Hero of Darkness

The sacred isle was shrouded in an aura of mystique and ancient power. It was a place of great significance, known only to a select few and hidden from the prying eyes of the world. Protected by a formidable 5th-stage saint, the isle was a sanctuary where sacred ceremonies of utmost importance were conducted.

As the ceremony commenced, the Venerable Monk of the Temple of Termeszet, a wise and revered figure, led the proceedings. The atmosphere was solemn and charged with spiritual energy as if the very air was infused with the blessings of the divine.

Kahn, disguised as Atreus, stood beside Romulus, his mentor and guide. Romulus was a figure of great influence and power, respected by all as one of the Heavenly Kings. Together, they exuded an air of authority and strength, which drew the attention of those present.

On the other side, the empress Kaali, accompanied by the other members of the Hero's Party, arrived at the sacred isle. They too carried an aura of importance and power, each of them a formidable warrior in their own right.

The ceremony itself was a deeply symbolic and ancient rite, meant to invoke the blessings of the gods and the spirits of the land. It was a moment of profound significance, as it marked the beginning of the Conclave of Heroes.

As the ceremonial rituals and praying towards the God of Nature carried on, Maximus gave Atreus a nod that was missed by many. However, at the same time, both conversed telepathically.

[Did you think about my proposition?] he asked Kahn.

[Are you sure you want to do this? There are too many variables and conditional situations. It's unnecessary, to be honest.

If even one of them goes wrong, we are done for. And most importantly…

Can you live with yourself by having that on your consciousness?] asked Kahn in return.

[After knowing it… I don't think I will be able to live with myself if I didn't do anything. As for the consequences…] responded Maximus and his voice turned heavy…

[I will take the responsibility.]

As the ceremony proceeded, archaic runes were etched on everyone's bodies including Romulus and Kaali.

The sight of the Venerable Monk was both awe-inspiring and curious. A 2-meter-tall green tortoise, standing with a sense of serenity and wisdom, held a staff in his left hand while his right palm was raised sideways, as if in a gesture of peaceful greeting or blessing.

His appearance defied expectations, for a tortoise to possess such stature and presence was unusual. Yet, his demeanor exuded a sense of ancient wisdom and spiritual power. The wrinkles on his face told a story of countless years of experience, and his eyes held a depth of knowledge that seemed to reach beyond the boundaries of time.

The empress and all those present could feel the Venerable Monk's spiritual energy radiating from him like a gentle, calming wave. It was as if his very presence brought tranquility to the surroundings, washing away any lingering tension or nervousness.

As the sacred ceremony continued, the Venerable Monk led the prayers and rituals with quiet and profound grace. His words carried a weight of authority and reverence, drawing the participants into a deeper connection with the spiritual realm.

"Venerable Oogway, what do the divinations tell you?" asked Kaali after she created an isolation barrier, leaving the only 3 strong saints to discuss the things between themselves.

"I fear they will all lose. Until they find a battle worth fighting." replied the Venerable Monk with a calm and soothing smile.

"What?!"

Suddenly, the Empress and Romulus were taken aback.

"What does it mean? Are they all going to die?" asked Kaali haphazardly with a bewildered countenance.

"It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be." replied the monk with an unchanged attitude, showing great control over his emotions and speech.

"What can we do to prevent it?" asked Romulus.

Because he was genuinely concerned for both Kahn and Maximus.

"Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift.

That is why it is called the present."

The Monk's words echoed inside the barrier as he imparted his wisdom.

After some time, the barrier disappeared and the Venerable Monk walked forth towards the members of the Hero's Party.

[What do you mean by Divinations?] asked Kahn to Romulus telepathically.

The barrier was ineffective against Vildred, the bonafide Sage watching the conversation from the true dimension.

[Master Oogway can see the glimpses of future. He practiced the Law of Divinations throughout his entire life.] replied Romulus.

[Is that similar to my Space Law?] asked Kahn.

But instead of the Crimson Fenrirborne, it was Vildred who cleared his doubts…

[Out of the 5 hardest laws of reality to master, Space Law is the 3rd toughest one.

Law of Divination is the 2nd one. And even among 10 billion people, hardly one can master it.] revealed the former Dragon Emperor.

[Which is the hardest then?] queried Kahn gain.

[Law of Time.] this time, it was Rathnaar who responded from within Kahn's soul.

[That law is something only the people of the empire serving God of Time practice. And even among millions of them, barely a hundred people can master it to Saint Rank.] informed the Peak Saint from his own experience.

[Although Law of Divination mostly gives abstract and doesn't give exact information about the events or the person… There wasn't a single time he was wrong in the past 400 years.] spoke Romulus, shedding light on the great wisdom of this Venerable Monk who appeared like a kind and old grandpa.

[Just what rank is he?] queried Kahn.

Romulus replied with a bated breath…

[He is… a Peak 8th stage saint.]

[What?! Doesn't that mean he is the strongest person in the empire?!] exclaimed Kahn with a bewildered expression.

[Yes. But he does not wish to rule, never did.

He has devoted his life to the God of Nature.] revealed Romulus with a tone filled with respect.

Venerable Oogway was the strongest being in the empire, even above Kaali who was the current empress.

Yet, this powerhouse had chosen a life to serve the God he believed in, heralding the institution that revered the God of Life.

[Kid! There's a problem!] suddenly, Vildred shouted in Kahn's mind with an alarmed countenance.

Because at this moment… Venerable Oogway was exactly looking in a blank space where there was nothing but air.

However, that was for those who didn't know that Vildred was hiding in that very space inside the True Dimension.

[He… He can see me. And if I'm not wrong…] spoke Vildred, ready to get into battle th situation arose.

[He is a Sage, just like me.] replied Vildred.

[What the fuck?!]

Kahn's entire body was filled with goosebumps as he went into survival mode by activating all of his defensive and dimensional law skill, ready to run away within a moment.

At this moment, Kahn was terrified and on edge.

[My divinations told me that I would see someone unexpected here…]

But before Kahn could even prepare any countermeasures, a profound and sagacious voice resounded in his head.

This old and composed voice belonged to none other than Venerable Oogway who had his eyes closed with a friendly and gentle smile on his face as he conveyed his words to Kahn…

[Hero of Darkness.]