《Army of the Damned》VOLUME 8 Chapter 9

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Miles from the territory of the Vampire Kingdom, Paul is inside the main headquarters of the Airbase. Its tarmac is full of private jets and cargo planes with main battle tanks and helicopters constantly patrolling the perimeter nonstop and thousands of skeleton soldiers visibly littering the entire area. Inside, the Five Star General is surrounded by other high ranking officers and suited players of differing Guilds, many of them visibly still not over the fact that they were in a battlefield a day ago and was just called in for a meeting out of the blue.

The meeting is already going and most of the people inside the tight room in the airport are intent on quietly listening to the debate occurring between a Guild General and the Guild President of the Men of the Woods.

"I am still going forward with my request to give lower officers the ability to command skeletons regardless of the size of the unit."

"General, I cannot approve of that request. We have a cohesion to adhere to and respect to the higher ranking officers who worked hard to attain the requirements to earn their ranks."

"But have you seen the effects of our bureaucracy and red tapes alongside only giving higher ranking Generals the ability to give our skeletons permission to enter new regions has almost cost us the entire Western front?"

"As I said, I cannot approve of that. Even if the other Generals were to approve, we cannot allow players to control larger Unit sizes. We all agreed to this as our Generals technically cannot die. You'll all respawn anyways."

"Look at what happened to General Jackson though. Since he was in command of Three BCTs from Eldwood, the moment the sword saint took him out of the game temporarily, lower ranking officers were forced to keep their offensives limited with their overall effectiveness halved and the casualties tripled. We might have an infinite amount of skeletons to arm and send, but the material used, most of all the vehicles are finite and Iron Mountain and the city of Zavalda can only keep up with our current demands for so long."

"We won't be here any longer. I'm just asking for a bit more time to put up with this, till next year and the first two or three months. We're so close and so near to getting home. The portal is already active, we just have to start making sure it won't send us to hell or some messed up version of Earth."

"Yes sir..." he sighed and looked the other way on the screen as the tired player leaned down and rested his head on his hand. "And thus, we all die because of some paperwork." With the General giving up, the Guild President looks at the other High Ranking Officer who is in a concrete fortress with large tunnels where Brigades upon Brigades of skeletons are marching out to a railway with container vans where they are loaded like compact soldiers.

“Yes Mister President, we have confirmed that we have mobilized at least three million players, more than any of those are commanding seven to eight skeletons in full combat gear.”

“But seeing these reports from a Guild city that got its Mana Core corrupted, it opened a portal to the underworld… The Undead Horde we will meet possibly next year is far more volatile and scary, the reports from it already show the Demons… they have Land, Sea, and Air capabilities and operate like mad rabid combined arms full of scary armored demonic beasts.”

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“Ahem, General. As a Senator, wasn’t the plan supposed to be AT LEAST TEN MILLION? How in the hell do you expect us to defend the scattered player Guilds and cities when Geraldia alone has more width than Europe and Russia combined?!”

“Well sir, we’ll be turning to Plan B as expected with replacing the rest with skele-”

“Skeletons. General, do you think those mindless goons are enough to even defend a pint of land we have taken in Schon?”

“Sir, we’re trying our best to meet your requests but even with the help of over a hundred or two Guilds, no way will be able to find that many players even with the amount of people that got teleported here. Most if not many are trying to live a normal life or amongst the populace.”

Another Officer then comes blazing in the command room. Stopping the current conversation as everyone’s attention is moved to the door.

“Sir! The Humanitarian folks are here!”

“Negative! No visitors! We’re in a classified emergency meeting right now!”

A slender woman with short brown hair dressed in a modern expedition outfit butts in. Ramming through the skeletons and the Officer blocking and trying to stop her as she bursts in the busy room full of screens all live streaming Generals and Men in suits. Looking very out of place in a room full of professionals with a brooding atmosphere and busy stares, the woman instantly got cold feet at the amount of glares she got from the well dressed men

“I’ve come from the UN’s Department of Human Rights! I’ve come to battle your deliberate attempt in cutting the head of the technology sharing programs we’ve been fighting so hard to push! I even made my way to this barren inhumane continent to catch you all in one place!”

Paul just sighed as the other Generals facepalms. One of them is visibly about to explode and one does.

“Senator Angelica, please get out of this room immediately. We have a very urgent meeting and your sudden disturbance isn’t helping in the road to finding a solution. Please get out, I’ll talk to you later and let’s see if we can find a middle ground-”

The suited man gets interrupted by her as she takes a few steps to enter the dark meeting room that’s only lit by the screens that’s mounted on the walls.

“So you're just gonna let the people be abused and used by the Nobles and those of higher power?! What about the slavery?! The Vampires have millions of enslaved people!”

“Lady, look back in our world, was it any different?! Just because we can read and write doesn’t mean we are free. In truth, we’ve been far more detached and enclosed than ever before. Right now, as stated by the General Secretary, we are not to disturb their technological developments unless strictly allowed and also checked by historians both in our world and their world! And can’t you see we are in the middle of an emergency?! Fucking Commandos waltzed in a heavily guarded perimeter of a Vampire Kingdom and almost exposed all of us! So get out!”

A Colonel then comes in between the two as the angered Four Star General is seemingly fuming with the intrusion of the woman. The blazing eyes of the man made her instinctively put her hands up her chest as his veins were about to pop out.

“Miss Angelica, just follow the General's orders. Look, I know you want to do good while here, but things are not that easy. We’re in the middle of a meeting that I’ll personally come with you and Herr Eichen in finding a middle ground. I’m sure you remember me, I was helping you in an Expedition to bring food to a Sultanate in Meridia. For now, please. Get out.”

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“But this world has magic! And the most powerful magic is mostly only inherited by those who have been in the noble's blood. Giving them unprecedented power in the field! If we allow even just a bit of our knowledge in modern chemistry, this will balance this world, give it the change it needs for a better future, to avoid a future like ours! Where people can be equal finally!”

“Miss, the Five Star General is also present. He has been silent so far, I think it’s best if you were to leave now before he gets even more offended by your discourse.”

Tired already from the all nighter he pulled, Paul just let the staff of high ranking officers and suited men do the talking for him as he just stared at the maps on the table.

“O-oh! General Jackson! I’ve only heard rumors of your exploits!”

Seeing that he had been spotted, the man sitting down with interlaced fingers breathes a deep and long sigh. He shrugs at one of the player soldiers guarding the room.

“Take her away please. I do not have time for this.”

“Sir yes sir!”

Though pouting and still in protest, two soldiers dragged her away. Just as the discussion between the current updates in the Operation Army of the Damned was getting good, another man knocks in the room and disturbs the talking. Opening the door, he was dressed in a Mechanic oversuit and had a patch labeled “Blacksmith” on his left chest.

“General Jackson sir, the conversion of your Great sword to an Ultra one has been completed. I’m just awaiting the gems and enchant requests.”

“I’ll be with you shortly, and also. Check the Chalice I bought, I want to have it materialize liquid. My blood preferably.”

“Of course General. I’ll be in Hangar One as usual. I’ll need a sample of your blood so that the Chalice may produce it.”

“Thanks Ferdi, I’ll be with you soon.”

“No problem sir.”

The Mechanic gently closes the door and the Officers then go back into their discussion with two large flatscreens opening and revealing more Generals as they tune in. With the UN General Secretary in the middle with the Guild Leaders in their screens watching down on the High Ranking Officers.

“So, back at the emergency meeting. General Jackson, could you tell me the composition of the enemy units?”

