Army of the Damned

VOLUME 10 Chapter 10

"... And with today's early afternoon news. Paddock Street and Jouko Street in Center Downtown will be closed as the military will be busy fortifying the area. All shops and land owners will be given PSA's to give to their employees and paying customers in the event of an evacuation."

"Man, things are really heating up huh? You know, the knock off Starbucks I go to has a tank sitting in front of it now?"

"Really? Well the Salon I go to now has sandbags on its front."

"Yeah, and the good view I used to have on the Park is now covered! And have you seen the army tents they've put up on the park?"

"We'll save that for later. Now, to Goblin Weather by yours truly, the lively Meteorological Expert of the city! Sir Spinexus!"

"Yellow Zavalda! Today's weather is expected to reach the positives finally! With the coming days, you should expect the temperature to finally hit the tens! Though we are still seeing a bit of formation of snow clouds right here in the Kingdom of Gareth north of bus, and the cold front coming down from Schon."

Eating chips while lazily resting his entire body on the sofa watching TV. General Paul yawns as Bahamut in her small Dragon form snuggles up to his neck and yawns alongside him. He looks up at the digital clock on top of the flatscreen and it indicates the time is 1 in the afternoon and the temperature has hit a flat zero.

"M'Lord, I'll be back later."

"Be careful."

Alana in a civilian outfit bowed, wearing sneakers and denims with an oversized shirt, she walked to the two resting people and gave the General a quick hug, squeezing his tired head and then she gave Bahamut a quick chin scratch and scurried off to the exit. Elizabeth on the other hand casually struts over to the kitchen. Opening a cabinet and then a fridge. "My Lord, I'll be on a trip to the city in an hour. Will I be able to find you in the city hall?"

"No... haaaaa... aaaahhh..." he stretches his arms out, while arching his back forward. "I'll be in the police station if I ever get the motivation today. I spent the entire night planning and oh! We might be getting two new people to join us today!"

"I shall keep that in mind. Oh, and it's pretty rare to see you lazy, My Lord. You always seemed to be on the edge of overworking yourself."

"It's just part of Asian culture. What happened today is an anomaly."

"Do enjoy your break, My Lord. I've been seeing your work day by day and you deserve to take a breather for now."

"We'll see. I might still go to work. Just a bit very late. I'd rather not wait for the permission to go to the Mana Core in the office, way better here. I can wear whatever I want and eat!"

Elizabeth then kisses the top of Paul's head and scratches Bahamut's belly as she returns to her room with food and the two go back to nonchalantly watching the TV.

"Master, can you sharpen my claws today?"

He then turns his face to look at the small Dragon snuggled up to his head and neck. "Why are you even in your Dragon form today?"

"It's cold. I want to feel the natural heat of my Dragon body, Master."

"... Later. Let's watch some more TV first."

After a few seconds, Bahamut once again looks up to the General.

"Master, you like High Heels right?"

"I do. But it doesn't really matter if you don't wear one."

"Since... I've been trying out more modern clothing and shoes, slip ons feel very nice."

"They do and should. Just don't wear them to more professional settings, Bahamut. Keep it around here or when going to the shop."

"I see... and what about a high school uniform?"

General Paul's eyes widens and he turned his face to look at the small Dragon next to him.

"What... what about it?"

"You said I'd look good in one right, Master?"

"What I meant by that is that you can pull off that dark mysterious anime character. You know, the one that is into the occult and is usually broody and scary?"

"What?! I don't look like that at all, Master!"

"Bahamut..."

"Okay, maybe a bit. But I am a very happy Dragon!"

"And those anime girls usually wear like long skirts with pale faces and their hime cut is really thick. Yours, well it's not that thick. I can still see some sections of your thin eyebrows through it."

"Ehhhhh... but aren't high school girl uniforms usually white?"

"There are the black sailor uniforms from the eighties that really would look good on you, I feel."

Bach then comes out of his room. With a sheet of music paper sticking to his wet feet. With a groggy posture and face, he walks to the living room to fetch some water from the pitcher on the table. He then hears the tiny growl of a Dragon and looks over to the General and sees a small blackish lizard-like creature with wings yawning. His face then wakes up and he runs over to take a look at the small Dragon.

"AWWW ITS SO CUTE!"

"Ah, hey Bach."

"I never knew Bahamut could do that! Awwww! Hello!"

"I am still me, Bard. Beware."

"Oh wow, feisty too."

"Can you do me a favor and fetch the sharpener on the cabinet there?"

He points at the cabinet in the living room and Bach opens it and takes a small plastic box full of equipment for dragon care. "Take the file looking thing and hand it to me." Following his instructions and giving him the file, Paul then starts sharpening Bahamut's nails. The Dragon immediately smiles in pure ecstasy as he carefully makes her claws more presentable.

"Wow. Can I try?"

"Take the brush with the metal hair and skim it over her spiky spine. Don't force it, just let it glide."

The two then work in grooming the Dragon as Bahamut is treated like royalty by the two. Even though the General wasn't 100% himself. His years of taking care of the Dragon showed and he was able to do his job with very little effort and is outright ignoring her claws and letting his hands do all the magic. "I should get me a Dragon. Man, this is cool."

"Just know the responsibility. Dragons are a big help but also a big hurdle if you're not prepared."

"Oh! I just remembered! I have Dragon Compilations saved up on my TV!"

Bach then takes the remote and switches it over to saved Movies and there he had a roster of folders ranging from Bard Music Tutorials to random ones and one about Dragons. He plays the first one and it shows a baby Dragon in an Inn. The players try to catch it as they use magic and enchanted weapons to make the small nimble armored lizard land. After ransacking hte place alongside the Inn owner, they were all left in a destroyed establishment and everyone knocked out for overusing their Mana. The Dragon then lands in front of its owner and licks its nose. The General smiles and chuckles. "Yeah, I get that. Bahamut was like that too when she first returned to Tur. Little thing couldn't help but fly around and see the world again."

It then switches to a bunch of players walking into a cave. Behind them, a max level True Dragon. It then cuts to them making a fake Dragons nest. Letting the green Dragon make a circle with its fire breath and then they put hay and sticks. The video then cuts to them going to a local Town and posting a flyer to kill some low level trash goblins. "Oh wait! I know that town! That's in Beginner island!" a bunch of Knights in blue armor then looked at it and then walked past it and a caption appears "We asked permission from the Shineguards!". The video then cuts once again and this time showing a bunch of haphazardly strewn together equipment of an Adventurer Group seeing the poster. They then head to the local Inn and the video once again cuts to multiple other low level groups taking the poster and heading in to talk to one of the players.

"Welcome, welcome. Yes, we need someone to go and clear out those Goblins."

"You look pretty high level. Why not do it yourself?"

"I'm part of a larger Guild. Wasting expensive equipment on a job like this is way better to be given to you guys who need the EXP."

"Is the One Thousand Gold payment real? Even the Alive NPCs won't give that much."

"Of course! Take it as a gratitude from us."

It then cuts to them leaving the Inn and the camera flying away. In some of the parts, you could see the wings of a Crow as the camera then lands on the base of a small mountain and it morphs into an armored Knight. The player immediately makes a gesture and the huge Dragon the size of a highway bus hides inside the cave alongside the Knights. With all of them giggling and laughing evilly.

It then cuts to the first group of players walking into the cave. After a small growl that doesn't even indicate hostility, they all dropped their weapons and made a run for their lives. The General watching the video chuckled even more as he smiled at their reaction. With one of the players throwing their iron helmet into the darkness.

Cutting again, this time showing the 2nd group which was more well rounded with even their own mage. The huge Dragon then peers from the cave and rather than running, four of them just stood trembling at the sight of the huge green dragon appearing from the dark cave. One of the players from the group who was running looked to turn around to see the four of his members frozen still. He drops his sword and falls on the ground but gets up and forcefully drags the four of them away. Leaving on the wide brim mage hat on the ground on where they used to be.

"PFFT! Bwahahaha! Ah man, that reminds me of my first time facing a Dragon."

After showing three more equally chaotic and panicked reactions. The video then cuts to them shaking hands with the players and handing them a contract for 5000 Gold coins and thanking them. Some even took a photo with the huge Dragon and others petted it.

"Oh! What Dragon was that anyways?"

"That? That's Greimheild. The Forest Dragon. He is the largest Dragon you can get."

"Ohhhhhh, no wonder he was larger than your usual one."

"Yeah, that was a pretty cute use of a Dragon. Bahamut, we should totally do that now that you can access your humongous size."

"Master, how would you even hide my size? I had to resort to sleeping in the Void for that reason."

"Oh no, we aren't going to hide it. We can maybe... Oh! Hide you in the ocean and then have you rise up! Or have the rumors of a giant sea creature become real! Ahahahahaha!"

