“Yes sir!” The two reply.

“I’d like to ask where I could get some trench coats.”

“Second floor sir, there’s a uniform locker with some replica US Army trench coats.”

“Could you fetch one, I’d like to wear it before heading out.”

“Yes sir!” The soldier makes another salute and jogs to the second floor. He turns to the other soldier that's on the left with him.

“Busy day isn’t it?”

“Yes sir, I did not expect to see the city all lively once again.”

“What’s the current number of players here?”

“A little over five thousand sir.”

“Jesus, I’ve only been gone for two weeks.” Paul moves over as a man in a suit brushes him.

“Hey! That’s a gener-!” He puts his hand over the MPs shoulder.

“Let him be, looks like everyone is stressed.”

The other military police returns to the main lobby with an olive trench coat, he also bought with him some epaulets with 4 stars, signifying the rank of a 4-Star General. The soldier gives it to the general and helps him in putting the epaulets on.

“Alright, two of you with me.”

“Yes sir!” The two MPs proudly join the high ranking Officer.

Before heading outside, one of the soldiers quickly grabs an umbrella and protects the general from rain as they go down the flight of stairs outside of the city hall. After entering the sidewalk, Paul takes a good look around and sees that some of the people around are still wearing fantasy medieval outfits and knight armor.

He approaches a man sitting on a bench in chainmail. The guy was slouched down, looking extremely saddened and traumatized. He hears the clacking of the general’s Oxford shoes and quickly looks at his direction.

“Hello sir, may I ask where you came from?”

“Down south. South of the continent, near the ocean.”

“And how did you get here exactly?”

“One of your Generals, Francis was it? Saved me and some of the citizens of our town from slavers, but many also got captured.”

“I see, slavers huh. I get it they’d be a bit high level or medium level to take you on?”

“No, they scared most of us. They weren’t afraid to cut open people in front of our town till we submitted. We fought back but they only intensified it. It was only when one of your folks came and called in air strikes against their camp did they finally stop.”

“Ah, air strikes… on medieval slavers…”

“Yes, but many of us were already captured. Did you know Mister, Players come with a high price on the slave market. We're educated and know medicine, royalty loves to use us as playthings or test subjects.”

Sound of splashes came as Humvees passing by at high speed threw water over the curb.

“I’m guessing this is for the low and mid level players? I highly doubt high leveled ones would get captured, let alone be seen.”

“Yes, and I tried coming to the town hall to call for help… maybe send a regiment or platoon to the Deserts and take on the slavers. But no one cared, it’s all the same with this bureaucratic crap!”

“Okay sir, I’ll remember this, but I can’t promise you anything yet. The continents are fairly large, maybe even larger than Europe and Asia. It’s going to take us some time to not only map this but also create a suitable supply chain for such an endeavour.”

“You people are all the same…”

Paul continues on, looking up and seeing an intersection. His hands were clenched hard, blood was rushing to his veins hearing what the people of the land were doing to the weak but knowing at the same time he can’t really do much unless they’ve properly created a plan and way of action.

“I get the feeling we’ll be here for a while.” He spoke the sentence in whisper, thinking to himself.

“Sir?”

“Nothing, let’s carry on.”

Waiting on the red light at the Intersection, he could see on the other side is an M1A2 sep v3 Abrams Main Battle Tank parked on the side of the road with its commander and crew talking to people, there’s a small crowd around its right side, the tank commander hastily answering and trying to do his best to entertain the curious them.

The lights to walk turn green, prompting the general with his guards to continue his stroll. Looking aroundt, he could see the colourful characters that players now inhabit, but their faces were gloomy and the atmosphere was hard. He could overhear other people talking about opening businesses to feed themselves or people they know, it’s a time to act for many. The rain slowly starts to well up, rays of the sun and spots open up on the clouds revealing the beautiful blue sky of this foreign world.

It was about six o'clock when Paul finished his walk. He told the Military police to go on their radio and call in for a Humvee to transport him back, after returning to his office, the two were already awake and were waiting for him.

