Snow lightly falls on the city as they board the carriage and head off to the location of Captain Jawoki, which is the Jeu de l'éternité Theater. Once again, he visits the scary gothic auditorium. This time, heading to the top floor and to the personal room of the Amaldia family.

The vampires there were busy rewriting scripts while drinking wine and some talking about making and getting better costumes. Everyone there had their own world going on, and ignored the human waltzing about their territory with a Countess and a woman in black. “We should get the real historical ensembles they wore. Is the Museum open right now?”.

Alana on the other hand just left everyone to their devices while keeping an eye on Bahamut who has already been smitten by the extravagant costumes they had on the upper floors. Many get restitched and repaired as new ones are assembled and carts bring around more jewelry to put onto it.

“Bloodsucker, what is your obsession with jewelry? Can I keep some of them?”

“No. And jewelry has always been part of our history and culture. It is like us, forever shining and eye-catching but it’ll never grow and hard to destroy.”

“Ohhhhh, can I at least get one?”

“No. Not unless you are willing to pay, the Theater makes sure to get the ones closest to the historical figures and what they used and wore. Even the enchanted rubies on our second Queen’s bracelet and necklace or the armor of the Hero that sieged the Kingdom long long ago.”

Even with the amount of activity happening, the General is surprised that the floorboards are yet to creak and as he walks through the staircase, reaching the third floor. He’s spooked by a door that opens and two Elven slaves with a Vampire bring out a crate from it. Looking in, there were no other doors and it seemed like a dead end.

“What the…”

“I think in your world. You call that an elevator. M’Lord.”

“Yo what?! Do you guys have elevators? How come I’ve only seen this now?”

“It's a rarity M’Lord. As the stones needed are the same ones the High Elves use in their floating cities and they are very nitpicky in whom to sell it to. I think this elevator originated from when the High Elves first came to trade with the Vampires long ago. They used the excess stone to make this.”

“How does it work?”

Alana then hops in and shows that on the floor is a small pressure plate with numbers written on it. “You simply press this and the elevator would take you to it.”

“Woah, that’s actually super efficient. Way better than using pulleys and weights.”

“But M’Lord, only the High Elves have the stone used for this. You can actually see it shine if you turn it on.”

Bahamut then peeks in and looks up and down. Sniffing the air inside it while Elizabeth in her bat form peeks out of the General’s jacket. “The High Elves My Lord are pretty much on the same level as you modern humans. But they are far more dependent on magical items than anyone else.”

“Seems like us with oil. Oil runs everything in the modern world, it also makes everything. From the hardware, to the couches, wheels and the steel. It all has oil in it.”

“The High Elves could be said the same when it comes to Magical stone. Most of all this one is called Kienium. Malleable and strong, the High Elves would sell them at insane prices. Back when I was with Charlesmagnes. We were thinking of equipping our entire Knight Legions with them but the price they were selling it at was far too high.”

“Exactly as her majesty says. Though the High Elves actually have a lot of it, they keep the majority to themselves and what they sell to the entirety of the world in limited numbers.”

“That explains their big blimp and the expensive composite armor their grunts wear. With the amount of money they must be gaining from this funds their military to an insane extent.”

“Master, can we stop being amazed by an elevator already?”

“Oh crap, yeah. Which door was it again Alana?”

Inside a big room with four desks on the side and one large one in the middle is a lone human man in a modern military uniform, talking to a woman with long wavy red hair wearing a frilly dress that’s the same color, doing paperwork. Visibly annoyed by something as the Captain pats her head lightly.

“Captain.”

The man was so busy helping the gorgeous red hair that he didn’t see the five star general walk in with a Countess and Dragon God in tow.

“S-SIR! CAPTAIN JAWOKI, WILLIS JAWOKI!”

“At ease Captain.”

“Sir.”

“Any help needed? We need to get this ball rolling, High Command is already getting finicky with our speed.”

The Captain then lightly taps the shoulder of the busy woman. “Psst, the big guy is here.”

“Love, I’m far too busy pleas- BIG BUY?!”

She puckers up and bows to the human man. Missing her bow and accidentally facing the empty air. She then changes her direction and this time properly facing the high ranking military officer in black uniform.

“I APOLOGIZE! MARQUISE VICTORIA AMALDIA OF HOUSE DREYFUS! PLEASED TO BE WITH YOU LORD-GENERAL JASKSON!” biting her tongue, the woman murmurs to herself as she rapidly fixes her dress and hair.

“Y-yea, thanks.”

“A-A-AND GOOD AFTERNOON TO YOU COUNTESS!”

“H-hey Lady Amaldia. Long time.”

Alana just waves behind the broad shoulder of the General while Bahamut could be seen in the background eating a random chocolate in which the cute looking man slaps her head with a roll of paper. The Dragon, visibly annoyed, eats the entire chocolate bar in one go. Making the man angry and rolling two papers to start slapping her with.

“So uhm. Need any help?”

“Hmmm… help help help…”

She begins to rummage through the messy desk as Bahamut battles a frail looking vampire for a piece of chocolate in the back. But the two human men were so engrossed by the pretty red hair trying to find something in such a klutz way and they couldn't help but cheer for her as she opens a bunch of drawers in fast manner, which made paper fall out of her desk for the Captain to catch and neatly fold.

The two, seemingly working like a well oiled machine. Whatever the Marquise would miss, the human captain would fetch and neatly return to her.

“Does this happen often, Captain?”

“Sadly sir. Yes sir.”

“Don’t worry, I feel you. I also have my moments with Alana when we're working together.”

Blushing, the Countess hides behind the General even though they are of the same height. Bahamut on the other hand almost topples the heavy desk in her attempt to eat an entire chocolate bar, and without even noticing it. The pretty vampire boy gets tricked by the Dragon as she throws it in the air and burns it into liquid to eat in one go.

“FOUND IT!”

Handing over a piece of paper to him. It was a well drawn image of a frilly gown with armor incorporated into it. Bahamut on the other hand had the last chocolate taken away from her successfully, forcing her to be more rough with her methods. Making a bigger mess of the room behind them as the other Vampires working just move their heavy desks without making a fuss and going back to their work.

“Nice boob armo- OUCH!”

A quick slap to the back of his head, Alana takes the paper with the drawing and sighs.

“Translation?”

“It’s the dress of Queen Bartley, M’Lord. Her combat dress to be exact.”

“I swear, you Noblewomen have dresses for every single thing. You know, I only carry four outfits with me everywhere and everytime?”

“What? You can’t deny we look good in them. M’Lord.”

“You do, but I wonder if any of you women ever get tired of having to carry with you large boxes. So that’s it? We have to find the Queen’s old combat dress?”

The Marquise just nods as a small fire breaks out behind them. “Oh! You should talk to Sir Bennier! His the young and giddy lad behind you fighting the woman in a funeral gown.”

“IN A WHAT?!”

Paul turned around and his eyes were blazing with anger and Bahamut immediately felt it was directed to her. Prompting the pale lady to return the chocolate to the desk. “O-Oops.” She was subsequently captured. Due to her slim and scrawny frame, the human general wrapped his arm around her stomach and carried her like luggage.

The Dragon lady just crosses her arms and pouts as she’s hurdled around underneath the shoulders of the General. “Tsk, I just wanted some chocolate. Hmph!”

“So, you must be Sir Bennier?”

“And you must be the caretaker of this child in an adult woman's body?”

“I apologize. Bahamut does what Bahamut wants.”

He lightly punches the top of her head which produced a cute squeal from the Dragon. “Ouu.”

“Uh huh. And I’m guessing you're here for the armored dress of Queen Bartley?”

“Yes. Exactly what’s its color?”

“Well, let me see.” he then picks up a big book that was an Autobiography of their Ancient Queen, it included her fashion sense to even her tactics and exploits to achievements and crimes.

“Let me handle this M’Lord. I have the exact same book in my Manor.”

“Nice.”

“It is coloured Silver, though the gown underneath is changeable and has a very complex design on its gauntlet, heeled sabatons, and breastplate.”

“Alright. We’ll deal with this. And exactly why do you need it? Are you gonna use the Queen as an antagonist?”

“Antagonist? Are you trying to offend?”

Alana had to take control of the situation before the General said something more terrible.

“H-he’s human! You know how they see the Queen.”

“Ah, of course. Even though you speak our language, can this one in black also speak Romanz?”

“Bahamut? Ah no, I think she can understand bits and pieces but not entire sentences.”

“Explains much.”

His pitch was so high that it seemed like he was trying hard to sound like a man. His small frame and stature made him look like a teenage boy when next to the battle hardened General in such an intimidating uniform.

“Queen Bartley never did anything that we would see antagonizing. She did everything she could and in the end, succeeded even if it cost us our reputation as a nation. Though call me a slave to the Queen, but that’s how I see it.”