“Of course Mister President. They were all using M-Five Next Generation Assault rifles. MICH Two Thousands, Kevlar Five on the Operators, but their Squad Leaders use Kevlar level Six, all the bells and whistles of a top notch Special Force. They’re also very well trained as known, they littered the alleyways with our skeletons and players with no effort. If it weren’t from Bahamut’s True Magic, they could’ve easily cleaned house and killed all defending units even though we had armor and infantry.”

“I see, this is very bad then. Worse than expected, we thought they wouldn’t be able to maintain and upkeep the equipment they have been issued but it seems that we’ve been wrong once again… How goes the negotiations with the Vampires going? None of the photos reached any of the Nobles right?”

“Yes sir, none of them managed to penetrate fully. Though one did get extremely close, I’ve been able to prevent him from getting any deeper. But I don't even know if he has photos with him seeing that the Spatial Magic should’ve been able to burn any evidence. But so far, all is good.”

“Good. Keep it up General Jackson. I want this done before they try anything again. Do you understand?

“Sir yes sir!”

“The matter of the Vampires staying neutral is of utmost importance. We do not have the means to fight an army of invincible super humans and now that we’ve reached the border of Vitas, the armies of this Kingdom have a golden chance to strike deep into an artery and destroy our supply lines. I hope you understand, General.”

“Of course sir, I fully understand.”

“Good, now to brief the Generals in this room.”

As the Guild President of the Men of the Woods starts to address the entire room, Paul waves his hand and smiles at Trevor and the other Generals of Eldwood who were present, but their backgrounds on the screens showed they were all in differing locations and faunas. He then goes back to listening. “Operation Army of the Damned is coming to a close, we are reaching and even over stocking in equipment and men. Some fronts have reached the borders of Vitas and soon, we will be able to bring bare all of our weapons against the Demon horde.”

Paul takes a bottle of water and drinks it. Attentively looking at the other Guild Generals who all seem to be in uniform and their eyes, staring intensely at the powerpoint presentation.

“Our Expeditionary Team has also uncovered a Leyland Sigil as they call it and are in the process of putting it in the portal. With this, everyone will be teleported back after the portal is closed, no one will be left here from our world.”

Multiple Generals immediately raise their hands.

“Are you sure about this Mister President? Many players in these twelve months have had families and friends here, without a doubt. They’re living better lives than before and would wish to stay.”

“We cannot allow them to stay. As much as I want them to, our presence here has been more trouble than good.” The President then raises a piece of paper, one written by Lady Minuit. “General Jackson has direct connection to a Noble in theVampire Kingdom. She gave me this written request to cross check ancient Vampire Heroes. Some of their National Heroes do indeed check the boxes of a player.”

Many of the Generals are shocked by the information. Almost all of them raised their hands and some were already asking questions but were muted by the Moderators in the video call.

“Calm down! Everyone!” the Generals then silenced themselves, Paul on the other hand held the bottle of water in his hand without moving an inch. “I know, but I am still in the process of confirming this information. But if this is true, then we have been one of the single most destructive and most effective units this world has seen. We only thought that our involvement has been sparse, maybe just one or two players have been teleported prematurely and became Legends of sorts. But now, with this information. It’s all scrapped, it seems that we’ve been changing this world's history far more than we expected and have been the driving force in many catastrophes and problems.”

Hassan then comes, raising his hand first before everyone. He didn’t even bother to stay in human form but was in his skeletal body on the monitor. His voice, that of an old wise man who has been through much as he faced the suited man who has the largest screen compared to the rest.

“And exactly what is our endgame here, Mister President? The situation keeps changing and becoming more volatile and far deeper than we expected.”

“To leave without a singular trace as originally intended. I cannot stress this enough, we’ve done enough to damage and change this world. We must get out and never return, from these papers alone. Most of the Vampires National Heroes have caused untold deaths of humans and werewolves on a scale we have not seen. Maybe to the Vampires, the actions of these people are acceptable. But as a person, I find it abhorrent and disgusting… the things these players have done.” The suited Guild Leader of the Men of the Woods then grabs a pitcher next to him and drinks water.

“So I cannot stress this enough. We’re all working towards one ending, it will not change even with the changing times. Our disappearance is of the utmost importance. To return home and go back to our normal lives before we get even more tangled into this web of complexities that we cannot even begin to unravel. So far, we’ve only scratched the surface of this entire circus. From the Heroes to the Demons, that we’ve known so far are all but the tip of it.”

One of the screens then unmutes and raises his hand which the President takes.

“So, some of the previous Heroes and Saints are all supposedly players? But teleported early on?”

“Yes, that’s been confirmed for a long time now. What we didn’t know is the full extent of our involvement and looking at this finely written paper from Lady Minuit. Her investigation has led to us knowing far more than we had to and now, we can say that players have been a long standing occurrence in Threa. But sprinkled through history, some of them are smaller town Heroes to those that changed entire civilizations.”

Another screen then unmutes, this time a General wearing combat gear and inside a muddied tent as the flap to the outside is blowing wildly, revealing the rainforest his in.

“Then what about the Sword Saint?! My units have been chasing that bitch for months now! Why was I ordered to stop?!”

“Because… ahem. She has been aiding us recently. We have no idea what her end goal is, but so far. If it weren’t from her, multiple Guilds and their states would’ve been destabilized by the Organization. Hearing General Jackson’s first hand account of their equipment makes me even fear them more. She is doing us more than a favor and so far, the damages she’s caused us have only been in your unit and our advance in the West.”

“W-Well yeah! Because I was told she has appeared once and destroyed a blackened Corrupted Core with a holy sword! Of course I’ll be throwing everything I’ve got to stop her from doing it again. That woman is far too dangerous to live and I agree with that!”

“Hence why I ordered you to stop before she comes after us again. Right now, a singular corrupted Mana Core has exploded in another city which opened a portal to the Underworld and the aftermath has been nothing but a headache to clean up. We do not know if she has involvement in that as she was in the other part of the world but the respective parties that were present in that battle were also there. Just as curious as we are, so it’s better to just shadow her. Do you get me General Carter?”

“Yes sir.”

“Don’t do anything stupid. Just shadow her and continue to bring us information about her whereabouts and objectives. The Saints and Heroes are all being guided by the Gods themselves, they know far more than we can ever hope. So instead of throwing needless lives and equipment into a force of nature, we’ll switch gears instead just slow down and watch, Got it?”

“Sir yes sir.”

“Don’t think for a second that I do not get what you say, yes she has caused us trouble and is still causing some trouble every now and then. Her biggest problem caused so far was wounding General Jackson, making the advance of Three Eldwoodian BCTs to completely halt. I’m still in the process of thinking why she did it.”

A General who in the backdrop of a rainforest unmutes and raises his hand.

“My men actually encountered her a few days after shooting down the General’s cargo plane. It was on an ancient tomb with ruins on top, it was suited to become a FoB as not only was it fortified but also placed in between a valley and mountain. I was going to do so. But the lack of men and skeletons prevented me.”

“Hm? How come you’ve only told me this, General Thoi?”

“I didn’t think it was of any use, Mister President. Only after hearing this did I see the picture now.”

“Do you know what was inside that ruins?”

“Uhm… it was weeks ago but the Locals do not go near it, even the Werewolves. It was some sort of a Nameless Human King’s tomb that onced ruled the Western Central part of Schon.”

“Mhmm… send me a full detailed report of that. I’ll go and talk to the other Senators and Governors about this. That tomb must’ve contained something important that it warranted delaying Eldwood’s forces and preventing us from advancing.”

“Yes sir. I’ll direct Colonel Ban to return there. General Jackson, could you send at least one Helicopter Wing there?”

