Looking over the empty plains and to the huge mountain range, even though Junior was pulling with all her might. It doesn't seem to get any closer. With Jackson yawning as Elizabeth busily got to repairing his cape in the back. Closely observing the second carriage as it wiggles a bit due to the speed they're going at.
"Ah geez, it's already been a day and a half. Just how far do we have to go?"
The clouds that hid the top of the mountains were scattering a bit as Alana stretched her arms.
"M'Lord, what about some party magic to alleviate the boredom?"
"Ahhh... sure."
She then flicks her fingers and numbers appear on top of their heads. Jackson looks up above him and he has a number 3 on him. Facing right, Alana has a 3 and turning to his back to look down at the tailgate, Elizabeth who was minding her own business, her eyes fixated on the cape she's fixing has a 2. "Oh, I think I already know."
He then turns to his left to look at the sleeping Bahamut on his left shoulder. His eyes just flickered at what he was reading. A number 50 is right in between the Dragons long horns.
"Ba-bahamt... wakey, wakey."
"Haaaaa...." the Dragon's head then perked up, yawning as she saw a number on top of her Master's head. "Hm?" She then turns to hers and sees it has 50 on it. "Ah, is this some game of sorts?"
"Yes, Bahamut. Uhm... I believe I have the same thoughts as Our Lord. Why do you have fifty?"
"Look, we Dragons see dishes in the same light as those we treasure."
Jackson then starts scratching his cheek lightly. "Sooo.. let me get this straight. You put food on the same level as Lovers? Right, Alana? This is what the number depicts right?" she nods. Just as confused as he is with the Dragon.
"Master, I can name forty nine dishes that I absolutely love and adore if you want to confirm it."
"N-No... I was just surprised, that's all. I know Dragons put food on a very high pedestal due to how you use so much energy but I didn't expect it to be that high."
"Heheheh... don't worry Master. Of all the dishes I've eaten, you're number one."
Jackson then blushed almost instantly and the Dragon stood up fully, its spiky tail wagging. "OH! I DID IT! I MADE MASTER DO THE THING!" She then walks up to his red cheeks and starts to lick it profusely as he then just buries his face in his hand as he chuckles. Alana on the other hand leans forward enough to see Bahamut and she gestures a thumbs up.
"Good work Bahamut."
"Eheheheh... I need to try more of this. I can get why the Bloodsuckers love doing this thing. Teasing."
"Mhm! Our Lord is very easy to read, so I expect lots of blushing and red ears from him, alright?"
"A-Alana, don't egg her on."
"What? Bahamut wants to get the Human experience, M'Lord. This is part of it. Next!"
She then flicks her finger once again and the numbers change to a larger volume. Alana having 753, him with a 23, and turning back, Elizabeth is looking at her number, showing 3,248.
"Uhhhh... Elizabeth?"
"My Lord, believe me when I say that is absolute bollocks."
"Are you sure?"
"I believe my age is around one thousand two hundred. Whatever. Tsk."
He then turns to Bahamut whose tail is wagging still, hers showing a 0. "Errrrr... I am guessing this is age?" Alana then claps "Correct, M'Lord! Though it's good to see yours. Twenty Three, huh."
"Even I didn't know that. Well, you learn something new everyday."
Passing over the rolling hill, Jackson's eyes peel over to the sight of a bunch of Western Main Battle Tanks whose engines were turned off parked a few meters apart from one another. "M'Lord, is the UN also chasing after the Lich King?" he didn't reply and merely kept the horse at pace as they got near it.
Surrounding the M1A2 Abrams were a bunch of people in full plate armor and cavalry horses. One of them wearing a green cape was standing atop the tank, kneeled down talking to the commander.
"I need you to move your metal machines to the next town."
"Wait, slow down. I am still trying to get used to your language. You want me to go... there?"
The commander then points at his map and the native shrugs, moving his finger to another location. "Eh? The town? We possibly can't!" As their carriages rolled past the platoon of tanks, a Mi-17 HIP transport helicopter dangled a fuel tank closely above them as it landed right behind the BMP-2s parked in the rear.
A bunch of skeletons then ran to it and immediately attached a generator pump and the first tanks lined up to be refueled.
"HALT!"
Jackson immediately stops Junior as a Knight was standing in front of his way.
"Where do you hail from?"
"Zirhin! We're going to Janishaire."
"Zirhin? Commander!"
The Knight with the cape then hops off the tank as its engine spools up. The noisy turbine engine coming back to life to drown out the peaceful gust of wind.
Walking to them, the Knight removes his helmet as he checks their second and then first carriage. Stopping just at the front seat to the side of Alana.
"I am surprised a single horse can pull two carriages, what are you feeding that stead of yours?"
He then sees the beautiful Countess in a Commoners attire, ears of a normal human and a hugging smile greeting the battle hardened Noble making his shoulders to deflate and his body less stiff than before.
"M'Lady, may I ask if you and your husband have ever encountered an army of Undead?"
"We have indeed encountered them."
"By the Gods! Which direction?!"
Alana then points to their Southeast and the Knight then rushes to a player who was busy looking at his map. Grabbing it the man then takes the pen and starts drawing. "He's planning on heading to the border!" He then turns around and waves at the Knight blocking them and he steps aside, bowing respectfully.
"Be safe in your travels, Commoners! A town shouldn't be far from here!"
Jackson waved at him as the Knight Commander then started to huddle up the players around him.
"Master, shouldn't we get involved?"
"Bahamut, I know it's in your nature to fight Demons. But you must remember that the Lich King isn't alone. They're never alone. Let the UN handle it with the locals."
"Tsk."
"Don't go running away at night now, Bahamut. You know we need to keep you underwraps. If news were to spread that we're using a Dragon God so freely..."
"I know, Master, I know. But to think. Tsk."
The man then lifts Bahamut by the top of her neck and places the Dragon on his thighs. He then started to pet her as they could see a town on the horizon with a larger unit of UN soldiers and vehicles parked on its surroundings.
Soldiers both flesh and skeleton were guarding the perimeter in their foxholes, closely observing the large black horse pulling two carriages into the town's outskirts.
It had no walls and on its left section is a small forest in the middle of the large vast plain. Almost all of the houses were made of wood and had no foundation at all as soldiers mingled with the locals inside it.
Jackson immediately turns to the right upon entering the middle of the town, parking their carriage in front of a storage building.
"So. Who's on grocery duty?"
Alana then turns her head to Elizabeth who was so fixated on finishing the cape that she didn't even realize that they were already stopped and inside a town.
A meow was then heard and the blonde immediately perked up. Her hands stopped as she leaned to the outside where a small kitty was sitting on the porch of the storage building. Calmly licking itself.
"Oh my, aren't you adorable?"
She then hops out of the carriage, met with Jackson who is carrying Bahamut and Alana who has a paper on her hand.
The Vampire Queen merely squatted slowly and started to pat the kitty while the Dragon was eyeing it closely. "Bahamut. No."Hearing her Master, she just turned away and looked up to the chin of the man. "What? I told you, no eating cats and dogs. You want a remake of when we got into prison for killing the Mayor's Pet?" the Black Dragon just sighs as it balls up on his hand.
