It had already been a few days since Paul with his companions had ventured out to the continent of Dragovh. Rather than wearing his Eldritch Death Knight armor and drawing unwanted attention. He donned his black three piece suit and trench coat knowing that it makes him look more proper and noble, which he hopes could push people to be more open to him.
The forest was beautiful, the entire trip. He felt as if he was on a vacation in the caribbean. The air was also extremely clean, he could feel it entering his lungs and exiting his nose with seamless smoothness, it was a journey he could stay on forever. As if he was on a neverending vacation where he can slow down and enjoy his life without the rush of a modern bustling megacity looking down on him. Noting his past life, always being busy with work and smelling the odor of a lively city. He and Alana were both on horseback and Bahamut was sleeping neatly on the back of Paul's saddle.
"Ahhhhh, I could sleep underneath one of these trees and have the time of my life. It's been so long since I did that."
"You could. Though I don't recommend doing it near a road, M'Lord."
"You know, back in my world. I had little to no time for myself. Always busy with the stuff I have to do with my company."
"Huh, M'Lord, that actually explains your capability to lead people. You already have previous experiences with business."
"Ehhh, I guess? It's different from leading an actual Military force but it does have some correlations. I dabble mostly in transportation. So this entire thing is mostly new to me, meeting and talking to people of another world and that jazz. But I'm happy to have you here, since I'm sure you're older than some nations back on Earth."
"I see, so that's why they called you on the logistics of the stockpile. You already know what to do, how come you have Sir Francis run the supply of your army?"
"Easy, I was already the head of command for the ground forces. It would be a hassle to change it, and my expertise would help better in fighting on the frontline as a high level player who specializes in DPS Tank Build. Francis' build is more generalized with a sprinkle of Magician, so he's perfect for logistics work."
"Hm, I see. Then, you should try to behave yourself, M'Lord. A foreign man from a foreign land in a foreign place is never a good mixture."
"I know, and you behave yourself too. Don't go out at night drinking the blood of the innocent... though you did say you only want to drink my blood. Later if I get my carriage, I'll go and brew something up. Though I'd need a player who specializes in enchanting though."
"I have you know as a Countess, I do not merely drink blood like that. I require blood from the higher sectors of human society and you are my Lord now. I only require your blood, unless you specifically order me to drink the blood of others, only yours is what I need. Thus is the contract."
"Ah! I remember this cliche, it's because you don't want the blood of dirty peasants and only want to drink the clean blood of rich folks or something? Either way, I'll do something with my blood alright? I know you'll be needing it. For now, just eat normal food. I'll pay."
"No. It's more so that the Nobles usually take better care of themselves and are fed well. Hence, they're better for our diet. Though, it's not that I need to feed every night. I've gone past that point. But I'd usually drink blood once a month just for the taste."
"Dang, how powerful are you? The fact that you can walk out in the middle of the Sun and even not require as much blood anymore."
"I would be weak if I needed intake of blood. Nay, I merely take in food from other sources including those humans eat. It's not the same level of drinking or eating a human but it works."
"Not gonna lie, woman, you need to hold back a bit. I'm also a man, you know? Hearing you say that gets me riled up."
"Oh my exactly why? I'm not gonna eat my Masters flesh. I am aware that you're still afraid of me still, even a bit. I won't push things as I said."
"Is this contract like... superficial or is this like a real thing?"
"AHAHAHA! Superficial? If you would've said such things to me, I'd already cut your tongue. But, since you're my Lord. I'll answer you clearly. This contract is a real thing indeed, I cannot go against the wishes of the one who defeated me. Hence, you. If you say don't drink human blood, I'm forced to go find another source of food instead."
"I see, well. We have some food here. You're gonna love my signature Beef Steak."
"I look forward to it. Though I'm used to having a glass of special wine with me, something new wouldn't hurt."
"Now you're getting in the spirit! Let's hope the town they said is actually close. It's been a few days now and the village's food is either a hit or miss for me."
"So far, I liked the food. The curry from the previous village was extremely good, I'd like to try cooking something like that."
"Ohhh, a Vampire cooking human food. That'd be a sight to see."
