"They're walking the streets like it's normal."

"What of the children?"

"I'd sooner forgive my ex than walk around with those leeches."

"Burn them in Holy Fire!"

The backlash occurred almost instantly. When the flyers went out, it was treated as a scam— a joke by the Emperor. They laughed about it in pubs. But when they started to appear, realization set in.

The people didn't care for the truth.

The words were written on every noticeboard and pinned up in every tavern. The general information was forcibly moved into circulation and was unavoidable. Booklets were printed for general stores, book shops, and even the local bakeries; a royal decree declared copies must be out in plain sight and prioritized over any other seller. Free copies were given to academies, and it was even introduced to Wednesday schools, where children learned about levels and leveling paths.

Off Worlders Vol. 1.2

It was a short little thing. Barely a dozen pages long. But it depicted world-altering truths.

Others were coming.

And some were already here...

Whether it be Druids, Giants, or strange non-leveling humans, they might as well be fairies and dragons to the common folk. Mythical and never seen before monsters. Why did they have to worry about these new, far-away strangers over the stranger creatures living next door or stalking their fields?

It was the talk of social circles. Discussion and discourse mainly surrounded if this way some sort of ploy by the Emperor to gain more control through fear, or if all this otherworlder talk was some more elaborate scheme. The affluent held differing opinions. Some gathered their wealth and prepared to go into hiding while others had already barricaded themselves inside their lofty estates, forts, and castles. They disregarded the call to council by the Emperor of Dreams. Only a select few had enough foresight to realize the potential catastrophic danger and question what if, perhaps, it wasn't a joke.

But one and all, without exception. Not a single soul believed they would walk in the open.

The old, the young, the rich, the poor, beggar and spender, husband and wife. They closed their shutters and barred their businesses. No one left their homes on day one. Nor day two. It wasn't until day three that people began to protest at the palace gates. They abused their lungs, screaming until they went hoarse.

Fear.

Fear of change.

Fear of the truth.

Fear of what was to come.

William looked out over the edge of his tallest tower. The one where he watched the insane Reiss destroy the world. He could hear the calls of his people, feel their fear and unrest. A good [King] would be at a loss of what to do. The [Emperor] barely knew what to do himself. His only comfort was that he'd seen this exact scene in his dreams.

His people's cry's reached him even all the way up here.

"Kill them all!"

"Burn them!"

"Set us free!"

William couldn't help but chuckle.

They make it sound like I caged them.

"Your Eminence..."

William spoke without turning around. He was waiting for the sun to set. It was always more beautiful from up here.

"What is it, Lionel?"

The [Royal Guard Captain] firmed his posture.

"Why do you allow them to shout and spread the words of violence?"

"Would you have me lock them up for being afraid? Should I confine them to their homes? Most are already doing that. I am happy to let them vent their anger at the injustice of the world. If I fault them, they will only find more to criticize. Let their voices run dry, and when they can speak no more, they will turn to thought or action."

A prolonged pause as Willaim swept an overarching hand, indicating the crowd at the front gate. Captain Marcine, Lionel's counterpart, was down there somewhere. Normally just another dot from so high up, but William's high-level improved his eyesight enough for him to spot her. Her golden helm with purple plumage stuck out as she kept order. No one could break through the gates anyway. It would take a level 50 mage-type to blow a hole in the barriers. Or just one Florist.

"They will have plenty of time in the days to come to think about what to do. Adapt or die. They must learn to live with nightmares or make the mistake of turning those nightmares into enemies. They can put up a fuss all they want, but it won't stop change. It's the ones who are keeping their silence that we have to worry about."

"What about them?"

"What about them?"

Lionel fidgeted. He wasn't entirely comfortable around them. So he said something he wouldn't usually say.

"I believe you know who I am speaking of, Emperor."

William guffawed, slapping the banister once.

"You'll have to get used to saying the word out loud, Lionel! They will become commonplace whether things go well in negotiations or not. They haven't arrived ahead of schedule like before, have they?"

"No. The [Monarch] should be arriving at dusk with his entourage. But shouldn't we clear the road? If the crowd insults the guests..."

Lionel pictured a bloodbath. The visitors weren't known for lenience.

