After the meeting, the party couldn’t look more tired. But before Paul could go with the ladies to dine for the night, he’s called to the upper floors. An emergency meeting is being held between the Guilds and its Generals. Letting them go first to an exquisite grand dining at a nearby Five Star Hotel, the tired man enters a large dark and armored room where more than a hundred Generals, all in uniform looking at a screen where various heads of states await for the last Officers to arrive. He also notices some familiar faces, Escobar, John and Elmer were also in the room, sporting Eldwood’s Black Service Uniform. Within the next few minutes, five more arrive and the President of the Men of the Woods opens up.
“I won’t open with a prayer or a speech for this is extremely urgent. Operation Army of the Damned is nearing completion. Hence we’re calling upon every General here to start the final drafts of our plans for the Northern and Southern Theater. We’ve confirmed that the Kingdoms won’t come in the middle of our war. As suspicious as this sounds, we’re simply running out of time. The soldiers we’ve sent up North are ever so getting more and more overwhelmed, even encountering creatures that can resist the cannon of a Main Battle Tank to humanoid Wolves and Horses. All have been a massive headache in our attempts to establish a foothold.”
The Generals turn to one another, speaking to each other in their Native languages.
“As you’re aware, Operation Bloodrose has started. The Vampire Kingdom currently stands as the biggest threat to our blitz to the Capital of the Demon Kingdom. We’re talking about hundreds of thousands of creatures that can resist anything we throw against them and are only weak to Holy weaponry or absolute extermination of their particles. Something we can do, but would need an untenable amount of ordnance to achieve. I know many of you are still tired from vacation but we must start looking to the future. We have one General here from the Knights of Eldwood who’ll be with the Diplomatic Envoy to Rose. And no I will not pronounce the very french name of the Vampire Kingdom. Fuck that.”
His last words made a few burst out a laugh, lightening the mood of the heavy atmosphere created by the anxious Generals. An Elven Officer wearing a uniform of the French Military formals raises his hand.
“Excusez-moi. It’s pronounced as Rose Cramoisie.”
“Yea, sit down, Baguette. I’m not interested in the city of love.”
This sends many to laugh and even make the rest smile.
“Now, I want y'all to enjoy your night. Even best for General Paul here from Eldwood. My mans gonna be dining with the hot Vampire Queen. Hit it good kiddo’, but beware, blondies are usually crazy.” Chuckles and laughter rings out and even the Guild Leaders on the screen try to cover their face from the humor and vigor of the player. “Be sure to have your phones with you, we’ll be sending you all notices of your deployments and where you're headed. Main Logistical Operations are coming to an end and we must start putting everything into ships and if we can, on the Demon Continent and Meridian. The Slavery there if our numbers are right, almost has a million or more of low level players in their market. The current Month to the Natives is what they call Octingenti or Frigus Frontem. In other words, October snowfall. We’re hoping we’d be able to start the main invasion in January or February, it’s Janasu and Fedusre if you want in the native language. That is all. Meeting dismissed.”
At the Grand Hotel, Paul arrives just to see Alana having a conversation while surrounded by a crowd of Vampires. Elizabeth on the other hand is eating a lot of the food with a dignified expression, with the lower half of her mask removed, showing her lipstick. Bahamut on a table was busy devouring a steak like a wolf on its prey. Without a second thought, he fetched two plates and took a good look at the Beef and Pasta on the Buffet line. He sits down, alerting the Vampire Queen and small Dragon God.
“Well you're late.” as she elegantly bit into a piece of Roast Beef.
“Oh I'm sorry honey. Did you wait long?”
“Ahahahaha, but My Lord. You must try this with the lamb sauce.”
“Oh, no worries. I’m not planning on stopping with these.”
After a small laugh, he digs in and absolutely loves the food. Meanwhile Alana’s food is slowly getting cold as she’s continually conversing with curious Vampires.
“She sure is a star.”
“The Minuit family owns two regions, of course she’d be prominent and eminent. Her family also owns the famed Domaine de la Minuit-Conti, the best wine one could ever attain in Threa. I also think they’ve risen to become a House of their own, having seats in the Senate.”
“Ahhh yea, she told me about that long ago. It's so expensive and rare that only the most powerful and richest nobles can afford it.”
“Mhm, also this Lamb Gravy is exquisite.”
“The Mash Potatoes… that’s all I can say and need.”
Paul makes an Italian finger purse, showing how perfect the taste was.
“Also, are you sure you're ready for Diplomatic missions My Lord?”
“Can’t be that hard right? I’ve been in a lot of Business meetings before. So I’m sure I can handle it.”
“One thing you must know about my kin is that manners mean everything. So be sure to properly acquaint yourself and always have a good posture.”
