Chapter 54: Man vs General

Chapter 54: Man vs General

Tamura's Field effect faded away with his death.

The sky was cleared of the sinister aurora that once infested it. The red mist covering Bordeaux slowly faded away, revealing neo-classical buildings and a cathedrals towers. The vines and Shinto archways crumbled to dust into the Garonne, whose wine current slowly returned to its natural state as a river of water.

The curse of Bordeaux had been lifted. Yet Basil couldnt find it in himself to rest yet. His skin itched even after returning to human form and healing from his wounds.

Youre sure he wont eat my Rosemarine from within? he asked Little Nessia. The young oracle and her griffin had landed on the bridge after the battle. Now they examined Rosemarine with Zachariel, to make sure Tamura wouldnt return in any way.

I do not detect any hint of demonic possession, sir, Zachariel insisted. Though I do notice that your dragon is way overdue for a baptism shot.

I feel warm inside, Mister, Rosemarine rejoiced.

The god is free, Little Nessia added. I dont feel him inside your plant. His spirit was cleansed and returned to the heavens, but he left a little of himself behind.

Like what, a grape? Basil asked. Would his dear tropidrake transform into a vineyard dragon? I dont want her to start drinking so soon. Shes not even one year old.

This was a gift, Little Nessia insisted. It would be rude to refuse it.

Sir, Im afraid I know no way to remove the essence anyway, Zachariel said. There is no indication that it might affect her negatively either. If it does, it wont do so until she reaches the level required for metamorphosis which is a long time away.

After considering the arguments, Basil conceded the angels point. His team struggled greatly to reach level thirty and Rosemarine wouldnt transform until they reached twice that number. It might take years for her to reach that threshold, if at all.

As for Tamura he indeed appeared to be dead for good in spite of his best efforts to avoid his fate.

Tamura couldnt teleport away, although he was a factions core member. This had come as a surprise to both Basil and the old dickhead himself. Is there a limit on in-battle teleportation or was he blocked from fleeing?

Basil reread his Guilds guidelines in the Logs. As he remembered, a Boss or Guildmaster could deny a members teleportation back to a dungeon base. This implied someone higher than Tamura in the Metal Olympus hierarchy knowingly sabotaged him.

That kind of backstabbing disgusted Basil, although it didnt surprise him. The boards executives formed an alliance of convenience; if one of them hoped to become Earths new Overgod, it made sense to get rid of potential rivals whenever possible. That, or Anton Maxwell was cleaning up loose ends.

Basil had the feeling he could exploit this information later. It was bound to sow distrust among Metal Olympus.

Basil surveyed the area. Neria and her dogs stood in front of the dissipating fog with anxious faces, as if afraid of who or what would emerge from it. Zachariel healed their wounds, although he couldnt regrow the maimed dobermans missing legs; something in the Sak Breath attack interfered with his abilities. The rest of the party formed a defensive perimeter in case any of Tamuras monsters survived their masters destruction.

And then there was Plato. Basils cat licked his fur as if he hadnt died minutes ago. His wounds had healed, and he seemed more concerned about the wine sticking to his fur than the fact Basil killed him.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

The memory of his body laying on the ground, weak and bloodied it chilled Basil to the bone.

Plato sensed his owners guilty gaze and looked up at him in confusion. What?

I am so, so sorry, Basil apologized. Plato, I

His cat cut him off before he could finish. You want to make up for your heinous, treacherous deed?

Basil closed his mouth and slowly nodded.

Then pick me up.

Which Basil did. The cat felt light and fragile in his hands.

Now pet me behind the ears.

Basil obeyed. He scratched Platos head as if his life depended on it.

Do that every day for the rest of your pitiful life, Plato purred. And Ill forgive you.

Thats Basil squinted. Thats it?

Oh yes, since you asked, you must rub my belly twice a day and thrice on week-ends. But no more than a minute each time. Ill count.

Plato, I killed you. There, Basil had said it. I slammed you against the pavement.

Its my third death, Plato replied with a shrug. The reaper was scary the first two times, but Im used to it by now. Like a vet appointment.

But you dont have a limitless amount of lives. Didnt he realize the seriousness of the situation? That lost life might be the one to make a difference down the line.