"We will stick to the plan. The people need to see them. And our it's better for our visitors to see their opposition without us trying to hide it."

William used a crooked finger to indicate the two of them.

"I wish to be as frank as possible with our new friends."

"I understand."

"And Lionel?"

"Sir!"

William rubbed his well-trimmed salt and pepper beard.

"Squash any bugs that try to ruin the party."

=

"Down... With the... False..."

*Wheeze*

The crier was lucky his voice ran dry. Three high-level [Archers] were aiming directly at him. They were told to tolerate backlash but any seeds of rebellion needed to be plucked.

With a whimper, the crier retreated before his mouth got him into bigger trouble. Edging his way back through the crowd, the Level 8 [Woodworker] pushed his way to the edge. Glancing up at the sky, he fretted. The sun was an orange dot on the horizon, painting the sky in shades of red—an almost glistening maroon.

I stayed too long... They're coming!

He limped his way through the diffused crowd, cursing his job and even his class for his injury. If only that log hadn't rolled onto him. He'd have work. He'd have money and the ability to leave this cursed capital.

Glancing back, he saw the crowd still gathered and shouting. Some even held pitchforks and brooms like they were yearning to change classes to [Rebel] or [Anarchist].

Limping faster, he could see the sun dipping down past the distant wall. Hobbling his way down the main street, he witnessed more townsfolk running to the palace gates, either for safety or to protest some more.

"Run... Go Back..."

Hide!

His pace stopped as he doubled over in a fit of coughs. He thought he could taste iron on his tongue.

With a hand on his side, he examined his shoes. They weren't anything special. They were barely better than sandals. But what caught his attention was how the light-sandy color transformed into a darker tan.

Fear struck him cold as he watched the curtain of darkness envelop the pavement in front of him, rising like the canvas of a new stage. Swimming down the road and wrapping the houses. Blinding the figures running in conflicting directions. Not even the tallest tower of the palace could hold back the night.

Muffled silence came with the darkness. He couldn't tell if it was the heartbeat pounding his eardrums or some type of mysterious magic skill.

With peculiar clarity, he could sense their ethereal footsteps before he saw them.

Pirouettes on the horizon, flowing across the ground like ink. Floating like ghosts. Flying like phantoms.

A dry tongue attempted to wet his parched lips. Even if he'd never say another word in his life, he was compelled to spell the oath aloud, like a whisper to a lover.

"Vampires."

He ran.

He fell.

His blasted leg gave out.

Damn it!

Unsteadily and hastily getting to his feet, he stumbled his way back to the oblivious crowd.

RUN!

"..."

He tried to scream

THEY'RE COMING!

"..."

He hacked violently, trickles of blood splattering against the back of his palm.

Oh no... no-no-no-NO! Shit! Oh, Fuck me sideways.

The [Woodcutter] reached the crowd, inching forward until he was safe by the masses. His only hope was to either be let into the palace or to hide among the sheep. A few turned around to see the incoming figures and bolted, not bothering to tell the others.

When yet another person bolted, people started to notice the dwindling crowd. They found that the guards were no longer looking at them and focusing on something in the distance. Turning around one by one, they became statues.

Backlit by a bloody sky, a procession marched forward, their footfalls not making a sound. The armored [Darkguards] wore metal the color of mucky tar. The flyers were adorned in writhing liquid ink, gliding in the sky as if puppet strings moved them across a conveyer belt.

The sound of backpedaling could be heard as almost everyone made way. The [Darkguards] set up a perimeter line along the street that reflected the crimson night like a red carpet. The [Abyss Watchers] hovered above like a sky net oozing obsidian.

The undead stared at the assembled crowd, unmoving or uncaring. No one could move, much less flee. The pressure was too high.

Heads turned as a group proceeded down the glazed walkway—five figures covered in deep hues of red and black. The two in the lead only had trims of red, while the next two weaved the two colors perfectly. But the one behind stretched taller than any other.

Gulps could be heard as the tall figure in a wine red robe strode across the ground like an extension of the heavens.

The Palace Guards opened the gates.

A woman wearing a golden helmet stood at the ready to greet the entourage. Two [Advisors] flanked her, one young and one old. What amazed the [Woodcutter] was that none of them were nervous or showed signs of worry.