The Knight then looks at his back and checks on the sleeping Bahamut. Poking her small armored body and the little dragon lets out a cutesy moan and stretches its body and wings. But rather than waking up, it goes balls around itself once again and sleeps.
"So much for being my trusty companion. Hays. Well, can you tell me the story of this contract thing? Where did it originate?"
"It's actually a slave contract cursed into the very species. It's back then, weaponized by the Hunters Guilds and entire Associations to use on Demons and Beasts that they've beaten."
"Are these Hunters humans?"
"Mostly, yes. Humans are fragile creatures, yet their feeble bodies don't stop them from becoming very deadly creatures that can stand toe to toe with the other far more superior species."
"Yeah, we have a guild like that too in Tur. But not that serious, interesting though that this contract thing is that big."
"It is, though it's been thousands of years, M'Lord. We truly do not know if it's still active or even real at this point. But, the rumors and stories of what happens to vampires who dare dislodge this contract. It's better not to say, the Ancient Queen, the Primordial one is better to be left alone and her story done."
"What? Why? Is it some serious thing? Just say it. I'm all ears and riding around on a horse isn't really that interesting. It also helps me take away the pain in my back from having to stand straight up for so long."
"Heavens be M'Lord. Aren't you used to being on a horse? How did you even become a Knight if thou wert unable to ride one for a prolonged amount of time?"
"There's usually Portals, you know? The Architectural Guilds put a lot of effort in connecting all the main continents and major Chosen One settlements into one another to help with the traveling."
"Then why haven't I seen one being used? Does your castle have one?"
"Eldwood's castle? No. Hassan wants us as off the grid as possible. The nearest one is a few kilometers from the forest itself. And for the portals, well the problem stems from the fact that only major settlements connected to Mana Cores seem to have been teleported. Normal settlements and towns where most of them are located didn't."
"I see, and can't you just make them? If they are so widespread M'Lord. I'm sure an organization like yours or ones bigger should be able to reestablish them right?"
"It's not that easy... since the warehouses are located in... disclaimer, this is only what I know from rumors, in located places far away from the actual place to prevent it getting ransacked along their main base. It's not centralized in layman's terms. So, we have no idea if the other players with us can make newer ones."
"And these other players, do you have any quarrels with any of them?"
"Apart from Breznick. Not that I know of, though the Huntress from the Demon Hunters Guild. She might be a problem though I doubt we'll meet her."
"And that Sword Saint you've all been yammering about?"
"Her? She's a trump card sorta say. A typhoon that you cannot stop. Better not see her as anything more than a force of nature that's to be reckoned with. So, are you going to tell me about this Ancient Queen? I'm sure I've told you enough about us."
"Haaaa... the Ancient Queen. Though we've had many Queens, our first one is special. That's the most simplest way I can describe her reign."
"Really? Expand."
"Well... how do I get this? Uhm, she's supposedly a human originally. But she and this Knight, one of the first Knights of this land found the original blood of the primordial vampires."
"And were there already vampires before this? Primordial means their the first, the original ones."
"No, there has already been. But we call her and King Charles as such due to them inhabiting the blood of the first true vampire. The two then went out and founded the Kingdom of Rose after five hundred or so years of gathering and taming the current vampire lords of their era."
"Wow, that's some dark metal or some crazy story that I am totally down for in reading. Sounds absolutely insane and brutal, to think she was a human."
"A Priestess actually, a maiden of great purity turned to such a beast. The Gods work in mysterious ways M'Lord."
"It truly does. Dang a Priestess. That's a complete One-Eighty. Heh, but so how powerful did she become and that King? I'm sure being turned into the level of the original vampire must mean they're absurdly strong right?"
"Yes, and later on. She went on and conquered all of the realms with an outnumbered army of vampires."
"Jeez, and looking at things right now. She didn't succeed."
"Yes, the Hero. Brownley, he rose from the ashes and became the first and last human to challenge her majesty to a duel and won."
"This is some batshit crazy history you folks have. Can't believe this is actually happening. I'm happy and scared and confused all at the same time."
"Better prepare yourself M'Lord. This is only the beginning."
