Deep in thought, Paul didn’t notice a man in a trenchcoat was on the same path as him till the last minute and accidentally brushed him.

“Oh, I apologize.”

“Hey… I know you. You’re that General from the meeting!”

“Uhhh… who?”

The tall handsome lad walks up to him, getting way too close for comfort and checks the Dragon on his shoulder.

“Yep, definitely you.”

“Uhhhh… nice meeting you… Look I uhh.. Got to go.”

“What? General Dave would be happy to see you.”

“Dave’s here? Like Dave from the Men of the Woods?”

“Yea, he’s been staying here for a week now. Seems like he’s gotten tired of all the adventuring.”

“I’ll just visit him. Do you know where he is?”

“Yea he’s at Hamilton Street, just West from here.”

Behind him, the two Vampires suddenly appear. He slowly turns his head and puts up a smile.

“Hello pretty ladies. How may I help you?”

“Joshua Allend. How surprising... “

To his shock, he is completely ignored by the two.

“Ah Count- I mean Lady Alana. I can see you and your Lord has gotten a new member.”

“At least you’ve learned some manners.”

He looks at Queen Elizabeth who is nearly the same height as the Vampire Hunter.

“Don’t mind her.”

The Queen proceeds to go around him and grabs Paul’s wrist. Pulling him away and giving the two some distance.

“So. Why are you here Sir Allend?” The Countess crosses her arms and puts forward one foot.

“Oh, just having a vacation. We’ve already been here for a few days. Dave is really keen on enjoying those Succubuses.”

“Ugh, Mortals. Just stay out of our way.”

“Why the hostility, Lady Alana?”

“Because I know what your family is known for. I will not rest easy when around such a dangerous person.”

“Hehe that’s good to know but right now, we’re technically on the same side.”

“For now.”

“Well, my Boss is gonna be at the Nightingale Restaurant at Eight o'Clock tonight. Be there.”

“Yea sure, whatever.”

She heads back to the two and reports to them what Joshua said.

“Seems interesting, we’ll go. End our vacation with some very fine dining.”

“Let’s, I’d like to try pasta Master.” After saying her piece, Bahamut crawls around him and into his jacket's inner pocket.

“But first, to a barber shop and get a clean cut.”

“C’mon…”

Even the Queen butted in.

“Boo, I really like that long hair of yours.”

Hundreds of miles away in the Kingdom of Gareth. A secretive meeting between the Nobles of land is ongoing underneath it's Castle. Through the Ornate Hallways guarded by the best of the best lies a large Meeting Room meant for the Senate of the country as an emergency location. A large blue and crimson table made out of the finest wood in the land sat in the middle as stands for the Senators, Counts, Viscounts, Earls, and Barons surrounded them from all sides.

“King Melakor, may I remind you that inside your very Nation lies the army that annihilated hundreds of thousands of soldiers on a singular day.”

“Oh may, King Gareth, for someone with a big mouth, you haven’t even done anything against the Labyrinths and Caves that’re spewing Demons and Monsters en masse while your farmers and villagers suffer.”

A familiar face reveals himself, though old and visibly aged, the man stood up proudly and with the bravado of a young and talented leader. Unaffected by his old age.

“Both of you. Silence. We’re here to talk about the Outworlders and their plans.”

“King James, if I may.”

“Yes, Queen Gwenuivere.”

“Please, call me Gwen.”

“Of course.”

“I second King Manuel’s proposition. While they fight the Demon Continent, we shall unite all of our Conitnent’s Heroes and prepare for the worst. The Thombs have long been said, as the time goes by, the more powerful the Evil forces become. This is the Fourth Reset, we can be assured that the Demon King's Armies would be coming straight from Underworld itself.”

“The machines they have… they’re effective but it seems that it all requires an extremely complex logistical line that I predict won’t hold up against the Hordes of King Nergal.”

King Gunther on the other hand is still skeptical about all this. Wearing his Red and blue Royal uniform with a shined Crown, he puts his hand on his chin.

“So we’re basically gonna let them do the heavy carrying while we prepare our defenses? Are you sure about this King James?”

“Yes King Gunther. Hence why we’ve been letting them take from our lands. Let them build that army of theirs, it shall be the appetizer for the Demons of Hell. Ours is the Main Course.”

