“Murmurmurmurrrr….”
“Elizabeth. C’mon, we’ve been at it for two hours now.”
The General boredly stares at the chessboard in front of him. With the Queen’s King almost surrounded and her Towers and Horses all blocked from helping and responding to the peril of the Royal. Elizabeth’s face looks as if she was about to cry from the defeat but with a steadfast reaction, she topples her own King. The animated piece then acts like it died by its own sword and makes an obviously fake death face.
“My Lord, I demand another round!”
“Look Elizabeth, you're using the powerful units way too much that you're forgetting what Pawns can do.”
“I do know what Pawns can do! I’ve used Pawns in my entire life!”
“Not like that, but here. In the game, I just kept leaving Pawns to be used later or ones I outright forget that you keep overstepping your units. You don’t have to track every single little thing to assure victory, all you need is one well placed unit to wreak havoc.”
“But My Lord! I’ve been taking into account every miniscule mistake that you'd make. How could this be?! Murmurmurmurrrr….”
“How about this, when you move your Knights, don’t punch them straight in for a choke when you see a chance. My Pawns might be easy to eat but I didn’t place them there for no reason also.”
“Another round My Lord! With this information I will surely best you!”
==================================
“Elizabeth… I have to go.”
“Ehhhhh, Bahamut! You then!” The Dragon perks up from the sofa with a muffin in hand. “You dare challenge me Bloodsucker?”
“Uhhhhh… are you sure about this Elizabeth? You're challenging God here.”
“Hmph, I must broaden my repertoire of defeated enemies if I wish to defeat you, it seems.”
“Ahahahahaah, okay. Good luck then. Bahamut, do you know how to play?”
“I do, Master. I’ve watched you play against her many times now.”
“Good, have fun then.”
He stands up, groaning as he stretches his arms and legs and Bahamut lazily rolls her body from the sofa and stands up like a zombie with her hands both holding food as she sits down opposite from the Queen and the two start fixing the units once again. Neatly placing them in their places as the General fetches a mug and fills it with water. Leaning next to Alana as she writes response letters.
“How’s the writing?”
“I could’ve filled a Novel at this point, M’Lord.”
“With your writing? You could probably fill one in a week. Ahahahahaha.”
“Haaaaah. I really want to go back out into the world.”
“Yeah, I think it's bad to get used to this type of life again. Where everything is in abundance.”
“Wait, what about that summon you had, M'Lord?”
“You mean the one about Zavalda?”
“Hm, what was that about? It seems like your Higher Ups have become more and more desperate.”
The General leans in the counter and puts his hand up his forehead, massaging it. “It's… a mess down there right now. It seems like the IRS is onto something about a corruption scandal within our largest city, and that will damage our military production.”
“I see and that other Dragon God?”
“Ah, Mars. Well… what can I say, from what I remember. She got defeated by Bahamut and she doesn’t actually have a Dragon body anymore, just a pile of giant ancient bones. It's her divine soul that probably materialized a human form which is like Economy mode for Dragons.”
“And your opinion, M’Lord?”
“Those two should never meet each other. All of the history of Tur, when two Dragon Gods meet, continents are razed, new magic is created to even entire species being wiped out just from their singular battles. Lakes, rivers, and ponds are made from their battle. It's going to be worse than the End Times that’s looming on Threa, it will be the End Times and Creation. As these Gods represent aspects of life including Death and Violence. If they meet and Yamaoka and I aren’t there to mediate, you will wish the Armies of Hell were here to stop them.”
“That is… overly dramatic M’Lord but experiencing Outworlders first hand… I do not take it from the imagination that this can actually happen.”
“GAHHHH!” The two look at the table, with Elizabeth once again defeated in the Chessboard. “How could this be?! Such insolence of mine! Another round!”
”Wait…” the Dragon then turns around and stands up. “I smell… Dragons. Hm, I can smell her getting closer.”
“Oh, that must be Garrana.”
“Hm? What would a Great Wyvern want, oh! Bahamut, you invited her right?”
“Yes Master. Now, do you have the Letter?”
“I do. M’Lord, can you hand this to her?”
“Sure.”
He takes the letter with the seal of the Minuits and hands over to the Dragon who opens the front door. Out of nowhere, five baby wyverns fly into their room and three kids, one with red and yellow hair, another with gray hair, and a little girl wearing an expensive frilly gown with a circlet run in. One of them immediately looked up and stared at lovely Queen Elizabeth. “Woawwww! You're beautiful!” The kid with shorts and a cravat then forcefully makes his way into her lap and sits down on it while the one with gray hair opens a cabinet, finding the General’s sword and armor. The lone little girl on the other hand tries to get them to calm down but no one listens to her.
Making the peaceful atmosphere of the room into one that’s rowdy and full of life. The baby wyverns would occasionally fly past Bahamut's cheeks, giving her quick kisses while her hand would skim their bellies. “Oh my, oh my, oh my! I apologize Goddess!” The General then peeks over to the front door and sees an attractive woman in her early thirties, with long black hair with a blue color inside, she proudly brandished a sky blue gown. Every time she’d open her mouth, he could see four fangs of a Dragon, the same way on Bahamut. “Dang… She looks nice.” a light tap comes from behind and on top of his head. “Calm yourself M’Lord. Also, one of them has found your weapon.”
“OH SHIIIITT!” The man immediately jogs to the cabinet and prevents the gray haired kid whose height only reaches his waist from removing his sword from its scabbard. “How did you even lift this?”
“Mister, what are you?”
“Huh?” though with an eloquent voice, the kid's fiery red eyes stared down his soul. “Okay little boy. Let’s get you out of sharp objects first alright?”
“I want to use a sword. Teach me.”
“Aren’t you… okay. How about this, behave and I’ll teach you one move. Alright.”
“Alright Mister.”
“How old are you already? For you to know Language this young.”
“Sorry about my little brother mister!”
He picks up the gray haired kid with his arm, letting him hug him by the neck as a little girl politely bows to him. “I’m Gehinnom, the one in your arms is Nostrum.”
“And that one on Elizabeth’s lap?” He looks at the blonde woman who is enjoying the company of the little boy. Calmly stroking the kids’ red and yellow hair as her expression seems as if she was lifted to the heavens and found the ultimate peace. “Oh, that’s my elder brother Vikhrs.” all the while, five Dragons landed on Bahamut’s head and shoulder. Rubbing her cheeks on her pale white skin.
“Would you like to come inside first, Garrana? Master seems to be enjoying himself with the young ones.”
“Of course. Forgive my intrusion Countess.”
“Pay it no heed, you are the Kingdoms first Great Wyvern. Feel free to laze around at your will.”
“Thank you.” The woman steps inside their room. Smiling at the General who was carrying both of her kids. One in each arm as he transported them to the sofa and her children who were still in Dragon form orbiting her, Alana, and Bahamut. Occasionally switching places while one has already found the food cabinet, making the Countess close it with magic. With a slight tug of the wind, it closes and she gestures for the little sky blue dragon to sit on the counter which it obeys. Listening to the teenage vampire woman whose nightgown glistens from the bright winter sun.
Garrana then sits down on the counter. “Children. Sit on the Counter.” Without question, the baby wyverns all changed their directions and stopped messing with Bahamut’s usually sleek and shiny black hair. Elizabeth then lifts Vikhrs by the armpits and then places him on her arms. Carrying the kid to the kitchen. “Shall I prepare us some tea?”
“Of course… though… who could you be madame?”
“Call me Elizabeth.”