“I apologize and I’ll uhhh.. Take care of this. So, this armor, what did she use it for?”

“Mostly ceremonial stuff. She never actually wore it in combat as seen in this paragraph here. It’s also meant to just be something to show off to her Knights, the Crimson Legion.”

“What is the Crimson Legion? I’ve heard it so many times.”

“Well foreigner. That’s an age-old legend in this Kingdom. Queen Elizabeth has always been a sucker for power, she’d do anything in her strength to become stronger and more influential just like any other Royal. But her reason isn’t truly selfish, as she knew if the leader of a country is strong, then it’d be respected. So the Crimson Legion was born.”

“So there is the symbol of the country’s strength?”

“Exactly, she handpicked each of the men in that Legion. No one whose blood purity is below eighty is allowed. Then the King himself, Charlemagne trained them. It is just a rumor, but it is said that not one of them has truly been killed yet nor has the Legion suffered even one defeat in battle.”

“Oh wow. Yeah, I can see now. That must be one heck of a sight to experience.”

“There was a saying back then, human. Wherever the Queen is, her Crimson Legion follows alongside her and the mythical Invisible Assassins.”

“That just sounds like complete insanity but knowing this world. I’m not even surprised anymore. Alana, Bahamut. Let’s head off then and finish this early.”

“Yes, M’Lord.”

“Roger Master!

“Wait, you don’t need instructions on how to get there and find it?”

“No need, we have the Countess here.”

“... Alright. Have fun human and Lady Minuit, I am honored to have your presence.”

“Keep it up boy, you might become a useful Vampire to the Kingdom one day.”

“Thank you, Lady Minuit.”

They then said their goodbyes and on the way down, the General shoves past an extremely gorgeous vampire with blonde hair. Her long flowing hair smelt of roses and her face, a veneer that any man would fall for instantly. But Alana was there to pinch his cheeks before the man could be fully taken by her beauty.

“OUCH!”

“Oh my.”

The woman turns around, bowing to the Countess. Her soft voice was akin to the hymns of an angel and her skin, as clean as the snow that’s falling outside.

“Lady Minuit, such a pleasure to see you here again. Business with Lady Amaldia mayhaps?”

“Nay, just here with this stupid man.”

“Oh, pleased to meet you, Mister man. I’m Lady Marceleine, pleased to be your acquaintance.”

Unbeknownst to him, he was drooling hard and sniffing her scent while Alana, a step down, just facepalms.

“General Paul… Paul Jackson…”

“Hm. Pleased to meet you General… and who is this woman your luggaging around?”

Bahamut with a big pout and buffed up cheeks just crosses her arms. “I have bigger boobs than her. Heck, my boobs are bigger than Queen-MMFF!” the General covers her mouth before she speaks further.

“S-So, what’s your job here?”

“I’m the lead actress of the upcoming show about Queen Elizabeth and her life.”

“Oh, congratulations! I hope you do well!”

“Hm. Thank you very much. It’s a much acclaimed position as the Theater wishes to replicate the history the best it could… And so far, none has been able to surpass the beauty of our first Queen. It was even said that when she was a human, her beauty was already within that level.”

“I could definitely see it…”

“What would you mean by this? Mayhaps I am mistaken?”

The General is overtly taken by her kind and accepting aura, as if it could suck him in with a single move. Bahamut on the other hand just murmurs to herself.

“N-Nothing!”

Taken away by her extreme politeness even though he was a human really sold her to the man but Alana then had to pull him away. “M’Lord, you really need to stop thinking with your private parts and use that big brain of yours.” The man just giggidy smiles and waves as he is brought to the first floor and into the carriage.

“That was nice…”

“Uh huh. M’Lord, do you plan on sleeping tonight?”

“No. Since the Masquerade party is literally tomorrow and it might take us days to return home with this snowfall. Can we reach Queen Elizabeth’s place from here?”

Poking out of his jacket was Elizabeth in her Cave Bat form.

“My Lord, I’m far prettier than that woman. She does look good but I’m far better! Taller and most definitely my breasts are larger than hers!”

“You aren’t wrong. But it just caught me off guard. She’s a good actress, that's for sure.”

“She can also sing very well, M'Lord. But as Marceleine said, The first Queen's beauty is still unrivaled.”

“See? See? My Lord, even the Countess agrees with me!”

“I know, I know. Don’t need to be jealous.”

The carriage then exits out the capital city and to the snow filled countryside. The temperatures once again dropped so low that the General had to wear his greatcoat as they’re taken to the Queen’s personal castle. They rode for an hour straight at full speed, with the snow mostly falling lightly.

Going through the open fields of the rural county, Alana knocks on the wall behind her and a small slit opens. “Take us to the Cursed Castle of the First Queen.” the door then closes and after a few minutes of silence, the carriage violently veers off the road and enters a treacherous path, the road mostly overgrown already by nature and the soil, with the bits and pieces of the formerly stone road to it already thorn up and destroyed made it a bumpy ride for even the luxurious Coach pulled by eight horses.

“My ass is gonna break again! Fucking hell what is it with this road?!”

“Your ass broke before, My Lord? How would a Donkey even break?”

Elizabeth turns back into her normal form and crosses her arms and legs, looking over to the outside as the carriage passes by ruins of what was supposed to be lamp posts guiding visitors and the nobility to her esteemed castle.

“Not that type of ass! Geez, this reminds me of when my MRAP broke Syria. I had to take a Humvee that was left unused by some Filipinos! They didn’t want it and gave it to me! This ride reminds me of what it was with that bucket of bolts!”

“Isn’t the Humvee M’Lord the boxy thing in green that you always drive around in?”

“Yes and I hate that they made it so easy to manufacture next to the UAZ that when the- OUCH! That when the fucking players of Dark World thought of mass producing an armored vehicle, that is what came to their mind even- OUCH! It’s a stupid ass bucket of shit!”

Three of them laugh as they all are seemingly glued to their seats while the General keeps hopping about, grabbing the handle on the door to keep himself stable. His peaked officer cap falling out and was caught by Elizabeth.

“Heck, the Thai and the Vietnamese that I met - OW! That was… also using it kept giving it to shitty low ranking soldiers and draftees. OUCH!”

“What was your vehicle then M’Lord? You were an Officer weren’t you?”

“It was an MATV! I fucking love it! Though it got destroyed after we- HEY!” The carriage hops a few meters after encountering craters on the road. “It got destroyed by a fucking HHESH shell! Poor Bimby turned into a million pieces! After that, we had to use the Gaz Tigers we bought from Russia, it felt the same but the ceiling height was never- OY!” With the Coachman seeing more craters on the road, he had to start swerving violently, the General was pushed to the floor where he’d swing from left and right as the Coach dodged hundreds of craters seemingly left over by a violent battle. “The same.” The ride soon smoothes out as they approach the main castle.

With the portion of the road seemingly standing the test of time and unharmed by whatever battle that came to the place, the only human for kilometers is on the red carpeted floor of the coach. His uniform all haggard and his officer cap neatly sat in his place.

“Well… I had far worse rides.”

“Pfft. Master, I’m surprised you didn’t go out the door.”

“Shut it Bahamut.”

He then stands back up and sits back down. Cleaning himself by dusting his shoulders and straightening his uniform once again. He then removes his cap so suddenly. Getting the attention of the three women.

With a suave attitude, he sleeks his hair back and then divides it with one hand. Flicking his lips from the fast movement and neatly placing his cap back on it again. “That should do it. So-” looking at the three women, he instinctively leans back at their intense lustful stares at him. “U-Uhm…” Elizabeth was biting her lips while Alana left her mouth a bit open and Bahamut next to him was drooling. All three of them are staring at his brown eyes like they want to tear him apart out of intense love.

Out of nowhere, the carriage veers and the heavy screeches of thick metal gates puts them out of the feeling as the coach enters the Castle’s front yard. The huge driveway looked as if it could fit fifty coaches and hundreds of tenants, with the old garden on it still fighting to retain its ancient beauty.

Around the exterior walls of the Castle stood holes, though none penetrated. The once mighty fortification has had its battles. With broken tiles from the blown windows and fallen rocks and steel.

“The fact that it withstood that much damage and is still standing thousands of years later. I can attest that Dwarves and Vampires together can build some insane stuff.”

“Ho-ho My Lord, but this is merely the exterior. Though long gone, its magnificent red, blue, emerald, and white color. The interior should be more than intact for you to bask in my glory. I took great pride in this house, my beautiful fortress.”

“It’s also quite near, with a coach. We reached it in like an hour and a half though that’s with Alana’s well bred horses that seemingly never runs out of stamina.”

“Hah-hah-hah M’Lord. These horses are a close relative of my personal one. The Conmac’s far more brutish cousin, the Dredmacs.”

“Hm, and I see they are coloured white too. So I’m guessing these are expensive?”