Basil, you sound like an old bachelor planning for early retirement. His cat looked up at him with his big, beautiful yellow eyes. What happens happens. Maybe its the last life Ill ever lose. Then Ill die of old age at a venerable twenty and revive young again.

Plato, how can you be so Basil frowned in utter confusion. He hadnt expected this kind of reaction. So chill with it?

Because Im your best friend, Basil, Plato replied with a deep, serious tone. I have seen you in the worst positions imaginable. Being mind-controlled by a Jurassic Park cosplayer is a new low, but I dont hold it against you. Youre human. Its in your nature to fuck up.

Basil squinted at his best friend. Im not sure how Im supposed to take that.

With grace and dignity, Plato mocked him. Just like that time I peed in your bed.

Basil wished he hadnt been reminded of this particular disaster, but Platos response lifted a weight off his shoulders. He valued his cats friendship above all else.

I know youre blaming yourself, but it wasnt you. Plato locked eyes with his companion. Like the poison that killed Kuikui and the fire that burned our house, the fault lies with our enemies and not our inability to prevent it. If you have to blame someone, blame them.

I could have

I could have become king of dogs with coulds and ifs, Plato interrupted him. Dont overthink it. It happened, you learned a lesson, and now youll take the correct course of action.

Which is?

Please dont transform into a werebear in battle again. Plato shuddered in dread. Ill never look at Winnie the Pooh the same way ever again.

I Basil cleared his throat. Ill try, but I make no promises.

His cat nodded and purred in his arms. Knowing Plato, it meant that he considered the matter settled. Basil felt a little guilty still, but his friends carefreeness cheered him up a bit.

Guys! Bugsy shouted. Someones coming from the other side!

Basil immediately assigned his new levels just in case.

Tamer level 17, 18 & 19 Stat Gains: +1 STR, +3 AGI, +2 VIT, +1 SKI, +1 MAG, +3 INT, +3 CHA, +2 LCK. You earned 70 HP and 45 SP.Monster Cure II (Active): 50 SP, [Support], [Life]. The tamer heals a medium amount of HP for all monster members of his party (HP recovered: (Tamer Levels+MAG) x 2); the Tamer and other Players do not benefit from the healing, but the effect applies regardless of distance. Additionally, the spell will heal status ailments affecting the targets. This replaces Monster Cure I.One for All II: you can now summon all monsters in your party at once instead of one at a time, though you must pay 1 SP x monster for each individual you are trying to summon. This upgrades One for All I.[Monster Cure II] and [One for All II] will apply to your entire Guild.Congratulations, you are one level away from capping the [Tamer] class (20 Levels max). Once youve capped a class, you can no longer gain levels in it; but in exchange, you will receive a powerful capstone ability.

One more level and Basil would have to consider what next class to invest in next. Deathknight, Dragonknight, Runesmith, Alchemist, Gardener or Fisherman? He needed to examine Hagens notes on the first two as soon as possible. And One for All II if Basil hadnt misread, then he could potentially summon his entire Guild at once if he spent enough SP.

Come to think of it, how was it that he gained experience from killing Tamura at all? Rosemarine had been temporarily added to the Aztain Ahizpa party rather than Basils own to make place for Nessia, and she was the one to deliver the coup de grce.

A Guilds parties are interlocked. If multiple parties from a Guild participate in a battle, the experience is shared between all members even if they didnt land the killing blow.

Excellent. That kind of setup prevented internal warfare in the organization. Still, Basil wondered why he wasnt made aware of that feature when he created the Homeowner Revenge Association.

Your Intelligence

Dont you dare to finish this sentence.

wasnt high enough to obtain this information beforehand.

Goddamnit.

Basil looked at Bordeaux as a shadowy form emerged from the clearing fog. The half-crumbled bridge trembled at its approach. The tip of a cannon pierced through the mist atop a mighty Leclerc tank, followed by a dozen armored soldiers on foot. They raised warily rifles at Basils group, especially the non-humanoid members of the party, but thankfully didnt open fire.

What kind of automaton is this? Little Nessia asked, a finger pointed at the tank. Ive never seen anything like it.

Her gesture caused a few soldiers to tense up and point their weapons at her. Basil immediately dropped Plato on the ground, much to the cats chagrin, and prepared to summon his halberd in case things went sour.

Its all right! one of the soldiers said, a woman. Basil recognized her voice before she even removed her helmet. Theyre friends!

