The entire night before the masquerade party, the General with the Countess made sure he looked like a million dollars. Grooming himself as best as he could, and downing extra health potions from her carriage to make sure his body is at tip top shape. While Bahamut just spent it rummaging through the cabinets for food and the Queen was enjoying herself in the tub, with roses floating on top of the water as she drank Wine that’s tainted with her Lord's blood. “Alana! Have you seen my spare necktie?” the sounds of her lively roommates echo into the bath as she silently enjoys herself. “Over there, M’Lord!” Elizabeth then looks at the door, seeing a lively scene.

Alana was busy making sure her gown was perfect. “M’Lord, did you think the servants did a good job? I think the corset is still a bit too loose.” The man then could be seen trying to do his necktie. “This is why I buy clip ons or ones that are zipped and no, your corset already looks tight enough, anymore your ribs would be crushed.” She then could hear more commotion as Bahamut seemingly could be heard downing an entire plate all alone. A bell then rings and the General opens it, met with a soldier handing him a large brown envelope.

“Hm? What can I help you with, soldier?”

Wearing his white noble uniform, the soldier almost didn’t recognize the high ranking officer with how much he had changed. Looking ten times more handsome and presentable than usual.

“It’s from High Command sir. It's very urgent that they need it sent back now.”

“Ah, the Word of God. Let me see then.”

Opening the envelope, he is instantly smacked with a CLASSIFIED stamp. “Wait outside.” The soldier salutes and stands at ease outside the door as he skims through the paper. His expression wells up and would nod in approval. Bahamut sensed something and immediately walked up behind him and placed her head on his shoulder. “Master, Master. What is it?” General Paul continued to skim through the paper first, still making nods of approval. Bahamut then sees a word and her unveiled face makes a new expression.

“WOAHHH! Was that true Master?!”

“Mars Infernus is alive and well. Ain’t that a piece of news.”

“Hm? Who might that be, My Lord?”

“I think Bahamut is better off explaining who that is.”

“Tsk! I cannot believe it! I thought I had killed her!”

“Hm? Care to expand Bahamut?”

The Dragon turns around with her hands on her hips.

“Mars Infernus is a stupid Dragon God! Out of everyone, she just slept through everything and hoarded what she could! A true lazy body! I cannot believe she came from the same lineage of my father, a Red Dragon!”

“Uh huh… My Lord, could this mean that there are now two foreign Dragon Gods in Threa?”

“Well… it says here they are actually planning for them to meet as Mars’ actual Dragon body is but a pile of bones. The Higher Ups are asking Bahamut specifically if she can revive Mars’ body… Can you?”

“Hmph, I can do it with my eyes closed but that would mean a rival Dragon God would awaken. Our fight razed a large portion of the Dark Continent Master. Would you risk it?”

“It says here, she is under the care of the Shine Guards Colonel General Yamaoka. So I’m guessing the situation would be the same with us… though…”

He then stares at Bahamut, as if knowing what she’ll be doing the moment the Dragon God met another Dragon God of the same power and level.

“I’ll say that you can… but I’ll need the entire supervision of both parties involved. Yamaoka included…”

“But wait, M’Lord. Let us think this through. Bahamut, how did you even kill her?”

“Hm? It was a natural fight between two powerful Dragons bloodsucker. It’s our way of life, it was soon going to happen anyways. Unlike her, I was always out looking for tougher opponents to battle so that I may grow. It just so happens that I found her location in one of my scouting flights.”

“And the part where you razed an entire portion of the Dark Continent?”

“It was a fight between Gods after all. We picked that place specifically so that we’d only bother the damned spawns of Hell.”

“But Bahamut, wait. Wasn’t she last seen on the Beginner Continent, on the Great Mounts of Eastern Darnarc? How did you two travel five thousand kilometers and you landed a killing blow on literally the birthplace of humans on Tur?”

“Well Master, our fight did occur before humans roamed the land in great numbers. I could tell you the entire story, but it would be two weeks long of just us fighting brutally.”

“M’Lord, what type of Dragon God is Mars Infernus?”

“The Dragon of War and Fighting. Mars is said to be the only being in the entirety of Tur that has a Wisdom stat that reaches above Triple S plus tier. In numbers, Bahamut would be at one hundred, hers, at two hundred even.”

“Ehhhh? There’s a creature far wiser than Bahamut?”

“Oy bloodsucker, I’ll have you know that being a wise pants didn’t help her when I tore her necks scales out with my jaws and burned her inside with my great void flames!”

“Enough. But yeah, you do have a point. Two Primeval Dragon Gods in Threa… I don’t know why but this is surely a recipe for disaster. If the two were to fight, we could literally be seeing a double end of the world scenario.”

“I must say M’Lord. Your politicians are far crazier than ours sometimes.”

“Hah. Yeah. My only theory is that they want insurance if anything happens to me and Bahamut… or if we get defeated somehow, there’d be back up or reinforcements. We do know that there are creatures here that can stand up to even a Dragon God.”

“Like that Demon Noble Bahamut fought M’Lord?”

“Yeah, what was that about anyway? Bahamut? Did you seriously fight him from Hell then to Heaven?”

“Yes. I wasn’t lying, Master. I do not lie, it was as factual as it can be.”

“It's just… hard to believe. Like wow, that must be a fight truly between the forces of Heaven and Hell.”

“Even I couldn’t believe it, M'Lord.”

“Nonetheless, I guess this might be one of the reasons why. Still, I hope this Yamaoka guy is chill, if not. Then we have another problem to deal with potentially.”

He then goes to the last page and Alana hands a quill to him.

“M’Lord, are you sure about this? Knowing how troublesome Bahamut can be.”

“We have no choice. It’s a direct order from the numerous Guild Leaders. What I can only hope is that me, and Yamaoka’s influence over me is enough to prevent a fight.”

“I suggest you do it in a secluded area, M'Lord. This meeting cannot happen in a populated area.”

“Here, it actually recommends we meet in the underground complex of the city of Zavalda, our literal manufacturing heart. But we’ll see. For now, I’ll say it's approved. Alright?”

“Then, it looks like our next destination will be a very busy place, M'Lord.”

“You betcha. Zavalda, next to Iron Mountain is where we produce the bulk of our arms. The underground complex must be pretty big if they are willing to have the meeting there. Between two Primeval Dragon Gods… wow.”

“Should I report this to her majesty, M’Lord?”

“Yup. She needs to hear this, I might need multiple backup plans if they're actually serious about this.”

He opens the door again and hands the envelope back. “Have a safe trip back to base soldier.”

“Thank you sir!”