“Very, though, M'Lord. Do not get near them, these are exported from Vitas and its there Demon Generals that have used these horses mostly.”

“Dang, so they come in all sorts of colors too. The ones we encountered had black ones right?”

“Hm. Those are the common colors actually. White Dredmacs can only be found on the upper north of Vitas. The Demons would often work very hard to get these tamed as they live in the harshest climate in the entire continent.”

“Wow, and you Elizabeth? What’s your horse breed?”

“Mine? It was a Deisher from Dragovh. Gifted to me by the King of James after we defeated their Knights.”

“What color was that?”

“Brown and Tan, My Lord.”

“What you M’Lord, what’s Junior’s breed anyways? She seemed large and strong.”

“I actually do not know. I’ve had her checked before and no one knows. Some say she’s a mix of Kravenequs or Dequus, but no one knows. Junior is an undead demon horse from the Demon King’s stable so far all we know, she might be some long lost species.”

“And Bahamut?”

“Hm? I do not have a horse bloodsucker. I think some Dragons did, but I never saw the need for one.”

“Really? Then, we should get you one.”

“No need. I have wings, why use horses when I have wings.”

“It’s inelegant, and you can dress horses to make yourself look more appealing when making an entrance to parties and such, Bahamut.”

“Hmph. I have no need.”

“Well Alana, Bahamut can ride horses though. So I guess if she never feels the need for one. She’ll take one.”

“But don’t take the ones in my stable alright?”

“Yes yes.”

They then patrol the perimeter first before entering the main castle. The group finds nothing but destroyed fountains and left over bits and pieces of weapons and armor. Mostly already eroded to the ground or part of the soil.

One could even say the Castle was in ruins, even though it stood tall. It was far out of its level of safety and parts of it had long already crumbled with even one of the towers in the back already fully collapsed and destroyed. Some parts of the roof are also on the front and side yard, completely fallen and in pieces.

“And are you good about your dress being used for this?”

“Hmmmm… I do not mind, M yLord. It’s far better being used in Theater than what I used it before. It would also be a great shame if it was to collect dust in an abandoned castle.”

“Ehhhh… Does it really look that bad now? Since the King really sold it.”

“That was him reminiscing of times when he could get away with his monkey business. Being a King seemed to have humbled him to a degree, but he is still a monkey, worse, a monkey with the body of a snake. But taking a closer look at it now, my castle is beyond its former beauty. Such a shame.”

“Well, at least it still stands right? This should be repairable still. I’ve seen entire cities that got leveled and rebuilt in a matter of years. So I’m sure the same could be done here. So, did you like… sleep here too? Do Vampires need to actually sleep as looking at this Castle, you must have a huge personal room inside it too.”

“My Lord, I have no need for sleep and merely do it out of boredom. If needed, I may be able to wake up at any moment I wish, it’s one of the many merits of being a Purebred that no longer has a human soul.”

“Then how come Bahamut needs to sleep? Bahamut, you literally slept in the Abyss for an unknown amount of years, right?”

“Hah? Oh well Master. Dragons take up a lot of Mana and our Dragon Hearts, as much as it helps, are also very heavy with it. Though intake of food may fill our Mana up again, sleeping is the best method. Though some it may take years and decades and extreme hibernation would be needed. Elizabeth, you are aware the spell used on you was from Tur?”

“Alana already told me. It was an Outworlder whom I fought and used a Dragon Spell on me. Am I correct?”

“Yes, and it was supposed to regulate our body to hibernation status even if we lacked food. Hence why it puts you into eternal sleep, as to keep our body from rotting away, it would convert Mana into healing and constantly heal our body. But it sadly doesn't solve hunger.”

“Bahamut, may I ask?”

“Yes, bloodsucker?”

“You’ve mastered ancient Teleportation magic, am I correct?”

“Yes. Yes I have.”

“Then how far can you take it? Can you use a portal to travel from one side of the world to another?”

“AHAHAHAHA!~ No. I cannot. I still need a Line of Sight to use Droh’umftunseft. Master, aren’t there literal human mages that specialize only in Spatial magic?”

“Hm. I’m guessing you're asking this Alana as you want to know how useful our teleportation magic is?”

“Yes M’Lord. I feel like if we could perfect the same magic you use for those portals, we could finally connect the world without needing ships and flying creatures.”

“It’s not that easy. Those portals or stargates as others call them are made from rare steel and mixed with any tree that’s lived for two hundred or so years and us humans, Spatial magic is the most costly of all of them. Dragon Teleportation magic is on a whole other level and would be best suited with locations connected to Mana Cores. Though some had enough Mana to use it at least once or twice. It's not recommended, Human and Dragon magic is just far too apart.”

“Interesting, as Spatial magic in Threa is somewhat of extreme rarity due to it being taxing regardless of your species. Our method would be the same that you did, with a written rune on the ground or soil and then a sacrifice or either blood or mana.”

“That’s actually one of the best ways to do it. But the Mana stone or any material that holds Magic is better off used for mending weapons or creating magic scrolls. Bahamut actually has a one of a kind skill if I remembered correctly. She can move portals.”

“Oy Master, I can only do that for a few minutes even in this form.”

“I know but portals are a whole different beast that only God can really use. Though as I said, we can do it with some methods but it's nowhere near the two or one way use that we have. The ones God uses like from his Statues that allow multiple teleportation, yea that stuff is crazy.”

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

“But M’Lord, you had used said portals for cargo transport?”

“Yes… and no. I think from what I read, since I’m not from the Men of the Woods nor the other Guilds. Eldwood never really used Portals due to the maintenance and materials but they mostly used it from City to the countryside Hubs. Though we can build new ones, without being in Tur and having access to our usual areas of farming materials. We cannot employ new ones as it will quickly deplete existing stockpiles that are all being used to maintain the ones we currently have.”

“Interesting, though human innovation is truly something. The sacrifice needed to maintain such a complex portal gate has proven far too costly the moment one thing is removed huh?.”

“It’s crazy, but if you’ve ever visited Earth and how we keep cities with millions of citizens afloat. What we do in Tur is baby stuff compared to that. We’re actually just replicating it but on a smaller scale, and with magic. Things can be more efficient and faster as long as we can upkeep the demand.”

On Top of a big hill, the magnificent structure stood strong against the time. Though dark and brooding, no longer in its original grandeur. It still held the intimidation and the transmission of power she once had over the people of Rose. Securing the outer perimeter, the Coachman of the Minuit’s nonchalantly walks to the gate and sits down in the middle of the path.

“Uhm… is that normal?”

“Don’t mind him. He’s originally a Wood Elf, M’Lord. He wants to sense the forest and feel it.”

“I see, I never noticed as he is always wearing that huge scarf and top hat.”

They then finally walk to the grand entrance of the castle. Bahamut with her immense strength opens it. The creaking of the ancient hinges makes an annoying sound. But to their shock, it opens without much trouble. Inside, they met with a great hall that leads to the lobby. On it is a huge line of statues of Knights with the old flag of Rose.

Inside, there wasn’t even any stone but a mixture of clay and concrete with a solid foundation. With arches and great architecture all over the place, from the ceiling to the lower sides of the wall. There was art everywhere and intricate design, even from afar. The man could notice the small details put in every corner of the entrance area.

“W-Wow. Hot damn, that’s insane.”

“Ho-ho-ho. Feast thy eyes, My Lord! Though I hate to have you see it in such disrepair, it's still once my grand home. The House of Bartley!”

“I can fit multiple blocks from how big this place is. What is that behind it? A Garden of sorts? I can see a sign with flowers on it.”

“A Garden, Horse track and archery. It also had a personal place for sword training. A dance room and multiple dining halls. It also has two armories, My Lord. One underground in the Dungeon, and one year the roof.”

“No wonder you can use a wide variety of weapons without a problem. You really trained yourself huh?”

“When I was given eternity, I knew I could finally broaden my horizons. No longer must I be a Priestess that can only heal and use holy bolts and lightning.”

“Ah, so your original specialization was Lightning huh? Human magic?”

“My village originally uses Elven magic though that was a long long time ago and I’ve forgotten many other aspects to my old life.”

“At least you still remember something. As a human, I’ve already forgotten so much about my past with how fast I was living life.”

The coachman then walks off into the forest, following the words of the trees as his long pointy ears pop out of the scarf. The farther he got, the more it looked like something a scary vampire that’s lived alone for hundreds of years would’ve had. Straight out of an old Dracula novel but more scarier and real as it gets. An ancient castle that’s far removed from society, a downtrodden but once glorious piece of architecture now a ruin that lurks within it an Evil presence of war and death.

He then looks at the left and right first. Both have long hallways on them, with one on the left having a grave of King Charlesmagne the Great. The shiny coffin caught his eyes and the man walked to it. With an urging feeling, he touches Bahamut and teleports in the Vampire sword he was gifted to.