“And what about the Sword Saint from the other world? Wasn’t she seen working with the people from that Continent?”

“My Son knows her well. They’ve actually been working together for some time now. From the Letters I got, it seems like she’s trying to stop them from waging this war early and delaying their efforts.”

“Does she not know that it’ll happen or is this the rumored foresight given to the Chosen Ones by the Gods?”

“It seems that she does, this might be due to the saying and the Legend that those chosen will give foresight into the future as you said, so that they lead the world into a better time. Even my Son has said he had dreams of machines and men dying ruthlessly as they hold the tide of a hundred million Demons.”

“Heh, tell your Son to report from King Gunther to encourage them to build their army. The Outworlders are a worthy wall to stem the tide for a bit if true, but if we even survive these, those High Elves would just take over us! The Empire of Princeps Dryades is secretly building an army under our noses! It's all lies when they tell you they’ll be sending all they got to help!”

Even with the King's terrible remarks about them, the representatives of the High Elves remained calm and kept looking down on the humans like trash. The Pope who has been on a stand on his own raises his Holy Staff.

“Kings and Queens of over thirty Kingdoms, may I remind you that these strangers from another world aren’t planning on staying long. My Pastors have reported that they’ve been moving machines and those flying metal birds of theirs to an old ancient Portal near the territory of Arnst.”

King Arnold then stood up, visibly annoyed.

“We’ve been trying to clear those rats off our territory but every Regiment we send explodes within Two Cessels! What kind of demonic magic is this?! Even the High Elves won’t mess with them as they’re using some sort of magic that’s destroying everything we send to move those impolite dogs from an Ancient Heritage!”

“King Arnold, I think they're using some sort of a device capable of hurling explosives from miles away. I’ve seen it myself, they paraded their machines as a show of power. To frighten us into submission.”

“What?! Where can I get one? Or a few thousand?! King James, did you know this?”

“If you actually cared about listening to me, I told you before that we had a war against them that lasted two days. First day, the combined army of almost five hundred thousand died. Explosions were reported both at the Main Camp and the Frontlines.”

“And how did you deduce this wasn’t Magic?”

“The survivors say they heard a certain whirring sound falling from the skies and a round projectile hitting the soil at great speed.”

“By the Gods!”

Queen Gwen on the other hand is getting bored of hearing the two and slams the table. Though old, she still retained some of her beauty and was still a looker with her long flowing gray hair and fair complexion.

“May we return to the topic at hand? King James, you have one of the most powerful Kingdom here. What do you propose in this great plan of yours to collect all of the Heroes and create a Special Platoon? Why not come with me and create the first Human Empire? With Queen Catherine on your side, the Dragonkin are assured to join us and create a country that even the High Elves would tremble upon seeing!”

“It’s simple really. We’ll send out our best Knights to go from Village to Village and ask them for any person of interest. Those who’ve shown immense Magical energy or Skill. To prevent frauds, each of these great Knights will have a Magical Expert with them in finding these special people and that Empire you propose requires years and years of rebuilding Constitutions, and may I remind you that my citizens are very prideful of our history, culture and Knightly traditions like Gareth’s, unless this Empire would be named after us, I doubt even my Senate would agree.”

“Tsk, but so be it. I’ll agree with this Hero project of yours James.”

“It is, and I’ll need everyone’s one hundred percent.”

“Haah… you got me. I’ll do as you laid it down.”

Queen Catherine raises her hand.

“As a representative of the Dragonkin, may I ask what’re you gonna call this?”

King James was silent for a few seconds till his face lit up.

“March of the Saints! That’s what we’ll call it!”

“Good name. I’ll support it. It’d be nice to have another Hero whose of my race and give hope to the aging Dragon population.”

King Manuel of Menancadia located on the end of the table raises his hand. Gaining the attention of King James.

“Yes King Manuel, how may I help you?”

“I’ve recently heard damning rumors from my Merchant ships from Schon… there’s been stories that the Outworlders messed with the ancient Primordial Vampire Queen’s tomb and raised her.”

“Impossible, if such a thing did happen, the Tribes of the Nightwolves would’ve done something.”

“And they haven’t spoken to us ever since the Outworlders visited Meridian… something is amiss here King James.”

