On the main hall, first floor of the Hospital. He immediately notices John with Escobar giving the hospital staff a debrief of the day.

“Yo.”

“Suuup.”

“Yo men.”

“What’s with the debrief?”

“Ah, they’ve done as much as they can. The Kingdom’s are sending as many carriages as they can to retake their surviving wounded men.”

“ Also, the Kingdom of James has sent us a letter of invitation! This is it! We’ll finally get peace with the continent! Pendejos! We’ve done it!”

Paul looks at the hospital staff, some in skeletal form, some in human form. But one thing is sure, they’re all tired and haggard from the busy night.

“How many of you actually have medical training?”

“I have, I’m an actual Doctor in Canada.”

“Tell me, will most of these people live? It’s only been a day.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve casted mass healing and done some outback surgeries.”

“Is there anyone surviving from the Hero’s Party?”

“Yes, a woman named Sanna and a man named Tervin. Both are high level Knights, above one hundred as said in their special Adventurers Cards.”

“I was just about to ask, will they live?”

“They will. As long as they’re kept in Intensive Care. Healing magic is doing its job but uhhh… I think we overdid it as they’re bodies are broken to bits. I have high level magic but as instructed, I shall not instantly heal anyone with it.”

“Good, for now. Keep close eyes on the Hero and his party. We’ll leave the guarding of the city to our Colonels. We’ll be gone for a few days possibly. Paul, ready yourself.”

“So, this is it huh? How will we get there?”

“Do not worry homie. I got a Chinook ready for flight.”

“Stay in skeleton form. We can’t let them identify us.”

“Roger dodger. Bahamut, time to sleep inside my jacket once again. Unless you wanna listen in.”

After the conversation, the two generals continued their debrief on the hospital staff and the generals left for the Capital City of James. After preparing and changing to their proper General uniforms, all their medals polished and shoes shined, the twelve generals boarded a Chinook helicopter and left.

It was a quiet ride to the Capital. When they reached the inner regions, Dragon mounts of the Kingdom escorted them into the castle. The Black Ops helicopters escorting the Chinook made sure none of the Dragon riders could take a peek inside it. The large helicopter lands on one of the Castle’s open courtyard. It’s downwash messes up the beautifully aligned exotic flowers that litter it.

The King himself with his two sons was there, when the ramps opened. Hashashin was the first to greet the King. He stood with great confidence and the posture of a true leader. Even though he was a skeleton, the two met eye to eye on the same level.

“Hello King James, I am Hashashin. Commander and leader of the Dark Knights of Eldwood.”

“Good Morning, I’m King James. Ruler and King of this wonderful soil. Please, let us have the discussion inside.”

The other generals followed while the skeleton soldiers stood stone cold guarding the helicopter as it spooled down. Inside the wonderfully lit and white walls of the Castle, the generals looked like children in a Museum. Taking in the relics and paintings scattered about the large palace. After a bit of walking, they reached what seemed to be a conference room of sorts. It was a large room, four corners and a big wooden table. The generals noticed that there seemed to be some Elves already sitting down.

“Ohhhh shit, they're real Elves.” As Philip commented, John quickly smacks him on the back to remind him to be professional. The man quickly rearranges his posture and they sit down. The King sat at the top of the table while Hashashin sat below. The two’s gaze hit one another as the Generals faced the King’s Sons and the three Elves wearing noble attire.

“So, I shall first open up. How is my son?”

“He is fine, Generals’ John, Paul and Escobar were assigned to assure his safety.”

“I see, what is his current state?” The King turns to the Generals with his eyes piercing through them.

“Don’t worry, he’ll survive with two members of his party. Right now, we won’t simply release him as we must assure you’d keep the end of your deal.”

“Hence why I bought my Elven friends here. Please meet Chief Maximilian, the leader of the Elves and the tribes that are scattered throughout the land.”

“Hello, I’m the Chief of the Elves. I get it that you're the force that crushed my elite calvary archers?”

Out of all the Elves in the table, he had the longest and pointiest ear of them all. His long blonde hair reached his hips and his entire body was oozing with respect and dignity.

“So that was yours, I can assure you they did some good damage to us. We didn’t expect them to have such range.”

“Yea, not gonna lie. Out of everyone next to the Hero. They scared me since they were firing arrows at crazy ranges. Took out multiple soldiers at the frontline with their enchanted arrows.”