Something tickled the back of his neck. He would have normally ignored it, but something made him glance behind him.

Fire.

Bright and scorching.

Time slowed as he watched the flickered flames of a Holy Molotov. It was already pulled back in an attempt to throw. Horus could see the intense glee in the throwers' eyes in the precious moments before the toss came.

Fool! You'll get us all killed!

Time resumed.

Liftoff.

Horus tried to reach out, dumbly... to stop what was already happening... to save his own neck.

*TING*

*SHUCK*

*Tssshh*

Horus blinked, an arrow sprouted from the prone man's shoulder. A small fire developed nearby before it was snuffed out by a spell. Groans came from the downed man's lips as the sounds of bows thwacking came from the palace gates. The dark figures stood by idly. The nobles and Monarch observed the scene emotionlessly as multiple humans began dropping.

"They're attacking us?"

A slow-witted wife questioned before her husband clapped a hand over her mouth, sweating buckets.

Horus agreed wholeheartedly with the motion.

They're protecting us. If their attacks landed, all of us would have been slaughtered.

At least this way, they will live with a sore shoulder or leg or one missing eye. Okay, that last one was bad, but the man would live.

"The [Emperor of Dreams] extends his greetings to the [Monarch of Wings] and esteemed guests."

The lovely voice of a woman spoke over the injured. Captain Marcine greeted the Vampires formerly, followed by the two advisors.

There was no formal response, but judging by how everyone was still breathing...

"Please follow me. Your guards may accompany you or wait in one of the barracks. The Emperor is prepared to honor your decision."

The Monarch glided forward majestically without making a sound, passing the noble vampires and darkguards to stand directly in front of Marcine. Looking down at her, his back hunched drastically, but his shoulders remained square.

"Lead the way."

The voice was smooth as silk. Refined and masculine.

"Right this way."

Everyone moved at once. The Palace Guards. The Darkguards. Nobles and Advisors. Only the common folk were left to stand around and wonder what the hell just happened.

Horus was the first to move, walking away with a new conviction. Seeing the groaning figures on the ground writhing in pain, his leg no longer throbbed. He'd been given new life coming so close to death. He wasn't a great [Woodcutter] anyway. He could find new work. A new class. Yeah! He could become a [Dancer] like he dreamed about as a child. His Auntie always said he had a decent rhythm. Even if his leg never healed, he would find a way, even if he had to use his hands to stand.

"Like hell I'll ever be ungrateful again."

=

The court was sparse. Too few answered the Emperor's call. This was to be a historic moment in Aurelian history, no matter what occurred. Yet [Kings] and [Queens], all the way down to [Barons], had ignored his call. The total noble count in the audience chamber was 45. A pitiful number for an Empire sporting millions of people, thousands of nobles, and over a baker's dozen of half-baked rulers.

Instead of waiting on his throne, William mingled with the crowd, thanking those who came. All present were human. A regretful notion in hindsight, but today would be the start of William correcting that mistake. Regardless, through these troubling times, the people gathered here today would be those he trusted the most. Those not here had permanently fallen out of his graces.

Elder Hills was the most respected, and his presence overruled any excuse others drummed up not to attend.

Elder Hills is [King] of a small kingdom who has lived peacefully and guided his people through stability. Now, weathered with age and permanently bent at a ninety-degree angle. He was so old that William was worried Hills would drop dead at any moment. His sickly granddaughter was present as well. For a noble lady, her complexion told much of her condition.

She coughed hard into a hand as she half-supported her grandfather.

If these two are here, the absentees no longer have any valid excuses.

William held Hills' shaky, clammy hands.

"Thank you for coming, Elder Hills. It means a lot to me that you are here."

"Bah!"

He shook like a leaf, and his face flaps vibrated as he smiled. His voice no longer the baritone it once was.

"A promise from one ruler to another is inescapable."

"Still. That you trusted my far-fetched words warms my heart."

Hills' grandaughter straightened and saluted in a lady's fashion.

"My Emperor, we are with you today and every day hereafter."

Hills patted his granddaughter's hand.

"She's so sweet, isn't she?"

William smiled toothily. At that moment, Lionel approached and whispered in the [Emperor]'s ear. William nodded.

"It is time. Don't drop dead just yet, my friend. You'll want to witness this moment."

