Inside a dark cave, all the humans but one were sound asleep. A few light snores disturbed the tranquility but, for Dreu, it was a welcoming change. The group exited the tunnels and kept running until they came across the cave. Once the ranger confirmed the absence of any dangers, everyone headed inside and collapsed onto the ground. For whatever reason, Dreu felt himself reinvigorated since he left the tunnels. Despite efforts to lie down and close his eyes, sleep kept alluding him. Eventually, he gave up sleeping altogether and summoned the prompt window.

Unlike the first time he visited the prompt window which only had his name, the window was now a lot more crowded. Overwhelmed by the options, Dreu selected the first thing below his name.

< Emperor Class:

Description: The Emperor Class is a unique character class. The user is given the ability to summon loyal soldiers to fight for him. The quality and quantity of the soldiers depend on two major factors: the user’s level and unit class upgrades. As the emperor becomes stronger, more types of soldiers will be available to him and further specialization of soldiers are made possible. Unit class upgrades can be used to further improve the quality of the soldiers. Legends claim that a wise and strong emperor is unbeatable on the battlefield.

Unlocked Ability: Summon Footman (Lvl 1) >

Dreu read the description and looked at the ax by his side. He recalled the small demons he fought which were completely insignificant when compared to the demon they encountered in the tunnel. Then, the image of all the humans killed by the demons earlier that day flashed in his mind and made him grip the ax tightly. A few deep breaths later, Dreu released the ax and returned his attention to the prompt window. He selected the ‘Summon Footman (Lvl 1)’ option.

< Summon Footman (Lvl 1):

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

The recalling of a footman caught Dreu’s attention. He thought back to the last time he communicated with the footman as it fought the demon. He then searched the screen for any information on recalling and promptly selected the ‘Recall Units’ option.

< Unit Recall List:

Footman (Lvl 2) - Unavailable >

How did the footman reach level 2, thought Dreu.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

We footmen gain experience from any combat and gain more experience when fighting against more powerful enemies than ourselves. Even if we lose, we do get stronger.

This time, Dreu didn’t look around for the source of the voice. Just as he was about to ask more questions, the footman replied.

While in the Recall Units screen, we can communicate freely. As for my unavailability, I was defeated by the demon and therefore need time before I can be re-summoned. If you need assistance now, summoning a new footman is your best and only option.

Dreu was pondering if he was that predictable before he, with a smile on his face, thanked the footman for saving him.

I’m only performing my duties, communicated the footman.

Dreu returned to the main menu and selected the unit class upgrades option.

< Unit Class Upgrades:

Unit Class Footman Upgrades (2 Upgrades are currently available):

-Advanced Training (1): All Footmen start with an extra level

-Fortify Ability (1): All Footmen gain the Lvl 1 Fortify Ability (+50% Defense for 1 hour. Limited 3 uses per day)

Upgrade Points available: 1 >

Dreu stared between the two options and his single Upgrade Point. He scratched his head as he wondered which option would suit him better. He tried asking his footman in the recall list but the footman said that it respected whichever option the emperor picked. Debating internally about which option made more sense, he eventually picked the Advanced Training option. Moments after he selected the option, a notification popped up on the prompt window.

< Congratulations! Your footman is now level 3! >

The prompt window then provided additional information.

< Lvl 3 Footman:

Description: Serving as a basic infantry in the armies of the Emperor, the footman is a versatile foot soldier with advanced training and the proper equipment to fully utilize its training. In addition, the footman has actual combat experience on the battlefield and has unlocked a skill accessible to the footman unit class. The footman has unquestionable loyalty to the Emperor and will fight to the end if ordered to.

Recommendations:

-Strong against weak monsters.

-Best used in numbers and in close formation.

Skill:

-Leadership (Lvl 1): Passive. Nearby allies gain +5% attack and defense within a 2 meter radius of the user

Status:

-Gain +10% attack and defense from sword and shield gifted by the emperor. >

Dreu smiled at the sight of his footman growing even stronger. He turned to look at the adventurers lying on the floors and wondered how his footman would compare to them. He knew that adventurer levels were close guarded secrets and generally only known by those of the same party and the adventurer guild. He also knew there was no guarantee that footman levels are equivalent to adventurer levels.

Before he could get further with his thought, a noise got his attention. Initially, he ignored it and continued exploring the main menu. When he heard the noise a second time, Dreu quietly crept towards the cave entrance and noticed the couple shadows near the cave entrance. Cursing silently, he went to wake up the adventurers of the unknown intruders.