“Ah, such a wondrous name. I am Garrana, the Great Wyvern of the Schontic Lakes.”
“Pleased to be of your acquaintance Garrana.”
As the two mature and amorous women got to know each other, the General played with the two kids. “Okay, if you want to swing a sword, you have to know first how metal works.”
“I already have an idea, Mister.”
“Mister, I’m sorry for my lil brother. He is really excited about learning.”
“It’s fine, being curious at your age is natural. Just always remember to learn your fire alright? You, Gehinnom. What fire can you make?”
“Natural fire Mister Paul.”
“And you Nostrum?”
“Gray fire.”
The little kid already seems to be ready to sleep. Seeing this, the General kept patting his head as he looked at the kitchen counter and the four women were all there, surrounding the five baby wyverns obediently lined up, sitting on the wooden counter as Garrana fed them some peanuts from the cabinets. Having strong jaws, the baby wyverns didn’t even need to crack them open and crushed it with the shell.
Hearing laughter, the four women look at the sofa and see the General lifting up Gehinnom and spinning around with her in his arms. The little girl having the time of her life as the tall man enjoyed unsparingly giving the kids all the attention in the world. Nostrum then tugs his jacket, also wanting to be lifted and spun around. “Oh! I’ll do both of you then! I got strong arms you see? Grrrrr!” He lifts up both of them and spins around even more. He then stops, feeling a strong sense that many eyes are on him.
Upon looking at the source, it was the four women in the Counter. Three of them were absolutely gobsmacked and love stricken by what they just saw while Garrana clapped her hands. “Ohhhh! You are a natural General! My kids love you already! Countess…?” Alana seems to be ready to pounce on the man alongside Bahamut and Elizabeth. “Uhm… ladies? Might we continue our conversation about food?”
A Colonel from the Men of the Woods is in a tent at a rainforest. Even inside it, with all the bustling radios and calls. The sounds of the birds and predators were still loud enough to snuff out the sounds of the devices as a soldier runs in.
“Sir!”
“What is it now?”
“Tower Number Fifty Six has been blown up just as the Engineering Battalion arrived with the parts of Tower Fifty Four..”
“GODDAMMIT! SOMEONE MUST BE LEAKING SHIT!”
The angered Colonel trashes his wooden table. Flipping maps and papers everywhere as he growls at the impunity of the situation. While outside the tent, an Oshkosh Heavy Equipment Transporter rolls into the muddy road with a Liebherr LTM crane following not so far behind. The vehicles were all clearly been through hell in the trip to the Forward Operating Base with dents and scratch marks everywhere and their windows having all but cracked and stood only by the hairthin margin of whatever reinforcement on it standing. Their wheels punctured and some totally blown out and only the rim remains.
Players quickly ran to the battered convoy as one of the truck drivers exited out after parking his vehicle and removing the tarp on the lowbed trailer once used to haul Main Battle Tanks to the frontline. Revealing steel bars that’s perfectly intact and not damaged.
“How is it?!”
“Very bad sir, they hit the supports. The entire thing completely crumpled down. We’ll need another convoy to arrive here with another set of steel bars and parts.”
“Didn’t we put up electric fences recently?! How the fuck are those stupid ass Wood Elves still doing this!? Shit! When will High Command send someone or something?! This is ridiculous at this point!”
“Here’s the reports sir. It does say inside it that they used specialized arrows to weaken the metal. Since they’re far stronger than any humans, they’d just jump just a bit over the fifteen foot tall fences and fire an arrow at the base. The arrow acted like a poison to the metal, weakening it to the point of collapse.”
“Ugghhh… my stress levels… this isn’t good for my heart… And why didn’t you just tell me this over the radio? I don’t wanna look at this sorry state of a communications network we already have getting even more battered,”
“I uhm… died sir. A black lion mauled me on the way there. This report came from the players that survived the trip.”
“Aren’t you riding around in an up armored humvee?”
“It got stuck sir, hence I’ll be requesting for a vehicle to pull it out. A wrecker preferably.”
“Ahhhhhhh… my stress… granted. Have a safe trip Sergeant.”
He then goes out of the tent, sniffing the clean open air of the rainforest. Mud and dirt was everywhere as heavy vehicles rolled through the nicely built and organized base. The giant trees that surround them were large enough to outsize even modern apartments and skyscrapers. Its leaves and big branches protect the soil below from the snow though some do get through, leaving parts of the forest with piles of snow.
Running to the convoy that just arrived, the Commanding Officer facepalms at the sight of the vehicles. But after taking a good look at the cargo, breathes a sigh of relief.
“Are you the man in charge here?”
“Hm? Oh, I am.”
“Good to meet you sir. May I ask what the fuck was with this map?!”
The Combat Engineer shoves a map up his face, pointing at the lone route to the FoB there located in. “You told us this would be a safe route. How the hell did the Elves manage to not only batter my trucks but also my APCs! Look at my LAV! It’s shot to shit!”
“Lieutenant, we’ll figure this out later. Right now, I want you to give me an ETA on the construction.”
“One week since the vehicles are fucked. I have a team of Dwarven players here, they can construct the Tower in a matter of a day or two. But the trip there with my trucks? Heh, expect an additional day or two.”
“Tsk. I can’t keep running security at this point, I’m already teetering on the verge of being undermanned.”
“Take it as you will. I was sent here to build a Microwave Tower and I’ll do it. But just know that the trains take days or weeks to arrive with more spare parts.”
“How many more back in the yard?”
“We have enough for two extras. One being a complete rebuild from the foundation and another one for parts.”
“Dammit.”
“Don’t tell me…”
“They… damaged another one. Completely collapsed.”
The Combat Engineer facepalms and the stress on his face shows as he untightens his helmet straps and removes it. “I’ll go take a Humvee back to base then. I should have some trucks left over from the Transport Brigade.”
“Thank you.”
“You better fix this shit. If more towers fall, our armies in Schon and the Naval fleets between Geraldia and Schon will have no communications to the mainland.”
“I know, I’ll get to it as best I can.”
Seeing that things aren’t going as planned, the man walks to the southern part of the FoB to where the makeshift helipads are placed. Getting into one of the helicopters that’s preparing for take off, he gives new orders to the skeletal Pilots. Four extra fuel tanks were slinged to its pylons and the Blackhawk took off, flying through the treelines as armored bulls with scales and protruding metallic spikes on its skin devoured an Elk. Stopping to watch over the foreign flying machine as it disturbed the peace of the forest with its mechanical whirl.
It then flies over a marshland where a band of beautiful and handsome Wood Elves with spears and bows hunt a giant crocodile. Even far above, the Colonel still couldn’t believe how perfect their bodies are. With the addition of long pointy ears, they were astoundingly well built, taller than most humans, and though scrawny and slim except for some well built males, showed immense courage to fight the armored croc multiple times the size of a van.
“Pilot, hang here. I wanna see how these brutes conduct their operations.”
The skeletal pilot starts orbiting the scene happening below. Seeing the stealth of the Wood Elves as one of them, a female Elf jumps at the back of her ally and does a backflip. Her precision was far better than any modern systems as midair and upside down, she managed to snipe the eye of the Albino Crocodile as her friends spear its legs, punching in the tip into miniscule sized weak points. The male's power over their arm was so great that it punctured the legs and embedded the bus-sized crocodile’s movement. Making it immobile completely at the cost of not even one of them.