“I am happy to know my people died in honor and I’d also like to apologize for joining in on that charade.”

“No need to apologize, Chief. We know we’re an unseen and unknown force in this land. It’s understandable we’d be met with great hostility. But we’d like to now speak about peace and the future. As the leader of Eldwood, I’d like to assure you, we’ll do our best to strive for a less armed relationship between us.”

“Now, regrettably this entire thing has given you a bad reputation.”

As the Chief speaks, Dennis and James whisper to one another.

“Den, yo. This Blondie with the pointy ears surely wants us dead. He is super suspicious of us.”

“I know, but we have to keep this up if we want to make peace, we already made it this far. Might as well see it through.”

“I don’t know man, he and those two Elves seem to hate us a lot.”

“Knowing what we did… It's understandable now to shut up and listen.”

The two stopped whispering to one another while Paul was trying to do his best comprehending the complications of the problem.

“Not only that, you have caused massive loss of life in a span of five hours. Not yet seen, I’m sure civil unrest is assured if we were to publicly announce your recognition.”

“ I also question the thoughts of the Kingdom of Meilurious. It is their territorial rights that we’re infringing upon. Hence I thought I’d be able to meet their leader here.”

“King Melakor is still under great duress from the Demons. As you know, his land is situated North of this continent, many of the Vampiric and Demonic forces have been sneaking in through his shores. He has been the primary driving force in keeping the Northern Ocean safe for Merchant ships and Navy’s to cross but recently, it's been proven to be harder.”

General Elmer, being the head of the Marine Corp speaks up. Knowing that this is part of his job.

“We can help with that. Right now, we also have a floating dry dock in the said Northern Ocean. We have some of the heaviest ships known to man at our disposal. If needed and with an Alliance at hand. I cannot only assure the absolute safeguard of your Northern routes but even make sure not one Demon vessel crosses into Meilurious’ waters.”

“Then you might as well spearhead the upcoming attack on the Demon continent. They have been slowly etching their way into our lands. East of the continent, they have been building up large forces in mass amounts.”

“If you may excuse me, what exactly does the Demon Lord have in his disposal?”

“Both human and demonic beasts are under him. His generals are unknown but I’m guessing a Knight Commander for the Dark Knights while Alchemists and Mages of the highest calibre for commanding the Dragons and beasts.”

“I could send a Special Forces team and see what they have in their continent, but I’ll need the help of the expeditionary force. James?”

“I gotchu’. No problem with that, our City is located North too. So we’re the first to go if they ever invaded.”

“But first, we must accumulate resources and rearm our weapons. King James, are you convinced with our capabilities or do we need to further elaborate that an alliance would be beneficial?”

“There’s a lot going on here, Chief. What do you say? Will you give them a chance? I’ve already made up my mind.”

The Chief quickly stands up, knowing that the King has made up his mind already.

“You do you. You’ve already proven to me enough, but politically. This won’t stand. I’ll keep this as a secret but I’ll tell my men to not shoot arrows or attack your kind of skeletons.”

Together with him, the two other Elves follow and leave the room. Only the King and the Generals are left. Hashashin speaks up once again to continue negotiations, curious about a lot of things Paul nudges John who was next to him.

“You heard that right? The commander of those scary dudes in black armor might be a guy.”

“I know. This means big trouble for us. They were already in our city. Now that one of them has esca-”

“What?!.... What do you mean he escaped? It was a motherfucking AH-64D Apache chasing him down.”

“Thing is, after reaching far out of the city, he did some dark magic shit and shot it down.”

“What do you mean dark magic shit?”

“You know that move in Dark World VR? The swipe with your sword and a spectral imagination of your slash will fly through the skies?”

“What? That thing’s range is just a few feet. How low was that Apache? Was it cutting the tops of trees or some crap?”

“Yea, he did that move and it was this gigantic slash and cut the chopper in the middle and it was far from the ground.”

“Daammnn, can we do that?”

“Not that I know of. Look, the people in this continent are absolutely low to mid level except for a bare few. It seems that the harsh life of the Demon Continent breeds some broken motherfuckers.”

“Broken like us or broken like an OP NPC?”

“More so a bit of both since they’re human and actually living but have the stats of OP NPCs.”