“Where were you, M'Lord?”

“Took a long walk, the meeting was only for an hour and when I came back. You two were fast asleep so I went out to see how things were.”

The Vampire then interdicts, instantly catching his attention.

“How was things?”

“Bad, maybe smart and high level people are having the time of their lives, but the low level ones are having a bad bad time. Mid level ones are having a typical day, though stronger than most natives. They can still be defeated through numbers and tactics.”

He sits down on his office chair after putting his trench coat on a hanger.

“Also, news to the two of you. I’ll be leaving for a few days. Maybe two or three, gotta head to a conference meeting.”

“I’d like to come.”

“I agree with the Vampress.”

“Look, the plane that’s going to come only has me, John and Hassan on the list. The two of you can’t come.”

“I’d still like to come.”

“Dost flight is long?”

“Don’t know, it might be a few hours.”

Alana immediately stands up from the couch and tells Paul “I’m coming.” Unable to persuade her, he simply lets it go and puts his cap over his head.

“What’re you doing?”

“Sleep. I’m tired.”

“ saw some places to eat, I want to try your world's cuisine.”

“I apologize, but I don’t think people like you will enjoy chicken delivered from refrigerated trailers and submerged in cooking oil.”

“I want to try.” her womanly voice was more apparent which caught Paul’s attention.

“Haaaaa... Alright. You two, come with me.”

The two smile, visibly excited. Alana hides it but her smirk can be seen. They both exit out of the office and head to the main lobby. The general approached the main desk and asked for the keys of one of the Humvees and his horse Pouch which was immediately given to him. The night sky was already covering the land and the lights of the city came to life. Alana was amazed by the amount of lights in the city, every corner and window had a strong source of illumination.

Bahamut on the other hand was simply happy to see the city back to life. The magnum opus of her Master and friends. Obeying the traffic laws, Paul drives them to a nearby 24/7 Fast Food Restaurant named “Kent’s Chicken” that was up and running. The parking lot was already full of cars and some military vehicles, outside the restaurant was a bunch of soldiers smoking and drinking the night away. Upon exiting, one of the soldiers who was curious of the unarmed humvee sees the golden eagle on the general’s cap and tugs the other men to stop.

“H-hey guys, it’s a big boss.”

“Oh crap, a general.”

“Wait, why are we stopping? It’s not like we’re from the United States Military and even so, we’d be out of duty.”

“Just shut up and pay respect.” They threw their cigarettes on the ground and stepped on it to put out the smoke.

As Paul and his party walk past them, they hastily make a salute. He immediately returns a snappy one and the soldiers went to the sidewalk to return to what they were doing. The restaurant was full, many tables were already open and Paul could see that most of the food on the menu was already up for sale. He tells the two to find a place they are comfortable with, which Bahamut immediately lands on one. The vampire merely followed, protesting that she wants one next to the window. Meanwhile he sneakily goes to the counter and queues while the two bicker where to sit.

The line was short as many were already busy eating, and before he knew it. It was Paul’s turn to order. He looks back and sees the two just relocated to a table next to the window. Curious on Paul, Alana looks at the cashier and sees him looking at them.

“Hey, what’re you guys going to order?” scratching the back of his head in confusion.

“Just get whatever!” The vampire replies.

“Ah fuck. Two of those two piece chicken with mashed potato and soup and one with the chicken and salad.”

The Elven Clerk smiles and promptly punches in the amount.

“Uhhh, is this like Medieval coins or paper money?”

“Medieval coins sir.”

The amount was four bronze coins and eight copper ones. Confused, Paul once again asks the clerk though visibly in shame.

“Uhhh, what currency is this? I don’t really know what money they use here.”

“We recommend you to use the Aeralous currency from the human Kingdoms.”

“Okay, may I ask how much would one Gold coin mean?”

“The exchange rate is the same, Gold meaning a thousand.”

