The Emperor Class

Dreu was unsure how he should feel atop the walls that surrounded Gujash. Unlike the human capital, Xante, the demon capital only had a single wall protecting it. This wall was roughly six meters tall and five meters wide with two towers on both sides of the gatehouses and one in each corner. One gatehouse faced the forests where the human army was treading. Dreu was told the other gatehouse led to a very dangerous place, even for demons. Unfortunately for the defenders, everything was in need of repairs as the aftermath of the last battle was still evident. He, along with many other demon soldiers, were busy patching up the fortification in preparation for the upcoming battle. With no knowledge on how the walls were built and maintained, the young man became another manual labor who followed the orders of a demon who knew what he or she was doing. Tragthan introduced Dreu to Rorgath, a demon said to be well versed with engineering. Rorgath was about half of Dreu’s height but his massive muscles suggested he was not to be underestimated. Following the introduction, the demon immediately put Dreu to work. Even Ilveroz and Aggich were told to assist him in his work. The work went on for what seemed like hours.

I wonder where Tragthan went.

The young man wasn’t too thrilled with manual work but he knew his survival depended on the outcome of the upcoming battle. He also wasn’t put into backbreaking work as he was sent to patch small holes with small stones and some liquid. The liquid was stored in small barrels he could carry around with him. The young man had to find small stones that were scattered atop the walls. Ilveroz and Aggich also assisted him by bringing over small stones they could carry with their mouths. Once Dreu inserted the stone and applied the liquid around the empty space, a demon came by to cast a spell, resulting in the liquid to solidify and fill up any space. A quick knock suggested that the patches were somewhat sturdy. Dreu would be repeating the process without even needing to think too much.

“I need a team to fetch more stones outside the city,” shouted Rorgath.

A group of demon soldiers leaped over the walls without hesitation. Dreu looked over the battlements to see the soldiers all stick their landing. They then made their way to the ruins outside the walls. When he asked Tragthan earlier, the old demon mentioned that there were two walls protecting the demon capital at one time. Following many battles, the outer wall was completely abandoned and its stones were used to repair the remaining wall. Dreu turned to Rorgath who shook his head.

“Tragthan said you’re too valuable to leave the safety of the walls,” said the demon after he walked over. “Do what you can before I send you to one of the tents below. You’ll want a full stomach before the battle begins.”

Dreu nodded his head before heading back to work. There were many demon soldiers performing the same work but completing all the repairs in time was a daunting task. Relying on rough estimates, the young man didn’t think there were enough demon soldiers to finish the repairs, let alone garrison the walls. There would be gaps, giving the enemy forces plenty of locations to scale the walls with minimal resistance. He could see why Tragthan said the upcoming battle would be very one-sided.

Where are the young and old Tragthan spoke of?

During the walk to the walls, the young man didn’t see a single demon until he reached his destination. None of the buildings showed signs of any demons living inside them. The city gave an eerily empty feel, a major contrast to the bustling Xante before the demons broke through the defenses. Regardless of what he thought, Dreu returned to work knowing he promised the old demon he would help.

“Something is on your mind?”

Dreu turned to see Tragthan standing on the walls, the demon’s face betraying nothing. His arrival could only mean the evacuation was underway.

“I don’t know how I feel about fighting other humans.”

“This wasn’t easy for Bayard and the others when they faced Xemir’s followers. They fought for what they believed in. What do you believe in?”

The question stumped Dreu. During the demon invasion, he fought for survival. Even now, he was fighting to stay alive. He never had a chance to think about what he believed in because he either never had to pick up a weapon in Berkton or he didn’t have the luxury to ponder on the matter. Bayard and the others constantly described how terrible Xemir and his followers were. He only agreed with them after he learned about his family’s demise at the hands of Rowan.

“I believe in avenging my family. I know it’s petty but Rowan admitted to killing everyone in my family when I was traveling the kingdom. I won’t stop until I get my revenge.”

“I know revenge is a powerful motivator and it gives you strength.” Tragthan pointed at the forest. “If you kill those soldiers for revenge and the children of those soldiers want revenge, will the cycle only end when one side is completely wiped out?”

Dreu stayed silent as he lacked an answer. His silence only prompted the demon to ask another question.

“Do you have nothing to protect?”

Dreu shook his head. Everyone at Lullin was dead. He went there and there was no trace of the farming community that once thrived there. Everything had burned down with no one even daring to speak of the place. If what Rowan said was true, then his squadmates in Berkton and Jeane were resurrected. Yet, he couldn’t see them siding with him if the kingdom declared him a traitor. Once he was seen aiding the demons in the defense of Gujash, then he would no longer get a second chance. He was certain that Azorius would rather see him dead regardless.

“I hope you will one day find something you are willing to protect with your life.” Tragthan looked down at Ilveroz and Aggich. “One becomes much stronger trying to protect those they cherish than trying to seek revenge.”