Hero of Darkness

Soon, the council's hearing began and the High Elders signaled both sides to present their arguments regarding the allegations and the defamation case like some sort of court of law.

Bifur Tawerik, the old dwarf blacksmith who Kahn had met before started his statement.

"I appeal to the Dwarven Council to bring justice for me and my people.

Because of this person in front of me… my company is getting a bad reputation and losing many clients ever since the issue with the former second prince became public and he got one of the imperial scions as his backer.

As you might have heard in many rumors… I'm portrayed as someone who intentionally stole his people, distributors and his disciples after his fight with Rogis Hos Sigfreed.

And now, I'm being vilified by the entire Vulcan empire and many people have stopped doing business with me. And I believe Throk Oakenshield to be the mastermind behind these rumors because he sees me as his enemy from decades." spoke master Tawerik, one of the top 5 saint blacksmiths of the empire in a tone as if he was wronged.

[What a lying bastard. He intentionally targeted Throk when he was dealt with a low blow and now he's acting as if he is the victim.] thought Kahn as he looked at the bald dwarf donned in black and yellow attire.

"Lies! You're nothing but a scum who stole the carpet under me when I was shunned because of that Rogis blacklisting me.

And now you want to act as if you did it out of your generosity to protect my people who were affected?

At least try to make up a believable lie!" rebuked Throk from his seat and claimed the allegations to be a lie.

Soon, both sides started their version of the story and even Kahn gave his testimony as a witness. But unlike how normally things worked…

The whole case turned into a huge fight and Throk and Bivur almost started a brawl while cursing each other.

"Why is the council suddenly interested in my life?

The last time I appealed to the High Elders to intervene… not a single one of you responded to my call.

And now that the storm is gone, you want to come in and claim that you all actually cared?

Even a child can see through your pretense!" shouted Throk as he openly disrespected the High Elders in his infuriated state.

Even the heads of the blacksmith association of the empire had a helpless expression. Because Throk was no longer a figure they could oppress or try to make him submit to them under the name of respecting the Dwarven Council or following their people's laws.

Previously, they didn't even bother providing him a helping hand in time of need and now, he was someone whose word had a lot more weight to it. They couldn't even shun him in the race because that would result in making an enemy of the imperial clan and the church at this point.

Just then… three more figures entered the hall and the entire room turned dead silent.

The aura given by these three elderly dwarves was of 4th stage saints and almost everyone including Oakenshield and Tawerik quickly bowed in respect.

"What are you doing, kid? Bow quickly." commanded Throk to Kahn in a hushed tone.

[Who are they?] asked Kahn to Throk using their telepathic communication artifact while bowing.

[The Trinity.] replied the old dwarf.

[Batman, Superman & Wonder Woman?]

Kahn asked in a befuddled tone.

[What?! These are the top 3 blacksmiths of the whole empire, you idiots!] berated Throk.

Soon, the three figures were also got seated and took a stance of visitors.

"May I ask why the three of you here?

We didn't send any summon for you." spoke the elderly dwarf among the five high elders.

"This issue reached our ears long ago. The three of us believe that it affects all of the blacksmiths of the dwarven race as well.

The conduct that caused this dispute between Oakenshield and Tawerik is… questionable." spoke the eldest of the three dwarfs.

"Master Ivaldi… We appreciate your concern but the dwarven council can take care of the issue." said one of the high elders.

Just then, the second 4th stage blacksmith spoke.

"Tch! How? Do any of you even know what it means to be a blacksmith? Or how our race's heritage is imbued in this craft?"

"Master Druvagar… this dispute shall be solved with a proper procedure using the laws of the council. There's no need for either of you three to worry." said the fifth high elder from the far left side.

[Boy, master Ivaldi is the number one saint blacksmith of the entire empire.

Even the previous and the current emperor's weapons and armors are made by him.

There was a time when even I and that cunt Tawerik trained under him. So be respectful when you look at him.] warned Throk.

Just then, master Ivaldi who had a long white beard spoke in an authoritative tone.

"The way you did things, Tawerik… That was against the honor of us dwarven blacksmiths.

You stole his people and even his disciples as soon as he hit rock bottom.

If that is your way of becoming a renowned blacksmith and rise in reputation and popularity… then I for one will never support someone like you." he said with a look of disappointment towards the bald dwarf.

But before Throk could rejoice in the fact that the number one blacksmith of the empire just took his side… Master Druvagar chimed in.

"What's wrong with it? All of us are aware of how big-mouthed Oakenshield is. That he always loses his mind when he is angry over some issues.

Tawerik only extended a helping hand and spared the students of the bleak future they were going to have because of this loud mouth who messed with the imperial prince himself." he said and displayed his intentions to back up the bald dwarf blacksmith.

"But to make matters worse; Throk Oakenshield…" he spoke in an infuriated tone.

"Has committed a taboo of the dwarven race!"