< Summon Archer (Lvl 1):

Description: This ability allows the emperor to summon one archer at a low cost of mana. If this is the first time the ability is used, the emperor can only summon a Lvl 1 Archer. If an archer has been summoned before, this ability lets the emperor recall that archer. Recalling an archer is beneficial due to the archer retaining experience obtained from combat. While summoning a fresh archer limits its level to 1, it is possible to recall a higher level archer. Regardless of the level of the archer, this ability limits the emperor to only summoning one archer at one time unless a higher level of the ability is achieved.

Unlike a footman, an archer uses ammunition to attack enemies from afar. When summoned, the archer starts with full ammunition. The emperor can replenish ammunition at a low cost of mana. If an archer has no more ammunition, the archer will use its dagger for close quarters.>

Dreu stared at the prompt window in amazement. He turned to Bayard.

Can I summon an archer while you are already summoned?

Yes, emperor. The limit only applies to the same class.

And the downside of archers is their consumption of mana through replenishment of ammunition?

Yes.

Anticipating a tough battle up ahead, Dreu summoned his first archer. The sudden appearance of an archer made the adventurers jump but Dreu quickly reassured them that this was his ability. He then checked the prompt for more information on the archer.

< Lv 1 Archer:

Description: Serving as a basic ranged foot soldier in the armies of the Emperor, the archer is given basic training and armed with a bow and a dagger. An archer has unquestionable loyalty to the Emperor and will fight to the end if ordered to.

Ammunition: Arrows

Recommendations:

-Strong against weak monsters.

-Best used in numbers.

-Take advantage of their range and avoid close quarters.

Status:

+5% attack and defense due to Leadership aura. >

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Hello, Dreu communicated with the archer. What is your name?

It’s Rohese, emperor.

I look forward to fighting alongside you.

The honor is all mine, emperor.

With the introduction out of the way, Dreu rejoined the adventurers to finish their breakfast. While eating, he did think about how the addition of an archer, albeit a low level one, could contribute to their party. Since Sela was selected to go with the Duchess, their party lost a significant source of their offensive capabilities. A low level archer couldn’t make up for it but, upon seeing the growth of his footmen, Dreu had confidence his archers could exceed his expectations too. Even an extra member could make a difference in the future.

After the discussion, Gaenor went ahead of the group to scout things out. She would alert them of demon patrols and what to avoid. While the ranger was scouting, the others formed a line. Bayard and Dreu took the lead as the main front line. Jeane walked in the middle with Rohese and Sadon behind her. If surrounded, at least Sadon could cover their rear giving them a fighting chance. The hope was Gaenor could alert them of the dangers and ambushes before they stumbled on those. Ideally, they would navigate around the enemies and avoid all confrontations.

Dreu grew increasingly worried when Gaenor didn't returned in a few minutes. The culprit responsible for possessing the knights was still out there. He could also see the worry on the faces of Jeane and Sadon. Given the circumstances, they couldn’t stop so he and Bayard kept leading the way. Their pace slowed down considerably compared to when they left the camp because the lack of intel from a ranger made them far more cautious. The atmosphere was tense within the group until Gaenor landed in front of them.

Everyone relaxed when Jeane stated Gaenor wasn’t possessed. The group ran up to Gaenor.

“I know our plan was to meet sooner but I had to investigate something first.”

Jeane passed over a waterskin which Gaenor gladly took. Everyone else waited until she emptied the waterskin.

“You probably won’t believe this but I didn’t spot any demons. There were no patrols and no traces of them since last night. Unless they are using an invisibility spell, I can confidently say they have left this area.”

Dreu couldn’t believe his ears and turned to Jeane. To his surprise, Jeane didn’t appear puzzled by the news and was instead deep in thought. Jeane, noticing Dreu’s stare after a minute, looked up offering her thoughts.

“Remember when I mentioned the demons seem to be targeting the Duchess last night?” Jeane waited for the nods from the others. “With their target gone, there was no point for them to stay around any longer. Our fate is of no importance to them.”

“How about those knights who attacked us?” said Sadon. “They want us dead, right?”

“If they wanted us dead,” said Jeane, “they would have tried harder. There was no reason for those knights to have their weapons drawn when they could’ve gotten near us to stab us in the back. They can even wait until the barrier is down before sending those knights and demons at us. We wouldn’t stand any chance if the demons wanted us dead. We were fortunate they didn't view us as a threat.”

Everyone was silent for a couple of minutes to process the new information.

“Now what?” Gaenor broke the silence. “How do we reach the capital if the demons stand between us and them?”

Dreu realized what Gaenor was saying. The demons had the intention of taking the capital and they would do so by encircling the city first. Unlike the Duchess, they lacked a teleport crystal to get them in there. Unless they had a tunnel or other methods of getting through the demons, there was simply no way for them to reach their destination.

“We have another option.” Jeane brought out a teleport crystal. “Instead of going to the capital, we can go to the Cleric Fortress of Ujun. That place can offer us sanctuary until we figure out our next move.”