"Your Majesty, this is today's list."
"My, why is it so long?"
"I have to keep Our Lord happy and steak every dinner eats on our vegetables and thymes."
"Haaaah..." she then stands straight up and takes it. Observing the list, it was mostly fruits and vegetables, with a note written below. "Adjust in case of Bahamut's request." her emerald eyes sparkled and then squinted a bit as she nods.
The woman then sniffed the air and immediately walked the opposite direction, with the kitty following her closely.
"Now that's done with, M'Lord? What do you wish to do?"
"I saw some stalls over to the right of the town. I'd like to see what they sell here."
"Then, let us depart."
The trio then walks to the other side of the dirt road to where the locals had stalls set up right next to it. Just like all the previous towns, the only species present were Humans, in exception of the players who were Elves or Half Humans.
Walking to the vendor that has a bunch of swords and axes, Jackson takes one of them and starts to swing it.
"Pretty good, ey? I can sell that to you for Ten Maximallus Gold Coins."
"TEN GOLD COINS?!"
"Why yes. You have a fine eye as I can see with your wife there. That sword is made by the Rentsoss Arsenal. Finest Blacksmith Company in the continent."
Jackson then flips the blade and follows the trail to the handle and sees it marked by the Rentsoss Family.
"Huh, these people must be filthy rich. I got one of their swords though as a reward."
"Then, what about this Axe over here?" The Vendor with his thick rubber gloves and apron taps a silvery long axe. Taking it, Jackson instantly nods and his mouth shapes into a circle. "Wow, that's pretty light. Alana, what do you think?"
Handing it to the lady, she takes it and flips it around a bit and she nods.
"Could this be crafted by Dwarves?"
"Oh, not only a looker but also a reader! Yes! I bought that from a traveling Drevlyan Dwarf Tribe merchant!"
"Drev-Drev-Drevlyan?"
With a confused face, he turns to Alana who lightly returns the axe of him.
"There the famous Dwarves of the Morr Mountain Range, M'Lord. The very one we're about to go to."
"Eh? Famous?"
"M'Lord, from the Curates to the Vampires hire them for their artisan and architecture prowess."
"Woah... how much then?"
The bald vendor then crosses his arms. "Hmmmm... fifty gold coins."
"FIFTY?!"
As Jackson tries to haggle the price, Bahamut lifts her head up to the direction of the forest. "Thirty-Five!" Alana just stood by on the sidelines, enjoying the show as her Lord tried to argue for a lower range. "No can do. You know how expensive that is?" The Black Dragon then crawled up his arm and then to his back, the slight elevation due to him leaning forward gave her enough to be stable.
"Forty! I call fourty!" the Vendor shrugs with a smile on his face. "C'mon buddy. Do you know that Dwarf is the only one from there Mountain Home that goes out to sell their wares?" The Knight didn't give up, still trying to get a lower price for it. "M'Lord, do you really need such a weapon?" After a quick yes from both him and the Vendor, the two then went back to arguing.
But Bahamut's eyes squinted as a player with his rifle slinged to his back ran to the leftmost part of town, recalling his skeleton squad. Taking cover in the alleys, a dust cloud billowed and arriving into the town were a Platoon of Royal Knights.
Her eyes widened at the flag their mounts were flying. A Tricolor shield with a Griffin behind it. The creature they rode, whose face and four legs is of a Falcon with a feathered body of Lion but three times larger and white hailed from the forest. Stopping only a few hundred meters away as the lead Knight dismounted his armored stead, the size of a large van as he peered over to the back of their column.
The Dragon then sees a crocodilian mount, with the face of a crocodile and the body of a Raptor, its body covered in a thick scale and riding it as a Lizard in full plate armor. The leader of the convoy is talking to a Demon in light plate armor, riding a red skinned horse with the same horns as its rider.
Though they look like humans, the horns on their heads say otherwise.
Without even wasting a single moment, she turns into her Human form.
"Then how about this? I'll sell you the old Rentsoss sword, then you give it to me for thirty five Gold Coins. Unless you want me to hand you over a hundred or so silver ones."
The Vendor's smile then goes away as he looks to his back where Jackson immediately realizes that it was about.
He turns around and grabs Bahamut by the waist as a Lizardman was about to return fire, the firebolt missing them both by inches as he pulled the woman away from the road.
"BAHAMUT! NO!"
"MASTER! LET ME GO!"
"NO BAHAMUT!"
Alana then got into her combat stance immediately as they got surrounded by the Lizards and Demons. In their back, that of the Royal Knights in Hippogryphs.
"MASTER! THEY MUST BE DESTROYED!"
"What do you mean by this?! Those are players, Chosen Ones!"
"Master... look at the Demons, those are no longer Chosen Ones. They've been completely assimilated, their souls are gone!"
"Huh?" He then turns to the Demon player, smiling at him. "What Guild are you from?"
"We're from the Guild named Osiris."
"And you Leatherheads? Where are you from?"
"We're from the Guild of the Genuf Marshlands. Control your Dragon. I would've massacred you if you didn't."
Jackson then sees the soldiers were all hiding in the back, their rifles pointed upwards as they watched silently.
"And what's with the Knights of Breznick doing here? I know those winged armored mounts from somewhere."
One of the players dismounts his Hippogryph and walks past the Crocodilian mounts of the Lizards who were more than happy to eat his head, but dared not to upon a single lift of his single.
"We're here to subjectate the Lich King player."
"Do you know your friends over there have lost their sanity?"
Jackson then turns his face to the Demon players, though they looked like any other person and it made the Knight shrug.
"What do you mean by this?"
"I've seen it before you know, the soulless eyes of a murderer in uniform." He then remembers Captain Benedict, looking at him over the hill in Ankara. Smiling fakely as they collected the corpses of both soldiers and civilians. "Those players." he then points his finger at the Demon.
"Either they've lost their goddamn minds or what my Dragon says is true."
"What? Dude, is he even smiling and raising his hands? Are you insane?"
"Maybe for you, but if you've seen what I've seen. The blue eyes of that fucker is no different from the monsters I served it... no, its even worst. At least they know they killed people, this one looks like it doesn't even see me as one."
"Look, Hans, you're fine right? Are we all gucci?"
"Of course!" The Demon player smiles and opens his hand. Bahamut who has returned to her Dragon form only snarls. "C'mon man, let's all be friends."
Jackson then walks up to his armored demon horse and looks at the man up and down. To the Dragon sitting on his shoulder, she could feel the man tremble heavily as his heart started to beat fast. "S-Sure..." he then shakes the cold hands of the Demon.
"But... tell me."
"Hm?"
"How many have you killed?"
"None."
"Yet... you have eyes like that?"
She could feel the man trying his hardest not to let his shiver transfer to his left arm as he exchanged pleasantries with the Demon Player.
"I am no killer. Believe me, I am a friend to all. Humans most of all."
"Why?"
"Because they're good to us."
Jackson immediately retracts his hand and holds his wrist with his right hand that is trembling heavily.
"Why... Why didn't you answer because you are one?"