Hills' reaction was indeterminable through his elderly demeanor. Still, William knew he would feel the smack of a petulant cane if he stayed longer, so he returned to stand near the bottom of the stairs leading to his seat of power. Today was a day among equals, not a show of force.

The chatter died down. Those present scrambled into orderly positions. Lionel reformed the royal guard while the three champions of the Empire took places beside their Emperor.

William could hear the silver watch on his wrist tick. The metallic temperature chilled his anticipation.

A word from the ruler's tongue.

"Enter."

And the monumental doors opened.

=

The [Monarch of Wings] was the first to enter, his height humbled by the archway. Next were the four nobles. The heels of the pair of ladies clicked pleasantly. Many of the nobles were astounded by their beauty, the women lauding their garments even if they were a little gothic. The men were no less attractive, frozen in their youth and at the peak of their health.

Accompanying them were Nelson, Charles, and Marcine. The palace guards marched in a column behind them, mimicked by the Darkguards. Both broke off to stand against the room's edges. Glinting silver on one side. Swallowing obsidian on the other.

The human nobles formed groups on either side, creating a path for the stars of the evening.

The pressure remained heavy as most held their breaths. Should things turn sour, the outcome of the battle was not assured. Vampires were resilient and savage fighters even without levels. Most thought it was a cheat that they were allowed access to levels—the difference between sentients and animals.

When the two parties met near the throne, there was a moment of extreme silence. The [Monarch of Wings] overshadowed the [Emperor of Dreams] smaller form.

*Thump*

Many jumped, startled by the closing doors. Then, to every human's surprise, the Monarch shrunk. His height falling until he was near even with the Emperor's humble 5ft 10in. A smooth masculine voice spoke, his smile flowing through his words.

"It's about time we saw each other eye to eye."

William grinned.

"I'm glad I don't need to cut you down to size."

Before the Darkguards could attack, the Monarch's smooth laughter halted their hands. He held out a hand.

"Axel."

"William."

The collective sigh of release made them both chuckle.

"Humans tend to have a set image of us in mind."

Axel explained away the grandiose of their arrival as fun theatrics.

"This is a historic meeting, so it is for the best. I see no harm in it. Now, let me make some introductions and have someone bring in some seating! This may take a while and..."

A raised hand stopped William from continuing. Curious, William waited for Axel to speak.

"Before we begin, I must confess something."

There was a susurration through the room, and the noble vampires behind Axel were visibly worried. One of the men whispered.

"Sire, are you sure this is the wisest action?"

Axel nodded but didn't look back.

"Relations built on lies and pretense will never last. Vampires have been trying to reach this very room for decades. And now, at the behest of our enemy, we were invited... Such a thought never occurred to us. For this gesture of trust, I will be honest with the Emperor, and trust that those present will not speak let a word of what I am about to say escape this room."

Shifting of feet. William waited, attentive. Axel raised his chin in admittance.

"I am not the [Monarch of Wings]."

The humans looked at each other with wide eyes. None of them had the courage to ask as the Vampires seemed particularly more hostile all of a sudden. Axel continued.

"My Father held that title. He perished several years ago. By your order, William."

That did it. Weapons were drawn. It didn't matter that no one ordered it. Everyone was ready to pounce at once.

"I have no recollection of killing your father, Axel."

William's voice was confused and almost regretful. He would have remembered such a thing and surely gained a level for such an accomplishment.

Axel shook his head sadly. Ignoring the atmosphere.

"I did not expect you to. I wish to tell the story of my father's demise. If everyone can lower their fangs?"

A heartbeat.

William nodded, raising a hand in gesture. The humans reluctantly stepped back—vampires doing so only after there were no more weapons out.

"Go on."

"To start, I am not the leader of our race either. My younger sibling holds that honor, but I represent him on this occasion. Truthfully, neither of us wished to expose ourselves, even if the world dances on the precipice of destruction. Humanity's persecution taught us to protect ourselves at all costs, lest we go extinct. The eradication of the gnomes and their technology set a chilling precedent for us."

Axel's gaze was far off, seeing something only he could see.

"Humanity fears opposition. Vampires boast physical prowess, regeneration, and levels. We were ostracised and hunted as monsters because we are too powerful."