Without even noticing, he was already right before the golden coffin of the Kingdom's first King. Holding the sword up to it like he was showing it off to the dead.

“My Lord?”

“O-Oh yea… sorry. That… felt weird.”

“Are you fine, M’Lord? Should we leave?”

Before he knew it, the two Vampires were on both of his sides, checking on him.

“I-I’m fine. Sorry, what the fuck was that…”

“What do you mean My Lord?”

“Elizabeth, when you were asleep. Your soul was still active right? That’s how the UN Expeditionary force found you, correct?”

“Yes, My Lord.”

“Could the same be said… to him?”

The beautiful Queen then lightly lays her hand on the golden coffin of her former King. She sweeps her hand on its dusty surface, with Bahamut in the back drooling at the shiny object right before her.

“He’s… resting, My Lord.”

“Really? I felt… something. Something got control of me for a second there. Bahamut, did you find anything?”

“There was a blonde man with messy hair sitting down on top of this coffin, Master. I think he was wearing a blue noble uniform with golden laces and epaulets. He seems to be a weak ghost so it should be nothing.”

Bahamut then looks at Elizabeth who is seemingly under great distress. Her once prideful eyes now gone of its emerald shine and only a woman in terror remained.

“What did it want from me Bahamut?”

“I did not notice, Master. I was looking at the shiny lobby. Before I knew it, you were already here near the coffin.”

He then places his hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder. The woman jumped a bit but she soon laid her hand on top of his. Wrapping her fingers around his.

“Was he at rest though?”

“Hm. He had a stupid smile on his face. He has pretty blue eyes though.”

“Hmph. That fool of a Knight, even after dying he has the gall to smile like the gallant man he was. Did the both of you meet eyes, Bahamut?”

“Yes, Elizabeth.”

“Did he say anything? Was he in pain? Did he regret marrying me? Was he angry after seeing me and flew away?”

“No. He was at peace.”

Suddenly, the General felt the Queen's grip on his hand tighten even more.

“Good… good. Very good.”

She then faces the General and sees an entirely different face. “M-my King…” the handsome blonde man smirks at her. His mouth moved and his face smiled. Alana walks forward, seeing the frozen General as if he is under the possession of someone, but Bahamut stops her.

The blonde man was not only hunky, but an image of a soft and well hearted gentleman. Born to be a great person from birth, but cursed to die not a human. A tear falls from Elizabeth’s eye and the man reaches out to wipe it only upon contact. The remaining image left was that of a smiling General Paul whose eyes wander in confusion as to what happened.

“He passed.”

“Hm. That’s for the better. My Lord, we should carry on.”

“U-uhm yeah sure.”

“M’Lord? Are you fine?!”

Alana on the other hand reaches out to the General and touches him. “You were stiff and frozen. I couldn’t believe it. I sensed your heart stopping.”

“I’m fine Alana. Someone just wanted to say some words before leaving. Bahamut, did you hear what he said?”

“My Queen Consort, my first and only love. Be still with your heart and move on.”

“Hmph. C’mon Elizabeth, we have to find that armor.”

“Hm. Of course, My Lord.”

The General got close to the big gravestone and placed his hand at its top. Bowing his head for a few seconds. He then makes a sign of the cross.

“What was that for, My Lord?”

“Something I do in my religion. Pay it no mind, it's also the place where I usually spew some random passage from. When all you can hear is the air being broken by falling artillery shells, all you can do is pray and hope that when it's your time. I got the same feeling from him, when he took control of my body. It looked like he went out his way.”

“Hm, he did. Right Countess?”

“The King went out defending your Court, your majesty. His body didn’t disintegrate after it was charred. It was moved here as people were defacing it in public after the downfall of the Kingdom.”

“As… expected. We did end in utter failure.”

“Be Strong, and Take Heart, all you who hope for the Lord.”

The Vampires look at the man who spoke the passage so lightly and with eloquence. Seemingly an entire different General was before them. His face had a smile but his eyes left with a shine.

“He was a soldier and so was I. Regardless if he was a Vampire, I hope my God will forgive him for his transgressions and allow him passage. In the end, he was also just another man.”

“Don’t mind that now, My Lord.” Elizabeth places her hand on his right shoulder, Alana on his left. “He had that stupid smile on him before he left. Tsk, I never managed to defeat him in that tabletop game.”

“You really are bad with those games aren’t you?”

“Enough. I’ve experienced enough emotions for now, My Lord.”

“Hahahahaha Yeah, Let’s go on then.”

He stands up and looks up to the scary interior, it reminded him more of a Cathedral of sorts than a location to base Royalty. The snow didn’t help in masking its dark colors and disrepair. Walking to the lobby, his nostrils were overwhelmed with dust and the smell of ancient carpet.

“So, where is that battle ballgown of yours?”

“It should be on the fourth floor, All of you, follow me and keep close.”

Walking to the massive lobby, the group is shocked to see there were sleeping horses hitched at a marble pillar and bedrolls around a circle with what was seemingly a campfire in the middle of the giant lobby.

“Well shit. We got company.”

The General inspects the horses, they were all properly fed and wearing armor and clothing, on their saddle are pouches and most of all, the presence of stirrups. Opening everything he could while Bahamut sniffed the air for anything. The two vampires were on alert, guarding the two as they rummaged through the personal effects of the intruders.

“Found it. It’s a Holy See Adventurer Card. Same one we had… they seem to be Top Tier Adventurers. Look at them, all Veteran Adventurer rank. Their experience points are also very high.”

Not understanding the name, he flips it around to be bombarded by a ton of spells written on the back.

“Is this Dragonian?”

“Seems to be a dialect of it, Master.”

“I see. Well, these folks aren’t joking. Looking at their kit, one of the horses had a pouch for a compound bow, another one had a bunch of potions, so if Bahamut’s nose ever reacts. It means their Mage is near. They all seem to be armed with swords too.”

“Hmph, it shall be a breeze My Lord.”

“We’ll see. This is a well composite team, if they use their powers rightly enough. They can overpower us. This is six people to be exact. Alright, let’s get to that gown before we’re discovered.”

The General then approaches a purple door with golden hinges and knob. As he was about to twist it, Elizabeth appears right next to him. Her hand trembling as she stopped him from turning it.

“This is the sex dungeon isn’t it?”

“O-Oh… what could you mean, My- My Lord.”

“I can smell the debauchery from here.”

“N-No. Tha-that must be just you.”

“Ah geez. We have to check every room though.”

“Let’s just get to the top floor My Lord. I assure you it's there.”

“And what about checking the rooms?”

“I have over a thousand rooms, My Lord, and a few hundred more in the Dungeon below.”

“And the sex chamber?”

“Ahhhh… whatever could you mean, My Lord?”

Elizabeth’s eyes wandered as she avoided making eye contact with the human.

“Look, I won’t judge you. I know that you were… in a depressive place in your life and was suicidal at that time. But what if they're just right there behind the door?”

“Ahhhhhh… we should just let them be My Lord. Our objective is my armored gown, correct?”

“That’s a first. I thought you’d wanna fight them and cut them up. Alright. Lead the way.”

The group immediately follows the Queen up the stairs and weaving through a seemingly endless number of hallways and corridors leading to all sorts of recreational areas, avoiding crumbling floors and ceilings as they reach the top floor and into her personal floor. The entire area had luxurious cabinets and expensive carpets strewn about with huge tables and coaches left about to collect grime and dust.

“Elizabeth, I just realized, But we haven’t encountered them yet. Could it be?”

“My castle has a vast underground dungeon to it. Most of it is my lab and testing area. They could be there, My Lord.”

“Ah, that explains a lot. I’m guessing they’re there for your research? I have no reason to believe you’d keep anything important in the sex chambers right?”

“Hmm… not really My Lord. I don’t really visit that place, I had it built since after my parties, the debauchery of the Nobility would reek into the halls which I always patrol. I do not like my beautiful walls and floors smelling of the reek of sweat and fluids. I think they’re after my underground armory.”

“Oh yeah, you had that… WAIT.”

“C-calm down, My Lord. It shouldn’t have anything powerful at this point. Countess, had the Kingdom not relinquished even my weapons and prototypes?”

“Hm? No your majesty. Your castle has been kept in place without any interference. Even before I was born, no one dared walk into this place, not even the Nobles.”

“Oh goodness me. Well, you heard her, My Lord.”

“For now, let’s collect that combat gown or whatever. One problem at a time.”

The Queen then leads them to a big heavy door, the are two large doors with designs of thorns and roses etched into it. Like a tornado of beauty and danger, the engravings on it say all you need. As she opens the door, revealing her private room. The castle shook from an explosion deep inside the foundation.

“U-uhm… what was that?”

“Do not worry about that My Lord. Must be the traps I set. As if I’d let some foreign intruders waltz into my dungeon without giving them a hard day. Though it would be nice if they could remove themselves from the premises of my soil.”

