Hero of Darkness

Chapter 1244: The Speech

The hidden card of the National Hunter Association, clad in noble aristocratic garbs and holding a high-grade sword with a golden hilt, finally made his appearance known to the people of the nation during the live broadcast.

”My name is... Morpheus Constantine.” spoke the man, and everyone looked at him with bated breath.

This was the first time Morpheus had revealed himself in front of the public, and his grand entrance was witnessed in a worldwide broadcast where all the important people were keenly watching over him.

”I was recruited by the National Hunter Association almost 3 years ago and have been carrying out missions covertly.

The reason I’m revealing myself today... is pretty obvious.” spoke Morpheus as he looked around the fellow teams and parties from guilds and corporations.

Plenty of the high-ranking hunters had previous ties with the association but now stood on the enemy side.

The reason why Morpheus mentioned it was simply to subliminally affirm everyone’s suspicion that started because of the rumors.

”But do not worry. There shouldn’t be any breach of trust between you and our relationship.

I will lead the team, which you already know, as it is made of criminals. And a lot of you have your misgivings about it.

I personally believe that the sentiment itself is redundant to the mission.” he spoke in a firm tone.

Gasp!

People across the world, witnessing the event, gasped at what he said.

”I firmly believe that you must do whatever needs to be done for the bigger cause.

Even if it means recruiting or pardoning criminals to save the fate of millions of lives. Besides, it’s not like they will be given a free license to go rampant again.

The second chance of freedom offered to them will come with its own restrictions,” he iterated.

That was a bold statement to begin with, but Morpheus intentionally made him appear unlikable to the masses.

He had his own reasons for it, and just like before, Morpheus was playing a long game.

”I shall lead the team and yield proper results. If anyone among them chooses to be a hindrance to our expedition or create trouble for our fellow teams... I shall take upon the burden of punishing them accordingly.” stated Morpheus with cold eyes as if he did not see his own teammates as human beings.

It quickly gave all the people watching the impression that Morpheus was basically a jailer who would lead but also control the inmates.

”Maybe that’s why they chose him to lead.” spoke one of the media representatives.

His words slowly permeated the surroundings, and people got the gist of what kind of man Morpheus was.

As for his criminal background... Morpheus had already dealt with the leaders of Jopoke.

He bribed them with money and also promised that once he became a famous hunters, he would help their organization gain more power in the capital if they chose to hide his background after this public reveal.

Soon, the remaining introductions were done by the announcers, and all the teams gathered in front of the tower entrance.

All the media outlets could only shoot from afar while the team leaders discussed a strategy among themselves.

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

”Is your group of murderers going to be a problem for us, boy?” asked one of the veteran hunters to Morpheus.

”You don’t need to worry about that. If they become a hindrance... I will simply execute them.” said Morpheus sternly with lifeless eyes.

”They are told that if they help clear the tower, all of them would be granted a pardon by both the Hunter Association and the Government.

These are all maniacs who hurt more innocents and now want to be free. But that doesn’t mean I’m inclined to care for their lives inside the tower. Besides... a lot of you must have received the word already.” he iterated and his tone turned cold.

”Everyone is on their own.”

His words irritated a few but this was already expected.

”Our locations after the teleport will be different.

Cooperation among teams is viable only on the 30th floor. Reaching there itself will be a great hurdle. So let’s think about strategy between whoever among us lives till then.” responded Morpheus with a grim tone.

His words meant business, and all of them had their own plans besides clearing the tower. So Morpheus didn’t feel the need to explain himself.

Soon, Morpheus and his team entered the tower first.

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

Like a teleportation formation... they were now transported to a completely different dimension.

As soon as they entered, all they saw was a heavy, swamp-like area that stretched for miles and miles.

”You know... the association said that if we helped clear the tower, we’d be given a pardon.

But they didn’t say that you had to be alive for us to succeed, right?” asked one of the criminal teammates, a tall and burly giant with a red mohawk cut and tattoos on both of his arms.

Morpheus had struck their nerve during his speech. And all of them simply wanted to vent our their anger.

”Yes. My survival is not necessary for your release.

However, there is another way for all of you to be free from both the association and the government.

You won’t have the need to hide or run for the rest of your lives if I had my way.” responded Morpheus with a smirk as he glanced back at the people standing behind him.

”And how will your way help us be free?” asked a woman with purple witch-like clothes and a shaman sceptre in her hand. Her skin was pale white with bluish nails and lips.

”Yeah, how? Besides, weren’t you selected by the chairman?

Why would someone like you help us?” asked an old man with a white beard, adorning a greatsword on his back.

”My way doesn’t involve you having to run away from authorities.

Because what’s the government and hunter association gonna do by chasing you...” said Moprheus as he intentionally took a pause.

”When you’re all dead?!”

Shock!

”What the hell did this bastard say?” shouted one of them.

Swoosh!

But without any forewarning, his figure flickered, and suddenly, the whole area turned dark.

Not a single one of them could see what was in front of their eyes, and not even those who stood right beside them.

”Get that bastard!” shouted the old man with a greatsword.

Woosh!

Thud!

But before they could get into a formation, a loud thumping noise resounded.

The water below their feet shook rampantly, and they all understood that someone among them had just died.

”Witch! Use a fire spell to make some light.” exclaimed one of the people who could summon the undead.

But no response came either from words or the fire spell.

”That bastard! He took out the witch first!” spoke the old swordsman hunter.

What followed was a one-sided massacre that took only a few minutes as the water beneath their feet was now colored red.

”You know what they say...”

Morpheus revealed himself after deactivating his skills and spoke with a grim tone.

”That Karma is a bitch.”