The town they've been looking for appeared out in the distance, the large settlement was properly walled off and four town guards were on the gates checking the perimeter as usual. The Morning sun perfectly shines on the town, its Church bell tower could be seen through the wall, ringing and sounding as afternoon comes. The Gate guards asked for their reasons and let them through, though suspicious of the woman following behind him. Allowed them to enter.
They immediately went to the town Inn near the Western Gate, though since it was lunch time, the place was packed. They managed to find a table after waiting for a few minutes for a group of men to finish their food. Bahamut without hesitation already requested anything with Beef, Paul agreed while Alana was busy looking at the Menu. Greatly inspecting it as if to check every available option first before ordering. At the same time, he takes out two small boxes for utensils, a metal spoon and fork with a cutting knife which the other one he gives to the Countess who was deeply ingrained at the Menu they've been given.
"Found anything interesting? Just give me anything with beef alright."
"No, just seeing that they have a wide variety of spices I'd like to try."
"Go for it. We'll be here for a while, my backs killing me from all that horseback riding."
After ordering and getting their food, the trio ate. Due to the lack of Forks, and not being used to his hands. Paul had to bring his own utensils and Alana just got curious at the things he had to eat and saw it as a great way to show her elegance while eating. Hence she requested for the same thing he has.
"Alana, Got any idea where we could stay for the night?"
"We should try asking a Merchant, M'Lord."
"Why a Merchant? I always thought that Inns and Taverns had the best accommodation."
"No, Master. These are usually options, but Merchants houses usually are the better places as they not only have better food, but also tend to have a nicer place to stay in."
"I see, well for now let's try this place. I saw some people head up the stairs in the middle."
"This place is unique, Inns with an Ale house underneath it is not something you'd see."
"Wait, Inns usually don't have a food court underneath it?"
"Oh yea, foreigner. Yes, Ale Houses are usually the thing you call Bar like in the city. Lot's of drinking and lots of fighting. Inns are a place of lodging, sleeping and resting for the night. This location though, It's very unique as it's both."
"Huh, the more you know. My knowledge is very limited concerning this kind of stuff. Thank you. For now, let's eat. Bahamut, don't overdo it."
"Boooo... Master! You know my appetite!"
"Enough, we don't know much about this place and this is our first time. So let's all calm down and learn the culture and stuff."
"Just don't eat too much Bahamut. Our Lord is correct, eat too much and the others inside might give you the bad eye for eating food that could go to weary travelers and townsfolk."
"As if a Dragon should care for what such meager creatures think!"
"C'mon Bahamut. I'll give you a portion of mine alright?"
Knowing this, the dragon calms down and sits down like a puppy on top of the table as the other patrons of the shop look at the sexy black haired woman in a red gown. Her pointy ears standing out and her incredible beauty. Soon, the food is delivered to them and the two immediately dig in. With the Knight being reluctant at first, but after a sniff and confirming its the beef he knew, gave no mercy to the food.
The vampire smiles and eats alongside them, Paul sees this and grins as he goes back to his beef and continues munching it down with Bahamut right next to his arm. Devouring the thick cut with ease thanks to its sharp predatory teeth.
"Bahamut, calm down. I'm not even finished here."
"What? Master, this is cooked good!"
"I know, it might actually force me to go for another round wow. What cow is this from?"
"Probably a Dernteint Cow M'Lord, the black and white ones you'd usually see on the road."
"Interesting. Mm. Very nice. What can you say Bahamut? Does this village pass your tastebuds?"
"Yes!"
"It also does to me!"
Alana just covers her mouth as she smiles at the two. "Goodness me M'Lord. You two are acting like people on a pilgrimage. Please tone it down." She then looks behind her and could see the patrons would sneak a stare at her but most are too afraid to even entertain the idea of walking up to the woman.
After having a nice meal, the trio calls it a day and starts the hunt for a place to stay. Sadly, the establishment they ate in was already full for the night, having a sign that warns its customers of the full booking. Outside, Paul is walking around rapidly with his hand up his chin. Rubbing it as he thinks. After a while of coming up with nothing, Alana then steps in.
"Let's try asking some Merchants."
"Why? I'm sure we could just stay at someone else's place for the night or something."