The video then shows a female player with a baby Dragon. She was giving instructions on how to clean its wings using medieval soap when it suddenly sneezes and alongside it, a plume of fire. Burning her face black. "AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! WAAAAA AHAHAHAH!" The General couldn't stop laughing as he fell on the floor. "THAT THAT IS WHY I USED TO WEAR MY KNIGHT HELMET! BWAHAHAHA!" Bahamut peeks from the top of the sofa and then down to her Master who was crying and holding his tummy from laughing so much. Bach then looks at Bahamut.

"You seemed to be a handful back then."

"I wasn't! Master was always going on about taking care of me! But I can totally self groom if I wanted to!"

"And yet you didn't protest it?"

"I mean... Master is a soft man with hard hands. I couldn't really say no to his smile."

"Awwwww, you really love him don't you?"

Bach then uses his thumb to massage her head. The General, with tearful eyes, sits back down and swirls his finger. This made Bahamut turn on her belly as she put her back legs into his chest. "Eeeesh, look at you being spoiled. Stretch your legs more." he then continues sharpening her claws as the video continues to play. The next one shows a busty female streamer showcasing her Dragon that has fully matured. Having two Locketts, one for the audience and another for close up. She walks to her Dragon who has learned the skill to morph into his human form finally. Knowing this, the General smiles in his seat while Bahamut just keeps reacting to the pleasure she's having from her claws being neatly filed.

"So guys, thanks to all of your donations and today, we will finally be able to get our very own Humanoid Dragon! Take it away Draxus!"

The Dragon then turns into a human. A bulky and fully shaved six foot tall muscled man with a brimstone jawline that can make any woman fall for him in a single glance, but the problem was, he didn't have any clothes and was completely naked. She had a good five second stare and a bit of drool before realizing and her stream getting banned. "PFFT! BAHAHAHAHAH!"

"Was it the same for Bahamut?"

"No. Bahamut already had clothes. Looks like she got one that never turned into a human before."

"Ah, makes sense. Well, I'll go and get my suit on. I have an appointment to the City Hall. Emissaries of Avaria will be arriving."

"Wait... they actually came?!"

"Oh, was that your call?"

"Yeah. I was looking into someone. Oh damn, ugh. When will they arrive?"

"No one knows. I think the Airbase is getting a helicopter to speed things up as getting here via carriage will take weeks."

"Goddammit. Well, fuck it. I'll continue sleeping here. I'm sure they'll call if they need me."

Bach soon leaves and after an hour and a half, he comes back to the living room all suited up and carrying with him a briefcase. He looks over to the couch and sees the General loudly snoring in his white shirt and pinstripe shorts. His hand gripping over the voluptuous breast as Bahamut slept tightly in her human form. Her head using the General's solid thighs as a pillow as she also snored loudly, the two paired with their equally annoying sound whilst asleep.

The Dragon then shifts over to turn to the TV and General Paul's hand seemingly had a radar and even while asleep, his hand moved to cup her breast. Bach just smiles and leaves the two. Inside the main lobby, he sees that Elizabeth is playing the Grand Piano there and stops to watch her play for everyone.

Up above, the telephone rings loudly. "Arrrgghhh..." Paul wipes his face and continues sleeping while the Dragon murmured something. The two absolutely avoided hearing the incessant alarm of the phone as they enjoyed the comfy leather of the couch and the cold temperature on the gloomy afternoon. "Mmmmm... Master." he opens one eye and looks down and sees that his right hand was enjoying a feel and Bahamut's head over his thighs. "Bahamut... wake up." he lets go and pokes at the Dragon's cheeks. "Mmmmm... five more minutes." he then stretches as he growls like an old man. With gentle and slow movements, he lifts her head and grabs two pillows for her to use.

Walking over to the phone. He picks it up and with a low and monotone voice, answers the call.

"Hmmm... Bach residence. Guest speaking."

"General Jackson sir?"

"Oh, Colonel Cresco. What's up?"

"Sir, the Emissaries of Avaria will be arriving in an hour. They want to speak with you about a matter urgently. They also brought with them the Ministry of Magic. This seems to be big, sir."

"Ah fuck. Alright, alright. I'll be there." he returns the phone and looks over to Bahamut, sleeping neatly in short shorts and a T-shirt. "Bahamut, I'll be taking a bath."

"Hmmmm... have a safe trip. Master..."

After finishing taking a shower. The man donned his uniform and packed his things into a briefcase of his own. Using magic, the General uses a bit of heat to quickly form his hair. Neatly divided into the left side. Looking like a made man once again except his still lazy posture. The man exits out and sees Bahamut was also in civilian clothes. Wearing leggings and a form fitting shirt with an image of a Steak on a silver platter, she waves at him. Her straight bangs and hair with her youthful but mature motherly aura coupled with her pale skin made her look like your typical big sister teenage woman.

"I thought you weren't coming."

"Eh, everyone was already gone. I might as well go around the city, Master."

"You should rest still. Later, I'll be having you to detain all those powerful people. You need all the energy you can get."

She then walks to him and squeezes his right arm. Placing her head on his broad shoulder. "Hmmmm... that's good energy." he smiles and pats her head. The two exit out and into the elevator where they see Bach and Elizabeth both playing the piano together. The two waved at them as they went out into the cold street. The city was in its usual business. Bustling with people and cars. They fetched a taxi and quickly took to Central. On the radio, the DJ cut his 80s song as a News segment came up. Using his alluring and deep voice, the man hits it off with the newscaster persona. "And here comes the news! Boop boop boop! We have rumors that a scandal is brewing within the Local Government! Ha! No shit Sherlock! The military is here and that means someone isn't paying their due! In other news, the Church of Bahamut kindly thanks the citizens of Geralda and Zavalda for their donations and says that reconstruction will begin immediately and a temporary roof has been erected and the pews returned! Bam! Bam! Bam! Here we are with the economics! We expect a rise in the currency of Elmynta as the High Elves boosted their exports of raw ore amidst tensions with-" Before they could hear the rest, the General stopped the cab and they're dropped off a block away from the Police Headquarters.

The two then walked along for a few hundred meters before they reached an intersection.

"I'll be heading over there then."

"Mm. Take good care of yourself, Master."

"I will. Don't go eating or stealing things now."

"I will try! Ahahahaha!"

"Haaaaaa... but that's just how you are. Just do your best as usual. Don't be late! I'll be waiting for you in the Headquarters tonight!"

"Don't worry, Master! We Dragons are always on time!"

"You better be."

The lights turn red and the walk icon goes green. With a quick hug between the two. She sends him off as he joins the crowd and disappears into the thick of the city. Bahamut then quickly puts her hands on her back as she shifts to smell the air. Turning her head straight down the sidewalk. Continuously walking, she stumbles about a Steakhouse and with a big smile. Heads in for a dine.

In the Police Headquarters in Central. He peeks over to his window and sees the tall tower of the City Hall just peeking over a block or two away as Colonel Cresco arrives, opening the door to his room and three Noblemen arrive wearing their finest garbs. The General just silently watched over the window with bits of ice on it. With a deep sigh, he turns around and bows to them.

"General Paul Jackson of the Joint Forces of the United Nations. Pleased to meet you Duke Varian and Marquise Jaustine. Baron Hakertt, please sit down there on the back."

The three bowed back and the two higher ranking nobles in colorful robes sat down in front of his desk.

"Ahem. Sir Jackson, I believe you have him?"

"About to, Marquise Jaustine."

"Good. Please, do not let him escape. That child was already dastardly when he was born."

"May I ask what's your relation with him?"

"He's my niece. By the Gods blessed gifts, he attained my strength and psychic ability, mastering the art at a young age like me. But the power has gotten to him, war made him thirst for more strength."

"I get it he was imprisoned for attacking his Commander and soon, experimented on?"

"He was. You see, that child possesses great power. One that can mend your very soul with nothing but a stare."

"Do not worry, Marquise. I have the perfect opponent for him."

"Ahem. As the Duke of the Capital, I absolutely need to bring that man home! He is of pure Evil!"

"I get that but we must wait. I've come to call you today to ask about his involvement with us, the Outworlders as you call. How did he come in contact with Zavalda and most of all, what can he do that he became Bedlam's CEO without raising much of a blink from the Government."

"I can tell you!"

The Marquise stood up, full of energy and vigor even at his aging form.

"That child can conjure spirits and images! He can not only do it from afar and from places unknown, but he can move objects at such a speed you wouldn't even know of it! He's a danger and-"

"It says on the Wanted Poster's back and he had military experience. Can you expand on that?"

"W-Well, he was of Highborn and like any other Noble. He must go off to war and serve his nation. He served us all well enough despite his disastrous breakdown!"

"So that's why you want him alive. I guess he proved to be an important piece in battle. Well, I cannot assure you he'll come back alive... or in one piece at least."

"No matter. He must be brought to justice, not only to the Court of the Military but also to the Duke himself!"

