Hero of Darkness

Kahn entered the gates of the capital after going through proper inspection and had to turn in his weapons until a thorough inspection was done. His Adventurer ID card proved useful in letting him pass through the gates since only fighter class people who were either Adventurers or soldiers under the government were allowed to carry weapons inside the Rathna.

But it didn't mean he could use it on someone. He'd be caught and then jailed if he caused a fight anywhere.

"So, how do we reach your clan without alerting your enemies?" asked Kahn.

"Some of our members also work in transportation businesses. As soon as I reveal my identity, they'll take us directly to the clan headquarters." replied Szayel.

"Don't be stupid, whoever from your clan wants you dead is definitely an influential figure & holds a lot of authority. If any of these people turn out to be serving them instead, we'll die before we even reach halfway." spoke Kahn.

"Then what do you propose, sir Kahn?" asked the vampire heir.

"We take our time. Since they're already aware that you're still alive after not receiving a word from the assassins, they'll be expecting you.

And probably has spread a word about you to their spies & the information network. So we should avoid any contact with someone from your clan. Let's travel like normal people and appear when there are hundreds of witnesses.

So no one can openly attack you or try to silence you in a narrow alley. Do you get it?" explained Kahn.

"I see. That is indeed a reasonable approach. Besides, our headquarters is situated in the innermost parts of Rathna, we will require half a day even with the fastest transportations like a flying ship." spoke Szayel.

Although Kahn sounded like someone who has foreseen the possible outcomes, what he wanted to do in reality was to stall for time.

What he needed first was accurate and documented information about the capital first. He hadn't forgotten about learning the basics of going to a new place.

You first gather information about social structure, ruling authorities, demographics and population propaganda before making big moves. Because lack of information always makes you prone to invite trouble.

So rather than going quickly to the clan headquarters, the trio decided to take a detour. To let the enemies in shadow think that Szayel probably met some ill fate or didn't survive.

Because unbeknownst to the two, Kahn hadn't left a single body or a weapon on the battlefield where he killed the attackers.

So they'd have a hard time deciding whether the vampire heir was dead or not.

Meanwhile, he would visit the central library and gather enough information about the capital, how it was distributed and what places were best to live and do commerce. Because he knew he'd have to spend a lot of time in the capital before he could actually gain enough strength. Maybe it'd even take him a year or two before he broke through the Saint Rank.

Because higher the levels, the more resources were needed. But because of Divine Abilities, he would be spared decades just to reach the Saint Rank Stage 1. All he lacked were the resources. And since there were no dungeons available here and the flow of resources and materials came throughout the empire, he had to look for better and more effective ways.

During his travels, Kahn saw some new species along the way. Szayel, who was more informed about the capital, acted as his guide.

Some of the creatures Kahn saw originated from the different parts of the empire; the capital was a common hub for them to mix so he was introduced to new species he hadn't seen or heard of before.

Thralls were in a way, the amalgamation of Wraiths and Humans with the ability to turn into a ghost-like creature that could do things in the form of smoke. Their completely dark blue skin gave them a similar appearance to the Nightcrawler from X-men.

Botirs were like walking talking humanoid creatures but bodies made with bone-like exoskeletons and had multiple feet like a spikey legged spider demon you usually see in the dungeons.

Mithrans were categorized as species that were most effective in communication because the member of this species didn't even have eyes or ears but they could talk with others telepathically even from 1 kilometer away and had the most accurate sensing abilities. Although their build was humanoid, Kahn was reminded of those Xenomorphs from the Alien movie franchise.

Yetvir were creatures that could transform into monstrous beasts at will and take human form when they found it convenient. The only downside was their clothes were always torn down during the transformation.

But what surprised him the most were the Yokai like creatures Kahn often saw in Japanese culture mangas and animes.

Tengu, foxtails and creatures he didn't even know the names of. He felt like watching InuYasha and Nura : Rise of the Yokai Clan again.

After spending 2 hours traveling using the mana trains and various flying beasts, they finally reached the central library.

And he spent a day reading there.

The next day, he finally told Albestros & Szayel that it was about time they left for the headquarters.

Kahn experienced how it felt to travel in a flying ship. It was even faster than a plane and in just few hours, They reached the innermost areas of the capital where the most influential clans of the empire resided.

After walking 2 hours on foot and avoiding the many gazes of people who were on the lookout for Szayel, who were sensed by Kahn's Survival Instinct & Hunter's Intent, the trio finally stood in front of a vast land that felt like a fief on its own. The headquarters of the Vandereich clan alone felt like a town in itself.

"You ready?" asked Kahn to Szayel. He knew something was going to happen as soon as they appeared in front of the main gates of their headquarters. So he had to be prepared for a clash and get Szayel to the ruling members of the clan before anybody could inform about their arrival to the people inside.

To his question, Szayel replied with a stern expression.

"Yes.. Let's see who wants me dead."