[Kaiser POV]
'This is annoying.'
Looking a few hundred meters away, a large red portal floated just above the ground. As I observed with my hands behind my back, I turned my head to the left to see the group that I would be sending to the S.T.A.
"Alright guys, just remember, DON'T DIE!"
"Yeah, yeah that's obvious."
"Shut up! I'm checking if everything I have is ready!"
'...'
'They are the people, we're sending to fulfill the mission. I feel as though I'll need to make some major adjustments.'
With my hopes lukewarm at best, I turn my head away from what the monkeys were doing beside me.
"Have we sent someone in for reconnaissance?"
"Yes, we have sir!"
Taking a glance to my right, I see a young lady with dark blue hair holding a board with a couple of papers on it.
'At least some plans have already bore fruit.'
Five years ago, I picked up this little orphan who was running around the slums. As I was in the process of removing and helping the slums, I came across this teenage girl who managed to survive the hopeless environment. The girl was smart so I offered her a chance to grow and the flower truly did blossom. A loyal servant with energy that brings life to the estate while also being crafty but not too intelligent. The perfect follower.
"Details?"
"It's a two-plane S.T.A. The first plane is in a dry desert, as for the second plane, we haven't heard back from the scout. Most likely dead."
"I see, please tell the information to the adventurers, make sure they have a mage with a water affinity. There could be an unknown factor, still, it's not worth the price to send a stronger scout with more items."
"Yes, Sir!"
As she bowed and walked away, I looked toward the S.T.A. An S.T.A.'s difficulty can be determined by the mana concentrations that flow within the first plane as it is the weakest plane. If there are more planes, the concentration would be higher as the mana from the upper floor seeps into the first floor. To reach a higher plane, you must find another portal that's located in the heart of the Absolute zone.
Normally, gaining information on the planes is as important as the team you're going to send in. Simply take a person with a skill that aids survivability, then give them a bunch of items that boost survivability and you're set.
"Take THIS!"
SLASH!
"Save your energy, you dummy!"
Seeing one of the gold-ranked adventurers bisect a monster that just came through the portal, I once again shack my head at their foolishness.
When an S.T.A. first appears, monsters will randomly go through the portal and enter our world. After a first raid where all information is found and some of the strongest monsters are killed, a settlement will be established to prevent monsters from accessing the portal.
"Young Lord, I heard you called."
"Commander, it's good to see you."
Seeing this seasoned warrior that has led the LeMonc military for decades walking up to me, I give him a hand before getting to business.
"Commander, I'm in need of you're strength as I don't exactly trust these adventurers."
"Hmm, Indeed. They're a little unpolished. Ha ha ha!"
I smile as I hear the veteran laugh. Putting my hand into my pocket, I pull out a small arrow with its tip wrapped in cloth.
"Young Lord, isn't this."
"It is, an artifact from my father's collection, he gave me the collection after passing his responsibilities to me."
"Doesn't that mean Yound Lord will succeed Lord LeMonc?"
"Indeed, I will officially become the Count, though it still may take some time."
"I shall congratulate you early my lord and complete this task for you."
Taking the arrow and giving me a bow, the old commander quickly leaves to prepare.
...
Less than a half hour later, I watch as the adventures and my commander with his guards walk into the portal. Seeing the last of them disappear, I turn around to head back to camp.
"Sir, aren't you worried about the situation?"
"Trust you're lord, Ess. And have faith in the commander."
"I guess you're right. Everything that you do always turns out good!"
"I guess. So has the plan gone well."
"It has, Sir. Your reputation in the area has increased by many times. All the villagers are relieved, especially since the murders seem to have stopped. The freak probably got scared."
*Chuckle*
"Perhaps so. Well, enough about that. That's a finished plan. It's time to start a new one. Contact the Adventurer Guild and a few construction companies. With this S.T.A. here, this city can achieve new heights."
"Of course, Sir. it's been a dream of yours hasn't it?"
"..."
"What? You say that every time so this time I'll just say it for you."
*sigh*
"Alright, get going now."
"Yes!"
Taking a seat in the temporary settlement that we erected, I lay back and take a sit of water, enjoying being alone.
"It's 90% complete. Right?"
...
[Arius POV]
'Arius, you can't.'
"Uuuuuurrgh, I have to. I have no energy. My butt hurts. I still want to sleep but I have to."
With my blanket on the ground and the sun shining bright in the sky, I was still in bed trying to get up while my body wants me to close my eyes and go back to sleep.
'Arius, what's wrong with you today? Can't you take a break at least for my sake?'
"Sorry, but I want to get up and help Grampa Edward. But why is my body just saying no!"
'*sigh* You've burnt yourself out. That's what happens when you get so stressed out for a few days straight. Plus your bodies are all bruised from yesterday. Feel free to sleep. I am sure Edward can man the shop and get some sales by himself.'
'But Dakriaaaaa...'
'No after today you'll still have three more days. That's more than enough to get what you need.'
"NO! I'm getting up right now!"
With all my might, I sit up. Feeling the pain of my bruises running up my body, I begin trying to shift my body off the bed.
'*sigh* I didn't want to do this but you leave me no choice.'
"Wh-"
Plop!
Before I knew it, I felt my body hit my bed before my surroundings change and feel myself being moved to Duargeinhelm. Getting up, I see a familiar lady.
"Dakria, why did you move me to Duargeinhelm, let me out."
"You need to take a break. So take one!"
Bam!
"AH! Why does it still hurt?"
"While in Duargeinhelm, without your body, you'll still be in a semi-solid state plus whatever damage occurs to your body, it is reflected on your soul, just a lot small though. So your bruises will still hurt."
Touch
"OUch, it really does hurt a little... Alright, just let me out."
"Not happening."
...
[Sophia POV]
'Tired. Sleepy. Lay on the counter. Sleep.'
Ding Ding Ding
"Sophia! Sophia! Wake up! Guess who's here!"
"Hmm. Stella? Why here?"
"Sophia, rise and shine! While today is a day off, we got other things to do. I even brought this sucker along. We can go do some quests."
"Stella, you're the sucker for forcibly bringing me here."
"What are you talking about? You came here willingly."
"What! You..."
As I watched my friend and her friend started fighting, I see Gramfather come downstairs.
"Wow, we got a party here already!"
"We sure do Grampa Edward. By the way, where's Arius?"
'Arius? Oh, kid who works here.'
"He didn't show up today, I don't know where he has gone."
"I know where he is."
Turning my head back toward the source of the voice, I waited for Jaque to give his response. Perhaps I had a bit of curiosity. The kid was always here early.
"I checked on him in his room. He's still sleeping, probably got tired out by all the things he's been doing. He somehow even had large bruises all over his body."
"What!? Bruises! Tell me! What kind of shady stuff have you guys been doing? You never told me when I asked. Now that Arius is in this state, you better tell me."
"Grandfather?"
Staring directly at the two culprits, I felt they were very suspicious. I was a little angry. While we weren't friends, I wouldn't tolerate something like that happening to someone who's been helping us so much.
"Well... Ummmm..."
"Grandfather?"
"Jaque, you got nothing to say?"
As cold mana started oozing out of me, I see the two look at each other before looking back at us and raising their hands.
"Fine, fine, I tell you what's happening, just don't use violence."
...
-------------------------
<------------------:+:------------------>
Name: Wilward von Plaeus
Race: Vampire
Age: 24
Official Titles: ???
Titles: Heir, Noble, The One Who's Different...
Stats:???
Skills:
Lethality Detection: Grants the user the ability to sense the dangers of something, someone, or somewhere.
...
<------------------:+:------------------>