He said it like he didn't believe it.

"We believed the furry folk would be next, but to our surprise, you only segregated them rather than hunt them outright."

It was true enough. After the gnomes demise, many races recoiled at the atrocity. Few ever trusted humans again. The dwarves dug underground, shooting any humans that come near. Merfolk swam away from shore and established their society firmly on the ocean's floor. The Harpies flew off, never to be seen again. The only reason beastkin remained, or furry folk as they were sometimes called, was because they had no sanctuary to run to.

Many say they were lucky to survive under Human rule.

That was a very morbid view of the way things were, though.

"My family has lived long, though I myself am barely a century. My younger brother, our leader, is half my age but wiser than any of us. Though the flames surrounding the Monarch's death still rage through him, and he couldn't bring himself to see you face-to-face, he saw the wisdom in accepting your invitation. As did I."

Axel sighed through his nose.

"Father was traveling with a human caravan, peacefully. The humans knew he was a vampire and were grateful for his presence since they were passing through one of the Seven Hells."

Many made hand signs to ward against superstition.

"He protected the caravan valiantly, I was told. They made the journey safely, and the merchants became obscenely rich. Their patronage helped us remain hidden. But not Father."

William felt an itch at the back of his mind.

"You apparently had a vision of a monster traveling with the caravan and sent emissaries to do your bidding. To everyone's shock, Father surrendered."

"Why would he do such a thing?"

Axel's story paused when a young girl from the audience of human nobles spoke out. He narrowed his eyes.

"That was our question. The conclusion we came to was that no one knew who he was. If he attacked, his presence would have been noted. Purge squads would have been deployed. And it would have been a war for the survival of our race."

The woman was brave, for she spoke again, to the dismay of her grandfather.

"Why didn't he run away?"

"We'll never know. The conclusion of the story was mundane. Father was hung. He died wordlessly and without fanfare."

A shudder ran through the vampires. They grieved. Their society was already so small and fragmented.

Axel's smooth voice almost cracked.

"Turns out you don't need fire or silver. Just twist our necks, and we drop. Just like humans."

William remembered now. He hadn't gained a level. And he was glad for it. Gaining a level in such a way would have sullied his class.

"A [King] protects his people."

A nod.

"Our retaliation would have started a new purge. My brother and I quenched the fires in our bellies and bit our tongues. Now, William, [Emperor of Dreams], killer of our people, my father's murderer... What say you?"

The room once again hung halfway off a precipice. Not even a heartbeat was heard.

William did not fault Axel's words. Nor the animosity from the vampire nobles. It was true that he treated the vampire race as a menace. Why? Because they were a menace for his father, the previous Emperor. Vampires had sacked villages and murdered civilians.

That fact drove him. He felt no remorse for the deaths. For the Monarch of Wings?

An Emperor does not bow.

"I am sorry."

The words were feeble and not enough. William believed it did little. Those present were shocked to hear an Emperor apologize. Axel remained stoic.

The Emperor used a skill he'd been saving for later.

[An Emperor's Vow]

Wind sprouted from the ether and whisked away the hats of Aurelian nobles. If used by an Emperor, even a simple skill is designed to make a spectacle and entrance all those who watch.

"For judging your people as a whole. For the death of a respectable King I would have sorely loved to meet. For neglecting my duty as Emperor and allowing this hatred between our people to fester. Today, I officially declare that Vampires are not monsters. The race of Vampires is equal to humans. Let them be allowed to walk among us as freely as any human. Let no man strike out against you unprovoked. Any who break this creed shall be struck from this Land. So say I, Emperor of Dreams."

A reverberation echoed—the vow spreading like a ripple throughout the Empire, reaching every citizen no matter where they hid. The system delivered it personally.

Like the ripple of magic itself, so to would there be a ripple of consequence. Not all would accept it, but that was for tomorrow. Today was a day to mend old wounds and make new friends.

Axel let himself relax. The use of the Emperor's skill confirmed that there was peace between their people.

"On behalf of my people, thank you for this gesture of friendship. I am sure my brother is pleased."

"Shall we start with the introductions now?"

Axel inclined his head.

"Surely. The nobles behind me are..."