“Alana’s been teaching me some very Noble Table Manners while I teach her English with you. It’s just that it's very hard to apply every time. Feels like I’m wearing some sort of a mask.”
“Don’t think of it like that. Think of it as showing your utmost respect. Wouldn’t you want to be treated properly with decorum?”
“Yea, I can see that.”
“Good. And hold your breath when you're about to say something unpleasant. Hold your tongue and try your best to smile.”
“Yes Mom. Can I get candy now?”
“Not yet, and be sure to always be at your best.”
“Ehhhhh… you already know why I don’t really wear my uniform.”
“I know but My Lord. You want to make an impression, always shine your medals and groom your suit. It’s very important that you project your power and status to them and sway their opinions. I am fully aware that you’d rather speak to them through the heart and wear your truest self, but you must do this while showing your best self.”
“And what is my best self?”
Elizabeth looks intimately at him, looking at his shiny parted hair to his brown eyes.
“You.”
“What?”
“I-i mean, what you are right now My Lord. You look very dignified and how you're carrying yourself, I can see that you respect your uniform as much as you hate to wear it and know how to make an impression without even trying. Just be like that, I am sure you can do much.”
“Ugh, you know how long it took me to perfect this hair? Even though it's literally just a parting on the left. Getting it like this, like straight, is super hard.”
“I told you I was willing to aid you in dressing.”
“Heck no, I am not that proud of my body.”
“Oh My Lord. You shouldn’t be shy, not with a body like that.”
She remembers seeing his muscles and well toned body, even though, to Paul. He still sees himself as a middle aged corporate guy with not much to show.
“Thanks for the compliments but no. I am not gonna let you.”
“Boooo…” the Vampire Queen pouts underneath her masquerade mask. “Just one touch, I swear My Lord. Just one, please…”
Seeing the extremely beautiful vampire asking to touch his body, he couldn’t help but nod. Her face instantly lights up but then he remembers how much she was unable to control herself when he saw his blood back at the alleyway.
“Oh no… I might’ve made a mistake.”
“Ehehe….eheheheh… I am gonna touch My Lord’s body. I look forward to it tonight.
She smacks her lips inside her mask as Chopin Nocturne plays in the Ballroom next to the Dining Hall, she stands up, curious as it catches her attention. Within the lounge, she could see that there were Couples already dancing. It looked surreal as the players, who were all men, were in their modern military uniforms while they were dancing with beautiful Vampires in Gothic Gowns. It was a total clash of not only differing species but also differing cultures. As Alana was about to sit down, ready to eat when Elizabeth took Paul by the hands, dragging him to the Ballroom to dance.
“Wha!- Wait! I don’t know how to dance and my FOOOD!”
“It's fine! Just follow my lead and shush!”
With great finesse. She leads him to the middle of the floor. The Second Waltz from Dmitri Shostakovich started playing and she suddenly brought him close, so close to her chest that they could feel each other's breath. Holding his right hand and putting his left behind her. Paul couldn’t help but enjoy the sight of the beauty right in front of him, leading him on the dance floor. Though he was trying, he was at all points not good. But slowly, after Elizabeth whispers to his ear what steps to do and how to move, they both get into the mood and go in sync. The others couldn’t help but give them space as the lowly Officers are afraid to brush the Four Star General dancing with a tall blonde beauty while the other Vampires could feel the Queen's overwhelming presence. The Blonde beauty commands the floor as her mere look from her Emerald eyes can send shivers down your spine.
Meanwhile, in a war room. The Generals are already conversing about their main invasion plans for the Continent of Schon.
“Look you damn Ruskies! Leave the fucking desert to us! HELLO, We’ve lasted longer in the Middle East than your entire damn life!”
“ТЫ ГРЕБАНЫЙ ЗАПАДНИК! МЫ МОЖЕМ ПРАВИТЬ ПУСТЫНЯМИ ДО! И ПОЧЕМУ БЫ НЕ ПОМОЧЬ НАМ НА СЕВЕРЕ, А?! ТЫ ЗНАЕШЬ, СКОЛЬКО ЛЮДЕЙ Я ПОТЕРЯЛ ИЗ-ЗА ХОЛОДА?!"
“SPEAK ENGLISH DIMWIT, NO ONE IS UNDERSTANDING YOU.”
“Глупый американец. I said we can also conquer the desert you pizdec!”
As the two Generals from differing Guilds clash, the Germans and French have been busy staring at photos of the thick luscious jungle of the continent.
“I totally cannot roll my Panzers into that.”
“C'est mauvais, the Legions will have a hard time there!”
They are interdicted by the League of Southeast Asian Guilds.