She then lands on the top of the crocodile, blessing it with Elven magic as it dies. She then points her arrow at the UH-60M Blackhawk. The skeletal Pilot quickly reacts and tilts it violently as her arrow penetrates the skin of the chopper but stops inside.
“Freaking… grrrrr…”
After a few hours of nonstop flying, the chopper reaches an Airbase located in the middle of a giant open plain. Even from far away, one could see the parked B-52H and C-5 Galaxies and An-124s parked in the massive bases tarmacs as jets and helicopters take off and land. In the horizon, the skyline of a modern city was not so far from the base itself as civilian vehicles passed the road in front of it. Inside the Blackhawk, the Colonel prepares his Beret and fixes his uniform as it lands near the Administrative Buildings.
The Airbase was full of players and skeletons, helicopters were constantly taking off and landing while the air was full of the noise of turbine engines throttling to power. Military vehicles were also present, transporting fuel and munitions back and forth, the complex logistics of running a military at full display as a cargo plane took off in the farthest runway. Walking through the bustling life of the military installation, the Colonel proceeds to the Administrative Building located deep within the maze of identically structured apartment complexes for the players at the base.
With neatly cleaned tiles and clear white walls, the man approaches the receptionist. “Lady, is the General here?” She nods silently and he heads up the second floor and knocks on the door of a “General Ripper. Commander of the Central Forces.”
The door then opens and the high ranking General is on the telephone, in his well ironed uniform and shiny Oxford shoes up on the table as he drinks from bottled water.
“Yes Mister President, I assure you.” he rolls his eyes and tilts his head as loud voices could be heard coming from the red telephone. “Yes sir, I have everything under control here. O-Of course sir. Thank you sir.” he then lightly puts the telephone back and fixes his stance and seating position.
“You know what Hans just told me?”
“N-no sir.”
“He told me that the Natives are preparing… The Holy See has made its Decree. The End is coming, and they’ve forecasted it as the worst and might be the one that will destroy all of humanity and actually reset this world. Giving the Gods another shot at creation from a clean slate.”
“And?”
“And don’t you think it's bullshit how we’ll be leaving our fellow humans here?”
“That’s none of our concern sir.”
“I don’t know, it doesn’t sit right with me… Or is it that I’ve grown to love this planet the same way as Earth? Nah, it might be just how everything has treated us so far.”
The high ranking player then opens his drawer and pulls out a cigar box.
“This cigar… you know what it's made out of?”
“No sir, but looking at the details on its box, I guess it's made from Soul Trees?”
“Exactly Colonel. You're good, you make cigars back on Earth?”
“Not exactly sir, though it is related to my job.”
“.... Whatever. Look, I get it. The Wood Elves are a bit unconventional in their means, but who do you think we should call? The Vietnamese are too busy in Schon, you know. So you can stop visiting me, I already told you that you have all rights to napalm that forest if you want.”
“Anyone that’s currently available sir. This is getting out of hand, if this continues, they’ll knock out a majority of our communications to the surrounding countries and the ocean of Lord Loch. If we can sir, why not declare war? I cannot use napalm unless we are at war against them.”
“Declare war? Pfft… you crazy? We can’t declare war on these natives. The napalm thing I can sweep under the rug without much trouble, not many players travel to those rainforests due to how hostile and inhospitable it is for most species unless you are a Wood Elf.”
“Why not sir? Because we’ve tried diplomacy numerous times now, and nothing came out of it and I am really afraid of things spilling out… Using Napalm of Wood Elves don’t exactly sound nice as a news headline sir.””
The General huffs and puffs his cigar, not a care to the world nor the words the Colonel gave him. The more he talked, the bigger the high ranking officer seemed to the Colonel who was visibly quivering at the sudden silence of Ripper.
“What can you offer them?”
“Sir?”
“What can you offer them? Might it be that diplomacy hadn’t worked because whatever modern amenities you’ve tried to offer don’t work on those bastards?”
“Well sir, we’ve tried to give them rare items and even things that they’d consider religious.”
“Then that means war won't do anything, war is not the solution to this… extermination of not only their species but their entire identity and culture is the only solution. Can you carry out that order as a soldier? Because I’m willing to allow it. We have far more than the needed standoff weapons to make quick work of the rainforest and the beasts that sleep within it.”
“...”
“I see, then I’ll send out a request. If any officer is willing to help out and maybe bring a bit more authority to the picture. Maybe then we’ll be able to do something right?”
“Why not you sir?”
“Can’t you see? Under my belt is the largest Joint Bomber Wing of over ten modern guilds! Fifty B-Fifty Two Hotels with Mana Nukes! I’m a very busy man. Now go, shoo Harden. Don’t come back here without bringing a pile of results!”
Colonel Harden salutes and quickly turns around. “And tell my Secretary to give me the new folders! I’m done with the meeting!” He silently closes the door and walks to the desk near his office. “Ripper says you can… wait, are you new?” The elegant lady with purple long hair in an olive dress uniform stands up with eloquence to herself.
“Good Afternoon, I think it's our first time meeting?”
“Colonel Powell Harden. I’m the Commander of the Seventh Mechanized Infantry Brigade.”
“Emily, Sergeant Emily.”
Stolen novel; please report.
“Pleased to meet you. Good luck dealing with him, that man honestly makes me wanna pull my hair out.”
Exiting the building, the Colonel couldn’t help but feel as if something was wrong. But regardless, carries on with his orders as the General inside his office makes another phone call to CENTCOM. Writing up a Letter of Request to any available officers or even Generals to partake in the operation to quell the Wood Elves destructive tendencies. He also listed it as a Growing Problem but not urgent.
His secretary then enters and hands him over the files that’s being delivered to him. One of which was labeled classified. Seeing the strangeness of it, the man opens the folder and is met with an explosion of typewriter letters. Warning him of potential spies and even fake information to be carried out to high ranking officers. Bombers are to be on immediate stand by in case of an internal revolt.
“What is it sir?”
“N-nothing. Carry on.”
She salutes him and exits the office with a grin. Colonel Harden on the other hand is flying back to his FoB. Contemplating how long he can resist the tide of the Wood Elves as they stealthily carry on attacks to their communications in the region. It was already dark with heavy snowfall when he had arrived back at their FoB. The vast majority of the soldiers inside it were skeletons with only a handful of players to keep a functioning and more reactionary chain of command.
He rests inside his tent for a few hours till his sleep is destroyed by loud alerts blasting out the base's PA. Though most of the skeletons were already guarding the front entrance, the man had to groggily stand up and reclaim himself as he made a dash to the gates of the base without a coat and only his BDUs.
“What the fuck is happening here?”
Being the first, none of the skeletons had a voice box to reply to him and just stared into the darkness of the forest and the muddied path that leads to the encroaching snowy night. The cold and merciless sound of the wind as the white flakes piled on the ground was suddenly cut with white shards of light pierce through it and destroyed the locks of the fenced gate and appears is a slim and scrawny woman with shoes made from leaves, hiding any tracks a shoe might leave and clothes woven with hardened leather and bushery.
A Humvee then backs up the skeletons and a M3A2 Bradley. All pointing their guns at the woman. Seeing that she’s just standing there, the Colonel puts his hand at his holster as the man slowly walks to her.
“Do you speak English?”
“I speak your tongue, foreigner.”
“G-Good. I thought only your Elders are only allowed to learn our language since we’re considered invaders.”
“You are, but I’ve made the effort to learn your tongue from the forest. My clan is not like those from the more well mannered ones. We’ve had enough of your intrusion into our lands, your words will bring nothing and we shall bring the peace of this forest that you work so hard to disturb.”
