The Emperor Class

A man clad in white armor with golden trimmings stood roughly as tall as Bayard. The armor emitted a light glow that engulfed the man’s entire body. Two swords and their scabbards could be seen at the two sides of the man’s hip. Even from where he stood, Dreu could make out some characters written across the chest plate, though the characters were too foreign for him to recognize them. The helmet resembled the head of a horse and covered the man’s entire head. Dreu only noticed the man was floating above the ground when he looked at the man’s sabaton that had wings attached to them. The man resembled the folk tale hero who would save the humans from external threats. Dreu could sense the man staring directly at him despite the man having his entire face covered.

“That’s the Right Arm of Xemir,” said Bayard with disgust in his voice. “We just call him Rowan the Traitor or Rowan the Dog, whichever you find fitting.”

Dreu tried to process that information. The Right Arm of Xemir was a powerful demi-god under the god, Xemir. As the name suggested, the demi-god served as an extension to the god to defeat the enemies of the human race. Stories claimed the Right Arm of Xemir ensured the human race's survival against all odds in the past three hundred years or so. The timing matched Bayard's story about the critical battle that decided the fate of the continent. The title of traitor and dog certainly brought up many questions in the young man’s mind but this was neither the time nor place to discuss the matter. His train of thought was then interrupted when the demi-god spoke up.

“Fascinating! To think another emperor would appear after your goddess has abandoned the continent.” Rowan raised his hand in the air. “Swear your allegiance to Xemir and you will be handsomely rewarded! Oppose him and you will end up like those behind you!”

Dreu turned around to see the column of light dissipating, leaving a large hole where dozens of demon soldiers stood. When he studied Rowan, he couldn't sense the demi-god as serious or tense. The Right Arm of Xemir made the demon army look pitiful in comparison. Before Dreu could consider the offer, Zhao dashed into action with his spear pointed straight at Rowan. The demi-god effortlessly dodged every attack and even taunted Zhao.

“What’s wrong, Zhao? You have grown so weak since I last saw you. It’s so pitiful to see someone so feared in battle once has become an empty shell of his former self. Is this what happens when your goddess isn't there to aid you?”

With a simple kick, Rowan sent Zhao flying and the footman landed near Dreu.

“You’ve grown so weak that you don't even compare to a mortal I fought three years ago. His fighting style was likely based on yours. I can only imagine his disappointment if the mighty Zhao has sunk to such levels.”

“I didn’t expect to hear about those who are still learning my style of wielding the spear. Looks like Xemir hasn't manipulated the hearts of all the humans yet.”

“Past tense,” Rowan said smugly. “He claimed to be the last student of your style. His name was…”

The demi-god paced back and forth as he thought. When the demon soldiers advanced towards him, another column of light came down and decimated them.

“I believe the man called himself Ross. He was trying in desperation to buy time in Lullin.”

Lullin?

Dreu’s mind was rushing when Rowan mentioned the name. Lullin was a small insignificant town to outsiders so it came as a shock to hear the demi-god know of its existence.

What’s wrong?

Dreu was unsure if his facial expression gave away his shock so he quickly recovered his composure. The demi-god was still pacing back and forth so the young man hoped Rowan didn’t notice. He debated within himself before choosing to come clean with the footman.

Lullin was my home and Ross was my father. Three years ago, the small town was destroyed and I found no survivors.

When Bayard didn’t respond, Dreu thought he failed to communicate with the footman. Before Dreu could say anything, Zhao walked a few steps towards the demi-god.

“I’ve never heard of Lullin. I thought someone like you wouldn’t have time to be bothered with small villages.”

“You might think that,” said Rowan after a laugh, “but Lullin was home to those still loyal to the goddess. I decided that, for their loyalty, I would send them to hell personally.”

“So you killed this Ross person along with everyone there?”

“Not only Ross and the humans there,” said Rowan with ice in his words. “I even had the joy of slaughtering all the nonhumans there. It was a fun little massacre to help me pass the time.”

The Right Arm of Xemir pointed a finger at Zhao and cast a beam from it. Upon impact, Zhao’s right arm and right torso were disintegrated.

“I will do you a favor by helping you meet this Ross. I’m sure he’ll be excited to meet the famous Zhao.”

Rowan shifted his finger and went on to disintegrate the rest of the footman. Dreu quickly checked his prompt and was relieved to see Zhao’s name still in the recall list. He then looked up to see the demi-god staring straight at him.

“I’m sure you don’t need further demonstration.” Rowan drew one of his swords. “Why not join the winning side instead of aligning yourself with losers like her?”

The Right Arm of Xemir slashed at a green fireball going his way. Dreu followed the direction of the fireball until he stopped at Eglallin with one of her hands outstretched.

“That wasn’t very nice,” said the demoness. “It’s rude to call others losers.”

Eglallin summoned multiple fireballs around her and fired them at Rowan. While the demi-god intercepted the attacks with his sword, someone in dark armor appeared behind him with a sword drawn. The Right Arm of Xemir stopped the fireballs with one sword and drew the other sword to intercept the newcomer’s attack.

“Looks like we have a full party here today! Tying up the loose ends is long overdue!”