=

As the introductions came around, Axel was brought to an odd pair. A young woman he recognized to have spoken out earlier. She was accompanied by a man appearing older than Axel's true age would suggest.

"Valia Hills."

"Axel. You are a courageous woman."

Valia shrunk slightly as she shook Axel's hand. His praise, accompanied by his charm, was a little much. She was about to respond but was interrupted by a fit of coughing and needed to back away.

Axel observed the scene curiously. He waved for Hera, a Vampire noble, to come over.

"Do you recognize the symptoms?"

Hera took but a moment before nodding, her voice practical.

"Vernon's Disease. Many of the old bloods have it. I can treat it with little fuss."

Elder Hill turned paler than a Vampire. He shook like a Fall leaf.

"You know it by sight? And you say you can treat it?"

Hera smiled kindly.

"I'm a [Doctor]. Many of us choose to study medicine. Our prolonged lifespan makes it easier to acquire and pass on knowledge. Vernon's Disease is a rare blood affliction that remains in some older bloodlines. It is lethal within a few decades without proper treatment. Luckily, Vampires specialize in blood-borne pathogens. I even have an antidote on my person."

Elder Hills fell to his knees. He'd expended much of his remaining livelihood to fund the development for a cure. His own sister had succumbed to it in their youth, and he had feared the same would soon befall his only grandchild. To think the answer would come so easily after all this time.

Valia seemed stricken. Not understanding if it could be possible. She'd learned to live with the pain and come to accept it for what it was. She had weathered it to get her silly grandfather here. The twist of fate nearly caused her to reject the offer out of pride.

"Please?"

Valia restrained her humor with professionalism. She'd seen enough hopeless patients to know how hard that question was to ask.

"Of course. Let's find a place to sit down."

Tears flowed freely down Valia's cheeks. She followed in a daze, accompanied by her spry grandfather.

"Seems our relations are already bearing fruit."

"Good, because I wanted to talk about these clinics you've come up with. The thoroughness of the design is impressive. How long have you been planning this unity?"

William smirked.

=

Tables and seats had been brought in. A discussion was being had regarding the image of a fleshy monstrosity. Uglier than sin. It was a Shifter.

"We've encountered these beasts. They smell foul and sick. By the time a dozen of us arrived to slay the beast, one of our sanctuaries was already razed. We've been at war with them the past year."

"An entire year? We believed them to have arrived only a few months ago."

"To our knowledge. We would have found them if they appeared much earlier than that."

"About this plan, William, I am not opposed to battling this threat since we are already at war. However, we require reinforcements if you want us to spread out so far. Our numbers aren't sufficient."

"That won't be a problem. We have the numbers. Once they gain enough experience hunting the beasts, maybe we can force them into showing more of their cards. Or perhaps they might be willing to speak on terms. Though, I've been advised not to get my hopes up."

"And these Gates? What of them?"

"Since the Shifters are already here, there is no sense in trying to find their gate when we know the locations of the others. The next one to open is the Elden Gate. Our Ambassador seems to have passed through early using unknown means. I had someone try to follow, but they were unable. I have construction crews traveling there as we speak to set up a transition point. For now, we just need to hold the ground."

"Are there plans for Vampire involvement?"

"Not now. If some of your people wish to help, we won't deny it. But we have enough to worry about with the Shifters and getting the clinics up and running. The general populace is still frightened, so we'll have to engender good feelings between everyone."

Nods all around. Everyone seemed to be on the same page. The next part was what William dreaded the most.

=

A projection appeared. It was of a casually dressed human. Male. Average Height. Soft features. Dazzling white hair tied up in a Chinese knot using red chopsticks. The entire experience was jarring.

"Hiyooo~"

He waved hands that formed peace signs. Then he suddenly struck the side of his head like he screwed up.

"Shit. That's Japan. I screwed up; let me retake that. What? The battery's low? Donkey Balls! I knew I should have charged it. Aaaahh~ I'm still live, aren't I... and they're seeing all this, aren't they..."

The projected Reiss exchanged words with someone out of view as those present exchanged worried glances. Reiss clasped his hands together and readdressed the gathered crowd.

"My bad. My bad. I'll cut introductions short since the battery is low. My name is Reiss. [Nine Realm Ambassador], and the strongest, most knowledgeable human you'll ever meet. I'm only a quarter insane, so bear with me here."