“I’ll see what I can do. I’ve already given Eldwood’s skeletons full permission to roam around the entire continent since all three major prongs have met. Hey John!”

John unmutes his screen as he waves as his friend.

“Ey yo.”

The cluster of sounds of turbine engines turning on and aircraft zooming past his tent could be heard in the mix of his voice.

“Is Cresco there? Have him send a Wing to wherever General Thoi is at.”

“Uhm… General Thoi, can you send me the coordinates?”

“I’ll chat to you now. Woohoo, Internet Access!”

The Asian player then happily started typing the coordinates and the room was once again open for questions. As if a cascade has started, another player unmutes their screen. A General in a cozy office overwatching a huge city.

“Mister President, so far. We’ve only confirmed that they have one Su-Fifty Seven Felon and Next Generation Infantry Kit. We still have the upper hand against the Organization in terms of numbers. We don’t we just take initiative against them? As they seem to be more scheming than being an active participant of a conflict.”

“Hence why I agreed to this emergency meeting. As you can see, not everyone is here. Only a select few… as we have suspicions that there are multiple if not many parties involved in the UN that are actively helping them in their operations. No way can they be supplied and maintained like this without help from big fishes like us. The Felon that shot down one of our handful AWACS and Raptor… I still haven’t heard the end of that one.. Still…”

“The Raptor your Guild uses sir is one of a kind. Zavalda oversaw its production alongside Eldwood.”

“I know, I know. You don’t have to remind me.”

“So sir, you’re telling me that there’s possibly insiders amongst our ranks?”

“Hm. General Ripper, are you there?”

General Ripper is inside his airbase office, smoking a cigar as usual.

“Yes, Mister President. I am still getting quite jarring orders and paperwork. Some Psyop shit is infesting my airbase, if this continues. A mutiny will occur as parts aren’t reaching me and I have control of over fifty bombers carrying Mana Nukes.”

“Hmmmm… I thought that was solved though?”

The room then bursted into whispers and chatter while Paul’s eyes squinted as he tightened his interlaced fingers. Knowing things just got even more complicated. He continually stayed silent, being one of the only five star generals in the room and let the lower ranking officers do all the talking for him.

“Then Mister President, could it be that there are people even up to yesterday's annual monthly meeting that have been…?”

“That we do not know yet Senator Hiui. But could better well be, General Jackson’s personal call to me about the Organization reaching this deep in the Vampire Kingdom is the last straw that broke the camel's back for me. There is no plausible way they could’ve done this without prior knowledge that we were sending envoys and pre placed Operators around or within the Kingdom and then just awaited for the photos of the Ancient Queen’s sarcophagus to be sent to them to litter to the Nobles. It’s all far too good to be coincidences.”

Another screen then unmutes, this time a player inside a Mobile Command Unit that’s placed on the street of a bustling city.

“Mister President! I’ve been trying to reach you about that tanker that’s still missing to this day! We’ve been trying to find them but even the Fourth Reich Guild has met a blockade. There’s no more evidence and we’ve checked all the cities and it's far too taxing unless Martial Law is enacted on all of it and we’re able to move around freely without taking in civilians as a factor in our plans.”

“General Heimmer, we will get to that later. Please sit down. My Secret Service is hard at work in recovering information about where it might’ve gone.”

“Good! Because that’s a Bioweapon that’s on the loose and those players are not to be joked with! Their gear and training is ten times better and far nicer than ours and they are a coherent and competent fighting force!”

General Paul then sips his water and speaks after such silence that everyone instantly looked at him and stopped whatever train of thought they had going.

“They’ve also penetrated deep within Schon and have reached the Vampire Kingdom. Mister President, why am I not being told anything? If I was warned that the Commandos were present even before I reached this place, then I would’ve been able to do something beforehand. But instead, it took you the near fucking of everything to finally make a move and proactively see them as an enemy force..”

“I’ll also get to you later General Jackson. There’s some information that’s still classified-”

“Mister President, with all due respect. But can you classify things later? It’d be nice if I had a heads up that they were already here. If it weren’t from Bahamut, our entire Diplomatic mission would’ve already gone to shit and my head is rolling on the Castle stairs.”

“Y-Yes General Jackson, I will get to that later. One thing at a time.”

“Really? Even here you are dodging questions. Who do you suspect is part of the Organization then? Let me warn you Mister President and our so-called General Secretary who has been silent this entire time. That missing tanker is carrying the Ancient Queen’s blood that I’ve seen first hand make people burst into a red mist. It’s far too potent and powerful, if it can do that to a vampire, imagine a human.”

“I also have a question!” a General wearing a brown uniform stands up. “Has anyone in this room noticed that the Kingdom of Vitas has not sent its Demon Army after us? So far, it’s been Rogues and Milita’s that have been thrown at our men. Can’t it be we’re walking into a trap? Far from our Continent and with transportation of supplies being at its peak hardest…”

“Alright everyone! I will answer everything! I’ll admit that I won’t have the true answer but I’ll give you the best I could give and at least be at rest that things are still under control.”

Quietly, General Paul crosses his arm as he rests his back on the seat. “For now.”

Inside the Kingdom, Alana and Bahamut just finished Sword Dancing and the two were left taking a breath as a Crimson Knight riding a horse adorned with flags comes into the Courtyard and to the garden.

“Oh Lord Freidrich Hanniette the Third. How may I be of service to you?”

“Lady Minuit, we have a problem. In the village of Nice’s Southern forest, a Snowstar has appeared. We have managed to contain it, but we require your presence in destroying it fully. It has been overwhelming us even with our numbers.”

“Is that so? Bahamut, wanna come? This is the duty of a Noble. To come to the aid of the people under their Domain.”

“Can I get Berries?”

The Knight then notices the Dragon God in her full glory and kneels and bows his head. “Lady Minuit! Goddess Bahamut! I thank you dearly for spending your time aiding us!”

“Armored Bloodsucker, does that village have Berries?”

“E-eh?”

They were immediately off, with Alana changing to her White gown and wearing earrings and bracelets of more rarer colors. Showing her wealth and power even more.

“Why do you keep changing outfits? Is that common between all Bloodsuckers?”

“Hmph? No. But a good Noble must have an outfit for all occasions. Most of all, when you're going to present yourself to your subjects. One must be at their best to show them why they’re under a Lord or Lady.”

“Isn’t that a headache? Master only wears three outfits mostly and it's very hard to maintain them. He really goes out of his way to clean them till you come and start helping with laundry.”

“That is why I have Maids and Butlers, Bahamut. It also helps them to be on their toes, keep them working and not laze around the house.”

“I see…”

“And why’re you looking for Berries now?”

“I just felt like it.”

“Ugh.”

Even with the carriage, it took then an hour and a half to reach the large village with all the snow that was on the road.

“What’s so bad with a Snowstar?”

“Snowstars are both magical and spiritual aberrations, they’re capable of hampering regeneration of any type. Magical or Natural. If a human was to be hit by its icicle, then that hole would never be repaired unless said human was to live for sixty or seventy more years.”

“Uh uh…”

“So be careful, I also just remembered and it drains Mana. So be prepared if you're planning on punching it Bahamut.”

“Can I use fire magic?”

“Just don’t go over the top with it please. The grunts and Knights have contained it in the forest.”

As they exited out, a small Cave Bat with a crimson red membrane on its wings landed on Bahamut’s shoulder. “Oh, if it isn’t the Bloodsucker.” she shoo it away but it hovered just above the two. “Tsk! How dare thee not invite the Blood Queen to thou’s festivities?” Alana knows that deeply amorous and demeaning womanly voice from somewhere.

“Y-your majesty? Are you once again in your cave bat form?”