Walking down the sidewalk, Bahamut pats her tummy as she strutted along the path. Occasionally staring at food on display and sometimes at Jewelry shops with shiny ornaments ready to be bought by people. But with a reminder in her head, she kept walking along despite her urges and suddenly, a gust of headwind hits her and she smells of her kin once again. Following it, the woman ended up in front of a Dragon Pet Store two blocks away.

On its display windows, the baby Wyvern Dragons have all implanted themselves on it. Trying to get to her. "Sit down." with a single word. The babies all flew back to the floor and neatly returned to playing with the toys they have. She enters the shop and takes a look around at the shop. It was large, the width of two in one and a bit taller. The ceiling had dangling platforms the baby Dragons could fly to and glide down from. Tiny bits of meat were left on a large metal bowl that's ripe with burn marks.

"Oh! How may I help you?"

She looks at the end of the shop and sees an Elven man wearing a suit with an apron over it, feeding bottled milk to a sleepy Purple Dragon as he uses his upper arm to support its head.

"Nothing. I just smelled my kin here. Good to see them in good hands."

"Ah, a Dragon too! Please welcome! Do you need anything? I don't really sell stuff meant for Dragons in human form."

She then walks to the main floor and squats down to look at the baby Wyverns all being chaotic and messy while others are taking the chance to sleep amidst the mess. Bahamut smiles at the sight and starts gently patting a sleeping Black Wyvern.

"No. I just wanna look at the future of my kin. You do well taking care of so many of them."

"They don't call me the Dragon Whisperer for nothing! We used to have an Infant True Dragon, four legs and all. But she got bought long ago."

"I hope whoever bought her will take good care. We True Dragons are far and few now, but I do have hope the Wyverns will carry on our species far into the future."

"Hm. The Dragon Lizard War really did a number on you didn't it?"

"It did. It did to many of us."

"Why didn't you just accept the Lizards as your far off cousin?"

"Hahahahah, I do not suggest asking such a question to other powerful Dragons. I might understand where you're coming from Chosen One. But this question holds a lot of history that I cannot fully explain in one sitting."

"Ah, it's one of those huh. We never really found much about that war except that it was the one that bought your flying Isles crashing down to the land."

"The Lizards were wrong, but so were we. But we will never accept them as of our kin. We're just too different, and they might be strong. But not strong enough. Their souls are missing a component that you can only find in souls born from the original Gods of Tur."

"Weren't the Lizards born from the God of the Swamp?"

"Who was a Dragon. A Dragon foolish enough to decree the law of the living. To not make any living creatures without Nature's permission."

"The God of the Swamp was a Dragon?! That's lore no one knows yet. How did you know?"

"I was there when he became the God of the Swamplands. An annoying fellow, but a good man. A bit misguided too." Bahamut then stretches out her left arm and lets some of the baby Wyverns to land on it. "But that was eons ago. All I could remember was us Dragon Gods having a meeting on his heretical action. The Swamp was long emptying, the greenery of grass was overtaking it and the proliferation of the Yestmer... or the Elves as you call them made it impossible for the Swamps to forever stay as is. Cleansing the water accidentally as they prayed to their God endlessly."

"So that's what started the war! So how did the Dragons get involved then? Did the God of the Swamp help the Lizards?"

"That moron did. I told him not to, it would mean for his execution. But he saw the beauty of a swamp and what it preserved."

"Man, so that explains the carcasses of Dragons in Swamp lands."

"It's also why such places are so dangerous. Even with Master, we'd only travel to the Swamps when fully prepared."

She then stands up. Scratching the head of every one of the Infant Wyverns on her arm. "What is this?" She takes out from the mouth of a baby wyvern a chew toy in the shape of a steak.

"Ah, well. Baby Dragons don't have fully developed teeth. They need to continually break and regrow them till they're strong enough."

"I mean, why the shape of a steak?"

"That's just Yusrioh's preference. Little bugger would devour a Steak before anyone else."

"Funny, he's named after the Dragon of the Cloud..." Bahamut seemed to look down a bit as her golden godly eyes flickered.

"Miss?"

"Oops. I just remembered something."

"Seems that you're a very powerful Dragon huh? The fact that you lived this long to remember so many names."

"I have. But I do not brag about it now. Living long is a curse, I only remember these names as names for the newborn. Not names of great Dragons I've once fought and won against."

"Won against? Hmmmm..."

He then walks up to her and looks at her face closely.

"Are you... Mars?"

"PFFT. Mars?! How would I even look like her?! I do not have fiery red hair and messy bangs!"

"Ah well... Albion? Wait, was Albion a female?"

"Albion was a male. He also only showed his human form once. Which was to talk to the King of Heroes eye to eye."

"Then..."

"Albion has also passed away centuries ago."

"Ba-"

She then slowly nodded and the man couldn't help but react with a big smile and a fist pump in the air.

"I'm... a very big fan."

"I get that alot now."

"No, like I've been a fan way before then."

"Ohhhh... what made you a fan of me back then?"

He then goes through his memories and the first thing he thought was her well shaped curves and breasts as she spoke with a deep Motherly tone while pointing a Greatsword at the thousands of players charging at her.

"Reasons..."

"I get it and these reasons are the same as my Masters?"

"Yes..."

"Heh. I did really well in making this human form."

"I mean... man. Like, when the Loremasters finally came and examined all footage of you. You really outdone your human form. Though it's a bit too perfect."

"What does one mean by this? I keep hearing this is why I often get ousted immediately as a Dragon in disguise."

"Dragons in human form aren't really doing a pretty good job in terms of getting the little details correct. Like for example. Humans don't have a perfectly straight spine. The breasts of women are usually of center and one is larger than the other. It's the same with Vampires and how a simple X-Ray could expose them."

"Ohhhh... I thought these were mere imperfections of some humans. I never knew it was common amongst all of them. Then, your an Elf. "

"Oh, our spines are way more curved. You can actually see it sometimes when we're not in clothes."

"Interesting. Should I modify this form?"

"Hmmm... naw. I think Dragons in Human form has their own charm. It's like a subspecies of its own."

Bahamut then returns the chew toy back to the Dragon and lets them take off from her arm. She then walks through the shelves on the wall. Inspecting the various items meant for Dragon care. Ranging from your common file to the special soaps meant to get into every nook and cranny of a Dragons scaled armor to ones with lighter concentration for those with skin instead. Below it were potions meant for giving you Dragon more vitality or even cleaning the wounds and repairing the special scales of a certain Dragon.

"How long have you been doing this?"

"For quite a long time. I used to do this in Breznick's main city years ago."

"What happened?"

"I got tired of their wars. If it's not Libertus, they'd be fighting the Regencies. It just got so tiring with all the shortages. I wanted to travel to the main city of the Shine Guards since they never go to war with anyone and they helped me alot in Beginner Island. But no way I'd take care of Wyverns and True Dragons in the Dead Continent."

"So you came here?"

"Yup! And the modern amenities here made it easy for me to take care of multiple Dragons. Zavalda has been kind to me, though it's not perfect. The Guild of Ervtes never overstepped themselves or overtaxed me."

Some of the Baby Wyverns would then latch onto the walls and climb into hatches near the ceiling.

"Hmph. Keep it up. I Bahamut blesses you."

"Th-thank you!"

"Be sure to check your stats later on if you can. You should find a Passive Skill that'd be helpful for your troubles."

She then exits out the shop and then looks at the bus stop and its clock. "Uh oh! I should get going!"

A massive stack of paperwork lay in front of his desk. The General was staring at it with doom in his eyes. Like the man has met the Grim Reaper and God itself in the same place.

"So yeah, that's what the Nobles from Avaria told me. Bedlam's CEO is a powerful psychic who they experimented on after he did some insubordination in the army's Mage Corps."

"Master, I think we have to get this done immediately."

"I know. The fact that people are being smuggled... should I call Deskkun? No. That'd be too rash. We need to approach this slowly and methodically. They know they're cornered. But if we take them now, they might just bring down everything including the evidence alongside them."

"Master, I can do it. That CEO. I've seen him before, he is not to be trifled with I know. But I can take him out fast."

"I'll check on him later. But he isn't a player, a Native. If he's strong, then he might be on a whole other level. But for now, I'll leave it to the Vampires. We need to talk to StateSec and make sure they keep an eye out for that tip we've been promised with."

Paul lays his arms on the desk with interlaced fingers. Standing in front of him was Bahamut, with her long white hair and purple eyes. Proudly showing her black leather officer uniform. Out of her more modest and youthful civilian clothes and wearing the same intimidating ensemble just as her Master.

"Well Master, you did say they were the perfect ones to do this. You knew they'd be following the same military tactics you know, and it worked."

"I know, but to think they're daring enough to attack the IRS in an attempt to disable Elizabeth. Do they seriously think she's as weak as before? Now that she has infinite access to my blood. That woman is a danger."