He shook out his hands as few people hid behind acquaintances in case something went awry. Peaking in from a hiding place was a young girl Reiss might have recognized. Her eyes shown as she watched.

"Whoever speaks for the Vampire race, please speak up now..."

More nervous glances. Axel spoke.

"I am here on behalf of the Monarch. What do you have to say?"

The words seemed to have an effect as the projection flickered twice. Reiss was standing in a new pose.

"Option 3! Great. At least it is you, Axel, and not a nobody. Nice to see you, er, not see you. Whatever. I hope your brother is in good health. Tell him Reiss says hi and that the beard isn't working for him."

There was a visible reaction from the vampires this time. Several Darkguards were kicking their friend for letting out a laugh.

"By now, William should have proposed the plan to integrate. Please try not to get angry and kill him unnecessarily. I know you wouldn't do that for no reason, but it will really put me in a pickle since this is my last life. Reviving someone of his level would be a pain in my tuchus."

Reiss paused. It almost seemed like he was frozen.

"Shit. The battery, right! Okay. Here it is. In exchange for a trusting alliance, I've given William two things to offer you. The first should have already been received. The second is the cure for vampirism."

The vampires, normally unmoved, were shaken to their core. One tripped on their robe and needed to grab another's shoulder to prevent themselves from falling.

"Ancients..."

A feminine whisper.

"No. I am not joking. I didn't develop it. You should thank the new Monarch. He developed it after sixty-two years of hardship. I was lucky to be friends with him on one such iteration. I... I promised him... I made a promise to him that I would deliver it upon my next reincarnation."

Reiss' face scrunched up.

"I broke that promise. A roving pack of shifter soldiers killed me before I could reach him. Then I didn't visit him in the next, or the next... or any after that."

His fists clenched, and he took in a breath.

"This is already my third explanation. I'm running out of time. Take the antidote. Cure those who wish it. Take heed, because it only works on those who weren't born vampires and are less than-"

Reiss disappeared.

His unfinished words turned the air stagnant.

"Less than what?"

A Darkguard cried.

William spoke up solemnly, pulling items from his personal storage. A bottled vial of black liquid and a pack of files.

"Less than six months turned."

Presenting them, he elaborated.

"There is more information in that file. I couldn't understand any of it. Neither could anyone I consulted. I can only assume that it will make sense to the Monarch, the one who created it in the first place."

"I can not believe such a thing is possible."

Hera ran hands through her hair. Axel was similarly shaking with energy. William understood the skepticism. He questioned the reason Reiss would do such a thing. It would change the world. But that seemed like small change to the Florist.

"Examine it. You don't even need to tell us if it is genuine. We won't be able to use it, and it will be the sole asset of the Vampire race to use at their discretion."

William was basically assuring that it was impossible for the antidote to be used as a weapon against the vampires since they couldn't understand it. Axel, for all his trust, sheltered his doubts.

"How do I know you haven't made copies?"

William instantly understood what was being asked of him. He'd been prepared for it this entire time. It wouldn't cost him much since he planned to keep his word.

Raising his right hand, he swore.

"As [Emperor of Dreams], the words I have spoken contain no falsehoods. There are no copies of this information, we are unable to produce the antidote, and I promise, on my class, that Humans under my rule will never use this antidote against the Vampire race so long as I draw breath."

A hum pulsated.

The hum solidified into a double, black ringed circle on William's palm. It sat next to two others of similar size and color—each an unbreakable vow with the Emperor's class on the line.

As the rings faded, once again becoming invisible. There was a shout.

The Vampires celebrated.

Completely contrary to any expectation of them, they laughed and cried. They jumped around, hugging their brethren tightly, bringing in a few unsuspecting humans who were close at the time. Hera and Axel embraced, at a loss for words. Another Vampire noble was crying into Cray's tunic. Quinnerva let out an uncharacteristic squeak as a group of Darkguards lifted her into the air in cheer. Gideon quickly fled before he was caught.

William sat in his seat, unsure of how to act. It seems that a party was already underway. Reflecting on how much he dreaded this moment until now, he scoffed and slammed his hands down.

"Booze is on me!"