"Pfft. Don't argue semantics, my soul and body is now a Demon. But worry not, I aim to help subjugate the Lich King player Anchluss alongside the Kingdom of Breznick and the Knights from the Genuf Marshlands."
Bahamut then crawls up behind his ear. "Master, you've been marked." his face sank as he went and opened his palm, teleporting in his hat.
The players all tilted their heads as they saw a General's visored cap. He then waves it up and about and behind one of the windows, one of the players violently ran to his radioman.
"BROKEN ARROW! WE HAVE A VVIP IN TOWN!"
Engines then roared as the sounds of a hundred boots and the rattling noise of assault rifles crept from every corner of the town, like rats coming out of the woodworks to a meal dropped outside an alleyway restaurant. Soldiers wielding machine guns, assault rifles, with anti tank launchers came from all directions and surrounded the high level players on their mounts.
Three tanks came out of the hill, cresting it like mad dogs bat out of the cage they've been locked in alongside multiple transport trucks and mine resistant armored vehicles. There cannons locked at the commotions as the heavy tracks of the metal machines enter the town through the rightside.
Two drove to the sides while one parked in the middle, giving the three cannons a field of view with the players. Inside, the commander of the tank notices the General's cap one of the players is wielding and the new crest of the UN Joint Chief of Staff as a woman sweeply ran to a carriage and dug out a uniform.
On it, the green General's jacket had multiple medals and a huge ribbon rack, alongside it on the shoulder patches were the United CENTCOMM High Command Logo, bearing Iron Mountain with an all seeing eye on top of it.
"Command, Dark Horse Confirms VVIP! It's General Jackson! Commander of the Unified Forces from Central!"
"WHAT?! What's something like him doing in a backwater town?! Dark Horse, protect the General at all cost, to all callsigns in the net, have your guns trained at the opposing forces. Command will be going down there soon."
Popping out of the intersection, Elizabeth sees the townsfolk have gathered into a crowd. Her face immediately dims, noticing the direction there pointing is towards their carriage. Sprinting into an alley, she jumps up to the roof top and makes her way to the storage building where she could see the commotion clearly. She stood just listening at the argument happening down below.
"Dude! You can't be crazy! You're a General for Christsake! I've been working with them for five years now!"
Jackson then walks up to the Breznick Royal Knight, his armored Hippogryph reacting harshly as Bahamut roars at it, silencing the huge creature. "I have seen things no man should ever see and met people who should never be in a position to kill. Those eyes are worse than those people." he then eyes the Demon players, silenced as their lead commander removes his helmet, revealing his long flowing golden blonde hair that's stylishly braided.
"You've seemed to be mistaken. The Vampire players have also lost their humanity, but albeit from being a bit more violent, they seem to be mostly the same." Jackson shrugs and walks back to the middle as Alana returns and gives him his jacket, wearing it on top of his tan tunic while a bunch of soldiers get behind him. Perfectly in time as he wore his cap.
"Men, get your transport here."
"S-Sorry sir, we can't till Colonel Guts is able to arrive at the scene."
"I overank him by ten levels. Is this really necessary? You're giving them time to run."
"Sorry sir, we really can't. Our orders are to protect you till we can verify your identity further."
"Fucking military bureaucracy."
Elizabeth who was already inside their carriage, the list all finished and done and busy with her needlework notices some Demon Knights in the rear run away in a trot.
She bites into the rainbowish string and disappears. One of the Lizards catches something right out of his eye as an empty tailgate meets his sights.
Nonchalantly riding to the upper leftmost part of town, covered by the buildings and the people. Two Demon players stopped their horses.
"We have to go and warn the main force. We've been caught."
"I am surprised the Human General found out so quickly."
"This was a gamble to begin with. Time for Plan B."
The two then ran into the forest, leaving the vanguard force. They didn't dare to use the dirt road as the sounds of roaring engines slowly enveloped the entire town.
"Watch out!" A blade cuts through the head of the Demon Knight, his head rolling down into the ground as his body continues to ride the horse back. "Tsk!" The other player kept going and going until a piece of tree fell onto his path, making his mount jump and to his shock, a thin string made out of pure blood awaited his neck and he was decapitated instantly.
His armored horse then stopped as something was blocking its path fully.
A seamless flowing blonde hair and the hum of a piano song could be heard as his corpse was removed from the saddle. "Now, let's see if you turn into a pile of dust like so many others of your kind."
Back in the town proper, Jackson eyes the Demons as more and more players from the UN arrive in force. The four factions in the midst of a chaotic fight as he stood his ground next to a pig pen.
"Can we not waste our time any longer General Jackson? Head Knight Rags is getting frustrated."
He turns to look at the Breznick Knight. With crossed arms and incessantly tapping his arm and the ground, the man looked as anxious as he is but due to a different reason.
"I will not. Bahamut has told me herself. Her word alone weighs a billion more than anyone else on this planet."
"Is that so? You do know we have the means to fight her, correct?"
"And? If you fight her, you fight us. ALL of us."
The Blonde Demon looks behind Jackson and sees the sea of camouflaged players and skeletons wielding modern arms, their guns trained at all of them as a Blackhawk takes his attention.
It sweeps low from the north of town, escorted by a pair of Hind Gunships as it lands on top of a nearby hill. A lone man exits out of it and is immediately collected by a Humvee.
Coming from the same direction Jackson did, the Western military car stops in front of the storage building, right next to his carriage. Coming out of it is a player taller than him, and built more than him. Wearing a Beret and the Eagle of the Men of the Woods on his shoulders. He takes to the scene and forces his way through the mix of Genuf Lizard Knight and Breznick Royal Knights.
He immediately notices the man in a peasants outfit with a General's uniform on top of it. He stops, salutes. Feet and hands together.
"Your Colonel Guts?"
The man has a large scar going from his cheek to his forehead, his neck and jawline overpowering with muscles and strength.
"Yes sir. Got the name when I survived a meteor attack in the midst of a final event battle."
Jackson forwards his hand and the Colonel accepts it.
"Come with me and confirm something I am already sure of. You've been to war?"
"Yes sir. Was part of First Cav, and had three tours in Syria, Turkey, and Italy."
"Jesus, they sent you to every problem location."
"Yes sir. Helped stop Asian forces at Ankara and Messina."
"You must have more medals than me then."
Putting his arm over his shoulder, Jackson takes the taller Colonel to the Demon Players and points at the blonde man's eyes. "You tell me, is that an eye of a normal person?" he immediately felt the Colonel tremble but unlike him, perfectly kept it under his skin.
"No sir. I've seen murderers get released from prisons in the US and get sent to my unit. Not even they have eyes like those."
"They say a person's eye is the key to seeing their soul... So what the fuck happened to yours?"
The player merely chuckles and waves his hand.
"Don't waste time. I know you're stalling for something."
"Are you two crazy?! Anchluss is literally running amok right now terrifying the Natives! We can't sit here and have inter-player battles!"
"If you go to whatever you plan on doing, your own allies will turn their backs on you and kill you, or worse."
"Huh?! I told you, we've been working with them for years now!"
