The Emperor Class

With the demon worm as his new summoned creature, Dreu opened his window prompt. The sight of the prompt still brought a big smile out of him. The new “Summon Demonic Creature” ability caught his eye first.

< Summon Demonic Creature (Lvl 1):

Description: This ability allows the emperor to summon demonic creatures at a mana cost relative to the creature’s level. To gain access to demonic creatures, the emperor must gain the loyalty of a wild demonic creature eligible to become a summoned creature. Eligibility of the creature depends on the level and skills of the emperor. Once the emperor’s level reaches a certain threshold, a creature is eligible as long as the emperor possesses a skill compatible with the creature. The window prompt will highlight eligible creatures.

If the demonic creature has been summoned before, this ability lets the emperor recall that creature. Recalling a creature is beneficial due to the creature retaining experience and levels obtained from combat. Higher levels of the skill cut down on the recall cooldown and mana cost of the creatures. Unlike the Summon Footman ability, this ability has no limits as to how many creatures are summoned at one time. The only limitation the emperor has to work within is mana limits when summoning a new creature. >

Dreu was never a fan of the limit placed on his abilities. His contributions in battles were lessened when he worked with a small party as opposed to a small strike force. Ironically, he now had no limit and only a single creature at his disposal. To make better use of his new ability, he needed to find more eligible creatures. He looked up the demon worm on his window prompt.

< Lv 1 Demon Worm (Zog):

Description: This caterpillar-like creature enjoys eating and playing. The creature’s good nature makes it an ideal playmate for demonic children. As a creature at the bottom of the food chain, the creature is known to be timid in battle and boasts little to no combat capabilities.

Recommendations: Avoid combat at all costs.

Status: +5% movement speed due to feeling afraid. >

Dreu pondered on the ‘feeling afraid’ experienced by his demon worm.

“Everyone!” shouted Tragthan. “Head to the cave!”

The demonic children and their demon worms moved as a group into the forest. Only Dreu and the three creatures stood there awkwardly trying to make sense of the situation. Tragthan walked over.

“Follow those children to a safe spot.” He gestured in the direction of the city. “We have some uninvited guests and they are ahead of schedule.”

Dreu didn’t need further elaborations of uninvited guests. He picked up the three creatures and chased after the demonic children. Sensing something was wrong, both Ilveroz and Aggich didn’t struggle when they were picked up. They, along with Zog, were well-behaved as everyone headed to a cave. The group was making good progress when an arrow suddenly hit one of the trees near Dreu's head. Dreu turned to see a group of humans expertly jumping from branches to branches.

Damn it! We have to face rangers in the forest.

Dreu dashed to put a tree between him and the rangers. He placed the three creatures down and told them to flee. Yet, the three refused to leave him.

“Alright,” whispered Dreu. “Let’s defeat them then.”

Dreu drew his blade. Separated from the others, his only backups were the three demonic creatures. He had to assume that Tragthan was too preoccupied to assist him while the other demons had little reason to care about his survival. His current situation was also worsening due to how unfavorable it was. The trees might provide him some cover against arrows but it was a matter of time before the rangers had a clear shot at him. His blade would do little unless he could get in close which he doubted these rangers would make the mistake of. With his back to the tree, Dreu listened intently for the rangers. He knew they could move swiftly along the branches but they might make enough noise for him to home in on them. As he waited, the young man felt a new presence nearby. The presence didn't feel hostile but he couldn't perceive who it was.

Then, he sensed two presences closing in on his position. Dreu gripped his blade tightly as he hyperventilated, unsure what approach he should take against two foes. Ilveroz charged out fearless at one of the presences. Upon hearing the cursing of a man, Dreu came out from behind the tree with his two hands on the blade handle. Despite the ranger’s best efforts, Ilveroz refused to release its hold on the man’s arm. Dreu used the distraction to end the man’s life. As soon as he delivered the killing blow, the young man pivoted to see the other ranger in shock. Before he could close the gap, the ranger notched an arrow in his bow.

I’m too slow!

As Dreu watched the ranger raise the bow, Ilveroz closed the distance to intercept the ranger. With a smile, the ranger leaped backwards to maintain the gap. However, the man tripped over Zog who had crawled behind the man. Off balance, the ranger fell awkwardly with Ilveroz pouncing on him. The small demon hound couldn’t hold the ranger down but he served as a distraction that allowed Dreu to behead the ranger. Then, instinct kicked in and the young man tossed aside his blade. The young man dived for a nearby tree, having sensed the other rangers atop the trees had already gotten a bead on him. While most of the rangers fired and narrowly hit Dreu, one of the rangers waited before unleashing an arrow. The arrow was too fast to see but Dreu instinctively knew it was going to hit him.

Sorry, everyone! I didn’t plan to die here.

Dreu turned his head when he noticed something in his peripheral vision. Ilveroz got between him and the arrow and, upon impact, the arrow burst into flames. Behind the tree, Dreu landed awkwardly but he scrambled to check on Ilveroz who turned into ash in mere seconds. Tears streamed down his face at the thought of the demon hound sacrificing its life to save his life.