he could hear being the birds nestling on the roof and the cats already doing their rounds on the walls of the Thermae.
She then dons her old royal outfit. The crimson red gown with a huge skirt, the white silk gloves that reach her elbows and of course, the Royal Crown. Even going as far as to wear her old makeup, the orange eyeshadow and the pale lipstick.
As the frail Vampire had changed to his white pajamas and cone hat. He just silently breathed in and out as he occasionally drank wine. In his fingers, was left a crimson sapphire that bears the shape of a rose.
He soon starts falling asleep, but before he could completely close his eyes. A figure appears before him. Her lascivious figure alone was enough to awaken him as he saw his Queen right before him. As beautiful and magnetic as ever. “Ah, Anlieri Antonio. It has been long hasn’t it?” He didn't speak. Just swallowing his saliva and then prompt downing an entire bottle of Vampire wine.
“M-My Queen… oh my Queen. Your smile…” She could see he was on the verge of tears, making her walk to him and hold his body up. But he didn’t care, only caressing her perfectly youthful face as he observed her beauty up close. “Ah… how I’ve longed you see this smile again…” Anlieri then remembers the other smile of Elizabeth, one of terror, brutality and ruthlessness as she trampled countless innocent lives, but as his eyes flickered. He once again remembers another version of her.
The quaint, lovely, and respectful Queen that’d dance to his piano. His face had the biggest smile as she elegantly twirled in her royal gown. Day by day, his tunes would serenade the Court of the Vampire King. Often with many, going to him and asking for more. But as the years went by, tragedy after tragedy struck the Kingdom alongside the invasions from the Continents.
The Queen slowly stopped dancing. Now often just listening beside his piano. No matter how much assurance he’d give, no matter how much he practiced and perfected, the woman he loved the most to listen to his tunes was slowly disappearing and before he knew it, he became a Duke and was given an entire Region that’s the size of three Kingdoms to control.
Though his power only became more and more bigger, even becoming one of the strongest Vampires. He didn’t care, often after spending his time in political strife and ramblings, going back to making music in his quarters.
As the memories then stopped flooding back to him. No tears fell from his eyes, but she could see he wanted to. “Oh, Queen Elizabeth… how I’ve spent the rest of my centuries fixing the wrongs we’ve done to Geraldia…” His hands then lifted, as if he was playing the piano. “May we return to those days? When the King was in his throne, watching you dance to my tunes?” He then stops his fingers. Lowering them onto the sides of his body.
As he goes silent. His eyes once again flickered, but suddenly. It sparkled for a moment. Seeing this, Elizabeth just disappears from his sight as he points his finger at a magic mirror. It then reveals a young Elven man who was about to sleep. With long black hair that’s ponytailed. He looks at the mirror and is shocked to see the frail Vampire. “Sir Anlieri?!” The Vampire just gestured for him to come and the young Elf quickly removed his pajamas and returned to his outfit.
After thirty minutes, the Elf had reached the room and had brought with him a luggage. “Sir Anlieri?! What is it?!” The young man then got the music stand which the old Vampire was pointing at and then a music sheet. “I think… it is time we finish this, Rebus…” wearing a more Vampire centric outfit, unlike the many Elves in the more common ensemble of tunics. He donned a Cravat that was like the Royals of the Kingdom of Rose.
Going to the piece of paper, written on it was “Ode Alla Regina Bellezza.” and the Elf quickly got ink and a quill. Rapidly setting up everything as he then soon sat and waited for the Vampire to start.
“Tell me, Rebus. Do you see her?”
“You’ve already told me many times, Sir Anlieri. No Elf, Vampire, or Human had ever captured her beauty.”
“But do you believe in her?”
“I… I do not know, Sir Anlieri. This was long ago, in the times of my ancestors.”
“But now, now that you’ve learned for so long. If you were in my place, would you believe in her?” After a few seconds, the Elf put the tip of the Quill into the music sheet. “Of course, sir.” and the Vampire smiled.
Elizabeth was outside of his window, as the frail man started talking. “Bassist first. Make it slow.” and soon it began to waterfall, as if Anlieri already had the entire thing on his head and Rebus had to all translate it into actual music.
What caught her eye was the expression he had. Even though his face no longer bares the young and handsome musician she used to know, for the glimpse of a moment, she notices it.
It then started to cascade more and more as Anlieri became more and more animated, even his hunch was gone as he expressively spoke and gestured for what the instruments were supposed to be doing. “Okay! Now the Trumpets!” Rebus, who was caught up by the moment, suddenly had to look down from the first line to the Trumpets. “E-Eh? I don’t get it sir. What about the voice, first?”
