It was once again Morning, and the trio was again ready to go out for the day. The Countess was already ready to go. Asking Paul on what they're gonna do for the day.
"So... what's on the list?"
Her demeanor was upbeat and she was visibly excited to roam around the modern city. Bahamut who has been around is not excited but instead curious of the Vampire's thoughts. So far, she and Paul had only fought Vampires and interacted with them on special occasions in Dark World.
"Well, I'd like to see if I could buy some disguises. Modern clothing doesn't really fit the aesthetic of this world."
"Finally, my specialty!"
"It better not be expensive, OR far away woman. Let's keep it all within a block."
After twenty minutes of driving, Paul's face is visibly bored and his back is slouching from staring at shop names for so long. He got so bored that his eyes instead wandered off to restaurants and food stands and was talking to the driver about fast food, but after a few more minutes Alana found a shop named "Medieval Linteum" with the slogan "For all your Old Time Outfit needs", it was written both in English and Dragonian. A language she knows very well being the widely used one. Alana tells them to stop and opens the passenger side door, going straight inside. Paul, the driver and Bahamut are left thinking "Well, she's excited."
Inside, they're met with a middle aged man wearing a Nobleman's outfit. Complete with the decorative sword. The shop had the decor of an old time Mansion, filled to the brim with the most famous outfits used in the Medieval Era. Ranging from Village Clothes, Castle Guard, Knight to a Noble and Kings. Paul immediately goes to the counter and asks the man for price ranges with the Dragon while the Countess was already picking outfits.
"Yea, so Two Silver to Ten Gold..."
"Yep, and I assure you these might have the same look as the ones they had back then, but these ones are better insulated, better cloth are also used, some I even personally enchant."
"I guess those are within the Ten Gold price range?"
"Ha! Stuff like that are the ones you'd see in the backroom. And we also accept Aeralous and Maximallus currencies. Derkav we sadly have no exchange for."
"Interesting, I am a businessman myself and I never really wrapped myself around the economy of this foreign land."
"It's not simple due to the large and small Kingdoms that litter the land, but the general idea is that there's a certain currency widely used, aka the Aeralous and Maximallus. But there's also minor ones like Tenner and Rugertart from smaller but major trading hub nations."
"Uh huh, and which country currently has the biggest stockpile of money?"
Already, Alana approached him. Her left arm full of outfits, using her right hand, she tugs Paul's jacket. Dragging him to the changing room while he was still busy talking to the shop owner about economics. Now curious about the couple, he follows them, entertaining their questions on the way.
"I see, well if it's a disguise. Those Villager outfits you picked ma'am are perfect. If you want custom ones, I'd be more than happy to oblige."
"Oh no thank you, we're in a rush."
Changing into the outfit, Paul reveals himself. Absolutely dumbfounded at the need for two belts.
"Exactly why are there two belts? And what's with this vest?"
"Hmmm... it looks good on you." Patting his shoulder, the shop owner then proceeds to comment even more.
"With that normal but handsome face of yours, you can actually pull that off without that much problem."
"And how much is this?"
"One Silver and Three Bronze. If you want to see the exchange rate, I have a flyer on the counter."
"That's... that's actually pretty reasonable in my eyes and no need for that flyer. I'll be using the old currency."
"Also, the second belt is supposed to be used for slinging tools and weapons."
"Ah, so that's what this is for."
The Vampire then butts in.
"Okay now, try this. With the cape!"
She throws at him what looked to be a Renaissance Noble's uniform. Complete with a blue cape and a gold Aiguillette. He looks at it with discontent only used to wearing modern uniforms, but nonetheless goes back in and changes to it. The Shop Owner, seeing how he isn't that well versed in fashion, goes in to help him out. After a while and some ruckus, the shop owner opens the changing rooms door.
He looked the part, even to the hair and posture. This absolutely sends Alana on a fit. Commenting on how he even beats some of the Vampire Aristocracy in looking like a rich man with nothing to lose.
"Okay, I get it. But what the hell? Isn't the cape a bit over the top?"
"No! It looks perfect! Ohhh...!" She claps her hands in amusement. "Well definitely buy it!"
The shop owner then comments "Oh it's not over yet. That's an expensive outfit, so of course it'll go with accessories." The owner then gives him a scabbard and a decorative rapier, he also gives him random medals and a small ribbon rack which he puts on.
"Can this scabbard actually take in a Rapier? Because I have a real one with me."
"Oh of course! My outfits are both for looks and functionality!"
