Hero of Darkness

Chapter 1115  Reproach or Attack?

Kahn and his group gathered around, their minds focused on crafting a strategy that would allow them to move forward with their ambitious plans.

The first step involved using the No Manʼs Land, a desolate and unclaimed area at the intersection of the three major empires.

”First, weʼll need to use the No Manʼs Land at the intersection of the three empires.” Kahn began, his tone decisive.

”Even if any of them manage to detect us, theyʼll have to act cautiously. That slight delay will be all we need to infiltrate the Rakos Empire.” he continued in a calm tone.

”We canʼt afford to be seen. Why is that?” Lucian, intrigued but cautious, raised a question. Kahn met his gaze, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

”Because, technically, Iʼm proclaimed dead there.”

He then delved into the story of his time in the Rakos Empire, explaining how he had faked his death after binding Rathnaar to his soul through a Soul-Oath.

This act wasnʼt merely for survival; it was a calculated move to disrupt the noble factions that had tried to undermine him.

As a result, his supposed death triggered a chain reaction that led to the complete overthrow of the existing government, sparking the most significant reform in the empireʼs thousand-year history.

”Ah, so you do have experience in toppling authority.” Argos commented, a hint of admiration mixed with amusement in his voice.

Argos, ever the observer, added with a raised brow...

”Arenʼt you also supposed to be dead in the Vulcan Empire?”

”Technically, Iʼm not. Iʼm just a missing person. The Emperor and the Princess agreed to cover my whereabouts after the battle with the Hero of Fire.

They knew that The Inquisitors would come searching for me.

With the risk that they could also turn their attention to the Rakos Empire, the Emperor suggested that the name Kahn Salvatore should never be brought into the limelight.” clarified Kahn.

The vampire king then spoke, letting his words sink in before continuing...

”But that shouldnʼt concern us anymore. The empires serving gods know of my name and appearance. The Rakos Empire, much like the Dragon Empire, is one of the neutral empires.

Although other empires canʼt afford to provoke them, I can easily handle that problem.”

However, Argosʼ expression darkened as he addressed the real issue at hand.

”The problem is that if we move too openly, the other empires might catch wind of our whereabouts.”

The group fell silent, absorbing the gravity of the situation. The stakes were high, and any misstep could lead to disastrous consequences.

”Theyʼd already be vigilant of our moves, so itʼs an unnecessary risk.” Argos pointed out, his tone firm.

Kahn, however, dismissed the concern with a wave of his hand.

”Whatʼs there to be afraid of? The Vulcan Empire is a hidden ally.

I have my forces in the Zivot Empire as the Mercenary King. And the Rakos Empire wouldnʼt let the Elven Empire even touch their borders.

What can these other empires do? Follow us into the Abyss Forest?

Theyʼd become a meal for the godbeasts there... even they know that.”

At that moment, Rathnaarʼs voice echoed within Kahnʼs mind, calm and calculating.

[The government in Rakos must have barely stabilized. Although I doubt any true supporters of the imperial family remain, we still have ways to incite another wave of chaos there.] proposed the ancient peak saint.

Kahnʼs eyes widened in surprise.

”What?! Why would we do that? This is supposed to be a quick tour. I only have six months to gain control over the Abyss Empire.

Why would we need to cause another upheaval in the Rakos Empire?” he asked with genuine surprise

[Think about it, everyone. As you said, there will come a time when the Abyss Empire must be revealed to the world. But where will we displace it? The original land is now the den of godbeasts. The population here canʼt be completely migrated and will need a new home.] Rathnaarʼs tone was patient, almost didactic. He continued, laying out his strategy.

[Unless we find a way to kill all the godbeasts, we are in dire need of a new place to settle and allies who can provide us with resources.

Since the Vulcan Empire is already an ally, adding the Rakos Empire as a supporter would give us the biggest alliance of the present era.

An alliance not just in name but in practice.]

Kahnʼs mind raced as he considered Rathnaarʼs words.

The plan was audacious, certainly, but the logic was undeniable.

