It was after some time when the party reached the greatly maintained stone road that heads into the city. The path was extremely clean and well kept, as they got close to the main gate. Perfectly aligned large flag poles waving the Kingdom’s proud sword seal and blue colours flap about on the road. Paul’s Oxford shoes could be heard as he walked along the road, Nobles and Commoners littered the entrance as the Guards checked their carriages and papers.

The colourful road was full of different kinds of people, and the atmosphere was different. Paul has been through festivals before, but seeing this. Just the immigration to the city was already beyond any party he’s seen in his world.

All throughout the walk, Paul was stunned by the colourful place. Ingraine was smirking at his childish reaction, as if it was a child’s first time in a Theme park. The city was coloured in shiny white and its walls were reflecting the Sun's rays.

*Click Clack*

Paul’s shiny shoes were gaining the attention of some of the Nobles and Commoners. Others whispered to one another on how he could be and why would such a man wear strange but extremely formal looking clothes. He had no insignia or medals to show his royalty. Eattare commented “Even my Father wouldn’t get this much attention.” Shy and covering his face, Paul replied. “I thought my outfit was weird, considering this. Ah, I hate this.” He tilts his fedora down, covering his face.

The group reaches the queue to the main gate. The big marble gate with its golden outline shines as the bright sun goes over the immensely large city. Though hiding his face, Paul couldn’t resist looking at the beautiful decorations. He knows that this is an extremely proud and powerful Kingdom that they're messing with and needs to behave himself if he’s ever gonna have a talk with its royalty.

“It’s amazing isn’t it?”

Grifvet then looks behind and sees the group preparing to enter the Capital.

“Yea, and they’re the ones who're after me and my friends' heads.”

Paul couldn’t help but be scared, knowing he was walking straight into the enemy's nest. But Eattare, Pierence and Ingraine all encourage him.

“I’m sure if you can talk to the royalty, they’ll listen. The King of James has been trying to continue the current status of the world in total peace.”

“And I’m sure with your machines you’ll be able to balance the playing field. Seeing how your machinations destroyed those demons with such efficiency, the Lords and Governors would love to make an alliance with your type.”

“Just be careful okay? The Kingdom of James might be all beautiful and shiny, but they also have their own dark sides in Politics and in Royalty.”

Seeing their concern, the Knight smiles and looks at them with confidence.

“I’m not even sure I’ll be able to get inside the Castle. But let’s first get into the place.”

The group passes by the Guards, though they were suspicious of Paul. They did not find anything incriminating on him. The Guards were also particularly weirded out by how he smelled good and had the stature of a Noble but had no connections with any of the Royals or Lords. They simply recommended he visit the Adventurers Building and sign up to get proper identification. Paul was shocked by the leniency of the Guards, little did he know some eyes were on him already.

After taking in the amazing city where the buildings were neatly placed and build, and the infrastructure planning seemed to be way ahead of its time with lamppost powered by magic, Paul traveled with the Adventurers to an Inn where he’d leave them to go and visit the Castle and try to talk with the Royals. He was very uneasy the entire time, he had never seen such a large and crowded street with all sorts of races, all interacting with one another. Exchanging differing currency and bartering, chatting and gossiping.

The noise of their boots and shoes, the voices of numerous people having conversations. It was extremely foreign to him and he immediately felt out of place. He remembers and this is something no man from his world would ever experience. He’s in another world, one he knows little to nothing about. Not being able to understand the letters would also be fatal, as his skill only makes him understand them through voice. Bahamut on the other hand is visibly excited, with her little tail wagging in his pocket as she peeps out to look around.

It was in an hour or so of walking when they found an Inn where they could eat. The Sun was still rising on the horizon and Paul couldn’t imagine the size of the city as he could still see just the endless line up of houses and countless streets where Carriages and Horses come in and go as far as the eye could see. Griffins and Dragons were also flying in the skies, transporting cargo and people. They entered the large Inn and immediately took a seat near the windows. The foreign man could only look outside as the strange and yet fantastical land puzzles and amazes him. Next to him seats Eattare, while the three sit in front of him.

“Grifvet! Order us some meat!”