“I’m surprised your traps would still work after god knows how long.”

“Of course, most of them are made from magic and pressure plates, My Lord. I made sure that even after I perished, my secrets will not be given away without a fight. I was even planning on putting a link to my coffin to this place. So that I may appear if they ever get past all of my security measures.”

“Since that won’t be happening, I’ll give you all a rundown on what to do when encountering a fully composed team. Bahamut and I have had our encounters with their type and… the results vary.”

Fully swinging the door open, they’re met with a beautiful red coloured room with a King size bed that had its curtains folded. Elizabeth nonchalantly walks at the farthest cabinet and opens it. She spins the hangers and it reveals her collection of battle gowns. Some are fully armored, looking like a Knight armor styled to look like an elegant gown.

“What was it again?”

“The silver one with the purple gown underneath, My Lord. They have good taste, I had this one crafted to me by a famed Weaver, and the threads were bought from the most extravagant Clothiers of Geraldia, of course this is the most expensive purple color from them. Tresiua Purple.”

“I see, and where did you use this then?

“They must be playing the part when I besieged the Kingdom of James’ Capital.”

“You did what?! You personally did that?!”

“It was hardly a challenge, the vampires I put within their ranks did most of the job for me, My Lord.”

She takes it from its hangar and dusts it off while the General curiously looks at her personal effects. Ranging from Powders to Make up scattered on top of a desk with a large mirror. Next to her bed was a self portrait of her and inside the cabinets was countless numbers of house clothing and jewelry. The necklaces also had their own stands and display cases while bracelets and other types of accessories are neatly organized into their color and size.

In one of the cabinets on the corner, he opens the bottom drawer and finds a sewing kit and a half made red scarf.

“Elizabeth, you were into this?”

“Hm? Oh that, Well. I tried, though I could never do it, even though I’m a vampire. I seemingly have a curse when it comes to sewing things, My Lord.”

“Really now? Well I can teach you a thing or two. Though Alana, don’t you know how to sew?”

“Last I sewed was in the University at Etiquette class. I should be able to do something simple if you were to task me, M'Lord.”

“Really? It's super easy.”

“I’m surprised you know how to sew, My Lord.”

“Had to learn it, it's very annoying when you're rolling into combat and have a large gaping hole in your uniform's right sleeve. Doesn’t help that it's stupidly cold at night in the desert and the stupid exoskeleton oversuits given to us won’t ventilate our uniform if it has a tiny ass hole.”

He takes the red scarf and proceeds to finish it. Sitting down on her bed while Bahamut sniffs around for anything interesting. Checking every nook and cranny of her room and finally finding a red ruby which she silently steals. Though the Queen noticed her, she just let her have it. Curiously looking at her Lord finishing the scarf that she started.

Elizabeth sat next to Paul who was rapidly working on the cloth. Though silent, he was focused on doing the task. His hands were fast on it, alternating and changing sizes as he followed the zigzag design she wanted to go for.

“My, Looks like I still have a lot to learn.”

“Here, try it.”

He hands over the scarf to her and starts teaching the Queen on how to do it. Leaning down and giving it her entire attention, the woman slowly does it while the General taught her and Alana who occasionally parted some techniques.

Bahamut on the other hand finds the cabinet for bracelets and her golden eyes sparkle at the sight. Taking one, the Dragon puts it on and does some poses. “Ohhhh, it looks nice but far too showy.” She then throws it on the floor and takes another one which is coloured green. “Hmmm… this one pairs nicely with the Master's brooch but… a bit too big! Meh!” The Dragon then began making a mess while Elizabeth was far too busy learning how to sew properly to take notice.

“TA DA! Winter vampire neckerchief! Bwahahaha!”

“Ohhhh! Good work My Lord! It looks magnificent!”

“You did some of it though. Don’t worry, you're already getting the hang of it. Looks like you just needed someone to be with you.”

“Heh, I was actually planning on making this as a gift.”

The General then puts it on the Queen. The man ties it around her neck and pats it to blow some dust off, making her blush as he stupidly smiles and gives a thumbs up. Approving the new piece of clothing.

“Combat gown secured. Let’s roll out.”

Going downstairs and back to the grand lobby, with Paul scolding Bahamut for making a huge mess from the Queen’s drawers did Elizabeth stop. Staring blankly into a dark hallway that leads downward.

“Is that it?”

“Yes, My Lord.”

“Hmmm… There's no door left. That’s certainly not a good sign. These people might be on the level of Demigods for them to leave such a clean opening. No damage to the walls too, they know how to control magic properly.”

“D-Demigods M’Lord? E-Eh?”

“I can read you five miles away. Let’s make this quick, we have to go home before twelve. Alana, what Hotel did you check us into again?”

“Do not worry about that, I have everything written down in my head!”

“Good.”

The General unholsters his Python revolver and Vampire sword, leading the group down to the Dungeon. Stopping at a cross, the Queen instructed him to go left and the door led them to a large dusty hall.

“Wow, just how gigantic is your castle!?”

“W-Well, I wanted my own personal space. I kinda went overboard when I was talking to the Dwarven Engineers and Architects.”

“Geez lady, we’ll be here for hours-”

An explosion occurs far inside the hall, rocking the stone ceiling. Causing dust to fill the already clouded air. Going down the flight of stairs and following the trail of carnage, mostly bones in Knight armor and sticky glue-like ectoplasm scattered on the flooring did they come across a broken longsword on the floor.

A few steps from it were empty bottles and a flask.

“Geez, so your traps are Necromancy and explosions?!”

“Yup, My Lord! Further down, they should encounter the Living Armor.”

“... A what?”

On the door before her lab, a young teenage man wearing light Knight armor walks through a tight hall and gets spooked as the seven foot tall Knight armor on a stand floats and blocks the entrance to it.

“Watch out Frank. That’s an age-old trap.”

“Sshh! I heard something, Sally.”

“Nothing. Just keep going. We should be the only ones here.”

The petite woman with long pointy ears jumps into a guard balcony and readies her bow, pointing it at the path they came from. Their Mage on the other hand looks at the Knight armor on the stand, the heavy set of steel wields a Greatsword and shield and the color of its steel was dark with bronze linings.

“Alright, Frank, Liam, and Atkinson. That thing won’t have enough space to fully swing its sword. Keep a distance and when it swings, that’s when you attack. We’ve done this before, but this is our first time encountering Living Armor in Threa. Let’s see if its the same in Tur.”

Frank being their DPS and Tank moved forward as the Dwarven man Liam kept a distance with his massive War Hammer and their Demon, Atkinson readied his claws. Sharpening it with the two horns on his head. The Knight then lifts the visor of his helmet. Revealing nothing inside.

“Arrêt! Du sollst nicht passe plus longtemps! Letzte alerte!!!”

“Albert! You're the one with Translation skill. What did it say?!”

“It just warned us not to come further, last warning.”

“Alright, I’m opening! Do not falter alright? If one falls, support!”

Frank lunges at the hulking Knight and it immediately blocks his swing. It was then rattled by the Dwarven man in leather and steel armor, his small size gave him just enough clearance to clear the Greatsword of the Living Armor as it embeds it on the side of the wall.

“DWARF MAGIC! MOLD STEEL!”

His hammer strikes the breastplate of the Living Armor, leaving a dent which automatically fixes itself. His spell did no damage apart from it as Atkinson, with his demonic speed appeared out of nowhere, his red clawed hand pushing his hair backward as the man's talon scratched its gauntlet. But even with their strength and magic, the Living Armor forcibly pulls its sword out from its long rusted scabbard, the ear blistering sound of the blade pushing its way out and the hulking armor puts its large steel kite shield up.

“That’s strange! Atkinson! Liam! Let Frank step forward! Living Armor doesn’t repair itself like that!”

“Yup!”

“Gotcha magic man!”

It then slowly moves forward, loud irritating clanks echo through the Dungeon as the ancient metal armor starts to once again animate. The huge Knight slowly pushes them out of the tight hallway and into the large hall where it may be able to freely move. Frank steps forward and takes on its massive greatsword. Parrying it with his own, causing a shock to ripple through the tight dungeon space.

“Not on my watch!”

Their Elven mage Albert casted fire magic, turning the stone tiles below it into Magma. This melts its sabatons, making it walk slower. But it wasn’t out yet and kept forcing itself forward. He then casted a wide range of Healing on the frontliners as Sally, with her Compound Bow embeds an enchanted arrow into its front plate. Making it burst, slowing down the Living Armor even more.