He materializes an ornate Rapier, with a Golden Pommel and Guard, its edges are aligned with Silver while the rest is in Adamantium.
"Oh wow, that's the Rapier of King Lost."
"Yea, I was there at the Event. That fucking Castle boss really made me quit for a few days."
"Ahahaha, I remember that event too. I picked the Longsword though."
"Already have one from the Underworld, so I might as well try this one out. Never really had a thing for these lighter weapons."
"Ah! Wait, let me get something."
He goes back to the counter, rummaging after something while the Countess feels as if a switch was turned on inside her and constantly goes around Paul, checking the outfit and his outline. Enthralled by his new look while Bahamut is hissing at her stare. "Got it!" Screams the owner, revealing on his hand a Pomade.
"Oh Christ, that looks freaking expensive. Put that back."
"Noooo... my friend! You look the part, the only thing missing is the hair."
Pushing him back to the changing room and fixing his outfit even more, Paul exits a different man. If it weren't for his emotionless face, he'd be right at home at a gigantic Kingdom's castle as one of the higher Nobles of the house. What finishes it is the shiny effect the pomade put on his hair which was already in a formal look with 1/3rd parted. Seeing Alana, smacking her lips with a seductive aura around her sends shivers and arousal to his body.
"Your wife seems to be content with this one." The owner whispers to him. Paul did not protest as he knows it won't do much, he instead replies:
"How much for this and the Villager outfit..."
"I'll discount it for you since you two gave me a good time, Twelve Gold."
"Deal."
"I'll add in some spares for the Villager one, they're relatively easy to make."
The two shake each other's hand, sealing the deal. After removing the outfit, Paul then sits down at the changing rooms wooden bench with the owner, Bahamut on top of his legs, wrapped like a kitten. Alana on the other hand goes into the room, changing.
"So you've been traveling with her for a month or two now?"
"Pretty much, as much as she's a looker, she has her quirks."
"Heh, isn't that any pretty lady out there."
"I guess, I live the corporate life and yea, women are out for my wallet."
"At least now you've met one richer than you. Ahahahaha!"
"I never really considered myself rich. Wealthy for sure, but I direct all my earnings back to the company. For it to expand and grow, I lived a relatively boring life, hence why I go into Full Dive games and pretend that I actually have an interesting life."
"A true entrepreneur aren't we? I ain't so different myself, the only difference is that I carried it into Dark World and will you look at that, getting teleported to another world wasn't as bad for me as I had my virtual business."
"Where were you though? Before going here?"
"I was at Meilurious' capital Tervat and before that, I was at Libertus' Kingdom. I left it because the shitbag players running the show had no idea on how to adapt to the new world. There was also panic for the first few weeks, I wasn't. Was busy thinking ahead."
"Was frozen sadly, so I don't know what happened within the first five months here."
"A lot of wars, mass panic and shitty things. I guess I gotta hand it to you guys, going against the Community's status quo and going modern. At least here, I can pretend I'm back at home."
"Thank you. But be ready to leave."
"Of course."
The Countess opens the door, revealing herself in an outfit commoners use. A bit shy, it only adds to her look as she carries the brown villager girl clothes without much of a problem other than her more posh allure. She was straight up perfect for the Village Beauty look and looked innocent, completely removing the scary aura that came with her dress.
"Holy..." the owner comments.
"Well well well, the town beauty has graced us oh sire!"
She then performs a small twirl, showing off the dress and its apron while giving a smile. As if the two men were struck by lightning, they smile back. Slowly, Paul picks up Bahamut and gently puts her down the extra space on the seat and stands up.
"I'll definitely buy that."
"I'll get the bags."
The two make a valiant thumbs up and go into action, immediately paying and the shop owner taking three sets of the outfit in different colors into bags. They then hurriedly go back to the seat. With their backs straight and having the eyes of a puppy. Bahamut just gushes them off and goes back to resting. "Never change M'Lord." she whispers.
After a while, she dons a dress of a Noblewoman. The Ornate Green Victorian dress was perfect for her, turning her usual dangerous and beautiful look to that of a harmless Noble lady. Immediately impressed, the two clap their hands while showering her with compliments. Every time she twirls or spins, the two even clap harder.
"If only my wife looked like that...'' Paul immediately turns at the shop owner, with a shocked expression.
"What? She isn't here."
After a brief second, they both mutually go back to clapping and showering her with compliments, which only feeds the Vampire's ego.
"Yes! Praise me more mortals!" She then closes the door, changing to the last outfit. Paul on the other hand has a lot to say.
"I feel very lucky,"
"You're extremely lucky."