Paul’s eyes lit up. Knowing how much Gold coins he has in his inventory, which he can only access through teleportation magic.

“Ah crap.” He looks back and sees the two looking very bored.

“Okay, here’s one gold coin. The rest is up for other soldiers who come up here. Their food is on me.”

“Oh my, thank you for choosing Kent’s Fried Chicken. A Waiter will deliver your order.”

The cashier hands him his receipt and he walks to their table, looking like he’s doing math on seven dimensions trying to figure out how much money he has.

“So, how was it my Lord?” The vampire asks.

“It was… yea good. Also, the one I bought you is a two piece chicken with a salad and ranch.”

“Alright.”

“If you can, please fetch the utensils over there.” Pointing his head over the corner, next to the take out station

“And ask the clerk for an extra plate and fill it with gravy.”

The vampire reluctantly agrees and heads over to the cashier. She stood up with such elegance that the other patrons couldn't help but stare at her hourglass body and pristine skin, her high heels making such a noise that the men in the restaurant even far on the corner turned their heads.

“M’Lord, why are the people here looking at her like that?”

As Bahamut asks this, Paul was also caught in the same trance. He was about to drool if it wasn’t for the Dragon’s scaly claws tapping below his arm.

“O-oh, well in our world, you can never find a woman like that. Believe me, the women in this world are all well above the average beautiful girl you’d find back in ours. So of course we’d look at that absolute fine piece of flesh.”

“Uh… huh.”

The Elven Clerk himself can’t help but be in a trance, watching her walk to him. He was ready to obey every order the woman would give him and with a deep mature female voice, she asked.

“May I have an extra plate, my Lord’s request.” pointing at Paul who was then being eyed by every male in the restaurant. Her voice was so captivating the cooks who were behind the counter couldn't help but look and also get ambushed by the Vampire’s beauty. The Cashier immediately gives her an extra plate and bows, thanking her for requesting something from him.

She returns with a wink that instantly makes his face turn beet red. She walks over to the utensils section and takes two spoons and forks while pumping the gravy on the plate. She stops after three and looks at her Lord if it's enough. After realizing it was too few, Paul aggressively gestures for her to pump as much as she can. She tilts her head in confusion, but he continues gesturing for her to keep going which she does. After filling the plate with gravy, he makes a thumbs up with a stupid big smile.

The Countess returns to the table, perfectly balancing the full plate. After doing a quick sign of a cross Paul digs in while Bahamut was already eating up her two piece chicken and rice with no mercy. Alana was eating with such royalty, it’s as if she was at a large table full of Nobles while he on the other hand was eating like he hadn't eaten Fast Food for thirty odd years. Quickly emptying the plate full of gravy after finishing two cups of rice and chicken. He took his time tasting it from the bottom up and down, absorbing every taste he could. Alana could see how much happiness it was giving him.

“Looks like this is your favorite.”

“You betcha’.”

“I haven’t eaten anything with a side of blood for this long but this Soda pop thing is a very acceptable replacement.”

“You should try Iced Tea, that stuff is a banger.” He hands over his Iced Tea to her and puts its straw near her lips. She took a sip and was also in love with its taste.

“Good ehy? Hahaha, yea. This was my diet before coming here. When you're working twenty four seven, seventy to eighty hours a week, fast food is the best option you can have.”

Midway through finishing his second chicken, Paul looks up at the two and sees Alana smiling as she takes apart her Salad and dipping it at the ranch dressing and Bahamut who was sleeping on her belly from the good meal. He can’t help but also smile at the same time, looking at the window visibly reminiscing something when Alana disturbs his train of thought.

“Remember something?”

Dang she’s perceptive, Paul thinks to himself.

“Yea, I usually eat at these places with a laptop, my phone and a briefcase full of paperwork. I just kinda forgot that these establishments can create such a wonderful atmosphere.”

The vampire makes a cute giggle which she tries to contain with her hand holding a fork. Paul can’t help but giggle back at the scene.