Closing it, the Queen shoves a health potion to his hand. “Take this My Lord. It should make you look twice as good.” without questioning it, he chugs down on the vial and it smiles and nods.

“These health potions, wow. They’re pretty good.”

“It's thanks to those many Doctors got removed from their jobs in the human realm, My Lord.”

“But I’m sure there’s still Doctors right?”

“Are there? The Countess should know. But what was this thing about two Dragon Gods meeting? Are your Leaders truly messed up in the head, My Lord? Are they aware of what they could be bringing to a world that’s not even theirs to destroy?”

“You got me. I have no idea truly, only theories. From the words on the paper, all it truly gave me was that we are expanding our military operations. But that could mean anything at this point.”

Elizabeth then points her finger up right in front of the General, seemingly lecturing the human like a teacher to a rowdy student.

“My Lord, you should really say something back to your Leaders. I swear to the Gods above and below, one day they’ll conjure a plan larger than anything and it will end this world before the hordes of Hell could.” She then breathes out, putting her fingers up her forehead. Clearly thinking. “Hah, I guess I’ll think of something when we get to that point, My Lord. I can not believe your leaders are this… courageous? Or just plainly moronic.”

“What can I say, they're just like that really.”

Alana then comes around after fetching some accessories as she tries on another pair of differing rubies for her crimson gown, while she does this, she fixes his necktie.

“There’s still clinics by the Holy See M’Lord, but they’re one of the only institutions that I remember that offer such things at this time. Your necktie, make sure it smells good also.”

“I see, and wait. I’ll do it when I’m on the Sofa.”

“Also Countess, the other pair of rubies suits that gown of yours better.”

“Oh, the other ones? You mean the Meridian Rubies, Your Majesty?”

“Yes, have your necklace be Meridian Rubies and then have Geraldian Enchanted ones to your earrings. Also, I recommend using a bit more thicker mascara. I think it should fit you just fine.”

“Hm. Thank you, your majesty.”

Elizabeth then casually removes her towel and walks into the bath once again while the General got his entire ensemble together and Bahamut continually bulldozes through all the food she could find her hands on.

After checking his noble outfit’s ornaments, the made man sits down and starts fixing his tie once again as Alana recommended another color. Coming out of her long bath was the Queen, all naked and exhibiting her wonderful and gleaming spotless skin while holding a glass of Wine. Leaning down on the sofa, she spooks the busy man trying to make sure he is prepared for the long night.

“GEEZ!”

“What, My Lord?”

“PUT SOME CLOTHES ON!”

“Hm?” she looks down on herself and shrugs. “I look pretty much my usual hot self, My Lord.”

“No, that’s not the point!” the man facepalms. “Just put even a shirt on!”

“OH! Bahahahaha! My Lord, please. After all we’ve done together. I cannot believe you still can’t stand me naked like this beside you.”

“Just… what’re you going to say?”

“Oh, I’m just here to remind you, My Lord, to watch out if any man tries to degrade you. I heard not only from the Vampires, the Elves are also present.”

“They're all degrading me regardless of what species they come from, that isn’t really narrowing things down. I’ve been degraded ever since the first moment I stepped foot into this place.”

“I know My Lord, but beware of the High Elves. Truly, for I am not joking. I’ve dealt with them before and they are not the type to fool around. I don't even know if they understand the concept of humor, those poor buffoons.”

“I’m sure they can. Just that whatever is funny to them is something we both cannot understand.”

“If they dare treat you like a woman, or even look at you like one. Be sure to put them into place, My Lord. Show them who's the man around and prove your worth even as a human to whom they look down on so much.”

“The heck? What, if I drop the soap, Tyrone’s gonna ram his package up my rear and rank me as the prison bitch?”

“....Yes?”

“Eh?”

“I do not understand that idiom correctly but I think it also correlates with my warning, My Lord. Just remember to not be treated as a fool nor to be treated like a woman. I will not stand aside if they dare do such things to you. To humiliate my man is for me, an act of war and I shall not stand down if news comes to me that someone demeans you in such an extravagant party, My Lord.”

“Elizabeth. You’ll be staying here remember? We can’t have you even in Bat form in that place. The King will surely spot you.”

“I am aware of that, My Lord… But hmmm…” she then puts her hand up her chin and crosses her legs. “What if…”

“Can’t you maybe put something on first?”

The Countess comes out of the main room with the crimson red dress now fully assembled, with the accessories the Queen recommended. Alana looked like a boss battle you’d meet in the final floor of the Vampires castle. Fully glorified and dignified, one stare and you know you're dealing with a purebred whose status and power is above everyone else's and only defeated by a handful of Higher Nobles. Though it's the same outfit the General bought for her long ago.

Now with the added extras and touches, it was even more beautiful now than before. Walking to the Living room, she is greeted with the naked Queen and the Countess just facepalms.

“Your majesty, please wear something. Our Lord is a human man. You know how fickle they are.”

“Whaaat? We’re all acquainted with our bodies. Why hide anything? And I don’t mind getting a quickie.”

“I’m not going to repeat myself, your majesty.”

“Ohhhh scary, standing up to your ancient majesty countess?” Alana stood her ground and the Queen smiled. “Okay, okay.”

“Bahamut! Why aren’t you doing anything?”

“Hmm?”

The Dragon God turns around with a puffed up cheek while holding a bowl full of biscuits. “What?” Alana just sighs.

“Are you really going to be wearing a funeral gown to a masquerade ball?!”

“... Yes?”

“Oh goodness me.” She then looks at the General, standing up while fixing his eye who looked like a billion bucks, the Nobleman's outfit he is wearing not only accentuated his broad shoulders, but the collars also made his immaculate jawline more prominent, without even knowing. She was already biting her lips.

“Uhhhh… Alana?”

“You look magnificent… M’Lord…”

“You are about to drool…”

She licks her bottom lips and notices saliva was inches from falling out and she quickly turns around wiping her mouth. “G-Goodness me. I apologize for such a discourse. Ahem, shall we go then?”

“Is my necktie good?”

“Hm, the red color really fits you better, M’Lord.”

“Are you sure it isn’t in stark contrast with my white and gold outfit? Like, you said Vampires have an eye for color right?”

“Do not worry M’Lord. You are talking to one of the top students of Fashion and Etiquette.”

“Alright then, Bahamut! Enough eating, and be sure to remember what Elizabeth taught you!”

“Hm!”

As they head off to the party, the Queen turns herself into a Cave Bat once again and follows them outside, the trio not knowing she is watching them from afar as they walk to the front of the hotel and the Minuit family coach. The horses and the carriage are now more detailed with expensive decor and the banner of the House. The snow was particularly brutal, as it blanketed the entire street, hiding all paths and roads and piling up in some places as slaves of the city toiled away at using their magic to keep the main roads used by the attendees in tip top shape.

