The Emperor Class

Dreu gripped his ax tightly as he watched the beast riders approach his position. After exiting the forest, the Duchess casted an illusion spell which should have allowed their forces to move towards Xante undetected. For some unknown reason, they discovered not one but two demon armies heading in their direction. It soon became clear that the demon armies were aware of their presence when they, despite taking detours, couldn’t shake off the demon armies. With battle inevitable, the Duchess ordered her forces to split into three groups heading in separate directions. Dreu and Zhao were split into a different group from the adventurers and he, along with a few hundred knights, found themselves eventually surrounded by countless demon soldiers. They took up a defensive position on a hill where the knights formed up their shield wall.

Instead of sending their infantry in, the demons chose to send in their beast riders. From afar, Dreu could see the armored demons sitting on platforms built atop beasts the size of elephants. The beasts were giant lizards with a large horn growing out of their snouts and spiny coats of armor. In unison, the beasts began their charge towards the knights and their charge shook the earth itself.

How do we fight those things, Zhao?

Those things are Sceads, creatures native to the Demon Realm. Their horns pack a punch and their armor is nearly impervious to all weapons. Their weak spots are their underbelly and their neck once you get on top of them.

The knights might have formed shield walls but, given the size of the beasts, they were swept aside like rubbish. The impact of the initial charge dealt significant casualties to the knights who were scrambling to recover. The shouts of pain and panic only added to the chaos.

While Dreu focused on the incoming Scead, Zhao closed the gap with one of the beasts. The young man only noticed his footman’s departure when Zhao exhibited incredible acrobatic skills by leaping onto the beast’s horn. From there, he used the Scead’s upward motion of its head to land on top of the head where he brought down his sword against the unsuspecting rider. Before the rider landed on the ground, Zhao had already plunged his sword into the unarmored section of the neck. The Scead screamed in pain and, after bulldozing a few more meters through the knights, collapsed. By the time the footman dismounted the dead beast, the other beast riders had pulled back and were preparing for another charge.

< Congratulations! You may pick one of the three weapons. >

Dreu jumped at the sight of the prompt window. He just finished reading the text when the roar of the beasts got his attention. With the results of the first charge still fresh in his mind, Dreu quickly looked through the weapons hoping one of them could prove useful in his predicament.

< Weapon 1: Demonic Feast Blade

Description: This weapon was crafted by a master demon blacksmith. The blade starts off no different from ordinary blades but, as it takes the lives of others, it grows stronger and unlocks unique abilities depending on its victims. As the blade grows stronger, the user also grows more proficient in the use of demonic powers. >

Dreu quickly read through the description and skipped to the second weapon.

< Weapon 2: Warlord’s Elemental Spear

Description: This weapon was gifted by a powerful goddess to the strongest human warrior known in history. Following the death of the warrior, the spear lost all of its powers and was left abandoned in the warrior’s tomb. However, a new inscription appeared on the spear stating that, once it finds a worthy successor, the weapon can once again regain its former glory. >

Dreu recalled the spear being a primary weapon for Zhao so the option was alluring. However, he wanted to check the last one to be certain he wasn’t missing a treasure through a hasty decision.

< Weapon 3: Elvish Chu-ko-nu

Description: This weapon was crafted by a master elvish craftsman. While bows are the preferred weapon of most elves, a few, like the craftsman, weren't shy in making other weapons. Inspired by the human crossbow and improved further, the Chu-ko-nu was developed and became known for its rapid firing rate. >

Dreu raised his eyebrows at the sight of the third weapon. While the first two weapons could suit his footmen, the third one really stood out of place and wasn’t of interest to him. For the remaining two, he could see how a demonic blade would be a terrible choice given the demon invasion. Therefore, he had no difficulty picking the spear. As soon as he selected the second weapon, a dim light originated in his left hand and expanded until a spear appeared before him. The spear was lightweight so he could wield it with ease. As described by the prompt window, he felt no powers within the weapon, nor did he feel any stronger wielding it. Before he got carried away with his new weapon, the screams of the nearby knights pulled him back into reality.

The beast riders had succeeded in a second charge with more knights trampled or impaled by their horns. Because the knights went for a much tighter formation this time, they actually managed to bog down the Scead. However, none of them could inflict any injury to the beast as their swords simply bounced off the creature's scales. Dreu then watched as his footman hurried beside him but Zhao was without a weapon. He tossed his new weapon to the footman.

The Warlord's Elemental Spear? How did you acquire this?

Zhao took a moment to admire the weapons. Following an expression of thanks, Zhao charged at the nearest beast. The beast rider, anticipating the footman to attempt the same approach, had drawn a weapon. To both the rider’s and beast’s surprise, the footman went straight for the beast’s head. The spear easily penetrated through the scales and was pulled out just as easily. The beast recoiled from the pain resulting in it falling on its back and crushing the rider.