A knock then comes into the door and it's Alana and Elizabeth. The two enter the room freshly suited in modern outfits. With the Queen wearing her black turtleneck sweater and skinny jeans with a loose belt and Alana wearing a pink retro dress with a big ribbon in the middle of her thin waistline.

"I've sent them the report... the entire Upper Chain is in a massive shitshow... also the fact that the City Hall got attacked once again even after fortifying it and the roofs and the streets has bought question into my capability."

"WHAT?!" The two women walk to the desk, slamming their hands into it. Staring into the man's eyes as if he was just declared to be deceased.

"Don't worry... don't worry. They're actually sending another General here as I requested. To be under me as my subordinate. This has just escalated and I don't know if the Mayor is still planning on continuing with that concert. I'm sure he knows his head is about to roll." the General breathes out, as if with it is a ton of weight and pressure. "High Command has also allowed you two to touch the Mayor, the CEO, everyone and anyone related. They don't care who gets in the middle. Do as you wish."

"Good! My Lord, does this mean we can finally touch the Upper Council of the city?"

"Yes."

"Including the one below the Mayor? His power would be nullified by yours now, correct?"

"Yes."

"Countess!"

"Yes Your Majesty!"

"You know what we shall do?"

"The Vice Mayor? Your Majesty?"

"Exactly. Let us check the one who has the most animosity to the Mayor."

"Hey now, calm down both of you. I've met the Vice Mayor before in the meeting. Be careful when dealing with him."

"Don't worry, M'Lord. I bought this with me today."

She then reaches for her dress' pocket and shows him the circlet he gifted her back in Christmas. "With this, their cunning ways wouldn't work on us."

"Heh. Good luck then."

The two leave the office with a paper in hand. "Vice Mayor Florel" and in his history is a bunch of attempts in defaming the current Mayor in the Forums and Community Hub before The Switch. From posting inappropriate memes to throwing slurs at the player even though no one knows what his real race is. The thick paper has even the logs recorded and the two smile at it. Going up to the sixth floor of the Police Headquarters.

Back in the office, the General relaxes and turns his chair around. "Bahamut, I know you are excited about jumping into action but we'll be inspecting the Mana Core now since the UN has finally given me the all go to do as I wish. So be ready, the garrison there has finally replied and said they're ready for us." The Dragon sits down and crosses her legs. "So, what're we waiting for Master?"

"Are you sure you want to wear that? With white hair, you just look more intimidating than ever in that uniform. Not exactly winning hearts and minds."

"I'll care for hearts and minds when it's splattering on the sidewalk Master."

"As expected... argh. Alright, let's go. My back is really killing me today."

"Well, the entire morning, your posture on the couch was super bad, Master."

"Yeah yeah yeah."

He spins the chair once again and holds down on the 1 of the phone. Someone then answers and the General leans in. "We're ready. Get the convoy parked outside the station." he then stands up, pressing the stop call button as the two leave the office and to the elevator where they met with Alana and Elizabeth. Waiting for him.

"M'Lord, look at you all prepped up and ready."

"Hehehehe, nice dress. You look very cute in it."

"Ah, My Lord. Do I have permission to be rough with the Vice Mayor?"

"What? Uhm... I guess so."

"And we forgot to ask for you personally, M'Lord."

"What? Why? Elizabeth, I have a convoy outside ready to take me to the Core of the city."

"Just for a pint of your time, My Lord. Since the City Hall has been compromised twice, the office of the City Council has been moved to the top floors right?"

"Ugh. And?"

"I told him you'd be coming."

"You are such a dastard woman Elizabeth. Sometimes you scare me, truly."

"Teehee. How, My Lord. Be sure to be a bit more manlier than normal."

"Alana, did you sign off with this?"

"Well... I thought it'd be cool, M'Lord."

"Haaaaaa... let's go. Bahamut, wait outside of his office when we get there."

She then presses the sixth floor and the Vampires lead him and Bahamut to the temporary office of the Vice Mayor. Elizabeth crosses her arms as Alana presents the General to the high ranking government official.

"Vice Mayor Florel, I've come here as I have told."

"Yes. I got what your Vampire missy told me here. I'm willing to sign off on it. I know you are suspecting this isn't everything. The stuff they deleted from the Police Servers, we have hundreds of back ups off. Them attacking the IRS was your work too, she told me." he then looks at Elizabeth who avoided his gaze. "I'm willing to give you enough to not only have the Mayors head on the platter but also everyone else's. But as she said, I will ask for something in return. More now that the UN has given you all the keys to the city."

"You dirty motherfucker."

"Ah ah ah. She told me you'd be willing to cooperate."

The blue haired player with striking green eyes looks up to see the brown eyes of the high ranking military official. The two seemingly have an invisible battle as both of their auras overwhelm one another. The suited man opens his index finger and taunts him with a No gesture.

"General, you need me. And I need you."

With a deep sigh. The General stares back at his green eyes. "And?"

"Do you know what will happen if everyone finds out? I was saving this to actually win the next election. But things have gotten complex, I cannot reveal this information with these trying times... You wanted to keep the chaos down right? You fear what happened to the two Mana Core meltdowns would also happen here. All of it connected to the stress levels of the citizens of the city."

"Don't you get it? It's either you release whatever you have on them so that I can do this without their loyal piss dogs making a ruckus or we all die."

"We all die? Pfft, As if I believe that. We'll all merely return to being Solo or Group Adventurers. I highly doubt much will change... except the power we hold and this city, blasted back to the stone age by your sheer firepower."

"You son of a gun... grrrr... what do you want?"

"I want you and upcoming Colonel General Yamaoka to support me in the next election. It's coming in the next few months, and I'm sure we'll all be back home by then. I want to win it, and both of your reputations support me alongside two Dragon Gods. The military and Dragons after all are hailed as saviors. This will be more than enough for me to get a landslide."

General Paul squints his eyes and his hand holds up a fist. But he soon lowers it as he collects himself after a long hard sigh.

"I can't believe you people are like this. Even here, you are willing to put forward your own objectives before everyone... how did you even find out Yamaoka has his own Dragon God?"

"General, do we have an agreement?"

"Do you know what will happen if this spills? That me, a Five Star General in charge of an entire theater, is in cahoots with you?"

"So? It happens all the time back in our world. Why can't we do it here?"

"Do none of you want things to be different? What is your age? I can't believe a player is capable of doing this..."

"Do we have an agreement or not?"

"... ... ... We do. Send the Documents to my office. Elizabeth, Alana."

"Ready to serve you, M'Lord."

"Your orders, My Lord?"

"I want you to take a sip into the documents and start hunting down names and people. I do not want to crack the entire tree, I want the heads first to roll and we'll make our way down. Do it swift and fast, I'll give you command of the local garrison. Don't give them a chance to react and create drama."

"My Lord, looking at what we know right now. It can be done within the day. But I can guarantee that this won't create riot or panic amongst the Commoners."

"Then so be it. Bahamut, let's go."

Walking out of the office. The General's expression changes to an angry man ready to burst into a maniacal spree. He couldn't contain it and punched the wall. It makes a small crack as he pants heavily. Bahamut grasps a bit and puts her hand on his shoulder.

"Master."

"I know, tsk. I hate these people."

Boarding the black Chevy Tahoe. Inside it, both of them are greeted by a man on the passenger seat wearing multicam BDUs. On his shoulder, a patch of the Mana Core zapping people like its tendrils controlling them.

"General sir. Colonel Zakikov. From the Ninth Combat Engineer Battalion, garrisoned at the Zavalda Mana Core Complex."

"Morning Colonel. What's the situation with the Core?"

The convoy then starts, with a huge line of military and police vehicles leading them into the direction of the industrial zone.

"All is good and stable. Sir, is this visit really necessary?"

"Yes. So far, one thing is common amongst all of the Mana Core corruption, its a sudden thing, like the Core would suddenly just jump off a cliff and its power would start to seep out, attracting the hordes of Hell and High Command wants it checked out."

"Sir, I know the past two Mana Core corruptions was classified, but you were there with one of them right? You responded to it?"

"Yes, I was with Bahamut and Alana at that time. From what I gathered, the Mana Core gets corrupted in areas where we will either have to fully commit a large amount of troops or engage in large-scale combat with a lot of previous instability. The first Mana Core corruption, it was in the three cities that often go to war with each other. Second one was in the Victorian City up North. The reports from the Guild that built it has long been complaining about civil problems and usual riots."

The General and Bahamut looked at each other on the backseat as the Colonel of Ervtes looked at the interior mirror of the SUV, looking at them both.

"It might be a coincidence but the Three Player Kingdoms with the Robots, that's far too important for us to lose it thanks to their manufacturing of complex parts, their robots is used frugally now since their cities has been basically razed, and then the city of Dresteshire that has an entire army placed next to it due to the civil disturbance that's been occurring there. You can say that this might all be just coincidences, but what is driving the social upheaval for it to start influencing the Mana Core?"

"Could you mean sir..."