"I'll definitely buy that."
"Mhm, heck I'll offer you an enchanted one with an Allure Skill."
"Dude, she already captivated us and our little Johnnies just by standing and spinning. I think that would be an overkill."
"Gotcha."
Eagerly waiting for the last outfit, they lean in a bit closer, sitting more on the edge of the bench. Both of their faces were serious, with adrenaline running through their veins waiting for her to change. The door then swings open, but she doesn't come out.
"Woah..."
In a second, she slowly walks forward, revealing her crimson red Gothic dress. It had a bit of a shine and was ornate from bottom to top, the dress is cut down the middle of her breasts, making a narrow curve shape stopping just under her navel, leaving her stomach and cleavage bare. It exposes for all to see how full and well formed her breasts and chest are. The two were silent, which prompted her to speak.
"Enjoy the privilege mortals, only the highest of the Vampire Nobility could see me in such a dress." she said with such a mature and sexy voice that the shop owner's nose burst. Uncontrollably bleeding and knocking him out while Paul's mouth started watering.
"Heh. Humans, always amusing..." she commented. Still entranced by her, Paul couldn't help but comment on the ridiculous headdress which seemed to be her hair curled nicely in golden curls with her back hair laid back.
"Though, what's with that? Looks like two large tubes."
"If you want, I could just let my hair down M'Lord."
"Yea, I'd prefer that. That seems very hard to get around with."
Completing his sentence, he also plops down, knocked out by her beauty. Bahamut on the other hand peeks and sees the Vampire in full Gothic look and sees the two humans dead on the floor.
"Thou should calm down with thy teases."
"Oh, I'm sure you would've done the same."
"... Dost cannot answer that. Heheh."
"Heh, knew it." Alana smirks at the small Dragon. After a while, the two woke up and the Vampire was sitting down next to them. Paul goes into his jacket and gives the shop owner a bag of coins.
"Twe-twenty... Gold..."
"It's actually thirty five... but I'll take it."
With bags full of outfits, Alana lets Paul carry it. Becoming a baggage boy in service uniform. People and Adventurers on the streets couldn't help but look at the two, an extremely beautiful Vampire in a gown followed by a General with his hand full of bags and a Dragon sitting like a dog on his right shoulder.
"Are we still gonna shop?"
"Yes, our wagon needs some stuff for cooking."
"Wait, you're gonna be the cook?"
"I'd also like to buy one of those Recipe Books as they call it."
Knowing the hell he's about to step on, he just swallows his pride and gets on with it. After a grueling three hours of shopping and the General slouching from carrying so many bags, they make their way back to the Humvee and to the stables where Paul's horse and wagon is kept.
"Uhhhh... sir?" the driver of the Humvee comments.
"Yes Corporal..."
"General Trevor just said he'll be attaching some of his Black Ops units to you on the train run. Including the SOAR Blackhawks and Chinooks."
"Heh."
The drive took an hour, the scenery changed from the mighty and tall concrete jungle to the dense forest. Near where the defense line used to be is a large barn where players kept their horses and wagons. Tired, Paul screams at some of the soldiers stationed there to help him move the items he bought with Alana.
Thousands of miles away in a Labyrinth, the Joint Scientific Expeditionary Team is rummaging through shrine rubble with Caterpillar Excavators and Bulldozers. The lead Scientist of the team was a well built young man with a thick German accent. Ordering the various soldiers in helping the movement of machinery and tools.
"Yes! Move the Dozer over there! That wall has some writings we do not know of yet, so keep it intact!"
His handheld radio then comes to life, a soldier with a Russian accent tunes in.
"Comrade Trautmann, a man in a robe, says he represents the Meridians Werewolf tribe. We might need you on the surface sir."
"Uhhh... kindly tell him to fuck off. I have ninety things to do here."
"Sir, their disturbing Doctor Reinerth and his men."
"Sheisse, are you even soldiers? I swear some of you are children playing with guns."
"Some of us are actually that sir. Not everyone who plays Dark World VR is an adult."
"You know, we used to stack bodies ten feet high in CoD matches with you children! Helmut! I'll go up there."
On the grand entrance of the derelict Labyrinth, stood a lone man illuminated by the floodlights as heavy rain hurled down on the dirt, turning it into mud. Soldiers are rushing left and right, taking cover and manning the guard towers while M1A2C Abrams with T-80BVMs roll towards the gate of the outpost. The Head Scientist annoyingly walks through the commotion, the boots of the soldiers splash mud everywhere and transport helicopters pass above him carrying artifacts and cargo.