With their effort, carriages zoom past them. Pulled by eight horses and some pulled by magical ones with wings all in expensive outfits. Boarding the Coach, they head off to the well lit castle where its lights pierce through the snow filled skies. Its wealth and power are in full display from the ridiculous show of colorful lights and fireworks.

The heavy armored blimp of the High Elves peacefully docked next to it, not even moving an inch from the heavy winter gust.

“Alright, show time.”

Thousands of kilometers away in Geraldia, high ranking Generals are overlooking a massive concrete military complex. With four large tunnels where entire divisions of skeletons continually walk out and loaded into container vans. Trains hundreds of cars long lay in wait at the busy railyard. One of the Generals lights his cigar, sitting down in full view of the dystopian manufacturing of mindless war machines and the endless stream of non questioning troops fully equipped from head to toe.

“Mister Hassan, I’m aware of your assurance. But we cannot wait any longer. If the Vampires aren’t going to be neutral, we might as well just flatten them.”

“I do not recommend that.”

The Leader and Commander of the Death Knights of Eldwood was in his skeleton form, with two glowing red eyes. He stared at the army amassing and being transported like sardine cans on a belt inside a factory, being fed for it hungers for the lives of many.

“Paul has always shown results. He might look unreliable at times, but he always delivers. That man… he’s been through many things like I had. Unlike you, we both experienced real war. Lost real people in a real conflict… and I highly doubt High Command is willing to remove him knowing what he is capable of.”

“Just make sure. The Reset is coming. And it's coming fast, soon. If he gets stuck there as the endless waves of demons cross through the vampire's land, we’ll soon be unable to save him. His judgment might get the better of him you know?”

“He has Bahamut… and her. I also doubt your mathematicians and their so-called predictions. You cannot predict nature. It's an unnerving creature that knows no bounds. It might come soon, but when is it soon? Are we preparing an army that we cannot run for more than five months for nothing? This is a serious gamble from the start and it all lays on the perfect timing.”

“You and that old man wisdom of yours. Do you know this is the closest we’ll ever be to a United Earth? It's amazing to see this army we’re building. East and West, together. If only…”

“Do not dream too much, that makes the worst Politicians.”

“Hah. Even I know the limits of man. But it's jaw dropping how far we’ll go. All we had to do is tell the people some shit about going to Schon and fighting their war for them and they’ll all buy it and not question us. We might have a bit of resistance, but that’s to be expected. We still hold power, and it's not waning at all. As long as the war keeps going I guess.”

“Home. I wonder if we made the right decision. To force everyone to go home with that Leyland Stone. In these Twelve months, many married and many found their place in this foreign dimension…”

“Now you're speaking like those resistance fighters. Don’t get me wrong Mister Hassan, I know full well what we’re doing. But it's better this way, the knowledge we hold. It's far too dangerous. Let the people of this world discover the true might of Science, and with magic. They might surpass us with their weapons. It’s better to go now before we find out what they can conjure with the power of magic and modern science. We WILL be defeated if we ever see that time come.”

“I’m just saying. We’re crossing a line now, a line we’ll never be able to return too. Are you ready I wonder? To feel what it's like to be in a war? A TRUE war, where your opponents aren’t rogues but a force to truly be reckoned with? Can we spin up as much excuses as we can about how they are weak and will crumble upon the might of our tanks, artillery, and modern weaponry when in the end… The war continues on? We already have a resistance, I hope only a few will truly notice and question it.”

“We’ll see. Either way, it's not like we’ll be able to avoid it. War is in nature itself, and if humans are the product of nature. It's no wonder we love war so much. We’re just cursed with knowledge. The very thing we are doing, it's not exploiting humanity. It’s exploiting nature itself and its very core tenant. Violence.”

“Everywhere we go… I can’t believe this very thing I am seeing. To think it’d grow to this now, its…”

“Scary? Aren’t you a Saudi? You should know better than everyone else what war is.”

“I don’t subscribe to world events, it just so happens that Asia woke up one day and found its power and money. It knew NATO and the EU couldn't stand in its way and started the Third World War after the Great Economic Collapse. I still feel lucky to be able to stand on my feet and run a barbershop. But it's getting tiring, wherever we go. It’s all the same. Even in this world, we bring with us the shame of our modern life, and the innate violence we find so hard to hide.”

“Don’t look at it like that, Mister Hassan. We’ll be saving people! Ahahahahaha… haaaa… war, violence, people. With the right mixtures or words and sentences, you make even the most kind hearted man turn against an enemy they have never met nor seen or talked to.”

“Saving… Heh, we aren’t saving anybody. We’re merely satiating our thirst for power. We could’ve gone this entire time without having to threaten, invade, and expand our influence. But since in our entire lives, we’ve lived as tiny pawns on the world stage, this chance to do something with our pitiful lives took us to become the very monsters we’d mock and wish death upon in social media… you know. It was in the Third World War that I noticed something scary.”

“Hm? What is it, old man?”

“That humans are capable of protesting for war and not against it. Young and old, educated and uneducated. I saw them all protest not against the war that destroyed their homes and killed their family members but for it to continue and to lengthen till the enemy is completely destroyed.”

“What do you mean? Sorry, my house was bombed in that war and my town leveled also.”

“Mine too. Mine too, but the hatred that came after, people didn’t sought for peace but asked for more, I couldn’t even see my brothers as humans at that time as they put up signs calling for more violence, the complete erasure of an entire nation and its people… just what world are we living in… should we really return to it? Return to a world where people would rather protest for more war, for more weapons, for more violence than seek peace and end a war that spanned from Asia to Europe?”

“Go join the resistance if you want, they’re all Vets if I heard correctly. Look, power is merely a concept that we made. But its meaning holds true, far truer than anything else as power can be found in everything. This flex we’re doing, it must be done. The implementation of the Leyland Stone is gonna take far longer than expected but we will get what we want. Regardless of who stands in our way.”

“A stone that we must’ve never sought after. Like our politicians and warmongers, we thought we could go and take it upon ourselves to decide for the lives of many. Just because we can.”

“We? Weren’t you against it? I heard you disappeared for a few months as you tried to block its efforts to be found.”

“Because I am part of this organization. As much as I do not want to be, it's me and my friends best bet to return home. But this experience truly opened my eyes at how easy it is. I never thought that our mere statements about the Kingdom of Vitas could rile up the masses to bloodthirsty monsters. Only those who had seen war truly wished for it to stop, and even the complete collapse of our United Nation Alliance. I do not agree with all of that, but I do see why they want it done.”

