On the main hall, first floor of the Hospital. He immediately notices John with Escobar giving the hospital staff a debrief of the day.
“Yo.”
“Suuup.”
“Yo men.”
“What’s with the debrief?”
“Ah, they’ve done as much as they can. The Kingdom’s are sending their carriages to retake their surviving wounded men.”
“Also, the Kingdom of James has sent us a letter of invitation! This is it! We’ll finally get peace with the continent! Pendejos! We’ve done it!”
Paul looks at the hospital staff, some in skeletal form, some in human form. But one thing is sure, they’re all tired and haggard from the busy night.
“How many of you actually have medical training?”
“I have, I’m an actual Doctor in Canada.”
“Tell me, will most of these people live? It’s only been a day.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve casted mass healing and done some outback surgeries.”
“Is there anyone surviving from the Hero’s Party?”
“Yes, a woman named Sanna and a man named Tervin. Both are high level Knights, above one hundred as said in their special Adventurers Cards.”
“I was just about to ask, will they live?”
“They will. As long as they’re kept in Intensive Care. Healing magic is doing its job but uhhh… I have to overdid it as their bodies are broken to bits. I have high level magic too but as instructed, I shall not instantly heal anyone with it.”
“Good, for now. Keep close eyes on the Hero and his elite Knights. We’ll leave the guarding of the city to our Colonels. We’ll be gone for a few days possibly. Paul, ready yourself.”
“So, this is it huh? How will we get there?”
“Do not worry homie. I got a Chinook ready for flight.”
“Stay in skeleton form. We can’t let them identify us.”
“Roger dodger. Bahamut, time to sleep inside my jacket once again. Unless you wanna listen in.”
After the conversation, the two generals continued their debrief on the hospital staff and the generals left for the Capital City of James. After preparing and changing to their proper General uniforms, all their medals polished and shoes shined, the twelve generals boarded a Chinook helicopter and left.
It was a quiet ride to the Capital as a tense air built up amongst the players. When they reached the inner regions, Dragon mounts of the Kingdom escorted them into the castle. The Black Ops helicopters escorting the Chinook made sure none of the Dragon riders could take a peek inside it as they kept a tight formation. The large helicopter lands on one of the Castle’s open courtyard. Its downwash messes up the beautifully aligned exotic flowers that litter it and the trimmed hedgehogs.
The King himself with his two sons was there, when the ramps opened. Hashashin was the first to greet the King. He stood with great confidence and the posture of a true leader. Even though he was a skeleton, the two met eye to eye on the same level.
“Hello King James, I am Hashashin. Commander and leader of the Death Knights of Eldwood.”
“Good Morning, I’m King James Arnheit the Powerful. Ruler and King of this wonderful soil and nation that we call James. Please, let us have the discussion inside.”
The other generals followed while the skeleton soldiers stood stone cold guarding the helicopter as it spooled down. Inside the wonderfully lit and white walls of the Castle, the generals looked like children in a Museum. Taking in the relics and paintings scattered about the large palace. After a bit of walking, they reached what seemed to be a conference room of sorts. It was a large room, four corners and a big wooden table. The generals noticed that there seemed to be some Elves already sitting down.
“Ohhhh shit, they're real Elves.” As Philip commented, John quickly smacks him on the back to remind him to be professional. The man quickly rearranges his posture and they sit down. The King sat at the top of the table while Hashashin sat below. The two’s gaze hit one another as the Generals faced the King’s Sons and the three Elves wearing dark noble attire with the two wearing hoods and robes on top.
“So, I shall first open up. How is my son?”
“He is fine, Generals’ John, Paul and Escobar were assigned to assure his safety. Though he may be a bit broken, nothing magic can fix.”
“I see, what is his current state?” The King turns to the Generals with his eyes piercing through them.
“Don’t worry, he’ll survive with two members of his elite Knights. Right now, we won’t simply release him as we must assure you’d keep the end of your deal.”
“Hence why I bought my Elven friends here. Please meet Chief Maximilian, the leader of the High Elves Northern Region and their connection to the Wood Elf tribes that are scattered throughout the land.”
