The Emperor Class

Braglames and his double closed in on the newcomer, getting the attention of everyone else. They were several meters from the being when the newcomer suddenly vanished from sight. Next, the demon was sent flying and, while he was in the air, the newcomer leaped into the air with his scythe swinging downwards. In a matter of seconds, the demon was sliced in half by the newcomer. Before the newcomer landed, he vanished again and appeared beneath the portcullis. Unlike the demon Dreu saw moving as a shadow in the cave, the newcomer was capable of teleportation, something the young man only heard of in myths.

It’s over?

Dreu was nearly speechless with what had happened. He looked to Bayard but the footman looked like a statue.

Not yet.

Upon hearing Rohese’s comment, Dreu looked and noticed the demon standing where his double was at. Before he could ask another question, Bayard shared his observation.

I didn’t think it was possible but Braglames managed to switch spots with his double. If the demon faces the same limitations as the former emperor, then he likely cannot summon another double for a while.

“The offer is still on the table!”

Dreu turned to Rowan who was no doubt speaking to him. The demi-god also effortlessly fended off Eglallin’s fireballs with his barrier while he kept talking.

“The demons are done for. Eglallin and Braglames are impressive by demon standards but they cannot get past me and Azorius. The Purificator will activate and we’ll eradicate any survivors.”

Dreu watched an arrow go through the barrier only to bounce off Rowan’s armor harmlessly. The demi-god raised his sword in the direction of Rohese and, when the young man turned his head, the summoned archer was sliced in half before she disintegrated. With ease, the Right Arm of Xemir finished off Zhao and Rohese, leaving only Bayard and Guiot by his side. Dreu knew that they would fare poorly against Rowan. In their current situation, they were merely wingless moths waiting for the demi-god to decide when their time came to an end.

“Azorius?” asked Bayard. “As in King Azorius?”

The name was familiar but Dreu failed to connect the dots until Bayard asked the question. For a moment, he thought the newcomer just happened to share the same name as the king. There were plenty of Dreus all over the kingdom for instance. He had no doubt there were plenty of people named Azorius, likely after the king.

“Well, the former king. Now that Azorius is serving Xemir, he has given up his crown to dedicate his entire life to the deity. Quite admirable, isn’t it?”

Rowan swung his sword at Eglallin, sending the demoness flying towards the castle wall. With her out of the picture, Rowan took several steps towards Dreu.

“Descendent of Emperor Gavienus Tobias! I offer you this rare opportunity! King Azorius has given up his throne to be the Left Arm of Xemir. The humans still need a ruler to guide them towards their golden age. Serve Xemir and become the emperor for the people! Become the emperor who will achieve what no humans has achieved before. As a devout servant of Xemir, you will be taught the full powers of your Emperor Class. Not only will you command the largest empire in history but you will also be the strongest mortal. Power, wealth, fame! You shall have all of it! There’s no reason for you to turn down this offer! Join us!”

Several fireballs got Rowan’s attention. The Right Arm of Xemir turned towards Eglallin.

“Why are you demons like cockroaches? I’ll celebrate when the Purificator permanently wipes out your kind.”

Dreu’s knees weakened when he felt a tidal wave of magic released from the castle. His fears were confirmed by Rowan.

“This is where we say farewell, Eglallin.” Rowan bowed to the demoness. “I may not always be a fan but I will miss the entertainment you provide so willingly.”

“Did you think we didn’t come with an escape plan?” Eglallin said as she pulled out a dark crystal.

As the demoness broke the crystal in her palm, the light coming from Azorius’ armor grabbed Dreu’s attention.

“What did you do?” the demoness screamed several seconds later.

“It’s one of Azorius’ abilities,” said Rowan with a chuckle. “For one use per day, he can cancel out all portals within a kilometer radius of him for five minutes. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that neither you nor Braglames have five minutes.”

“You bastard,” muttered Eglallin.

“I promise you that will be on your epitaph, demoness.”

A second after Rowan spoke, an enormous light erupted from the castle and went outwards as an ever expanding ring. While Dreu’s group were unaffected, the two demonic leaders burst into flames. Despite what they were enduring, neither of the demons cried out in pain nor struggled helplessly. Both collapsed onto one knee and stayed in that position even when their lives were snuffed out.

“A new age has come,” announced Rowan. “The Great Xemir has promised us this day would be here! An age where humans shall reign supreme and become the masters of Ittoroth. The new golden age shall see humans reach new heights. All hail Xemir! All hail, the human race!”

Rowan sheathed his swords and pointed his index finger at Guiot, disintegrating the footman. He then pointed at Bayard but the veteran footman dodged enough to only lose an arm and shield. Before Rowan could finish what he started, a hand grabbed his shoulder.

“Leave him around so I can use the ability Xemir granted me.”

The Right Arm of Xemir gestured to Azorius to go ahead. The former king walked towards Dreu. Before Bayard could intercept Azorius, the demi-god pointed at Dreu with his index finger.

“I think we are all tired of your interference, Bayard!” said Azorius.

Dreu felt something like chains tighten around him. For a few seconds, he struggled to breathe and thought he was going to suffocate to death. When the discomfort disappeared, the young man’s eyes widened as Bayard vanished into thin air without a word. He then tried opening his prompt but nothing responded.

“That should be it for them,” said Azorius. "Bayard and the others are officially dead."