Frank with his high level Knight armor, gleaming with holiness runs amok the magma floor, throwing swings while Atkinson and Liam targeted its legs. It would swing its Greatsword and block with its shield with no tire, while their souls are slowly starting to shatter from the attrition. “We might have to drag it to the bigger chamber! Albert! Start backing up and Sally! Watch our rear!” What attack did pass only dented its armor and scratched it further just for it to repair itself completely. “Roga’!” Sally drops from the Balcony and her nose instantly smells something in the dark brooding hallway behind them. “Is that… Make up?”

Armed with a relentless stride, the seven foot tall armor started dashing, unlocking more and more of its strength as the battle forced it to repair its rusted parts.

“Tsk! Frank! Switch tactics! It's far too strong! Sally! We need more of that Gem Tipped arrow!”

Just as the tall Knight armor was about to finally leave the tight hallway, Sally jumps to the balcony once again, changing the arrow from a normal one into a special tipped one. Upside down and mid air, she fires an arrow as the three men distracted it. It slides right into its eye hole and explodes inside its helmet. Completely destroying its head. The party on the other hand kept backing up as Frank kept taking on its blow, the Greatsword not denting his armor.

“Frontline! Dodge!”

With the scream of their mage, the three men retreat as sparkling golden water hits it. The blessed liquid burns upon contact. Though it did nothing, the Mage puts his hand up his chin.

“So, what is it?!”

“It’s Demonic that’s for sure. But how it repairs itself is the same as the manner of a Vampire. We might need another tactic when we fully drag it to the chamber!”

“Got that Liam? Atkinson?”

“Hm!”

“Righto’ mate! This ole small Dwarf won’t be dead today!”

But even without its helmet, it still had its body and kept moving forward till finally reaching the open chamber. Now able to fully flex its helmetless self, the armored Knight lunges forward at Frank, swinging its massive sword as Liam once again tries his magic at it. “CRUMPLE STEEL!” His Warhammer hits its cape, to his surprise it was also a weapon and nullifies his entire spell. Their Knights’ small round shield takes the blow from its greatsword but in the process, throws him into the wall. He groaned as his body plops into the dusty floor, visibly struggling to regain strength.

Sally once again tries with an explosive tipped arrow, its tip glowing in the dark as the unstable mana storage is fired into the Living Armor. But adapting quickly, it swings its Kite shield up high, resisting the blow and swings its greatsword once again at the Dwarf who successfully dodges it, making its blade hit the wall instead, collapsing a portion of the Dungeon. With a prepared cant alongside their red skinned Demon man’s strength, they both hit the back of the Living Armors leg.

This forced it to kneel down as Atkinson attacked it with his claws and hellish fire breath. As much as the Demon man tried his best, the living set of armor was far too durable and now with a burnt spot on its shiny frontplate. Seeing the futility of the situation, Albert thinks up another plan. Rummaging through his pouch, he gets a stone box with glowing etchings.

“Atkinson! Stop fighting it and help me with this!”

“What?!”

“I need you to hold it into place, you're a full blood Demon. You should be able to at least hold it in place for a few seconds!”

“Are you crazy!? This things’ already stupidly strong!”

“No matter! It’ll die! Liam! Frank! Help him!”

“GRRRRRR-AHHH!”

Messing up his sleek hair, the Demon man grabs its Kite shield and pushes it down with all his strength while Frank gets ontop of its back and pushes the tip of his blade down on it while the Dwarf presses his Warhammer into its hand that’s on the ground. “MEELLLTT!” the spell works, amplified with his weapon, the Living Armor’s hand partially melts into the stoney floor. Liam with his small height then climbs on top of the Seven foot tall Knight and smashes his War Hammer into its right hand, immobilizing its sword as Albert casted magic. “Taste Elven magic you shiny son of the bitch! Harrowing Fire!” His staff’s expensive and antique gem glows wildly as a spinning arrow tipped of fire climbs up and dwarfs the Living Armor. He then faces his hand at the Dark Elf with the Compound Bow, making Sally smile as her weapon is buffed.

“Rods of Flaming Hustisia! Lightning Bolts of the Gods!” he throws the Mana storage into its gaping neck guard. Making it explode with fire and lightning, bits and pieces of its armor falling off from the insane amount of damage it took in an instant. The Living Armor wasn’t backing down and with what energy it had left lifted its immobilized right hand which got struck again by the War Hammer, completely denting its joints, fixing its angle into place. Even with this, its greatsword slowly makes an effort into the Demon man, whose muscles were showing from his thick suit. “Hah! I got more! Sally! I have more Mana stones in my pouch! Ready?”

“Ready!” Sally with her now buffed weapon and using magical arrows lunges another special tipped one, this time enchanted by her and Albert, as the Mana Storage drops inside its body and lightning hits it with a swirl of fire, her arrow drops the greatsword from turning her Demon friend into two pieces. Soon after, the dust settles and the Living Armor collapses into individual pieces. “YEAH!”, “WOHOO!”, “TAKE THAT YOU MOTHERFUCKER!”, “G-Guys, I need healing… bweh.”

“FRANK NEEDS HEALING!”

They rush to their Demon friend whose arm is completely cut from the Greatsword. “Damn thing threw it at me at the last second.” Albert then completely reheals his arm back, even his suit was fully repaired by his Healing magic.

A rolling vase then gains their attention as they all simultaneously look back to see a pale woman in a gothic funeral gown catch the shiny bronze vase. Frank, who was now fully healed, sprung back to life. His sword out and pointing it at the woman. The clanking of an armor then comes barreling along as she hugs the vase, burning the dust off and making it as clean as could be.

“I wouldn’t hug that if I were you. I used many of the vases and pots here for garbage.”

“Eh?”

A man seemingly wearing an extravagantly shiny silvery Knight armor with a crimson cape and a helmet adorned with a crown grabs Bahamut and luggages her back into the cover. But the sides of his view caught the party, all looking at him as the Countess peeks over to see what was happening. “M’Lord, we’ve been detected.”

“Ah damn.”

He then looks at the party, staring down at them through the slits of the helmet.

“Not gonna lie, you have a pretty good composition. Three Frontline, Two Backline and an Archer.”

“English?! You're a player?!”

The Five then spread out, their weapons and magic ready to go.

“Yo.”

“Vampire? Why are you wearing the Vampire King's Knight suit?”

“Elizabeth told me with this, I should be able to open all the doors and the traps won’t be set off. Not gonna lie, you guys left some pretty nice loot back there.”

“Elizabeth?”

“Yeah. This armor feels nice though, the padding on the shirt and trousers makes it feel like I’m wearing running pants rather than a set of armor.”

“Master, can you put me down? We’re already detected.”

“YES BECAUSE OF YOU AND YOUR OBSESSION WITH SHINY THINGS!”

“W-who is that woman?!”

“This is Bahamut, the other girl with her arms crossed is Elizabeth, back wearing the ancient Queens armored gown. The one peeking over is Alana.”

“Hello dear intruders.”

“Heavens, the Dragon God herself…”

Atkinson stares at his party members, frozen in place like they just saw death itself.

“What am I missing here?”

“That woman right there with the veil… that’s a Dragon God…”

“Bahamut, can you show them?”

He lets go of the Dragon and she stands up, her height, taller than the Queen as she reveals her metallic black horns.

“So? Isn’t that horn found on all Black Dragons? Albert, just what is she?”

“Atkinson, I know you were just some slave but… that’s a DRAGON GOD.”

“She doesn’t seem that bad? I don’t smell danger from her.”

Hearing this, Bahamut then walks into the chamber and the room instantly fills with an aura of imminent death. She then reveals her long armored tail and her arm changed to that of a Dragons. The man in the Vampire Kings suit of armor then places his hand on her shoulder.

“Alright, now with you guys knowing what you're dealing with. How about you all vacate the premises?”

“B-But, we have to get the sword… uhm… what was it again Albert?”

“It’s La Nuit des Longs Couteaux. A vampire longsword made out of Meteorite steel.”

“Yea! That one!”

“Look, seeing you now. With that heavy knight armor made from hardened enchanted steel. I don’t want to destroy it or wreck it or that shiny sword of yours.”

Elizabeth then walks forward. Hand on her hip with an authoritative stare on the Party that dared walk into her house.

“Oy you unlettered buffoons. That sword’eth was gifted tu thee’ by thy former husband. I’d like it if you weren’t to steal such a precious thing from me.”

“Who’re you? Some sort of Queen?”

From the Dark Elven girl to the Demon man, they were all surprised by the beauty of the blonde woman as she stepped foot into the well lit chamber, from her height to form. It was meant to attract and pleasure one's eyes and take your attention fully. Her voice, though intimidating and deep, had a certain effect on them as it made their ears open to her.

“Thou’est thee owner and Matriarch of this fine Castle. Onceth’thee great meeting place of those under thy Reign. It’d be respectful if you philistines would disappeareth, nae touch’et my life's work. Also, refer to thee as The Queen Consort, Her Beloved or castrate thyselves before thee for such disrespect.”

“I-impossible! You're dead! You're long dead!”