The concrete room they stood inside of rocks as a freight train going at high speed passes right below them. The train hauled an endless stream of military equipment and container vans full of skeletons and munitions for war.

“Have you been living in the Hanging Gardens? Jesus, haven’t you seen how it was in World War Three? All sides were spewing the same bullshit but at a different tone. We merely replicated it and it worked. Do not be fooled Mister Hassan, there’s no true freedom. It’s long been gone, the best we have at home are limited democracies. Like the one we have here.”

“You sure you aren’t some five star politician General Bruscremi?”

“I’m just stating the facts. If we truly had real freedom, real democracy, why do you think we had to ban and silence Asian, African and South American news sites when the war broke out? Don’t you think if my country was so infallible that it wouldn’t care? If we truly had truth and justice on our sides, we wouldn’t have to silence the opposition?”

“... I was a soldier myself. I myself had gotten caught up with it, the idea and the concept. Even though we technically won, I think many of us were left with a bitter taste. We merely removed one Empire and traded it for the next.”

“And such is the cycle of human civilization. Do not be fooled Mister Hassan, I am not questioning or not whether General Jackson is gonna carry out the orders given to him. No, I’m questioning if he is still a soldier. That man… he isn't like us. He didn’t block out others and kept in contact with the ground. Talking to everyday people, and being with some amazing women. I wonder… is he still useful? A Five Star General like him will one day command an entire Theater with multiple other Generals below him. If he becomes a nuisance, he could cost us this entire war.”

Entering the gates of the Castle, Paul swallows his saliva as the Minuit family’s carriage queues up on the long line. “Oh, it seems that my parents and relatives are already here.” He looked to the left and could see five more carriages with the same style and seal on the door parked up already on the grass. Far into the lot were strange horseless carriages made out of shiny bronze metal and gold.

The entire walkway to the Castle door had Lower Nobles with their handkerchiefs out, waving them and clapping their hands as the Upper Nobles walked through the great carpet with glee. Behind them on the back of the Castle and its sides were fireworks constantly going off. The entire place has banners of the Five Houses and the High Elves and the UN included into the mix. Golden decor and statues of their ancient leaders to the great line of Great Roses in Full Bloom in winter on marble pots line up the sides of the carpet as the elegance and extravagance of the Higher Nobility can be seen in full.

On the sidewalks outside were Vampires with their children and slaves, looking in awe of their Royalty and the amazing spectacle they made inside the Castle gates and fence.

“What’s that?”

Paul points at a dark red banner near the front poles, with a smithing hammer and stylish curved sword and devilish long pointy ears. Queen Elizabeth whose upside down inside the carriage opens her tiny bat wings and lands on his shoulder after slipping through the sunroof.

“I know that logo… that’s the High Elves… the Empire…”

“Man, to think they have an Empire… AND HEY! What’re you doing here?!”

“Be Careful with their kind, My Lord. If there’s any creature on this planet that’s far more removed and… up their asses as you say. It would be them.”

“Woah, and I’ve talked to them too. They can really become more annoying than snobby vampires? To even think you have such an opinion of them.”

“Yes, Countess. Please look after him. Their hatred of humans is immense, I’ve heard nothing good about their treatment of humans under them.”

“Of course your majesty. M’Lord, stay near me okay? If the High Elves ever did try to approach you, we have Bahamut here. Tee hee.”

“What’s with their hatred of humans?”

“It’s because of Deus Vrax, M’Lord.”

Elizabeth on the other hand takes off. Flying high into the skies, watching over the grand entrances below.

“The Savior and God of the Holy See?!”

“Hm. The High Elves have long been annoyed by the fact that it was a half human, the most fragile and feeble of all the races that ascended into Godhood, M’Lord. They’ve never forgotten about it, as in their Religion. Only the High Elves are worthy to become Divine creatures, for they are far wiser and far smarter than anyone else… in their eyes.”

“Smart and Occultism aren't a good mix. I can see how much of a stress they are.”

“Do not say such things! If a High Elf was to hear that from a human nonetheless! It would be a disaster, M’Lord! Mind yourself! The High Elves are not one that’s going to back down if you dare say such things in front of them.”

“Ah, yes. Sorry, I’ll remind myself of that.”

Their coach then stops and the door is opened for them. The castle entrance was shining like gold. Lights were everywhere, from magic floating ones that are attached to translucent spectral flags of the Kingdom of Rose and the logo of the Dreyfus underneath it. Elizabeth on the other hand, no longer hovering above their carriage and completely gone, even Bahamut tried to sniff the air to find her scent but the Queen was no longer in the area.

“I always wondered, but I know the Rose in your flag is the Bloodrose, but what’s up with the Moon behind it? Or is that even a Moon? It looks like it's coloured the same way as your Rose.”

“We call that the Blood Moon, M’Lord. Though it’s only been recorded twice in the Kingdom's history, when it does happen. The power of vampires all throughout the planet would increase tenfold and a night of relentless feeding would begin.”

“Dang. What’s with you people and your crazy histories?”

They then suddenly get stopped as a long queue of vampires wearing their best lined up to the entrance of the ballroom.

“Alright you two, wear your masks. Remember what I said, and M’Lord. Keep things to yourself, only answer questions that aren’t meant to demean, and most of all, a constant eye on Bahamut. I fear that her inability to stay in one place is going to cause us problems.”

“Yeah, already on it.”

“Good, don your mask. The night of endless debauchery begins. I hope your human soul can handle it, M'Lord. I’ll always be around the middle of the room since so many of the families tend to ask me for a dance.”

“No worries. I think I got the gist of my objectives.”

He puts on his mask which was a shiny white porcelain face with a blank expression, around its side was polished bronze while Bahamut didn’t have too since she already had a dark veil that covered her face and neck. After what seemingly was an hour, they finally reach the reception where Alana handed her invitation. “Plus two, one human, one dragon.” the well groomed servant bowed and opened the door. “HERE ME, HERE ME! THE BELOVED PUREBRED COUNTESS OF THE KINGDOM, THE RAREST OF ALL THE FLOWERS HAS ARRIVED WITH…” he then takes the paper. “THE GENERAL OF THE OUTLANDERS, FOREIGNERS FROM ANOTHER LAND, GENERAL PAUL JACKSON AND HIS COMPANION, THE DRAGON GOD OF THE VOID, BAHAMUT!”