“Yes, I’ve come in this form once again. Now, go! Bahamut, let me sleep on your shoulders once again. Just don’t crush me like last time!”

“Ehhhh? I hate bats. They have very sharp feets. Can’t you change into something else?”

“Huuuh? That’s one to say for a Dragon whose body is full of spiky parts.”

Not protesting anymore, the Cave Bat lands on her shoulder. Completing the Dragon Gods depressing outfit, now looking like a ghostly dark Queen, or the Goddess of Death and Pestilence with its Bat familiar. Alana, who was in her full white gown, looked in contrast with the taller Bahamut as the two walked into the middle of town. The children Vampires were wearing emerald rings while those pregnant who's going about their day in market pay less than needed.

“Ohhh shiny! What’re those rings on the children for? It looks like the one I keep stealing from Master.”

“Hmmm… interesting. Is that due to the Mana they have? I oddly remember making something like that, so that newly birthed babies won’t die of their mana levels.”

“Yes your majesty, younger ones have so much Mana within them that those rings are handed out by the Kingdom to prevent them from misusing it. Not until they are mature enough to control their emotions and know the consequences of such power will they be allowed to not wear it any longer.”

“But to see such a wonderful sight… look at that. A pregnant Vampire… brings a tear to thou’s eye.”

The UN soldiers on the other hand were handing out gifts and presents to the citizens of the village. Even decorating some parts of the plaza with Christmas ornaments while letting the kids get inside the Humvees and BTRs.

The Knight was already far into the crowd but they manage to catch up with him as they take the two to the forest where some Elven and Human grunts lay wounded with Vampire Knights, their wounds weren’t healing and UN Combat Medics had to come in and stitch them up like normal humans. Even though the hole in their body was as big as a fist, the unaffected parts of their body kept them alive while the mortal ones slowly dies of blood loss with the Medics trying to do everything under their power to keep them alive.

“Give me more Painkillers!”

“I’ll get another Humvee here!”

“Yes! Bring a proper ambulance!”

They could hear the deflection of sharp objects inside the forest where a band of Knights is protecting the Vampire Grunts. The large 10 feet tall Star made out of snowflakes was firing off icicles like a machine gun in all directions.

“Here Lady Minuit, as you can see.”

“Hmmm… that is indeed problematic. It has gone far too mature, which is odd. Tell the grunts to retreat to the village with the other Knights. Only leave the three of them who have the attention of the Snowstar and have them to surround it.”

“Of course, Lady Minuit.” he whistles and tells the grunts and Knights to retreat out of the forest, leaving the three brave ones to keep the attention of the floating star made out of snow. Even with their speed, the Star is able to track them and fire off icicles without care. The Cave Bat on Bahamut’s shoulder flies away as she uses magic to materialize fire. The Snowstar detects this and fires icicles in her direction which Alana destroys mid travel.

The two then concentrated their efforts and were about to punch the spirited creature into oblivion as a Rapier came flying in, slashing the Snowstar in half and making it burst into a giant pile of snow, trapping the two and the stranger that attacked the Snowstar before him.

“EH?! EH?! HEY! WHAT’S YOUR DEAL!”

A man then pops out of the pile, the dastardly handsome lad in a blood red Regency ascot and a cape swiftly sways his silky smooth black hair.

“Hello Countess, it is I onced again! Count Pervical! And my my my, is this Bahamut! Aren’t you a true looker, though what’s with the sad get up? Last time you didn’t have a bat on your shoulder.”

Bahamut looks at her shoulder and sees that the Bat is gone, looking around the woman is left baffled that the Ancient Queen has escaped her just like that once again. “Tsk, just how silent is that woman?” She then starts going around looking for her but Alana stops her from wandering any deeper into the forest as she sniffed the air for any trace of the Queen.

“Hahahaha! I saw the Bat fly in the direction of the town Goddess.”

“I see…”

“Lord-”

“Ah ah ah Countess. I’ve done my part now, and the contract is done.”

“What? It’s not that easy, you know!”

As the trio conversed, smaller Snowstars the size of their palms appeared from the pile. The three Knights were quick in destroying them but more and more appeared from the snow. They could only stare as the Snow pile was alive and kept them from getting out, Bahamut on the other hand was about to use combustion magic but Alana was against it. “Don’t you dare, I know that face. No Bahamut. NO.”

Above them, a Huey could be heard. Its iconic whirl comes in like a mad dog out of Hell and a shiny Knight is seemed to have been dropped without a parachute.

“LORD GOD ABOVE, THOSE WHO RULE OVER THIS WORLD! HEAR ME NOW AND BLESS THIS SWORD!”

“M’LORD?!”

“MASTER?!”

“BWAAAAAAAHHH! THAT WAS A BORING AND SAD MEETING!”

Dropping like a superhero, his shiny Holy sword slashes the smaller Snowstars. The cute little spiritual aberrations permanently disappear.

“Woah! A human with very generic Holy Knight armor!”

“WHAT?! This is actually the most realistic armor I have! Unlike the Death Knight one which is a heavy and spiky piece of gothic artwork! At least this is real Sixteenth Century Armor that’s just super shiny!”

He then digs the straight sword into the snowpile. “BLESS THIS DAMNED SNOW ALMIGHTY LORD! THE TRUE GOD OF TUR!” it bursts, throwing Alana and Bahamut into a tree while the Count gets face planted through the snow. He then gets up and faces Paul.

“Why would you wear such boring armor? It’s so human.”

“Eh? Well as I said, it's not heavy and I needed to test out some swords. Particularly, not in an outfit that could accidentally spike people.”

“So? It looks so boring and functional.”

“Wha-what? This is practical and I’ve been using this before I wore that heavy fantasy oriented Death Knight armor of mine. This is cheap and easy to repair as it's literally a FUNCTIONAL knight armor made out of steel and alloys, only enchanted a bit.”

The Count only yawns at him. “I still don’t get why the King even dared talk to your type. Look at you, no tact at all and wearing such sad and penurious armor that’s a laugh. Look at what our Knight Legions wear, complex, gothic and magnificent.”

“It’s hard to maintain, has a lot of moving parts and hard to move around in.”

“Hence why I had mine made from enchanted materials! Ha-ha-ha!”

“Grrrrrr… do you want me to beat the living shit outta’ you again?”

“U-Uhm… no. Thank you.”

“Good. Alana. Let’s go. Percival, don’t you forget that I beat your ass to the pulp. I can do it again even without my Death Knight armor.”

Paul lifts the visor of his helmet, revealing his tired face. “Also, did you guys leave the other one behind?”

Bahamut looks around and sniffs the skies once again. “Well, Percival did say he spotted it flying to the town, Master.”

“Alright you two, let us go.”

Above them, the Pilots could see the situation was cleared and make a thumbs up as they fly away. The group then exits out of the forest but the Count was right behind them. Curiously following Alana who was visibly getting annoyed by his stares.

“Do you wanna get beat up again Percival? M’Lord is here and he's within his punching range.”

The General cracks his knuckles and neck. Taunting the handsome vampire in the open.

“I’d rather say no to that. I’m merely curious as to what this human did to achieve so much even with his fragility.”

“Just keep your distance Count. M’Lord is already tired and stressed.”

Paul was in the plaza, being out of place together with the UN soldiers being some of the only humans in the entire village. Though there was a great awkward flare in the atmosphere, the presence of the well known and respected Countess of the Minuit family completely removes the devilish and disdainful stares of the villagers at the human Knight General.

“Hey Alana, are humans this badly looked down upon by Vampires? The stares of some of these people make me wanna start going violent.”

“Yes… and you looking like a Holy Knight from the Holy See doesn’t help M’Lord. We did have a long war against them.”