The Vampire just shrugged. “No! Can you not hear it? It pairs with the Bass! We Vampires do not put much voice, we let the sound of the instruments do most of the work! Have you not learned anything from the hundred years I’ve been teaching thee?!” He then started to hum it loudly, whilst punching his fist onto the soft bed.
Rebus quickly started to realize. “Yes… yes, yes, yes!” and as Anlieri continued to vocalize his intention, he then stopped. “Is… is that it?” This then put a smile on the frail man. “Have thou seen a Violino there? Nay! Thine sparkle of joy’eth cometh! Thy risers of the Dawn has come and thine Queen’s beauty hath once again besmirched me with her heart of gold!'' With this, Elizabeth lets her talons free from the window as she flies to the front of the baths where Jackson was drinking his third bottle of milk.
With the hot atmosphere around him, Jackson's Vampiric body automatically changes his bodily temperature to that of cold. It reached the levels that steam was more apparent around him than anybody else.
He puts the bottle of milk back into the tray as a servant swooshes in and picks it up as a cart is pushed down the middle path between the two baths. The Elf would use his magic to send floating bottles of freshly refilled Highland Cow Milk into the guests trays.
"Haaaaahhhh..."
"It's hard being a Vampire isn't it? You can't enjoy normal pleasures unless its something carnal."
"Well... it's an interesting experience nonetheless Admiral."
"Heh. One day, we'll visit my region. We have vast fields of lavenders there and from what I remember, it has a soothing effect on your kind, right?"
"Of course." Though Jackson just hoped his face was enough to convince the Admiral, he turned his head away as he could hear the piano playing. "Dang, thats a good tune though."
"Hm. Came from an old musician from the Vampire Kingdom. He had spent much of his time rebuilding what that Ancient Queen of theirs destroyed. It's said that he once had the power to make people bend to his will by his tune alone."
"Huh. That's a very rare type of Bard magic. I've only seen a few dozen capable of doing that."
"Indeed and his strength is admirable. I believe he is the only Vampire to be given citizenship."
Jackson then lowers his body even more into the water. Making it level with his nose as the Admiral put a wet towel on top of his head. "He failed at his job in keeping the Elves in line. So the Queen exiled him. Heh, they thought they could bully us into submission. But we Elves aren't the type to let our home get ravished."
Closing his eyes and holding his breath, he was now able to fully control his body temperature. "Colonel, do you think they'll put it back to peacekeeping in Japan?" Opening his eyes, the Elven Admiral next to him was fully asleep as some of the other Imperial Elves kept to themselves.
He once again closed his eyes and unlike previous reliving of his memories, everything was crystal clear. Even his very mind was lying to him that he was there, living and breathing the past. "The mind of a Vampire is truly incomprehensible."
As another Asian man, having only an inch difference of height with him and having paler skin was leaning on the back of their Mine Resistant Vehicle. "Man, she's a beaut isn't she, sir?" Looking at the person he is looking at the Colonel, he sees a wonderful girl wearing a crop top and slim fit jeans. Her slender and tall body made her stand out on the bleak desert as the gray penitentiary next to them made her golden figure seem like an angel. "I wonder if I'll ever get to marry a girl like that."
With long blonde hair flowing down to her ankles and the black out shades she wore and the red lipstick as she confidently put her lanky hands in her pockets. Even the Colonel couldn't deny her beauty. "You need some help, you know that. Have you ever even felt the touch of a woman before, Lieutenant?"
"Colonel, sir. I literally got drafted while in High School. What do you think?" The soldier then rubbed his chin. "And wait, didn't you say sir that you're still a virgin?"
This made the Colonel recoil in place as he threw the middle finger at the lower ranking CO. "Go suck a fat cock you son of a bitch." An alarm then rings as the front gate to the prison opens up and appears as a tall hairy but toned man in a retro suit.
It was loose and stylish as he walked confidently through the parking lot. The Lieutenant tapped the Colonel's shoulder and gestured for him to look. "Not now Andrew. Where the fuck is Captain Benedict? I don't wanna file another complaint to the General's office." Andrew instead turned the Colonel's head to the confident man as he reached the girl and the two shared a long kiss which turned into a french kiss.
The Colonel immediately lifted his hands to block Lieutenant Andrew's eyes but the young man instead just got on his tippy toes. Donning their Urban camouflage, the gray color made them stand incredibly out in the brown and yellow desert.