"Merchants usually have their own lodging in settlements like these, and they're better than Inns anyways. Nicer food and beds as I said. I'd rather go there than to someone's random house."
"I know but... I mean, isn't it rude?"
"Mhm, but don't worry, with our outfits, I'm sure we could pass as traveling Nobles."
After asking some Merchants from the Western Gate, they found an entire house meant for them given by the Lord of the Land. The party heads off, it's located on the Eastern Gate, the same one they came in first. They're immediately greeted by an older Merchant who noticed their expensive and unique looking outfits and let them in.
"Of course sir! We'd be happy to take you in for the night. Is the pretty face here your wife?"
"Something like that. Can I request for separate rooms?"
"Ohhh I apologize sir, but we're very full for the night."
"Ah I see. Well, you heard the man. Let's go in."
Alana was right, the place was more organized and cleaner, It also smelled better. Inside their room which has four beds all to themselves, as soon as they got their things together and changed to their nightwear, Paul conversed with the small Dragon who seemed to be tired as the nightly Moon with its satellite loomed over the two windows devoid of glass over to his bed.
"Bahamut, how's the trip so far? Enjoying it?"
"Yes Master, it's been fun. The meat here wasn't lacking at all and was very tender."
"That's all? You've been a bit quieter than usual. You should talk to Alana more, you know? We're all in this together now."
"What the Bloodsucker said still bothers me. Am I also at level two hundred?"
"You? Bahamut, you've never had a level. No one knows it, I'm sure not even the developers seeing how powerful you are in boss mode. My guess is that you should be above that or something else. Truly that of a God."
"I hope so, it's not easy to fight that other Dragon God named Catherine."
"Ohhh! Man was she hot. I want a wife like that." A smack from Bahamut's wing flies to the back of his head.
"Ouch! Hey! Your wings are still pretty strong, you know!"
"Do not joke about such things, I highly even doubt such a creature would see you in the same light as herself. To her, you're merely a mortal inkling of the human species. Tiny and small, easy to be crushed. Be careful around her type Master, you'll never know what she could pull."
"But, learning from you. You're pretty down to Earth and understand my jive."
"That's me, but you must be in proper decorum when she's around. Respect her, for she wears a crown like mine. And dragons don't get gifted crowns unless they're absolutely worth it."
"I guess so, but don't overthink it okay? Right now, our job is to find a way home. So I won't really be trying to act like that."
"Mhm. I apologize, I always look at the bigger picture. Such a beast is out there in the open, what more on the parts of this continent that we've yet to uncover?"
"Don't worry, we got an all powerful purebred hottie vampire late-teen here. Good thing she doesn't have any leftover teenage angst."
"Master, she's a vampire. Remind yourself, her looks may fool you but she's probably far older than your entire bloodline."
"Oof! Yeah, I almost forgot it there. It's so strange, usually they are indeed teenagers with teenage angst... dang, a real vampire hottie. What a crazy time we're having."
In response to the sentence, the Countess gazed at Paul with her eyes full of intent to kill.
"I-i mean, we have a lady Vampire here of great noble descent! Who has been around far longer than some mountains I'm sure we're in safe hands!"
After a few minutes inside the Merchant's Lodging. The man found himself uneasy, unable to feel safe, as if he was in an alien world. Knowing it's futile to sleep, he sets out to find information about the surrounding towns with Alana while Bahamut sleeps on the spare beds, the people in the building seem to avoid eye contact or even get out of his way. Not trying to interact with the man,
"They seemed stiff, do I smell or look that bad?"
"Looking like this M'Lord, it's to be expected. Kings and Government Officials are encouraged to visit their towns and people and see the condition of their place. They might think we're one of those."
"Ah, I see. Well. Let's go back to our room and call it a day- WO-WOAH! WHAT?!"
"Hm?" The Countess tilts her head, confused at the man's reaction.
"Wha-what?! How come I didn't hear even a clack of your heels?!"
"C'mon now M'Lord. Bahamut might start crying if she walks up without seeing you with her."
The two return to their room on the second floor. He gently picks up the sleeping Bahamut and places it on his legs as he sat on top of his bed, curious and seemingly dumbfounded by the people not wanting to even be in the same place as he is.