Everyone turned their attention to the door above the balcony as the trio appeared. In full outfit and ensemble, they looked more than the part apart from Bahamut. The women elegantly bowed, while the men put up their champagne. “That’s for you M’Lord. Bow back to the women of the room.” The General, caught off guard, steps forward and does his best Noble bow. It then changes with the men kneeling while the women lifted their skirts a bit. Alana then bowed and lifted her hand, flipping it around and opening her palm. Everyone then turned around and went back to dancing and chatting.

“Well… here we go.”

With a deep breath, the trio walks into the main floor. Going down the sparkly shiny golden rails of the staircase with the purple carpet now below them. As they neared the last steps, some of the Nobles started to gather. Many with expensive jewelry on their hands. Alana suddenly holds Bahamut’s hands. “Oy.” the Dragon looks at the Countess whose expression was the same but her eyes say otherwise. “M’Lord.” the General just nodded as she started to drag Bahamut out of their sight. But as Paul stepped into the floor, more of the Nobles stood up, closing any avenues for the two to escape from. “... M’Lord?”

Paul just looks back at her and smiles. He walks infront of them, greeting the Nobles with a bow and they return it.

“Please, I know you want to talk to the Dragon Goddess. But I’d like to tell everyone that it’d be better to instead wait till the Church of Bahamut is built and offer your tributes there instead.”

“And why should we do that?” The Nobles nod, agreeing with the man with a white long hair that’s curled and ponytailed. Looking like a true Medieval Highborn from a rich family. “Step aside mortal. Do not push our courtesy." He steps forward and Alana steps back a bit with Bahamut looking confused. A shocking tone is then heard from everyone, Alana looks at her Lord and the human dares to step in front of the Vampire Lord.

“How dare you…”

“Sir, if I may explain.”

Some of the Diplomats then arrive, alongside them the daughters of some powerful families. This made the man take a step back.

“Do you even know what you're doing by offering a Dragon something? Have you ever talked to a Dragon before?”

“Hmph. So what if I haven’t? I am planning on doing it now don’t I? You mortals are always short on the thinking side. No wonder you're all so afraid of the Elves.”

The High Elves see the small commotion all the way in the back of the floor and in their heavy thick robes walks to listen in. Curious of the gathering as the other vampires ignored them and continued to drink and eat. “Chief Maximillian, I think those are the Outlanders from another world.”

“Ah, I’d like to have a word with their commander. That disgusting mongrel that dares make such a scene in front of us, in front of a holy place of the Vampires nonetheless!”

Arriving at the scene after walking for multiple minutes, they see General Paul cradling Bahamut, with a smile and a warm aura, he talks to the crowd of Vampires.

“As you can see, Dragons are inherently social creatures. But you must not take them lightly, most of all from Black and Red Dragons. They’re one of the most prideful of all the colors, only beaten by the Chrome, Silver, and Gold ones.”

Seeing the human man talk so passionately about Dragons, Chief Maximillian stops one of his colleagues from intervening. “But Chief!” He just shrugs. “Let the mongrel talk. I am personally curious about this relationship between them.”

“Bahamut is a Black Dragon. Making her an extremely prideful Dragon, so if you're gonna interact with her. Be reminded that you are talking to a being far more prideful than anyone else in this room.”

“If so human, then why is she doing that…'' the Vampire lady points at the Dragon rubbing its body all over his arm, visibly smiling and enjoying the man's fingers rubbing its belly. “Ah, well. This is how Dragons put their scent on things that they love, hence why they sleep on a pile of gold and things they’ve hoarded. What my beloved better half is doing here is just leaving her scent to me. Dragons exude it from their ears, talons, and snout and mouth.”

The Vampires nod in approval, learning something from the human.

“So please, if you are going to interact with Bahamut, be sure to be respectful at all cost, do not dare to threaten or order her. And when it comes to her eating… Alana. You're the cook of the group.”

They then whisper amongst themselves. “Remember that okay? The Countess cooks, has our daughter brought her homemade snacks?” Alana breathes out and stops next to the General. He then hands her Bahamut who stops but then starts to curl and rub its body on her hands. “Ahahahaha, okay okay. Well everyone. I’d like to make sure that you all respect Bahamut. Please line up and those offering food. Be warned if she likes its taste. She will ask for more.” A noble carrying some fine exquisite meat on a golden plate puts his hand up. “I apologize for my rudeness, please forgive my intrusion but how many portions would that be, Lady Minuit?”

“Ten or more.”

“Call my servant! Have them cook more!” This then disperses a large part of the crowd who bought food. Summoning their servants and ordering them to get more. Paul rests his hand on her shoulder. “Looks like you got this under control.” They both smiled lovingly at each other, with Bahamut yawning already on top of Alana’s hands.

“Oh great, Bahamut’s already bored.”

“Oh no, let us check out the floor then, M’Lord. Everyone, if needed be. I’ll be with Bahamut on the Minuit table. Please just leave your gifts and tributes there.”

The crowd sees the Black Dragon and hearing the warnings of both the Countess and the General, they disperse, allowing the trio to finally enter inside the massive room. One large area for dancing, while near the entrance was where most of the food was and there were special dishes meant for the High Elves and Humans. Bahamut with her hunger was already eager to go there, but was quickly stopped by the Countess

“Bahamut. Stay. M’Lord. She wants to eat already.”

“Awww…”

“Later, let’s get to our table first alright? I think the Nobles really want to offer their gifts.”

On the second and third balcony were more vampires drinking Wine like it was water, as exotic dancers on small circular stages moved along with the Church Organs as a choir sang alone to the tune. Tagging along Alana as she’s endlessly greeted by the other attendees, bowing to her and giving her respect and to Bahamut whom they see more as a Divine creature did they reach their table with the Nobles who wanted to offer gifts to the Dragon bowing down as they gave her there jewelries and expensive shiny ornaments and accessories to her.

“Alright, now M’Lord-”

Before she could utter another word, a vampire man bows and asks for her hand as he wishes to dance. “Oh, Marquis Fancois. Please, not now, I have matters to attend to.” the high Noble didn’t budge and merely lowered his body more as he reached out his hand for hers. “Oh, M’Lord. Please, keep an eye out for Bahamut.” She takes his hand as she gestures that she’ll be watching them and soon, the Countess disappears into the crowd.

“So… food?”

“YES!”

Bahamut returns to her human form, and the Nobles around her clap at the sudden transformation. “Huehuehue, keep giving me tribute bloodsuckers. I shall return this with your wishes, as long as it's on the level of your gifts.” She then goes next to Paul who had prepared his knuckles and cracked his neck, ready for battle.

“Alright, follow me. I’ll teach you how to buffet one o’ one.”