Officer Elissalde beamed with joy upon recognizing her sister. Maya!

Sister! Maya Elissalde rushed to embrace her sibling. Her dogs howled in support. Thank God youre alright!

Basil breathed in relief. A part of him suspected Maya Elissalde survivedif her class worked like his Tamer one, her dogs would have perished with herbut the doubt remained. That dickhead Tamura couldnt follow through with his bluff.

The tank stopped a few meters away and an old man emerged from inside. Dressed in a white military uniform covered in medals, he reminded Basil of Ed Harris; albeit ten years older and with a graying beard. A kepi sat comfortably atop a receding hairline. Yet in spite of heavy signs of aging, his blue eyes remained spry and alert. They glanced at each member of Basils group, swiftly assessing them. He smiled warmly within seconds, having correctly guessed that they were allies.

General Richard-Philippe LeblancLevel 26 [Humanoid] (General 10/Pilot 10/Tanklord 6)Guild: European Liberation Front (High Command).

Finally, Basil thought. Now he could complain about the misuse of his taxes to the proper authority!

General. Neria gave him a military salute. Im glad to see you alive and well.

Our apologies for the delay, Brigadier, the general said with a grandfatherly voice. It is difficult to drive a tank in wine fog. We kept running in circles within it.

Basil watched on in silence, trying to assess the generals character. He appeared strangely relaxed for a military leader. Basil expected him to come with a stick up his ass, maybe a whole broom.

Whats the situation, Brigadier? the general asked Officer Elissalde, a little less warmly than before. Report.

The Bohens and my team neutralized Dionysus, Neria explained. Hes dead.

My gurgling are his ghosts screams, Rosemarine whispered. Soldiers pointed their weapons at her in response, but the general only chuckled.

Truly? Then you have my thanks. I hope he did not taste too bitter. General Leblanc glanced at Basil. You are the Tamer boy from Bulgaria, are you not? I have heard about your exploits."

The good ones I hope, Basil deadpanned.

I have yet to hear of the bad ones. Did you truly shout witness me Saint-George before slaying a dragon?

Basil squinted at Neria, who cleared her throat. I was asked to write an extensive report, she defended herself.

I admit I laughed upon reading that part, the general said with a charming grin. Though I assume battling a god probably tops that particular story.

Handsome, Vasi whispered into Basils ear. The flash drive.

Oh, right. Basil cleared his throat. General, I have an important delivery for you straight from the ISS.

The ISS? The general frowned, but seemed to take Basil at his word. Come to my office then. We can discuss it in a warmer place.

Hey, what about us? Ever the opportunist, Shellgirl immediately tried to negotiate a payout. We rescued your city, you owe us a reward!

Shellgirl, shush, Vasi whispered. She looked at the tank warily.

The general took the remark in stride. Of course, I will discuss your compensation with your leader. Brigadier Elissalde, see that our guests are granted accommodations for their stay.

Maya Elissalde glanced at Rosemarine. We dont have a bedroom big enough for her.

A hangar will have to do, her sister replied with a sigh.

Yes, you could take it, the general conceded. Because you already went through great distress in the past. I can see it in your eyes. But not everyone had the benefit of hardships toughening them up. For many, this is their first and greatest crisis; it might very well be their last. Do you think a young you, nave and foolish, could take everything at once? Could you see your home destroyed, your people killed, your civilization crumbling, your world abducted, and not break?

Basil gritted his teeth, but kept his mouth shut. His silence was an answer in itself.

I am not asking you to cover-up the truth, the general whispered. Im asking you to wait for the right moment. We will tell them the truth, but after our people have time to breathe. To get used to a world that has gone mad.

Theyll learn the truth anyway, Basil replied with cynicism. The Apocalypse Force and the Unity must know. Someone will spill the beans. If you let them take the initiative, itll make them gain more followers.

Which is why we will reveal the truth ourselves at the right time. Besides, word of your friends cosmic importance might cause other factions to target him. The fewer people are aware of his true nature for now, the safer he will be.

Basil grumbled, but conceded the point. Too many factions already knew about Kalki and some nihilistic psycho might get the wrong idea.

Okay, Ill keep quiet for now, Basil agreed. But if you dont walk your talk

You have my word, General Leblanc replied. I am not one to fold under pressure, as Metal Olympus could tell.