"They really don't like Nobles don't they?"
"Not really, they just want to avoid saying something that might incriminate them or have their rights removed."
"Ah I see. That makes a lot of sense since I'm sure the judicial system here is more on the stop."
"It usually depends, in the Vampire Kingdom, we have a Court to settle things like these and the House of Lords, the prestigious High Council is where the Royals are."
"Huh. That's pretty advanced for this world's era. That feels like a Congress and a Cabinet but in old timey words."
"We retain knowledge for thousands of years, of course we'd have better knowledge than the Kingdoms of the mortals. Our Scientists and Legislators don't die unless someone wants them to or their arrogance gets to them. My family is actually one of the major houses, the House Minuit. We pride ourselves in our Wine and Jewelry which encompases almost thirty percent of the Kingdom's profits."
"You're already devolving into a very cut throat society then, I can only imagine the bloodshed if you're immortal. Business and Politics mix like ham and cheese, it tastes good together and is just right. But, it mostly leaves the poor people alone."
"It is but a chore as the Ancient Vampire Queens assassins would tell me. Though I've only met one in my entire lifetime."
"What? There's an assassin group of vampires?!"
"Oh, her Legions and secret Battalions are still active to this day, led by our King, King Harold of House Dreyfus. The current Queen isn't even near the level of the ancient one. She's more like a normal housewife who's been given the power to lead an entire Kingdom."
"Wow. She must've been one powerful being not only in a physical and magical sense, but also politically and economically."
"She was. She nearly enslaved all of humanity thousands of years ago."
"Oh yeah, she did all of that too. Though since you're part of House Minuit, does that mean you have your own mansion?"
"I do. It's in the Region of Sang where most cattle are kept and is also near the river that leads to River Dourvan. It was supposed to be the family vacation home but due to the... amount of bachelors that'd annoy me at our home in the Capital. I'd rather be far away."
"I see, interesting though. I'd love to actually be able to visit and see a real vampire mansion. Is it scary by any chance?"
"Scary? Gods no M'Lord. It's luxurious and extravagant, I put a lot of care into my Manor. It has a large garden on the back too with sculpted bushes and such and a gazebo with a piano if it's up to one's skill."
"Eh, I never mastered any instrument. Best I can do is sing Bohemian Rhapsody in a worse tone while in the shower."
"Then... why not I teach you if we ever reach the continent of Schon and stop by the Kingdom?"
"Piano? You, a vampire. Is gonna teach me, a human. How to play piano?"
"Well, would you rather dance like a ballerina? I'm pretty good at that too, I won the tournament at the university when I was but a scholar."
"You know what? Piano it is."
"Good, I look forward to it, M'Lord."
The two then smiled at each other and tucked themselves in. Feeling calm and relaxed, the man is finally able to get a good night's sleep. The next day, he is taken aback by how much energy he has, and for a long time. He is looking forward to the day with his eyes fluttering at what he could look forward to, soon the party exits the merchants house and heads off to the Guild House to check out the quests and find clues to how they could go back home. They immediately stood out at the place, though a party of people caught Paul's eyes.
"Alana, Bahamut. Stay here, I might've found some of my people."
"No problem Master. Just don't be out for too long, I can feel the gazes of the people here."
The group seemed to be very well equipped with everyone knowing their respective roles in the party, having their distinctive outfits to show their job and using weapons he encountered before in Dark World VR. Curious, he approaches them and opens up to talk to a man, he was very burly and young with a military cut.
"Excuse me, What's the Capital of the United States of America?"
"Washington D.C."
"Well, well, well."
"Yo, you another player?"
"Yea! Name's Paul Jackson."
"Roy, Roy Irvins."
"Roy, could you tell me if anyone has found a way out?"
"No. Me and the boys are also out and about trying to find a way home while making a buck or two."
"Damn it, how long do we have to stay here?"
"I don't know man. But keep going, we've been here for six months now."
"It's been six months? Any news about the people? Like for example Breznick? Or the Modern Guilds, have you heard anything from them?"