"Remember, Mana is everything. As Bahamut said, we all have it and it's in everything Solid, Liquid, and Gas. This might be a targeted thing. Whoever that organization is, they might know how to corrupt it and have us lead into a conflict to waste resources on while at the same time, forcing us to do their dirty work and destroying our own cities. Their not just doing this in a frenzy, is methodical and slow. Painted and planned. Just like here in Zavalda, they didn't just throw a wrench into the mechanisms of this place. Its a boil, they use the few corrupt people and have them as linchpins for their plans."

"And if it isn't sir?"

"Then... Bahamut."

"The world itself is the one that's doing it. Mana Cores might be a foreign concept for it, one that has far too much concentration of Mana that it could spread throughout the atmosphere instead of being locked. One could say that it's Threa itself that's doing this, and the Organization is merely taking advantage of it. All creatures of certain strength are naturally drawn to sources of power, that's why back in Master's city. Even though there Mana Core didn't corrupt, what was present there was dangerous demonic creatures and even the Knights of Vitas. That is due to the natural power it exudes. Have the millions of people on top of it feel a certain edge, you might end up with it being influenced by all of these factors and Threa itself doing something about it."

"What? That's crazy. Sir, are we sure about this?"

"I don't know, but that's what Bahamut thinks it might be and there's a lot of facts that backs up our claims. Regardless, we have to see if we can detect this beforehand and maybe, just maybe. Prevent it before it happens. As the deed is being done right now, and there's nothing else that can be done."

"Oh geez. This might be getting far too much out of hand sir. But if its Threa itself, then how many Gods would be involved, sir?"

"Let's hope for only one."

The convoy crosses a large four lane suspension bridge into the industrial zone. One of the four bridges that leads to it. Some of the factories being on the literal edge of the river and soon, the convoy veers into the innards of the badly maintained roads of the manufacturing sector. Zig zagging through the path, they reach the train yard where the motorbikes of the Police department stop and soon, after crossing into the most rear part of the region, the police cars also stop on the side of the road.

Soon, only the MATVs and GAZ Tigers were left on the convoy as it turns into a large abandoned port where the decrepit warehouses are rotting, with rusting metal and broken concrete walls. Now, the MRAPs leading the charge make another turn into an opened metal door which actually leads to a well lit tunnel. Like they're going into slipspace, the convoy speeds up even more and after ten minutes of driving, they stop at a giant ten meter thick bunker door that's fully opened, with heavily armored and armed guards with machine gun nests and ATGMs posted on the corners.

Checking the convoy for any trespassers. The players perform a full check on the undercarriages and use Magic to scan them for anything unusual.

"How many mages do you have again?"

"Twenty percent of the garrison sir."

"Ah, and the rest are just grunts and specialists right?"

"Yes sir."

"What about unit cohesion? Any problems with that?"

"Nothing to mark sir. Apart from the usual fighting after drinking, there isn't really anything to write about."

"Hmmmmm..."

The military vehicles then park on the side, leaving the Chevy Tahoe alone as it continues to drive into the heart of the complex.

"What about Core Maintenance? Anything minor that's not written in reports?"

"Uhm... well the shell that was newly introduced was a bit hard to install. We had some problems with the cranes having to build it piece by piece but apart from that... nothing sir."

"Good. And the Mana Consumption, has it risen or lowered?"

"It has steadily risen sir. Mostly due to the Industrial sector. Electricity consumption has only marginally increased."

"Expected since we're ramping up the arms manufacturing. The End Times are closer than ever or so they say and we have to pool everything we got."

"Is it really close sir? I've been hearing about The End Times since last year and yet, nothing has happened."

"We don't know. I've only been in one Mana Corruption and the Sword Saint was there to stop it from fully corrupting. Unlike what happened in Dresteshire. I've read the reports and what a shitshow that was. She and that Prince arrived far too late, but good thing they did and stabilized the situation. One thing is for sure, nothing in this land's history has there been so many summons from a foreign world."

He then puts his chin on top of his hand, crossing his legs as he looks out the window. With the players garrisoned on the Mana Core Complex carrying out their duty in maintaining the entire place and guarding every corner of it. Having a Five Star General onboard, the Chevy glides past heavy blast doors and checkpoints.

It then arrives in one large room full of container vans and mobile cranes. Going straight, the Chevy then arrives on a platform large enough to fit three loaded semi trucks. It then slowly starts moving down with huge gears below it lowering the heavy armored platform to the very bottom.

"I've heard of that incident sir... they said the Legions of Hell didn't even appear. The things they fought there were all trash mobs."

"You heard right. I've personally read the reports and that is what happened. It might've been brushed under the rug as it happened on the corner of Dragovh where no one cares what happens. The fact that the Demons started appearing out of the soil would mean that this entire thing of reaching the borders of Vitas to stop the hordes from the start is nothing but a farce."

"Even then sir, don't you think people will still follow us? Out of everyone, we were the first to gather the people needed to start that portal right?"

"I don't even think most people want to return back to Earth." He looks at the front passenger then back to the outside. "Even I kinda want to stay here."

"Really sir?"

"Hm. In here, I am far more than what I could ever be with the women of my dreams... but at the same time. I also have a company that has a few thousand people hired, a mother, father, and a brother that I have to return to."

"Yeah... it's the same for me sir. Though it's only my Grandmama that's left. She can't be left alone, I need to return to Earth. At all costs... Heh, she actually forgets her pills. My parents, they died early in my childhood sir. Even though here, I can be something amazing. I can't leave my past life alone. That's why I took up this job rather than making a name for myself out there."

"Let's make sure you return your Grandma then."

"Oh sir, you have to try her Apple Pies."

"I've never had one of those. Even in the Vampire Kingdom, they had those but I never thought of eating them."

"Eh, you're not American, sir?"

"No. I'm Asian. Literally, the only times I've been to America are for business only."

"Man, your character really threw me off. Sorry sir."

"Heh, I get that alot. Carry on."

The platform then stops and the players open the fence and then a huge blast door once again. This one coloured blue with various warning labels on it.

"Here we are, sir, the bottom of the sea." Colonel Zakikov then lowers the passenger side window and nods at the soldiers on post. They open the huge door and the Tahoe drives in and parks inside a boxed off room with the path forward blocked by a red bunker door. "Open door two." alarms then sound on, and the second blast door slowly opens, revealing a floating core that's suspended midair and a bunch of mages in lab coats going about their duties. Looking at readings and constantly monitoring the status of the core.

"PRESENT. ARMS!"

Everyone inside the Core room stops what they are doing and gets into formation. Saluting as the General arrives with Bahamut in tow. The Colonel leads him around and shows him the devices they have at hand.

"Here sir are the Mana Readers. They were formerly made from the same magic used on the Stat Books."

He looks at the screens and all them were showing the Mana was stable, and like a heartbeat monitor. It shows the health of the Core overall and that it hasn't changed at all.

"And here sir to the left is the Main Console. The big red button is for the emergency shut off. It will drop the Core and up top." He points to the ceiling where there's a huge latch. "Will drop Deadwood Icicles. The coldest water known in Tur. Over there sir to the right is for the Mana release adjuster."

He then points to the various gemstones placed inside gimbals near the ceiling, the large gems covering an entire circle, all pointing at the Mana Core and constantly adjusting the positions of the Gems.

"They harness the Mana, the Gems then convert it to heat, or fire magic and send it to the internal pool a few meters above the hardened shell where the steam produced is then converted to electricity. After a brief tour around the place, the General inspects the men and sees that they are all well uniformed and clean. Their sparkly white lab coats on top of their ACU combat uniforms.

"And here is Captain Grigori."

"Sir! Captain Grigori of the Core Room Squadron!"

"Do you guys have emplacements?"

"Yes sir. We have KORDS, Dshks, TOWs, Gem Turrets, Mana Traps, and Brownings sir. They are located in the room on the other side sir."

"Hm. And your protocol if the complex gets breached?"

"Closed all doors and await contact from the outside sir."

"Good. Bahamut, do your thing. All of you, dismissed."

Everyone relaxes and returns to their duties except the Captain and the Colonel. Following the General as Bahamut in her black uniform walks to the Mana Core. She then floats upward and touches its shell.

"Is it good?"

"Hmmmmmm... I'm feeling slight spikes your devices didn't monitor but I think that's just the weapons it materialized getting destroyed. It looks like it's in good health, Master."

"Oh yeah, that's part of the error margin, Miss Bahamut. We intentionally don't count that as it just means nothing."

"Phew.... That's one headache done. Then, you know what that means right?"

"Ohhhhh! I can't wait, Master!"

"Let's see how well you can lead. I'll be giving you full command then."

Back at the surface, sitting inside a tub naked with Alana. Elizabeth listens in on the conversation inside Bedlam's Executive meeting room. Since the room was only meant for one person, only she could fit on the tub while the Countess leaned on its side. Just touching the water with the tips of her fingers.

