Hero of Darkness

While Kahn's fate was now dangling in the threads hanging in the hands of the Empress of the Beast Empire, a secret meeting took place in a faraway empire.

In a grand hall, bathed in opulence and adorned with intricate designs, a group of saints stood in awe-inspiring splendor. The hall, with its towering ceilings and majestic archways, emanated an aura of regality and magnificence. The air was heavy with a sense of reverence and power, as if each step taken resonated with the weight of their presence.

The saints, dressed in resplendent attire befitting their elevated status and warrior classes, formed a tableau of strength and grace. Their garments, embellished with shimmering threads and adorned with intricate embroidery, reflected the wealth and prestige they commanded. Each saint exuded an air of confidence, their postures tall and commanding, as they navigated the expanse of the hall.

As they conversed and exchanged words, their voices carried an air of authority and wisdom. Their discussions were laced with a deep understanding of the intricacies of power and the responsibilities that came with their elevated positions.

The hall itself seemed to listen, its walls holding the echoes of their words and conferring a sense of importance upon their every utterance as they shared opinions about a great event that was coming.

The hall's lavish decor further accentuated the grandeur of the gathering. Ornate chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm and golden glow upon the scene. Elaborate tapestries, depicting scenes of mythical battles and ancient legends, adorned the walls, their vibrant colors and intricate details capturing the imagination.

This was a meeting of an important group, a convergence of individuals with a shared purpose and a desire to deliver upon the responsibilities that they shouldered.

At the head of the table, a figure exuded an air of authority and wisdom. His voice, steady and measured, commanded attention as he laid out the purpose of their gathering.

"What are we doing here, lord Hero?" asked a 2nd stage saint to the man seated at the center of the table while the rest of the group was seated on the opposite sides.

Before them, was a man in regal yellow garbs for the Battlemage Class. This individual who was of different species than the rest of the members, revealed a stern and determined countenance.

"I want you all to train with me for an ambush." he declared his intentions.

"Ambush who?" asked a female member of this group in a sweet and pleasant voice.

"A specific individual. And out of the main objectives we have to accomplish, it will be just as important to us… to me specifically." spoke the Hero.

"I know many of that individual's powerful skills and battle techniques.

Yet, I want all of us to be prepared for every possibility." he elaborated.

But right then, a voice of disagreement echoed in the hall…

"This isn't part of the Imperial Decree. We must report it to our supervisors and ask for their permission." a middle-aged individual who belonged to a particular species even Kahn hadn't seen or heard of before, made a rebuttal.

"Am I to consider as insubordination?" asked the Hero with a cold gaze as if his eyes were alone enough to take this person's life.

Next, a grim and domineering voice resounded in the hall.

"You can all act patriotic and preach about your devotion to the empire or even blabber about the incidents of this meeting to the Imperial family.

However… Do remember this." his voice then turned sinister and his gaze rendered all the members of the party full of worry.

"Once we enter that place… All of your lives will be dependant on me to return.

And I cannot guarantee someone's safety who can't even show their loyalty towards me." he spoke with a benign smile.

As the words settled in the air, a heavy silence enveloped the room. The contorted expressions on their faces mirrored the weight of the information they had just received. Eyes darted nervously, brows furrowed in deep concern, and whispers of unease circulated among the gathered individuals.

Glimpses of fear flickered across their eyes, betraying their inner turmoil. The magnitude of the task they had undertaken began to sink in, overshadowing the initial sense of purpose that had brought them together. Doubt crept into their hearts, casting long shadows over their resolve.

As the minutes ticked by in tense silence, the weight of the Hero's words settled upon the room. His subliminal threat hung in the air, casting a shadow of coercion over his loyal companions. Reluctance and apprehension painted their faces, betraying the internal struggle each person wrestled with.

Gritting their teeth, they exchanged glances, searching for solace or support amongst themselves. The gravity of the situation pressed upon them, causing their resolve to waver. The Hero, their trusted leader, had put forth an ultimatum that demanded their cooperation and silence, effectively binding them to his secret venture.

Inwardly, they grappled with conflicting emotions. Loyalty warred with fear, and trust teetered on the precipice of doubt. Each individual weighed the consequences of compliance and the potential fallout of betrayal. The line between obedience and self-preservation blurred in their minds.

With heavy hearts, one by one, they reluctantly nodded their consent. Their agreement, tinged with resignation, was a testament to the power the Hero held over them. They had fought side by side, faced countless dangers together, and shared a bond forged through trials and victories. Yet now, that bond strained under the weight of the Hero's insidious intentions.

As the agreement settled, a smug smirk curled upon the Hero's lips, betraying his true nature. He reveled in his dominance, his control over their fates. There was no attempt to hide his intentions, for he derived satisfaction from the submission he had elicited. The mask of camaraderie and heroism slipped, revealing a darker aspect of his character. The room, once filled with camaraderie and trust, now simmered with an undercurrent of unease.

[Kahn Salvatore, come to your death.

I shall be waiting for you to arrive there as Atreus Bellator just like the last time.

But this time, I will get rid of you before 'HE' or that vampire sovereign finds you.] he thought with a malevolent grin.

The Hero's insidious intentions cast a pall over their shared mission. Doubt lingered in their hearts, mingling with a sense of unease that accompanied their acceptance of his command.

[This time... It will be me who ends your story.]