“Hello, I’m the Chief of the High Elves, representative of the more liberal Wood Elf Tribes. You may also call me Governor if you wish to use more… modern title. I get it that you're the force that crushed my elite cavalry archers? The Emperor himself had them sent to test your strength and I’m quite ashamed that my best man was basically turned into minced meat.”
Out of all the Elves in the table, he had the longest and pointiest ear of them all. His long blonde hair reached his hips and his entire body was oozing with respect and dignity and the three Elves, despite their enamoring presence, were also the tallest of everyone in the table, dwarfing the humans.
“So that was yours, I can assure you they did some good damage to us. We didn’t expect them to have such range… the amount of armor we lost to those explosive arrows alone will scar for a while.”
“Yea, not gonna lie. Out of everyone next to the Hero. They scared me since they were firing arrows at crazy ranges and with insane accuracy, not even modern systems can do what pure skills you men did. Took out entire trench lines of soldiers at the frontline with their enchanted arrows and blew open our armored vehicles like tin cans.”
“I am happy to know my people died in honor and I’d also like to apologize for joining in on that charade. When the Emperor said that a technologically superior humanity has entered the fray, curiosity has once overturned our logic and participated.”
“No need to apologize, Chief. We know we’re an unseen and unknown force in this land. It’s understandable we’d be met with great hostility. But we’d like to now speak about peace and the future. As the leader of Eldwood, I’d like to assure you, we’ll do our best to strive for a less armed relationship between us.”
“Now, regrettably this entire thing has given you a bad reputation. Maybe even one that can rival that of Vitas’ and its demonic forces.”
As the Chief speaks, Dennis and James whisper to one another.
“Den, yo. This Blondie with the pointy ears surely wants us dead. He is super suspicious of us.”
“I know, but we have to keep this up if we want to make peace, we already made it this far. Might as well see it through.”
“I don’t know man, he and those two Elves seem to hate us a lot. Look at them, wearing those scary robes.”
“Knowing what we did… It's understandable now, shut up and listen.”
The two stopped whispering to one another while Paul was trying to do his best comprehending the complications of the problem. Bahamut on the other hand could be heard snoring inside his jacket as he closes the buttons to muffle her voice.
“Not only that, you have caused massive loss of life in a span of five hours. Not yet seen, I’m sure civil unrest is assured if we were to publicly announce your recognition. There’s also the problem with the Vampires and Werewolves, they wouldn’t want their number one food to become this strong. When your cattle becomes more powerful than you, then it is ripe for extermination. I’m sure more educated and scholarly humans know of this.”
“Of course, keep us a secret. I do not care, we do not want to do anything concerning the overall geopolitical picture of this world unless we’re a bigger organization but we’re not. I also question the thoughts of the Kingdom of Meilurious. It is their territorial rights that we’re infringing upon. Hence I thought I’d be able to meet their leader here.”
“King Melakor is still under great duress from the Demons currently. As you know, his land is situated North of this continent, many of the Vampiric and Demonic forces have been sneaking in through his shores. He has been the primary driving force in keeping the Northern Ocean safe for Merchant ships and Navy’s to cross but recently, it's been proven to be harder… though it's just a rumor. Rising Demon activity usually means a closing Reset is upon us. But Demons have previously upped their activity thirty years ago and that died down to nothing.”
General Elmer, being the head of the Marine Corp speaks up. Knowing that this is part of his job.
“We can help with that. Right now, we also have a floating dry dock in the said Northern Ocean. We have some of the heaviest ships known to man at our disposal. If needed and with an Alliance at hand. I cannot only assure the absolute safeguard of your Northern routes but even make sure not one Demon vessel crosses into Meilurious’ waters. If we can find the other modern guilds, we’d be able to secure naval waters to absolute domination.”
“Now, now. Calm down your horses human. You might as well spearhead the upcoming attack on the Demon continent if you're this proud and mighty. They have been slowly etching their way into our lands. East of the continent, they have been building up large forces in mass amounts if the rumors are true.”
“If you may excuse me, what exactly does the Demon King or Lord whatever have in his disposal?”