"I don't get it. They've been at it for an hour now and they've basically said nothing. All of their decisions have already been made by their young leader."

"Your Majesty, the document from Sir Florel did state that is after the meeting that something happens."

"Haaaaaa... What a waste of time. Only humans could think of such a time consuming meeting that tantamounts to basically whistling off each other. Hearing their conversation, whatever slides they present is seemingly just as boring as their lives."

"Since we do not have the full calculations for this month's earnings. I'll be closing my part early. Does anyone have any opinion they'd like to share?"

"Do we have the total profit we'll be making when we return to our world? Like what will the currency of this planet's people mean in the Gold standard we have in Tur?"

"No idea."

"Nice."

"Anything else?"

As if crickets are heard, the man sighs and walks back to his seat. A clap then echoes in the end of the room and someone could be visibly heard walking down to the front of the conference room as someone clicks the mouse.

"Is the recording over?"

"Y-Yes sir."

"Good. That should be enough, sit down."

A voice of a seemingly young teenage boy could be heard. Elizabeth and Alana lean into the speaker of their listening device.

"I'm sure you all know. We're being probed. The UN, for as much as they are incompetent buffoons. They don't shy away from using military power to quell even a hint of a rebellion. This shall be my last meeting with all of you as the head of the Bedlam Corporation and I'll soon be moving my position to Sir Hendsdoth here."

Whistling and clapping are heard.

"Now, for the rest." and just like that, everyone stopped and sat down. "I'd like to thank all of you for your belief in me. I've been CEO for almost six months now, the first Native Exec of this wonderful institution. But since the doors are closing on me now. I'll have to make my escape. I'd like to thank all of you for your participation, in the end. None of us got what we wanted. Nor you or me."

"Don't worry sir! We can never thank you enough for expanding our operations to this planet and its people! If it weren't for you, we'd never be able to rapidly integrate ourselves here!"

People could be heard nodding and agreeing.

"But alas, the Court Call has already come for me yesterday. I've protected all of you though, so worry not. I'll take the fall for everyone. My last wish is for you all to pray alongside me. To Bahamut, the Dragon God of War, Death, and Unmaking."

"S-S-Sir."

"Yes?"

"Bahamut is not the God of those, Lorewise. Bahamut has only defeated the God War and Weapons..."

"Oh, but the body she resides in... it's something else. That's what my contacts have told me. They know. Now, hands together everyone. Let us pray before it all comes down, I truly wanted just one simple wish. Even if it meant the death of thousands for her to perform my wish... for calamity to arrive to Avaria, aaaaah, such a waste. All this for naught. Dragons are such a strange creature."

Elizabeth and Alana then stared at each other. The silent tap of the droplets of water hitting the filled up tub makes an ominous atmosphere. "Looks like that's all we needed." everyone then started praying alongside their leader.

"Oh Goddess Bahamut, the Lord of all the True Dragons, given her great Crown to embolden her name and greatness into the eternity for all Dragons past and present to see, we give to you our souls, our faith, and love. May you carry our bodies into heaven like the many Heroes you granted passage to paradise. May we die with our faith in you. My wish was merely for those who wronged me in Avaria to be damned to painful deaths, I did all of this for you and me. I know you want power, souls to use and I want your strength, to avenge my dignity, name, and title. I made so many deals... and none of it came to be. May we all live eternally, in your light."

Everyone then claps as small explosions are heard. Killing the players one by one by one. Some could be heard panicking, trying to escape but it was far too late and one last boom was heard. "What a mess. Well, that's one way to make sure no one spills anything too much. For a bunch of power hungry morons. They screamed like kids." the young teenage man could be heard walking to the corner of the room to where the familiar voice is emitting from. Though muffled, the two Vampires' keen hearing made it seem like the only thing between them was a soft badly padded wall.

"Oh don't worry. My job with Avaria won't end, even when I am dead. I won't plan something so half-heartedly while I'm still alive right now. The Execs of Bedlam are all high level players, their souls should be enough for my wish. Don't worry, if I don't reach the meeting place, just go without me."

"But you do know who we're fighting? That's General Paul Jackson."

"Yes, You mentioned before that you both served together?"

"That is correct. That's why I was sent here. To delay him the best I could. But that man gets better with how dire the situation is. That's one of his skills I believe, apart from being a cunningly ruthless man when needed and the worst of his trait, being unpredictable. So far, he got us all twice. We're talking about hundreds of officers planning together with Boss himself. Yet look, he made us force our hands twice. All of it in the City Hall."

"Hah-hahaha-hahahahahaha! Oh man... are you serious?"

"I don't take your laughing out of humor?"

"I am not. So you're telling me, the more I escalate, the more this man gets skilled? What kind of person is that?"

"Colonel Jackson is the type that thrives in chaos. He is that insane. The entire war, we were always outgunned and outnumbered, but to him. It looked more of a challenge than a conflict to win."

"And what about you? Raiding the City Hall not once, but twice as you said. One where you even had a sword fight on the IRS' floor. Do you know how hard it was for me to fool those morons for five months? You only accelerated my doom you know? If anything, you are just as insane as him."

"I know. But now, you have to get out. Get that gem and offer it as fast as you can. I won't help if you get caught."

"I won't then. I'll stay here."

"Are you sure? My Commanders have already dropped all feasible plans for this place. They call it a Pyrrhic Victory. But that's enough for us."

"My Goddess is here alongside her followers. All of my offerings are to her, I'll make my wish come true. No matter what, and I need time that you do not have. Take the documents we have from our experiments. Do as you will, it's not like we can do much now."

Something was then slid from the table and the man walked to the exit. But suddenly, the footsteps stop.

"As a player, Bahamut is not something you should try to talk about. That's a creature none of us can comprehend... if it isn't Elizabeth, it's that stupid Dragon the community has been haunted for years now. I doubt she will make it easy for you."

"I know. But that creature also has a very strict coding in what she is classified to do. She's a Goddess and a diligent Dragon as you said. My dream shall be real."

"Hm. Thank you for your research. As a reward, my Commander would like to give this to you."

"Oh, fancy. I never thought a Lab rat like me could have something this fancy in his life."

"Enjoy."

A cracking is then heard and a lone set of footsteps walking away and the door moving. Already, the apartment room was empty and ambulances could be heard rolling into the Bedlam Tower. With soldiers in tandem of paramedics running into the elevators and staircase. With the infantry being skeletons, they didn't tire even with the gear they had on while the Medics were all mages, using magic to enhance their stamina.

Outside, the two Vampires are on the sidewalk chatting with their Lord as a lone woman with long white hair can be seen walking into the front doors.

"She's really into that new look, My Lord."

"You really had to tell her to change her hair color huh, M'Lord?"

"Elizabeth told me so."

"You kept saying how that uniform is something badly seen in your world. I merely suggested something that'd protect her reputation, My Lord."

"Nonetheless, I've already notified Bahamut. It's all up to her now. Sad the Execs are all dead, would've been a nice extra."

"They truly didn't respawn, My Lord?"

"No. The Paramedics are usually Mages. They identified that it's their very souls that got popped. The kid literally used his psychic powers to burst their very essence."

Looking around, he could see that Alana is looking at a bookstore nearby and he taps her shoulder. "Wanna go over there? I think debris will fall here soon knowing Bahamut." she nods and the trio head over to the opposite side of the road and to the bookstore which had only them and the cashier there, with soldiers evacuating everyone in the area.

Ding, the elevator arrives at the top floor and the clacks of a heeled boot could be heard echoing through the large hallway and to the conference room. The white haired woman stares at the bloody sight of dead players. "Souls have been trapped." She then turns around and to the CEOs office, a familiar sight for her as Colonel Henry salutes alongside his squad to the woman.

"General Bahamut, we have no evidence found here. I think it's better to leave it to the police."

"Hmmmm..." the Dragon puts her gloved hand up her chin, thinking carefully. "First things first."

Though she sounds so soft and kind, the Colonel shivers at the sight of the Dragon God before him. Her jet black leather uniform in contrast to her pretty pale skin as she had an immensely towering aura engulfing her surroundings. "Shoot that statue first will you?" Her kind request was followed without question, and the players shot at the expensive marble statue of her wearing a Commoners dress. "I thought there was no evidence of that left. Seems that I was wrong." She then turns around and the Colonel alongside his men follow her. "Where to now, General?" Henry follows her into the elevator. Its glass wall showing the entire city that only has a few roofs covered in snow, she slowly lifts her finger and points at the seaside part. "To Church."

Inside the bookstore, Elizabeth is behind Paul as he shuffled through a book titled 101 Sex Positions. "Oh man, we have to try that." the Queen just looks pitifully at her Lord. Scoffing with a smile as she tried to humor the man. "My Lord, if we try that. Are you even going to last for sixty seconds?" He turns his face to look at her with a confused expression, but the demeanor of the two seemed like a prey and a predator humoring its victim for the night. "I totally can... I think..." he then looks at Alana who has finished buying her book. Carrying it in a plastic bag. "Alright, shall we head out, M'Lord?" he nods and as they leave, a huge convoy of military vehicles whizz past them. "Huh, Bahamut's already done?"