“Well, finish up. Still have a long day tomorrow.”

After finishing their meals, Paul orders a large fries with mashed potatoes and Coke. The Vampire was cradling the sleeping Dragon. After driving out of the parking lot, He starts looking for a hotel to stay for the night. Many of the establishments and buildings were still abandoned but their lights were turned on to signify to people that they could stay in them.

The road had very few cars apart from military humvees and armored personnel carriers patrolling the streets and alleyways. It was after twenty minutes of driving around the West side of the city did he find a place they could stay in for the night. To his surprise the people there were already used to the place and were wearing matching uniforms. He wanted to rent two separate bedrooms but Alana protested and instead rented one big room with two beds. Out of the four elevators, only one was working. After entering their room, Paul did not hesitate to remove his coat, shoes and cap and immediately plop into the fluffy bed. The Vampire on the other hand took her time and even washed up, when she was finished, he was already in deep sleep.

Night came over fast for the General, awakening from his slumber, he sluggishly goes to the bathroom and washes himself. After a good long shower, he peeks over and sees the two are still asleep. He stealthily grabs his uniform and drags it into the shower room where he dons it. Looking back at the room and peeking at the clock, it was still six thirty in the morning.

The two were still sleeping, he takes his time and sits down on the armchair and watches the guild chatbox. After twenty minutes, the vampire awakes. To his surprise, she was only wearing some pajamas, completely and absolutely aroused. He tries to waver his attention at the chat box and starts commenting on some funny replies and conversations happening in the morning.

This caught the Vampires eyes and leaned in on the general, Paul on the other hand is thinking about mother nature, cars, trucks and busses to keep himself from pouncing on her.

“Ahhhh, Kenworth. Peterbilt, Volvo, Chevrolet.”

“What’re you saying?”

“Just manufacturer names. Don’t worry about me, just do your thing.”

After the two were ready for the day, they left the hotel and back to the Humvee. At the City Hall, there were lines of black armored SUVs parked outside, the sidewalk that leads to the main doors were littered with men in suits and special forces were around the government building, stopping anyone from entering. After parking the Humvee, he walks to the commotion happening. The soldiers immediately saluted as they saw the General and led him to the main entrance where John and Hassan were talking to a man in a blue suit.

He introduces himself as one of the Secretaries of the United Nations, prompting the three men to join him on the armored vehicles. But before entering the Tahoe, Alana stealthily goes around the armed escorts and asks him if she and Bahamut could be allowed to follow. The UN Secretary happily agrees and tells them to hop into the second SUV.

The ride to the airport was awfully quiet, the Secretary was more than happy to entertain them but the trio was silent on the passenger seat. After arriving at the airport, the convoy of black armored cars veer off into the service gate.

Driving straight to the tarmac and to the massive Boeing 747-8i Jumbo Jet waiting for them. It had the scheme of the United Nations and the airport was heavily guarded by snipers, tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. Their SUV stops at the red carpet that leads to the staircase and to the aircraft. Soldiers in dress uniforms stand in attention, and another man in a suit with a clean jet black hair parted on the side opens the door and greets the people of Eldwood.

“Welcome to United One. General Paul, John and Muhammad I presume?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Wow, a seven-four-seven.”

“Runner, the VIPs are yours.”

“Alrighty Clint. Any extras?”

“Yea, two and one small dragon.”

“Good, we still have space for them. Gentlemen, please follow me inside the mothership.”

The generals follow the man to the jumbo jet meanwhile Alana with Bahamut follows behind with a blonde Elven woman who seems to be wearily of the vampire. Inside, the UN Agent introduces himself and gives them a tour.

“Hello, my name is Agent Runner. I’ll be your guard and guide in this flight to the United Nations General Assembly. Your companions have rooms on the back of the aircraft, while you have living spaces in the middle and front.”