“Ah crap, I forgot about that. Well shit… this feels like I’m wearing my underwear inside a big city. Everyone’s stares are so… eugh.”

“Though I don’t mind it, you look dastardly heroic with that suit of armor. Just like in the Light Novels from your world.”

“Heh… thanks.” As the man blushes from her compliment, the Knight Commander of Alana’s Domain blocks the path of the Count.

“Lord Daunt, may I ask if you have properly sent a request to pass through Lady Minuit’s Domain?”

“Aouhhhh… uhhh… yes.”

“Sir Hanniette, remove that man from the premises of my land.”

“Of course Lady.”

The two stare, and Percival almost instantly disappears and runs away, forcing the Knights and Grunts to follow and capture him.

“You have a uhhh…pretty interesting crushes. So far, I’ve had to fight two of them and survive.”

“Yes M’Lord… I truly apologize. Some of these fools just won’t take no for an answer and I can’t reject them without damaging some political relations.”

“Yeah… also is Bahamut looking for something?”

“Urk… and is Bahamut still here?!”

“I saw her… oh shit…”

The two look around and notice that Bahamut is also gone. After breathing out, the two start looking around the Plaza. Being with the owner of the land, the Commoners were extremely respectful and polite with the pair. Bowing down and letting them pass without problem. Soon, one of the owners of a stall mentioned seeing a woman in a gothic funeral gown heading to the East of the town after asking about Berries.

“Why am I not surprised… she’s hungry onced again.”

“M’Lord, years ago before we met, has Bahamut always been like this?”

“I think she’s getting comfortable in her human form. She at first wasn’t like this, very reserved and quiet so I can only summarize that Bahamut is getting used to a humanoid body.”

“A bit too comfortable, M’Lord.”

Walking around even more, Paul notices some Vampires with shackled Elven helpers are using magic to clear the sidewalks and roads of snow. The Vampires were behind them, directing the Elves as to where to push the snow while the more feeble humans were regulated to carrying sacks and picking up litter they found. The Knight General then sees a shop with some flasks and vegetables on its front windows. He entered inside and was greeted by a young store clerk. The wooden furnish makes the shop look more like a museum than a place of transaction.

“Hey! Don’t you have any respect human? Who is your Master? I’ll make sure they know of your disrespect!”

“Uhm… excuse me?”

“Lounging around in that armor, who are you and why haven’t the guards stopped a human like you from dirtying up our town?”

The young man then throws a flask at him. Paul dodges it and it hits the frame of the door.

“WOAH! Are you crazy?!”

“Such vulgar words! Where is your respect for us Vampires!? I’ll have you sold back to the market!”

As he threw another flask. The Countess appears and catches it.

“Would it be the death of you to not throw objects at him?”

“O-oh my, Lady Minuit! What brings you here to my humble shop. Would you like some aroma’s?”

“No. But please, do not throw objects at this man. He might be a bit disrespectful but that comes with the package of goods.”

“Goodness, you Lady Minuit? A human slave? I never knew I’d see the day. You’d always been so busy.”

“Heheheh… yes. Now, have you seen a tall woman in a scary funeral gown?”

On the other side of the town, Queen Elizabeth is roaming around aimlessly in her bat form. Looking at the shops and the flourishing town of Vampires. Flying through the windows and the rooftops, she couldn’t stop staring at the wonderful life her subjects are now living. In total peace and quiet. She then enters an alleyway and transforms back into her normal self. Even in the dark alley, she’s amazed at how clean it was and how little it smelt badly.

The beautiful blondie then started walking through the alleys, with only the clacks of her heels heard as she stealthily observed the daily routine of her people. Many stocking up on food as the snow was expected to get worse. Stopping to observe a shop for knitting and making clothes, a small brown ball rolls to her feet. She tilts her head, curiously looking at it as she slowly picks it up. A small girl with an apron walks up to pick it up, just to be met with the beautifully menacing posture of the Ancient Queen. The little girl then points at her chest and inhales.

“Biiig!”

As if something snapped in her, Elizabeth squats and starts poking the cheeks of the little girl with long tied hair, full of decorative roses. “CUTE.” was all the woman could think while the little girl smiled at the beautiful vampire who had taken interest in her pudgy cheeks.

“Tell me young one. What is thou’s age?”

“Mohmma told me I’m about to be five years old!”

“Very good. Celebrate your birthday with fine food.”

“Hm!”

She then lifts up the little kid. Making it scream and wail in happiness as she is able to see the world from a different perspective. Unlike Paul who panicked when he got lifted by the Queen and spun around, the little girl was absolutely loving it.

“Grow big! And become a good Vampire! For you are the future of this Kingdom and of our kin!”

“Hm!”

The Queen then hears a commotion happening in one of the stores. Like a broken record, she could hear a store clerk going berserk on a woman for eating his stock. Breaking the moment, Elizabeth gives the little girl a pat in the head she transforms into a Cave Bat again and heads to the East of the Town where she encounters Bahamut inside an ornamental shop where its goods were all inside small wooden barrels that one can lounge around like a bag.

“C’MON LADY! YOU HAVE TO PAY FIRST! AND HOW DID YOU EVEN FIND OUT MY SECRET STOCK OF BERRIES?!”

“Let me be bloodsucker! I’ve helped your Kingdom with its Dragons now let me atleast partake of this Berry! Your farmers seem to have perfected the taste and smell!”

“Of course we would! The farmers have been doing this for thousands of years now!”

Just as Elizabeth was about to help Bahamut, she heard the clacking of armor and could see her Lord with Alana running to the shop. She instead turns around and hides back in the dark alleyway and sees her Lord open the door and immediately point his finger at Bahamut.

“NOT AGAIN BAHAMUT!”

“Oh Master!”

“Agghhh… you keep doing this when your in Dragon form and even in human form? Really?”

The store clerk then goes into the back of his shop, rummaging through various items.

“What? Master, these Berries taste absolutely good!”

“But Bahamut, you don’t have any money with you. Now, come on.”

“Ehhhhh… but I helped them with their Dragons. This is the least they can do as payment and tribute to me.”

“No. Transform back into your Dragon form. That’s an order.”

“Awwww…”

Defeated. Bahamut transforms into a kitten sized Black Dragon. She then flies to Paul’s chest while he holds her up with one arm.

“Now, stay. I’ll have Alana buy you some. Eat it now and you can only turn back into a human back in the carriage.”

“Boooo… human taste buds are way better.”

Holding the Dragon God like a little kitten, the Store Clerk is amazed at the human in bright and shining armor with the Countess of the Domain entering his shop.

“O-oh my! Lady Minuit!”

Alana goes and strokes Bahamut’s head. Making the Dragon’s tail waggle like an excited Dog. “Good thing I’m wearing armor today.”

Alana then pays for the stuff Bahamut ate and some extra for her to eat along the way and the trio starts looking around for where the Queen is. The little Dragon sniffs the air and points its head at the dark alleyway on the other side of the street. Paul then looks both ways and is rattled by a speeding Noble coach. Like a bat out of hell, the eight horses pulling it didn’t slow down even after entering a populated area and kicking snow up everywhere.

“GWEH! What the fuck?!”

“M’Lord, that is one troublesome coach.”

“Yeah, what the hell? Did the driver get his license from some dude behind a convenience store?”

The trio then crosses the street and enters the dark alleyway. Paul with magic flicks his fingers and makes an orb of light float around him.

“Now, where could a tall blonde woman with big boobs and thick thighs be?”

“M’Lord, look up.”