“The usual I guess?”

“Mhm!”

“Ugh, I’ll have to exercise more with you people feeding me like this.”

“I’d like twice the usual drink! It’s celebration time!”

“Sir Paul, what would you want?”

“Anything with Beef and Potatoes, some water, no alcohol.”

Grifvet heads off with Two Maximallus Gold Coins. He lines up on the queue of already waiting adventurers. The adventurer's rest and the curious Eattare opens up, asking questions to Paul while Ingraine lectures Pierence on his drinking habits.

“What kind of magic was that?”

“Uhhh… what magic?”

“That thing you do where you teleport objects to you.”

“Don’t you do that?”

“We can but it's not at such a range, it’s as if you have an inventory following you around.”

“I guess you can say that. We call it Spatial Magic. Back then, we did indeed have an Inventory space following us around. Now, we’re forced to utilize magic to be able to have objects go to us from far away. We are not recommended to teleport great items like vehicles or buildings if you want to teleport one to you for some reason.”

“I’d like to know how you people did this. Who discovered it?”

“A friend of mine. General Dennis, he’s the one leading our R&D Department. You see the flying machines and metal beats we have?”

“Mhm, mhm.”

“Well, he and his folks are the ones mostly responsible for the creation of those and their factories which we house up North… though I guess it's West now. With the help of the League of Modern Guilds, we managed to get enough experts and make them into games.”

“Oh yea, you were frozen. Did you know about the Newfolks?”

“Newfolks?”

“Mhm. It’s what we call the people who suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Massive Kingdoms and strange structures suddenly appeared, scattered throughout the land. Then came these extremely powerful people, way too powerful to be considered adventurers yet they call themselves as is.”

“I guess that’s my category in this world. A newfolk huh.”

“Indeed Sir Paul. I’d also like to ask how you build those machines.”

“Easy really, we had this thing called Blender. Used it to create them, mold them. Put it in the gam- I mean the world to give it function and how X and Y works. We then build it through underground factories we constructed about One? Three? Years ago. Yea, now we have this. Very streamlined and organized.”

“Though I didn’t understand anything, I now know that you people are very resourceful.”

“Eattare, believe me. We’re far from what you call resourceful. This thing called Modern Warfare is to basically throw complex and intricate machinery and weapons at one another till the other side runs out of said complex and intricate machines.”

“I can see now why the other Newfolks have seen you and your friends as a threat. I guess two sides with such weapons could create destruction on a scale unseen before in this world.”

“Yea, like I get it too. I came here to play with Swords and Magic. But you know, sometimes curiosity of what you can build takes over. And build we did. We might’ve gone over the top a bit but, it's all in the fun.”

Grifvet interrupts the group with the Waitress. Their food was served and the party talked till the Sun disappeared on the horizon. Tired, Paul took in the offer of the Adventurers to sleep at the Inn. Though he paid with an unknown Gold coin, it was still Gold nonetheless and he bought the entire party the Night’s rest. In return he was given three, two hundred Aeralous Silver Coins.

It was a cold night, and the Moon could be seen at the Inn’s third floor where he was sleeping. From the roof, someone opens the window of his room silently. The figure comes inside and pulls out a Knife. When the stranger was about to lunge it into his heart, a sudden rush of adrenaline flows through the sleeping Knight which wakes him up. He quickly grabs the wrist of the person and battles for his life. He manages to overpower the stranger, throwing the knife on the floor. Just as quick as the person attempted to grab it, he pulled out his Revolver which was underneath his pillow.

He instinctively casts Night Vision and Pulling the hammer back, he shoots the Knife away from the person and points his gun.

“Who are you? Hands up and identify yourself or your brains will be littering the walls. Don’t move or try anything. Just speak.”

The shot alerts the neighbors and the entire building, everyone rushes to his room. Ingraine was the first to respond, busting his doors down with extreme tenacity.

“WHAT’S HAPPENING?”

“Don’t worry, it seems that someone is trying to take me out of the picture. We got a lady assassin here.”

Ingraine immediately removes the Assassin’s cloak, revealing that she's a tanned woman with short hair who is very well built but petite. She was flexible enough to stealth her way into the room but got detected by the Knight.