Why didnt you surrender Kalki to them? The question had bugged Basil for a while. From what I understand, you wanted to form an alliance with them to retake France.

I did, the general conceded. Until they wanted me to surrender your friend without trial nor due process, that is.

A single life compared to a factions might, Basil pointed out. Many others would have gladly made the deal in your position. Why didnt you?

General Leblanc leaned back against his chair. He appeared lost in his thoughts for a few seconds, as if remembering days that had long passed.

My father was a gendarme who committed heinous crimes during the German occupation, he confessed with a sad, sorrowful tone. On the 16th of July 1942, he helped round up thousands of Jews in the Vl dHiv stadium, parents and children alike. Less than a hundred came back alive from the death camps.

Basil held his tongue. The mans voice brimmed with guilt and shame.

I spent my entire childhood being called a collaborators son, the general explained. A single idea has always driven my military career: to wash Frances sullied honor and make sure this kind of horror will never happen again on my watch.

The emotion in his voice was too deep to be faked. I see

Sometimes we are tempted to abandon our principles in the name of pragmatism and safety. There is no greater mistake. It is our values that drive us and make our life worth living. We must stand resolute in the face of evil, not only for ourselves, but for generations who will look back on our actions. For they will carry either our shame or our pride.

The man brimmed with charisma. Basil half-expected him to declare and this is why you must vote for me at the end of his speech. He did not.

Hes not that bad, Basil thought with a kernel of respect. And he did let Kalki flee at tremendous risk to himself. Basil owed him one.

The Apocalypse unveiled the worst of humanity and its best.

You have family back home? The general changed the subject. You are far away from Bulgaria, young man.

My mother lives back home, Basil confirmed. Were estranged.

General Leblanc didnt ask for details on that front, for which Basil was thankful. Whats her name? Perhaps my contacts in eastern Europe will have heard of her.

I doubt that, Basil replied. His mother was a maid and shopkeeper, not a fighter. If anything, she had likely perished on the apocalypses first day. Her name is Aleksandra Olga Bohen.

A kind name, the man said softly. I will keep an ear out for any mention of her.

You might as well look for a needle in a haystack, Basil pointed out.

Perhaps, but it costs us nothing to ask. Do not be so quick to give up on your own kin.

Basil crossed his arms and changed the subject. The words he heard while under the Berserk ailment still haunted him. You said you have contacts in Eastern Europe? How?

We are not the U.S. military, but the countries of Europe have powerful fighting forces all across the continent. Some of them survived the Apocalypse.

Basil wasnt too confident about Bulgarias army, since the post-Soviet governments downsized it after joining NATO. Still, Bulgarians were a proud people. Even if the military failed, militias would fight back against monsters invading their lands. The forests would make it easy to hide and strike in the night.

Over the last months, I have been steadily trying to contact these forces and integrate them under a single command as per NATO protocols, General Leblanc explained. I dare say were on the right path. Were overhauling our doctrine to take the System into account. Trying combined-arms parties, adapting our command structure to Guild features, and so many other things

Did you hear anything from Sofia? Basil asked. He hadnt heard anything from his homeland since the apocalypse. Now that he had lost the house, perhaps he should visit it after finding Kalki.

I admit Bulgaria wasnt too high on my list of importance, but I will keep you informed, the man replied. Your ability to tame monsters also makes me thoughtful. If there is an alternative to constant warfare with them. I might need to explore it.

I know for sure you can breed dinosaurs with chickens, Basil thought it wise to mention.

The general chuckled. Perhaps we should trade our horses for a pack of tyrannosauruses.

You should. A soldier with a sense of humor? Basil thought they were an extinct species. Are we done for the day, General?

We are, for now. General Leblanc cleared his throat. But I would like to talk to you again later. Since your group intends to travel to Paris to pursue the avatar, youll need supplies and support. I can offer you these.

Like food and ammo?

Intel too. We have established friendly contact with other communities in the north of France, who will offer shelter and guidance. Our armories are open to you too. The general smiled. I understand you fight well with your halberd, but I have the feeling you will find our flamethrowers, gatling guns, and AK-47s most appealing.

Flamethrowers? Basils heart skipped a beat. You would lend me one? I told you, Im not interested in joining the army.