“Th-tha-that’s not good…. How may I help you? Can’t we maybe talk this out?”
“I’ve come to warm you one last time. Leave this forest, you may visit it and partake of its gifts. But do not sully its land with your machines and creations. Your weapons know no bounds, and so are your thirst. Humans like you are a danger to nature and life itself. Taking so much without returning anything.”
Her height was easily seven feet and the Colonel had to look up a bit to see her pretty brown eyes. As other players awakened, they’re shocked to see her black spear that was far taller than her and its sharpness gleaming from the fog lights pointed at the entrance.
“Look lady, this isn’t my place to speak but let’s talk this out. Violence is not the answer here, we’ll be gone in a month or two, you don’t need to do this. Our Microwave Radio Towers are all made from steel that’s spawned from our Mana Cores. It’ll all disappear when it's gone, which will happen.”
“And the damage you’ve done will be here for hundreds.” She gives everyone a sharp eyed stare. “Final warning. Leave now.”
Without breaking contact, the Elven woman walks back in the darkness and promptly disappears. The Colonel just removes his beret and shrugs. Not knowing what to do. A few days later, in the Continent of Schon. General Paul, wearing his Noble uniform, returns to the warehouse after a long night of partying. With Bahamut and Garrana in tow, the man opens the sliding door of the storage building and lets Garrana inside first before her children. Letting her turn back into a Dragon and spread her wings for a bit.
The three kids then gave the General a quick kiss on the cheeks as they returned into their wyvern forms and the five infant dragons rubbed her heads on his face as they flew under the safety of their mothers wing.
“So Garrana, you don’t have any problems here?”
“No. Thank you for your concern Lord Jackson. It warms my heart to see that even in another world, humans and dragons are still of kindred spirits. Uniting even with all of their differences. Bahamut was so concerned about your drinking. Pfft, I couldn’t believe how truly fragile your bodies are.”
“Aw shucks. No need for your kindness. Yeah… Alana’s wine is something else. I got knocked out super fast the last time I downed one in one go. Last time I’ll challenge a Vampire Lord to a drinking contest.”
“Though I couldn’t thank all of you for helping my children and guarding them. I am very pleased with how the Vampires have reacted to them.”
“Hm, I was intimidated at first, but then you slowly start to understand them. Your kids were very obedient and respectful anyways. Even the King loved Nostrum and his cheeky attitude.”
“I am still a bit ashamed that we ate all of the food so fast… even I was unable to control myself when I saw the Bluegeek fish was also available.”
“Oh man, you and Bahamut are a dangerous combo. I’ll be sure to not have the both of you eat the same unlimited dish. Because… like dang. Bahamut, how many plates had you gone through in a span of an hour?”
“Uhmmm…. I don’t remember Master.” The General breathes out a sigh and looks at Garrana. “And you?”
“O-O-ohhhh… uhm… I also do not remember Lord Jackson.”
“Jesus Christ, the both of you need to calm down with that eating habit. Nonetheless, the Vampires loved you and your kids. I’m sure a bright future awaits you here.”
“Though I do find the advancements of the Vampires a bit too much even for me.”
“That’s just how they are. Believe me, even with Alana and Elizabeth. The way they show their affection could border into harassment levels but that’s just how it is with their culture. Don’t be afraid to turn them down, I’ve seen Alana do it so many times that it's like a breeze for them to get a No.”
“Hm. I was afraid of doing so, but I guess I will. Thank you for the advice, Lord Jackson.”
“Also, Vikhrs said he wanted a piece of the steak saved, I got one here.” the General reaches for his jacket pocket and brings out a steak that’s wrapped nicely around by a cloth. “This is how they order out… so don’t ask me why it's in my suit.”
Like an activation code was sent, the tired young dragons woke up and proceeded to fly to the General. The giant Great Wyvern giggles as her children landed right before the mans shoes and climbed the human like a great mountain. Enamored by his shiny medals, the ornaments of his uniform didn’t stop the rest from taking a bite out of the steak. Bahamut on the other hand lands on top of his head, balling up and proceeds to sleep.
“Ahahahaha… oh…. They love you so much Lord Jackson. The Goddess’ smell must’ve rubbed off to you so much.”
“N-no! Don’t bite that! Hey! Not the medal! Bad Mavet! Shamayim! Watch the fingers!”
“Hahahahahaha! Oh my! They're really making a mess of you, Lord Jackson.”
“Weren't they just tired from partying?!” some of the Dragons would then latch onto his back, making him unable to grab them. “Krisi! Iudicium! Out my back! Right now!” None of the young wyverns followed his orders and continued to play with him.
Being experienced with wyverns and true dragons alike, the General slows his breathing and gently shrugs off the babies with his palms, telling them no while the vampire squire looks in awe of the human. Masterfully managing the rowdy bunch. He then grabs the sleeping Bahamut by the scruff and proceeds to cradle her like a baby.
“Oh! You're finally here!”
“Sorry Lord Jackson! I was also at the party and woke up late!”
“Yeah, thanks for helping though.”
“Of course!”
“I guess this means you will no longer be taking your Knightship more seriously?”
“Well… my Fiancee loved them a lot, Lord Jackson. I guess it wouldn’t be so bad to be around them.”
“Pfft. The things we men do for women. Well, you did good enough last night but just be aware of their colors alright? When dealing with Purple or Violet Dragons, keep them away from holy things as that will make their purple flames more stronger and potent. Like how you tried to use the Cardinals staff to take Gehinnom off the curtains last night…”
“O-Ohhh… yes. I do apologize. But, only one table was burned.”
“Only one. Good thing the Vampire Lords near it know pretty high level air magic and snuffed it out without effort. Keep that in mind alright?”
“Hm. Oh! Lady Garrana!”
“We meet again Vampire. What is your question?”
The Squire then walks up to the huge head of the blue Great Wyvern. “I heard last night that you knew how to use the sword?”
“I do. Though it is from the style of Dragons. I am not sure if you may wield it as effectively as I do.”
“No need! I really want to master Basic swordsmanship but since I’m taking more of a duty here, I won’t be able to fully train with it. Can you help me out?”
“Oh, then that is fine. Universal Swordsmanship does apply to any creature that has a humanoid body. Later, after I rest and my children are taken care of, we shall train together.”
The General then places the baby wyverns one by one underneath Garrana’s wing. The huge dragon turned its head to look at the small human that’s patting the head of each sleepy dragon as he returned them to their home.
“I am surprised you knew how to use the sword Garrana.”
“It is one of the first things you must learn before challenging anyone to a fight, as Dragons. Our bodies do not fit many places, hence we take the form of a human. My style has long been the Water Dragon’s Dance of the Seas. I do wonder if you Vampires may be able to replicate it to my perfection.”
The Great Wyvern materializes her curved longsword next to the Squire. He takes a look at it and is impressed by not only its intricate design of a long dragon weaving through a strand of water, he is also enamored by its strangely bluish hue. “Wow… how rare is this steel? Not even the swords of the Vampire Kingdom could produce such a wonderful shine.”
“Heh-heh-heh. What was gifted to me when I took the title of Great. My husband used a Greatsword, which I feel is more to the taste of the General here.”
As Paul stretched out his limbs and yawned, a clang emitted next to him making him jump. Awakening a sleeping Bahamut from the top of his head. The small black dragon looks down to see a hulking blade that’s a few inches taller than the General dropped on the ground.
“Jesus! You Dragons use some truly divine materialization magic, the fact that I didn’t even detect that.”