He grabs Bahamut by the hand and seamlessly moves through the crowd of puffed gowns and flamboyant uniforms with large capes. Through a birds eye view, one can see that even though the majority of the room was filled with Vampires, the High Elves and Humans had their own places, grouping together in the corners. Reaching the buffet section where the General is surprised by the large amount of fish and vegetables for the vampires and elves. While the humans had mostly meat and bread. Not complaining, he takes a plate and gives one to the Dragon and another one for him.

“Alright, this is the basics. Fill up your plate and take it to our table. Capiche?”

“Yes, Master!”

The two tourists then started looking over the human food. With Bahamut already putting her plate up on the steak. “More… more… more!” The well dressed servant was baffled by the lady but kept doing as he was told and piled the steak on her plate as she moved over to the chicken and forcefully took a thigh and leg and proceeded to shower it with lamb gravy. Paul on the other hand was more curious about the local dishes which was a strange reddish meat that had the texture of a burnt chicken.

“Roasted Allgent Cow?”

“Yes sir, this is a rare wild cow only found in Dragovh. They’re known for their high levels of protein which is why they’re always targeted by the Wyverns. Thus, making them a rare specimen to be eaten by humans due to how hard it is to get one without a Wyvern usually around the area and how hard they are to catch.”

“Dang, really? Okay, hand me three slices and uhm… this fish? What fish is this?”

“Ah, that’s the Rose River Tuna. A common food here, but a rarity for humans in the main continents. A true signature dish for Towns located around our magnificent river.”

“Give me those too. BAHAMUT! TAKE SOME FISH!”

“Nnn….NO!”

“Oh you! Just take one! Try it!”

“Nope!”

“I never get why you hate fish so much. Isn’t that like one of the most accessible foods for dragons?”

“Let’s just say, I hadn’t had a good time with them Master.” Bahamut flashes back to her memory when she was on an island in the middle of the ocean, due to her massive size. The island was only big enough for her four legs with her tail wrapped around its volcano as she was dipping her mouth into the water. Eating the Sea lions.

All of the sudden, a giant armored whale appeared from the depths at breakneck speed and swallowed her head and stopped at her neck as the exposed spines were too much for the whale to swallow on. Soon, acid starts building up and Bahamut lifts up her giant head with the huge whale still fully engulfing it. This culminated into a panic as when she burned the whale open, its mouth was still locked at her head and neck, making her squash the trees and hills on the island she was on in a panicked state.

“Yea… no Master.”

“Haaaaa… alright. Are you done with your food?”

“Yes! Shall we eat it here?!”

“No, we’ll bring it back to the table and eat it there. Be careful alright?”

“I should be saying that to you Master, being the human here.”

Soon, more attendees arrive and though there was a lot of players, the vampires still outnumbered them and even fewer as the handful of high elves present but usually mingled amongst themselves and a select few, wearing there expensive and luxurious traditional robes and the officers wearing a more modern style uniform with medals and epaulets. Each time a High Noble would arrive, everyone stands up and bows. Slicing in the middle of the two’s happy meals.

All the while on the dance floor, Alana gets changed with a partner. An old face. Marquis Don took her by the hand and the two danced like a seamless flow of water on a quant river. As if the two’s style was made for each other, everyone looked in awe of their synchronization, the feeling and emotion put into every step. Don was wearing a luxurious purple Nobleman uniform with golden laces and medals. With a silk white glove and stylish dancing shoes, he took the Countess out for a ride with his moves.

“We meet again, M’Lady.”

“Hmph. Don, how many times do I have to tell you?”

“Oh, don’t mind me please. I am merely taking advantage of this chance to dance with you without that General.”

“You're lucky that we’re surrounded by people.”

Back at their table, Bahamut was demolishing her food. Only needing a few bites to completely crush the meat and swallow while Paul looked around, noticing how insanely luxurious and posh the atmosphere was and the fragrant smell on the atmosphere surrounding the entire place was overwhelming. Something he would never forget as the countless scents of the people attending mixed in with each other. Soon, another handsome vampiric man wearing an emerald colored uniform and midnight blue hair appears from the crowd.

“Her Holiness Bahamut?”

With a piece of steak still hanging from her mouth, the woman turns around. Tilting her head in curiosity.

“Would you like me to accompany you to a dance?”

“No.” She then swallows the sliced steak whole and with her fork, takes another one. “I’m too busy eating. I also have to watch over Master. He tends to attract problems.”

“Is that so? Then how about I’ll have him dance with some of my acquaintances? They’re very pretty women. Above standard to the most beautiful human, I’m sure your Master would like that.”

“Ah no, Sir…?”

“Sir Padua. I’m a Count from the House of Bartley.”

“Bartley? I thought you no longer had a place in the congress?”

“Oh we don’t. We refuse to select a new representative as to us, only Queen Elizabeth Bartley herself may take that place.”

Outside on the wall, the Queen in her bat form is upside down and listening in on what’s happening. Fizzled to know that her House was still alive and well.

“I see… but I don’t recommend you take Bahamut for a dance. Though she knows… I hope… on how to dance. She’s busy eating, and nothing gets in the way of a Dragon and there meal.”

“Oh. That’s very unfortunate.”

“Yeah, well. Thanks for the offer, but try again next time.”

The man bows and heads back to the crowd. While Bahamut finishes her plate already in less than ten minutes.

“Master, wanna dance?”

“I literally can’t dance to that tune. Though the Queen and the Countess had taught me a thing or two, it's nowhere near that level.”

He points at the dancefloor where the vampires were dancing with absolute harmony and perfection. Each step taken lightly and with precision, not breaking eye contact with each other and their body, in complete relaxation.

“How hard could it be, Master?”

“Bahamut, no. And I wanna try out this tuna. This looks superb.”

As he removes his mask and takes the fork, the man closes his eyes, preparing as he takes a bite at the shiny tuna that he took just for the moment to be taken away by Bahamut. Dragging him out of the seat and taking his mask.

“BAHAMUT!”

“Master, with me. Now.”

“Wha-what?!”

“Both of us, let us share a moment like them. Humans also like this right?”

“I mean yeah but I’m not one of those, I can’t dance for shit.”

“Even then, I wanna learn more about humanity. We’ve both been trained by the best, let us show what we're made of Master.”

“....” looking around, the vampires were too busy with themselves to even notice the human and dragon together on the dance floor. With a deep sigh, he puts his hand behind her waist and holds her right hand high. “I-I’m not very good at this, but Elizabeth is really a good teacher and explained it to me like a monkey and even drew out the steps. I’ll be counting one to six, and alternating it at certain times. Just follow it and we should start to build a rhythm with the music… or so she said.” taking the lead, Bahamut slightly tilted her head, with a big wide smile underneath her veil.