“Both human and demonic beasts are under him. His generals are unknown but I’m guessing a Knight Commander for the Death Knights while Alchemists and Mages of the highest caliber for commanding the Dragons and beasts. There’s also the forgotten Giants and the last Giant King and the last of our more… devilish cousins the Dark Elves.”
“I could send a Special Forces team and see what they have in their continent, but I’ll need the help of the expeditionary force. James?”
“I gotchu’. No problem with that, our city is located North too. So we’re the first to go if they ever get invaded. Though we don’t exactly know the layout of the land yet so I’ll have to go ask people for maps.”
“But first, we must accumulate resources and rearm our weapons. King James, are you convinced with our capabilities or do we need to further elaborate that an alliance would be beneficial?”
“There’s a lot going on here, Governor. What do you say? Will you give them a chance? I’ve already made up my mind. These Outworlders can benefit my Kingdom and your Elven Empire.”
The Chief quickly stands up, knowing that the King has made up his mind already.
“You do you. You’ve already proven to me enough, but politically. This won’t stand. I’ll keep this as a secret but I’ll tell my men to not shoot arrows or attack your kind of skeletons. I’m sure the other Outworlders of your type will be an interesting show for this world.”
Together with him, the two other Elves follow and leave the room. Only the King and the Generals are left. Hashashin speaks up once again to continue negotiations, curious about a lot of things Paul nudges John who was next to him.
“You heard that right? There might be more. The Men of the Woods or maybe the Greater Japan Guild might also be here!”
“I know. We’ll have to make contact with the League of Modern Guilds and join them ASAP. We cannot function alone like this.”
“But then, where would they be located? We have no idea where the other factions are. Those Guilds have far bigger tech and armies than us and yet. We’ve seen nothing even though it should’ve been five months.”
“For now, I think we should all talk about this outside. Paul.”
“Yo?”
“You know that move in Dark World VR? The swipe with your sword and a spectral imagination of your slash will fly through the skies?”
“What? That thing’s range is just a few feet. Why?’
“That Dark Knight you fought, was his flying slashes bad? Was it cutting the tops of trees or some crap?”
“Yea, he did that move and it was this gigantic slash and cut the chopper in the middle and it was far from the ground.”
“Daammnn, can we do that?”
“Not that I know of. Look, the people in this continent are absolutely low to mid level except for a bare few. It seems that the harsh life of the Demon Continent breeds some broken motherfuckers.”
“Broken like us or broken like an OP NPC?”
“More so a bit of both since they’re human and actually living but have the stats of OP NPCs. This is getting bad for us, the fact that the Kingdom of Vitas was it? Is already in the middle of scoping us out. This might not be the last… there’s also the problem when he mention fucking Vampries and Werewolves! And seeing what he called the other Elves, there seems be racial tensions here too… and I legit think those guys wanted to vomit since they were surrounded by humans.”
“I get ya...” Frustrated as he learns more about this world, Paul could only swipe his skull’s face. Though not having skin, he feels the stress of the situation and just looks tired from the entire thing.
If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
“I implore you Sir Hashashin to deliver my Son back here. The continent needs to know their Hero is alive. After not returning, the people have been anxious, thinking that he’s dead and we’re doomed.”
“We will, but you better make sure you keep your promise.”
“If you may excuse my Father. Sir Hashashin, may I ask. What is your end goal? You're gonna make an alliance, get resources and help us fight the Demon King. But what’s in it for you? My little brother here Hans has also whispered to me his curiosity about you and your people.”
“Our end goal is to find our true Allies, the League of Modern Guilds, unite, and return home.”
“Return home?”
“Yes child. Return home, I guess for a young teenager. All of these big words and discussions may not mean much to you. But our end goal is this. To go back home. We do not belong here, talking to the Elves alone already says as much to the various problems that exist here. We simply have no dog in this fight.”
“Exactly where is home?”
“In a land far from here, but a world near. Called Earth.”
Prince Hans, with his sleek black hair and commanding gaze looks at the Generals. The tall muscular man was not gonna take no for an answer.
“Can my big brother help you with it?”