After their quick makeout session, the two got into a pick up and chaotically drove away. "Well, that does that."
He then turns his attention into the interior of their MRAP, grabbing the radio mic and putting the aircon into full blast. "Captain. Captain. Deathblight actual, do you copy?" He groaned as the Lieutenant got into the passenger seat, his rifle sitting between his legs. "This is Knight actual, Deathblight, do you copy?"
The young Andrew then got all of the aircon pointed at him as the Colonel wrestled the direction to him, lifting his fist and making the Lieutenant cower with a smile. "Knight, Deathblight copies. There's a bit of trouble in the Downtown area. Requesting a COs presence here. The LAPD is useless." This made the Colonel yawn as he put the heavy vehicle into reverse and they drove off into the desert road.
“Lieutenant, stop scaring me and put your rifle on the muzzle holder there." Doing as ordered, the kid then started touching around, even toying with the Blue Force Tracker that shows Los Angeles is surrounded by three Tank Divisions and two Mechanized Infantry companies with the Logistic companies being far from the center of the heat as had entire camps set up in the middle of the California desert.
"Please don't touch anything. The Oshkosh MATV is something only the Filipinos use so this stuff is very new to me."
"But the leg space and ceiling height though sir. This is way better than our GAZ Tiger."
"I much prefer the Tiger. These things are at the height of a two storey building it feels like though the power steering is pretty good."
Up ahead, as the Colonel put the pedal to the floor and hazards on was the same pick up truck the couple was on. It was driving significantly slower as the blonde girl was the one driving.
Having a tall vehicle, they could easily see over the roof of the old Chevy as they passed it. "Sir."
Pulling in front of it, the MRAP then starts to pull away from them. Having no need to abide by the speed limit, they soon just became a small vision. "I've only seen car handjobs in movies and porn before."
“Lieutenant, what Hollywood B-Movie trash do you watch?”
“I remember watching one with Emma Watson.”
“Dang, you know her?!”
“Yes sir. I am not as young as you think.”
“Pfft. Just because you listen to retro music, that doesn’t mean anything. You just like it old.”
“That sounded off.”
“Fuck off.”
The two then soon entered Flower Street, next to the 6th where the entire road has been roadblocked. The new generation Ford Mustangs with their holographic warning tape had cordoned off the entire area as the whirl of the Main Battle Tank rolled into the scene. “Ci- City National Bank? What? That’s a bank?”
With the entire five lanes in front of the two blocked off, they had to ditch the MRAP and walk towards the scene where the cops didn’t even bat an eye as the Colonel with his mighty crimson beret walks into the scene where gunshots start to ring off. “GET THAT TANK OUTTA’ HERE OR I’LL BLAST BLASTIN’ THE HOSTAGES!” Benedict though, who was in his Command Truck disregards the order as new information comes in.
“It’s Gen Three Exoskeletons sir, the ones you could implant into your own bones.” This made the Captain’s eyes squint. “No wonder they flipped that Tahoe. Alright, bring in the troops.”
“ATTENTION!” The entire truck then stood still as the Colonel walked into the scene and immediately to the Captain. “Why is there a Main Battle Tank inside Los Angeles?” Benedict then pointed at the screen which showed a bunch of heavily armed and armored robbers wielding M4A1s and AKMs with drum mags inside the Bank lobby.
They also wore special combat goggles with heads up displays and would only reveal themselves if needed, most of the 8 robbers were in constant cover. Only moving when someone is checking as the Colonel’s eyes go blank. “I see.” The Captain then points at the screen on the upper left which shows that their bodies have been cybernetically enhanced already and a video showed one of the robbers flipping a Tahoe to create a makeshift cover.
“Captain, I am not gonna send you in.” This made Benedict’s fist hit the desk. “Dangit!” The Colonel then takes to the map of the city where the other officers were at. “I want two companies, have the tank on stand-by. Is it combat loaded?” Inside the Leopard 2A7V in the Alliance’s Urban Hexcam camo giving it a futuristic and sleek look, the loader opens the ammo storage where only two HE shells and one APFSDS is located.
“Copy Knight. Warhorse is on standby.”
Outside of the Commander’s sight, two platoons with bulletproof shields move in to the flipped Tahoe that sat in the center as bullets start flying once again, the special tipped rounds on the AKM going straight through the shields and into the vests of the people behind it. “Driver, move to cover them, ram into the streetlight and through the garden.