“Not dead. Asleep. This fine handsome man wearing this magnificent armor befitting of his stature saved me from my eternal slumber and ended my bloodlust.”

She placed her hands at the Vampire Knight armor’s shoulders, putting him more into the light of the oil lamps. His immense presence and pose made them back a few feet as he unsheathed the ancient Vampire sword he carried and pointed his revolver at them. Albert then steps forward, gesturing for his party members to put down their weapons.

“Okay, okay. I get it but we came from Dragovh and we sure as hell won’t be going out of this palace without what we came for. How are you then? Don’t tell me your the ancient Vampire King too?”

“No. No I am not.” he then removes the helmet, showing his normal human ear and teeth. “I’m merely a General. General Paul Jackson of the Knights of Eldwood. It's part of the United Nations now, but yea. I’m a Five Star General in command of Eldwood’s ground forces and the Men of the Woods’. I’m on a diplomatic journey in this hellish landscape that almost killed me twice.”

Seeing his face and serious stare he is giving them, Frank returns the gesture and removes his helmet. Showing his sleek black hair and bright purple eyes.

“Then how about this? Since we have a contract with the University of Magic at the Capital of James. Give us something that we could take home at least, we can just say the sword has been destroyed or already looted. We’ve come too far, this journey took us a month and a week of planning on sneaking through the border.”

“Hmmm… Elizabeth? Care to give something?”

“Gods, am I running a charity? Follow me.”

The ancient queen reluctantly leads them to her lab. Pressing a hidden stone brick on the wall that opens a secret door on the other side of the tight hallway. Baffling the party as the door forward was seemingly it. “You fools almost fell for it. The path there will only lead you around. This Dungeon was made to make you feel like you're going in different directions but is actually just a circle.” Elizabeth then leads them through the dark tunnel, Bahamut with her magic lights up the lamps on the walls as they arrive into a huge open area that’s suddenly lit up.

Like an underground warehouse, the entire room was filled with all sorts of chemistry sets and a large library of books, while on the sides were skulls, bones, herbs, spices, and other ingredients needed for potion making. While near the center were pots of all sizes and spoons. The Countess looks to her right from the thick armored pillar, she is shocked to see a large room with a magic circle in the middle. “I’d not enter that Countess.”

“Of course your majesty. But that residue…”

“Keep it there. It might help later on if anyone tries to intrude on my house.”

The players are all amazed by the dusty room. Even though it's been abandoned for so many years, it still smelled of potions and materials. With Bahamut constantly sneezing from the smell, at times she’d achoo with a bit of fire. Albert looks at the books scattered about the messy tables with blueprints and random pieces of paper with all sorts of drawings and notes put into them. To his surprise, even he couldn’t translate it. It was all in old Romanz and though the writing was pretty and neat, it looked extremely complex with even complex mathematics mixed in the illustrations.

Bahamut on the other hand was with Sally, sniffing the flowers on the shelves, the Dark Elf and Dragon God were having the time of their lives taking in the rare collection of flowers with apparent rare effects as each one was labeled. Bahamut was about to bite one of the petals till Paul placed his hand on her shoulder, reminding her.

“Now, don’t try to touch too many things, all of you. Some of the things I was playing with here were flammable and explosive.”

Atkinson all the while picks up a book and sees that it's in his native language. He opened it and to his surprise, the entire thing had notes and written words in Old Romanz.

“You really went through all the stops huh? Beauty and Brains. Impressive, Your Queen Consort, The Beloved.”

“Thank you for the compliment Demon man. But most of my research here would already be outdated or useless. Many millennials have come to pass, and since you're nice enough. I’ll allow you to call me, Majesty.”

“But even then, you understand Eastern Dakian? The language here is native to my village. This is what was taught to me by my parents, Your Majesty.”

“I did, I had all the time in the world to learn. It was pretty easy actually, as I already knew Dragonian and Romanz.”

Paul on the other hand looks at the weapons near the pot in the middle. Most of them being curved swords and golden lancers.

“What’re these for Elizabeth? Is Gold here easier to enchant?”

“Oh! I should give you something!”

“Hm?”

The Queen looks through the shelves on the other side of the large room. Weaving through the scattered books and tables with Scientific apparatus and looking at the collection of random weapons and pieces of armor. Alana on the other hand finds an old novel from a renowned Vampire author. “The Nights of Eternity” by Sir Jacques. Skimming through it, she’s shocked to see it wasn’t even the ones sold as collector’s items but one of the first real copies.

“Countess, you may keep that if you want. I’ve read that so much that I could practically recite it from start to finish.”

“Thank you, your majesty. I see you met Sir Jacques.”

“He was… an interesting Vampire. I guess his adventures hiding at night from the Holy Knights made him that way. Though he’d usually crash in my castle because he found the second floor terrace far too beautiful! What a dolt he was! A squatter even!”

Atkinson and Frank on the other hand take one of the weapons on the shelf. With an old Rapier taking their attention.

“Oh! There we go!”

Elizabeth takes it from their hands and gives it to her Lord.

“This is the Parade Rapier that I’d give to my generals. This was Mar Marioleone’s but he is nowhere to be found. It’d be better if you were to use this for the Masquerade party, My Lord. Remember, you must look your best at such an event, as you’d say. Pull all stops.”

“Is it really that fancy? How fancy can I get? At this point, I might as well just wear a uniform made out of gold.”

“Bahahahahaha! Oh my!” the Queen laughed hysterically, gaining everyone's attention as her deep womanly voice sounded so Evil from it. “Funny enough My Lord, some actually did wear uniforms made out of gold back then. Those opulent fools would wait years to get it done just to wear it for a day!”

Albert slowly walks to Atkinson and Frank. “Yea, that’s a vampire queen alright.”

“Dude, you see her boobs?”

“Heck, look at those hips. They don’t lie even with that frilly dress.”

As if she detected their gazes instantly, the woman’s eyes then turned to them within a second.

“Don’t stare too much now boys, you might lose it.”

“D-don’t worry your majesty. We’ll be on our way.”

“Of course, please follow me.”

She leads the players with the native demon to the railed platform that gives one a full view of the magic circle. On Top of one of the drawers was a rare Blood Rose, in full bloom. She then opens another drawer and gives them a staff with a blood coloured gem on it.

“Take that. You wanted something that’s vampiric magic, yes?”

Sally with her immense agility takes it before the boys could and touches it with Bahamut whose mouth is already open, ready to bite and check its hardness. General Paul quickly smacks her head and drags her away from the scene before she could cause more trouble.

“This Staff is something I’ve been working on to prevent Vampires from waltzing into my Dungeon. Countess, I presume your blood can control it?”

The Countess opens her palm and the gem on the staff lights up, with a faint red aura coming from it.

“Of course your majesty. This is elementary for us Minuit’s.”

“It’s your ancestor that discovered that. Be proud of it, and thus. I shall give you the authority if you want to give it. Sir Friedrich Minuit was fairly surprised by its properties, so I gave it a bit of a swirl and made it more effective. I used its properties to turn this Gem into a sort of Vampire repellent.”

“Master, what does that thing do? It smells very tasty.”

Bahamut rests her head on the General’s right shoulder. As the two stared into the rare blood coloured gem.

“M’Lord, I’ll answer her. The Blood Rose is a speciality that we use on some of our rarest Wine. But it's also a rare flower that is born out of the blood in the soil. It only grows in certain areas where multiple races fought and died in a singular field. It contains many rare and powerful properties that even affect us Vampires. I used it on this old antiquated magic staff I found and it surprisingly works.”

“Ohhh… that’s why.”

All the while, the players couldn’t believe that Bahamut was doing such a thing. They all tilt their head at the very human act of the Dragon.

“Does she always do that, General?”

“Just call me Jackson. And yes, she usually sits on my right shoulder when she is a small dragon. Now that she’s a woman taller than me. She does… that.”

“What? Got a problem with that, Chosen Ones?”

The players instinctively held their weapons tightly upon the stare of the Dragon.

“I forgot to add, to make it harder in attaining a Blood Rose, the corpses must’ve been stacked on top of each other when they died. This Blood Rose, when in close proximity to vampires, would improve all of their abilities. But when directed to an enclosed space like this Gem. It could also be used to overpower our senses, acting as a repellent.”

The General puts his hands on his chin. Closely observing the faintly red aura coming from the gem with Bahamut. “Master… it's too pretty…” seeing the sparkling golden eyes of the Dragon underneath her veil. The man held her waist just in case she was to jump to it.

“I knew it was something for that, but all abilities? Dang. So how exactly did you implement it with the Minuit’s blood? I saw you spawn this out of thin air.”

“It’s easy, M'Lord. My ancestors crushed them into powder and mixed it with the blood we’d drink. Since its properties also border on the conceptual, the accidental result was us having the rare ability to materialize them out of air and give us powers. My family originally came from Central Geraldia where we resided on an old unused Castle. The Blood Rose grew from the amount of bodies that had accumulated in the Dungeons from adventurers coming to find treasures.”