“I’m exactly not sure he’d be willing to come and help us. After what we did, I highly doubt he’d be willing to cooperate.”
“You belittle my brother’s naive sense of justice. I’m sure if he thinks it's right, he’ll help. If not now, maybe in the future. Big brother forgives but most of all, helps anyone in need. He’d often sneak out at nights too to meddle with the Commoners and Peasants.”
Paul on the other hand shuffles through the food that was on the table and takes some Cookies with what seems to be transparent glasslike powdering. He takes a taste of it and is blown away by the sweetness. Feeling tiny dragon feet moving inside his jacket, he then unbuttons it and sneaks one in for Bahamut to take a bite. “Ohhh! More Master!” hearing this, the King and the other Lords look at him. Seeing the spotlight was at him, he swallows his saliva and talks.
“As crazy as that sounds, that doesn’t seem far from the people in our world, rich folks hanging with middle class folks. But I digress, King James. Do we have an Alliance of sorts? We’d like to finalize this so that we may look for other Outworlders as you call us.”
“Is that you Paul? I remember that voice. Heh, it seems that you made it out alive. Of course, as I said. I’ve already made up my mind. An Alliance shall be formed. Your men are free to move about my Kingdom, I’m sure the Lords of Meiliourous also agree?” The high ranking officials nod in their red and purple robes and expensive head ornaments. “If you do find any resources, please do inform your local Lord or Governor. Everything is audited to a great degree in Meilurious unlike in the nation of James.” The Lords weren't welling up one bit and kept their eyes on the price.
“What’s the cut or share I mean?”
“Usually, it’s thirty percent for foreign companies. But knowing you, I’ll lessen it to twenty Sir Hassan.”
“You better be happy. That’s a lot of resources our Kingdom is willing to spare for your machinations, feed them well.”
“Feed them we will.”
Hashashin stands up to conclude the meeting, the two leaders approach one another and shake hands. Solidifying the Alliance.
Outside the room, some of the Generals linger in the halls, checking the relics or the paintings or just admiring the architecture of the Castle. Some were touching the rare vases and archaic swords, Paul on the other hand was having a discussion with Francis on the subject of Logistics.
“Dude, this is gonna be Hell. This is gonna hurt my head for the next few years.”
“Calm down, look. We have the trucks and the heavy duty vehicles needed for this, it’s really just checking the routes and roads. Carriage paths don't really suit Freightliner Semi trucks with three tri-axle flatbeds.”
“That’s the thing too. We might need to force road train combinations. We have no choice, we lack drivers and willing players.”
“Yea, game logic no longer applies dammit. Still remember that Francis? I still remember my first time playing Dark World VR. I literally spent the entire day just walking around and taking in the true full dive experience. It's better for us to take it slow. Be angry later.”
“Paul, my first day was dying over and over again to Orcs. I thought I could just walk up on some with a Knife and call it a day but damn, no wonder the game was banned in multiple countries and given a 20 plus age rating. It freaking hurts.”
“Oh, my first time was against a Wolf. Not a Demonic one like an Abyssal or some Shadow Wolf. Like a legitimate normal wolf. Ate up my organs and I respawned. The anger that rushed to my soul powered my motivation to rise with my friends.”
“Yea, good ole times. Now, we’re teleported to an actual fantasy world. Do we still respawn?”
“I don’t know, but I guess we should ask the players if we ever meet one… unless.”
“You went to the Capital before in civilian clothing, found any players?”
“I think? The crowds on the streets here are always lively, but I’m sure there’s one of two I’ve passed through unknowingly. Our outfits when in Tur surprisingly fit in here like hand in glove.”
“Also, Meilurious has highlands. Like swamp highlands with dirt paths, it might be perfect for a hidden stockpile.”
“Don’t we have to talk to the Kingdom before that?”
“You heard what he said. Meilurious is busy fighting off the Demon Continent, we have all the time in the world to take advantage of this and start digging for Oil.”
“Is this Oil though? Do they have Oil here? What’re we even gonna use in the factories for our tanks' armor and metal parts? Do we even have access to Iron Mountain? How are we going to produce spare parts for our planes without the complex machines there.””