Without question, the massive tank barrels into the center of the action, taking the heat of the robbers as the soldiers get themselves together, with the undersuit exoskeleton eating most of the bullets whilst the armored vehicle begins swinging its turret around. “Warhorse, I am clearing you to use Coax.” The coaxial machine gun next to the main cannon then starts to open fire, killing one of the robbers whilst the other seven started shooting at the track links.
The tracers would bounce off the armor and into the cowering pedestrians, hurting the innocents while the soldiers once again duck in cover as the ones with M4s took their muzzles to point at them. “Alpha One, keep your head low. Cop snipers, do your thing.” One of the SWAT snipers with an M200 Intervention then pulls the trigger as the robber tries to dodge the bullet.
To everyone’s surprise, he was fast but not enough to stop the massive bullet from blowing a large portion of his head off. “Wha- How the hell was he so fast?” The Colonel then looked at the Captain and nodded. “Six bastards left. Benedict. You're in. Work with the SWAT Team and clean house.” With a gleeful smile, he gladly takes his combat helmet. “Sir, yes sir.” and turns on the heads on display as his squad leaves their R&R session at the alley with a bunch of poker cards.
With their new age integrally suppressed AKS-112Us, loaded with accessories on the picatinny rails. He immediately halved his squad as they took to the sides of the bank where the SWAT was posted at.
“SWAT, What’s your sign?”
“On the East, it's us Bay One. On the West is Bay Two.”
“Copy. We’re calling Reaper. Follow our lead. I am Reaper One and the one on Bay Two is Reaper Two.” heading in without even a notice to the SWAT Commander, Captain’s men professionally break into the bank.
By using a specialized sledgehammer, they collapsed the bulletproof windows and at the first sight of the robber, a bullet was put between his eyes as they maneuvered into the main building, four of the robbers heard the commotion and was already in cover as a flashbang was thrown in the lobby.
Bang! Benedict with his men quickly walks into the scene and his eyes widen. “Take cover.” With a calm and collected voice, his men did as ordered while the SWAT officers were confused just to be left with the sight of the robbers somehow still able to hold their guns up as they were riddled with bullets.
Inside the command truck, the Colonel watches in silence as the Leopard 2s machine guns scanned the East and Center area where Benedict’s men, without the need of his instructions, had already moved in. Pushing the robber into the center with the other four, the last five fighting for their lives as their surrounded on all sides.
One of them quickly grabs a woman and as soon as he revealed himself, Benedict didn’t waste a moment to put one in between his eyes. The robber’s body plopping down on the marble tiles as his friends looked at the hostages and started to open fire on the innocent.
The SWAT officers then took the helm, pushing through the soldiers and tackling them. The Colonel though got a full update on their uniform and equipment, most of it bearing the same markings as the ones that were used in the latest world war. “No wonder that bang didn’t work as intended.” he then looks at the young Lieutenant and smiles. “It's not the America we keep seeing in TV and movies isn’t it?”
As he awakens, Elizabeth has already dragged him out of the pool. Using magic to calm his nerves as both her hands were on the sides of his head. “Ahhhh… that was something. Where’s the Admiral?” she just snuck a look on the right where Thydis is pretty much knocked out. “Nice.” he then also returns to sleeping as the Queen was left with a sigh.
Alana on the other hand had bought souvenirs from the market area that was located on the sides of the Thermae. These mostly ranged from flip flops and a small painting of the main arch on the entrance and the open air structure that’s filled with stained windows. Even the cats and birds that roamed around the compound were caught in the artwork and was beautifully done overall as it even included the many tiny details for something that costs so little.
Jackson was with Thydis as the Queen dragged the two out of the pools and she threw them in the coach like prisoners bound to return to their prison cells.
Completely knocked out inside the coach as the driver was on standby to get going and when everyone had gotten in, the ride back to the Mansion was a quiet one. The rattling of the mementos the Countess bought alongside the noise of the suspension dampening the small rocks on the road were the only thing they could hear.
Upon their return, the Queen had to wake up the two males as they were already snoring loudly when they got home. Exiting from the heavy carriage, Jackson looks around and sees that a particular person wasn’t there waiting for him. “Hm? Where’s Bahamut?” one of the maids then steps forward and bows. “Her Goddess is currently in the Guild Building of the Teachers and students of magic… University as you’d call it.” he turns around to check that the sky was already dark, the Admiral just slowly walking inside, brushing his hand on his shoulder as he groans like an old man.
“Ohhhh… She did mention something about that. Very well. I hope she’s doing well. I did order her to do what is needed. She must’ve really found something cool.”