"Those roleplayers? They're in deep shit. That massive city of theirs got transported deep inside the Kingdom's territory and the officials want to absorb them. Problem is, they have a bunch of high level players, no way the people of this land could fight them head on and for those larpers thinking this is CoD or Arma, no idea. Modern guilds have been surprisingly quiet."
"I see, and what about Libertus? What happened to them?"
"They're out and about. Their city they have been transported to some swamp land. Very inaccessible. We actually tried to go there, but damn. The place is crawling with strange monsters and the land just sinks it. Gotta get a helicopter or a tank if you want to go through that.."
"So there's new monsters, the entire leveling system we know is useless."
"Wait, what? What do you mean the leveling system is useless?"
"Yea, you see that vampire behind me?"
"Yea..."
"They don't use leveling systems and mind you." He comes closer to the man's ears.
"I'm level two hundred. Maxed out, but with a swipe of her sword, she pierced my Eldritch armor, you know. One of the toughest armors in the Dark World next to the Divine ones. I am a Death Knight bro and she one shotted me."
"Holy shit, we've been here for a few months now but we only have encountered trash. Speaking as a level ninety."
"Yea, so be careful. Also, how does the respawn system work? Do we respawn at headquarters with Altars?"
"No, it's limited to the Holy See's religious buildings and the ones we built that look like cathedrals and sorts. Mobile Altars, don't know. Haven't tried it yet."
"Ah, I see. Alright. Well, keep safe out there. Don't do anything stupid."
"Don't have to remind me bro. Keep safe Paul."
"You to Roy."
He then regroups with his people and Paul with his party takes a quest to investigate a demonic pack of animals in a nearby forest, Northwest of the town. It was requested by the local Serfs that they had to fend them off from eating their Cattle. Though hesitant, he nudges and takes the low level mission that's only given a Novice difficulty.
"Well, I might as well do some basic stuff like the old times."
"Ugh, wild beasts M'Lord, are you sure? These are usually accompanied by a Herd or Pack leader which could prove fatal for someone who hasn't encountered them before."
"Hmm, I hope they're tasty." Alana and Paul look at Bahamut after saying the sentence. "I thought a joke would be appropriate."
"Look at this, the little dragon is cracking jokes. Did you eat something? Bwahahahaha."
"No, I just wanted to help lighten the mood, Master."
He takes the request and gets it stamped. With the lady on the desk just looking at him from toe to head.
"What? Cat got your tongue?"
"No Adventurer ID?"
"No."
"Then, I'll list you as contractors. Could you kindly write your name?"
"Uhm... Alana!"
Exiting out of one of the only two storey buildings in the entire settlement. He starts looking around and takes in the open air of the countryside, the Knight could see the Monks going about the Church, with the Nuns helping them move materials and equipment through the mud.
"Is it just me or is the local Church very busy?"
"I'm sure they make most of the Alcohol, many of the Churches of the Holy See also own a part of the land in Regions which they used to make products like Ale, Paper, and Candles."
"Ah, so they make stuff like that too huh? Man, the Church must be filthy rich with an industry like that."
"Religion and business, it's a good combination though. I'm sure they have a consistent profit M'Lord."
"Not gonna lie, as a business owner myself. It's part of us to make profit out of things and religion is something all humans have, so this is actually foolproof.."
"Be careful if you ever want to make an enemy of the Monks, Nuns, and Priests, Lords and Governors love Religion, you don't want to be smited by them."
"I've already been smited many times, so far. No one has killed me through that method so I guess I'll live through it."
"I request that we head off now. While it's still morning."
"Let's go then."
"Right."
The trio goes to the barn next to the Gate where their horses were stored. Bahamut quickly rests on her little bed behind Paul's seat on his saddle, he takes the reins and rides on to the forest. The Undead Horse he uses has a modern leather saddle with a stirrup, something not yet seen or heard of in their era with military packs for his equipment and holsters with his shotgun and assault rifle in them.
Alana used a spare horse from him, but had more pouches and pockets for supplies and food. She only really has a sword that materializes hence they used the space for other things that they'll need for long travels. It was for a good twenty minutes of riding did they finally stumble upon clues of the Demonic creatures that are said to have roamed the forest. Four scratch marks, most likely from those beasts, are marked on trees near the road.