“You got me. I was simply here to take you out. But we did not know you’d be this strong.”

“Oh yea? Good. Now speak or I’ll blow your brains out.”

“Better just use that weapon and end me. I won’t speak.”

“Okay. I didn’t want to do this lady.”

Using his knowledge of Dark arts. Paul casts the spell “Fear Me”. A high level spell used to conjure long stun on enemies. Though knowing that spells have changed since it has become a real world. He thought he could use this to intimidate his way into the Assassins head. Instead, the Assassin broke down crying and in absolute fear for her life. Unable to speak and just generally panicking from the immense spell.

He notices that it was too much and using his magic, he teleports a Calming Potion, used to Unstun and Heal the user. He stands up with his revolver still pointed at the Assassin and gives it. In absolute panic, she drank it violently and recovered after some minutes, the woman calmed down. Pierence and Grifvet had blocked the window and Eattare with Ingraine were on the door. Preventing all her ways of escape. Paul was sitting on the bed, waiting for the lady to calm down.

“You good ma’am? Are you ready to talk?”

“Wh-wha-what was that…?”

“A simple magic spell I know. Didn’t know it would be this good though.”

“Grrr…”

“C’mon. Who’re you and who sent you. I’m not afraid to cast that spell on you again, just saying.”

Left with no choice, the Assassin gives in to his demands.

“I am Nasha. Assassin of the Kingdom’s Special Unit.”

“Ahhhh, I see the Kingdom of James has a hitman squad huh. You must be pretty powerful if they sent you after me.”

“You think you could just walk into this Kingdom and create chaos?”

“I’m not here to create chaos. I came here to talk to your King on behalf of my people.”

“You’re people?”

“Yes. Now, since I’m sure the higher ups sent you. Why not go back to that big fancy castle and tell the King if he wants me dead. He has to do it face to face. I haven’t even used my offensive skills yet or even my sword. Now Miss Nasha, give that to your commanding officer or whoever is okay?”

Defeated. Nasha, stands up and nods. She exits the room and hurriedly goes down the stairs. Still tired, Paul goes back to sleep. The adventurers could only smile as the foreign Knight slowly gets used to the everyday dangers of living in their world, but in reality, he was way too tired to deal with the world. After a good night’s rest, Paul was awakened by a loud knocking to his door.

“FOREIGNER! THE GREAT KING HAS CALLED FOR YOU. WAKE UP!”

When he hears this, he joggles around the room. Wearing his outfit and taking his weapons. He opens the door and a hulking Knight in shiny armor is at his face. The large man steps aside and he could see that the Knights have made a path for him to follow. Surrounded and outgunned. He follows the people to a royal carriage outside of the building. He steps in and a tall man with black hair and circular glasses greets him.

“I’m Prince Desmond of the Kingdom of James, second Son of the current King. Pleased to meet you.”

“Ah crap, I’m sorry I look like this. Almost got assassinated last night. Paul, Paul Jackson. From the Knights of Eldwood.”

Unbeknownst to royal manners, Paul extends his arm to shake the hand of the Prince as the

“Please save that for later.”

“Oh, ah sorry. Was that offensive? I’m not really versed in this royalty thing ya’ know?”

“Just sit still and behave. We still do not trust your Sir Paul.”

“Ah crap. Of course, of course.”

After a very quiet ride to the Castle doors, Paul was met with an army of Knights, Mages and Troops. Sensing the immense danger, Bahamut wakes up and flies to his shoulder. This spooks the soldiers and one of the Knights almost tackles the Prince to save him.

“Ehhh… Hello? This is my pet dragon Bahamut?”

He then follows a Knight which leads him to the Throne room. There, King James with Queen Vivan was in armor and the Kingdom’s Royal Guards were all on full alert. They litter the first floor to the second floor. After the heavy atmosphere settles, King James stands up from his throne. His voice was commanding and serious, his face was full of anger.

“You must be that person one of my mages guarding the wall told me to look out for. Who’re you to have such power?”

“I’m just a normal man. I might be powerful, but I’m in no way Evil or Bad. I’m simply here after a large army was gathering in front of our territory.”