“Then let us hope that the Outworlders have properly defeated the Queen, because if the rumors were true, we would’ve been facing a problem just as worse as the Demons. But right now, has the Kingdom of Rose moved at all? Is there anyone in the stands that represents the Vampire?”

One beautiful woman in a dark blue gown raises her hand. Her shiny long silver hair takes the attention of everyone, her crimson red eyes pierce through the dark shade of her location. With crossed arms, she introduces herself.

“Yes, I, Duchess Morgana Tempest Voltaire hath cometh to represent my kin.”

“Goodness, a Duchess. Young lady, please answer me. Is it true? Has the Vampire Queen been awakened?”

“No. Though there have been rumors of a Circle… a Cult of those who want to drink the Ancient Queens blood and become powerful Vampires, we have no credible proof of their existence nor of the Queen.”

“Had you not conversed with the Wolfmen?”

“Our Kingdom would rather not talk to reprobates such as them.”

“But please, if you can. Do converse with them. We must know, because if it lies that the Vampire Queen awakens. Then we must make haste and mobilize everything, regardless of preparedness. I do not want what occurred after the second reset to happen once again, and it would make sense for her not to strike. Let the Demon horde weaken us and attack.”

“I assure you if anything was to ever happen, we’d notify you humans first. The Outworlders have been very secretive with almost all of their activities and haven’t even sent a representative here. They cannot be trusted, and their build up of these machines and metal ships has been very concerning. Our Landlocked nation with a barely functional River Navy cannot even hope to stand up against them if the time comes.”

“None of us would, these Outworlders have shown their technological marvel to my men and my Son. They’re not to be fooled around with, but some of them have been very open and have even started trading with us. Though they may be an eyesore in our territory, we must put up with them till they’ve left… if they’re truly planning on leaving.”

“I can count on it, we Vampires have bought many of their kind in the slave. They’re educated, smart, clean, and liberal. But are unable to protect themselves and are dependent on a structure of society that still hasn’t existed nor will for a long time. Only those powerful and had some street knowledge had survived this long, and those were the ones with the machines and automatons.”

“I have heard that the Slave Market has been flooding with Outworlders, mostly weak ones and it seems that its the majority, as many are unable to assimilate into our world. But this also risks war as these people love each other, and would kill and risk themselves to save one of their kind.”

“Only time will tell, but they’ve already made their move and had placed bases on the Demon Continent. Won’t be long till they become more brazen and confident.”

After an hour, everyone on the table became fully aware of the current status of the world and had started their search for those who’re gifted while the Vampire Duchess stops in one of the hallways full of delegates and merchants. The Vampire Knights with her are confused as they’ve been instructed to return home immediately after the meeting, instead she turns around and casually walks the opposite direction. The two men just looked at each other and started running after her.

As the Kings and Queens plan their own action when the war against the Demon Continent begins, Paul and his group are at the Nightingale Restaurant and in his Three Piece suit. He wasn’t even looking for General Dave when he notices a man wearing a General Service uniform that looks like it came from the US Army. He and the two Vampires attract everyone’s attention, but everyone keeps their gazes hidden, not wanting to annoy the seemingly powerful beings. After weaving through the tables, he also sees Joshua who was sitting next to Dave, already digging in on a piece of Roast Beef.

“Ah, Dave. Long time.”

“Oh, Paul. I heard great things from the Generals that were with you on that train.” He stood up while wiping his mouth. He reaches his hand out, ready for a handshake which Paul naturally obliged with a happy face and a strong grip and confident shake.

“So, what’ve you been up to?”

“A lot. Please, take a seat ladies and gentlemen. I got paid and I shall pay for everyone’s feast.”

After taking their seats, Dave immediately calls for a Waiter to take their orders.

“It’s on me alright. Don’t worry.”

“Huh, you're getting paid?”

“I just saved up a lot, Paul.”

“Dave, my man. How have things been?”

“Finally got the folks to let me out. Been two weeks now. Might waste the entire vacay here.”

“What’ve you been doing here anyways?”

“What else?! Visiting the Red Light District. Dude! You should try their Succubuses, they do be bussin’ wild.”

He was about to reply something snarky but felt the immense presence of the two Vampires waiting for him to say anything stupid.