“Look here mga puting putanginas. Leave the forest to us. Me and my Vietnamese and Indonesian friends will send our SAF forces to take it over.”
“NE ME FAIS PAS PEUR! Okay Asian man. But don’t forget! Your objective would be to leave a path for our transport and logistics!”
Meanwhile the two Vietnamese Officers talk amongst themselves.
“Do they really not know that our Grandpas literally defeated them even though they had more firepower and technology?”
“Eh, điều này đã trông giống như một mớ hỗn độn.”
On the other side of the room, the Chinese Guild Generals are getting into arguments with American, Russian, Asian, Australian, and European Generals.
“Look ‘ere mate. You bloody sooks don’t know a thing about the bloody desert. We Aussies ruled Dark World’s sand dunes!”
“Hah? We Chinese can conquer anything.”
“Can you just please shut the fuck up? We invented Burgers and you ate it all up like you just came out of a Great Famine.”
Then an Indian General with an enchanted Turban interdicts.
“HEY! HEY! HEY! I am your text support and I’d like to say, YOUR WINDOWS SUCKS. TURN OFF YOURSELF!”
“MOM! THE CURRY IS TALKING AGAIN!”
This hits a nerve on one of the Chinese Officers. Prompting him to throw his shoe at the American General. All the while, the Generals of Eldwood and many other minor Guilds are just standing on the war table, waiting for everyone to calm down and finally decide on who’ll take over the Regions. One could visibly hear someone singing the Spanish National Anthem which is then followed by the US National Anthem and everyone just started having a scream fest.
“You know…” An Italian Guild General faces a Polish one.
“Tak?”
“This oddly feels like an old CoD Modern Warfare Lobby. I guess they all grew up to be high ranking officers of full dive guilds.”
“Yes.” Behind the Polish Officer, a Spanish General tackles a Norwegian one, some Finnish officers who just arrived open the armored door and see the chaos happening inside. They then join in, unbuckling their belts to use as whips, while throwing their jacket on the nearest Russian General. The Swiss also appears, and quietly walks back to the hallway and runs to the nearest Radio.
“RUFEN SIE DIE MILITÄRPOLIZEI!"
“WHICH ONE MEIN HERR?!”
“ALL OF IT!”
The emergency alert of the bunker is turned on as hundreds of Military Police Officers from various Guilds storm the Bunker. All running to the main bunker room to pacify the Generals that have started a small riot. The High Ranking Officers which were in the middle of a war. Throwing expensive Shoes and their sharp medals at one another. They all freeze even the Asian Generals with their slippers. Battle lines drawn and the heavy armored tables flipped. Map peripherals are scattered everywhere. The silence puts everyone in a staring contest. An American General then the naked Japanese Officers.
“WHY THE FUCK ARE THE JAPS NAKED?!”
“HUH? TENNO HEIKA! BANZAI!”
Proudly showing their Rising Sun Headband, they storm the Americans using Table Legs as their Katanas. This then makes the MPs run into the main bunker room, joining in the mess. The chaotic mess got even worse, and as people’s heads were bashed and uniforms ruined, the MPs called in even more soldiers. Now in Riot armor. A German MP calls in the Radio.
“VERDAMMT! HANS! GET ZE GAS!”
An Israeli General stands up.
“ARE YOU GONNA GAS US AGAIN?!” as he’s tackled by a Middle Eastern General as he screams “THIS IS FOR LEBANON AND PALESTINE! AMERICAN! YOUR NEXT!”
One of the American Generals from the Men of the Woods starts running to the exit as a brown man in a tan General uniform punches him. “Iraq, Iran, Yemen, and Libya. We Arabs have a lot to say to you.'' While in the background, Slavic Generals are punching and throwing bottles of Vodka they materialized using magic at each other.
The German MPs then drop CS gas on the room while dragging the most wounded Officers out of the Bunker. Hundreds of Paramedics arrive from Woodstock’s General Hospital while the Church on Woodstock gets a sudden materialization of very angry players. Finally, after a grueling hour of pacifying the large Bunker room. The Generals have finally been cuffed and aligned on the floor. UN soldiers also appeared to help calm the scene.
“HEY! YOU'RE AN AMERICAN MP! YOU'RE MY MEN! ARREST THIS CHINK RIGHT NOW!”
“HUH? 逮捕那个胖混蛋!”
Meanwhile the Aussie General even with his cuffs on is trying to headbutt the British Officer next to him.
“C’MERE YA BLOODEH SOOK! PUT US INTO AN ISLAND EHY? LEAVE US THERE WITH CRIMINALS EHY?”
“WHAT THE FOOK?! FRIENDLY FIRE MATE! WE’RE ON THE SAME SIDE MATE!”