“Do you have any idea what threat you and your people pose to the peace of this continent?!”

“I know, hence why we agreed to keep our weapons to us. But if you're gonna pull your hand on us. That means war, which is something we don’t want, and I’m sure you don’t want.”

“And what guarantee do you have that gives you the right to speak on behalf of an army that utilizes skeletons as their main force?”

Out of nowhere, Paul casts “Eldritch Necromancy”, “Transmutation” and “Spatial Teleportation” to change himself into his military general form. The sudden action rattled the Knights which almost attacked him, but the King raised his hand, telling them to put their weapons down.

Black holes open around him, skeleton soldiers wearing US Ranger uniforms armed with carbines and carrying disposable anti tank launchers crawl out of them and immediately crouched and made a circle around the General, protecting his surroundings. He changes himself right in front of them and now adorns his United States Army Service General uniform. In his skeleton form, he looks straight up at the King and speaks once again.

“I am Knight General Paul, one of the Twelve Head Knights of Eldwood. Commander of the Army and head of Combined Arms Warfare.”

“AHAHAHAAH! Good show! Men, put your weapons down. I’ll have a conversation with this man privately with my Queen and Son.”

The Knights exit the throne room, the combined marching creates a small earthquake. After they’ve all left. It was only Paul and his men with the Royals of the Kingdom.

“Now, with us here. Let’s have a talk.”

“You made quite a show Sir Paul.”

“I had to. Is this enough to prove myself?”

“It’s more than enough. I’ll speak to you in the most frank manner I could. I cannot stop the combined attack on your land. I apologize, the Congressional meeting was decreed by the Sword Saint herself. It ended with many of the Kingdom's leaders agreeing to participate in this war.”

Knowing the gravity of the situation, Paul starts to get anxious. He doesn’t want his friends or him to kill more people. Even though the Knights were Evil, they still feel as if their life was in their hands. Prepared, he knows it’ll take a while for all of them to pass through this.

“Isn’t there any more way you could maybe transmit to them?”

“I apologize. I simply cannot, it’ll take weeks for my messengers to fully reach all of the Kingdoms. The people of Breznick pre planned our meeting, I cannot do anything.”

“Can’t you at least pull back your troops? Please, I do not want me or my friends to kill people. Our conscience isn't prepared for this.”

Seeing the sincerity in his tone, King James sits down. Tired and sad from what’s about to happen.

“I apologize. It seems that our harsh reaction will pin on you something grave. But hear this, as leaders. YOU must bear the weight of the lives you’ll take. I cannot pull my men back. We all agreed to waging this war, If I do. I’m going against that and also betraying the other Kingdoms that valiantly sent their men to die in his war. Again, I apologize.”

Paul could only cover his face with his hands. Knowing that it's inevitable that he’ll have to go back and kill these people.

“Father, why not create an agreement? I’m sure the Knights of Eldwood would be a great ally to our cause against the Demon Lord and his continent.”

“I know my Son. But at the same time, we’ll pay greatly if we do.”

Queen who was silent the entire time speaks, with a more casual tone, she seemed more approachable than anyone else.

“Sir Paul, do tell. What would’ve you done if we didn’t agree to peace?”

“I was planning on threatening you to peace by saying we have a Cruise Missile aimed at this Castle.”

“A Cruise Missile?”

“It’s hard to explain but let’s just say it's a large explosion sent from a ship hundreds of miles away.”

Desmond is immediately curious by the weapon. Fixing his glasses and speaking in a more normal tone than what he was using which was authoritative.

“That’s some reach you have. You could threaten entire Nations with such weapons. Such a damned army you are.”

“But of course, we won’t. We want peace not war. Call us damned all you want, but we’ll survive and return home.”

King James, after thinking about the situation, long and hard claps his hand once. Taking the attention of the two men.

“Then it’s settled. We’ll make an alliance with you, all I ask of you is to make sure my Son returns alive from this. I cannot stress this enough, not only do I love my son but he’s also this continent's Hero. He’s an icon that cannot die and he has more to do in the future. The attack will begin either tomorrow or the next few days. Prepare yourself, it's about to get bloody.”