He then tries to lift it but it's insane weight made him put more effort into it as he drags it far away from her wing and there, carefully inspects the black blade. “Are you sure this is a sword? This is more like a butcher's cleaver turned into a longer weapon.”
“Ahahahaha, yes. That was his weapon, the weapon of a Great Fire Wyvern.”
“Just from this weight alone and me being Level Two Hundred… geez. You Dragons are truly something.” he then puts it on the wall, cleaning it a bit and yawning even more. “Well, I think I’ll be heading home now. Bahamut is already way ahead of me in sleeping. Be safe alright? I heard what happened to you and your species in Schon. That’d easily put you in the list of near extinct creatures. Though I guess you all don’t want to move to Dragovh and to the Dragon Kingdom correct?”
“Hm. This is our home, and we shall stay here. Though I’ve only heard stories of Humans, both good and bad. Seems that the good parts weren’t folly, and your kindness even extends to us. The other species would have either worshiped or vilified us. But you humans… such strange uniqueness to you. I wonder why the Gods made you, did nature want to give us an enemy to challenge against always?”
“I don’t know, but we’re here. If nature did make us, everything we do is also a part of nature. Just as the things you would make. Though I’ve never been to the Dragon Kingdom, I look forward to seeing it one day.”
“Please do tell my Dragovian cousins that I, Garrana the Great Aquatic Wyvern, breathes and lives.”
“Of course. Give the vampires a show, as much as they are a headache with their posh and pompous nature. They are genuine people with their own way of showing their good natured selves, maybe some would be far kinder than a mortal man like me but in the end. None of them truly did try to kill or hurt me. I’ve even made friends with them.”
“Heavens, God Dragonoth made us this way to be in harmony with all of nature. Hence our differing types. That is our God's creation. To make us compatible with everyone, and everything while still reminding them of nature’s great power. Surprising how it's the most fragile and weakest of all the creatures that roam this land that we find next of kin.”
“It might be just me, but this might be because we humans are also capable of being compatible with everyone and everything. Though not in the sense of mating, we can make technology that would make us compatible to live in even the most inhumane of places. Doesn’t help is human nature to pat anything that moves, be with a pet or predator.”
“Hm. That might be it, Lord Jackson. Your kin knows of no bounds, and would try everything to the point that even the Dark Elves were smitten by your brutal aim to move forward. But that is also something that I’ve found interesting with your kind.”
“We do have bounds, but we just tend to push the envelope a bit. As you said, we always aim to move forward. We can’t move forward without pushing those bounds every now and then and I can say, this is the same with Dragons. Bahamut here, even though she knows little and only those related to food, wants to learn human culture. Because of me, and of our connection.”
“Fufufufu… you two seem to be able to take on the world as long as you're together. A Goddess and a human. Oh how interesting is this ending going to be…”
“You’ll be safe though right?”
“Of course, Lord Jackson. Those bumbling demons have no match for me. When I’m fully healed, I shall spread my wings once again and this time, defend my children and this new home.”
“Good, don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Even the vampires respect wyverns.”
“Hm. Please have a safe trip, may Dragonoth bless you and your soul human. May he give you the power of a Dragon's heart and spread your wings full so that this world may tremble among the valiant wars both our kin walks on.”
“Thank you. I wish you the best Garrana, I’ll be sure to see you around again one day. Knowing how many Dragons are left in this continent.”
The General then nonchalantly walked up to the giant wyvern and petted its bottom jaw, he noted how her shiny bluish scales felt soft and that of a fish. But the skin underneath was absolutely that of a dragon. He then shakes hands with the vampiric squire and returns to their hotel where Elizabeth is lazily reading some books she found while Alana is softly sleeping face down with a pile of written letters. Bahamut the entire time slept through the trip on top of his head.
“My Lord…”
“I know. And her?”
“She wrote herself to sleep. I did warn the Countess to not overdo it.”
“Haaaa…”
Seeing her, Paul carries the woman to the bed and covers her with the blanket. He then goes to the Living Room and sits next to Elizabeth as Bahamut snored a bit while neatly on top of his head.
“I guess there’s something that needs to be said My Lord?”
“Are you sure these parties last for weeks? I felt like people were already bored last night if it weren’t for the Dragons showing up.”
“Yes, My Lord. I’m one of the best party throwers in this entire country. I know it by heart. The Dragons showing up merely elevated the fun of the party to a new height.”
“I see, then what do you think about a trip to North Geraldia?”
“Hm?”
“Hehehehehe…”
Soon after Alana woke up. The General got all of them together at the dinner table. “Do you guys want to detox a bit from city and party life and return to adventuring for a moment?” He gave everyone a proposal to take on the light problem occurring in Geraldia.
“So. As you know, High Command has been hounding me to speed this up right? To even do more… unsavory means to achieve our goal right?”
They all nodded lightly.
“Well, I got this request sent out by that crazy General Ripper. It’s pretty low in the scale and it's just some diplomacy with the Wood Elves that needed to be sorted out.” Elizabeth then instantly raises her hand. “Yes, the one with the blonde hair.”
“My Lord, if this is the Wood Elves I suggest approaching them in the most friendly way possible.”
“And why is that?”
“The Wood Elves composes itself into multiple hundred Clans all doing there own thing in the North to Central area of Geraldia, My Lord. I’ve personally fought and subjected them before. They are able to live through extreme conditions without complaining. I think doing this with weapons and an army will be a very bad idea.”
“Okay, how about a small convoy then? Just a handful of Humvees.”
“I don’t know… for a quick trip. This seems to be a quick way to get ourselves caught up in a war against the natives My Lord.”
“Hmmmm… Alana, what do you think?”
“I don’t think it would be such a bad idea M’Lord. But as the Majesty said. If things go awry, it will drag all of us with it.”
“I see… and have you talked with them?”
“I have M’Lord. I can assure you that they are a friendly bunch as long as you do not do anything that they’d find offensive. But that could vary among the clans, some being more lenient and others being more extreme to their methods.”
“Uh huh… and how bad is the terrain there?”
“Very bad M’Lord. I only go there via Galleon as anything with a horse and carriage will surely sink. Though… since its winter, the ground should be frozen enough for most vehicles to get through its muddy terrain.”
“Nice! I also know a bit of Ice magic though nothing crazy. I am sure to be able to do something, and we have Bahamut here anyways.”
“Then M’Lord, when visiting the Wood Elves Special Zone, remember the landmark of the largest Wood Elf settlement, Named Jorvik. It houses almost seventy thousand Wood Elves and is at the base of the largest tree in the entire world. If you see the giant tree, you are sure to find shelter there.”
“Just how big is this tree that you're telling me to use it like a star?”
“Words cannot even truly grasp its size M’Lord.”
“Alright, this is actually getting exciting. I feel like a tourist about to go on a Safari to Madagascar or something.”
“Madagascar?”
“It’s a place on my planet Alana. Island, full of forest and natives.”
“Ah, I see.”
“I remember hearing a story of when a plane flew low from its treeline and it landed with arrows and spears lunged into its belly. I hope that won’t happen when we arrive.”
“Master, I’m hungry.”
“Wha-... did you understand what we talked about? Like what we’ll be doing and such?”
“I’m hungry, Mater.”
“Haaaaaaa…”
Seeing that Bahamut was already roaring to eat something, the General walks to the kitchen and fetches some snacks for her to bunch on.
“Alright, so when is that painter gonna come?”
“Oy, before that M’Lord. Get dressed again, you too, your majesty.”