A soldier then walks up to him from the sidewalk and salutes. "Sir, we have a situation on the outskirt of the city. We require your attention there." he nods. "Looks like we're needed. Alana, give that to the Sergeant. He'll deliver it to our floor."

An MRAP arrives outside the Church of Bahamut, with the road fully closed off and fully kitted soldiers in multicam ACUs armed with assault rifles and grenade launchers littered everywhere as Infantry Fighting Vehicles stared down the damaged Church, still not recovering from the attack a few days ago. The door opens and a tall woman exits out of the armored vehicle as a pair of skeletons opens the huge wrecked door of the Holy place for her. Walking into its solemn interior with a makeshift tarp roof. There, a lone young man with stylishly messy white hair can be seen on a pew, praying all by himself.

"CEO Rivera, aka Tenths Louse of Avaria's Third Mage Division. I've come to detain you under the United Nations Accord and Avaria's Court of Nobles for multiple offenses."

"... ... ..."

Ignored, the woman starts walking to the front row. Feeling an overwhelming atmosphere creeping up upon her as she got closer and closer. The Church organs then started blaring all by itself as the soldiers following her freezes in place. The Colonel tries to run to the front but is also stopped. "Wha! What is this?! Psychic powers of this level?! General!" but the woman in black doesn't get affected by it. Continuing to walk till she reached the man, standing beside him.

"I won't ask again."

"Surprising. I never met someone who can match my Neural Magic."

"Are you going to stand up? Or should I force you to?"

With his closed eyes, the woman next to him didn't even seem threatening, more so it felt like a kind hearted mother who can't even touch a fly was politely asking him to surrender. He smiles and opens his eyes, turning his head up to look at her and he's met with a pale faced beauty with long white hair. Her bangs were seemingly like spikes protruding from her well fit officers cap and the visor, giving shadow to her bright golden eyes.

"I won't come unless you show me a Court Order to do so and a Lawyer."

She then reaches for her trenchcoat and shoves the paper up his face. "Here it is. Multiple allegations and suspicions. I am trying my best to mimic humans. I recommend not pushing me further or I'll resort to violence... human violence if I can."

"Hmph. As if that will be of use."

She then ends up in a Void. Looking around, it was nothing but darkess as far the eye could see.

"Ah, you have such powers. No wonder the Executives got caught off guard. Interesting though, this Reality Marble is at the same level of an Elder Dragon."

"I do like a strong opponent. If the Knights of Gareth gave me a run for my money once. I wonder what you can do?"

He opens his palm and a massive shark appears and Bahamut quickly dodges it, jumping high, while midair she transforms into her Dragon form. Making the teenager clutch in happiness. "Oh my! A Black Dragon! Yes! Come at me! I won't have you stop me now when I'm so near to my wish!" Bahamut's roar trembled the Reality Marble as she breathed fire, the man just divided it as he flew right towards her head. But the Dragon didn't flinch, and when he tried to re-engage, Bahamut had returned to her human form. Caught off guard, he tried to still go for the kill but instead got grabbed and slammed into the thin slice of dark water below them.

Boom, reality shatters like a cannon being fired from a shell and hitting a giant glass dome of blackness. They both were then dropped into an open field of grass. Littered with holes and burn marks, Bahamut stood up and looked around to her to see thousands of spears embedded on the soil and dead bodies wearing Grunt and Knight armor alike on the ground. Even though it was a bright beautiful sunny day, the land had the stench of rotting corpses of people and horses. The ground then trembled and through the rolling hills was Avaria's Mage Corps. The ones in the front holding up the banner of Avaria, the Griffin and the intersecting colors of their nation and thousands of Mages.

"I might not be able to use Mana like your normal Mage. But with my brain alone, Mana is nothing but a toy I can mend and move."

Turning around, she is met with CEO Rivera, now in this Mage garb. Holding with him a Golden Scepter with a sharp tip.

"Sad though. I quite like the modern name I was given. Rivera. But in the end, it seems that I am forever seen as Baron Tenths Louse of the Noble House of the Ninths."

Though young and vigorous, the kid had the stare of an adult and one that has been to many things.

"We could've won this war. If it weren't from those stupid Commoners. Who would've even entertained the idea of giving Peasants ranks? Look at them, dead and rotting. That's just who they are. Mere pawns for us. Dragon, stand down now. You're in my world, and in my world. Whatever I say goes."

"Warp Reality huh? Interesting. You're also using magic from Tur."

"Of course. As Noble, my duty to learn never ends. I must say, the Commoners of the foreign world have truly devised devious magic."

"Hah, no mere Commoner can make this magic. Do not speak so highly of yourself fool. I was there when it was first written."

"Is that so? Then do you know Bahamut?"

She just smiles as her uniform melted and revealed her Gothic Funeral Gown and the Blackish Dragon Crown she always wore and her face, hidden with a veil. Tenths stood frozen in place, his hand trembling upon the sight of the woman before him.

"My Master told me once... it was after our first war against Breznick. He looked at the dead, and told me." She starts walking forward to him, and in return, the teenager starts walking back. "Their names will never be known, their deeds forever forgotten, but let us respect them for they are soldiers. He was... always that sentimental. I guess that's what it felt like to be sent to be food for the machine guns by men you never knew or even met." she then points her finger at him.

"Do not look down, for it wasn't their fault to die like Heroes. But I shall gladly accept the souls of those whose names will never be remembered. Treasure them as warriors, for as Dragons. Warriors are what makes the world a peaceful place."

Tenths then looks down on himself and sees that he was burning. Quick on his feet, he extinguishes it and his hands move on its own as it blocks the ancient Dragon sword of Bahamut. "Hah, you are fast. I shall move it up a bit more then." she then started becoming faster and faster, forcing him to teleport away but she would be there, just meters away from reaching him. He then teleports to the Mages Corps and they stand before the lone Bahamut.

"GO! ATTACK!"

With the Mages Corps using all types of magic against her, the Dragon just pops out her magnificent wings and uses it as a shield. Seeing the chance, Tenths grabs one of the horses of the Mage and runs to her, using his Scepters' pointy tip, he tries to penetrate her straight through but her armored wings didn't flinch as she turned around, her wings in full spread. Like a woman of the Void, the dark gown and the dark Dragonic wings seemed like a Vulture about to smuggle his small and frail body and the man fell off his horse.

Behind Bahamut, a giant fireball was being conjured by the thousands of Mages as she walked to him. "WAIT! WAIT! WAIT! YOUR GONNA GET US BOTH KILLED!" the bright miniature Sun was huge in its size, larger than the rolling hills as Bahamut walked right up to him and looked down. The oversized Fireball behind her seemingly gave her an Angelic pose as she reached out to him and his eyes blinded by the incoming orb of pure flames.

On the outskirts of the city, Alana and Elizabeth are riding on a Humvee. The bumpy road didn't help in their comfort but the speed was more than worth it as they rolled through the countryside roads. The busy highway was full of players riding their cars to and from the towns far away from the main city.

"Mortal, what has our Lord said?"

"Uhm... last radio contact says that he has gotten into an altercation with Colonel General Yamaoka."

The two vampires facepalms in unison. "We managed to bag two of the city councilors already. Why do we have to go to the outskirts? Isn't this far too quick? He told us we could save this for later. I still have the documents for StateSec with me. I mustn't get delayed now."

"The General says he needs you to see it personally ma'am. I apologize, but I'm just-"

Out of nowhere, a huge black Peterbilt behind them rams the Humvee. The 22 wheeled semi truck tossed the armored car like a toy to the ditch. The truck's trailer, which is a 53ft container van with side doors slam open and soldiers in all black open fire with armor piercing rounds into the small vehicle. Ripping it open like a tin can from the insane barrage of weapons as cars whizz pass avoiding the commotion. The hail of lead was so much that they soon ignited the fuel tank and it was followed up by an explosion.

Without saying a word to each other, the trained operators exit out of the rear doors of the container. With practiced ease, they changed their magazines without even looking and spreaded out properly. One of the Operators wielding a Next Generation Assault Rifle peeks into the interior or what's left of it and shakes his head. "Negative. That should be Objective completed." His deep muffled voice is soon followed up by a woman's amorous tone emitting from behind them. "Oy my, what rough players." Without wasting a second, they trained their guns on top of the container van and there, the tall blonde woman in a frilly purple gown held up a fully kitted player by the vest. Opening fire, the figure just disappears.

"Psst." They then turn into the forest next to the road and what comes flying to them is an M67 frag grenade thrown by Alana. "COVER!" as it exploded, corpses plop down onto the road. "Now, do you know how to drive this thing?"