“NAH, NAH, THIS IS A PRIME CHANCE. I’LL STRAP YA ON A UTE AND SEND YA OFF TO THE ROOS!”
“GOD SAVE THE QUEEN! MPS! GET THIS MAN OFF OF ME!”
“YOU! MATE MPS! DON’T LET THEM GET NEAR ME MATES!”
The British and Australian Military Police Officers only looked at one another, confused on what to do as other MPs cleaned up the scene behind them while men in suits with pins of various countries and symbols of the Guilds under the UN came to take a look at the situation.
“Oh crud. Are these people children?”
“Well, one thing is for sure. This is going to be a long night.”
“If it doesn’t start a World War. These Guilds have their bases spread throughout Threa, Jesus Christ. Are we really gonna drag innocent people from a fantasy world of all places into our problems?”
“I’ll get the mop.”
As the Waltz in the Ballroom ends, the two prepare once again. This time with more confidence. Elizabeth removes the lower part of her mask. Revealing her sharp jawline and nose. Her lips had a crimson red lipstick to it and this time, she brought it closer to his neck and her left hand patting his head.
“Uhhhh… Carmilla?”
“Shhh… let me enjoy this.”
“You're really getting into this aren’t you?”
“Mhm… My Lord, would you be interested in staying?”
“I already told you, I have to return home.”
“But it seems that you don’t really like your world. Why not stay here? With me and Alana, we need a man like you in our life.”
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
“I understand that it might seem I hate the world I live in, but it's still my world. What good would it bring if I just ran away? After all, I've built and sacrificed there. That’s why I am fighting, I have a responsibility. To many people, many good people that need their salary and pay. Most of all, I want to see my mother, my father and my brother. I miss them so much.”
Paul tightens his arm around her waist, his eyes visibly on the verge. Elizabeth smiles inside her mask. She slowly lifts his right hand to the top of her head while on the background, sirens of Ambulances can be heard rolling through the street outside.
“Then just for now, love me and see only me… before this all flies with the wind and I’ll soon be on my way.”
“Oh shucks. It's fine, there’s still much to be done. Soon, we’ll have to stretch ourselves as everything begins to fall into place.”
Hearing her sincere voice, he lets him do whatever she wants. Slowly, a player walks to the stage with a band with modern electric instruments.
“Here’s a little something from our World, Dancing in the Moonlight by King Harvest.”
Knowing his love for oldies, Paul’s face lights up and this time, he takes the lead. Dancing with the Vampire Queen. She was caught off guard but she couldn’t have a bigger smile than before. Midway through their dance, Alana appears out of nowhere, swallowing her food and butting in.
“Excuse me, your Majesty.”
“Woah, Alana. Are you sure about that?”
“No worries, even her Majesty knows you shouldn’t eat up the entire banquet. Save some for others.”
The Queen bows and gives a thumbs up as she walks back to their table with great decorum, though no one knows who she wants thanks to the effects of her masquerade mask. Many of the Vampires could feel a certain connection to her, but her movements and every step she took had respect and like a trained Supermodel, she catches everyone’s attention without even trying. Already picking up the plate to get more food.
“Well, she’s more lenient today.”
“Of course, we both know we can’t have you for ourselves. Might as well share.”
“You two must be the most understanding women I’ve met in my entire life, the fact that you actually seem serious about this.”
“It’s not everyday we get to interact with humans, let alone be enamored enough by one. It’s not unusual for people to have multiple lovers, unlike in your world.”
“I actually find it fascinating how you can have many wives in this world but yet live in such a simple life. Though maybe even my world is possible, just the need to be more frugal in things and not live in the absolute luxury of modernity.”
“I doubt you wouldn’t be able to afford multiple wives M’Lord. You seem well versed enough in economics.”
“Heh, self taught and self learned. If you wanna make a name for yourself, you’ve gotta be willing to teach yourself new things.”
“Exactly! I was like that myself when I first started out with the family Vineyards. Soon, I moved up to Diplomatic envoys to the main region. That’s where you first encountered me.”
“Yea, jumping up and down roofs with scary Knights.”
“He-he. I was there to actually go to Lord Meyer, I’ve been tracking the new species of Vampires ever since the great appearances. It said that millions of new Vampires had appeared out of thin air! All of them were wearing weird but familiar clothing.”
“I’m surprised they haven’t caused more trouble than I expected. Looks like playing Vampire is all fun and games until you're pushed to actually become one.”
She then takes the General by the hand and the band slowly switches from King Harvest to Frankie Vallie, singing Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. The two took it slow and Alana couldn’t be any more satisfied with the night. Letting him caress her long black hair as she puts her head on his chest. Not like the Queen, the two’s height were about the same. This gives them the perfect opportunity to stare at one another on the same level. Alana’s dancing was more intimate, prefering to sway while being hugged and keeping it slow and thoughtful. Every step was methodical and she kept close ties with the General’s movement.
