The young blonde man was wearing a white Victorian Tuxedo, complete with a white cape and white boots. Extremely fit and handsome with a sprinkle of elegance and gentleness, he curiously picks up one the Spetsnaz AK-104 with a GP-25 underneath it still smoking from the fire.

“Huh, what amazing technology. Are these really humans?” His voice was so kind and innocent you wouldn’t even think he was capable of such an act of cruelty. To him, Humans aren’t even to be considered near the level of the lowest Vampire. Having no opinion of them, like that of a Man to an Ant.

“Might be smarter ones or another species of human beings, look at these magnificent machines! We must take this home as trophies and to be experimented on!” though a crass voice of a young angry teenager, it had a pint of softness to it. He was amazed by the metal beast with a long barrel and an inscription written “From Russia with Love.” near the tip of the cannon.

One of the Spetsnaz soldiers was still alive, he wanted to scream from the pain of being burnt while in cover, he couldn’t. His attention was suddenly taken after hearing footsteps crushing the soil.

“Wow, look at these ones, wearing Black uniforms. They look very inhuman, what is this? Seemed like some sort of a vest.” The Vampire looked at one of the Generals Spetsnaz guard, while the other one curiously looked at the abandoned tanks. He tries to open the commander's hatch, but it's locked tight.

“Eh.” He uses his vampiric powers and rips out the armored hatch like it's nothing. After opening it, a cooked tank commander opens fire at him with his sidearm. The bullets merely fling off his face's perfect cheeks. He laughs and grabs the tank commander's head, slowly crushing it. The Spetsnaz soldier still alive grabs his AK-103, slowly checking if it's still loaded.

*-CRACK-* The screaming tanker was silent, the Spetsnaz tightened his grip, saddened that he was unable to do anything. He tilts his head upward, checking for anyone else alive and sees many other Spetsnaz and Regular soldiers were still alive, but behind cover and some burnt and laying on the ground but capable of fighting, He locks eyes with one and both tilt their head in agreement of something.

“Ohhh… things are about to get exciting.” The blonde vampire smirks.

“URRRRRAAAAA!!!” like undead zombies, burnt and smoking men in full combat gear stand up, rushing the blondie who was standing near the main gates. The other vampire in a suit just watches as the barely alive soldiers charge the bloodsucker. Even with their bodies still steaming from the heat, their guns boiling and in immense pain, they perform one last valiant charge even with their Forward Operating Base completely destroyed and burning.

The Guard Spetsnaz was joined by one of Wolf Squads remaining members. Even with the power of ten or fifteen soldiers shooting at him with assault rifles, he merely shrugs it off. Teleporting and slicing them like pieces of meat one by one with his Rapier. As the final soldier falls, another one rises up. It was the General, he was holding with him a clacker.

“Oh, tough one aren’t we?” The blonde man smirks at the General, still defying death.

“You fucking beast.” Even with his skin burnt and boiling, he still stood straight up and still.

“I commend you and your people, capable aren’t you all?”

“I’ll be back, and when I am, I’ll be sure to cut you open.”

“And what’s that small box gonna do?”

The General spits in his direction.

“Увидимся в аду, гребаный ублюдок.” he clicks the detonator, blowing up the base. Taking with him the Vampires and soldiers that were still alive. The massive explosion could be seen from the shorelines. After the initial shockwave, the Vampires emerge spotlessly clean as if nothing even happened to them.

“Don, you have a speck on your jacket.”

“Oh, sorry.”

“Well, that was sad. They fought even after their base had fallen.”

“I wanted to take them in too, such strong humans will make a good source of blood and I’m sure Alana would be happy if I were to deliver such high quality cattle to her farms..”

The two handsome Vampires then disappear to the forest, headed to the shores.

Back on the continent of Dragovh, Paul with Alana and Bahamut is Far South of the Kingdom of James, nearing the border of the territory to Eli. He is riding a wagon pulled by his undead armored horse through a dense forest.

“Ugh, I hate this so much.” Alana who was seated next to him with her head resting on her palm replies.

“Take your time. After what you experienced, Doctor Dennis is right, you must take a break.”

“Take a break?! We’re about to start the biggest operation known to man. But nope, Trauma vacation.” Paul wasn’t wearing anything fancy, just a Green Polo tucked in his beige formal pants and brown work boots.

“John still said this is a mission though.”

“Do you really think a mission to find the man who invented the robots is a mission for a Four Star General?” He sighs and pouts from the disappointment of not joining the others.

“Hey, this might be a good opportunity for you to see more of the land again.” Alana smiles trying to entertain the bored man.

“What a bunch of baloney. I should be North of the Demon Continent joining the first players to make landfall.”

“Haaaa… just take it slow alright? Since you’ve been given free reign to do whatever you want, you might as well I don’t know, save some villages? Kill Goblins?”

Paul slowly looks at Alana, with his face showing a bored emotion.

“What am I? Level Ten Adventurer?”

“I don’t know. I told you, only humans use that type of system.”

