The Emperor Class

Having lost his element of surprise, Dreu had a much harder time killing the soldiers that were scaling the walls. Rorgath fought valiantly but he had been slain as soon as he was overwhelmed. The other demon soldiers around his vicinity were also dead, leaving him as the lone defender on this segment of the walls. Surrounded, Dreu was ready to make his final stand. He calmed himself while he readied himself to take down as many foes as he could. Then, three of the soldiers in front of him screamed in pain as they were engulfed by a green flame. The men’s screams temporarily grabbed the attention of the other nearby humans, giving Dreu a chance to deliver a killing blow with no resistance. The death of the four human soldiers meant he was no longer encircled which improved his odds ever so slightly.

Who casted the fireball?

“Watch ou-”

A human’s head was ripped off before he could finish his sentence. The grand entrance even got Dreu’s attention and the young man saw Tragthan in full battle armor. The old demon, striking like a whirlwind, slayed all the nearby human soldiers and even destroyed the magic ladders. Compared to the Tragthan he first met in the demon capital, this demon made Dreu’s jaw drop. Unlike Eglallin, Tragthan seemed far better versed in close combat. The human soldiers who had given Dreu so much trouble stood no chance against the veteran demon.

“It’s time for us to leave,” said Tragthan as he casted fireballs at the humans running towards them atop the walls. “We have bought the others enough time.”

With the demon leading the way, Dreu followed him down the stairs. The young man did pause briefly to check on his two companions who stuck to him like glue. The three of them dashed after Tragthan but, by then, many human soldiers had already entered the city. They had captured the gatehouse which allowed the rest of the human forces to enter without resistance. It was apparent the humans intended on surrounding the remaining demon soldiers.

“Kill the demon and the human!”

Dreu felt a burst of adrenaline after hearing the calls for his death. The adrenaline came in useful because Tragthan told him to pick up his pace. The young man still checked behind him a few times, feeling relieved to see Ilveroz and Aggich both keeping up with him easily. However, he could also sense the human soldiers closing in.

Damn them and their speed boosting spells.

An explosion nearly made Dreu stumble but the young man quickly recovered and resumed his run. He heard more explosions throughout the city followed by screams of pain from the human soldiers. Using the hesitation of the soldiers, Dreu and his companions ran through the rest of the capital with Tragthan out the rear gate. Additional explosions were heard but Dreu didn’t stop to see what was happening. He was determined to escape the pursuers until he was safe, though the irony of fleeing from invading human soldiers did dawn on him. Several minutes later, Dreu could no longer sense any more pursuers behind him.

“We can rest here for a short while.”

Panting hard, Dreu leaned against a nearby tree. His adrenaline had run its course and fatigue was settling in. He also felt discouraged when he stared down to see Ilveroz and Aggich not even breaking a sweat.

What are these demonic creatures made of? Are human bodies that feeble?

Knowing his body had reached its limits, the young man began doubting that resting was such a good idea as he was unsure if his body could start running again. Then, he felt his strength returning, prompting him to look at the demon.

“You can thank Bayard for that. He taught me the Second Wind ability.”

Tragthan gestured Dreu to follow and the small group made its way through the forest at a slower but steady pace. During the trek, Dreu finally asked the demon about the demon capital. Many buildings were overdue for some degree of repairs but the lack of population was what stood out the most to him. He was puzzled how Gujash could end up in its current pitiful state, even if the evacuation was underway. He emphasized the difference between Gujash and Xante.

“I realize you lack the context needed to understand why the city is in such a terrible state. Let’s just say the war has depleted most of its population and those we evacuated are what’s left of the demonic race on the continent..”

“War?” Dreu failed to connect the dots. “Are you referring to the one started by the demonic invasion?”

The demon roared with laughter at Dreu’s questions. Dreu waited patiently for Tragthan to correct his mistake.

“I am not surprised how effective Xemir’s propaganda has been on the human population. Did you think that you were living peacefully and the demons attacked due to them being barbaric brutes who wished for only death and destruction?”

Dreu conceded that he was taught that but, after interacting with the demons, his opinion has changed.

“Our conflict with the human kingdom went back to the war between Xyheia and Xemir. Following Xyheia’s defeat, the demons who stayed behind fought a war they were destined to lose. They have sadly been consumed by their thirst for revenge.”

Dreu couldn’t help but feel the last comment was directed at him. He knew revenge often came at a great price but, as someone with nothing else left, he couldn’t see him sacrificing much. When the young man caught a glimpse of the demon’s eyes, he wondered if Tragthan was also referring to himself.

“Our invasion of your kingdom was one out of self defense and it failed. The humans now intend to finish what’s left of the demon nation so they can rule all of Ittoroth. With the activation of the Purificator, they are closer than ever in meeting their sadistic goal.”

Dreu felt great intensity in the demon's eyes as they stared into his. The two of them had stopped moving as Tragthan towered over the young man.

"If our evacuation plan fails, there will be no more demons left on Ittoroth. While my death means little, the demonic children who have yet to see the world deserve better."