“Hmmmm… that’s indeed a problem. We’ll have to make contact with the League of Modern Guilds and re-establish a Global supply chain.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. A Global supply chain in a foreign world? That’s for laters. What about the Oil though? Wouldn’t the Kingdoms need it?”
“Dude. We’re in a fantasy world. They have thousands of other alternatives to Oil. So far from what I’ve seen with the Holy See’s female Mages back in the city. They have no real use for it other than Lanterns and adhesive. It’s still a free game.”
“I see, then let’s go then.”
“Yep, we’ll be here for a day or so, maybe wait for other delegates or Leaders and converse with them. Use the time here wisely bro. Tell Bahamut to also behave.”
Out of nowhere, Bahamut’s head pops out of Paul’s jacket. Its mouth glistened with the glass like powder on the cookies.
“Human, no need to remind me. Tell that to my Master, he tends to touch anything that piques his curiosity.”
“Ha, you heard the lady Paul. Better behave like a good kid.”
“Fuck you guys. I’ll be around the Castle’s East side, I saw a good balcony there. Talk to you through the chat.”
“Oh yea, crap I forgot about that. Yea, I’ll just spam you with pings.”
“Don’t you dare, you moron.”
The two part ways and the General with Bahamut makes their way through the Castle. Sightseeing around its wonderful hallways that’s wonderfully adorned with detailed marble tiles and red carpets with frills. Gold lining filled the arches as concrete pillars supported the heavy structure. Its build was on a whole other level of architectural prowess.
“Dang…”
“Master, I smell food.”
“No.”
“Make a right on the end of the hallway, I smell… biscuits?’
“No.”
“Please.”
“Oh geez.”
After walking for a while and chatting with Bahamut. He sees a figure of a woman looking over the balcony he was planning to go to. The girl’s white dress instantly caught his eyes. Bahamut though had a more reserved reaction, as if she’s ready to act if needed. Curious, the man approaches the lady. The sun’s rays were illuminating her long dress flowing as the air blew inwards, the shape of her body could be seen through the fine gown she wore, thin and carved to perfection, making it as if she’s some Divine being.
“Uhh… Hello. Names Paul Jackson. Knight General of Eldwood.” He reaches out his boney hand to her, inviting her for a handshake while Bahamut, who has moved to the top of his hat, is fully standing up and growling like a hound dog. The tall woman immediately turned around, her white blonde hair was shining Godly and her face alone, one could immediately notice she is not human from the beauty she was showing. Paul notices her golden eyes with reptilian pupils and is caught by her pale white skin's flawlessness. It was as if she was carved by a Divine being in its own image and likeness.
“Hello human. I am Queen Catherine the Ancient, representative and leader of the Dragonkind in Dragovh, Geraldia and Schon and the sole Ruler of the Kingdom of the Skies. I can see that you have a friend there.” She shakes Paul’s hand. Gripping it tightly as she keeps her wonderful smile up. On the other hand, the General couldn’t help but feel immense lust and arousal from seeing such a pretty face up close. Her smell easily overpowered the vicinity and her overwhelming aura encapsulating all of his senses.
“And I take it the little one on top of your hat is Bahamut?” Bahamut though has not been friendly. She keeps her guard up not talking, staring at her with a scary gaze. He could feel how soft her hands were. Noting that he feels like she’s something out of this world. “Yes and, so you're a Dragon?”
“Yes, a Dragon God to be exact.”
“Ah, so you're pretty damn powerful… I mean.. Uhm. Pleased to meet you Goddess, yes this is Bahamut. Uhm, how did you figure out her name?” Having flashbacks of weeks-long community Events where Dragon Gods with almost a hundred health bars. He gets a small tremble, but what's alarming about her was that she seemed like a normal human. The only differing thing was the sharp fangs on her teeth and her outward good looks. “The two of you have been eagerly chatting with each other. I found it cute how close an immortal and mortal creature is. Bahamut was walking about food wasn’t she?”
“Y-yes. She kept nagging me like a housewife about smelling some biscuits and wanting to eat them.”
