The Emperor Class

“Abandoned?”

Dreu might have asked the question but he wasn’t surprised one bit. After his meeting with the Duchess, he knew this scenario was within the realm of possibility. In truth, he almost expected it as the Duchess was someone who wouldn't hesitate sacrificing others for her own benefit.

“Where is Sela then?” asked the young man who was expecting all the adventurers to be present.

“Her uncle guaranteed her safety so she left with the Duchess,” replied Gaenor.

“How did the Duchess escape?” Dreu recalled the two demon armies that were intent on hunting her down. “Did her illusion magic work suddenly? If so, wouldn't it make more sense for her to keep everyone alive to better fend off the demon invasion?”

“The Duchess had a teleport crystal on her that could take her to the capital.” Jeane’s voice had a tone of anger in it. “She used us to get her close enough to activate the crystal., allowing her and a select few to reach safety.”

“She left us and most of the knights to fend for ourselves,” added Sadon. “She wasn’t even apologetic before she activated her crystal, saying something about how the superior humans earned the right to live.”

Jeane went on to describe their last week where their group grew smaller and smaller due to the relentlessness of the demons. Once they were discovered, the demons attacked them day and night without giving them any rest. The fatigue was the reason for their complete rout, resulting in everyone scattering in all direction. It wasn’t until the three of them reached the shrine did they finally get some proper rest. The cleric added that, while the demons did encircle the shrine initially, they eventually backed off without warning. On the day of the demon’s departure, she described a feeling of a darkness more terrible than anything she could have imagined. When Jeane fell silent, Dreu looked to Bayard.

Is that why you pushed me? We were fleeing from something terrible?

Yes, we had to reach safety and I was hoping this shrine would still be standing. Luckily for us, Xyheia’s blessing is still active.

Dreu used the moment to study the shrine. The walls formed a circle with a dome as its roof. Many windows were carved into the walls allowing plenty of light in. At the center of the shrine, there was an altar of some sort, though there were no signs of offerings. The interior was bland and the young man had to assume all the valuables were taken a long time ago. Despite how simple the shrine was, Dreu felt a sense of calmness there as though he was reassured that life would turn out better. He was curious if Xyheia exerted such a aura if he could ever meet her.

“How did you two get here?” asked Gaenor. “After we were separated, I didn’t expect to see you two alive.”

“Bayard did most of the heavy lifting. I just had to trust him and keep up.”

“What’s next?” asked Sadon. “We can’t stay here forever, right?”

Before anyone could say anything, Bayard signaled everyone to keep quiet and made gestures about something lurking outside. Everyone moved to a nearby window to take a look. The creature standing in the clearing was unlike anything Dreu had seen before. Its long and narrow head resembled that of a reptile but there were no eyes, snouts or a mouth. Only two holes were on the two sides resembling ears. The creature stood upright on its two hind limbs. Its legs were long and muscular with sickle-shaped claws making up its toes. The two long forelimbs had hands with similar claws as the toes. Standing roughly as tall as an average human, Dreu had no intention of finding out how well the creature fought with its claws. The group held its breath until the creature moved on elsewhere.

“What was that?” asked Sadon who was still shaking from the experience.

“Those things are called Velo,” answered Bayard. “They serve as the scouts for most underworld factions. Let's hope there won't be anymore of them coming to this shrine.”

“Underworld?” asked the adventurers in unison.

Bayard first stated that his knowledge on the underworld was limited. He claimed that those who delved too deep into the knowledge would be corrupted. In addition, one would attract the attention of those in the underworld who would happily offer wealth and power in return for one’s soul or eternal servitude. He knew that terrible beings and creatures came from the underworld who wanted nothing more than death and destruction. The Velo was a lowly scout but it could pose a challenge to many capable warriors.

“Now imagine what other monstrosities are in the underworld if that creature is one of the weakest ones.”

Bayard ended his short talk with an emphasis on avoiding dark powers at all costs. Dreu had never seen the footman so serious so he vowed to keep the advice to heart. He had his emperor class which was powerful enough. He couldn’t imagine anything else tempting him.

Surely the underworld couldn't offer anything more, right?

“Are we all stranded here then?” asked Sadon. “While I have no interest in fighting that…Velo thing, I dislike the idea of starving to death more.”

When Dreu asked about the food situation, he was given a grim answer. At most, they had enough food to last three days if they rationed it properly. After that, they had to leave the safety of the shrine to scavenge for more food.

“I can help with the scavenging part,” offered Bayard. “In the worst case scenario, Dreu can summon another footman and we can repeat. With mana as the only cost, he can keep this up until we figure where we are headed to.”

“Assuming we have a place to go,” said Gaenor. “The capital is out of the question given that is where the demons are gathering at. We no longer have options.”

“That isn’t true! We can seek sanctuary at one more place. At least, I hope the place is still under human control.”

Everyone urged Jeane to share the place she had in mind.

“The Cleric Fortress of Ujun.”