“You know what, I’m curious to what level you actually are. I’m Two Hundred, now I want to know yours.”

“Would human villages even have a device capable of measuring my level?”

“I don’t know, but I wanna try it.”

Seeing how this helped him with his mood, Alana reluctantly agrees and nods her head.

“Noice.”

It was after an hour of a boring ride, they reached a village inside the borders of Eli. A quaint and innocent village where everyone knows one another. The entire place had an air of peace to it, untouched by the horrors of the forest and world.

“Huh, well. Looks like it's prime time to look for that Inventor.”

“Shall I hide my pointy ears?”

“Yes please, don’t want people to know I have a Vampire walking out and about in the open Sun.”

Using her powers, she turns her ears to that of a normal human, making her not look apart from anybody else. Paul quickly looks for a Bar or Tavern and finds one near the end of the Village. It was a two story building with a name he doesn’t understand which Alana points out as “Farmers Drought”. He immediately parks their Wagon outside and heads in.

“How come you can understand the language but not the words?”

“It’s a skill I picked up called Translator, but it's only meant for spoken language and certain ancient texts.”

“Ah, so you still do not know how to write and read then?”

“Wha- I absolutely know how to. Not just the language here.” They head in, with Paul still thinking about having to learn Dragonian even though he has very little interest in Literature and Language. Noting to himself how English

On the counter, the young and capable looking teenager greets the two. He notices the man's strange outfit, akin to that of a Nobles yet more simpler, while the attractive woman with him is wearing a Gown as if she’s going to a luxurious Ball.

“Welcome Sir and Madam.”

“Ah, thank you.” Feeling confident, he sits down on the chair and leans on the counter.

“May I ask if you’ve seen a skinny man with black hair and aloof personality?”

The Vampire on the other hand gets distracted by a little girl helping out with the cleaning and serving of food.

“Lotta’ people pass by here. Can’t say for sure.”

Thinking. The man’s eyes suddenly light up.

“This man is known for selling toys that move on their own.”

“Ah! I actually bought one of those for my daughter. He lives on a Farmstead an hour away from here.” He points at his young daughter whose height didn’t even reach Alana’s stomach.

“I see, Direction?”

“North.”

In the background, the Vampire helps the little girl carry plates to the Counter.

“Train her young huh?”

“Well, I was hoping she could take up my place after growing up.”

“What if she wants to go to the Kingdom though and get educated?”

“That means I’ll just have to do my duty here till my last moments.”

“Her mother?”

“Oh, she got enlisted again by this lady with blonde hair and eyes that have the color of the skies.

The little girl was then teaching the Countess on how to clean tables.

“Did this woman by any chance have the personality of a Saint and thinks she knows it all?”

“Exactly! Yes!”

“Ohhh…” He rolls his eyes knowing who it is. He then stands up and taps the Countess on the shoulder and gestures for her to leave with him.

Back on the Wagon, Bahamut who was getting checked by children is awakened by the shaking as the two board the wagon.

“Hold yer butt Bahamut! Let’s ride!” Like a cowboy roaring to fight, he tugs the reins and the wagon speeds off of town. The Sun was rising and its rays pierce through the leaves of the trees as they traveled the lonesome dirt road headed to the Inventor's house.

“How did you know he made toys?”

“I once met him. Was traveling through the border of Jamestown, headed to the Kingdom of Libertus to trade some items I got.”

“Was this before you were with Eldwood?”

“Wayyy before that. Libertus is one of the major Kingdoms in the Dark World. Ran by people, started as an Alliance, ended in a unification and then a big Kingdom.”

“I wonder when you were Knighted.”

“That’s another story, since I never was. Just unlocked a Title calling me a Knight. But back to the story, the road to Libertus was gonna pass over to the Castle of the Forgotten Ones. An old Castle built by a Guild around the tail end rocky canyon. Was a major trade route till bridges and tunnels were made.”

“I guess it's an empty road?”

“Exactly. Less hassle, no people and no wagons. Just me and the horse.”

“You really avoided human contact didn’t you?”

“Yea, so I was about to cross the dilapidated Stone bridge when I met this young man selling metallic toys. Little robots and the like. I bought one which looked like the Iron Giant.”

“The Iron Giant?”

“It’s a pop culture thing, very old. Thirty Six or Thirty Seven years old film.”

“Film?”

“I’ll just get on with it. Last I heard of him was that he was hired by some Guild to make weapons. They knew how to mix Adamantium, Magical Metalloids and Plastoids to make actual walking machines. Impressive, some say he’s actually some dude from Boston Dynamics. But other than that, I never heard anything about him.”

“And so, he went on to make those robots we fought?”

“Maybe, like, the militarization of robotics has been done years ago, and to some extent, proved very scary. But what we fought was uhhhh… the wet dreams of my World's National Militaries.”

“And will this man answer us even?”

Bahamut stretches her limbs on the back of the Wagon. Stomping her tiny dragon legs on the soft cat-like bed she was given and flies to Paul’s right shoulder. Awaiting orders.