“You aren’t so bad…”
“Hm?”
“Nothing. Unlike the others that have tried to marry me through my parents or tempt me with their dreamy words, you’ve been quite the powerful contender with nothing but mundane conversations and reactions.”
“Heh, I must be doing something right then. Or is it just my charm that is powerful?”
“Hahahahah! Mhm… and I never knew a man's shoulder is this broad or is your body just built differently? You told me you haven’t worked out, but to have such stiff shoulders and be this tall.”
“No it’s not. Believe me. You aren’t so bad yourself you know? Pretty eyes, sharp thin nose and chin, with an all encompassing long black haired beauty look. I still remember when we first met, I was scared shitless to see you but at the same time, you looked dashingly beautiful.”
“Ahahahha… yes indeed. You were sweating barrels if I remember correctly and where did you learn to be this smooth? I swear, the Majesty drinking your blood must’ve flipped something.”
“Indeed I was sweating barrels, who knew that we’d meet again and I’d defeat you. Me, of all people.”
She lays her cheek on his chest, rubbing it as she ever so gets closer to him. Pressing her breasts upon his body.
“And there isn’t anything to regret. I am very happy with this contract.”
“Even with the Queen here?”
“Though I’d want to keep you all for myself, life is never that forgiving.”
Soon, the music dies down and the Countess bows elegantly to Paul. Slowly letting go of his large hand and like the highborn woman, returns to their table with great refinement. Putting on a show to the other Vampires who know who she is. Bahamut on the other hand also wanted to dance with him, with a big fat smile, he accepted this and cradled the little Dragon to Put Your Head On My Shoulder. Bahamut was happy, even with the gravy on the mouth which Paul wipes with his handkerchief. Her soft motherly voice was more calmer and with a satisfied tone to it.
“Master, the Beef here is amazing.”
“I know right? The Mash potatoes are also just what I needed.”
“So what do you think, Master? Have those two won you over yet?”
“Oh c’mon. Don’t be like a jealous wife now. Let me look at other women would ya?”
“Hmph. Though there isn’t much to be done in this situation that you’ve found yourself in. I still do think you attract problems, Master and also attractive women.”
“Bahamut, out of the four to five years we’ve been adventuring. When did I ever not get myself into a situation?”
“Hahahahah. That is indeed true, very much you but I do find it strange that your boring disposition managed to enamor two extremely amazing concubines. You sure have a very strange life Master.”
“That’s for you to say, you’ve basically been the voice on my head as you sit on my shoulder, experiencing everything I have. So, you also have a very strange life. Now, lemme give you rubs and pats. You’ve been very good and well behaved.”
“He-he. Though I find my life more of a battle than an adventure till you’ve come Master.”
Paul goes into his memory banks, recalling her lore and history.
“I guess being born as a Dragon and killing enough creatures to basically rise to Godhood is a pretty crazy life, not gonna lie. More crazy and strange than mine.”
“Though I wonder, what did happen to your human body after the Global Event?”
“It must rest for a few hundred years, Master. I personally built that body to house my great power and mana. Using ancient organic materials. But, sadly. As the creatures of the almighty Dark World destroyed it, it will take a while for me to be able to use that form again.”
“What, what kind of body did you use? Because when me and the boys fought you in that form with thousands of other players, you just wiped the floor with us.”
“One akin to a Goddess Master.”
“Jesus, that explains a lot. But I still call bullshit on some of your attacks. I grinded so hard to get potions and even asked Samantha to brew me some special ones just for me to die and lose it all without even putting up a proper fight.”
“I do remember bits and pieces of it, Master, but after that battle and I rescinded to the Void to rest, I couldn’t truly remember all of it.”
“Eh, it’s fine. Past is past. Grrr.”
Rubbing the little dragon belly, Bahamut reacts like a house pet and with her armored scaly tail wagging like crazy. Though she tries not pushing herself too much into his chest as she knows her back is very spiky.
“Let’s keep having fun Bahamut, we still have a long way to go.”
“Hm, and do not worry Master. If you were to die, I’ll simply go to the Abyss and return you here, to the world of the living.”
“No need, Bahamut.”
“E-eh!?”
“If I die, I die. Let’s not change the path of things. And I think it’s a good reminder to those two, to cherish us humans. That, not like them. We don’t last forever.”
“Master, what would I do if you are no longer walking by my side?”