"Uhhhh... I've driven my Dads farm truck before. Can't be that different."

"Hurry Sir Scar, M'Lord is seemingly abject in getting us there as quickly as possible."

"Can't you just fly or teleport? I'm seriously tired from that!"

"We have strict orders to mortal. Just do it. I might tear apart the Sheriff that would try to stop me from flying fast anyways."

"Ah dammit! I'm just a Corporal!"

They get into the cab of the truck, and drive off to the destination. After a few miles, the truck veers off into a dirt road full of military vehicles and an ambulance on sight. General Paul and Colonel General Yamaoka are on the ground, visibly bruised and black eyed from their hand to hand fighting. The two then stop as they hear the air brakes of a truck near them.

"Oh man, chrome rims. Nice truck."

"Hey you asshole!"

The two return to fighting soon after and Elizabeth and Alana just sigh at it. Leaving the two to their fight as next to them inside the crowd of soldiers not wanting to get into the middle of two powerful players having a hand to hand brawl, was a woman whose presence was just as ethereal as Bahamuts. The two Vampires teleported near her and sneaked a quick stare at her. Wearing a long sleeve white blouse with a cute crimson red necktie on her collar, she looks at her right and left and crosses her arms. Swaying her magnificent magma red long hair to them.

"I suppose you two are the slaves of this mortal man fighting my manr?"

Already, Elizabeth's nerve is shot. The woman's high and mighty tone surpasses hers while Alana makes a cross with her hand, shaking her head.

"Y-Yes. I am Lady Minuit, she's Lady Bartley."

"I am Mars. You may call me The Primeval Dragon God Mars Infernus! The mighty Dragon God of Conquest, Fighting, and Victory! I am the only Dragon God who has bested the nature of Fighting itself! That Black Dragon! Where is she?!"

Everyone then stared at her from such a noisy declaration but the two high ranking officers just continued their brawl below them.

"Okay okay okay. Goddess, please do not start a fight. We do not want the continent leveled."

"Hah! I have a bone to pick with that darkened woman! She dares question my prestige and fights me in my very labyrinth! How dare she!"

They both then looked at the scruffle happening before them and Alana running to defend her Lord.

"M'Lord!"

"GRRRRR! YOU SON OF A BITCH!"

"FUCK YOU!"

She couldn't interdict between the two. Their fighting was far too chaotic and the two seemingly needing to vent off.

"Why're they even fighting?! Wasn't Colonel General Yamaoka under General Jackson's entourage?! He requested a subordinate General! How can this be allowed?!"

"Heheheheh. I pitted both of them against one another."

"YOU WHAT?! The two women screamed at her in unison.

"What? That Male is the Alpha of Bahamut, I merely wanted to see if my Alpha is far more stronger than hers as per Tradition of Dragons. Thomas! You better win! I shall brag about this when we return to Tur!"

"STOP! BOTH OF YOU STOP!"

"WHAT?! THIS SON OF A GUN CALLED ME A SLUR!"

"WHAT ABOUT YOU?! YOU INVADED MY COUNTRY!"

"THAT'S YEARS AGO! I WASN'T EVEN IN THAT THEATER! I WON'T HAVE MY TWO-IC BE THIS STUPID!"

Elizabeth then appears before the two men and grabs them both by the collar. Lifting them up even though Yamaoka was just as tall as her. The man was seemingly disabled by her presence alone. "Okay now, both of you kitties calm down. You're being played. Set your bollocks of a reason beside. My Lord, why were we called here?" He points at the forest where the ambulance was parked at and the two vampires walked it and they grasped at the sight.

"Oh my... oh my, oh my... Already?!"

"Your Majesty! This is bad!"

The two bruised Generals walk up to them limping and tired.

"Both of you... explain. What makes this one so special?"

"My Lord, Only the God Angus' followers wore that crest of the Spear of Hell and his bronze armor with chainmail is the same one back in my era which was thousands of years ago! I cannot overstate this enough but this Ghoul should no longer exist."

"M'Lord, how did this one die?"

"It walked itself to death."

Elizabeth kneels and turns over the deathly ancient corpse. The smell is overwhelming but the two Vampires didn't react to it with only the humans and the Dragon showing disgust.

"My Lord, who blew this Ghouls head off?"

"Uhm, Paramedic."

"Yes uhm, it seems like someone with a Twelve Gauge shotgun finished it off. Most likely, its legs gave out and were just stationary till someone with a gun came here and yeah... splattered it."

"I see. My Lord, we must finish the objectives for the day. I cannot stress this enough, the forces of Hell itself are among us, I fear that the chaos will soon engulf everyone."

"Ah fuck! The Mayor is currently at the concert! Alana! Heal me, I'll get to it immediately. Yamaoka, get to the Church where Bahamut is right now. Have the two Dragons meet and see if you can get your girlfriend's bones revived. We will need both of their strength in the shitshow that's about to roll over us."

"Tsk! Sir yes sir. Mars! Let's go!"

As if the situation has gotten to him, the man drops his anger and takes the Humvee. Speeding off to the city. Fixing his jaw, the General then faced the two Vampires.

"Elizabeth, Alana. Things changed. Detain the Mayor with Major Garland of the Men of the Woods. He's in the concert happening in town. We were supposed to wait till it's over but we'll have to make a show now. Keep it as down low as you can. I'll get to the Airbase and have everything to go into full gear! Everyone!" The two women nodded and took the player with them, dragging him into his MATV Mine Resistant Vehicle. "Huddle up! We'll have a briefing! I'll need all the Longwave radio we got and all the living and nonliving souls! We have one day to fortify the rest of the city!"

Back in the Church, Tenths has stood up and is facing down Bahamut. Who is unmoving as she is. "Okay, I have enough." She was about to grab him by the collar but the ground shook violently. "Touch me and I'll make sure to take with me the thousands that live by the seaside." outside, the sea hitting the shore suddenly calms down and then subsides out of nowhere. Ice violently breaks and as if a flood was about to come, the edge of the seabed can be seen. "Hah, no." Without care, the woman grabbed him by the collar and a flood alarm went off. "Haaaah... I really hate how annoying some of you humans are." she then faces her hand on the direction of the sea, and the water suddenly returned to normal. "Impressive, not a lot of people can live up to my Psychic strength. I was born and bred for this, to think the Outworlders have the same."

"I'm not the same as you. I do not merely control water, I command it."

"B-bu-but I have an offering! An offering for you!"

"I do not care. You aren't the only one who has offerings for me."

Her men suddenly get the ability to walk again. "Alright boys. Get this man cuffed and have him gagged. I do not want to hear his squeaks when we're heading back to base." soldiers grabbed the man as shotgun blasts ringed through the Church. The Dragon immediately looks at the door and sees a man wearing a Pastors collar holding a Mossberg 500 with a wooden stock. His black belt with two Single Action Revolvers and on his lip, a cig that's about to fall.

"This is an official Government business civilian. Fly off before I eat your soul."

"Government? Pfft." His voice was deep and rough, scratching his badly shaved jaw. The man starts walking to her. Shotgun in hand, Colonel Henry just trails the man from his back, but he gets an awful feeling that if he were to try anything, the Priest would immediately notice before he could execute it. "I need that man, the Kingdom of Avraria has a pretty penny on his head."

"Ehhhhh... I like your smell. Unlike this thing that prides itself as a mortal. No mortal has a mind as broken as this thing."

"Even still. He has a lot to pay for. Hand him over, I didn't scour all of that land for nothin'."

"Heh. You smell like a warrior. Who told you he'd be here? Your timing is more than impeccable."

"A tip came to me. A woman told me she saw him. She used to work at the Port."

"Ah, the spy. How about this? We take him, and you can guard. They're really delaying us aren't they?"

"Sorry lady. I don't like turning down pretty faces but he has a lot of mothers to look into the eye and apologize to. An entire city was razed by him... say. I am a Godly man, and I can sense divinity in you."

"Oh, the gigs up."

"Heh. A God... right before me."

"Yes, do you have a wish?"

"My only desire is to return back to Earth. I have no wish for a foreign God."

"Boohoo. I was willing to give you a freebie since I like your smell."

"Bahamut... please..."

The suited man looked up and to his captor. "Just allow me this, please."

"How about this? I know how you God's work, if it's not the law of nature, you abide by the law of give and take. Just like everything in this world. Pay me and I'll change sides for now. Those Noblemen of Avaria didn't treat me fair anyways."

"Sounds good. What do you wish for?"

His lips curl up and a dastardly smile appears on the Priest as he holsters his shotgun.

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Two week break time again! Thanks for your continual support of this series! :)

PS Probably the closest image I have of what Bahamut would look like. lol

PPS I'll see if I can squeeze out a Bonus Chapter but things are about to get busy as I reach the moment my status changes from Student to Unemployed. Its been a 4 year ride and its finally coming to an end. So things might get hectic for me so I'll see if I can put my hobby of writing in what free time I can get.