“He will. He’s a kind man. I talked to him and he seemed humble. He’s actually playing to make an Android Waifu. Create his dream girl or something like that.”

“What’s with the men in your world and looking for women?”

“Look, even someone as successful as me couldn’t find one. That’s how hard it is. I guess they see this as an opportunity to catch some ladies.”

“Then you better be happy I’m the one that’s with you.”

“Believe me, I always taunt you to the boys. Hehehehe…”

“G-good.” She then looks up to hide her face. Paul on the other hand smiles knowing his tease was a complete success. It was after a while when they finally saw the house of the inventor. It looked like the perfect getaway house. Surrounded by a calm field with a barn and some stables. Seeing the peaceful place, he doesn’t bother going loud and just walks to the front door. Knocking twice before shouting for his name.

“Thomas! United Nations representative here from the Knights of Eldwood. Open up!” He bangs on the door, even more. Trying to get the inhabitants of the Cottage. Alana on the other hand just twists the door knob till it breaks the lock.

“Hey! What was that for?!”

“The mans already dead.”

“What?!” He barges in and is immediately greeted with a foul smell and a rotting corpse of a man wearing a labcoat with farmer clothes underneath it. Taking a closer look, he notices a small girl with black hair resting her head peacefully over the dead man's thighs. With adrenaline running through his veins, he materializes his Python and looks over at the dead man.

“Jesus… looks like he’s been here for a long time.”

“M’Lord, I suggest you look to your right.” Bahamut commented.

Immediately pointing his revolver at the right, he spots a woman behind cover on the hallway. Alana on the other hand crosses her arms and looks amused at the shaking girl which seemed to be holding a kitchen knife.

“MA’AM! I CAN SEE YOU THERE! SHOW YOURSELF SLOWLY AND LOWER YOUR WEAPON!”

The woman seems to jolt, as if her worst fears have been uncovered. Slowly, she reveals herself, a beautiful blonde girl with emerald eyes who seems to be of 18 years of age trembling as she points the knife she wields at Paul. He notices that she was strangely like a Doll. Her hands visibly showed joints

“Okay, calm down. I’m just a Hunter. Oh wait...” Seeing the terrified face of the woman, he slowly lowers his gun on the ground and raises his arms while opening his palms.

“I mean no harm ma’am. Let’s talk through this.”

“I-i-i, I woke up… with him… like that…”

“Alright, for now. Lower the weapon, let’s investigate this. If you want, I’ll lead you to the wagon where you can stay and rest.”

Complying, she drops her knife and wakes up the little girl who was resting. Paul takes them outside where he goes to the gate of the wagon, opening the toolbox underneath it revealing a long wave radio.

“Hannibal to Dragon, do you copy?”

“Dragon copies.”

“Send a clean up crew and medics. I’ll be sending you coordinates, wait one.”

“Affirm.”

After two hours of waiting, Blackhawks arrive full of players and medical equipment. The Lieutenant salutes to the General and after a quick briefing, puts the body in a gurney. With the place secured, he takes his attention to the two young ladies.

“May I ask your names?”

“Alice.”

“Jenny.”

Tall blonde Doll reveals her name to be Alice while the young one with black hair as Jenny.

“May I ask how long you were there? His body seems to be beyond Rigor Mortis.” After a brief silence, Alice steps up.

“We’ve been there for a month or two now.”

“Possible cause of death?”

“No idea…”

A Combat Lifesaver then taps his shoulder and whispers to him

“Victim committed suicide, possibly used soul crushing magic on himself, rendering him unable to respawn and permanently dead.”

The teenage Doll then holds her hands together, as if to pray.

“Okay, make a report to the rest of High Command. Don’t write about these two though.”

“Sir?”

“Just do it.” Paul then gives his attention back to the two, trying to smile.

“Okay, just got updated about what happened.” Alana is behind them, gesturing for him not to say it.

“Your… uhhh… maker suffered an accident which led him to die. Sadly.”

Alice then burst into tears but no droplets came out of her eyes. Jenny on the other hand seems confused which prompted Alana to pick her up and rock her in a motherly way.

“What a shitshow…” Paul whispered to himself. He takes a deep breath and hugs Alice, comforting her and calming her down. After a while, when she’s settled, he once again readies himself to ask for more questions.

“Do you have a place of birth?”

She nods. “In a room, I woke up sitting in an upright position. It's the last door on the left.”

He stood up and entered the house once again. The soldiers guarding the front door salute him and he makes his way on the hallway where she was and sees an opened door on the left which he enters. He was shocked to see it was a full blown lab, complete with modern equipment and technology he’d only find back in his world.

“Lieutenant, call in a Chinook and Engineers. There’s a full blown lab behind this place.”

“Ah that, yes sir. I already called it in.”

He then goes back to Alice, panting a bit.

“Okay, first things first. I’ll be saying this now, but do you know how you were made?”

“N-no.”