I would have called it madness once, General Leblanc conceded. But I didnt think dragons existed six months ago and you have one pulling your carriage. Your victories, however you earn them, are mankinds victory. Ill send other squads after Kalki to edge my bets but Ill grant you all the support you need to prevail.

Basil couldnt help but smirk. Careful, general. Youre starting to make me like France.

Slava na Blgariya, Leblanc replied with a smile and a surprisingly good Bulgarian imitation. Now go take a rest. You look like shit.

After respectfully saluting the general, Basil left the office and closed the door behind him. He found Vasi waiting for him outside, under a glamor disguising her horns and changing her skin color to pale.

How did it go? she asked.

Im glad not all of my taxpayer money was wasted, Basil replied. The meeting went much better than he expected. I might even cautiously say it was wisely invested.

Vasi chuckled. Good to know. They offered us quarters for the night at a hotel near their airport, whatever that means. With real beds.

Is that where the others went?

Plato wanted to question Zachariel about his agnostic cancer and the others went along. Her smile faltered a bit. The soldiers wouldn't let the others close to the base either. Theyre still wary of monsters.

Ah, that explained the glamor. Were you worried about me?

I was, she admitted softly. What happened at the bridge weighs on your mind. I can see it clearly.

Was that so obvious? Basil thought about his mother. So many issues he never had the chance to settle with her, and now now it might be far too late for that.

It wasnt your fault, Vasi reassured him. It was the snakes. No one else.

Youre wrong. Basil bit his tongue, but decided to be honest. Vasi made for a good listener. When I go Berserk, I dont hear anyone. Instead, mental voices do their best to push all my buttons. They open old wounds and then salt them.

I didnt know. Vasi scowled. Thats awful.

Yeah, but that means the anger and rage comes from my own heart. Basils teeth grit in frustration. The Berserk ailment pulls out whats already simmering beneath the surface. I aint got any excuse for not handling my own shit.

Basil, everyone has issues they try to bury in a mind closet, Vasi replied. Does any of these demons involve anger at your cat?

Well, he does wake me up too early for breakfast, Basil joked.

But did you ever want to hurt him?

No. The response came immediately. Never.

Because that wasnt all of you back then. Vasi shook her head. The magic didnt bring out the worst of your person; it canceled the best of it. Yes, mayhaps your anger came from your heart. But it doesnt define you, no more than a finger rules a hand. Its part of a whole. I dont like my new horns, but I have to live with them all the same. Youll have to live with your anger too. Its a part of you.

Even the emotional shit?

Anger is a normal reaction to the feeling of having our boundaries violated, Vasi replied. Sometimes it clouds your judgment and sometimes, it gives you the strength to defend what you care about. Thats no excuse not to work on your issues if you feel the need to, but between us, your zeal is half the reason I find you so charming.

Basil laughed. You do?

Of course, she teased him. You are a passionate man, Mr. Bohen. Yes, sometimes you go overboard, but I find your excesses entertaining. Even inspiring.

I do my best, Basil replied. His heart felt lighter in his chest. And I find you quite charming myself, Vasi.

Thank you, the witch replied. Her warm smile caused blood to flush to Basils head.

Oh, and to hell with it.

Vasi? Basil asked.

Yes?

Wanna visit Bordeaux together? I know a few good spots. Youll love them.

With pleasure, she replied. Shellgirl wanted to do some shopping with the locals too. It should be fun.

No, I meant Basil cleared his throat. Just the two of us.

Vasi observed him in silence for a moment, her expression unreadable. Basil held his breath. Did he overstep? He thought he had read the signals she sent him correctly, but perhaps he had mistaken her light flirting for something more serious

Are you asking me out on a date, Basil Bohen? she teased with a grin. A romantic date?

Yes, he replied bluntly. If you want.

They had been dancing around the subject for a while. Basil thought he might as well bite that bullet. He wasnt sure how it would turn out, but at least they would clarify where each of them stood.

Basil liked Vasi. She was fun to hang out with, and unless he had misread her, she was interested in him too. He didnt want to take it too seriously in case their flirting led nowhere, but after what they went through together, Basil felt right in asking her out.

Vasi let out a long, long sigh. Basil briefly worried that she would let him down gently, but instead, she put a hand on her waist and smiled at him.

About time you took the hint, you dense bear of a man, Vasi said. Very well, handsome. I accept your offer.