The Emperor Class

Know what?

How did you know showing respect would diffuse the situation?

Axichis began a lengthy story of how he survived the wilderness alone by learning what creatures were predators and what creatures were friends. Survival required him to be extra cautious around all creatures and, over time, he learned to trust his instincts. He then explained that he could sense no hostilities from the goats nor were they exhibiting any signs of hunger, though the duck had yet to see any carnivore goats. Dreu tried suppressing his laughter while his companion paused to ponder on the concept of carnivore goats. Despite getting the answer to his question, the young man wanted to see what conclusion Axichis would end up with. Several minutes later, the duck turned to him.

I think it would be wiser if I stay away from hungry animals until I’m certain they don’t like ducks as food. It would be too late once I’m in their belly.

Dreu nodded in agreement and stood up. The clouds above him looked nowhere closer, drawing a sigh from him. He wasn't sure when he could reach the top, especially when more monsters awaited him. When a thought popped into his head, he looked down.

Why don’t you try flying to the peak? You can scout out what is ahead and we can create plans in advance. You can always come back down if the dragon notices your presence.

Axichis fidgeted for a full minute before he told Dreu that he couldn’t fly for a long duration of time. The duck was apparently limited to short burst of flight which was why he mostly resorted to waddling him way up the mountain. Upon hearing that, Dreu couldn’t stop his jaw from dropping. He never thought he would find a duck incapable of flying or wind spells.

Laugh all you want! I know I’m a useless companion.

Dreu felt terrible and walked over to console Axichis. When the duck seemed unresponsive to his words, the young man felt the need to share a bit of his past with his new companion. He took a minute to ponder on what to talk about. In the end, he shared his time with Bayard and how the veteran footman patiently taught him a lot on how to protect himself. He expressed his gratitude for Bayard who had done much more than anything else in ensuring his survival, despite them only knowing each other for a short time. The young man was relieved when Axichis asked a question in response to what he shared.

Where is Bayard now?

He’s gone now. No one lives forever.

Unwilling to revisit his recent loss, Dreu resumed his climb. The idea of the crystal resurrecting Bayard did cross his mind but he wasn’t sure how that would be possible. Bayard was a spirit while his family members had physical forms. To take his mind off the matter, Dreu looked behind him to see Axichis waddling about. They got past the goats earlier without any bloodshed. Yet, even the brief engagement with the goats proved how underprepared Dreu was to face the creatures. On the mountains, he was the stranger who lacked both the information and expertise to fight effectively. Against a serious opponent who was well accustomed to the mountains, he had no chance of winning, even with the help of the duck’s teleportation ability. Keeping his pessimistic thoughts to himself, the young man led the way until the two of them arrived outside a cave. With night descending, the duo agreed that resting in the cave was a good idea.

Let’s not go too deep! I don’t want to wake up what might be sleeping inside.

Agreed.

The two companions huddled near the cave entrance. Dreu offered to take the first watch, allowing the duck to sleep on one leg. The moonlight provided enough illumination for the young man to see if anything approached them, whether from within the cave or outside of it. The tranquil night almost lulled Dreu to sleep but he willed himself to stay awake. When he was about to wake up Axichis, a noise got his attention. A low growl signaled the approach of a creature before he could see it.

Wake up, Axichis! We have company!

Dreu kept his focus on where the sound came from. The newcomer came from within the cave and, when it was revealed by the moonlight, the young man cursed out loud. The troll, standing about two meters tall while hunched, took slow steps towards him. Its long arms held no weapons but the claws looked deadly enough. Even without the claws, he was certain a swing of the troll’s arm could maim or kill him outright. He knew the creatures were vulnerable to fire spells but they were extremely resistant to other attacks like slashing weapons. Lacking spells of his own and equipped with only a blade, he knew the odds were vastly in favor of the towering creature. He was devising on how to fight the creature when he heard a voice.

“A human! What a rare sight around here!”

It took Dreu several seconds to realize that the troll was talking. He always heard trolls were stupid creatures who only understood violence towards other races. He heard stories of trolls hunting down humans for food because their instincts pushed them to do so. Never had he heard about trolls capable of language.

“Not all of us are dimwitted! Only those tainted by orc blood become violent beasts no different from the orcs.”

The young man no longer questioned how the troll could talk. He was aware that the troll had stopped approaching him and was conversing with him instead. Recalling the encounter earlier with the goats, Dreu bowed down and apologized to the troll for his preconceptions of trolls. The troll laughed at his comment and shook his head.

“An apology? How unexpected!” The troll cast a fire spell in his hand, illuminating sections of the cave the moonlight couldn’t reach. “You are a guest so you must visit my home. We are delighted to have a champion of Xyheia among us! Come! We have much to discuss!”