“An artificial human made out of Doll parts, interestingly your face is as normal as it comes, it's not even showing any joints. Thomas, your maker was a prominent figure in robots. He seems to have succeeded in making you.”

“Then why did he have to die?!”

“I don’t know ma’am, if what you said is true, you just woke up a bit too late or something. But right now, I implore you to look into the future, as hard as it is, there’s a big big world and it's at war right now.”

“Where will we go?” She looked extremely disturbed and confused but spoke with a calm voice.

“There’s a city. I’ll give you lodging there as Players. It's the least I can do.”

She drops down on her knees, defeated and empty.

“I know it's hard right now ma’am, but when I get you a place, you can stay there as long as you want and think as long as you can.”

After an hour, a Chinook lands carrying Engineers. Paul then orders the two to talk to the Engineers and have them bring out the stuff they need. The Countess with Jenny heads inside to pick up some of her belongings.

The night was already coming when they finished, visibly tired and sleepy, he orders Alana and Bahamut to board the Chinook as they’ll be flying back home with them.

“Lieutenant, I’ll be leaving everything to you. One of the Blackhawks should’ve already notified Dennis about this.”

“Yes sir, have a safe trip.” He makes a snappy salute and heads back to his duties while Paul boards the large tandem helicopter carrying their personal belongings and some tools. Though still curious about the two, he couldn’t help it but fall asleep. The Chinook had to refuel three times before finally arriving back at the city where it was even more bustling than ever.

After landing on the airport, Paul was awakened by Alana who was cradling a sleeping Bahamut. Stepping foot into the tarmac, he’s greeted by Dennis.

“Ah Paul! I see your one week expedition came out sparingly!”

“Save it Den. It was a shitshow. Dude committed suicide without even knowing his dream came true.”

“Well, some good news at least is that the folks at Apollo is planning on sending rockets to space, and our city has enough trade and commerce to open up-”

“Wai-wai-wait. Rockets?!”

“Yea, the rocket science nerds made a proposal to the United Nations, we’ll give them funding and protection, they will give us rockets and satellites. Giving us worldwide connection. No need to spread antennas.”

“I mean, they have been building rockets before in Dark World VR. But it was mostly small scale till we weaponized it…”

“Yep. And now they’re at it again with space missions this time.”

“Any ETA?”

“They already have the rocket ready. It’s just the buyer they’re waiting for, which is all of us in the United Nations.”

“Nice, well. Imma go find a hotel and sleep. Pretty bummed out.”

“Yea, meet you later bro.”

“You too. Take care.”

Paul then joins up with Alana and Bahamut while soldiers escort Alice and Jenny to a Humvee in the tarmac.

“Are you sure about this?”

“Those are my men, I’ve specifically given them orders to bring them to an Apartment and register them as citizens.”

“Tomorrow though, I’ll be visiting them.”

“Aren’t we a motherly figure? I'll take you there, I feel like the City Hall needs something from me again so I might as well have them taxi you.”

He then faces Bahamut.

“What about you? Gonna sleep all day?”

“Hmm… Yes.”

The three burst into laughter and head off to the Terminal which was now a bustling civilian location full of people taking rides to the different player cities that are still active. Alana couldn’t help but look at the amazing sight of the Flight Schedule, changing and showing the flights to the lines of people putting their baggage on the conveyor and taking tickets from mindless skeletons in airport staff outfits.

Outside, there were players driving Blue Crown Victoria Taxis. Upon finding one, he’s surprised the meter accepts Aeralous and Maximallus Coins from the Natives of the land. After being driven to a Hotel, Paul quickly signs in for the night and pays the fees. They’re floor was on the 30th, which can see the ocean on the North. One could see the lights of the Destroyers and the single operational Battleship of Eldwood anchored and its guns pointing away from the city, signifying that it was guarding the place.

“Okay, who’s gonna take a bath first?”

“You go.”

“Really? Nice.”

Without a thought, Paul jumps to the bathroom. Enjoying a hot shower and wash. To his dismay, he forgot to bring clothes with him in the room which forced him to ask the Countess to bring him his shorts, a brief and a shirt. While waiting, he looks at himself in the mirror, still surprised that his face is that of his character. A 20-ish man with European features, a clean cut black hair which was in a ⅓ parted on the left, looking like a corporate representative.

He then looks down and still couldn’t believe he has muscles down there. Poking it and shocked how different it is from his usual chubbier look in real life. Alana on the other hand had already opened the door and was staring at him in a strange way. Noticing her presence, he looks at his right and screams.

“AHHHHH! WHY DIDN’T YOU KNOCK?!”

“What? I wouldn’t care if you saw me naked you know?”

“WELL IT'S DIFFERENT OKAY?!”

Embarrassed, he takes his clothes and slams the door on her. He then goes back to trying to flex his muscles, noting how strong his grip feels. After that, he takes a breather, knowing that bigger things are at hand and he must get into his game face while at the same time, remembering that his literal body has changed.

