Chapter 5: Train of Thought

In the late midnight, the three went to the palace. As Duine contemplated of losing his noble title, both of his companions gasp in astonishment.

Tyr and Apollo, through their immense criticism, never believe that Duine could be capable of creating a marvelous masterpiece to the entire building. Though the city alone was impressive enough, the palace was palaces of palaces, if words string'd together. Marbled floors patterned throughout the halls, only sparing the comforting rooms. The brass trimming ornate the walls as the doors were elaborated with various mythological creatures. The emerald green carpets paved the path above the dark blue marble, as the magic lanterns are fueled by the command of none other than Duine. And finally, The throne room is essentially a ballroom, with a small stair steps in front of the throne's side. It was to create a theme that the highest structure within is the golden throne itself, leaving its guest to be at the mercy of the host.

Although there was more to see, the two golems has yet to explore the labyrinth of the palace as they followed Duine, who's the sole architecture, as guide.

They reached to a double door as he opens them.

It reveals a luxurious dining hall for guest and workers alike, whenever appropriate.

Duine pulled a chair as he sat across the outside window. Then, he grasp his hands out like an apprentice wizard would to cast a spell.

He created grilled steak, with mashed potato, and honey grazed bread at the side.

As he was about to dig in, Apollo broke the silence.

"Isn't it time for you to consider what kind of mentor you wish to teach you? There are various class that provide unique benefits you never seen in the main class branch."

Apollo the generate a projective screen of all kinds of class.

As stated in the screen, the terms of the worlds level ranking:

Common: lv. 1-20

Uncommon: lv. 21-40

Rare: lv. 41-60

Epic: lv. 61-75

Master: lv. 76-90

Legend: lv. 91-100

Though these leveling are described in a different term, Duine never paid any attention to such trivial. After all, the knowledge Duine obtained from the otaku is quite precise than going by the self-proclaimed title they've earned.

The higher you progress the leveling, the more difficult it takes to excel for the next. In exchange though, you receive increasing stats depending on your class set and training. Like reading a book to excel intelligence stats as a warrior.

As for the class in question, there were numerous classes, other than the basic four. For example, Calvary class excel in speed and maneuvering skill, while using melee weapons, such as a spear or sword. Barbs use instruments to provide certain buffs, in terms of defensive and offensive skills. Warlocks could draw mana from within themselves to practice the dark arts, which may corrupt their souls, tainting the mana in exchange for more deadlier magic.

Certain classes however, can only be unlocked after completing training the skill set of a lesser class. Similar to leveling an apprentice, to mage, to arch mage.

There are a few cases when the warrior uses magic, making them a magic swordsman. However, that would halved the speciality in both fields should they neglect to train twice as much.

This normally reserved for the extremely talented or fortunate since they can achieve such feats.

As Duine ponder which class he desired, he reminisce one of the otaku games. Though the man didn't pay much attention to Dark Souls, Duine was quite fascinated by the classical verses they use to dialogue. The problem was is that they were extremely overwhelming, or that the otaku player was fragile as a feather. Either way, the player would immediately get instant killed regardless of what level they've achieved.

There is a hidden aspect to the game. If one is to excel upon a certain stats, he might be able to spam the mobs to death.

Though this strategy have merits, Duine wasn't content specializing in one field. After all, while warriors couldn't excel in magical or projectile damage, they contribute with physical prowess. The same goes for mages, as they conduct destructive magic with limited mana.

"I think I should start with 2 golem class." Duine stated.

Tyr and Apollo remained quiet.

As he continue to consume his meal, Tyr turned to Apollo.

"You know, this isn't such a bad idea. Think about it, Lord Duine already excel this much creativity. Didn't you say that his level and stats are pretty high? That's better than most."

Apollo thought for a moment. He hoped that Duine would take one step at a time, should he wish to understand the true power that reside in every skill.

But reconcile after Duine displayed the look of critical thinking. He was more capable than most to understand the severity of his situation.

"What units do you have in mind?"

Duine wiped his mouth as he stared at Apollo. A grin displayed either his ego or affection.

"A arcane mage and swordsman." Duine plainly said.

They both paused for a moment.

In Tyr's opinion, an arcane mage focus purely on magic. Unlike elemental magic, which conjure from the nature of the world, the arcane arts consist of condense mana use to inflict damage by magical means. The downside to this practice is the amount cast is costly to the mana capacity, but at least there's no elemental resistance other than magical defenses.

Swordsman are all-rounder melee fighters. Though they balance in both attack and defense, their momentum shouldn't be taken lightly. Even those who excel in either defensive or offensive stats would try to avoid wasting stamina if they wish to defeat it. It's remains to use basic footwork depending on the situation, which couldn't capitalize on finishing moves.

Regardless of the flaws they both had, Apollo seems quite satisfied with the arrangement. Though they both have their short comings, at the very least provide Duine something easier to train with. You need to walk before you can run after all.

Duine speculate his choices. He determined that should his land should be invaded, having extra manpower would exterminate any invading forces. Especially with two powerful assets at his disposal, with each specializing in their respective fields.

After dining his meal, he proceed to enter a large luxury bath hall. It was large enough to be considered a neighborhood public swimming pool. Two dragon statue facing the opposite of each spilled hot water from their maws. How they're producing it is similar to the moat, as he embedded ruins in their mouths.

After bathing, he relaxed on the middle of the pool as he ponder his next move. Though he need to decide the characteristics of his personal guards, he also wanted to prepare to build his economy. It was hard enough when there's no population to begin with, but the fact that he had no strategic resources he could monopolies from.

The viable option he can rely is on trading, but he had no partners to speak of. Especially when there's already an established merchant guild.

Duine vaguely remember the twin fox crest stamped on the box container his father brought from.

It represents the Quintess dynasty of the Fareeve Republic Province. They represented the most wealthiest families of the kingdom, as they racked profits from the mercantile businesses.

At least that's what they're known for.

Though Duine isn't certain how capable the merchant behemoth could do, he assume that their influence reaches quite deep within the kingdom, considering that they even reached to the Montagu fiefdom.

Regardless, he could just let Apollo and Tyr handle the predicament. However, what troubled Duine is their intel of the world at large. Though they're made in their specific nature, they should at least be intelligent enough to decipher any schemes.

This is partly to be blamed by Tyr, as he failed to anticipate his own words to his advantage. Perhaps Duine should kick him out to go gather all sort of news in the mainland.

"Achoo!" Tyr sneezed.

"Tyr, you're an golem. We don't have any organic vulnerabilities." Apollo exclaimed.

They were exploring around the halls after given permission from Duine.

"I know, but I can't help but feel a sinister chill targeting me."

Tyr instinct we're raising the alarms as he questioned the culprit intentions.