“One, two, three, four, okay back to two, three, four five, and then five and six, I’ll swirl you around.”

Though not as refined as the Vampires, he managed to do it seamlessly. Bahamut was completely blown away by it and as she took the steps with her heart, the two started to create a rhythm between them. On the side of the room drinking Wine with some nobles, one of the people around Alana taps the shoulder of her friend.

“Oy, look at that. Isn’t that the Goddess Bahamut?”

“Woah, and a human?”

“I heard that’s the human general that defeated a Purebred Vampire and tamed a Dragon God.”

“Could he be a Hero? Like in the olden stories?”

“Oh my, look at his steps and the stare of that woman. That Dragon is absolutely in love.”

She turns around in curiosity and sees Paul and Bahamut dancing to the rhythm, not breaking eye contact with each other as they swirled around the dancefloor in complete harmony with each other's bodies. Soon, the music changes to a familiar Waltz. With Paul looking at the front of the ballroom, though he couldn’t see what band was playing, it was absolutely from his world.

Little to his knowledge, one of the diplomats with a vampire woman managed to allow a human Philharmonic Orchestra to join in and they started with a Blue Danube Waltz which the vampires stopped for a moment, not knowing the tune. But with Paul on the dance floor and totally hearing it from all the high and nigh expensive business meetings he's been in took the lead again, with the vampires all eyes on the two.

They couldn’t believe their eyes as the mere Human with the Dragon God danced along to the tune, with Paul smiling unbeknownst to him as his ears and brains fire up from hearing the familiar tune from his world. Missing everything and at the same time, reminiscing as he lets his body take over, letting Bahamut for a ride of her life. Underneath her dark veil though, was her with the widest smile she had ever had in her human form. Dancing along with her Master.

Taking it in, the vampires also joined in the dance. A Diplomat on the second floor pumps his fist. “YES! IT'S WORKING!” and next to him was a beautiful vampire woman with long black hair in a stylish lemon orange dress. “Now, show me how you do it in your world!” The woman dragged the man along and now, two humans were on the dance floor. Seeing the escalation, Alana takes the hand of a random man and leads him to Paul and Bahamut. With a swift high on the tone, she switches and takes her Lord's hand while pushing Bahamut to her partner.

“YO- OH WHAT?!”

“Shhhh…”

The lower noble on the other hand couldn’t believe he got to dance with not only the Purebred Countess but now with the Dragon God herself. The other males that weren’t on the dance floor yet grabbed any random woman they could get their hands on and started vying to dance with Bahamut. Alana and Paul on the other hand were laughing while Bahamut raises her hand in defiance, wanting to go back and continue dancing with her Master.

She lets herself get passed around waiting for the right moment to strike but Alana sees this and would occasionally move farther and farther away. Not letting her have a chance as she lets herself enjoy the moment with her Lord. Paul on the other hand was unable to keep up with the superior creatures as he gets tossed around, the heels of the two powerful women clacking at the dancefloor. Without leaving a chance, Alana made sure to time her moves correctly. Making it hard for Bahamut to switch back to her Master.

The rivalry of the two seeps out to the General. “Alright, alright. Let’s calm down no- OW!” He is then taken for a ride himself. Being whisked away by the Countess as the two danced to the tune together. Even through the masks they wore, the two could see that they were both having absolute fun together through their eyes alone. Alana's pretty golden stare made the General blush.

“Ahahahahahahaha! M’Lord! This is bliss!”

“Yeah!”

“M’Lord, I wish for this to continue for all of eternity. This ecstasy, the elation of my feelings, I’ve never felt like this before from all of my dances.”

“Hahahahah, good. Let us dance even more, look. Bahamut is getting closer.”

Though the men Bahamut dances with leaves off with a big smile, she on the other hand is keen on getting back to her Master. Locked onto him only.

“I see, then. Come at me Bahamut! Let us see if my teachings have given fruition!”

She grips Paul’s hands tighter and the two continue to dance away as a man in a Robe joins in. Clapping his hands and jogging into the thick of it. Removing his hood, it's the High Elf who then ambushes Bahamut. Dancing with her.

“Oy! It's you! Pointy eared man!”

“Goddess… I am…” he breathes a sigh of relief, seemingly content with what is happening. “I am truly blessed to have this dance with a Dragon.”

“Hah! Enjoy it as I know it will humiliate Master if I do something.”

The song then reaches a point to switch and with a swift hand, she jumps to another man but the High Elf wasn’t giving up that easily and on the other chance to switch, gets in front of a Vampire Lord and has another dance with Bahamut.

“M’Lord.”

“I know, are you ready?”

“I can see that the High Elves are making a ruckus.”

They both looked to their right and could see Count Percival, the man dancing alongside another woman whose eyes are totally emboldened by his mere mysterious presence. “Do not worry, the High Elf is planning on leading her to the corner to have the maximum chance to return to her after a switch. I suggest that both of you move there.” Not having time to think, the two danced together till they reached Bahamut, the High Elf seeing the human and it led to a small chance around the dancefloor.

Vampires from all the balconies could see the small action happening from within the sea of pairs dancing and they all look down with smiles on their faces as the Human tries to get back from his Dragon. The Waltz then comes to a high. “M’Lord, ready?” the man nods and upon the tone to switch, he takes one up on the High Elf and retakes Bahamut’s hands who is completely blushing from the way he took her hands from the tall and stacky Elf that was an inch taller than her even.

“M-Master…”

“Y-Yeah?”

“That was… COOL!”

Now even happier, she dances with the man even more. Looking back at Alana, he is surprised to see it was Count Percival. “That son of a bitch.” The Waltz then dies down for the human orchestra to take a break. Everyone bows at each other, returning to their seats. The Countess sneaks a quick kiss on the cheek which startles Paul but smiles. Bahamut on the other hand gives him a big hug and a quick snuggle.

The trio return to their table, and the General breathes a sigh of relief as he is finally able to partake in the tuna. “Ohhhhhh… that tastes divine.” Bahamut, who had already eaten all of her food, doesn't sit down and just steals her plate and goes in line for the Buffet once again.

“M’Lord. That was amazing!”

“Hahahahaha… really?”

“Hm! Hm! I love you so much M’Lord.”

“I love you too Alana. Now eat up. We have a long night.”

“Ahahaha, M’Lord. You are aware that Vampire Parties could last for weeks right?’

“Wait what?!”

“Yes! But maybe this time it will only last for a few days in respect to the Elves and Humans attending. But do be prepared, M'Lord for the long haul.”

“Oh God. Why?”