“Oh, move on. That’s the greatest thing you can do for me if I ever pass. I know you don’t want to admit it, but you also like humans don’t you Bahamut? Because if you truly hated us, then you wouldn’t have answered my call or even built yourself a human body.”
Paul’s heartfelt smile makes the little dragon blush, making her borrow her head into his arm.
“I do… you're the most precious one. Wherever you go, trouble seems to follow and with me, I have gladly solved each one with you.”
“Ahahahah, oh my little companion. Just know this, even after I die and I go up to the big man above us. I’ll always remember you, everyday. After a long long hard time, you’d always be there ready to adventure with me.”
“And till your last breath, I shall defend humanity with all my might and maybe Master. If I get defeated in this plane, I shall join you and once again, aid you.”
“Sad that I don’t have that scale.”
“Shall I give you another one?”
“What? No. Do you know how heavy your scale is? I almost broke my legs multiple times hauling up Devil Peak, and it shines like crazy. So I had to cover it with a rag most of the time so that the Wyverns littering the damn place wouldn’t bite my face off.”
He starts reenacting how he had his sore legs on his way to her shrine. Slouching and a hand on his back.
“You should feel lucky I didn’t give up midway through! Wahahaha! Heck, only there did I discover that if you push your brain too much, it will actually start feeling the soreness of your virtual characters legs… still couldn’t believe it as I already had a sore body from going through so many meetings that day.”
“But in the end, I answered thou’s call and cometh to aid.”
“In the end, I got a little buddy that now… can turn into a big buddy for life. Pretty good deal if you ask me.”
Slowly, the song finishes and the two return to the table to eat with the two Vampires that were chatting amongst themselves. The night draws to a close and ten to twenty Ambulances escorted by black SUVs are seen on the street, driving off to the outskirts of town, little to the party’s knowledge that they were headed to the Bunker after the Generals riot on the war room. There, the currently present Presidents and Leaders gave their High Ranking Officers an earful for their poor decorum and performance. After getting a lot of lectures, they all agreed upon the simple concept. The Arctic North and Desert West will be taken by American and Russian Guilds as it's perfect for their Mechanized troops. Asian and European Guilds will take on the forestry South and East with the occasional help from the other alliances.
The initial invasion will take the largest Naval Armada to ever be assembled. Totalling of a thousand ships, with thirteen Battleships and twenty five supercarriers while having hundreds of Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers with Kirov Battlecruisers take up a blockade on the North and West whilst Maya and Type 052D Class Guided Missile Cruisers will aid the main Logistical Fleet in rapidly supplying the main force which will join up on the Vampire Kingdom and blitz towards the heart of the Demon Kingdom. The giant combined force is expected to delay the Undead Hordes of King Nergal for at least two months while another Theater will be opened on the Deserts of Meridian in hopes of collecting enslaved players and free them from captivity.
All of the Generals seem contended with the overall plan and declares it finalized and to be sent to their Colonels, Captains and Majors for further evaluation and the start of the main force as it arrives into the Demon Continent. Scouting and Reconnaissance parties are still being sent to spy on the landing zones to see if anything changes to a point they’ll need to change or move the invasion date. They’ve also included a back up plan if ever the Diplomatic Envoy that’ll be sent to the Vampire Kingdom fails. The plan for such a powerful enemy is Absolute Scorched Earth. The usage of MOABs and FOABs to level everything while Thermobaric bombs will finish off the survivors. In case that fails, the allowing of Tactical Low Yield Battlefield Nukes shall be allowed.
Waking up, Paul’s all groggy from the night. The party once again ventures out. Heading to the Airport for their visit to the Continent of Schon. The main Terminal was empty of players or natives, being surrounded by mostly guards and soldiers. Making sure the Diplomats are to be able to safely board the special aircraft. Bringing with them their luggage, the airport staff lets them off to Gate 1 where the delegates are all lined up in queue. While waiting, a Colonel arrives, seeing his rank, the guards only check for a Guild ID and let him through, the middle aged black hair avatar of a player salutes to the General. He gets close and whispers.
“Sir, General John is requesting your presence at the Western part of the Schon. The Desert has seen a significant increase in Demonic presence and might need your BCTs to be deployed sir.”
“Is that so? What about Escobar?”
“General Escobar with his Marine Corps is currently surveying the North-North West near the Snowy biome.”
“Alright, I’ll activate an ABCT. Am I needed on the ground right now?”
“Right now if possible sir. The C-Five Galaxy on the tarmac there will land on a recently established Airbase right in the middle of the Area of Operations. The local Sandworm has been killed or scared off, so it should be safe.”
“Okay... But I have another responsibility here with the diplomatic mission.”
“If you want sir, you can stay here and move men around but General John has recommended you to appear and see the situation for yourself. We’ve been having problems with our logistics and guarding the areas we’ve taken over.”