The Knight General stops at his feet and as he lifts his head, the orb of light shines on golden sparkly blonde hair. Following the long flowing golden strings, he sees the Vampire Queen wrapped around in her Bat wings. Attached underneath a balcony, the three sharp fingers alongside the red color of its membranes makes the beautiful woman look like a Devilish creature with her wings covering the entirety of her body except her neck and face.

“Hello My Lord.”

“What’re you doing? Get down from there. We have to head back home.”

Paul then notices the scary smirk on the Queen as she smacks her lips and drops on top of him. She then effortlessly bends his armors Lance Slide and removes his helmet. Unstrapping it and licking his neck.

“WOAH, NOT HERE! NOT HERE! ALANA!”

“Uhm… I cannot really do anything. It would be a great disrespect to disturb a feeding Vampire.”

“EH? WHAT CULTURE IS THAT? MY HEART IS NOT READY! NNNOOO!”

Meanwhile, Bahamut was getting squished by the Queen's breasts. After sensually licking his neck, like a hungry creature that hasn’t fed and was given a juicy piece of steak, she digs her fangs and starts sucking his blood. Alana on the other hand had to make sure no one from the street would walk in on the sight. Elizabeth then stops midway, palpitating like a mad beast in heat.

“I apologize, My Lord. But I’ve been extremely happy today and I must end it with a feast.”

“EH? EH?! LET ME BREATH AT LEAST!”

Being left alone, Alana has to make sure no one intrudes on them and in the worst of times. Two burly men in aprons approach her. Immediately kneeling down and giving respect to her.

“Lady Minuit! Please, take my Son here as a Patron of your Manor! I assure you he makes the best quality weapons one can imagine!”

“Maybe later please… I’m uhm… very busy right now.”

“But Lady Minuit! My Son, even though he has only lived for fifty years, has mastered the usage of magical gems and infusion!”

“That’s nice and all, but not right now.”

The son on the left pulls out a longsword that’s colored midnight blue. The beautiful craft takes the Countess’ eyes as she’s drawn to it. Taking it and immediately impressed at how light but wieldy it was.

“Please!”

“I don’t usually take Patrons in this way… but…”

Alana then turns around and into the alleyway. Seeing that the Queen was finished and the Knight General was fixing his armor while little Bahamut breathed a sigh of relief after getting choked by the Queen's breast, she swung the sword at him. But rather than shattering, it merely bents and gets chipped a bit.

“Ohhhh!”

“WHAT THE FUCK ALANA!”

“M’Lord, what do you think about this sword?”

“Huh?”

Paul takes it and is surprised at its weight, and after swinging it a few times. His face makes a smile and with his fingers up his chin, the man nods in approval without saying a single word. The Countess then takes it and goes back to the sidewalk.

“Come by my Manor in… hmmm… next few days. I’ll have my Knight Commander take you in.”

“THANK YOU LADY MINUIT!” The two hardworking men stand up and jump in joy. “Come my Son! We will dine with Booze tonight!”

“Wouldn’t Mother be angry at us again?”

“Hah! Now that the Lady has taken you in! She’ll join us in the drinking!”

“Hahahahah Father! Just be ready to sleep at the stables!”

“Hoy. Don’t say such scary things.”

After a few hours, the group returns back to the Manor with the General completely and utterly tired from the day. Alana on the other hand was searching every room and asking every Maid and Butler for any strange occurrences. But after coming up with nothing, she gives up and prepares for Dinner. Soon after, everyone was placed in their seats and this time, the Chef came up to them and placed a book on the table.

“Uhhhh… what’s that?”

“That is all the dishes the Chef can prepare. M’Lord, please take a look.”

“Really? What's special about today? Isn't the food usually pre prepared?”

“Didn’t you say in your culture, today would be considered Christmas?”

“You really went all this way for that? Aw shucks. Let me take a look.”

Opening it, Paul and Bahamut are taken away by how much food the man can make. From Steak with Gravy and Spices to Boiled Fishes and fried Shrimps and even custom orders. It was all in there.

“MASTER! I WANT THAT ONE!”

“Shhhh! Calm down Bahamut. We’ll uhm…”

Remembering the last time he ate chicken was back in City 01, he takes a look at the chickens they can prepare and it had so much many options for spices and herbs that even he was getting dizzy.

“J-just a whole chicken with spices and oil.”

“I want Steak! Well Done Steak!”

“Bahamut, I don’t think-”

“No, it's fine. Chef, may you please prepare it?”

“Of course Lady Minuit. Please wait for an hour and the food will be here.”

And so, the Maids came and prepared the necessary utensils and plates. As it was a special occasion, everything was rolled out. Even porcelain plates with decorative stylings and forks and knives and spoons of differing sizes and shapes.

“My Lord, I think this would also be a good time to teach you how to properly use the utensils. These types are the ones mostly used on the Castle.”

“Really now? I feel like I’m flying a jumbo jet with all this stuff around me. Like, why do I need a fork that’s this large to this small? Like is it meant to be used for Apples?”

“Well actually, yes.”

“Huh? Then what about this super small spoon? Spices?”

“Depends.”

“Eh? And how come there’s differing serrated knives? What’s this meant for?”

After thirty minutes of rambling and lecturing Paul, the Queen sits down while grinning at the man whose brain is fried from the amount of information that was given to him about using utensils and the meaning of each different type and what the sizes must be. While Alana just grinned at her Lord whose mouthing what the names of the utensils are.

“Ahem, your Majesty, you should try not to stray that far. We know of enemies that want you to be revealed to the Nobles. Who might know what they’ll do. Our Lord is already as busy as he can be.”

“Hmph, I do not care. Let them come. With everyone here, I am not afraid to face them.”

Meanwhile, Bahamut noisily screethes her chair next to Paul’s.

“Master, the Queen seems to be very happy today.”

“I know Bahamut. Just let her be and make sure you eat properly. I’m actually… still hard… so forgive me if I’m a bit fidgety. Even with enchanted armor, her fangs aphrodisiac is still stupidly strong…”

“I want more Berries.”

“I’ll get you some more tomorrow. Alright?”

“Ehehehehe… You really can’t resist me can’t you, Master?”

“Haaaa… never change Bahamut. Never change.”

After a while their food arrives. The Knight General sheds a tear as he sees a finely roasted chicken that smelt of God's gift on his green Earth. “I wonder… would this taste the same as the chicken I eat?” Paul then reaches out with his left hand but the Queen throws his fan at his hand.

“Manners.”

“Eh? Eh?! Ehhh?!”

“If you're going to use your hands, always make sure it's your right one.”

“But I’m left handed!”

“Regardless, that is dirty, My Lord. Please refrain from doing that when the other Nobles are around. But otherwise, Merry Christmas.”

“Yea, Merry Christmas. To you too Alana, and Bahamut! It is once again Christmas!”

“Yay! Feast time!”

The man as he took a bite remembered his normal city life. Eating frozen food and heating them up at the convenience store on a rainy day forces him to stay. From the ringing phone and the daily news about wars and conflicts on the TV as cars pass by the tight street, splashing water at the window. The two Vampires just gazed at him while he sheds many tears from eating the finely roasted chicken.

“I miss it… so much…”

He then takes control of himself once again and starts eating more and more. Mixing in the gravy and spices while grunting at how tasty it was. Alana and Elizabeth looked at each other and they shrugged and smiled. Bahamut on the other hand removes her crown, with it her veil. Revealing her pale pretty face to the world once again. The white beauty takes apart the steak and goes for the chicken. Timing her slices when her Master has gotten his piece.

“Hahahaha, good to see the two of you enjoying it. Chickens are a delicacy and something reserved for truly big occasions.”

“Eh? You should’ve told me Alana. Now I feel bad.”