Ignoring the Royal Knight, Jackson taps his feet as the Lizards were just silently observing Bahamut who has been tracking them for a good time now, mostly on their armor. Though of an older and ancient design, the bulbous shaped plates with flat spiked pauldrons and gauntlets has proven itself through history itself.
"How many did you bring?"
"Huh?"
"I know Breznick is known for fielding massive armies of players with good organization without needing the help of IsekAI NPCs. It's what got you so famous. So tell me, how many did you bring?"
"Ten thousand. They are five kilometers from the town."
"Colonel, how many do you have?"
"A thousand, sir. But we have priority with air support."
"Good. And you, Genuf Lizards?"
"Three hundred players."
"And you, Demons?"
"It's the Order of Osiris, General. There's five hundred of us."
Hearing this, the man chuckles and plants his left hand to his shoulder. Rubbing it softly upon hearing this.
"Uhm.. M'Lord, is that bad?"
"Yes. The Demon Species is recommended only for those who reached Level One or Two hundred and want to start over again but in a harder difficulty." Jackson then walks to Alana and stands next to her as he continues to eye the band of Knights in red and purple armor. "Unlike everyone, they start off in the Dark Continent. They have no Altars and have only one respawn point in the entire game. If they die, they go all the way back there."
"And these Demons? Is Bahamut truly sure, M'Lord, that they are not players?"
A swoosh of wind and golden sparkle then sweeps over the scene and everyone. Trembling and shivering at the sight of what's in front of them.
Even the soldiers of the UN took multiple steps back as they could see the tall figure of a certain Boss Enemy.
Bahamut was in her full funeral gown complete with the Dragon Crown on her head.
"When the God of All gave Demons the privilege to become Chosen, he put a hint of empathy onto their souls. That made them compatible, capable of feeling even just a bit like the rest of the species in Tur."
As she walked on the rim of the circle, the players all tightly gripped the reins of their horses. She stops at the Lizards, eyeing them under her veil. "I'll be back for your kind later. To even wear that armor, with the sigil of the Empire of the Marshlands so brazenly in front of me. If it weren't from Master, I would've burned you all to crisp." She then continues to rim the circle till she stops at the Demons.
"You see bloodsucker, Demons in Tur are a different breed from the ones in Threa. The ones here came from the foundation of the first Man, so they all share a commonality in emotions in one way or another." The Dragon then rudely drags the Demon Knight out of his saddle and pushes him into the ground.
She plants his finely carved pale face into the mud, her heels flattening the back of his armor as the other Demons only watched silently. Some of them looked at their back and then to the Dragon once again.
"But these fine pieces of unethical murder and chaos are born out of pure spite. They may take on such pretty and friendly faces, but their the Devil incarnate."
"M-M-Miss Bahamut." She then turns her face to the Royal Knight as she digs her knee into the neck of the Demon. "Ho-how can you be so sure?"
"Shall we test it out then? If I kill this disgusting smear on creation and he doesn't come back. That means he had lost his privilege of a Chosen One. As Chosen Ones can only be ones with empathy and emotion."
"C-Can we not? Commander Mawt is a good friend of mine."
She then takes the man's bangs and lifts it up. Showing his emotionless face as his gleaming armor is covered in mud and dirt. "Your friend is no longer here. There's not a hint of Humanity in any of their souls."
"How about..."
Before he could speak, the Dragon plants his face back into the mud. "Master, I recommend killing them all now."
"Uhm... M'Lord, I don't think you should do such a thing."
"Shush Bloodsucker. My kin fought these walking primeval chaos for five thousand years only for us to end in a stalemate. Do not get in the middle of this."
"Bahamut, I truly respect you dearly, from the bottom of my heart. But you are forgetting about your humanity."
"If I did, that would be me conceiving defeat against them. They were born to take advantage of Humanity and the concept of Empathy. If I was to show such things, they would've already found an opening."
Colonel Guts then turns to Jackson, rubbing his chin aggressively as he breathes a sigh. "Collect them and put them into a prison." Bahamut immediately stood up and walked right in front of him, for the first time in his life, he saw a different side of her, one whose eyes are about to look into his very soul. "Master, I know you want to give them a chance. But show them kindness and they'll burn down your cities without remorse."
"Bahamut... we have a process to respect. If I didn't follow this, just what am I?" The Dragon stayed silent for a few seconds but then breathed out as she walked away and a bunch of soldiers ran to the circle and held their guns up at the Demons.
"Colonel, have that Mawt guy come to a tent with you and me and Bahamut and that Knight. Leather heads, go back to your camp. She's angry."
"Yes sir."
"The Guild of Genuf respects your wishes... I'd rather not deal with a Dragon right now anyways."
Walking away, the Demon players were all soon collected as the Royal Knights tailed the convoy while the Lizards in their Crocodilian mounts rode in the opposite direction.
A few miles out was a Forward Operating Base on the endless rolling plains. Though shoddily made, it had cages meant for animals that are now used to keep them. With Bahamut closely watching the area on top of a transport truck. Not peeling her eyes out as the Commander was collected with the Royal Knight of Breznick talking to him.
"Mawt, these dudes are insane. Should I call for King Breznick? Maybe Elizadeath can do something."
"Let's keep calm. Right now, the worst thing we can do is to panic and make haste decisions."
"... Mawt, I respect you totally dude. But you've been very cautious since we met a few weeks ago. Has being in this world changed you this much?"
"I am sorry. I just had a long year."
"We all had..."
With cuffs on his wrists and flanked by ten players and three mages, he is brought into the tent where Bahamut was. To their surprise, she arrived there faster than them.
Sitting on the office chair in his peasants outfit was Jackson, neatly eating a violet fruit shaped like a ball with an inside that coloured white. "Wow, what do they call this again?" He's flanked by Alana and Guts, both of them standing silently as the two players are brought to their front.
"So, Commander Mawt of the Order of Anubis. Answer me correctly and directly, why are your eyes like that?"
"This is insane! You can't just put a man in prison for his eyes looking-" gently placing his armored hand over the Royal Knight, Mawt just smiles and calms him down. "General Jackson, I believe it's better for you to waste your time-"
"Enough with the stalling. No ones coming to save you."
"Oh? It seems that I've been caught. I wasn't aware you had another."
"I always have another. Their the eyes on my back, what I can't see, they give me."
He then goes into a drawer and rudely throws a bunch of papers into the two players.
"Strange orders you got from your King. To go and use entrapment magic with the thirty high level Demon mages in your Troop?"
The Royal Knight kneels down and takes some of the papers, to his shock, their written in Demon Language with hints of English here and there. "Wha-what? Mawt, I thought you hated learning new languages, what the hell is this?" The charts and drawings given to them show the Mage Platoon flanking the Breznick army from the sides and then a signal bearer to Anschluss.
"Do you plan on sacrificing thousands of players to the Lich King?!" The Royal Knight then draws his sword just for Mawt to quickly get behind him and lock his arms over his neck, ready to snap it. "My gauntlets are enchanted and imbued with Soul Steal. If I kill this Man, he dies permanently."