He reaches the gate of the outpost, soldiers saluting him as he passes through the fence and to the outside.
"What is it? Why have you called me at such a momentous time?"
"I'd like to recommend to you and your... machines to return from whence you came from. There's nothing in that Labyrinth but death. Drei Thousa Veitra Tred."
"Oh, nothing but truer words. But believe me, it isn't our first time dealing with traps in a confined space. Used to it even, now if that's all. I recommend you vacate the premises before these trigger happy kids gun you down for trespassing. Thousa Catud uns Retder. It might've only been half a year, but I already know your language, old man."
Behind him, a Russian and American Guild Officer are hurriedly walking to the entrance to try to interdict the conversation and calm the disturbed Head Scientist. The two were fully aware on how to handle his bravado and quickly dispersed the situation.
"You do not know of the secrets that hide within that place. I suggest you all go back before it's too late."
"No, we've come too far. Crossed an ocean just to get to this barren hellhole full of slavers and pedos."
"If that's what you wish. Actrete Youdou datu Irekka."
Large wolves, some taller than the tanks appear from the forest. The two officers arrive at the main entrance, splashing mud at the Head Scientist who could only look at them in anger as their combat boots hit the ground violently. Panting and tired, the two get into serious mode immediately.
"Petrov! Get this man outta here!"
"Da!"
The Russian Officer comically pulls the angered Scientist as he throws slurs at the man in the robe. Though his face and body is hidden, the American could feel that he's not good news.
"Sir, I implore you to return now."
"If you ever find a Sarcophagus... "
"Uhhh... yes?"
"Do not open it, do not give into its temptation, most of all DO NOT give it blood."
"Uh huh..." The American then clicks the speak button on his AN/PRC radio. "Thermite to all callsigns, watch out for some sort of a coffin underneath, classify it as a Dangerous Item. Only to be touched by experts, over." he then stares down the tall and burly bearded man in robe. His face was full of confidence and courage, showing his fierce loyalty to his duty.
"Alright, I've warned my men."
"Then so be it."
The Officer turns around, walking back to the Labyrinth when the strange old man says one last thing.
"It took the collective power of the Dreida Clan, of the old Hero and Saviour of the Holy See and of the Ancient Elves to even pacify that thirsty beast. It's because of that labyrinth that this once bountiful land turned to a desert... You've been warned, human."
He could only swallow at the warning. The man's unusual accent was heavier and clearer. Back inside the Labyrinth, the Head Scientist takes a makeshift elevator down to the bottom. An altimeter inside it signifies how deep he was going, stopping at Four hundred feet, where Dozers and Front Loaders were constantly moving rubble. One of its operators goes into the radio and tells the rest to stop as they've reached some sort of a wall. Preventing them to push in the large rock and excavate it.
"Then get the Demolition team! Sheisse!" The Head Scientist annoyingly closes his radio and orders all the men to stand back as they call in a squad from the Expedition's Engineer Company. They planted Plastic Explosives and before pressing the Clacker, he ordered everyone to do a head check. Ensuring all of the workers safety and well being before blasting the rubble.
The explosion sent dirt everywhere on the floor. After most of the dust had settled, they got back to work. With the heavy machines in station, they made quick work of the remaining pieces of rubble, bulldozing it out of the way. Revealing an ornate door that was two times the height of an average human, its art was depicting a great war between super humans and Knights. There was also a button on the wall that made the Head Scientist jump in excitement.
"Oh my, oh my! Quickly! Call the rest of the team and bring in the soldiers! Los. Seems that we're wrong, we aren't the first advanced civilization of humans to arrive here or they've always been smart but somehow got stopped in advancing."
After the other Scientists and Professors took photos and wrote down their findings, soldiers in US OCP and Russian Ratnik uniforms formed a line in front of the door while the group of experts hid behind them. Two Russians, one with a bulletproof shield and another with a PKP light machine approach the door slowly. Using his AK-74 resting on the shield, he uses its muzzle to press the button, triggering the mechanism and opening the door.
Adrenaline immediately flew into their veins as immense power exited the door like a typhoon's gust. Guns up, they tactically move in unison, entering the room and scanning all four of its corners. It took them ten minutes to fully clear the room, walking in every part of it.
"ALL CLEAR!" the squad leader shouts, declaring the burial room of sorts good for non combatants to enter. Scientists quickly rush inside and see an Ornate Sarcophagus in the middle of the room while the walls had writings and depictions of a bloodsucker taking over all the continents and enslaving humanity till the Elves rose with the Werewolves, Dragons, and even Demons with surviving humans.