VOLUME 4 Chapter 5

After a good night's sleep, Paul didn’t even want to wake up from his slumber but his blanket was slowly getting pulled by an energetic Bahamut.

“OKAY, OKAY!” He then stands up and looks at the wardrobe, taking his replica US Army Formal Greens but coloured Black and its symbols replaced with that of Eldwoods. After checking its medals and the ribbon rack, he quickly checks the Oxford shoes and leans in to see if it's still well shined. Confirming everything, he looks at the digital clock on top of the flat screen TV and sees that it is 5:45 in the Morning, a time which he wasn’t used to waking up at all.

A knock then came to the door, he looked at the doors peephole and could see it was a Colonel.

“Ahhhh… fuck. I knew it.”

He partially opens the door, hiding himself behind it.

“Good Morning Sir! Colonel Moore reports to you that the Mayor has requested your presence!”

“Yes Colonel, thank you. Anything else?”

“Yes sir! Hassan has also requested a meeting with you and the other generals!”

“Okay. Thank you Colonel.”

“Sorry for the disturbance sir!” He makes a snappy salute and walks to the elevator in the hallway. Paul then looks back and stares at Bahamut.

“You woke me up because you knew he was coming didn’t you?”

“Maybe.”

“Grrrr…” Though his body was different and more fit, his soul was still the same and went back to bed. Sleeping nicely. After a few minutes, Alana was finished and noticed him who was in deep sleep. Knowing the time, she leans in close and whispers to him.

“If you don’t wake up, I’ll suck your blood and make you my servant.” As if you have his life threatened, his eyes open wide, scanning the room and are shocked by the Countess’ beautiful pretty face up close and personal.

“Okay, I’m awake.” He looks down and around notices that the Vampire was wearing nothing, knowing the chance, he takes a long good look at her silky white skin, porcelain and clean and most of all her busty body. A true lady in all aspects.

“Oh, it stood up. Fufufuuu...”

“OHHHH OKAY, MA’AM. SPACE.” In panic, he worms his way to the end of the bed and combat crawls to the bathroom where he proceeded to do his business. After 40 Minutes, he goes out of the bathroom in full Black Service uniform. Ready to go, he takes the room keys and picks up Bahamut and puts her in his jacket’s inner pocket.

“Countess, ya ready?”

“Mhm.”

They both go out and exit the Hotel, greeted by an M-ATV MRAP parked on the valet area with a Sergeant waiting for him. They board the mine resistant vehicle immediately and Paul instructs the soldier to first stop by an Apartment building. After dropping off the Vampire, the MRAP deviates from the direction of the City Hall and instead to the Docks.

“Sergeant, why are we going the other way?”

“While dropping off Madame, I received reports that Sir Hassan is awaiting your presence on Pier One.”

“Ah, I see. What is it now I wonder.”

Though traffic was relatively light, it still took twenty minutes to arrive at the Main Gates of the Dockyard where soldiers saluted the MRAP which then parked underneath a Crane where it was picking up something from a large cargo ship. Paul disembarks and immediately feels the chills of the cold Northern air of Dragovh.

“Should’ve bought my leather trench coat. Ugh…”

The Sergeant then led him to the staircase of the cargo ship, where he waited for a few minutes when Hassan with Trevor appeared, going down from the bridge and to the deck, talking to the ship's Captain. They say good bye and Hassan puts his hand on his shoulder.

“Pilot. I want you to look at the Crane, see what it’s about to unload from the ship.”

The crane slowly lifted its hook which revealed an M1A2C Abrams with the Trophy System mount.

“Woah, Sepv-Three?” Trevor then replies.

“Yep, the Men of the Woods and United Regions agreed we’ll help them produce and upgrade existing Abrams models to the Sepv-Threes while in return, they give us resources. Everything is in full swing right now. We might be able to complete the second Iowa Class Battleship sitting in our Docks.”

“Oh dang…”

“Yep, come. We have something else to show you.”

They lead him to a nearby Warehouse, its gigantic aluminum door sliding up, revealing thirty to forty M1A2C Abrams with Trophy system attached to it, all tightly packed inside.

“Holy shi-- how many?”

“We ordered about Six Hundred if possible. By next year we’ll see if that’ll come true.”

“Talk about the ware and tare of our production lines.”

“Don’t worry about it. We have so much resources now that we could justify running trains with a hundred cars like in the American states.”

“Wow, really?”

“Yea and hear this. Your next assignment is guard duty. A train on the North of Geraldia, It's a short line. Only about Five hundred kilometers, it's supposed to connect the Capital of the Men of the Woods to the Starman Guild, aka the crazed Spacemen.”

“When will I start?”

“In a few days, for now. Let’s head to the City Hall and start plotting.”

“Alrighty.”

Inside the City Hall, Paul is in his office with Trevor, talking about nonsensical stuff while they wait for the Conference Room to be fully prepared.

“The Kingdom was full of low levels, like, I get it if they wanted to be a beacon or some crap but you can’t go on the game without becoming powerful. So I walked in, in the intention of telling them to not go with it, and ended up taking on an entire army alone.”