Jackson didn't even quiver and kept eating the strange fruit as he put his feet on top of Guts' table. "Problem is, you've already been caught." His hands then started to bloat till it popped open like a cherry.
Rather than screaming out in pain, he merely turns around to escape the tent just to be met with the sexy figure of Elizabeth waiting for him. Her sharp ears and fangs were in full display as she had a devilish smirk on her face. "Nice plan, but next time, try not to train your horses to run completely back to your camps."
"A Vampire. Surprising." Even though his entire arm was cut, he didn't care and the bleeding stopped on itself. "So Humanity is willing to forgive you and your crimes for being sexy?"
"Yes? And? Gonna cry about it?"
A shot from a gun then rings out and hits the back of his helmet. Turning around, Jackson had his revolver in his hand and was pointing it directly at his face. The man's expressions were gone and left was an empty man whose stare is as blindingly dead as his.
"As a Commander of the United CENTCOMM, I hereby order all Demons to be executed-'' an RPG-7 rocket then flies into Elizabeth's body. The missile was going so fast it completely went through her curvy frame, shattering her spine and powderizing her innards due to her thin waist line as it hit the Demon. "M'LORD!" "MASTER!"
Alarms then ring out as a firefight starts in the cages. Waking up from the debris, Jackson is being caressed by Bahamut as his head lay in her thighs and the two Vampires go ham on the escapees.
"Ughhh.... I'm sorry for doubting you there..."
"No need to apologize, Master. Demons are born to take advantage of Humanity, its natural for your systems to work against you in this situation."
"Haaaaah... my chest hurts."
"I've completely healed you though, Master."
"Yeah... yeah... sorry. Really."
"It's fine, Master. Just leave the dealing with Demons to me next time. Humans are extremely weak to them to the point that it's like a Wolf hunting a Rabbit that may sometimes fight back."
Just as fast as it started, the fighting stopped. Jackson didn't waste time as he went to the Radio room and had an order signed by him and was sent straight back to Iron Mountain who was shocked by the news but nonetheless, with the evidence and the attack, agreed to his new demands and put it into place.
Though many were shocked by its first and main point. "The words Proven Till Guilty cannot be applied to Demons and to always be seen in a dangerous light."
Just as they arrived, the party left the town and headed straight to the Morr Mountain Range. At night, Jackson took turns with Alana, who took his place when he felt the need to rest and sleep.
In the morning, she had to awaken him as she prepared their breakfast in the moving carriage, with them already entering the base and slowly, the gradient Junior had to trek upon became more and more harder to navigate through.
On some turns, Jackson would make sudden turns to avoid the falling rocks. Bahamut being forced to fly and orbit them. Using her flaming breath to melt down the rocks to lava which then makes contact with the snow. Creating a powerful cloud of steam, but it stopped most of the rockfall with the three of them having to clean up whatever remains that'd damage the carriage. The turquoise river flowing between the crevices of the mountain sides seemed alluring to the eyes, begging to captivate the eyes of those who are beholden to the sight before them.
The mounts were spread far between one another just for the party to gain a line of sight to the vast rocky climate their entering and the snow fall that's evidently falling from the sides, kissing the trees next to the river as the clouds trapped itselves within the altitude of the area. For Junior, having to pull two carriages at such a steep climb, the battle was slow but effective. Like a horse that knows hardwork, she carried on her task with ease but never let her amazing torque overrule her natural instincts as she climbed the dangerous mountainside road.
Soon, after a previous carriage ride through the steeper parts of the road did they encounter a sign. "Entering Gareth, Region of Hohe Spitzen." The sign itself had an air of extravagance with it, having built from an unknown metal that doesn't seem to rust as even with the climate it's in, the thing never seems to have had a problem with water or being frozen back and forth as the seasons changed. The lettering was also pompous, having irrelevant twists and turns to its edges and a flowery border that's etched into the sides. Alana just scoffs at it while Jackson keeps the horse in a steady pace with his eyes steeled into the road they are taking.
Soon after, they reach a town lodged deep within the ranges, far above the clouds that once crowded their skies. With lights of the lanterns and candles inside visible from the crevices of the sturdy windows of their wooden houses, the area between one log being filled with crushed clay or solid mud with bits of hay while the few two storey ones have wattle and daub on them. With one large snowy road cutting in the middle, all of the houses had fur on top of their roofs, with everyone wearing the thickest clothing and those in armor, having incorporated an animal coat inside or outside of it. Others wear the heads of beasts they've slain as a hood for their metal helmets. Near its outskirts was one stone tower with an arrow shaped flag of color blue and white with braids lining its sides.
Using wind magic, many of the younger villagers were busy pushing snow out of the main road while their Elders were on the sidewalks carrying food and hay. Everyone seemed to know their places and the town was working like a well oiled machine that's been puffing and huffing for as long as time. The Tavern has its posts outside full of furred oxens with large horns, a single winter bear, and a large black panther with a special saddle on it. Theirs was the only proper horse. Junior's matte black skin and long straight tail hair made it seem like the horse was more geared for a quest to the Underworld than one to the steppes of Gareth's Northern regions. The equestrian beast's red glowing eyes also seem to be menacing in the snowy conditions, making it stand out even more as it pierced the cloudy atmosphere.
Quickly hitching their carriage on the side of the road, the man couldn't wait to get inside a proper building. With chills running through his body, he walked in and smiled at the sight of the quaint fireplace full of fur and heads of large Trolls displayed on it. Near its base were frozen boots being melted. He quickly removed his gloves and got as close as he could to it. "Ahhhhhh... that feels nice." all the while, the three women with him were still in their peasant outfits, just watching the human enjoy the warmth of the fire. The logs used seemingly not burning to a crisp or even turning a dark color as it continued to burn in a bright yellow-orange color. The Knight's frozen face quickly deflated as his elated smile came to show his love for the fire.
"Ahem. M'Lord, shall we go and get something to eat?"
"Sure, sure... just give me twenty minutes... ahhhhh..."
"Of course. Your Majesty, have you found a seat?"
"I think the one on the corner there is good enough."
Sitting down, the trio could feel the sneaky stares of the citizens of the town and the adventurers that were having a meal inside the place. One of them caught Elizabeth's eye. A quite attractive Elven man whose skin was paler than the Vampires from Dark World and Bahamut's, with hair whiter than the oldest man or even the snow outside and eyes that shone an icy blue that can eat away at any person trying to evade its penetrating gaze. The Elf then turned his head to properly face her, detecting the stare of the blonde woman.
"That's interesting."
"Hm? What is it, Bloodsucker?"
"I thought they were all extinct. Could he be the last of his kin?"
Before she could continue her query. Jackson sits down with them. His coat and gloves over his arm as he had a satisfied look on his face. The red color on his ear and nose all gone as the man seemed to be back to his normal appearance. "Phew, ah. Those are some interesting iron chandeliers. What type of stone is that?" They look above them where a dangling metal pot is. Inside it, red hot stones that's boiling and steaming constantly.
"Ah, M'Lord. That's Heatblur Stone. Their normal rocks that were drenched in a potion called Heatblur. It was meant to be used as a steam bomb. Not only does it obstruct your view, but you can throw it into ice pockets to melt it."