After setting themselves in, the soldiers outside disperse and the tarmac is cleared. The aircraft slowly powers its way to the runway where it takes off. Eldwood’s F-16C Multirole Fighter Jets escort the jumbo jet till it leaves their operational airspace and is replaced by F-22 Raptors. The generals sat on a table that was next to a window, the stealth fighter jet was flying a logo they haven’t seen in a long time. An Eagle with a shield and two machine guns behind it on the vertical stabilizer of the aircraft.

“Well, well, well. The hermits turned modern superpower are here.”

“I wonder, is that F-Twenty-Two actually stealth?”

“I don’t know but it's pretty impressive, if only Dennis was here. He’d be wishing he had Blender and a Notepad.”

John and Paul were totally stoked by the magnificent show of technology.

“I think that Pilot is actually using the real life counterpart of the HMD they use.”

“The maintenance for such a machine must be a great feat in itself. More in such a daring scenario we are in.”

“Yea, I think he’s wearing a Gentex HGU-Fifty-Five-P or something.”

“We need to contact The Men of the Woods once again. I want to know how they’re flying those beauties.”

“We already have trade history with them, it will be no problem if we could talk to them later.”

A middle aged general joined in on their table, he was wearing the same United States Military style general uniform, but had a patch on his shoulder that had the same logo on the fighter jet escorting them. His eyes were oddly colored red and he had visibly long black hair underneath his general cap.0

“Yea, the Lockheed Martin F-Twenty-Two. One of my clan's biggest achievements.”

The three immediately turn their head on the strange person that just joined them.

“Oh, names Dave, General Dave. How do you do?”

“Names General Paul. Four star.”

“Also a four star, name’s John.”

“Muhammad, but please do call me Hassan. Five star.”

“What faction are you folks from?”

“The Knights of Eldwood.”

“Ah, you guys. Pretty awesome seeing how you all are still up and good. After what you crazy motherfuckers pulled, it's a surprise no major player in this world has glassed you all.”

“Believe me, I don’t know how we pulled it, but I guess sometimes violence is a solution.”

“Lots of violence and air support to be precise.”

“Yea, you guys sent a good message to our higher ups. We can fight back and we have to fight back. Pretty damn patriotic what you dudes did.”

“For survival, even if it means eating your leg to last another day is a worthy decision.”

“You guys fought well. I hope it won’t traumatize you all, killing that much many people in such a short amount of time can desensitize one from mass murder you know?”

“You mean that quote that one death is a tragedy but a million is but a statistic?”

“It’ll never be like that. Every one of those souls died for their nation, thus we shall respect them till the end.”

“Do you know why they called us? And is it everyone?”

“From what I heard, the League of Modernized Guilds called everyone, literally. There’s going to be more than a hundred representatives in the General Assembly.”

“Dang… that’s a lot of people.”

“And a lot of organizations.”

“I’m surprised it's still that many organized groups with Modern technology, I thought by now, the Natives of this world or other player groups would’ve already taken down a vast majority of them.”

“Oh a lot of them have been taken, the guild I’m in, The Men of the Woods has taken over a good twenty to thirty guilds with modern equipment. We just let them be as States like in America.”

“Then you must have an extremely strong border if so.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet, believe me. We’re stronger than ever before. But we still do not have the same amount of ships at Eldwood has.”

“I’m sure we could strike up a deal and a joint cooperation treaty.”

“I’d love that, my mates would too. We really need more Naval power. We have some Arleigh Burke class destroyers and Oliver Hazards. But anything else is a pipe dream.”

“We can indeed strike up a good deal. Want a Nimitz Supercarrier? Ehehehe...”

As the conversation goes on, Paul stands up and goes to the front compartment of the aircraft where the First Class seats with reclining chairs are located. He picks one next and just watches the jumbo jet fly through the clouds high above the air. After an hour in the flight, he’s still watching and taking his time resting at the comfy aircraft chair. After a lengthy debate and thinking with himself, he lets out a long sigh. Accepting the fate he’s been given and mentally prepared himself for what’s in store in the United Nations General Assembly.