“I get ya.” Frustrated as he learns more about this world, Paul could only swipe his skull’s face. Though not having skin, he feels the stress of the situation and just looks tired from the entire thing.

“I implore you Sir Hashashin to deliver my Son back here. The continent needs to know their Hero is alive. After not returning, the people have been anxious, thinking that he’s dead and we’re doomed.”

“We will, but you better make sure you keep your promise.”

“If you may excuse my Father. Sir Hashashin, may I ask. What is your end goal? You're gonna make an alliance, get resources and help us fight the Demon Lord. But what’s in it for you? My little brother here Hans has also whispered to me his curiosity about you and your people.”

“Our end goal is to find our Allies and return home.”

“Return home?”

“ Yes child. Return home, I guess for a young teenager. All of these big words and discussions may not mean much to you. But our end goal is this. To go back home.”

“Exactly where is home?”

“In a land far from here, but a world near.”

Prince Hans, with his sleek black hair and commanding gaze looks at the Generals. The tall muscular man was not gonna take no for an answer.

“Can my big brother help you with it?”

“I’m exactly not sure he’d be willing to come and help us. After what we did, I highly doubt he’d be willing to cooperate.”

“You belittle my brother’s naive sense of justice. I’m sure if he thinks it's right, he’ll help.”

“As crazy as that sounds, that doesn’t seem far from the people in our world. But I guess they can afford being like that since they’d be behind a screen. But I digress, King James. Do we have an Alliance?”

“Is that you Paul? I remember that voice. Heh, it seems that you made it out alive. Of course, as I said. I’ve already made up my mind. An Alliance shall be formed. Your men are free to move about my Kingdom. If you do find any resources, please do inform your local Lord or Governor.”

“What’s the cut or share I mean?”

“Usually, it’s thirty percent. But knowing you, I’ll lessen it to twenty Sir Hassan.”

“You better be happy. That’s a lot of resources our Kingdom and my Father is willing to spare for your machinations, feed them well.”

“Feed them we will.”

Hashashin stands up to conclude the meeting, the two leaders approach one another and shake hands. Solidifying the Alliance.

Outside the room, some of the Generals linger in the halls, checking the relics or the paintings or just admiring the architecture of the Castle. Some were touching the rare vases and archaic swords, Paul on the other hand was having a discussion with Francis on the subject of Logistics.

“Dude, this is gonna be Hell. This is gonna hurt my head for the next few years.”

“Calm down, look. We have the trucks and the heavy duty vehicles needed for this, it’s really just checking the routes and roads. Carriage paths don't really suit Freightliner Semi trucks with tri-axle flatbeds.”

“That’s the thing too. We might need to set up road train combinations. Each truck pulls three trailers as we don’t have the drivers. Skeletons do well, but if we’re going by game logic, there might fuck up here and there.”

“Yea, game logic. Still remember that Francis? I still remember my first time playing Dark World VR. I literally spent the entire day just walking around and taking in the true full dive experience.”

“Paul, my first day was dying over and over again to Orcs. I thought I could just walk up on some with a Knife and call it a day but damn, no wonder the game was banned in multiple countries and given a 20 plus age rating. It freaking hurts.”

“Oh, my first time was against a Wolf. Not a Demonic one like an Abyssal. Like a legitimate normal wolf. Ate up my organs and I respawned. The anger that rushed to my soul powered my motivation to rise with my friends.”

“Yea, good ole times. Now, we’re teleported to an actual fantasy world. Do we still respawn?”

“I don’t know, but I guess we should ask the players.”

“You went to the Capital before in civilian clothing, found any players?”

“I think? The crowds on the streets here are always lively, but I’m sure there’s one of two I’ve passed through unknowingly.”

“Also, Meilurious has highlands. Like swamp highlands with dirt paths and it’s a direct shortcut through the stockpile we’re making.”

“Don’t we have to talk to the Kingdom before that?”

“You heard what he said. Meilurious is busy fighting off the Demon Continent, we have all the time in the world to take advantage of this and start digging for Oil.”

“Is this Oil though? Do they have Oil here? What’re we even gonna use in the factories for our tanks' armor and metal parts?”

“They use the same materials we had back on Earth. This place is pretty much the same so far, it’s just that there’s some extra metals we have no idea what they’re about. Like this thing called Adamantium. Super rare, said to come from Meteors. Doesn’t rust, super resistant to anything. Imagine building a tank or a bomb shelter out of that.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. What about the Oil though? Wouldn’t the Kingdoms need it?”