"That's handy. Should we get some?"
"I don't believe we have to, M'Lord. We're only a few days away from Janishaire. Gareth doesn't waste a penny in the upkeep of their cities. It's what makes them such a good business partner. I believe Janishaire should have something that would keep it warm till their winter ends."
"Is that so? Ah, I can't wait. The cold is really not for me."
He then notices Elizabeth, who wasn't reacting to the energetic Bahamut next to her who has been busy raising her hand to get the attention of the Waitress. Looking at her, he follows her gaze and his head tilts at the Elven man sitting all by himself near the window. Drinking tea with his pinky finger up whilst his back standing absolutely upright and had an air of superiority coming out of every crevice and hair of his body silently while wearing some strange matte white armor that has fur on its shoulders and the lines of its legs.
Even he tilts his head, remembering the history lesson he got from the Vampires about the world before the last reset.
"Uhhh... Is that a Snow Elf? Didn't you say that crazy Human guy killed all of them before?"
Upon speaking, the sharply eared man turned to face him. With an impressively well carved jawline and piercing eyes that can melt any woman away and turn beast into prey. He stood up and started walking towards them.
"Oh crap. Uhm uhm uhm..."
"My Lord..."
"I know, I know."
"Haaaah... I'll handle it, My Lord. Just help the Dragon to order our food."
"Okay. Thanks."
He stands up and runs along to the back of her seat to help Bahamut get their food sorted just as the Elf made it to their table, passing through the various people whose eyes all tracked him. To Jackson's surprise, those not adventuring are seemingly just wearing a coat over their tunic whilst him having to wear multiple layers over his and using a bit of magic and a Dragon in human form to keep his temperatures in a stable and comfortable level. Something dawned on him as he could see these Humans were also all seemingly on the same level pale skinned, though not to the area of the Elf. They all are in the same hue. With only the hair and eye color truly separating them from one another.
"Your human has a quite noisy mouth."
The Elf had a sharp northern voice, apparent with his strange accent that's even alien to Jackson's Translation Skill. Making it have an odd mix of British and Russian, like it's trying its best to interpret the words the lanky handsome man was saying but getting confused midway through.
"He is not my human. But My Lord."
Elizabeth replied of equal stature, using her more royal tone that's mostly depraved of emotion and replaced with a cold heart stare and a deep womanly voice that commands and authors.
"Ah, I see. A man is your Lord? I dare not question it. After what has happened, Who am I to say this isn't possible."
"I am surprised a Chiocurate is still alive to this day."
"Oh but please, I should be the one more surprised. I never knew you'd still be alive. Perhaps to you, I was merely a passing face in the grand halls of Elvennur. But no male, regardless of species, could forget a pretty face like yours. Oh Almighty Blood Queen. Your charades back in the past won't easily come undone with someone like me."
"That is a name I've long parted with. I am merely an Adventurer now. I am only Queen by name."
"How the mighty have fallen. I never could've imagined that you'd wear a Peasants outfit or anything near to it. I oddly remember visiting the Grand Halls of your Castle and was it truly a place worth remembering. Not even the Palace Mansion of the King of Gareth could catch up to its grandeur and luxurious air."
"Truth be told, I don't know the answer to that. I see this as an upgrade to many aspects. Compared to my former life. This is quiet, fun, theatrical in some aspects, heroic in some, and... a tinge of love and drama. I quite prefer this than being in Court and dealing with the Kingdom's many problems. My Castle might be full of decorations and likes, but traveling again as a mere adventurer gave me much needed remindrance of the beauty of simplicity."
"Such a dastard woman like you living a quiet life as a mere adventurer? I find it hard to believe. Even in the Senate of Elvennur, your schemes were always the biggest rumors when it came to Schon. Not one of us brushed off a single word you used to say or write. The Emperor himself was always weary of you and Your King."
Done with ordering, Bahamut was about to get back to stretching her arms but she notices the serious faces of the two next to her. Instead of leaving them be, the Dragon looked back to her Master with a grin on her face and she could see that their eyes met each other on the same plain and had the same words that were being spoken through mere eyesight. She nodded and Jackson made a thumbs up.
"Believe it now."
"Oh, and where are my manners? I am Grand Magnus Dux, Suzerain Ulfkin Wignar. Former owner of the Snow Elves Twins Cities. A grand settlement that touched farther into the skies, it withstood the fires of Beadot and the Dragon army that came after."
"I am surprised the Servants of your court didn't gut you in the open like many others."
"Because my family and I have always treated our Servants with kindness. We knew that's why Humans and the Beast people kept quietly living under our hands, they knew we could provide and give them comfort. We were kept safe but under secrecy. Sadly, the fate was not the same for my colleagues and relatives who have given in to the songs of the Cosmos and did things even I did not dare to entertain in my beautiful Kingdom."
"And your Sovereigns?"
"Sacked. The Twin Cities of Der and Ter were burned to the ground, everyone impaled and suffering the same death they gave to the Humnus- I mean, Humans. I apologize, I have suddenly forgotten that the words of Man now reign supreme. Seeing you and your ageless beauty, I seem to have forgot about it. I am no longer a Chiocurate but a Snow Elf as they'd call me."
"Perhaps you'd know if there's a faster way to Janishaire?"
"Ah, Reznozgir. Liberated by the Human Knight named Janishaire. Sadly, the route I often used to go there has been destroyed recently in a snowslide. I am actually here as the Jarl has asked for my services to clean it up."
"Heh. From hosting amazing parties with luxuries that even far surpass us Vampires to wearing sleeveless ancient armor devoid of a helmet. Regulated to doing menial tasks, and yet your Courts dare say that we Vampires spend needlessly in beauty and design to the point of emptying our Kingdom's coffers to dry and we'd end up just like the Olden Vampires, living off the forest and abandoned castles feeding off the peasantry like parasites."
"I see you haven't changed one bit. You still have that mighty posturing that is seen on so many of your kin. New Vampires, pfft. Walking in direct Star light doesn't give you anything else than more time to goad about your looks and your clothes. Your Nobility lives like their lives is the spotlight of the Kingdom, when in reality, it's the system of Governance that rules all. We only spend on needless decor when we must."
"The Nobility represents the people." Elizabeth's tone even got more and more different, with Jackson being reminded of how she talked when she awakened inside the train. "The Vampires are a species that's eternally beautiful, youthful, and attractive. Not even the Elves are resistant to the power of age, yet here we are doing it without effort." Elizabeth's emerald eyes suddenly changed to a slight golden hue. "We are the way we are, for this is who we represent and show. We are a people of extravagance, rarity, and magnificence. Look at us, we out-age your so-called Endless Empire."
"Beware of yourself Blood Queen. Even we, the Curates, knew of your danger back then. You and that golden King of yours, Charlemagnes. Maybe it's not the same now, but I am aware of your Goddess-like image back then. I know from facts given by the Courtiers that you were already incredibly beautiful in your human form and becoming a Primeval Vampire merely raised it by a hundredth."