“For now, just eat and enjoy yourself.”

“I can’t believe it though. And so that means you dance for hours and hours on end?”

“Yes, Yes I do M’Lord. Though you’d get used to it.”

“I can’t. I’m already as tired as I can be.”

The General was back at the table but now with sweat all over his face and body even though the temperature was readily below the negative. Alana then opens her hand. “Hm? What?” she gestures for him to give her something and the man realizes. Going into his pocket, he hands her his handkerchief.

Alana then stands up and walks up next to him, wiping the sweat from his face and then unbuttoning the first three buttons of his uniform and wiping his body and arms. “Is this… really necessary?” He is then overwhelmed by the scent of Alana and just lets her do her thing. Though the Vampires on the nearby tables whispered amongst each other, the Diplomats and their Vampire companions just smiled at the sight. The Countess then removes his gloves and slowly wipes his fingers and the areas between it.

“Hmph. Your hands are always so hard, M'Lord.”

“What about yours? They're softer than cotton.” he then intertwined his fingers around hers. “Hm. I can never get tired of this feeling.” Alana blushes as she finishes. Neatly folding his handkerchief. As he was about to take it, the Countess turned around. Blocking him completely from taking his cloth back. She then does something to it, leaning it and then turning back around to face him. Giving back his handkerchief and walking away. “Hm? What was that about?” He then looks at it and could see it has a lipstick mark from her and its smell, the same of Alana’s.

Bahamut returns to their table, this time carrying four full plates of food with nothing but meat. She stops and blankly stares at her Master. Intensely sniffing his own handkerchief.

“Ahhhhh…. Master, did your brain finally rot?’

“Hm? OH, Ah… Oh, just that Alana… she left her scent on it.”

“Uh huh…”

“What?! I swear she did! Look!”

Lifting it up, Bahamut sniffs at its direction and her eyes widen. The slits of her Dragonic pupils expand on the calming scent of the Vampire. “Huh. She did.” as she sat down, a silently figure wearing a bright starry nightly gown passed them. Though the Dragon notices it, Paul on the other hand tilts his head.

“What…?”

“Master, didn’t you see it?” she looks at him with baffled eyes. “She passed by right next to you.”

“Huh?” The man looks around and sees nothing but Vampires eating and drinking. Chatting and laughing together. “There’s… nothing.”

“I swear. Tsk, that woman is truly troublesome.”

“Uh huh. Well sit down! You're scaring me with those plates balancing on those thin arms of yours!”

She sits down and starts munching on the food she had bought. General Paul on the other hand had to go and make sure all of the gifts are properly kept underneath the table in a tidy manner, organizing everything from the smallest gem to the boxes of jewelry offered to the Goddess. As he is doing this, a Vampire Lord walks up to the Goddess and bows. Wearing a tricorn hat and a blue uniform, akin to an Admiral. The man bows to her and kneels.

“Goddess Bahamut, I offer you a family heirloom. The Dark Opal, a great enchanted rock only given to the Monarchs of the High Elves, exclusive to their Emperors. This was given to my family as payment. Please do take it.”

Stopping, the Dragon faces the tall man. Stylish and as obnoxiously overdressed like the rest. She takes the Opal and devilishly smirks under her veil.

“Eyu Te Volguah Dus Dre Freaya. Evening Greetings bloodsucker. I am Bahamut, the Goddess of the Void, the Dragon that sleeps within the Abyss. Ilh Year’ouhcu. I shall hear your request.”

“When… When will the Demon Hordes arise from Hell and is it true that the Legions of the Underworld will finally come after the Vampires after our long sought after peace and prosperity?”

The Vampires overhear this and the surrounding tables stop what they were doing and stare at the Dragon, all the while Paul peeks from the edge of the table at Bahamut. His eyes wander as the heavy atmosphere looms upon his mortal soul.

Silence was all they were met with, and the Dragon. Staring deeply into the tribute she’s been given.

“Soon.”

“E-Eh? But Goddess, what does that even mean?”

“The world seeks balance, the violence brought upon by the Chosen Ones… Kreiteh Hurres. Foolish Heroes chosen by the True God have given you time. It all rests upon if the Outworlders you all curiously leer at will die down in their conflicts and yes, it will happen.”

“S-So… we cannot truly say when?! Not even with your power?!”

“The Wuldr, world. It does not seek it right now, it only seeks balance. Be warned of when the Chosen Ones find their way home, for the balance will trigger it.”

“Then what about us Goddess… will we be included now? For we have found peace and left our ways? Are the Modern Vampires now targeted by the Legions of Hell?”

“Hmmmm… To nust’or. Ouc’u Sroh’ill has’ahaos. Do not worry, your species still seeks chaos… Dre wuldr’ual sol. The world has no qualms with you. You only evolved as a species, but your nature remains the same.”

The man deflates. Staring into the arching ceiling of the lobby, admiring the intricate and colorful painting of the Kingdom’s various biomes. “Oh Great God Angus, I thank thee for sparing us.” he stands up, bowing once again to the Dragon and going back to the front.

“Master, catch.”

She throws to him the Opal she has been handed and he looks down at it. His eyes seemingly caught into stunning watery darkness that occasionally shows its rainbow coloured core. “Woah… what is this?” He then skims its surface, his thumb and fingers just flying on it. As if not a singular molecular dent was present and the only thing there is a perfect exterior.

“I do not know Master, but I shall include that in my pile later on.”

“So… that’s how it happens huh? Lore books don’t really have a candle to the real thing.”

“Hm. If their shiny gifts to me contain enough Foh. I will do as they request for as long as it doesn’t violate my vow as a Dragon.”

“Foh? What’s that?”

“I think… in your language, Master. Its indirect translation would be Faith… or Super Faith. Any item for as long as you worked hard for it. Will contain the feelings and emotions you put into gaining it which I can convert into Divinity. Drova.”

“Drova… that sounds like Droh which means Dragon.”

“Because Droh, or Dragon in your language means Divine Creature or Animal to us, Master.”

“Are you going to take more requests then? Since it seems like the other Vampires want to do so.”

“No, I only took this one as that Opal contained thousands of years worth of Foh and has a connection to a Goddess. I may be able to use it as a bargaining chip in the future, if I ever meet the Goddess that made that stone.”

Having finished with her fourth plate and Bahamut once again gone to take more. Leaving the General all alone as he organizes the gifts to the Goddess. “Well, I guess it's time to also talk and walk around. Argh.” looking at the floor, the man shivers at the sight of the Vampires, fully dressed to impress. But with a sigh, he sits down, fixing his uniform and making sure he is fully wiped and stands up.