“Nice, as much as I’d like… to partake in those activities, I must be reminded that tomorrow, we’ll be leaving.”

“Already?”

“Yea. Gotta continue exploring Geraldia.”

“Aw man. But you got two hotties with you anyways.”

“Heh, believe me, they’re both a handful sometimes.”

“Ahhh… I can only imagine. You know, I’ve always wanted to know, is it true Vampires give humans more pleasure than Succubuses sometimes?”

Queen Elizabeth looks at Dave and chills are sent to his spine even though she was wearing a mask.

“Sometimes yes, it’s due to how we inject Aphrodisiac into our prey.”

“Oh really?”

Alana then looks at Joshua who was busy eating.

“You should ask your friend there, he knows a lot about us Vampires.

General Dave then shifts his body to him.

“Oh yea, you said you were a Monster Hunter right Dave?”

“Uhhh… yea boss.”

“What do you know about Vampires and how they give pleasure?”

He wipes the gravy off his lips and stands up, showing his Blue Vest and the Brooch with the Allend Family Crest.

“They uhhhh… like how Predators inject poison through their fangs on a strong prey, they’d dig their fangs deep into your neck or upper shoulder, sending it straight to your veins. Succubusses on the other hand leave it to Physical Intimacy and the air or aura. While Vampires inject it straight into you, hence why there’s a lot of reports that people don’t scream in pain but instead remain silent. Tranced by the feeling of lust rushing through their veins. This also created the notoriety of Vampires as the creatures that use their beauty to snare prey. Beating the Succubusses to it.”

General Paul and Dave are left with their mouths open from how detailed and straightforward he uttered everything. It was like he was recalling things with how his head looked down and his eyes didn’t even move. Alana claps, waking up the two dumbfounded men.

“Though we can also not inject this into our prey and have them feel the pain. But we rarely do that, screaming isn’t helpful when you're trying to do it secretly and in more intimate relationships with humans, like those who’ve we’ve chosen to turn to, we wouldn’t dig in our fangs like that. Blood tastes good, but uncontrolled flow of it is… very messy.”

“So… Lady Alana, how did you last this long without drinking blood?” The handsome man traces the rim of his shot glass. Looking at the strange Blonde woman with a Masquerade Mask. Alana catches onto this immediately while Dave and Paul conversed about old times.

“Sir Allend, you already know the answer to that.”

“Oh yes, I apologize. It's just that your new friend here is emanating a very scary aura.”

Seeing that it's useless, Queen Elizabeth removes the lower part of the Mask she’s wearing. Revealing her Crimson red lipstick and her sharp nose.

“If you don’t mind Vampire Hunter, I’d be more than willing to answer your questions if you were to direct it straight to me.”

“Oh wow, am I famous? How did you know?”

“That crest of yours. I’m fairly acquainted with it.”

“I see, you’ve fought my family before huh.”

“You could say that.”

Looking more at the pale skinned tall blonde, he notices her Emerald eyes and the luxurious and revealing purple dress she’s wearing, he couldn’t help but think of what status this strange beauty has in the Vampire Kingdom. Meanwhile, Dave and Paul are laughing and smiling recalling their old times together.

“Yea, that Magnan was a bitch to kill with tanks. Better off using my Sword.”

“Heck, I was already digging in on it. Though I’m not an Eldritch Knight, my Divine Sword could cut through that Demon like it's nothing.”

“What bothered me was that it spawned outside of Hell.”

“It is possible, through a portal. Summon it through that.”

“Yea but the timing of it though. In the middle of a Convoy Op?”

“I know, might be the other players fucking with us.”

“Also, how was the Main Battle Tank we’ve been producing? I never did get a customer report on those.”

“Whoever you guys pick to help in making those Abrams, tell him he can have the deed to my house. Freaking thing is so cool and accurate to real life as what actual Tankers in the Men of the Woods’ Armored Units say and we’ve developed MUSK, a Magical Urban Survival Kit. Using what few enchanted steel and iron we have to absorb magical creations and weapons.”

“I think Dennis hired some dude who was addicted to Modern tanks. Even helped in making the Leopards and I can see we actually managed to adapt technology to this world… that’s something. We’re really something aren’t we?”

“That explains it. Well, have you heard? The Kings and Queens of the land met secretly.”