“Did you even have any idea how much that rose your notoriety?”

“Trev, bro I was just a lonesome Knight doing edgy things out in nowhere.”

A knock then came, a beautiful brunette with a big chest partially opened the door, showing her mature and pretty face.

“Conference room is ready.”

The two Generals who were having a grand time procrastinating were forced to animate themselves and get into serious mode. Lazily walking to the hallway.

“Dang, she looked nice, I wonder what Cup sizes those two plots are.”

“Probably D or E.”

“She could probably give that Vampire or yours run.”

“Dude, she doesn’t hold the coin when it comes to Alana. Vampires have otherworldly Beauty or Handsomeness for a reason, It’s a weapon.”

“Then how does hers feel?”

“Haven’t touched it yet. But maybe one day, I will.Have seen it though and man, is it beautiful, pink and plump.” Paul then winked two times, taunting Trevor.

“Man, you lucky man. Guess your usual bad luck in Dark World doesn’t work here.”

Laughing and having a great time, the two proceed to the conference room. Little did they know this mysterious secretary was inside Paul’s office. Rummaging through the files littered on his desk and taking one Folder with a big marking of “CLASSIFIED”. Inside the Conference room, Hassan wasn’t even there yet and the City Hall staff was still preparing everything. They run to his room and find that the files pertaining to the manifest of a Freight train he was supposed to guard is missing.

“Uhhhh… what the fuck.”

“Paul, might we have been bamboozled, probably fooled…”

Now in immense suspicion, the two generals ask around if they have hired a secretary of sorts. To their dismay, this woman was not in the staff nor even a citizen as they do not have a record of someone who looks like her. Defeated, the two sit on a bench in the Main Hall, talking to the soldiers stationed there to look out for a woman. Paul then taps on his jacket, waking up Bahamut.

“Guard my Office. Make sure not a single soul gets in that place.”

“Mmmm…? Sure M’Lord.” Bahamut lazily appears out of his jacket, slowly flying to the third floor where his office was.

“AND DON’T EAT THE PAPERS!”

The bolo was sent fast, and one Sentry Patrol already reported seeing a woman of the same description going to an alleyway North of the city. The two generals come to life and board Humvees parked outside, telling the soldiers to follow them. Paul didn’t hold back, immediately calling for some of the brand new M1A2C Abrams to come into the city and help look for the woman who stole documents while Trevor had his Marine Corps UH-1Y Venoms to scout the cityscape for her.

When they arrived at the alleyway, both exits were already blocked by MRAPs and traffic was halted as more soldiers arrived to surround the block. Even though the two men were still in their Service Greens, they didn’t hold back and started scanning the tight concrete and brick path for any signs of life.

“We should send skeletors to check the basements.”

“There’s like seven stairs here leading to basements, we need more people in all cases.”

As they called in more men, shots were heard inside the middle most basement. Automatic gunfire and shotguns, a firefight was occurring, prompting the men in full combat gear to rush in. With their assault rifles up, the Breacher was about to blow a hole into the lock when the door exploded on them and a Bike flew out, the one driving was a woman for sure in leather tights. Not having any of it, Paul materializes his revolver, shooting the lady, in retaliation, she uses wind magic to distort the bullets trajectory, making them miss.

“Damn!”

Seeing as both of the exits of the alleyway were blocked, she pulls out a lever action shotgun from a holster mounted on her bike, shooting a back door open of a restaurant and going inside. When Paul was about to scream to Trevor to get in, he was already gone. Running like a madman with soldiers, he rounds the corner, planning to trap the lady when she bursts out of a shop's glass window. Scaring the pedestrians and civilian cars.

One of the players with them was about to shoot when Trevor immediately lowered his gun with his left hand. M-ATVs then appear, their tires screeching as it turns to chase down the woman on the bike.

“Hannibal to all aircrafts, to all aircrafts, I want you to fly to my location right now! Anyone with Thermals is to lead the chase! Watch your RoE, we have civies everywhere!”

Not wanting to back down, a convoy of Mine Resistant Vehicles worm their way through busy traffic, chasing down the woman. In the next block, a Peterbilt Semi truck is backing a dry van into the street, blocking her route when she purposely skids her bike underneath the trailer.

“Okay, driver turn right. TURN RIGHT!”

“Not that I can help it!”

The driver of the MRAP didn’t waver and ram through the empty dry van. Destroying the towbar and armored cage of the armored vehicle while cutting the 53ft trailer in half. Paul was on edge so much he didn’t even notice that he had taken off the passenger handles.

Even after going through tight alleyways, construction sites and busy traffic, the driver of the M-ATV didn’t waver off, professionally driving through the areas while having the mine resistant vehicle get more battered and damaged as it rams through obstacles and objects on the road.

“CALM DOWN! WE HAVE HELICOPTERS CHASING HER!”

“I PLAYED DIRT RALLY FOR THIS VERY MOMENT SIR!”