Establishing such a powerful alliance could indeed ensure the Abyss Empireʼs prosperity when it reemerged into the world.

Argos, observing the shift in Kahnʼs expression, nodded slightly.

”Itʼs a bold move, but it might be what we need to ensure our future.”

Kahn sighed, the weight of the situation settling on his shoulders.

Rathnaarʼs voice carried a mischievous undertone.

[And since we also have a Sovereign with us… how about we take care of that as well?]

Kahnʼs eyes lit up as he caught on to Rathnaarʼs suggestion.

”Are we thinking about the same thing?” he asked, his mind already racing with possibilities.

[We can delay it, but things wonʼt be as favorable in the future. I know where to go. This lizard here is good at magic, the vampire is strong enough to protect us, and youʼre almost qualified to enter there as well.

This is the best opportunity we will have unless you want to wait another five to six years,] Rathnaar proclaimed, his tone resolute.

Kahn nodded, a plan forming in his mind.

”Then letʼs do all of those things. It may delay us by a month or two, but if we can get those three things done, we wonʼt have to worry about a lot of things once the Great War finally starts.”

With this bold proclamation, the group settled into a detailed discussion, refining their strategies and plotting their next moves.

The atmosphere was charged with a newfound confidence as Kahn realized the full extent of the resources and allies at his disposal.

Gone were the days of subterfuge and secrecy. Kahn was no longer the cautious upstart of Vantrea.

Now, with allies, formidable forces, and a wealth of experience, he was prepared to charge into the battlefield without hesitation, ready to claim victory with every advantage at his command.

******************

The Following Day…

”Letʼs leave. Until we return, the others from the Priest Cadre will handle the Cult and the Doom Templars.

Many wonʼt even realize that Iʼm not inside the Abyss Empire anymore.” spoke Morrigan, the high priestess.

”As for any trouble that might occur… we have a big contingency ready already.” spoke the succubus as she looked in a certain direction.

”Well then, I wish you all luck.” spoke Lucian, the person Morrigan was looking at.

”Huh? What do you mean? Arenʼt you coming with us?” asked Kahn with a confused expression.

”I wish I could but I canʼt.” responded the burly golden-haired vampire.

”And why is that?” asked Kahn.

Right then, it was Argos who replied in his stead…

”Because only one inhabitant of the sealed Abyss Empire is allowed to exit the crystal at a time.” revealed the sovereign.

”What?! Sir Lucian is a native of the Abyss Empire?!” exclaimed Kahn with surprise.

”Yes. He has his own story. But itʼs better to leave it for later.

In her absence, Lucian is strong enough to maintain the Cult of Darkborne by himself.” said Argos.

Kahnʼs mind jumbled again.

”How strong are you then, miss Morrigan?” asked Kahn as he looked at the high priestess with widened eyes.

”Iʼm a 7th-stage saint myself, my lord.” revealed the succubus.

”I see. Looks like I should ask important questions first.” said Kahn as he resigned himself to the situation.

Soon, they secretly departed while leaving Lucian behind.

Using a spell known only to Argos, the group exited the massive crystal gateway and appeared back in the Belmont Kingdom.

Argos then led everyone back to the Bran Castle, his flying behemoth of an accommodation.

Meanwhile, in the Abyss Empire…

Lucian appeared in a solitary site that resembled a place of worship among the devotees, however, only a few were allowed to enter.

In a grand hall of this building… was a 3-meter tall statue of a warrior with a sword, posing like a knight.

Lucian, the Peak 7th-stage saint, knelt respectfully in front of the statue and started praying with his eyes closed.

”We have found the new Hero of Darkness. Lord Argos is leading him to the original altar of God of Darkness to awaken his Divine Key.

After he returns… we will bring him here. And then he will learn the truth… about everything.” he spoke in a vehement tone.

But the very next moment… the statue started shaking as a voice resounded in the praying hall.

”As expected of you… Lucian Varangis.

I never doubted giving this important role to you. Since you are…” a grim voice echoed as the statue revealed...

”The last descendant of Kravel Varangis, the War Deity.”