BXBX NOVEL Chapter 389: Brief situation in Europe
Colonel Parker, witnessing this marvel of advanced technology, felt a surge of childlike wonder. As a US Army officer, he couldn't help but be captivated by the colossal airplane. This behemoth boasted a carrying capacity exceeding 800 tons, and its silent engine hinted at a fuel source beyond conventional fossil fuels.
"Mr. Emberweave, that incredible plane!" Parker exclaimed, his excitement palpable. Daniel, however, quickly dashed his hopes.
"Apologies, Colonel. That's an experimental model, not for sale."
Disappointment clouded Parker's face. "Experimental? Does that mean it could be mass-produced for purchase if it proves stable?" he inquired, the eagerness in his voice akin to a child yearning for a promised toy.
Daniel rolled his eyes internally. The real reason he didn't want to sell Atlantean Carryall was because it was actualized from his card and its hidden danger. This aircraft, while looking like a formidable transporter, could also become a colossal stealth bomber with a little bit of modification; he would lose some sleep if this thing were to circulate in the market.
"Currently, it runs on a newly discovered energy source – the Ether fuel cell. Stabilizing it for your infrastructure would be a significant challenge," Daniel explained, resorting to a white lie. This "Ether fuel cell" was essentially a disguised Philosopher's Stone in a sci-fi looking package, inaccessible to anyone outside of himself and a select group of alchemists.
Parker nodded, seemingly accepting the explanation. "That makes sense," he conceded. "The quiet engine is perfect for stealth missions! I assure you, the US military would be willing to pay a premium for such an aircraft. We can even—"
Daniel cut him off with a raised hand. "In due time, Colonel. In due time. As for products available for purchase by the US government, you can speak with Ms. Goldwyn. She represents me in the US."
After granting permission, Daniel authorized Colonel Parker and a few soldiers to tour the Atlantean Carryall. Hulking Power armor-clad soldiers acted as their guides, keeping a watchful eye on the Colonel to ensure he didn't wander into restricted areas or cause any trouble.
Daniel then left the Colonel's group to check on Maria. She had just escorted the hostages out of the city hall basement and was now facing a different kind of challenge. The children, giddy with excitement, were clamoring all over the soldier in the Power armor, treating him like a giant robot.
The soldier, however, was helpless in his powerful suit. The immense horsepower limited his movements, and any attempt to shoo the children away risked injuring them as they clung to him like monkeys and koalas.
The sight brought a chuckle to Daniel's lips. Maria, noticing her master's amusement, swiftly ushered the children back to their worried parents. Relief washed over the parents' faces as they retrieved their mischievous offspring. They showered Maria with profuse thanks for her quick intervention.
"Milord! Greetings." Maria bowed deeply, her smile flickering with a hint of longing. It had been a long time since she'd seen her beloved master, and their reunion sparked a strange sensation within her, a feeling she quickly suppressed.
"How are things in Europe? Do you need anything?" Daniel inquired.
"No, my lord," Maria replied, shaking her head. "In fact, my father seems to be quite lively. He enjoys himself immensely whenever someone comes to find trouble with the Sanguinis Clan." Her voice held a hint of amusement.
Maria chuckled softly. "Of course, most of these idiots aren't worthy of his personal attention. The Clan usually handles them efficiently. But when a large group of these troublemakers arrives, my father can't resist the opportunity to 'play' with them."
Daniel understood perfectly. After all, he was the one who wrote Vlad's lore and personality for the card game. He knew all too well that Vlad was a bloodthirsty maniac at heart.
"And what about the gift I sent to the Sanguinis Clan? Was it useful?" Daniel asked, referring to the Blood Tree he'd sent to help Vlad "convince" the vampire society to submit to his rule.
—
Card Name: Blood Tree
Illustration: A large tree with blood-red leaves and numerous heart-shaped fruits in a deep crimson color hanging from its branches.