“No… ah this is such bad timing though... Can’t you just call me or something?”
“Sorry sir, I was actually just off the cargo plane when I heard you were boarding the Delegate’s Aircraft.”
“Can’t you guys just have my word? I’ll give command to John.”
“Sir, word of mouth won’t do much with your Officers. They need you as much as possible on the ground.”
“I haven’t even taken up command yet since I am on an entirely different objective. How bad is the situation?”
“Very bad sir, all of the recently opened fronts have been met with extreme combat. Firebase Khe Sanh, a month ago, has been getting ravaged nonstop by hybrid tribes like the Permanent Werewolves and the Horsmuses. Just for a moment sir, we need all Generals of Eldwood to be in station and move around troops and give orders.”
“Ah… fuck. You could’ve just told me this from the beginning, who the hell planned this?!”
The two Vampires look at him with concerning eyes. Paul on the other hand stretches his arms and assures the two.
“Ladies, you must go on ahead. I have a little thing I need to do, just a small micromanaging.”
“How long will this take?” Alana’s face was absolutely serious, not giving an opening for him to divert her focus.
“A day at best, worse, an entire week. I’ll just go there to see the place, command one of my BCT and leave them to my Colonels to do the rest.”
“Then we’ll come.” Elizabeth looked determined to follow him and abandon the Diplomatic mission. But knowing her potential importance to the entire table, he cannot let them be delayed.
“No, No. You two must go. You both are very high ranking and powerful Vampires which could change this entire thing to favor us. Don’t worry about me, I’m not just gonna bend over and die. This is just a simple deployment of a BCT. And Bahamut will be with me anyways.”
Bahamut’s head peers off his jacket, winking at them to assure the two Vampires.
“But-”
“No buts. As your Lord, I order the both of you to go. Don’t worry, I’ll be right behind you two. Protect my stuff, this has all of my uniforms and suits.” He gives them a sincere smile and pats their heads.
“My Lord, I know you're trying to reassure us but please, for the sake of us and your health, take good care of yourself.” The two Vampires were shooting knives at him with their eyes. Deep inside, they wanted to come with him, but since he had used his authority as their Lord on them, the two beautiful women were unable to protest.
“Don’t worry, okay, if something does happen. I know you’ll come to me even if I was in the pits of Hell. Here, take this.”
To appease the two, he gives them a medal he received from the Guild. The Distinguished Service commemorating his service to the group when it needed him the most. Though reluctant to remove it from his jacket, he makes a deep sigh and takes it out and hands it to Alana.
“I got this after the last battle of Hill Pontifex on the outskirts of the forest of Eldwood, I stood my ground there even after the appearance of the Sword Saint. The entire patch of forest and soil on that area turned gray from the battle, casings and swords embedded on the ground. Do not lose this, because I will come back and take it. That medal right there has the sweat and blood me and the thousand players that fought that battle.”
Elizabeth could see behind the silver star with the symbol of his Combat Brigade was a date “3/8/2035”. Alana then holds it tight, as Elizabeth puts her palm on it. After giving them quick hugs, he is immediately led to the tarmac, while looking back, he waves and a C-5M Super Galaxy from another Guild is being loaded up with stacks of ammo and some up-armored Humvees. The crew is outside the ramp, salutes to the General as he boards and sits down in his uniform. The Pilot approaches him, curious about his luggage.
“This is all you have sir?”
“Yes, I won’t be here for long as I’ll just get a BCT up and running and give the control to my officers.”
“Oh, so should I radio the airbase in advance to prepare an aircraft for you sir?”
“I was planning on doing that later but yes, and have them bring my Carriage. I’ll summon my Horse when it's there.”
“Roger that sir.”
In the Demon Continent, a Dwarf darbed in thick ornamental leather armor is looking at an active desert Air Base. Cargo planes and fighter jets are taking off from it by the hour and helicopters are patrolling the open sand but they're unable to spot the small man due to him wearing an Invisibility Cloak. Not even his heat signature can be seen through the Thermal Cameras that litter the exterior of the base. Using a ring, he’s able to communicate to the Sword Saint in the middle of the Continent.
“Lady Beth, what flying machine am I exactly to report?”
“A big one. You see the large ones parked in there? Tallest ones.”
Using a Monoscope, he peers through the base and sees parked C-5M Super Galaxies, unloading Main Battle Tanks and pieces of towed 155mm M777 Howitzers being pooled in the hangar and getting covered by a large tarp as sand billows into the busy location.
“It seems that they’re unloading smaller things, looks like tiny cannons.”
“Yea, those C-Five Galaxies are unloading equipment and pooling it in preparation for an invasion.”