“Dude. We’re in a fantasy world. They have thousands of other alternatives to Oil. So far from what I’ve seen with the Holy See’s female Mages back in the city. They have no real use for it other than Lanterns and adhesive. It’s still a free game.”

“I see, then let’s go then.”

“Yep, we’ll be here for a day or so, maybe wait for other delegates or Leaders and converse with them. Use the time here wisely bro. Tell Bahamut to also behave.”

Out of nowhere, Bahamut’s head pops out of Paul’s jacket.

“Mortal, no need to remind me. Tell that to my Lord, he tends to touch anything that piques his curiosity.”

“Ha, you heard the lady Paul. Better behave like a good kid.”

“Fuck you guys. I’ll be around the Castle’s East side. Talk to you through the chat.”

“Oh yea, crap I forgot about that. Yea, I’ll just spam you with pings.”

“Don’t you dare, you moron.”

The two part ways and Paul makes his way through the Castle. After walking for a while and chatting with Bahamut. He sees a figure of a woman looking over a balcony. The girl’s white dress instantly caught his eyes. Bahamut though had a more reserved reaction, as if she’s ready to act if needed. Curious, the man approaches the lady. The sun’s rays were illuminating her long dress flowing as the air , making it as if she’s some Divine being.

“Uhh… Hello. Names Paul.” He reaches out his boney hand to her, inviting her for a handshake. The tall woman immediately turned around, her blonde hair was Godly straight and her body, one could immediately notice she is not human from the beauty she was showing. Paul notices her golden eyes with reptilian pupils and is caught by her pale white skin's flawlessness. It was as if she was carved by God itself.

“Hello. I am Queen Catherine, representative and leader of the Dragonkind in Dragovh, Geraldia and Schon. I can see that you have a friend there.” She shakes Paul’s hand. Gripping it tightly as she keeps her smile up. On the other hand, the General couldn’t help but feel immense lust and arousal from seeing such a pretty face.

“And I take it the little one in your pocket is Bahamut?” Bahamut though has not been friendly. She keeps her guard up not talking, staring at her with a scary gaze. He could feel how soft her hands were. Noting that he feels like she’s something out of this world. “Yes and, so you're a Dragon?”

“Yes, a Dragon God to be exact.”

“Ah, so you're pretty damn powerful.” Having flashbacks of weeks long community Events where Dragon Gods with almost a hundred health bars. He gets a small tremble, but what's alarming about her was that she seemed like a normal human. The only differing thing was the sharp fangs on her teeth.

“Hee-hee. I get that a lot but your friend there seems to not like me.”

“I don’t know why she’s like this. Bahamut, what’s up?” Without even making eye contact, Bahamut hides in his jacket.

“I guess she has her reservations, Sir Paul. Just talk to me again when she’s not this jealous.”

Without even a second Bahamut flies out of his jacket. Pouncing on the lady, but instead of reaching her. Queen Catherine’s hand was quicker and caught the small Dragon’s wings.

“Ara, feisty aren’t we?”

“Fool, you have the gall to walk around in such a form and parade as the leader of Dragons?!” Angry, Bahamut was thinking of transforming into her large form but she remembers Paul’s reasons to be here and the need to behave.

“I see that you have more self restraint than I expected. Miss Bahamut.”

“Miss Catherine, I implore you to let go of my wings. I do not wish to further my anger.”

“The human form is quite versatile isn’t it?”

“As if I’d ever let go of these scales and wings.”

“But I can see that you're curious, or have you already done it once or twice? What would you do if your cherished Master was to get mortally wounded? How would one heal him?”

“I have my ways traitor.”

Feeling the massive endangering aura of the two, Paul was ready to jump back into the Castle and take over if the two Dragon Gods ever started fighting. Instead, Bahamut announces defeat.

“I’ll deal with you later Catherine. I’m sure that isn’t even thou’s real name.”

“Fly now and welcome to the Kingdom of James.” She smiles and lets go of Bahamut.

She quickly flies to Paul who was already half in cover. He promptly bows at the lady and continues on, exploring the rest of the Castle. After a few hours, delegates of the Kingdom of Meilurious and other nations came. This time, they only requested the leader of Eldwood to come while some requested for a specific general or everyone at the same time.

