Hero of Darkness

10 Days Later…

In an unknown empire was a mountain filled with lush greenery and bamboo shoots. This mountain was filled with natural waterfalls and rich wildlife.

At the peak of the mountain, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, stood the imposing Dobei castle. Its grandeur and size were unparalleled, stretching for a kilometer and featuring multiple layers of intricate architecture.

The castle's walls boasted a pristine white and golden color, shimmering under the sunlight and commanding attention from afar. It was a fortress that symbolized strength and protection, capable of accommodating a vast number of warriors during times of conflict.

As one approached the castle, they would notice the meticulous carvings and designs adorning its structure. These engravings depicted monsters, deities, and divine beings that were unfamiliar to the inhabitants of Vantrea, giving an air of mystery and enchantment to the fortress.

Guarding the castle were hundreds of warriors, armed with spears and swords, positioned strategically throughout the fortress.

Among them, two formidable 3rd-stage saints stood out, their presence exuding power and authority. The warriors hailed from various backgrounds, with only a third of them being humans.

The rest displayed distinct characteristics reminiscent of demons, showcasing a diverse array of skin colors, shapes, and sizes.

Despite their differences in appearance, the warriors worked in harmony, their shared purpose uniting them in the defense of the fortress. The sight of humans and demons standing side by side was a testament to the diverse nature of this unknown empire and its commitment to protect this stronghold.

Step!

Step!

"We greet the Sun of the Empire, the Heavenly Emperor!!" shouted a group of royal guards as they welcomed a new arrival in this castle.

In front of them, stood a middle-aged 8th-stage saint swordsman with a red and golden armor perfectly lined with his clothes.

"All of you may leave. I will be talking with the Ancestor alone." ordered the Emperor whose long black hair mixed with white strands came to sight.

Although he seemed like a normal human, the golden aura he emanated was undoubtedly demonic.

As this powerhouse, the strongest being in this empire walked in a hidden and highly guarded room with few legendary rank formations and runes came to be.

"You're here." an archaic and deep voice resonated in a grand hall of 100 meters and the 8th stage saint, the emperor himself, quickly bowed and knelt on both of his legs.

Shing!

Shing!

In front of the emperor, shone a divine white light and this condensed stature of a powerful being was revealed.

A 5-meter-tall Soul specter of a white-haired elderly man spoke in an authoritative tone.

The grand persona glowing in white light through its body was dressed in a regal blue and black Kamishimo was seated on a Tatami mat, his two curved swords strapped to his waist.

The air carried an air of reverence as he the Emperor displayed the utmost sense of respect for this being.

It was a similar scenario when Kahn first met Rathnaar in Rakos Empire since the ancient being in front of the Emperor was also a… Remnant Soul.

"I pay respect to Sosen no Ten'nō!" spoke the emperor as he finally lifted his head, revealing his vehement expression.

"Ah, welcome. It's good to see you, my descendant. You came very quickly despite your busy schedule." spoke this soul specter in a kind and gentle tone.

"But I told you many times to not call me that.

A dead man's soul doesn't deserve such respect." he smiled lightly as his long and majestic white beard somehow signified his great wisdom and honorable personality.

"My apologies, but how can I be disrespectful to my great great great grandfather and the first Emperor?" spoke and rebuked the Emperor politely.

"But why have you summoned me so suddenly? Is something amiss?" he quickly shifted the topic to the main point.

With a change of his expression, the remnant soul spoke in a serious tone…

"There has been a new God's Decree, a divine order that demands our immediate attention." revealed the specter.

In this particular empire, there were no Churches, Temples or Monasteries to convey their God's word.

Rather, a divine saint or saintess was chosen and tasked to serve as the spokesperson of their God. But the only requirement was that this person needed to have achieved at least the 4th Enlightenment in the law that represented their God.

Currently, this Remnant Soul of once a living emperor was now taking up on that role since centuries.

"I understand. What is it that needs to be done?" asked the Emperor.

"I have heard the command from our God. This timeline has been altered, and we must act with caution." spoke the remnant soul with a contemplative expression.

"Altered?! How can this be?

Isn't this against the rules set by Gods?" asked the Emperor in a hurried tone.

Changing the timeline was something that could shift the fate of the world entirely. It posed a great threat to all the empires and even the world itself if someone used it for the wrong purpose.

"Do you think God of Time would care about rules and broken promises even if his pride was on the line?

We are on the verge of the nigh destruction of Vantrea. So it is not surprising that he broke the rules if things were to go in his favor." admonished the remnant soul to his own descendant.

"Seems like the current Hero of Time has at least come 10 years back in time.

So far, our God believes that only he and the God of Darkness has figured out the changes in the branches and flow of the timeline." he explained to the emperor.

The emperor's expression turned grim after hearing the details.

10 years of time wasn't short, rather… one could use the knowledge of future to even cause downfall of the most powerful empires or even kill the strongest beings of such empires with proper scheming and utlizing the information from the future events.

"So what should be our course of action as per our God's will?" asked the emperor hastily.

"Tell our representatives in that group to exercise restraint. Instruct him not to kill but aide that person if they ever find him." commanded the ancestor.

"What?! Who are we talking about?" asked the Emperor with a completely shocked and bewildered countenance.

"Our God's orders for us are..."

The remnant soul did not hold off the suspense and stated their God's will.

"Protect the Hero of Darkness."