"Seems that they met another predator. What do you guys feel?"
"None Master, so far it's quiet."
"I sense nothing. M'Lord. Though looking at those claw marks, it's definitely Wolves of sorts."
"Alrighty, keep your heads up. Demonic Wolves or normal wolves?"
"Demonic, no wolf could leave a scratch mark that deep on a tree M'Lord."
"Gotcha."
As the party continues onward, Paul slowly draws his revolver from his saddle. Suddenly sensing danger, the Dragon and Vampire immediately change stance. Alana had her hands straightened while Bahamut spread her wings and took off with her mouth a little open, ready to start throwing flames if needed. Like a cowboy, he quickly unholsters his revolver, stylishly spinning it as he points it at a random bush. Nothing happened till a sudden gust of wind made it rustle and he shot at it with one bullet.
The corpse of a heavily scaled Abyssal Wolf gets launched out of it. To his surprise, its corpse wasn't even facing the party, it looked like it was making a mad dash out of the forest as it fell in a direction random from theirs.
Sensing more, the man puts his revolver up as six more wolves jumped out, all running to the opposite direction. Alana, using her hands, slices two while Bahamut burns one and Knight shoots another one. The last two disappear into the woods behind them. Knowing now of a danger, they go inside the forest with their horses, Paul looking visibly distressed as he gets a gut feeling that something is out there and it has his name on a tombstone.
"Something's not right. Bahamut, you have those Dragon eyes. Look deep into the forest and see what's-"
Before finishing his sentence, the vampire moves her horse next to him and stretches her left arm at him. Gesturing him to stop, scared of what got her senses heightened, he halts his horse. The Dragon then fires a burst of flame to the front of his horse, it burns an insanely thin wire of web used to block the path. His eyes widen at what just happened,
"Okayyy, this is Spiders. Terra Arachnids from seeing that type of blocking... I'm... not used to creepy crawlers but if it's what has to be done. Let's get this over with."
"Are you really afraid of spiders, M'Lord? Terra Arachnids huh? Good name. I usually just call them big crawlers."
"Look Mrs-I've-lived-for-thousands-of-years. Maybe for vampires, stuff like this is no problem, but for me. Anything with more than four legs is a big no-no."
"AHAHAHA! And you tell me you're a Death Knight?"
"Ha ha, whenever we face stuff like this. My mates usually take over. Though I can still fight them, I just prefer not to. They truly give me the creeps, and the sound they make when they start moving... ghghghghg- nope."
After the laughs and jokes, they continue on into the forest. Encountering more and more webs and what seemed to be small eggs on the base of the large trees. In a few meters, Paul feels an eerie shock climb from the bottom of his spine to his head. He squints to his front and sees an extremely large hairy brown Spider. Large enough to outsize a compact car and there's a lot of them. He started counting and counted about eight large spiders with hundreds of smaller ones beneath them.
"Bahamut."
"Yes, Master?"
"You know what I said about holding back? Forget about that just for now. I want you to go and release as much flames as you can and control it. Don't let it spread throughout the entire place."
"As you wish."
He then turns his head to his left, looking at the vampire. Alana was surprised to see the man's eyes. Full of courage and action, as if it was a whole other person she's talking too. One far more confident with strength emanating from his aura alone.
"I-Cups. I want you to prepare your horse. We'll make a lot of sounds, so expect them to follow us. Cut them down as they reach you and when we reach the road, do that you did with the Wolves. Use your hand or sword and turn them into cutlets."
"I don't know what you just called me, M'Lord, but since you're making sense, I'll do as ordered."
"Okay, Bahamut. I'll fire off a shot to that one in the middle, when they turn around to attack us, do your thing. Burn as much as you can, including the eggs."
The Dragon merely nods, and with a bit of a trembling hand. Paul points his revolver at the big crawler, about sixty meters away from him as the man eyeballs it. He takes a breath and pulls the trigger, the bullet goes through a heap of webs and explodes the back of the big spider. The others around it immediately stopped doing their duties and turned to the shooter. Revealing a large pile of dead armored and normal wolves.
