Hero of Darkness

1112  Doom Eternal

After hearing the name of the force that would serve under his command, Kahn was perplexed. The very fact that they had the word ʼdoomʼ in their official name alone indicated what purpose they stood for.

”They are not the only ones, my lord.

Many other legions have different purposes of their own.

The Ritualists Cadre also specializes in using magic and various curses. Some of them can even put hexes on enemies from very far away as long as they have enough information.

We have Seer Odyssey, a legion of Nuns that can see glimpses of future events and guide our strategies in war if needed. Some of them can even convey top secret messages to our forces thousands of kilometers away using Whispers of the Dead ability.” iterated Morrigan proudly.

She knew that Kahn would be taken aback after hearing the extent of their forces.

And Kahn was indeed, taken aback.

”How many capable warriors does the Cult of Darkborne have?” he asked in a serious tone.

”Over 25 million, give or take. And there are over 3 billion followers across the whole Abyss Empire.” revealed the high priestess.

”Over how many?!” exclaimed Kahn again in bewilderment.

”Just how big is the population of the Abyss Empire?” asked Kahn again.

”Itʼs over 5.68 Billion, young lord?” revealed Lucian, the golden-haired vampire.

”Excuse me?! Are you for real?” he asked again in disbelief.

It was then, the Revenant Sovereign chimed in and explained…

”You have to understand Kahn… the Abyss Empire has been secluded for the past 300 years.

It hasnʼt been at war with other empires and the only wars that have happened, they were all Civil Wars.”

Soon, Morrigan also explained a few more things…

”My lord, there was a time when one of my predecessors tried to take over the empire using the Cult of Darkborne, by using the name of our almighty God of Darkness.

Her resurgence flamed the empire for decades until the war stopped with the Doom Templars turning against her after her lies were revealed.

The same thing happened 200 years ago with the Imperial Family where one of the previous Emperors tried to unify the whole empire under the Royalists. That Civil War was stopped by the Cult of Darkborne and the Rebel Forces formed among the normal civilians.

Just 70 years ago, the newly formed Senate of the Republic also tried to take over the empire. The imperial family and nobles were almost wiped out during that era.

The only mistake they made was turning their eyes on us during those civil wars. And since the majority of our believers are from the common population, it fell from within.

The royal family rebuilds itself under the reign of the current Emperor.” iterated the high priestess.

”One way or another, the Abyss Empire had to go through a lot of bloodshed to form the current equilibrium we have now.

The peace we have came at a great price. And since we were without a leader, we decided that the Cult would not engage in any wars or political matters until you arrive.” spoke Morrigan softly.

”And just 20 years ago… I came to find the crystal, the gateway to this realm. By then, I already had established the Belmont Kingdom.

So Iʼve been safeguarding it while waiting for the arrival of the next Hero of Darkness.” explained Argos, shedding light on his part in this paradigm.

Kahn then leaned back and started contemplating a few things on his own.

[Based on what the Martial Emperor, I have nearly 6 months left till the Great War officially starts.

Till, then… I have to create my forces within Sparta. My subordinates will handle that.

I have over 20 million monsters and warriors as part of my Legion.

Sparta will have 10 million capable fighters and Cult of Darkborne will have 25 million people under my command.

Thatʼs 55 million under my leadership. And once I use my divine ability in large-scale wars, I will have even more warriors under my arsenal.

But the main question is… Will that be enough?] wondered Kahn as he contemplated.

[I will need to form strategies and gain everyoneʼs utmost respect and unwavering loyalty.

Plus thereʼs also the Imperial Family and the Senate of Republic that might become a hindrance to my command once the Great War starts.

The next 6 months… will be testing me not only as a Hero or a Leader… but also a War General.] he concluded.

Soon, a mischievous smirk appeared on Kahnʼs face.

[So finally the time has come… for me to utilize everything Iʼve learned from Master Romulus, Musashi sensei, and my own experience.

Thereʼs also Rathnaar who has the highest military experience and thereʼs also the Revenant Sovereign as our biggest cannon.

Since he has declared himself as the official representative of the God of Darkness, he is basically our leader in the Great War.

So my biggest challenge would be leading these forces with the least casualties while turning the war in our favor.] he hypothesized.

”Alright, I understand. But I have a few more questions.

Tell me everything you know about the Imperial family and the Senate.” he spoke in a firm tone.

Soon, another detailed conversation ensued…

”The current Imperial family is not very favorable towards the Cult of Darkborne.

Mainly being the Cult becoming a big threat in the past 3 centuries. After the Abyss Empire was sealed here, there was no word from God of Darkness.

So they werenʼt receiving the benefits of alleging themselves with our God anymore like the other empires in the outside world.

Although the empire itself is big enough to easily provide resources for all of its inhabitants and sustain their livelihoods without needing the reliance on just one force… those in power always seek war and glory.

Mostly because they want to leave their name and have a legacy.” explained Morrigan with an exasperated countenance.

”Ah, the usual ʼIʼm gonna wage a war because Iʼm boredʼ energy.

Seriously, thatʼs why I hate these fucking royalists and nobles. These bitches think they own the world because theyʼre born into some superficial self-proclaimed noble bloodline or elite part of the monarchical rule.

This entitlement is the same no matter which world you go to. That is why I prefer meritocracy even over democracy.

Because in the end, even the leaders chosen by the masses are just the popular kids in the high school.” Kahn spoke his honest opinion.

”If only there was a way to control all this nonsense and do the best thing to preserve order.” he said and sighed…

”Easy there, our future Dictator.” spoke Argos.

”I get it, I get it. Thereʼs no easy way around.

So do you think the imperial family and these nobles would oppose my arrival?” asked Kahn.

Argos quickly interjected and explained his own opinion.

”This is our prime concern. This was the exact reason why I brought you here in secrecy to meet the High Priestess first.

Also, there is a big problem going on in both the other two factions.” ”And what are those problems?” asked Kahn as he looked around the vampire king and the succubus priestess.

”First, the imperial family is currently going through a succession war.

Because the Emperor went into a coma 2 years ago. And ever since then, his children have been fighting a shadow war among their factions.

Many potential successors have either been forced to forfeit… or simply eliminated under various suspicious circumstances.” revealed Morrigan.

”Currently, the strongest claim lies with the 1st and the 3rd prince, along with the 4th princess who recently ousted her elder sisters using cunning politics.

Simply put, they are having their own civil war as we speak.” explained Morrigan.

”Secondly, the Senate of the Republic isnʼt doing well either. Because there have been hundreds of instances of massive corruption within governmental organizations that they have authority over.

These people are playing their own games of Elitism trying to lead the common population.

They are no better than vultures who rot the system, create the problem, and then suddenly present a cure while acting like the savior of the masses.

This is no better than those damn royalists and nobles.” elaborated the high priestess.

This time, it was Vildred, the Sage of Preservation who spoke…

”The Dragon Empire faced such issues in the past as well. One of the emperors in history made a vital decision that has still kept the empire unified in the past few million years. Ever since then, there have been no civil wars or infighting between factions.

But Iʼm afraid you wonʼt like my idea.” spoke the Lightning Emperor.

”We can entertain the thought, sir dragon.” said Argos.

Kahn, Omega, Lucian, and Morrigan then tilted their heads and keenly tried to hear the answer that would solve all of their problems.

Sigh!

”Itʼs simple…”

Vilred sighed and revealed the ancient and most effective way to overcome their current dilemma.

”Just purge enemies without mercy... or exceptions.”