"And we knew what you were planning. The Curate Empire was addicted to concrete like how Demons would flock to the Outer Gods and of all the nations, we were the ones most abundant of it. I am sure you saw the prices we haggled out of you. This was no mere numbers of building new cities, nay. It was for Fortresses."
"It was a highway robbery as the new Humans would say. But that husband of yours was good with his words... and sword. Surprisingly wise for a former Human and extremely capable with a sword. Good enough to outfight the Archidux."
"You still dare to look down on Man? My King was no mere normal Man. He was the first to create an Order of Knights from the decrepit remains of the last End Time. It's thanks to him that the lands of Man now know order and protection."
"In the context of before. Of course now, I have learned my lesson. After all, it wasn't only Man that revolted. The Beast Folk and most annoyingly the Lizard heads of the swamplands made things a true challenge for our logistics."
He then faces Jackson who was leaning on the wooden wall. Quietly waiting for their food. His eyes were evidently trying its hardest to not peek into the two having a quite lively argument that even Bahamut was captivated by. The Dragon staring right into both of their souls while Alana just kept looking away, knowing to have done this many times, she has quite fast in her reaction and natural to her actions of looking like not giving a single attention to what was happening.
"May I ask for your name?"
The Knight suddenly comes to life, seeing the Elven man turn his face to him.
"Ah... me? It's Paul, Paul Jackson."
"What dared you to do something as reckless as to fight this woman?"
"Nothing. She was awakened by the Blonde Saintess in sparkling golden armor in some elaborate plan or maybe just a simple plan to destroy our rockets. Either way, we had no choice. I had to step up and make sure the rockets get to there destination."
"Rockets?"
"Yeah, High Command planned to send her to space since she can't be killed and we have only a handful of rockets to use and very little time."
"And this Saintess? Sparkling golden armor?" He then starts to rub his chin profusely, his eyes squinting a bit as he soon realizes something. "Ah, the one named Death?"
"Elizadeath. Yes. That's her player name."
"I see. Interesting. We Snow Elves are known for our insight to the future, as the God of Time had blessed our eyes. Sadly, it doesn't show the actions of the Gods. The Cosmic Knight that came before to ruin us, none of us had seen come."
"Then, you don't see what Elizadeath's plans are? Or what the future awaits us?"
"I believe you are also of interest. As I also do not see a future for you. Could you have been touched a God yourself?"
"Bahamut... you're hearing this right?"
The Dragon tilts her head and looks at him. She'd sniff the air multiple times and then touched his hand.
"That is odd. I do not smell the Gods' trails from you nor do I sense any divinity acting out to help or protect you, Master."
"Odd... Perhaps in the future, you might have a place in what is coming. As everyone can see, it's coming near."
"Th-thank you. Alana, can you say something?"
"M'Lord, this is interesting information we are being given. Let us fully hear him out."
"And who might you be? Your more youthful appearance tells me you are of a newer generation of Vampires?"
"I am Countess Alana Minuit."
"Ah! I know of your wine! I used to have a cellar full of it. Made by your father. Is that gold sucking Sanguin still alive?"
"Father is still alive and well, he is together with my Mother in their own estate in a region above mine."
"Huh, to think the duo would come this far. You seem to have also proven yourself, knowing that your parents have given you a region and maybe even your own Manor to reside in. Well, for helping me so much with such good wine, I can say this. Your Lord has the same air we'd find in lowly Knights that'd be a bigger part of something."
Their food arrived and the Elf elegantly bowed and walked back to his seat without saying goodbye. The party just looked at one another as the Snow Elf walked back to his table and returned to sipping his hot drink with a single pinky finger raised elegantly. With his legs fashionably crossed, he went back to observing the cold snowy exterior whilst the cute Waitress in her stitched up apron with four serving plates on both her arms steadily and hastily gave them their food.
"Well... that was awkward."
"Nonetheless, that is interesting. M'Lord, we better watch your back even more then."
"Don't worry too much about it Alana. For all we know, it might be Bahamut in her God form. He didn't say what or which Gods after all. Dragons are known to be quite attached to those they love, so Bahamut might be just accidentally feeding me with something like extra luck or strength."
"Even then, the Snow Elves, M'Lord are known for their Far Sight. To become a Suzerain meant he had to go through the same rigorous process of homing his ability to see the future which is not an easy task at all."
"Really?"
"Hm. I've read many books of history, one of them was the Curate Empire and the many Elves that came under it. M'Lord, their training would last for decades, the Morr Mountain ranges that we walk upon now used to be such a place. Temples were spread everywhere and if they know their sight, they should be able to find all of them without dying."
"I guess I'll put that in mind. But, let's eat. Let's not spoil the mood of the food. Bahahaha!"
Though Bahamut was also startled by this, she checks her Lord once again and shrugs. Finding absolutely nothing on him. She merely returned to the food whose aroma had completely touched her nostrils and went down to her soul, like a woman madly in love, she instantly went to eat.
On their plate was thick red meat with flayed skin. Bahamut who was eating had to quickly turn into her Dragon form and utilize the sharp fangs of her mouth to go and devour the food before her. Even with her predatory teeth, the meat was seemingly like rubber. Not getting munched up properly. It reached the point where the Black Dragon completely burnt her cut of meat and swallowed it in one go.
Paul on the other hand had to get his sword out and started using the Vampiric blade's sharpness to be able to properly turn it into cutlets. All the while, Elizabeth and Alana were testing out the herbs and spices they were given and one of them, an oilish yellow liquid turned the rubber texture of the meat to something even an old man can go through. "... Eh? What?!" Jackson also poured it on his cutlets and he was able to just jolt it all down his throat with ease.
With a burp, the man was content with the food he ate and the two awaited for the Vampires to finish. Who was taking their time to be as presentable and cultured as possible. After a while, they were all done with Bahamut in her Dragon form crawling on top of their table to lick off the oil from their white plates.
"So... to the carriage or are we gonna sleep here?"
"My Lord, I'd like to be able to sleep in a place with a good bed."
"Same here, M'Lord. I'd also would like to take some time to check their quest board."
"Alrighty then. Bahamut?"
"I am fine with whatever, Master. I could sleep in the open snow if you want me to."
"Then, who'll knock on my door in the morning? You Elizabeth? Can you try to maybe wake up early for a few days?"
"My Lord, what I mean by sleeping with a good bed is also to share one with you."
"I... I also want the same, M'Lord."
"But... do they even have a bed large enough to fit all four of us?"
Later that night, Jackson was once again in the middle. With Elizabeth to his left and Alana to his right. Bahamut was in her Dragon form. All balled up on top of his chest. The room wasn't much, only having a single drawer and a mirror. With it being the only glass in the entire place as lanterns placed on the ceiling with Heating Stone inside it kept them warm. Aside from that, the man was left to the care of the Vampires, whose bodies were pressed up against his arms and him having to use every bit of control he had left to make sure he'd be able to walk and be mentally prepared for the next few days. Busying himself with the rattling of the wooden window covers as the snowy winds hit the two storey building with much delight.