Without a single thought, Paul pulls the reins, prompting his horse to make a dash to the outside of the road. Bahamut lets out her firebreath while transforming to a bigger version of herself. The color turned from yellow to blue quickly. Melting the majority of the spiders but the smaller ones make it through her breath and passing through her legs.
As much as he doesn't want to look back. Out of sheer curiosity at the scene occurring behind him, Paul turned around to peek and could see multiple spiders of varying small sizes jumping from the branches of the trees. Remembering that this isn't a game, and those crawlers were actually out to get him, his face could only look more terrified. He quickly starts shooting at the spiders. Some hit, while others continued to Bahamut. Bouncing off her armored scales.
The spiders were ever so getting closer, spending his six shots. The man quickly changes to his Glock 17s. Seeing the futility, Alana opens her bat-like wings, jumping out of the horse she's on and facing the small spiders. Within the span of two seconds, she teleported from multiple different spots, leaving trails of crimson coloured roses that'd disappear after a second and the sliced pieces of the spiders remained.
"Oh damn, she's scarier."
He looks forward and continues on till reaching the end of the forest, recklessly entering a dirt road and nearly hitting a merchant's carriage. Without thinking twice, he hops out of his horse and pulls out the assault rifle holstered on the saddle and starts scanning the forest. He casts "Identify", briefly making an outline of enemies and friendlies. Looking through the M4A1's Holographic sight, he could see the outline of the Countess colored in blue rapidly slicing through the remaining spiders whose outline is Red with deadly accuracy, she wasn't even using her sword but just her bare hands.
He scans around and sees that apart from some Deer and birds, the forest was safe. He takes a large sigh of relief and puts the gun back to the saddle and awaits for Bahamut and Alana to return. After regrouping, the party once again starts their trek back to the town carrying a large spider egg. Paul couldn't be happier to finish the quest, with a smile on his face.
After a while of traveling, they find and enter the Guild House once again, and submit the quest form. The Clerk signs it, they collect the experience points and bronze coins. Though not much and doesn't even equate to their work, it didn't bother the party.
"Adventurers ID please."
"Again, I don't have one."
"Oh... well, I recommend you sign up for one, it could help you determine if you're eligible for harder quests and also give you a guide to what skills or magic you could learn next."
"No need ma'am, I already have my own version of that and believe me, If it's an Earth Dragon or Red Dragon quest, I'd have no problem taking it on."
"Okay sir, but I'd still like to remind you to immediately get one if you ever change your mind."
"Thank you, now I'd like to ask if there's any ancient caves or ruins that we could visit."
"Sorry sir, but the forest of Edore is extremely quiet apart from some beasts here and there. Also, before I forget. May I ask if there's anything noteworthy from this quest."
"Spiders, large ones."
"Spiders, sir?"
"Yes. We fought spiders that seemed to have eaten the local demonic wolf population."
"That's strange. We've had reports of smaller ones. But never at this scale, I'll immediately send a request to the Order of Knights to investigate. Thank you sir."
"No problem. Have a good day."
He then plops the large spider egg he has and the woman just looks baffled at its size. The party soon calls it a day and heads back to the Merchants lodging where they once again slept through the night. After a good night's sleep, the fear of yesterday's affair had completely left the Knight. He looks around and notices that Bahamut was still in deep sleep on his pillow. The small Dragon had a long day, he caressed her scaly back, a faint smile could be seen on her mouth.
"Oh my good morning, Mi'Lord"
"Ah, Alana. Good Morning."
"Seemed that someone had a good night's sleep."
"I guess the stupid smile on my face gave it away huh?"
"Exactly. You're particularly easy to read."
"Is that a compliment or an insult?"
"Depends."
"Huh, well. Let's pack our stuff and ask around for our next destination, though this is a pretty quiet town. The guards or merchants might know a thing or two."
He slowly gets up, making sure to not disturb the sleeping Dragon. The vampire laughs at his shorts that had the style of red hearts. He immediately puts on his shirt and pants, returning to his work outfit. After wearing his trenchcoat and checking his fedora, he picks up Bahamut with his black gloves and gently slips her into his trench coat's pocket. They headed out to the hallway and started asking merchants for any information of ancient ruins or dungeons.