“Saint, We must stop them! They will ruin everything and even push the Kingdom of Vitas to attack early on! Not even the human Kingdoms can withstand the forces of Evil unprepared!”
“No. We can’t, and I already have word from people I know, the Kingdom of Vitas won’t be moving. Their Demon Generals are too busy in becoming more powerful than their predecessors.”
“You mean the man he sent to be with you when we attacked that fortified city with living machines?”
“Yes, that was merely a test for him and his King. To see how Outworlders fare against their horde.”
“By the Gods.”
“For now, what we need to do is to delay one of their most powerful Generals. Not because he’s a great swordsman or a genius tactician. No, it’s the Companions he has. Two great Vampires and one Dragon God. That’s why we’ve gone through all the trouble of opening those Labyrinths and Dungeons. Not even Eldwood will stand idly by as their spearheads are shattered, leaving potential for the main force to be bogged.”
“Ah, you’ve told me before Lady Beth about your plan to mask our return to Geraldia while making a mess of their vehicles and logistics.”
“Exactly, right now, my fellow players are moving way too fast. These nerds managed to adapt quickly. So for now, we’ll delay them with a bit of a show. Be ready, the Sand Beasts might come in another horde either in an hour or the next day.”
“Are you sure that an enchanted arrow will kill him?”
“I don’t plan to. Those two Vampires have gotten attached to him now I’m sure. Doing so would assure the Vampire Kingdom’s alignment to their side, the Vampire Queen has no shame if it meant protecting something she desires.”
“I highly doubt Rose Cramoisie would even think of such a thing, Lady Beth. They don’t even think of humans as a capable species.”
“Not with Elizabeth Bathory. Your world's version, she’s an all powerful Purebred Vampire Queen. She can surely turn the tides with her adventure of a human man named Paul.”
“I see. So we’re only delaying him?”
“Yes. It's too early for us to meet. This will be just our paths crossing once again.”
“Of course.”
“Thank you again Desson. Please take good care of yourself. I heard the nights are cold in that desert.”
“Oh please Lady Beth! I’m a tough ole’ little man. A wee bit of cold ain’t nothing.”
He removes the ring and prepares for a long night in the desert. He also wears a makeshift headphone made out of sticks and wool. Snuffing out the loud sound of the turbine engines from the planes taking off. The entire day, not one C-5 Galaxy arrived. Only take offs occurred till nearing midnight. In a long hour of nothing active from the runway, a C-5M Galaxy arrives from the South. Directly flying over the port town and performing a hard landing, he could see that it was loaded to the brim with equipment as the struts on the landing gear depress severely.
Seeing that this was the only C-5 Galaxy and the large formation of soldiers and officers at ease to where it's stopping, he brings out his Monoscope once again to see if it's the person they're looking for. And just like that, as the right door opens, General Paul is the first to step out. Immediately greeted by Officers in combat uniforms and wearing their Berets. All of them had the patch of Eldwood, pouring magic into the Monoscope. It zooms in even more, he could see the giddy atmosphere there and tries to read the English Nameplate on his chest.
“GE-EN PA-UL… GENERAL PAUL! OH THAT’S HIM!”
Though still a novice in the Outworlder language, he immediately scrambles for his ring, sitting next to his elbow. Putting it on, The Sword Saint immediately replies.
“Yes Desson?”
“He’s here! He seems to be talking to some of his men. They’re sporting the same patch on their shoulders!”
“Okay! Tell me when he rides another aircraft out of the base alright? If this information is correct, he should be taking a plane straight to a makeshift runway near the Kingdom of Rose. The only aircraft they have that can do it, are those smaller planes with propellers called C-One Thirty Hercules. If he rides one of those, tell me the direction and I’ll try to shoot it down midway through its journey.”
“Are you sure about this, Saint Beth? For such large machines, they fly very fast. Faster than Griffons! It's magnificent what these metal crafts are capable of doing!”
“Don’t worry, when the war starts, I’m sure the Dwarf Tribes will be able to get their hands on one of those.”
“Let’s go! Wahahahaha, the Elves will be liquefying at the sight of my Elders using such machines!”
“Keep up the atmosphere. Also, I think I accidentally released another Sandworm.”
“Saint! If you keep doing this, they’ll be sending more men and equipment! We already did enough!”
“It’s not like they can send more Generals. With General Paul there, Eldwood has fielded all of its High Ranking Officers. They’re still not as prepared or organized as they think, having to snatch him from his diplomatic mission for something like this just shows how little they’ve prepared.”
“I hope you’re sure about this. Ole’ Vampires are scary ones. Some are older than our tribes and towns.”
“When was I ever wrong? Be careful now.”