"Gott mit uns..." The Doctor whispered to himself.
"Sir! Over here!" One the soldiers call him out, which he promptly looks at.
"It's English!"
The large writing on the says:
"Beware all those who enter upon this place, do not awaken what's inside that Coffin. It took the collective powers of this world and another world to bring her unstoppable thirst for blood and conquest to end. If you ever see this, exit all those who've come asunder to. Leave now, what you seek is not here. Be with power or curiosity, only death awaits here."
After further examination, Japanese text was also written together with the languages of the Natives of the land.
"We got more English here!" A soldier calls out on the other side of the room.
Even more excited, the Head Scientist goes to it and reads the text.
"The one that defeated this Queen of the Night was not only of the Holy See's Saint, but of her own kind. Vampires who had enough of her devilish rule defected and in the end, sucked her dry as she slept. Now resting, her lifeforce still remains, seeking for any who give their blood to her corpse and reanimate her."
"We must quickly finish the expedition, Comrade Professor. I'm planning on blowing this entire Labyrinth and forever trapping this monster in." The Russian Officer wasn't having any of it and the look on his eyes showed he wasn't gonna take no for an answer.
"Calm down Colonel, let us first assess the situation and determine how we'll handle this."
"Are you blind?! Can you not see! The entire room is full of warnings! Let us vacate now, there's nothing here that'll bring us back home."
"And if there is? Are you gonna let it be buried here while we continually wish to see our Wives and Daughters, Mothers and Fathers?!"
Behind the Sarcophagus, the American Officer discovers a hidden door underneath the Marble floor. A perfect square which could only be a missing door knob is discovered.
"HEY! GOEBBELS AND ZHUKOV!" The taunt of the American gets the two's attention who were busy arguing.
"You might want to see this!" As the other Scientist took photographs of the evidence they found, the door was inspected by Engineers which declared it to be indestructible. One of them said it was a mixture of Adamantium and Enchanted Steel which would require an equal or more powerful sword or weapon to penetrate it. Not wanting to give up, the Head Scientist talks with his subordinates on how to bypass it.
After some talking and investigating, they instead planned on digging the entrance out with the Excavators and Dozers. Prompting them to move the Sarcophagus and store it on the surface while they open pry the entire door out. The Officers onsite protested but agreed that there might be something more to the labyrinth that's worth exploring. In return to continuing the expedition, the Scientists are to not transport or move the Coffin of the Ancient one outside of the Outpost and are to be protected and guarded 24/7.
Placing Sandbags and armored covers for the walls, they blow up the once beautiful ancient marble floor open. An Excavator then moves in and uses its bucket to pry the door. It took the Caterpillar 320D some effort but succeeded on its fifth try. Soldiers quickly move in, Bulletproof shield first, the door revealed a steep staircase that goes even deeper. Already, they throw rocks on the first flight of stairs, revealing multiple poison arrow traps. As the soldiers surgically activate the traps, a firefight occurs on the surface.
"This is Bullhorn! We're receiving magical and conventional attacks from the forest! Large Lances and Fireballs! Requesting all units to expedite their tasks and join in the defense!"
Little did they know a combined force was upon their doors. Hellbent on containing the Ancient one that resides in the old Labyrinth. Not wanting to surrender their progress, the two Officers hastily order everything to be loaded on the Chinooks and Mi-26s parked in the Entrance Outpost. Though the rain recommended all helicopters to be grounded, the hardened Pilots didn't think any of it, suiting up and starting their rotorcrafts' engines. As they charge through the gates, the outpost fires everything they got on the invaders.
The large Wolves was able to tank multiple shots of .50s and 12.7s before going down, they're ability to jump while being maneuverable proved hard to counter. Slowly, the organized defense becomes a confusing mess. The Logistics company stayed efficient, loading all the artifacts, photos and information they have. One Forklift unknowingly moves a large tall box which was secretly carrying the Sarcophagus. Helicopters were already taking off while the ones armed leveled the playing field, UH-60M Blackhawks used its door mounted M134 Miniguns to stem the tide, hundreds of Elves and Wolves were dying in droves.
Mi-26s take off, one unknowingly carrying the Ancient one. As the Pilot pulls the Collective Up, he looks to his right and could see one of the Chinooks that was gaining altitude got ambushed and its cockpit bitten off by an insanely large Wolf with armor on. Killing it's crew and destroying its cargo. Unable to do anything, the Slavic Pilots continue their flight. Headed to the Cape of Good Faith.