The Emperor Class

As he rode into battle, Dreu could see Jojin and Ulzrag attacking Rowan from opposite ends. While a massive magic shield blocked the dragon’s attacks, the demi-god focused his attacks on the fire troll. Rowan’s twin swords were making contact with each hit inflicting a nasty wound on the fire troll. Axichis then joined the fray by sending a whirlwind at the demi-god. The winds made the battlefield more dusty but Rowan walked away from the attack without a single scratch. In the meantime, the corpses of the other nonhumans were scattered everywhere, their cause of death varied from burns to decapitations. Dreu couldn't tell if the battle had been waging for a long time or if Rowan was simply too powerful.

“Looks like the entire crew is here! Let’s end this so I can go home!”

A ring of light expanded outwards from Rowan. When the light hit Dreu, he experienced a tingly feeling within his body. Then, he saw white flashes and heard loud crackling. He could no longer move his body and, moments later, he felt himself blacking out. Dreu didn’t know how many times he lost consciousness but, when he finally recovered some of his functions, he found himself staring at the aftermath of a battle. Rowan stood over Ulzrag, delivering the finishing blow.

Damn it! Damn it! Why is he so strong?

Slowly, the young man felt a terrible pain across his chest. He wasn’t sure if it was his heart or something else but the pain made it hard for him to breathe. Dreu could only watch as Rowan walked towards him. None of his limbs responded to him.

“What a pitiful sight you have become, emperor.”

Rowan raised his sword to deliver the finishing blow when he was unexpectedly sent flying over Dreu. Unable to suppress his smile, Dreu tried unsuccessfully to sit up. His body still didn’t respond properly, making him wonder what spell Rowan used.

“Stay down, young Dreu.” Jojin summoned a large fireball in his hands. “We will take it from here!”

We?

Dreu initially thought only Jojin was still alive but, to his shock, even Ulzrag had taken to the skies. He was certain the dragon was killed off or, at least, he doubted Rowan would fail to deliver the killing blow. When the young man could move his neck, he searched around and failed to find Axichis. As soon as Dreu turned to watch the battle, he saw the goat leader deliver a massive charge that sent Rowan flying away from him. Ulzrag, Jojin and the goat apparently all got rejuvenated as though they received a second wind. Dreu wanted to join them but neck movement was all he got.

“What is going on?” Frustration was obvious in Rowan’s voice. “You should all be dead now!”

The goat rammed into Rowan but, this time, it ended up on top of the demi-god. In point blank range, the goat fired stone shards at Rowan. Dreu couldn’t tell from where he sat if the shards did much but he felt hope with each attack that landed. Then, the goat jumped off Rowan to widen the distance between them. The reasoning behind the withdrawal was made obvious when the dragon swooped down over the demi-god, leaving behind scorched earth in its wake. The screaming from Rowan made Dreu’s smile widen. Unfortunately, the young man still couldn’t get up with his own strength, much to his chagrin.

“You!” Rowan’s anger was directly entirely on Dreu. “I’ll kill you now!”

The Right Arm of Xemir teleported to a few meters from the young man. Before the demi-god could carry out the execution, Dreu felt himself teleported atop the goat. Axichis did a quick greeting before he took to the skies. Dreu's attention was then focused on the goat leader.

Good to have you back, young Dreu! Don’t fall off this time!

I…can understand you now.

Oh…I see you can. Hang on!

The goat leaped back to dodge Rowan’s sword. A fireball from Jojin knocked Rowan off balance, giving the goat more time to maneuver away from the demi-god. As added insurance, the goat continued firing stone shards at Rowan’s feet, greatly hindering the demi-god’s mobility. Then, the other goats also joined in with their own stone shard attacks. Their combined efforts were slowing down the demi-god, even if their attacks did nothing beyond that.

It doesn’t feel like we’re making any progress.

Despite his best efforts to stay optimistic, Dreu couldn’t see any signs of Rowan suffering injuries, let alone actually losing to them. The Right Arm of Xemir appeared invincible, despite the effort of everyone present. With his functions slowly returning, Dreu readied himself for the battle ahead. He wasn’t about to stay idle while the others did all the work.

We need to first get you back your spear.

Yes, and how should I refer to you now that we can understand one another?

Orilgut is my name.

With introductions out of the way, Orilgut circled around Rowan, getting Dreu to the spear he dropped. The demi-god hadn’t given up on reaching the young man but he was very busy with Ulzrag, Axichis and Jojin all taking turns attacking. The three of them were sloppy at teamwork initially but, as the time passed, they worked better and were giving Rowan some trouble. Meanwhile, the other goats were supporting by continuously slowing down the demi-god's mobility. Atop the goat leader, Dreu felt, for the first time that day, that they could actually win.

What is the plan, Orilgut?

While the rest of us attack, you will observe from a safe distance until you find Rowan’s weakness.

Why? Shouldn’t I take part?

Unlike us, you will become fatigued from all the fighting. Bayard said our best course of action is to utilize our inability to tire.

Bayard?

Yes, we met your mentor and he is well.

At the mention of his mentor, Dreu’s eyes started watering. With his spear in his hand, Dreu dismounted the goat some distance away from the battle. He sat down and studied the battle before him, recalling the basics Bayard taught him regarding how one observed a battle. He wanted to believe Rowan had a weakness they could exploit.