“Fuck, it is gonna get bloody. Army of the Damned? We might just be that. Looks like it's war either way. Just make sure you’ll keep your end of your bargain. We’ll do our best to uphold ours.”

Angered by the situation, he storms out of the Throne room, the Prince tagging behind him. The Knights that filled the main lobby silently looked at them as they made their way to the main doors. After exiting the Castle, the undead general gestures a thumbs up and a down with his hands and lifts his Index finger gesturing one day.

A thousand miles away, inside the Airport. John and Elmer let out a sigh of relief inside the Security Wing as they see through a screen from a Drone that was tailing Paul the entire time that they’ve been given a chance for peace, but at the same time know it's game time.

“Colonel Cresco, It's go time. Alert the base, all aircrafts are now in station in Alert Readiness Three. Notify the other Generals, it’s war. God damn it...”

“Yes sir! To call signs, assemble your skeleton soldiers and prepare for war. To all those who’re still not ready or mentally prepared are to quickly move to the defensive line Bravo. Over.”

Admiral Elmer on the other hand picks up a long range radio mic in a table next to the screen.

“This is the Admiral, all hands. Ready the guns and missiles. General Escobar, get your Marines ready. It's time to roll. Out.”

“Ah crap, we’re actually doing this? I’ll get my skelly boys then.”

Just as they announced this, the airport came to life. Speakers blaring as it announces Alert Readiness 3. The players of Eldwood all run to the tarmac as they prepare all the helicopters and fighter aircrafts for take off. Jets align the taxiway and await permission to fly while both Attack and Transport helicopters with mounted door gunners are prepped for take off.

“This is Valkyrie, all F-Sixteens are ready for and loaded with Close Air Support package. These skeletons are pretty scary when in flight. Let’s see them do some damage on those medieval folks. Over.”

“This is Kujo actual, AH-Sixty Four Ds are prepped and ready for action. We'll patrol around Sector Alpha for now and take turns with Dragonstrike One in patrolling. Over.”

The Native soldiers of the land with mages and dragon mounts who’re miles away preparing their medieval weapons, could hear the whirling sounds of turbine engines collectively spooling up on the airport.

On the ground, Main Battle Tanks with Infantry Fighting Vehicles assemble themselves.

After counting, the armored vehicles form three arrowhead formations. The massive army of Seven tanks and Five Infantry fighting vehicles in each of the groups create a large dust cloud as it rumbles through the open grassy plains. The dust cloud could be seen a mile away as the formation tramples everything on its way in the once peaceful land.

“Gridiron actual here, All M-One A-Two Abrams and M-Three A-Two Bradley’s are in station and accounted for. Awaiting further orders twenty miles out of the city outskirts. Over.”

Thousands of miles West of the airport, Eldwood’s original base of operations was teleported in the frozen lands of Meilurious. Now derelict and weathered, the massive hangar doors that kept their B-52H Stratofortress high altitude bombers in storage slowly lowered themselves as the aircraft slowly moved to the taxiways, destination is the city once again to provide massive bombing ordnance.

“This is GodHand. We’re taking off now in formations of two, ETA Six hours. We’ll be bringing about five-one five hundred pound Mark Eighty Two bombs. Stay tight, the carpet’s coming. Out.”

Outside of the airport, Howitzers with Multiple Launch Rocket Systems train their barrels to the edge of the One-Kilometer free fire zone thirty miles away, hundreds of military trucks of varying sizes litter the street, all carrying all the munitions for the guns and missile launchers.

“Catapult One here. All M-Seven Howitzers are in place, as per orders in formation of Five by Five. Thirty guns are in station, spread out in a One kilometer line, and ready for fire missions. Over.”

“This is Firework signing in. Ten M-Two-Seventy MLRS platforms are in station with Five M-One-Forty-Two HIMARS in front. Thermobarics are loaded and we’re ready for fire missions. All mindless skeletons are accounted for. Over.”

While on the Docks, the once mothballed fleet, stacked together like Sardines, were let loose on the giant lake. The Destroyers were farthest from the Lake while the Battleship with two escort Destroyers kept near the city to provide support.