“Yea, I was checking the Guild chat a few hours ago and got a notice about that.”

“I wonder. This thing with the Heroes… Do you think they’re doing this to go against us?”

“No. If they were, they would’ve already stopped us from placing more Mines and Quarries and you know, taking their resources for our Articifiers and Factories..”

“Then what is this for?”

“I’m sure they’re preparing for a defensive or an offensive. They’re gonna let us do the heavy carrying and then perform an all out attack.”

“Take advantage of our pain and suffering to forward their agenda?”

“Isn’t that what any third party’s part in any conflict is?”

“True. Though we’re nearing completion of rearmament. The Math lovers say it’ll be done in two or three months.”

“That means it’ll be Winter when we can begin. Is this a good idea?”

“I don’t know, the higher ups might start another meeting so that we could all discuss this.”

“Let’s not. We’ll get bogged down, even though the majority of our army is made up of skeletons, our tanks and vehicles aren’t invincible to the cold.”

“We’ll see. Enough talk about work, drink!”

“Argh, alright maybe for tonight.”

“Yesss!”

Meanwhile, Bahamut wakes up and starts sniffing around the table. Dave immediately notices the small Black Dragon.

“Ohhh! It’s little ole Bahamut! Good to see she’s all good!”

“Heh, this little bugger has been on my side since the Chinese New Year Event a few years ago and still is.”

“Hello… Awww so cute!” Dave scratches her back, giving the Dragon a good rub. She in return speaks to Dave in her deep and adult womanly voice.

“I thank you Mortal.”

“WOAH! WHO SAID THAT?!”

“It is I, the Dragon God of the Void, Wanderer of the Abyss, Bahamut.”

“Woahhh… can she always talk?”

Paul shakes his head.

“Back then, she’d only speak when she either wants to eat or wants to sleep. But now? She seems to be very active and meeting people too.”

“For such a tiny Dragon, you sure have a big voice.”

“I’m using telepathy to talk to you. My voice can be anything of thou’s choosing.”

“But are you Female?”

“Yes, now, rub my back more.”

“As the Queen's order.”

Dave continues rubbing her back while Paul orders their food and some Alcohol. After a long night of drinking, the two Generals are hammered and unable to walk. Bahamut in her larger form had to carry Paul back to their Hotel room while the two Vampires follow Joshua as he leaves the establishment while Dave is shitfaced on the restaurant table.

He takes the two on an alleyway next to the Nightingale and there he removes his Fedora.

“You’re the Vampire Queen aren’t you?”

“Hmph. Seems that I’ve been caught.” She removes her Masquerade Mask revealing her beautiful face. Her emerald eyes turn Gold and the surrounding area gets heavy as she releases a gigantic amount of Mana. Her stature becomes more scary and her beauty shows another side of her that has more bloodlust than an entire country at war.

“Woah, that's Impressive. Though please calm down.” Joshua wasn’t intimidated, but showed great curiosity to her. “I’m only here to ask you what you two plan to do after this is all finished.”

“What thou mean? Dost concerns thee? My Masquerade Masks effects should’ve been more than enough on a mortal.”

“Well, technically yes. But I can’t have the most powerful Vampire roaming around the world without a leash on can I?”

“‘Tis a joke to you mortal?”

“Oh no. It’s just that it's rare to see such a relationship between Prey and Predator. This doesn’t happen often hence why I want to know what you two plan to do. You, Queen Elizabeth Marie Bartley most of all.”

“Hmmm… Thou’s plan is to continue serving our Lord till the time hath cometh.”

“I see, but after that? I can see it in my Boss’ and his eyes, They're gonna go home one way or another.”

“Then I shalt return to my great Kingdom and rest.”

“Can you at least promise me you won’t try taking over humanity? You know that we’ll beat you up again if you even try.”

Out of nowhere, the Queen was straight up at his face. They both could feel each other's breaths from how close they were. Joshua for the first time in a while trembled in fear as he didn’t even see her move. It was as if she just appeared in front of him, not even disturbing the surrounding air that would’ve alerted him.

“Art knoweth who is't thou art talking to?”

“A beautiful Priestess named Elizabeth who drank from the corrupted Fountain of Life with the blood of the Primordial Vampire who served one of Gods. With one of the first Knights to ever exist, Sir Charles.”