Rarity: Rare
Type: Creature - Tree
Mana Cost: 2 Dark, 4 Non-Element
Description:
The 'Blood Tree' cannot attack. Whenever a creature dies on the battlefield, place a strength counter on the 'Blood Tree.'
Tap, Pay 1 Non-Element: Create a 1/1 creature token named 'Blood Fruit' with "Tap, Sacrifice this creature: Put a strength counter on a target vampire."
Power: 2
Toughness: 8
Flavor Text: A delicacy among vampires, its flavor and allure tempt even the most discerning palates of vampire lords.
—
"Absolutely, my lord. My deepest thanks. The Blood Tree has been a boon, facilitating the Sanguinis Clan's integration of the other vampire clans under your banner. However, its allure has also turned it into a double-edged sword.
In fact, the Blood Tree is responsible for nearly 40% of the attacks the Sanguinis Clan has faced – not just from rival vampire factions, but even from mages!" Maria concluded her report, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes.
"Mages too? What do they want from the Blood Tree?" Daniel inquired curiously, realizing he hadn't paid enough attention to the reports about the conflict in vampire societies.
"According to one of the mages we captured, they believe the Blood Tree could be an excellent subject for research to advance blood magic and other magical applications. Blood serves as fuel for many branches of magic, such as necromancy and summoning," Maria stated matter-of-factly.
Upon hearing about necromancy, Daniel pondered his card that could resurrect the dead as undead creatures. While these actions could be classified as necromancy, he wasn't entirely familiar with traditional necromantic practices.
Despite having many undead cards, he refrained from using them to avoid conflicts with the Vatican. However, Maria's mention of this topic and the apparent leniency of the Hightower made him consider utilizing some of his undead and necromancy-themed cards to test their capabilities.
"Thank you, Maria. That will be all. By the way, will you return to Europe immediately, or can Vlad spare you to assist me in this conflict with the Confederacy?" Daniel inquired.
"I'm all yours, My Lord. I'm confident my father can manage without me. Besides, he prefers a more 'direct approach' himself rather than sending me for spying, sabotage and information gathering," Maria replied with a smile.
Daniel internally rolled his eyes at the thought of Vlad's bloodthirsty nature. [Of course, Vlad would prefer that. He's quite the bloodthirsty maniac,] Daniel thought to himself.
After excusing himself from Maria, Daniel made his way to the old Fort Sumner. There, he intended to experiment with his cards on a particular grave, testing their effects firsthand.
As Daniel made his way to Fort Sumner, Nicholas' voice crackled through the comm channel. "Hey there, Daddy Girl! Did your father send you to seduce Mr. Emberweave? Something wrong with your usual 'I'm all yours, My Lord'? You sounded awfully sweet just now." Nicholas' voice took on a playful lilt, mimicking a high-pitched, girly tone.
A wave of laughter erupted from the other end of the channel.
Maria's cheeks flushed crimson. "Wh-what?! How did you…?" she stammered. "You forgot to mute your comm channel, Daddy girl! Not that I mind," Nicholas continued, a smirk evident in his voice.
"This is giving the boys and me a good laugh. Your 'girly voice' is quite the departure from your usual tough persona." More laughter echoed through the channel, seemingly emanating from a nearby restaurant where Nicholas and his soldiers were likely gathered.
As Maria typically adopted a low, commanding tone, her shift to a softer voice when addressing Daniel was evidently a source of amusement for Nicholas and his men.
"You...! Nicholas! My father will hear of this!" Maria threatened, attempting to intimidate him through the comm channel.
A sarcastic chuckle filled the airwaves. "Ooooh, scary!" Nicholas mocked. "Go ahead, cry to your daddy. If the big bad Vlad comes looking for me, I'll just tell Mr. Emberweave you were the one who sicced your Daddy on me!"
Maria growled in frustration. "You...! You...! Grrr..." Rhetoric wasn't her forte, and Nicholas' taunts left her speechless. But a mischievous glint flickered in her eyes. She may not win a war of words, but she could wage a war of pranks.
Silently, she vowed to get even. Tonight, She will introduce some tacos into their noses!