“Wow, and can this be used to be… to exactly give me more agility, endurance, and all properties of my stats right?”

“Sorry M’Lord. But it will only work on vampires and those in close proximity, hence why when I use it. I usually spread it out so that its effects may scatter. I do not know if it can work on a human that partook upon it. Though it did increase your strength and everything. I am yet to find out if it can also boost your strength.”

“And so Elizabeth, are you going to give this Vampire Repellent Magic Staff?”

“Hmmm…”

Alana smells the Gem and observes it. “Seems that this is effective. Smelling it gives me a sensing feeling of burning in my nostrils. If Her Majesty was to amplify it, I wouldn’t be able to go near it unless I was to think of another method. Adventurers, exactly what’re you planning to do with this if I ever give it to thee?”

“We’re called the Vineward Guild. Frank, the King was talking specifically to you.”

“Me and Professor Denth would take care of it! I swear! We just wanna know why Vampire magic rivals that of the Dark Elves when it comes to enchanting things, as vampires aren’t really known for that. But recently, they’ve been seen selling things like Wine with increased effects from enchantments.”

“Ahem ahem, that's a Minuit family secret. But take it. See it as a reward for surviving this long and reaching our country. Beware, that staff is one of a kind. Be happy our Majesty is willing to give it to you.”

Frank then walks forward to their beautiful blonde woman and kneels down, bowing his head respectfully. “Don’t destroy it now. I’ve worked hard in making this. Wait here and keep kneeling.” The Queen then heads down to the magic circle and pours it with oil. The oil seeps into the writings, cleaning it. With a touch, it lights up. “There, good as new.” She then heads up once again to the railed platform and hands over the Vampire Repellent Staff to the adventurers.

“Alright now, let us go. Maybe after this whole ordeal, I’ll visit this place again. Come now. We mustn’t linger too much in this place, the olden Hero also came here. He suspected that I’d retreat to my personal Castle if he had defeated me in the main one. Alas, I wasn’t planning on walking out that place alive anyways.”

“So then it's true your majesty? Your entire world domination plan was actually an elaborate suicide? Your story is very well known in Vitas even to this day, carried on by years and years as a lesson to little demon children like me.”

Frank smacks the back of Atkinsons head. “Hoy! Be respectful to her! I swear, every Noble we meet, you keep the same attitude.”

“Whaaat? She seemed cool enough.”

“Alright enough both of you. Yes, yes it was. Though the other part was to be able to feed my Kingdom with an infinite amount of blood after my passing. Thus it all came apart after a few years.”

“And then… you met Jackson?” This time it's Liam who smacks the back of his head. “Oy mate. It's Mister Jackson.” his thick scottish accent rings out in the large room.

“Pfft. A Dwarf. How rare, this is the first time I’ve met one of your kind with red hair.”

The Queen elegantly lowered herself and shook hands with Liam whose burning beet red at the sight of Elizabeth’s face so close to his. “I still owe thee much to your kin. You’ve helped us Vampires build this beautiful Kingdom that stood the test of time and war.”

“Huhuhuhuhuuu… no need to thank. A beautiful lady like ya’ will get me runnin’ ‘ere buildin’ you Mansions if ya’ like.” Frank then drags the man away before he could kiss the Queen as his lips were already out and ready for a smooch. Elizabeth just laughed quietly while covering her mouth. “You Outworlders are such fun.” She then leads everyone down to the floor.

Grouped together, the magic circle takes them to the grand hall where their horses and bedrolls were. Elizabeth and Paul then headed into one of the rooms to change back to their normal outfits. The two then came out, with Elizabeth back in her usual frilly purple gown and the General in his proper outfit.

“Does those medals even mean anything, Mister Jackson?”

“Well Frank, does Disneyland stamps mean anything to you?”

“I guess it does for when I’m in Disneyland.”

“There’s your answer. Outside of the Guild and the UN, this uniform is just for show.”

“But all things, why did you style it after…”

“Don’t go there. Believe me, but it's working as the Vampires seem to vibe with it… Oh I wonder why.” Elizabeth looks away whistling. He then lays the Vampire King's Knight armor in the ground. Checking if all the pieces are together. “You know My Lord, you can keep that if you want.”

“I don’t have to tell you don’t I?”

“Hmph. Have fun with it, I’m sure you have much use for such armor, My Lord.”

“Oh yes I do. Also, are you sure you want to leave your crown up there?”

“I see no need for it, My Lord. I am no longer Queen anyways.”

“I know, but it seemed super expensive. Should it really be left in this place?”

“Countess, could you have someone collect the things here?”

“Of course. But it will take some days though as this Castle is very far from my Manor.”

“I shall await it then.”

The General then looks at the party of players and a native Demon man. “Alright, you folks happy? Tell the King whoever sent you here to pay you well.” Feeling his aura, they all just nodded with Albert doing a gesture of zipping his mouth. Frank on the other hand walks right beside the General, and lowers his head to speak at a lower level.

“You are… gonna save us right?”

“Save? What do you mean?”

“Bring us home? I’ve been traveling for so long now. The idea of returning to our world seems too far-fetched as I get used to living here.”

“That depends on you. Saving? That’s merely the bullshit spouted by my higher ups to get people to rally behind us. In reality, only you can save yourself. On the border of the High Elves and the Kingdom of Gareth is a portal. If you want, you may stay there for the next few months.” The man grabs the Knight by the arm and takes him into the hallway where they could speak alone. “Right now, it's just a rumor but they said that the ancient portal created by the Dark Elves has already been opened. BUT, we have no idea if it takes us back to Tur. So far, I have no confirmation that this is real but I am a Five Star General. So take my word for what it is and with a pint of salt.”

“So it's true then… you guys did find a way home?”

“It is, but it's also not. I’ve personally never seen it myself nor can I verify its effectiveness and if it's even real, and also the fact that it won't teleport us into another foreign world. But the Science boys say that our souls are still connected to our previous world and the ancient portal should be able to find our way home for us as we are naturally connected to Earth.”

“And the war? The fear of the Reset is looming on all humans, Elves, Ogres and Orcs. Will we truly survive long enough?”

“War… it's no war for us. It isn’t our war, it's not our fight to be. We’ll be merely acting as the opening introduction while the Natives of this world will be the one to truly partake in it. Save yourself and make your way to the portal and camp up there. When the gates open, and you're ready. Go in.”

“Thank you sir.”

“Don’t thank me, I’m merely another drone being used by a large body. Though I may think differently than them like what I’m doing right now, when it comes to the bigger picture. I’m just another cog in the machine.”

“But still, you're making a change right Mister Jackson?”

The General’s eyes widen and he smiles as he cleans his nameplate on his chest with a thumb over it.

“Take care on the way back to Dragovh. Make many memories of this place as was when we returned home. This will be one hell of a story to tell to everyone.”

Frank nods and the two return to the party. The two Vampires alongside Bahamut help them pack everything into the horses and everyone says goodbye to each other. The players leaving first. The Coachman of the Minuits just silently waved at them as they rode on into the scary forest outside of the Bartley Castle.

The group soon returns to the Theater and the Countess hands over the Silver armored dress to Lady Amaldia, who was starstruck by the expensive combat gown with gauntlets and heeled sabatons to boot.

“Heavens, that’s better off in the hands of a warrior than an Actress. Thank you Lady Minuit, we’ll take care of the rest from here.”

“Remember to cite that an Outworlder was there too.”

“Of course, our objectives are the same. I’ve also heard… is it true that Lady Morgana shared a cake with a human?”

“I am not one to share and spread rumors Amaldia. Seems that you carried this habit from university.”

“Teehee. I couldn’t help it. But the Voltaire family has seemingly become more lax with the humans, they even started working with them a bit.”

“Let’s just say M’Lord has done his part.”

“Nice, then I shall get this story done then. Of course, in the ending and credits, I’ll cite the help of the Outworlders.”

“Good, till we meet again, Amaldia.”

“Same with you, Minuit.”

They then immediately headed out to a Hotel as the Sun was already long gone and the cold snowy night came raining down. The storm was particularly bad that night, as from their floor. They could hear the sound of the wind whistling on by as snow hit the glass window with force.

“Alana, are you sure the Masquerade party is still gonna continue?”

“Of course M’Lord. This is but a trifle for us Vampires.”

“Oh geez. I hope it wells up. Please God, let it calm down later on. I don’t want to dance in negative degrees.”

While in the back, Bahamut is avoiding Elizabeth. “C’MON ALREADY! ONE LAST SESSION!”

“No! I told you! I can dance, I’ve already mastered it!”

“As if! You also have to work on your walk!”

The General just sighs as he turns around.