“This is Rear Admiral Olson. The skeleton sailors are in position and ready to provide support with our Four hundred and six millimeter main guns. All nine barrels are in pristine condition and ready for fire. Eldwood Ship Motley Crue Out.”

The entire city was suddenly awakened, as sounds of engines and marching boots filled the streets and radio transmissions from the players of Eldwood fill the skies.

After an hour or so, an eerie quietness fell upon the city. As the tanks and the marching feet had stopped. The streets were littered with sandbags and machine gun encampments while on the outskirts of the city, the armored vehicles were dug in, ready to shoot while the three armored arrowhead formations awaited far behind them, in the open plains.

“Gridiron, this is Shed one. I recommend moving about one more kilometer to our back, you guys should have an effective firing range of the free fire zone, over.”

“Shed one, this is Gridiron actual, I’ll be sending the first formation to give you support, they’ll be forming a line about nine hundred meters behind you. They should be able to smack the shit out of anything that passes through the free fire zone, out.”

Sounds of the air blowing past the sudden calm gives off an atmosphere of solemnity, as the metal machines of war silently await their enemies' arrival. Many were still not prepared to kili, but knew its life or death. They don’t know what’ll happen if they die, but they’d rather not find out. Some who’re obviously not ready are messing about, looking at random objects or just looking at the sky, while their skeleton soldiers stood still awaiting orders.

Secretly, a Silver Briefcase is being moved by Trevor with his Special Operations soldiers. Clad in black, he and his men hurriedly transport it to the center of the city, the Mayor’s building.

At the massive military tent city a few miles out of the free fire zone of Eldwood, Hero Sigured assembles his party of high level heroic Knights, to take on a foe from the far beyond. Inside the Heroes tent, a Dragon rider hurriedly enters and reports to them.

“Great Hero and Knights! The Undead army has made their move. After building fortifications for their machinations, they’ve mobilized a small formation of three, all metal elephants. Counting up to thirty six machines. Seems that they’ve finalized their defense.”

“How’re the other Generals and Lords? We must move now before they attempt to solidify their positions any further.”

“Last I heard was the generals were totalling their fighting groups. We’re now four hundred thousand large great hero.”

“Them tell them to stop counting in a war and prepare their army groups. We’re up against an army that we don’t know anything about yet. Our first battle with them will all be surprises, I hope the Lords are not drinking.”

The Dragon Rider salutes by putting his fist to his chest and quickly runs outside to spread the message to the other.

Though their attack was supposed to happen that day, the generals and lords took their time perfecting their formations and planned to use magic to attack in the early morning when they couldn’t be seen and only heard.

Paul was already flying back to the abandoned city as fast as he could. With a nonstop flight, he used Wind and Teleportation to hasten his travel back, he managed to reach the city at the dead of night but he was severely tired. Below, he could easily see the calm atmosphere of the city as helicopters and jets take turns patrolling the skies.

Bahamut lands on the tarmac of the airport and he quickly dismounts. The entire place was extremely busy, tankers and trucks going from left and right and the sounds of engines drowns out the thoughts that cloud his mind and adrenaline pushes his tired body forward. As he walks through the busy baggage area of the airport, a dark and dim atmosphere once again fills the city and death’s smell could be seen lingering through the air as the generals once again plan the mass destruction of life.

As he enters the main lobby, he could see that it's full of players of Eldwood that have not yet prepared themselves to fight. Many are in their human form as they cry or think to themselves while the others who stayed in skeletal form were as rock hard as statues. Not having the time to talk to them, he quickly exits the terminal and heads for the parking lot where Blackhawk transport helicopters were delivering supplies to the front. He boards one of them immediately.

The helicopter flies high above the sky, little Bahamut catches up to it and lands on its passenger compartment. Climbing her way up Paul’s shoulder as he’s looking out and into his jacket to rest after the tiring flight. Radio transmissions from soldiers are heard from the cockpit as the two lifeless skeletal Pilots follow their duty cordially. It lands on the defensive line overwatching the three kilometer free fire zone. The entire open plains within it was covered with barbed wires and tank traps with warning signs for trespassers scattered about.