Her eyes open up, remembering memories long lost to her. She calms down after reminiscing and goes back to her normal self.

“I’ll hold my reservations. Though you may not believe me, I no longer plan on doing that again. It is but in the past. Traveling around, I’ve learnt of many things and I wish to continue with my Lord till his final days in this world.”

“Then are you willing to visit the Allend Manor and talk to our Family Head and create an Alliance? Our family only chases those Vampires, Werewolves, and Witches who have harmed innocents. But those who had not, we are forced to give to the Church.”

“Talk to the current King.” She turns her head to the Countess. “Who was it again Lady Alana?”

“King Harold the First my Queen.”

She then faces Joshua once again.

“King Harold the First. Talk to him.”

“Your Majesty, I implore that you come. Are you aware of the support you have in the Vampire Kingdom? There’s even a Cult there that’s after your blood you know?”

“I don’t care. I’m merely an adventurer now.”

“Ignore it all you want, but as you stay here alive, the more and more people will start looking and it will eventually come to you. And I doubt your Lord's higher ups are willing to leave you, a very important trump card alone. They’ll surely use you to gain an upper hand.”

“Tsk. Am I that easy to spot without my enchanted mask?”

“Someone with your powers and influence can’t easily disappear or live quietly. With what you did many resets ago? I doubt you can even after dying again… and you look way too pretty to not be looked at.”

“I’ll talk to my Lord about it.”

“Good. Now ladies, please make way. I’ll have to get the Boss before he starts crying and make a fuss… and also… watch out Carmilla. They’re way closer than you think. I am sure you’ve felt it, strange eyes on you even with the mask on? There’s some powerful people out there and they’re not gonna stop at nothing till they get a hick of your very pure ancient blood.”

He then walks back to the restaurant and the two women go on their way. The night relatively went by and the next morning, the group was awakened by a very loud banging on the door. The Queen was already awake and answered it. She’s met with a man wearing a full UCP Combat Uniform with Kevlar vest and helmet on, ready for the frontlines. The soldier instantly goes beet red seeing the beautiful blonde woman in an almost see through nightwear.

“Ma’am, Please notify the General that Dave is calling for him. A murder happened last night that involved one of our Patrols.”

“Exactly how is this our problem?”

“Both of they’re guilds are in the United Nations ma’am. General Dave may request help from other Guilds as per Article Eighteen of the Allied Command Operations and Article Seven of Joint Military Assistances.”

“I’ll notify him.”

Before she closes the door, Paul appears and stops it midway. He’s haggard and one can see he just woke up a few seconds ago from his face and was still wearing his general pants.

“Why? What happened?”

“At Zero One Hundred Hours, a Noble lady is found dead on an Alleyway West of the city. A patrol from the Men of the Woods found her and has locked down the scene. General Dave is requesting your presence as he needs some of your opinions.”

“Prepare a bag for me. I’m still not a bit used to dead bodies.”

“Yes sir.”

“I’ll be there in O-Seven Hundred.”

“Yes sir, the address is Munice Street, in the alleyway between Royal Brush and Victoria’s Medieval Secrets. Victim is a Caucasian Female of European Descent, no signs of struggle, bite mark on top of her shoulder.”

“Alright, I’ll see you there soldier.”

“Yes sir. Also, a Humvee will be waiting for you downstairs sir.”

“Yep, I’ll pop out when the sun is seen. G’night.”

In a messy manner, he heads back to the main bed and plops back to sleep. Within the next two and a half hours, they finally arrive at the scene of the crime. Road Barriers were set up to prevent the citizens of the city from intervening with the investigation. General Dave was right outside the alleyway and greeted the still sleepy man.

“Paul, welcome. I know you and your party should be leaving but I need help on this.”

“What? I ain’t no detective and why the hell are there so many Men of the Woods here?”

“This place became a prime getaway location for many players. The UN sent patrols from three guilds to maintain the peace for our soldiers and citizens who had drunk too much. Hence the MPs here.”

“Ah, I see. Well, let’s see this mess.”

“It's sad, she’s a looker too. Kinda makes me feel angry seeing such a beautiful woman lay dead on a small dirty alleyway.”