After a day of nonstop conferences, News came to their player tab. The Guild Chat had a message, it was from their leader who was still in conference. They’re allowed to dig for resources and pass their vehicles through the lands but at the cost of thirty four percent of the resource. Hashashin also announced the plans to further expand their logistics.

Players of Eldwood immediately responded with memes and laughs, the chat was very lively and some were already ready to go. Francis comments at the lively chatbox

“Engineer boys and truckers, get to the highlands and start building watchtowers and antennas. It’s an all out advance, start checking the routes and start constructing what we need.”

Paul closes the player tab. He continues going around the Castle, greeting the maids and the Knights. Though some were spooked, he’s nice demeanor and attitude gave them an ease of the skeleton man's presence. After a while, the Sun was going down on the horizon. Tired, Paul goes back to the main hall and sees that some of the generals were there already, chatting with one another.

After some hours, the last general arrives at the main hall and the men walk back to their helicopter. The ride home was quiet as the tired men turned to human form. Sleeping and resting. Paul was still a bit awake with Asayama who was busy fiddling with his player tab.

“Asayama-san. How’re the things with the ships?”

“They very good. Lot’s good. After some time, we should get another battleship. Also, the fleet’s about to move out of the lake.”

“Good. Interesting though, how even with this skeleton form of ours, our tired souls still feel the weight of the day. Forcing us to sleep. I might do the same, wake me up when we reach back home.”

“Hai.”

After some time, even Asayama fell asleep. Only when they landed did the thud of the landing gears awaken Hashashin who was snoring extremely loudly. He starts tapping everyone’s shoulders, prompting the generals to wake up and start exiting the helicopter. Paul stands up, after feeling as if he’s jacket is not as heavy, he looks back and sees Bahamut was in the seat sleeping. He gently picks her up and puts her on his palm. He walked out the helicopter and the generals were going their own ways.

After stumbling around with Bahamut on his palm he reaches one of the Humvee’s parked next to the helipad awaiting to pick him up and take him to the airport. After a good night’s sleep, he wakes up to the sound of trucks lingering around the Airport’s parking lot. After collecting himself inside the Security Wing’s Recreational Room, he walks downstairs and sees Francis, both of the generals are back in human form. Paul’s face obviously shows his opinion on waking up every morning, knowing it’s his time to roll. He goes to the main lobby.

The massive glass wall of the Terminal let’s the rising Sun’s rays in so that he has to raise his hand to block the light that's blinding him. Bahamut was also a bit groggy from waking up and is trying to keep her balance as he walks along the airport. Francis wakes him up, lightly slapping his cheeks.

“Looks like you had a good night’s sleep.”

“Hell yes I did and I want to continue sleeping, but I guess it’s time to help you with the logistics.”

“Yep, you see those road trains outside?”

Paul squinted his eyes, seeing convoys of trucks, each tractor was pulling three trailers and were parked outside, loaded with camouflage container vans while some had mixtures of cargoes, the parking lot also became an assembly area. Dolly’s and flatbed trailers litter the place as trucks attach their long combinations into place.

“Yes, I see them, Francis.”

“Okay, well Paul. You're gonna hop into one of them and see the route yourself. It’s super scenic from what I’ve heard.”

“Eh? Shouldn’t I go and command my tanks and such?”

“Dude, it’s highlands. It’s a bit far from here, so I want you to see the entire route.”

“Ah, well I do play City Life VR games and my usual job is truck driver in the servers there. So I guess this is something I want to do.”

“I knew it, you’ve always been a sucker for big vehicles. Now get into one of them and don’t forget to place your Colonel in command.”

“He’s always been in command. I usually only step in when needed, or when something bad happens. Alright, I’ll see you next time then.”

“Alrighty. Have a safe trip, also be sure you take one of my boys with you. Tag team it, one drives at night, one at morning.”

“Roger that.”

He then walks back to the Security Wing and changes his uniform to that of a normal soldier, a bulletproof helmet with Kevlar vest with an M4 assault rifle. He looks just like the normal grunts now. He goes back outside and sees the busy parking lot, with his current outfit, he blends in with the players and mindless skeletons. The only thing depicting his rank was the four stars on his collar and patrol cap.