“YOU CRAZY FUCK WILL RESPAWN ALL THREE OF US HERE!”

“NOT IF I CAN’T HELP IT!”

The chase leads to the outskirts of the city where finally, weapons are free to use. Being on a small bike, she dodges the 20mm Tri Barreled Rotary Cannon of the AH-1Z Cobra tailing her, skimming the shoreline as Marines in RHIB rubber boats start to open fire on her with the mounted M2 Brownings.

“Hellhound to Hannibal, permission to fire Hydras on her.”

“Negative! That road she’s on is a hazard for rock fall! She can’t go anywhere else other than the steep stonewall to her right and the lake to her left!”

“Affirmative, out.”

Slowly, the MRAP gets closer to the bike. Just when it was about to ram it, the classified folder flew into the passenger side windshield, prompting Paul to tell the driver to stop immediately. Now with the armored vehicles gone, she only has to worry about the helicopter and boat. Though there were more following, they were lagging behind the chase, needing to cover a few more hundred meters to actively join in the chase.

Seeing this, she sees a hairpin turn, tilting the bike up, lifting its front wheels up in the air and flying into the lake where the Marine RHIB was.

“Oh shi-” The bike slams into the Rigid Inflatable Boat. Destroying it and starting a cook off of the .50 caliber bullets stored on its bow. Angered, the AH-1Z following her opens fire around the water where he was last seen. After a few hours, the conference starts and it opens with the recent espionage attack.

“Hassan: So, she’s gone?”

“Trevor: Yes sir. Disappeared just like that even after my Cobra unloading a hail of Twenty Mike-Mike rounds into the water and a pair of Hydra rockets.”

“Paul: She also was supposed to make a deal with some players. Don’t know which Guild though. Their bodies all respawned.”

“Hassan: This has become troublesome. I’ll delay the freight run and gather more security forces.”

“Paul: I recommend helicopter patrols and soldiers on every crossing.”

“Hassan: It will be done.”

“Trevor: But who was she though?”

“Paul: None of our business now. Unless you send some of those Black Ops of yours to do some investigating.”

“Trevor: Yea sure even though we're not supposed to be a Detective firm.”

“Hassan: Do not worry about such feeble things. That woman will reveal herself, I know of it.”

“Paul: That’s true, it's not like these Femme Fetale types weren’t a thing in Dark World VR. But now, the threat they pose is thrice of what it once was.”

“Trevor: Well, let’s leave that for later. For now, let’s talk about our gameplan on the movement of those rocket parts.”

It was nearly Five o'clock in the afternoon and they finished the conference, four hours of nothing but planning and talking. As Paul and Trevor exited the room looking haggard and tired, they met Dennis, Phillip and James in their formals. Ready to go in.

“Doctor’s pretty talkative today, have fun guys.”

After exchanging some greetings and jokes, the two proceed to the Main Lobby. Deflating on the same bench they sat on that Morning.

“What a shitshow.”

“You can say that again.”

“Paul, I got news that the United Expedition force has actually uncovered some Ancient Secrets in Dragovh. We might finally have a way home.”

“Eh, yea. So I guess we just have to last long enough?”

“Something along those lines.”

“Fuck, I want to go back to sleep.”

“Hassan told you, they're delaying the Freight run for a few weeks. Better be prepared to be sent back to vacation.”

“Do I really have to? Like, I’m all good I swear.”

“Dude, after the shape you were in. Pretty sure the other guys are deeply concerned.”

“Arrghh, okay. Well, Imma pick up the Vampire and go.”

“Alrighty. Gotta get Bahamut, she’s probably asleep.”

Paul goes back to the third floor, upon touching the door knob, he feels immense heat from it. Making him jump as his hand is burnt. Angered, he kicks the door in instead, revealing two burnt bodies underneath Bahamut who was in a form as large as a Husky.

“Oh shit…”

After some time, the Paramedics arrived. Taking in the bodies, they’re recorded as Natives of the Land and after some more talks with Trevor and this time with the other head Knights of Eldwood, he finally gets the all clear to head home. A driver was then assigned to him, transporting him to the Apartment where Alana was. He hastily opens the door, looking just as haggard and insane to the man in the Reception desk.

“May I ask, what room did a beautiful Vampire ask for entrance?”

“Room Eight Four Two, Floor Twenty Seven.”

“Domo.”

Looking around the lobby, he sees a small elevator which he uses. Annoying elevator music was playing all throughout the way up to Floor 27. Wanting to go home even more, he quickly walks to their room. Knocking on the door. Immediately, a voice of a mature woman greets him.

“Who is it…?”

“Alana, it’s me. Open the door will ya’?”

After hearing footsteps inside, the door was opened wide. Revealing Alana wearing an Apron with a caption “Kiss The Cook” over her magnificent gown and holding a bowl with her right arm, this sends Paul’s sides to the heavens. Laughing at the sight of a dangerous Purebred Vampire looking like a normal housewife.