He couldn't sleep properly that night. The next day, he looked like he was airdropped from an aircraft as he walked down the stairs with a wrecked face and was greeted by a fully freshened up Alana, holding with her a parchment with a request. The woman immediately ran up to the tired man and held the paper up his face. "Look M'Lord, it's the menial task Her Majesty was told of. Seems that the path up north is blocked by a snow and rock slide."
"Huh?" was all he could utter before he knew it, the carriage was already going forwards as they approached a road where an entire section of it was covered with warning signs.
"Seems like this is it."
"But... don't we have to go back to town and get the rewards? And it's not like we need it anyways."
"Haaa... M'Lord, were you up in the skies as I told you? We can also accept a money reward instead and I'd much prefer that. Janishaire is a very big city and has a powerful currency."
"Ugghhh..." he hops down the front seat and walks towards to the arch on the road where he is greeted by another carriage. Pulled by a hairy oxen, its entire back was filled with materials meant for making coats and in the front, he could see the same Elf he met the night before chatting with a Merchant. He freshens himself up as he approaches the man, with Bahamut on his shoulder still sleeping. "Ugh, it's that David Bowie looking son of a gun." The Dragon just stretches its body and wings. She yawns and goes back to sleep while the two Vampires behind him prepare themselves.
To the right of the road, Jackson swallows his saliva at the sight. The river they passed by a few days ago is now a mere hair string of a size, reaching onto the farthest parts of the range as the cloudless day brought light to the scenic path they were taking. The sharp peaks of the mountains were gleaming in their colors as snow pitifully fell onto its foundations and the crackle of the trees with the morning flight of a flock of colorful birds. The man was awakened by their wings, seemingly changing into different hues of red, orange, blue, and yellow as the light of the foreign Sun bounces off their shiny feathers.
"Ah, it seems that you're heading to the city." He turns to the left to see Ulfkin has approached him with the Merchant, a middle aged lad wearing a more affluent tunic that's marked by braids and even a medal. Though his face looked nothing of nobility and is seemingly just another commoner.
"Yup. Alana said it'd be best for us to help."
"She's good. I indeed would need the help. An entire section of the mountain has fallen on the road and is blocking the path to the city."
"Wasn't there another way?"
"You can but it will take an additional four days as you'd have to cross Zutsudans Ravine and it is quite dangerous... It has lots of beasts on it. Including Troglodytes."
"Haaaaaaa..." Jackson slouches forward as Elizabeth and Alana come by his side. Both of them elegantly bowing and the Merchant being instantly smitten. He blushed and had an annoying smile to his face. "L-Ladies, I am Linen and Clothes trader Sir Arnhordt. Pleased to be of your acquaintance." the two returned his expression with a share of their smile and light bows.
"How is the trade in Janishaire? Is the demand for Fur coats and the manufacturing of weapons still high?"
"Oh, it's as high as ever with the Holy See hinting at the coming of the End Times. I am actually a few days early to a delivery as I've heard there's a long line of carriages heading to the city."
"I see..." All the while, Jackson was awakening Bahamut who licked his cheek a few times and proceeded to glide down to the mountain side. "The crazy part of it is that I've heard rumors that the city is planning on building an additional five storage buildings underground and completely overstock themselves! Imagine the coins!"
"Thank you Sir Arnhordt."
"O-Of course." All the while, Elizabeth has taken to herself in the back of his carriage. Checking the materials he had bought as the mountain started to shake a bit. He almost lost his balance as the man went up the blonde woman and leaned to the side of his carriage. "Those are pretty good quality. What're you gonna use it for?" Unbeknownst to him, Bahamut as latched onto the side of the mountain and her huge Dragon head peers down on the road. Even the Snow Elf only stood by as Alana used her Magic to make the smaller rocks to float away as the Dragon slowly and lightly swiped the road with her frontal limbs.
"By Goddess Forrus, I've never seen such a large Dragon for a long time."
"Pretty neat ehy? Bahamut can also eat Rocks too."
The Dragon then stopped and its huge snout turned to face the two. "Master, I'd rather eat my tail than do something as humiliating as that."
"What? We have historical records of Dragons eating rocks to survive."
"Maybe for the Green Dragons. But us Black Dragons, we're far too magnificent for such a sad display."
She then returns to swiping rocks off to the ledge, carefully picking the large ones with her sharp claws and shaking it off.
"Yeah... Green Dragons are kinda the weakest next to the Blue ones. Might be just due to their hide but Forest and Water Magic Mastery is pretty effective against very certain enemies." With a smile and a contented expression, he turns to Ulfkin who has seemingly become a statue as his head looks up continually to Bahamut. "Uhhhh... Sir Wignar?"
"Oh... yes. I apologize. I was just reminded of the past."
"Hm. Well, how long have you been doing this anyways?"
"You passed the signs?"
"Yeah. It's a few hundred meters back there. What about it?"
"I started there yesterday."
"Dang. Well, with you here, we are sure to finish this in no time."
"Of course." He then walks forward and stops next to Alana. Lifting his hands and spreading it out, a gust of wind blows with a mixture of snow and ice. All of the sudden, the Snow that's on top of the fallen rocks started to move on their own, slipping it down off the ledge and the ones below, mounting on top of each other to create a slope. Effectively cleaning entire sections off without much effort.
It wasn't even the afternoon when they'd reached the other side and Bahamut was back in her smaller Dragonic form. Sleeping once again on his shoulder as the Merchant peeked over from behind his carriage to see the Dragon was gone completely. Coming out of hiding, he juggles a coin pouch on his hand and would squeeze it every now and then as he approached the Snow Elf and the Humans.
"W-Who had that Dragon?"
"This Bahamut." Jackson points to the small sleeping creature on his shoulder, all balled up and seemingly unable to harm even a fly. "W-What?!"
"Nonetheless, how far is the city?"
"U-Uhm... just a day or two."
"Nice! Alright! Everyone let's hop back on and get going!"
He then offers his hand to the Merchant who confusingly looks at it. "Ah! I do know of that gesture." Ulfkin then takes it instead and the two exchange in a shake. With Jackson noting how hot his hands were even though his skin were paler than a corpse. "Thank you, thank you. I hope you have a safe travel back home."
"Hm. Indeed Human. Yours too." The Snow Elf then suddenly goes in for a hug and tightly wraps his arms around the man. "Be reminded of that Vampire with you. She's more than meets the eye." Jackson just stood quietly, hearing him out. "A Vampire is a box of secrets within secrets. Not even us Elves were able to reach into their depths. I also hope you have a safe travel." he then lets go and pats the man's shoulder. "You oddly remind me of many young Elven Knights back then. Crazed for adventure as they walk out of our cities that have pampered them their entire lives."
Soon after, Jackson passes by the Merchant carriage. With Elizabeth in the back just by the tailgate looking at her new sewing kit and immediately got into working on his cape once again. Her needlework now being faster and more precise as she showed immense passion and love for the artisan work but that didn't let her not look at the Snow Elf, the two of them exchanging one last stare as their carriage disappeared through the arching road on the mountainside pass.
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"Ugh, it's that David Bowie looking son of a gun."
-Paul Jackson, Knight General of Eldwood and Sub Commander of the UN CENTCOMM circa 4R 1153