“Sure, sure. My Lord, prepare yourself. This is going to be long.”
“How long to be exact?”
“It usually depends on the size of the painting, but an entire day is not even a question.”
“Days of guarding grass back in Officer Academy prepared me for this very day. Bring it on.”
After a few hours, a loud and incessant knocking comes in and all of them are dressed with their best of the best. Opening the door, they met with a man wearing a black suit and a golden chain on his jacket. Behind him is a large paper roll with an adjustable canvas stand.
“Lady Minuit, pleased to be of your acquaintance. I believe it's been sixty years since you’ve requested my skills.”
“It has. I’m in need of you once again since I have a very special person with two more just as special people that I’d like to be painted with me.”
“Mhm mhm, and this is quite large. Are you gonna put up in your hallway or lobby?”
“In my room actually.”
“Ah, of course. A favored place for such a large painting to hang. Then please, let us find a good place… uhm.”
The painter looks around removing his beret and revealing his white hair with a small amount of black hair still present. He could see the corner where the Grand Piano was perfect. Without any tact, the man loudly scrapes the marble floor as he moves it without an effort.
“As always, Lady Minuit. You select the best places, this corner is perfect. Now, a chair please.”
“M’Lord, pick whatever chair you want and place it there.”
“Wait wait wait, Lady, did you just call that man, M’Lord? Is that human your Lord? Are the rumors true?”
“Yes, and I’d like to have him as the focal point.”
Meanwhile for Paul, his translation skill was picking up his voice, but mixed with it as such a thick French accent that he couldn’t understand a singular word being uttered by the man and looked dumbfounded as the artists’ hand moved up and down expressively showing his discomfort with painting a human.
“Lady Minuit, I cannot paint a lowly human. My skills are far too good for his kin.”
“He is an Outworlder and they’ll be gone soon. Don’t you want this opportunity? To paint the human civilization that came and went by? And I also brought with me your favourite thing to paint, a beautiful woman.”
“A beautiful woman you say?”
Elizabeth appears from the kitchen, dressed to impress. In her blood red gown, accessories and jewelry in full display as she brandished her ancient crown. The painter immediately turned beet red at the sight. “O-O-OHHHH! MAGNIFIQUE! THAT FACE! THAT JAWLINE! THE SPARKLING GOLDEN BLONDE HAIR! THE CURVE OF HER BODY IN THAT FRILLY DRESS! OHH! OHHHH!”
“Uhhh… Alana. What’s up with the accent?”
“He came from a village on the Steppes of the country. They all have that accent, M'Lord.”
“Ah, I see.” The General then prepares himself as he makes some final checks on how he looked.
“BEAUTIFUL! SO BEAUTIFUL! THIS IS NO MISTAKEN! THE BEAUTY OF THE ANCIENT QUEEN! OHHH! TO PAINT YOU! THIS SHALL BE MY OPUS! MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT!” Alana then taps his shoulder, calming his crazy face and then straightens himself out of nowhere. Collecting himself fully like a switch was turned off. “Also, we have Bahamut here.” a bit shy, the Goddess removes her veil and the man once again goes fully beet red, his mouth tried to speak words but nothing came out and he completely fainted before them.
Moments later, he awakens with Alana squatting next to his face in her gown. “So, will you paint the human now?”
“...Hmmm… this is why I don’t like dealing with you Lady Minuit.” the man rubs his chin. Clearly looking at how solid her arguments are. “Throw in a barrel of your wine and we might have a deal.”
“I’ll add five chickens as a thank you. We have a deal?”
“Deal. Alright, make sure the human stands still and looks his best. He seems far more competent than the boy toys of the other Nobles.”
After setting up everything, he gives the Countess the all go and for the General to sit down with his best pose. He tried but he wasn’t satisfied and moved him around a bit, checking inch by inch till he was happy. Bahamut was next who was supposed to sit next to him but he was shocked at how inelegant the woman was and spent the next twenty minutes making sure she’s striking the most elegant and proper posture for a woman wearing such a crown and gown. “Can’t I put my veil on?”
“NON! WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO HIDE YOUR PRETTY FACE?! YOU SPEAK GOOD DRAGOVH! YOU SHOULD KNOW DRAGONS LOVE TO SHOW OFF!”
Like he was offended beyond belief, Bahamut just sighs and removes the veil. “Bloodsucker, he has a weird way of speaking Dragonian.”
“Just let it be Bahamut. He might be like this but he is the best painter in the country.”
“I’m surprised that our nation's painters haven't changed. Not one bit.”
“Same with the Architects and Engineers, your majesty. They're still as… strange as before.”
Meanwhile, the General stood completely frozen in his place. With the straightest his back could go. “I can’t wait to get out of here.” was all he could think of as the Painter did his thing. Though far, the man showed not only extreme precision with his eyes, but this movement was also haphazardly elegant. Taking his time with the brushes and not overoding anything and would occasionally get close to see the posture and how they stood.
Within the next thirteen hours, the man went on and on without a break and the General was held up by the women's magic. Keeping him awake and energized to keep his posture and face. Soon, it was over. Paul plops to the ground still in a sitting position, like he was frozen.
“Now, I shall make smaller versions! Free of charge!”
“GUH!” was all they could hear from the human man.
They set off to the airfield once again. Though the snow delayed their carriage for a few days, the group managed to arrive at the airfield on time for a ride on a C-130 to Airbase Shadilay. Where an entire parade is held at the arrival of a Five Star General on the tarmac. With the General and the three women with him being given a Garland made out of Geraldian flowers.
Meeting General Paul was General Ripper, the two high ranking officers proceeded to shake hands in the tarmac and pose for photos with the vampires and Bahamut whose human form is still a bit off putting to all the players who are afraid of her, all remembering the traumatic things she’s done to the community. The group were then led to Ripper's room where he poured them tea.
“Well… this is a surprise. I didn’t expect you, General Jackson. Do you know the Guild Presidents will have your head if you don’t put results out?”
“Yes, uhm. Good Morning Ripper, I think this is our first time actually meeting face to face.”
“Of course, of course. I uhhhh… didn’t think a Five Star General of all things would respond to that request.”
“I heard it was about communications, it might not be that bad right now. But if things do get worse, this could lead to a breakdown of army cohesion.”
“Yes, but we can just replace them really. I highly doubt the Wood Elves would care as much. So far, they’ve only been poking and destroying things we can easily replace, including those Microwave Radio Towers.”
Elizabeth with her arms crossed in the Sofa of his office lifts her head up to look at the General.
“The Wood Elves are not to be played with. I’ve personally dealt with them before, and I can say. They’re a bunch of annoying pretty boys and girls. I suggest to immediately deal with this militarily if possible.”
“Oof, we can’t do that sadly, your majesty. I uhhh… know of your true identity so please, don’t mind me calling you that.”
“I don’t really hold that title anymore, but do carry on.”
“We have a public image to uphold. Unlike back then, we have actual laws in place that prevent us from doing such things, to natives most of all. If even a bit of military action is used, this could translate to every bad thing that one could list down in Imperialism. So we’d rather avoid that.”
“Pshh.. you humans and that overt complexity to such simple matters. What is wrong with Imperialism? That is the way of any powerful nation or group. Not doing it would mean you are weak, easy to invade, and do not deserve the respect of anyone regardless of your strength.”
“Ahem.” Paul then clears his throat. Fixing his tie as he takes in the information. “Thank you Elizabeth, but things are different in our world. We cannot just exterminate people without eyes looking in us. So, Ripper.”