“Oh no, please. Seeing everyone here smiling and enjoying the meal is more than worth it.”

“I might’ve gotten ahead of myself there. Heh. I ate chicken almost every week back then.”

“Goodness. Just how rich are you, M'Lord?”

“What? Ah no, well I am rich but I’m not like eating Salmon from the Arctic.”

“Eh? Salmon is a Peasants food though.”

“I mean, industrialization and all that stuff changed things a lot. Chicken and Meat is the most affordable and easy to produce meal anyone can prepare. Regardless of your income.”

The Queen tilts her head while eating some Venison. Dipping it in a lot of different spices.

“My Lord, just how great is life in the modern society you live in?”

“It’s super great. After coming here and experiencing all of these things. I can’t believe how much my life has been considered Privileged or even Royalty by standards back then… I kinda feel a new respect for my life and how lucky I am to be born in a world of such comfort.”

“I understand more why you wish to return. With such a life like that, human life expectancy would be far beyond that of this world. Where only a select few may grow old. Even to Nobles of the human Kingdoms, they die fast.”

“Seeing the Countess, I guess this is because Nobles are also sent to war.”

“Worse, they’re usually with a troop of their own men from their Domain. Like the Countess and Knight Friedrich. This means they're an important target, I had my own fair share of these tactics.”

“Ah yes, your campaign for World Domination.”

“Funny enough, me and King Charles were the Royals to be able to put an invasion force all the way down to Meridia. Though we lost both campaigns, so far. No other Empire or Kingdom had come close to our Military achievements.”

“To be expected. You're all Vampires, so that regeneration coupled with good armor, seeing how you all equip your men. It has all the right templates for a good Cavalry and Defensive Army. One that also doesn’t need sleep or water, just blood.”

“Oy, it was hard. I used the same tactics as Charles in his invasion, but when I did it myself, to bring large barrels of preserved Blood. I found it far too difficult with the few men I bought. So, I mixed it with the Wine which we had far more and was available for the masses. Even in that sandy hell.”

Alana was just quiet, listening to the Queen and of her exploits. She then turns her head to Bahamut who was already in the process of having a fourth portion.

“Goodness Bahamut, just how much meat do you require?”

“Hm? My appetite is big but not that big. It's just that on Christmas, Master and his friends would feed me a lot of food without restriction. But as I said, I usually only eat when there is some available.”

“Pfff… as if. You know Alana, Bahamut once… actually many times stole Meat and whatever vegetable she’d find? I was actually surprised she stopped doing it when you came into the picture.”

“Ah, no. She’d still do it. But with me and soon, the Queen kept stock of our food. We managed to guard it from her intrusions.”

Bahamut then turns her face to her Master. Her beet red cheeks in contrast to her pale snow white skin.

“Grrrrrrr…”

“M-MASTER!”

“WHAT? You got me arrested multiple times because of that and to think you're still doing it!”

“Grrrr…”

She then starts lightly punching his left arm. Looking down and hiding her embarrassed face from her Master who has her exposed out in the open.

“It’s the truth though. So stop punching me.”

“It's because I don’t want to annoy you with my constant upheaval about eating meat!”

“You should’ve just told me! I have more money than I need, and even outside money…”

Paul looks to his right. Remembering that the large amount of wealth he has in Dark World also came from his Credit Card and Company Bank which got him into trouble with the Board of Directors more than once..

“And you tell me I can’t read the room. Hmph!”

“What?”

Alana and Elizabeth just laugh at the hilarity of the two, with Paul being a clueless father and Bahamut, a rowdy daughter. After a while of more back and forth, an M939 5 Ton truck arrives at the Manor. On its bed is a large Christmas tree with wires attached to the vehicle's battery.

“Ohhhh! It’s here! Ladies, please do stand up. I have something to show you.”

The Vampires elegantly cleaned their mouths and hands as they followed the Knight General to the front door where the truck backed its bed into the entrance. Opening the two massive wooden doors reveals a brand spanking new Ultra Greatsword with a Christmas wrapping and a Circlet with a Merry Christmas tag. Paul then picks up the hefty sword.

“So, since I’ve given Hellraiser to the Queen. It was on the verge of shattering and completely breaking, hence I had it reinforced and also enchanted by me personally. That’s why I was a bit busy today. Elizabeth, please take it.”

Her eyes lit up like fireworks, putting her hands together like a little girl, the Queen took the massive sword and started swinging it around the front yard like it weighed nothing.

“So, how’s the weight? I’ve specifically enchanted it to be more attuned to Vampires now. Blood enhancements were also given to it, so if its blade or hilt receives any sort of blood. It should multiply its power. It's more of a DPS weapon though, but that doesn’t matter as I’m sure you’ll be able to just spam its capabilities.”

“Hm! Hm! Ohhhhh! Such an amazing weapon!”

“I’ve also redesigned the grip, and should have a more Gothic flair to it. Also, how’s the Purple color?”

“I absolutely love it! How did thou know Purple is thine’s favorite?!”

“Erm… let’s just say I pay more attention to things than others.”

He then takes the Circlet made out of Gold. The two red rubies on its front looked like a serpent's eyes.

“And to you Alana. This is the Circlet of Saint Achtohm. A rare quest item that me and Bahamut worked very hard to get a few years back. Its item description says that it was used by the Saint to prevent the powers of the Devil in overtaking his mind. It basically prevents others from reading you and seeing your business escapades and constant roaring of the other Nobles. I think you’ll need this more than I do. It should block Psychic Magic, don’t know about higher level ones though or Dragon level of Psychic magic.”

“Thank you M’Lord! I’ll treasure this for eternity!” Alana then puts it on while grinning.

“It should also make you practically unnoticeable like the Queen’s mask if you give it more mana.”

“I love you. Ohhhh! Finally! I’ve been wanting to have something like this! M’Lord, do you have any idea how rare these are?!”

The sudden confession makes the man blush while Bahamut’s mouth drops.

“With this, I can finally rest easy. The other Nobles who want to marry me, I cannot escape those men. The purity in their blood makes it impossible. But with this… hehehehehehehe…”

“Bahamut! C’mere!”

Alana then dances while holding it up, “Finally, I may be able to nullify those morons! Yeeesss!”

As the Countess asks her Maids to see if they can spot her, it works perfectly. The maids are not able to notice her, though they know she's there. Their brains suddenly turned to ignore her, regardless of their will to face and listen to her. Paul then walks up to Bahamut.

“Even me Master?”

“Here, take it. JUST DON’T CHEW IT ON PUBLIC.”

He goes into his pocket and gives her a shiny Emerald Green Brooch with Gold and Silver lining.

“Since you like biting into this VERY RARE and PRECIOUS charm and upgrade item, I’ve had it turned into a brooch that you can wear. The repair warranty is two years so go ham at biting it.”

Bahamut then puts it on. Placing it perfectly in between her neck and chest. It compliments her gloomy gothic funeral gown, adding a bit of royalty to her already marvelous and dreary attire.

“So, how is it?”

“Hm! I adore it, Master! Thank you so much! It’s so pretty and beautiful!”

Paul himself smiles, seeing Bahamut in her human form make such an earnest happy expression, exposing her Dragon fangs as she smiles so wide at the gift from her Master.

“Also, the reason why I never used it to upgrade was because it was a charm. It provides a buff in Luck and as a DPS Knight, Critical hits are never my strong suit. Little did I know it's forever in storage. BUT! It’s yours now, have fun my little companion.”

Blushing, Bahamut turns around and summons her Crown. Putting it on, she then turns around and walks right up to the Knight General’s face. Being a few inches taller than him, Paul had to look a bit up to see her eyes. Her aura and stern face seems as if she was about to gobble the man whole.