“Hee-hee. Her nose speaks true, there are some biscuits on the other side of this wing…” Bahamut growls at her once again as she tries to get closer to him. “I get that a lot but your friend there seems to not like me. Do not worry, I’m not trying to get your mate.”
“I don’t know why she’s like this. Bahamut, what’s up?” Without even making eye contact, Bahamut hides in his jacket.
“I guess she has her reservations, Lord Jackson. Just talk to me again when she’s not this jealous… maybe should I ink an invitation to you and your friend to the floating Castle?”
Without even a second Bahamut flies out of his jacket. Pouncing on the lady, but instead of reaching her. Queen Catherine’s hand was quicker and caught the small Dragon’s wings.
“Oh my… feisty aren’t we?”
“Fool, you have the gall to walk around in such a form and parade as the leader of Dragons?!” Angry, Bahamut was thinking of transforming into her large form but she remembers Paul’s reasons to be here and the need to behave.
“I see that you have more self restraint than I expected. Goddess Bahamut.”
“Goddess Catherine, I implore you to let go of my wings. I do not wish to further my anger.”
“The human form is quite versatile isn’t it?”
“As if I’d ever let go of these scales and wings.”
“But I can see that you're curious, or have you already done it once or twice? What would you do if your cherished Master was to get mortally wounded? How would one heal him?”
“I have my way traitor. This scales shall always ring true, for its the prideful armor of the Dragons and its lesser brothers the Wyverns, the skin that has defended our divine species for centuries against all the machinations and deplorable creations spawned from the ages that come be!”
Feeling the massive endangering aura of the two, Paul was ready to jump back into the Castle and take over if the two Dragon Gods ever started fighting. Instead, Bahamut announces defeat.
“I’ll deal with you later, Goddess Catherine. I’m sure that isn’t even thou’s real name.”
“Fly now and welcome to the Kingdom of James.” She smiles and lets go of Bahamut.
She quickly flies to Paul who was already half in cover and slithers into his jackets inner pocket.
“U-Uhm I apologize Goddess about her behavior.”
“Bweh, pay no heed to it. We dragons are territorial as always when it comes to our mates. I’d do the same if a Dragon Lady would try advancing onto Augustus… though those old bridges has long been burned.”
“Bahamut sees me as her mate?!”
Inside his jacket, Bahamut spits and pops her head out of the jacket.
“STU-STUPID!”
“Eh?! Really Bahamut?”
“No! You are Human! I am Dragon!”
“Bwahahahahaha!” Queen Catherine’s soft laughter takes the two’s attention. Even in humor, she still held herself with great elegance. “Ahh… Bahamut… think of the things you could do if you were to reveal your human form. Maybe… hold hands with your Master?”
“PRE-PREPOSTROUS! SHUT UP HAG!”
“HEY BAHAMUT! DON’T BE INSENSITIVE LIKE THAT!”
The little dragon just hids back inside his jacket. Using her frontal legs to button up the middle part of his uniform, completely hiding her.
“I’ll deal with her later then.”
“Mhm. Be on your way now, and if she ever changes her mind. I shall have you visit my Kingdom once upon a star and have a little chat.”
“Of course Goddess Catherine. I’m truly blessed to have met someone of your caliber.”
“You needn’t not to be blessed, Bahamut’s already there with you.”
He promptly bows at the smiling lady and continues on, exploring the rest of the Castle. After a few hours, delegates of the Kingdom of Meilurious and other nations came. This time, they only requested the leader of Eldwood to come while some requested for a specific general or everyone at the same time.
After a day of nonstop conferences, News came to their player tab. The Guild Chat had a message, it was from their leader who was still in conference. They’re allowed to dig for resources and pass their vehicles through the lands but at the cost of thirty four percent of the resource. Hashashin also announced the plans to further expand their logistics and to start searching for the other modern guilds.
Players of Eldwood immediately responded with memes and laughs, the chat was very lively and some were already ready to go. Francis comments at the lively chatbox
“@Engineers and @Truckers, get to the highlands and start building watchtowers and antennas. It’s an all out advance, start checking the routes and start constructing what we need.”