“I’m surprised you have a very open schedule, General. I thought the vampires would’ve had you on your toes the entire time.”
“It isn’t that bad, the vampires in Schon will be partying for a few days straight. I thought it’d be a good thing to do this and help out a bit in the war effort. Detox from all that bustling city life.”
“I see, I see. Well, I have a Blackhawk prepped and ready. Any requests?”
“Hmmm… got a Pave Low and some high level skeletons I could use?”
“I think I should have some spare Delta Team skeletons laying around. All Level Eighty and above with Ghostly Teleportation and a bunch of other skills and magics.”
“Good, I’ll take maybe… a company and then a Pave Low and ones with proficiency in Ice magic. Thank you.”
“Of course, I’ll make some calls immediately and get everything prepped. Have a good stay here General. The snow shouldn’t be that much of a problem, as you can see. They don’t really pile as high as I heard in Schon.”
“That’s good to hear. How are things around this Airbase Ripper?”
“I think something big is up…”
“U-Uhm… what?”
The General then quivers and with an intense gaze, looks around him first and stands up from his leather armchair and closes the blinds. Opening his drawer, he throws at the desk a pile of classified orders.
“You see this Jackson?!”
“Uhhhh… yeah. They seem to be special orders. Why?”
“These orders constantly switch from one to another, even at times. Conflicting!”
“Okay, and how bad is it? Can’t you just send them back to something?”
“It’s mostly just weird orders like watch out for Espionage groups or test the water regularly! I’ve already had it sent back and it came back checked and proven… something is up. Smuggling of people to Zavalda has also been rising lately.”
“How is that possible? This base has its own water pumps and filters right? For NBC and all that stuff? Are you sure you aren’t being fucked with by your own men or someone close to you?”
“Exactly, so don’t you think something’s up?! What is with this insanity?!”
“Now… don’t quote me on this. But I’ve had some problems myself but it mostly stems from the fact that none of our Leaders are actually in constant talks with one another and would usually give overlapping or just redundant orders.”
“But this has never happened to me before, do you know how important this base is!?”
“Aside from the fact that you have long range bombers carrying Mana Nukes, I’m guessing one of the four major cities is one too?”
“Yes! The Guild of Ervtes has put many resources into building that city and it's at the forefront of the Ocean of Lord Loch! Don’t you think they might want to destroy this airbase and the bombers in it, paving the way for less resistance when taking over the city?”
“Exactly who? The resistance fighters? Last from the reports was that they’ve been spotted far in Angea. Not here. There are also no longer in Schon, I think they know they’ve done too many things in quick succession putting heat on their backs.”
“I don’t know… but it could be the Demons… Jackson, you have to understand. This airbase also guards the portal back home and it's nearing completion. Our aircrafts is the one that primarily flies to the Ancient Portal and patrols it! ”
The man then grabs a distilled bottle of water and drinks it. He then walks to Paul’s right ear and whispers to him. “I’ve also heard they have already opened it once and sent some people back home.” he couldn’t believe what the man said but it was still compelling enough to widen his eyes.
“What exactly are you suggesting Ripper? That this entire thing has another layer underneath it?”
“Don’t you think so too?! There’s something more to this! We aren’t being given the full picture! Not even us! Five star Generals my ass! Something is amiss with that city! It's the Mayor, the Councilors, the CEOs of that place! It's all leading to me! They want me gone, General Jackson! Do you understand?!”
“Okay calm down Ripper. That’s probably beyond even our paycheck. Better we all calm down and look at this rationally. You have a big base with over five thousand personnel inside it. This place isn’t going to fall that easily.”
“That’s what they want you to know! I’ll have you know Jackson, this place will be in the frontlines when King whoever the fuck sends the hordes of hell upon us! When the undead hordes run through the lands! This Airbase will have to withstand all of it long enough for millions of players to return home!”
Seeing that Ripper was becoming more and more unhinged, Paul stands up. Slowly sliding the chair back into place as the three girls exit out the office. “Be careful Jackson! They aren’t telling us everything! There’s more to this than what’s being given to us! They're hiding something and they wanna run for the exit without facing the music! Cowards are our leaders! Children playing leader! They knew something and they did something with the water! I know it! I’ve seen that white haired CEO fucking about in the-” closing the door, the General looks at the three women just staring back at him.
“Well… that was interesting.”
“My Lord, are you sure that man should have the power he has right now?”
“We don’t really have anyone else in mind and he has a lot of friends in the manufacturing sector too. If he gets removed, it's going to shake a lot of chains in the command structure down to the civilian sector. So I think we best just go now to that FoB and carry on, if he gets shot. That’s all on him. I already have enough crazy for one day. I’ll get someone to carry our bags to the chopper.”
As they walked outside, a man in a dress uniform approached the General.
“Sir! A Noble from Avaria wishes to see you.”
“No. I have an objective right now.”
“Sir, he is currently visiting.”
“Tsk… I don’t want to. Call a Colonel or something.”
“Uhm… sir. He’s a Baron, by the rules. He is next to a foreign High Senator. You-”
“Have the obligation to see him. I know I know. Tsk, what a waste of time. Where is he?”
“On the hangars sir. He’s checking out the planes.”
“Are we now giving access to our futuristic aircraft? What’s he going to do with a Stratofortress? Geez. Ladies, go to the helipad and prepare what needs to be prepared.”
“Yes, as you order. M’Lord.”
“As you wish. My Lord.”
“Hmph. Is there food there?”
As he leaves the three women, the dressed soldier leads him to an open top humvee which drives him to the large Hangars capable of housing two B-52H Stratofortresses. One in the front, and one in the back. The huge sliding door was opened as a bunch of Knights and Noblemen wearing vibrant robes looked in awe of the machines. The soldier stops the vehicle next to them. The young blonde haired noble is amazed at the sight of the vehicle and the General sitting in the passenger seat makes a snappy salute.
“General Paul Jackson, Commander of Eldwood’s Ground Forces and Legions. How may I help you?”
“Ah finally! I thought I’d never be able to meet a high ranking member of your military here.”
“Yes, how may I help you?”
“Tell me. This machine.” he opens his hands and in awe of the huge high altitude bomber, the magnificent sleek design and the huge wheels was a true sight to behold up close. Its bomb bays were open and Mk82 was being loaded into it as a GPU was driven to its rear.
“What does it do?” the General turns his head to face the bomber and looks back at the young teenage Nobleman and his entourage. Seemingly like aliens in a mothership of another species from another world. He exits from the Humvee and walks next to the place. Admiring its simple yet complex work. The might of mankind's technological advancements, a hundred year of man’s aviation history led to the very aircraft right before him. Its towering and imposing structure and on its nose, an art of a cute anime girl in sailor uniform striking a cute pose with a single sentence “Bomb Voyage!”
“It drops nukes, bombs, fires cruise missiles and all the likes. In the Third World War, it was also used as a platform to launch Fighter Drones.”
“Amazing! To drop bombs from this machine! I am Baron Kentle of Avaria. Pleased to meet you, General. I hope you will be able to tell me about the magnificence of human ingenuity! Not even the High Elves can compare to this!”
“Hm. It’s actually an old platform. Super old, like this thing is ancient hence why we were able to produce it.”
“R-really?! This flying machine, this huge thing as large as the beautiful Cornelian birds are… ancient?”
