Hero of Darkness

No extra words were spoken between the 3 men after Kahn's affirmation about being their chosen representative after yesterday's events.

"I'm basically representing your faction in the finale." he said.

To his words.. Both the saints gave an understanding nod. Allister gave it a final thought and decided to speak.

"Before I tell you anything… know this. If you leak this information to anyone else or try to join any faction.. There will be dire consequences.

If you betray us or try to double-cross us.. The one to kill you will be none other than me."

Kahn on the other end wasn't fazed by these words. He had been facing death quite often these days anyway.

For the next one hour.. All three of them had a hearty chat where Kahn was either in complete disbelief, holding his head in surprise and pulling his own hair in irritation.

"WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!!" he exclaimed loudly.

"So that's why everyone was after me?

Then what about this competition? What part does it play in all of this?" asked Kahn to the old vampire.

"Obviously.. The one to win this competition can legally pick that area as their fiefdom. Not only can they use the resources of that place to fill their pockets but also have full control over it both in terms of political and military power.

Do you really think the winner faction will let others enter that area after choosing it as their fiefdom?

No amount of authority or political pressure can make the other two factions gain any form of footing there.

Since all three of the faction leaders have taken a blood-oath... We will die if we try to betray the contract. And hence.. The one to win this competition also has the best chance to get it." iterated Allister.

"So tell me, Kahn. Do you accept our proposal?" asked Ismaetrazel in a solemn tone.

Sigh!

He sighed again and spoke in an exasperated tone.

"It's not like I have a choice. I was already playing the game I didn't even know the rules of. What choice do I have left now?"

"Let's say that I accept this deal..

But I have some terms of my own. And I don't think you have any other choice but to accept them at this point if you want me to do with my free will." said Kahn and gave a resolute expression towards Allister.

"What is it?" asked the old vampire with a curious gaze..

Kahn then replied with a fearless expression as he spoke in a domineering voice…

"I will do everything on my terms."

Both the vampires had confused expressions as they signaled him to elaborate.

"What I mean is that it should be okay as long as the means meet the end, right?

I will not answer to anyone. I won't allow to be monitored or report anything to any supervisor. And do not expect me to join your faction after everything is done." he stated.

"Careful boy.. You're not in a position to make such demands." said Allister as he slightly leaked his aura.

"Is that so? The way I see it.. Only me and Celine Armitage of the neutral faction have a 50% chance to succeed.

If you try to force me in any way.. You know that you'll lose your last chance.

Is that a risk you can afford, lord faction leader?" asked Kahn with a smug expression.

Wrinkles formed on the old vampire's face as he squinted his eyes to hold his irritation.

"Fine! State what you want in return." he said with a grunt.

"Now we're talking. So here are my terms of exchange…" spoke Kahn.

For the next 10 minutes, he stated his secret demands and what he wanted in return from their Pureblood faction.

After the deal was agreed on both sides and evening finally came, he was escorted back to Rukon district in the warship he came in.

The secret behind why these factions wanted Kahn to join their side, the offer made by both Ismaetrazel & Stronoff and the whole truth behind the Emperor's Chosen competition itself was something nobody aside from the top dogs of the three factions knew of.

And after he heard the real reason.. Kahn's own plans had to be changed as well.

In the meeting hall of the pureblood faction headquarters.. Allister who remained with his son, spoke in a ghastly tone..

"I'm sure that Stalin and Jeremiah sensed it as well. We have to make sure that their people can't approach him or pressurize him in any way.

Deploy 5 of our 3rd stage saints for his protection. That human boy.. I believe he's the key." spoke the old vampire with a serious expression.

"What do you mean?" asked the silver-haired swordsman to his father.

"Why do you think we did no kill him after the blunder he pulled off in front of the whole empire?" asked Allister.

"Because the entire empire was watching?" asked Ismaetrazel.

"It did play a part in thar decision but it's not the primary reason." replied the elderly vampire.

"Then what is it?" asked the clan leader.

"First tell me… What do we know about his family history?" he asked.

"We found out that he is an orphan. There's no information about his parents. But we do know that he once belonged to a mercenary group that was massacred in a bandit ambush just a year ago.

And his uncle, the only blood relative he had, also died. He is the sole survivor as per our intel.

He met the peak grandmaster blacksmith Albestros Winston after getting hired as a bodyguard and saved his life many times during their journey to the capital when he also saved Szayel.

As for his talent and rise in rank without any support or resources from a powerful backer.. It's still unknown till this point." reported Ismaetrazel.

"I see. Then it makes things easier.

If anyone can do it.. It'll be this human boy.

Although it's extremely weak, I'm certain that aura I feel from him belongs to that man's bloodline. Kahn could be their descendant but he doesn't even know it." said the old vampire as he crossed his arms.

"Whose aura, lord father?" Asked Ismaetrazel with a curious gaze.

To his query.. The old vampire replied with a stern tone..

"The aura of the previous emperor."

[[Author : Reference Art for Allister Mor Vandereich in chapter comments.]]

When Kahn returned to his Manor and sat in a meeting between him, Albestros and the subordinates.. He explained the whole truth to all of them and why they were being targeted since the beginning.

He spoke in a sinister tone after he proposed his new full-proof plan.

"Till this point.. Those fucking Vampires and their faction used me like a puppet.

But from now on.." he said and continued with a sinister expression.

"It will be me who uses them."