Paul closes the player tab. He continues going around the Castle, greeting the maids and the Knights. Though some were spooked, his nice demeanor and attitude gave them an ease of the skeleton man's presence. After a while, the Sun was going down on the horizon. Tired, the General goes back to the main hall and sees that some of the others were there already, chatting with one another.
After some hours, the last general arrives at the main hall and the men walk back to their helicopter. The ride home was quiet as the tired men turned to human form. Sleeping and resting. Paul was still a bit awake with Asayama who was busy fiddling with his player tab.
“How’re the things with the ships?”
“They very good. Lot’s good. After some time, we should get another battleship. Also, the fleet’s about to move out of the lake.”
“Good. Interesting though, how even with this skeleton form of ours, our tired souls still feel the weight of the day. Forcing us to sleep. I might do the same, wake me up when we reach back home. Imma change back to human form.”
“Hai.”
After some time, even Asayama fell asleep. Only when they landed did the thud of the landing gears awaken Hashashin who was snoring extremely loudly. He starts lightly tapping everyone’s shoulders, prompting the generals to wake up and start exiting the helicopter. Paul stands up, after feeling as if his jacket is not as heavy, he looks back and sees Bahamut was in the seat sleeping next to him, all cuddled up next to his thigh. He gently picks her up and puts her on his palm. He walked out the helicopter and the generals were going their own ways.
After stumbling around with Bahamut on his palm he reaches one of the Humvee’s parked next to the helipad awaiting to pick him up and take him to the airport. After a good night’s sleep, he wakes up to the sound of trucks lingering around the Airport’s parking lot. After collecting himself inside the Security Wing’s Recreational Room, he walks downstairs and sees Francis, both of the generals are back in human form. Paul’s face obviously shows his opinion on waking up every morning, knowing it’s his time to roll. He goes to the main lobby.
The massive glass wall of the Terminal lets the rising Sun’s rays in so that he has to raise his hand to block the light that's blinding him ever so brightly. “What the heck? Is this world's Sun brighter than Earth’s?” Bahamut was also a bit groggy from waking up and was trying to keep her balance as he walked along the airport with her on top of his palm. Francis wakes him up, lightly slapping his cheeks. He returns to his airport bench with his pillow still on it.
Removing his jacket and Oxford shoes. The man slides into his makeshift bed with Bahamut taking up half of the pillow, forcing him to the edge as the two sleep quietly for the next few hours.
“Looks like you had a good night’s sleep.”
“Hell yes I did and I want to continue sleeping, but I guess it’s time to help you with the logistics.”
“Yep, you see those road trains outside?”
Paul squinted his eyes, seeing convoys of trucks, each tractor was pulling three trailers and were neatly parked outside, loaded with camouflaged container vans while some had mixtures of cargoes, the parking lot also became an assembly area. Dolly’s and flatbed trailers litter the place as trucks attach their long combinations into place.
“Yes, I see them, Francis. I see them…”
“Okay, well Paul. You're gonna hop into one of them and see the route yourself. It’s super scenic from what I’ve heard.”
“Eh? Shouldn’t I go and command my tanks and such? I don’t wanna get regulated to this job… ugh.”
“Dude, it’s highlands. It’s a bit far from here, so I want you to see the entire route and maybe even check out this foreign world for yourself.”
“Ah, well I do play City Life VR games and my usual job is truck driver in the servers there. So I guess this is something I could do… and I want to get out of this place anyways.”
“I knew it, you’ve always been a sucker for big vehicles. Now get into one of them and don’t forget to place your Colonel in command.”
“He’s always been in command. I usually only step in when needed, or when something bad happens. Alright, I’ll see you next time then.”
“Alrighty. Have a safe trip, also be sure you take one of my boys with you. Tag team it, one drives at night, one at morning.”
“Roger that.”
He then walks back to the Security Wing and changes his uniform to that of a normal soldier, a bulletproof helmet with Kevlar vest with an M4 assault rifle. He looks just like the normal grunts now. He goes back outside and sees the busy parking lot, with his current outfit, he blends in with the players and mindless skeletons. The only thing depicting his rank was the four stars on his collar and patrol cap.