“Wherever, Whenever, Whatever, I’ll be there for you. I pledge to you, even in the afterworld, I shall cometh with thee and be on thou’s side. Through everything, I shalt not stop even if it means the fires of Hell itself. Here, have this Master.”

“A..a…aa…”

Showing to Paul, is a scroll that has the incantation for Bahamut’s Dragon Bolts.

“Ho-holy shit…”

Taking it, the man immediately focuses his attention to it and the scroll burns to nothing.

“Now Master, try it later-”

Paul immediately exits the Manor and goes into the front yard to test out Bahamut’s Dragon Bolt. Opening his palm, a huge bolt of black and red appeared and his smile was a mix of devilish mire and hopeful happiness. He was left speechless by her gift. “N-Now Master, please wield it only when you're outside. You do not want it to hurt those you love.” Her soft and motherly voice made it seem like a Goddess was talking to him, a mere little mortal man who had been through much. Making him immediately see how powerful the new weapon he has.

“Though, you already know that. Master.”

“Y-yes. Well, one last thing.”

A man then exits out of the cab of the truck. With a work attire and reflectorized vest meant for airport work, he hands the General a Bronze Chalice. It’s decorated with antique jewelry and was quite heavy for humans to wield around with.

“Elizabeth, Alana. Both of you.”

Without even a second, the two Vampires already surround the Chalice.

“Since I’m your Lord and all, and with me not wanting you to drink the blood of others as… I’m a human and that’s not very… acceptable for my morals, well I have devised this!”

“Hm?” The two Vampires then inch closer to it as the Chalice shines.

“Put a bit of Mana into this Chalice and tada!”

Clean fresh blood appears out of thin air, the Vampires were immediately aroused by its familiar smell.

“My Lord… is this?”

“Yep! It's Grade-A Paul Blood! Bwahahaha! I had the Doctor take a piece of my Bone Marrow and injected it into this Chalice thanks to the Blacksmith at the airbase. Though this is usually a party item used to make infinite gravy or fried chicken since it's not really big enough to infinitely spawn swords or armor. I never knew it had such an important role and yea, taste it.”

The two attractive vampires remove their gloves, revealing their long polished nails and slender fingers. With both of their right hands, they dip a finger into the blood and place the pint of blood to their tongues. Like a generator pumping electricity into a water pipe, their eyes widen and the Queens green pupils turn Gold. Alana politely removes her Circlet with both hands.

“Servants, bring me some of our Wine. Haste!”

Paul then hands it to the Queen who immediately starts drinking it, as if she has never drunk any good water for the last decade. The woman relentlessly jugged down the Chalice, as her Lord's blood slowly returned her to her original level of might and power. Before being defeated by the Saint.

“Uhhhh… is she going to be okay?”

“Doesn’t surprise me M’Lord. The Queen wasn’t just powerful for the sake of it, she drank far more blood than any of us did.

With one hand on her hip, Elizabeth continued to drink from the Chalice. Not once taking a break to breathe.

“Just how much blood has she lost? She still isn’t stopping.”

“Well, now we’re assured no other Vampire may compete with her again.”

A Maid then arrives with a plate of a Bottle of Wine and Glass.

“Put it down on that table there. Seems that I’ll have to wait for a few hours.”

“Well, I’ll leave you guys to it then. Imma sleep, Merry Christmas again and Happy New Year.”

“Of course but first M’Lord, come with me.”

The Maid then brings her the Wine she ordered and she takes the man to the inner sanctum of her Manor. “Bahamut already found this, but it's one of the two living Bloodroses that the Minuit family dearly takes care of.” She then opens a thick single door that leads to a concrete stand with a Crimson red Rose on top of it. Sheltered by a glass dome.

She slowly lifts the glass dome and takes a petal off the magnificent and ethereal Blood Rose. Mixing it with the Wine, she hands it to him which he takes with a curious face.

“Drink M’Lord.”

He shrugs and downs the entire Wine.

“Ah! That was… sweet…”

“Hm! Now, M’Lord. You should see some slight changes with your body.”

“Hah? Wait what?”

“It’s not a story that’s usually told. But you know that Deus Vrax had a party that had every single race in it right?”

“Hm. What about it?”

“The Vampire that was with him, gave him a Blood Rose and had him eat it. It gave him the power to regenerate and have his already inhuman stamina to be tripled.”

“Oh what? So I just got all of my stats permanently buffed?”

“I guess that’s how it’d be told in your language.”

“YOOOO! Ahahahaha! Thanks Alana!”

Alana elegantly bows like a Princess and gives him a quick hug as the two go back to the entrance where Bahamaut gives him a very tight hug.

“Since it's Christmas and Master has given you all gifts, I shall do the same!”

“Eh? Have you prepared anything Bahamut? M’Lord, have you heard of this?”

“Hm? No. She never gave gifts before so I was pretty happy when she gave me the Bolt.”

“Ahahahaha! Hearken Bloodsucker! Take this!” she opens her palm and an extremely shiny Wine glass with strange engravings on it. “It’s a Turian Wine Glass made from the eternal divine fire of a Dragon God! Cherish it as it's made of glass that came from an alien meteorite!”

“Ohhhh! But it looks so fine though. I don’t think I’ll be able to use this daily.”

“Hah! Enjoy it! And to you Elizabeth! Since you’ve been so nice to me and Master and even gave him intimate love! I shall also give you a gift! The Time Stone!”

The Queen just uses her free arm to make a thumbs up as she still chugged down the Chalice and soon, she stops and takes a deep breath. “In my Castle’s basement. There is a rare spice that’s no longer found. It can make even the worst of dishes taste like Fine Heaven. Later, I’ll show you where to specifically go, alright?”

“Eh? Really! Master!”

“Oh, Bahamut. I’m tired already and I wanna test out the Bolts. Ehehehehe.” He then feels as if something is staring at him with an intense gaze, tilts his head to left and right and then starts walking around and notices that the Queen’s eyes aren't letting go of him. Alana, on the other hand, walks up to the Queen and whispers to her. “Since we’re all doing it, you can keep the pink gown I had, Your Majesty.” she stops and once again takes a deep breath.

“Has my Castle’s beed been found?”

“No your majesty. It’s actually a myth by now.”

“Good, It’s actually underneath my bed.”

“Eh?”

“You can have it. Tell the Bartley House that your family now owns it and take good care of it. Raze it to the ground for all I care, but I give it to you. The Minuit family has done enough for me, and your continued presence and aid of my endeavors with our human master has inspired me to become a better Vampire to our mortal Lord.”

“G-Goodness me your majesty. I have no words.”

“Then have none. Also, put that pink gown in my room. I’ll be mixing and testing later on.”

“Of course!”

She then goes back to drinking and stares at her Lord, once again, her eyes following wherever he is going or even the direction he is headed and the man notices this and would sneak glances every now and then as he tested if his Mana also got doubled or triples by continually producing orbs of fire and ice.

Paul then stops right at his tracks and realizes something, he dashes up to his room and then puts a chair up the door knob. “OH FUCK, VAMPIRES ACCUMULATE LUST WHEN DRINKING BLOOD! OH FUCK! OH FUCK!” Just witnessing the Queen's endless appetite for blood, the man's eyes looked as if he just made the biggest mistake of his life.

He then checks outside and could hear Bahamut making a snarky comment about the Queen’s drinking habits downstairs. Looking to his left, he sees his shiny Death Knight armor in stand, and in a moment of criticality, chooses to wear this armor in sleep that cold night.

    people are reading<Army of the Damned>
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