“Yup, this thing flew in the Vietnam War all the way to the Resource Wars and then… Third World War. I’ve…” the General removes his cap and massages his forehead. “I’ve personally seen this thing. Albeit kilometers above me, I knew its shape and the noise of its engines.”
“Oh… so you’ve fought against it?”
“Yes. NATO used it a lot as it can take a lot of punishment and fly back home. It dropped a shit ton of bombs on my positions but early warning radar made it impossible for them to truly do damage to my Regiment." He then walks up to it and touches the skin of the aircraft.
“What is… NATO? An organization of sorts?”
“It’s just another Empire… like the United Asian Alliances. The Empire I work for. A group of nations that invades other countries under the guise of a security pact. That’s actually how we started World War Three. We told the excuse that we need to go to a foreign land thousands of kilometers away, on this continent named Europe to stop the forces that were ruling over us. For defensive purposes of course.”
“Ah, so in your world Empires still exist huh? I thought with such marvels, humanity would’ve long forgotten about such concepts. Even the same excuse is being told, for means of self preservation correct?”
“Yup… they just changed the name to a Joint Alliance or Security Pact but the Modus Operandi remained the same. Invade, conquer and get booted out soon after the population resists strong or long enough. Even through our conquest in the Middle East, the United Asian Alliances never remained in any of the states there. We simply had no money to do so. We were rich but not rich enough to stay in a foreign land to… protect it from Westerners or whatever excuse they came up with at the time.”
“Then… how were we able to produce these machines then?”
“What do you mean?”
“Since. Here in Threa, we never managed to advance as quickly due to war and the horrible cycle of Demonic Awakening. We’d be sent hundreds of years back every time, sometimes a thousand. Fueling chaos and instability… only the High Elves and their flying and sinking cities were safe from the perils of the Gods.”
“On Earth, only humanity exists. No Demons, Angels, Monsters, or of that sort. Only humans. We had all the time in the world to create and innovate.”
“A world where there’s only humans… heheheheh. I could only imagine.”
“Don’t, I came from that world. It's better in Threa actually, as other species are able to hold down humanity… unwarranted. We get a bit imaginative in how to kill each other. This machine before you is the B-Fifty-Two Stratofortress. It is meant to perform High Altitude Transcontinental Bombing runs to Nuclear launches.”
“Wow… I cannot believe it. We are capable of this. May we?”
“Of course.”
The General steps aside and lets the Native Humans of Threa to touch the aircraft and take in all in. “W-wow. Humans made this huh… we made this…”
“Yup. Funnily enough, the history of planes started innocently. Human Imagination is a beautiful thing and so it's our prowess to know and seek everything about what we can touch and see. Aircraft is the culmination of that, unlike the Dragons you ride. This is all made from factories, imagine. Ninety years ago. Aircrafts were meant to deliver letters and search for lost people. Then the First World War happened.”
“World Wars huh… from that name alone.”
“Hm. We waged wars that only the Ancient Vampire Queen could outdo. Even then, she did her world domination through espionage and crippling Kingdoms from within. We on the other hand preferred using the might of Industrialization.” As if his eyes were recalling something horrific, the General's hand started to twitch uncontrollably. His trigger finger pulled on air. “I saw it first hand… I was there on the frontlines. I saw entire cities get destroyed in mere hours, blocks that were once so beautiful and full of life turned into rubles.” he suddenly breathes out and then looks at the plane.
“I sense that you have been through a lot.”
“I have. I have…”
“I see that even with technology, humanity’s pertinent to war hasn't gotten better.”
“I don’t think it will ever change. But if you wish to one day operate machines like this. I only hope you can do better than us. Who am I to say though… it's all gonna end up the same. Heck, you might produce things way worse with all this wacky magic in your hand.”
“I do look forward to that prospect. But I fear that I'll be long dead when that day comes. When the Humans of Threa will reach this… if we would even. The High Elves would probably cripple us the moment we tried to achieve such wonderful feats.” The blonde nobleman starts caressing the aircraft. “This is the type of technology I never knew we humans would do… the High Elves always paraded their flying machines. To think… right in front of me is born of human hands. I can only sob.”
“It is. It's… wonderful. Beautiful even, flight is the last freedom humanity achieved. You can say, we conquered it all, even space. This plane like many others is born of human imagination, our stride to achieve greatness. It was only corrupted by our inborn nature.”
“War.”
“Indeed. Please, step inside.”
General Paul lets the Nobles up the stairs behind the front landing gears. Inside the cockpit, the Nobles' jaws drop at the amount of gauges and switches to the ancient old dash of the Pilots.
“As you can see, it's not as pretty as the outside. But the Stratofortress is known for its unkillable reliability. This is truly one of humanity’s marvels next to so many other things…”
Touching everything they could, the Nobles were still in awe of what they were looking at. Some of them even looked at the maps left over by the aircrew of the plane.
“Tell me, General.”
“Yes sir.”
“Do you plan on using these machines against the hordes of Hell?”
“We do, you can count on us dropping the might of the modern military and True Magic ontop of them the moment they pop out of there holes.”
“I see…” the Baron puts his hand up his chin as he inspected the complex army of analog gauges. “Maybe we do have a chance after all.”
“What do you mean?”
“If humanity survives this coming end times. We might be able to one day make these machines and give the High Elves a run for their money, or whatever thing you Outworlders say.”
“Hm. I’m sure you can. Unless they get to the Internal Combustion Engine first, you can totally do it.” the General puts his hand on the Baron's shoulder. “Don’t look down on us. We’re humans after all.” as if a fire that was inside Jackson transferred to the Nobleman he nodded in silence. Soon, after satisfying her curiosity, the Natives exited the aircraft and back to the safety of their Knights.
“We’re humans after all… huh. I might use that in my next speech.”
“Is the threat of the High Elves that bad?”
“It is. If it weren’t the fact that a large portion of their economy is dependent on us. They would’ve long exterminated all of humanity and their own brethrens the Wood Elves. They’d always bring those shiny airships of theirs just to show off how powerful they are. I aspire for humanity to one day reach that.”
“Don’t worry, you guys definitely will. Just look, we’re humans too. On Earth, we don’t have magic and yet look at what we achieved. The humans in Threa just need a bit of a push. I hope you’ll be able to take inspiration from all of these machines that we’ve built and one day, show those pointy eared morons that we can do.”
“Ahahahaha, yes. I do share the consideration. To… what was that again… ram it up there ass, correct?”
“PFFFFTTT…. BWAHAHAHAHAHA!” the General had to collect himself as the players near him almost bursted into laughter alongside their officer. The nobles soon got infected and also laughed and soon, everyone except the skeletons working on doing preflight was laughing. A few hundred meters away on the helipads. The three women looked in the direction of the Hangars. “Someone’s having fun.”
“Master's laughter is so familiar that I can already identify that it's him.”
“What is our Lord doing? Your Majesty, should we fetch him?”
“Let us not. He’s having fun. Let’s not ruin it.”
Soon, the General arrives as a MH-53 Pave Low and a Company's worth of Delta Team skeletons stood at ease. He then changed into his BDUs and even wore a kevlar vest with his epaulets over the shoulder straps. Looking ready for battle after such a long time.
“Sir! Captain Kristiensen reporting for duty! I’m the Officer in charge of the Second and Third Delta Companies.”
“Good to see you Cap. I want you to load them up on the choppers, don’t announce my arrival.”
“Copy.”
The young man salutes and orders the skeletons to board the choppers. Alana, Elizabeth, and Bahamut were with him in the Pave Low. The choppers take off from the bustling airbase and to the snowy rainforest.