Desolate World

A man in a black noble style suit was reading a book with a candle as the lighting. He seemed to not really care about his surroundings, as he was in the corner of the stone wall of the cave. He sat on the rocky floor while leaning on a beautifully crafted coffin. Besides the candle on top of the coffin, a little ceramic cup that was filled with thick red liquid that smelled of iron.

After turning the page of the book, he reached the cup on top of him and sipped it. As he put it back on top of the coffin, he seemed to hear something. He showed a frown and then he smelled the air.

Without standing while still reading the book, he then said, "Freya, I suppose you have a good reason to come looking for me. If not, I hope you can give me some rest. Because like you know, I am quite dry right now, after this morning's event."

Many bats then converged not far from him and transformed into a pale beauty in black dress. She then smiled helplessly and sighed.

The vampire with the name Freya then said, "Please, Viscount Hugo, at least pretend to be a 'normal' gentleman. Not all vampires can understand your eccentricity."

"Such a bother. So what is it? Don't say you want another round? I don't mind, if you really want it. And, for how many times I should say to you? Just call me Hugo. After all, you are my woman," He said while closing the book and stood up.

"Jerk!" Freya said under her breath. She then shook her head and said, "Not that, H-Hugo… It's something serious. Humans are coming in large numbers. What should we do?" 

"Is that so?" Hugo said while showing a serious look. He then tapped the coffin's top with a rhythmic tone for some seconds.

"That is unexpected. But, if that's the circumstance, we don't have another way," Hugo said with a serious face.

He then looked at Freya, and said, "Wake up everyone! Our mission here is done. Even if the quest's completion will be less, it will be better than nothing."

Freya was stunned. She then shouted, "No! We can just defeat and capture them. We have the ability to do that."

Looking at Freya that showed her dissatisfaction with his order, Hugo smiled and walked toward her.

Knowing that she was in trouble, she looked at the pale handsome man with a wary look. She knew he would do that. He always did that to 'punish' her.

He then pulled her into his embrace and then he bit her earlobe. Freya couldn't help but moan. She then heard his whisper, "Silly girl. We are here to do a mission, not to go to war. If we fight them, some servants or even vampires will be killed. You are not like me, who can 'resurrect'."

With a rare reddened complexion which was rare for a vampire to have, Freya nodded. She answered timidly, "Yes, master…."

"So, always listen to me. This group is mine. I don't want my hard work, these months, to become nothing. It is hard, you know, to become a guardian. And it will be good for you too if I can advance to become a count. I can give you more power. So, be patient sweety!" Hugo said gently.

"Yes!" Freya then said.

***

After sending his 'lover' to prepare everything, Hugo shook his head, "Silly NPC girl. You only know how to mess with my plan. How many more servants do you want to send to death, until you are satisfied? Last night's sacrifices were too much. The guild will question me, when I come back. What a headache!"

He then opened his guild's chat room and typed, <I'm done here. A strong Elite human NPC and his goons are coming to my nest. I will come back earlier.>

After waiting for a while, he got a reply from someone with the name Ray, <Huh! Didn't you say this morning, you can transform a few more? How can they discover your nest?>

<Maybe, one or two servants were captured. I don't know. I just want to update my situation. I will arrive in two or three days,> Hugo answered.

<That is because you are dating an NPC. You messed up everything,> A reply from someone with the name Clinton.

Hugo frowned, he then answered, <Shut up Clinton! At least I can get dozens. Yours only less than 15. Don't make me laugh!>

<Enough, you two! This channel is supposed for formal matters. You can quarrel on another channel. Hugo, I received your report. You can come back.> Ray then replied.

<Roger!> Hugo then replied. After that, he closed his guild chat room and sighed.

***

"Is it still far away?" Ace said while inspecting his surroundings. It was dangerous to travel at high speed above the forest. This hour, they were attacked by some flying monsters that were startled by them. 

They could only escape, as they didn't want to waste much time with them. 

"Not yet. But she said it's nearer," Cloud said, conveying the ghost's, no! The spirit's saying.

'Of course, it's nearer. Don't we approach them?' Ace said in his heart. He was amused at the silly answer of the spirit girl.

"Uhh… Dad! Red is nervous right now. She said she feels some danger is waiting in the direction we are going," Suddenly, Geo interjected.

Ace frowned. He and Cloud, who should also have heard her grandson's saying, turned their heads to Geo.

"Can you ask her, what kind of danger she felt?" Cloud asked.

"Okay," Geo answered. He then was silent for a while stroking Red's back. 

"Uh…. She said it is in the sky. Something very strong is there. She said, it will be dangerous for us to stay at this altitude," Geo tried to explain his pet's saying.

Ace was curious about what was the strong monster there. However, he knew they shouldn't have to risk themselves. He then said, "How far is it?"

After waiting for some seconds, he got Geo's answer, "She said, it doesn't matter to continue flying for a bit."

Ace nodded. He then said, "Then ask her to immediately go down, if she feels it is near. We will stay at this altitude for some time."

***