“Oh wow! Did you unlock the Housewife skill?”

“Excuse me, you did order me to learn how to cook.”

“Oh, so the Androids know how?”

“Yes! And they’re excellent at it! I heard that mortal men like Beef, so I prepared some just for you.”

“Ohhhh… you know, I’ve had a long day so I won’t say no to that.”

With a smile on his face, he closes the door behind him. Putting his hat in the coat hanger and unbuttoning his jacket, letting Bahamut fly out and check the room. The little dragon immediately started scanning the wooden floor, wiping her feet at the floor mat.

“Oh, and remove your shoes next to the entrance.” the voice came from the left, where he could smell Beef cooking nicely. Feeling the hunger, he removes his Oxford Shoes and puts it next to Alana’s high heels which were perfectly sat down next to a pair of childrens shoes.

Rubbing his hands together, he makes a right turn, revealing a small family table for five. Alana was busy with Alice, teaching her how to cook.

“So Alice, where did you learn to cook like this?”

“I think my Creator wanted a Wife of sorts as when I was questioned by Miss Alana about cooking, I seemed to have a database of how to cook.”

“He probably uploaded a PDF file on everyday cuisine on your hard drive or something. Well, nonetheless. Seeing a beautiful woman cook you Dinner is truly a sight to behold.”

“Don’t look too hard now, you might fall in love.”

“Yea right. Also, that gravy smells crazy. It seems that you have a knack for this oh great Queen of the Night.”

“Oh please, this is but a chore.”

As he sits down on the small wooden chair, Bahamut is seen with a tiny skirt jogging out of a room as Jenny grabs her tail, slowly pulling her in.

“Good luck.” He whispers as he looks around for anything to read or get his attention away from the busy day.

“So how was your day?” As if to hit a string, Paul never felt so happy for someone to ask him something.

“Stupid, Boring and Annoying.”

“Really? I heard there was a big chase that happened between the people of Eldwood and a person in a vehicle.”

“Yea, I was there. Actually was in the lead vehicle. My driver really outdone himself. I don’t know if I should give him a commendation and a pat on the back or an earful for making my heart beat faster than light.”

“Are you fine though? It must’ve been a pretty bad day for you.”

“No, I’m not. I’m really hungry and sleepy. I never knew I’d have this much of a hard time chasing down a woman, thank the Lord I didn’t try it back in my world. I already have enough on my plate.”

“You should still try it, you know? As a human, love is something you might only come across once or twice.”

“Yea, I know. I actually wanted a beautiful wife and two children but… yea. Work and the company exploding made things different for me.”

“Well, I’m sure you can find someone.”

“We’ll see, I feel like I’ll die first before having someone.”

“Oh, don’t be so negative. Sometimes you mortals sound worse than the Vampires that have lived for thousands of years.”

“What can I say? We’re bound by our years. Might as well find all the emotions you can. You only get to experience all of this for once.”

“Also, how do you want your Beef? With gravy already or set it aside?”

“Aside please.”

Alice then suggests something.

“By any chance Mister, you’d like some Mash Potatoes?”

Paul then slowly looks at Alice, with his eyes wide open.

“Fucking yes. A bowl if you can.”

After a while of more lighthearted chit-chat between him and Alana, Dinner was finally ready and everyone was on the table, except for Bahamut who was given a Dog bowl. Alana then turns around, holding a plate with an All-American Beef Steak, complete with Gravy and Mash Potatoes. Paul couldn’t help but shed a tear at the magnificent sight, beautiful food being served by two beautiful women. It’s everything he could’ve asked for.

The Countess was the first as she had the Knife and Fork, giving Paul the big ribeye while cutting the rest precisely into smaller slices. Without a second thought, he immediately gets the Mash potatoes and mixes in some of the gravy. He then takes a bite.

“Sooo… how is it?”

He swallows and his face lights up even more.

“Are you sure you want to be a Countess? I feel like cooking is something more suited for you.”

She smiles as the light atmosphere takes everyone in. Having a good dinner and the Vampire didn’t hold back, fetching some Wine and a Wine glass. Elegantly drinking it and eating the Beef Steak she cooked.

“You really are a Noblewoman. Like, never in my life would I never eat that properly.”

“Well of course, it's a normal trait for us Vampires of higher status to be more posh than the others. It takes some getting used too, but it's extremely helpful in giving yourself discipline in the presence of others.”

“Not only that, you're giving off an air of luxury and just, You can’t touch this for a hundred years. Ahahahaha!”

“Then that means it's working isn’t it? Ehehehe…”

After a long night of eating and chatting, the trio says their goodbyes to the two. Paul picks up Jenny and gives her a Silver Star that is on his uniform.

“You know, I got this Medal after defeating one of the biggest enemy bosses of the Eastern Seaboard with nothing more than a Sword and a Revolver. I’m giving it to you, be a strong little one. Life is about the journey, not the destination.”

“Boo, cheesy.” Alana jokingly teases his quote.

“Like you can say something better.”