Hero of Darkness

As Kahn and Vildred faced the formidable Venerable Oogway, their shock and tension were palpable.

Their situation was complicated further by the fact that Venerable Oogway seemed to have seen through Kahn's disguise as Atreus Bellator and his true identity as the Hero of Darkness.

Vildred prepared his Ancient Rank spells, anticipating the possibility of a fight breaking out. However, to their surprise, there were no signs of enmity or retaliation from the Venerable Monk.

[Kid... If I was at least a Beginner 7th-stage saint, I could match him in strength. But at this point, our only option is to run away.] spoke Vildred with a wary expression.

Even Vildred realized the vast power difference between the current him of the 5th stage saint rank and Venerable Oogway, leaving them with little chance of victory in a direct confrontation.

The only viable option seemed to be to escape, especially considering the dire consequences.

[I already have the mark to travel inside. But we need this turtle to open the sacred passage first. And don't you remember... I'll die if I don't go in now.] replied Kahn as he was racing his mind to find other options to get out of their current predicament.

Vildred too understood the gravity of the situation. Kahn's life was at stake, and they needed Venerable Oogway to open the sacred passage.

And due to the Contract of familiarity which bound both of their lives together… Vildred would also die if Kahn failed to enter this sacred site where the Conclave of Heroes was to be conducted.

Running away might buy them some time, but it wouldn't solve their ultimate dilemma.

Despite this revelation, the Venerable Monk had not disclosed this information to anyone, including the Empress.

[Why hasn't he revealed my true identity? Does he have a hidden motive?] wondered Kahn.

More than a minute had passed but Venerable Oogway acted as if there was nothing surprising or worth mentioning to the Empress.

The situation was precarious, leaving Kahn and Vildred unsure of how to proceed.

They had to weigh their options carefully, considering both their immediate survival and the long-term implications of Venerable Oogway's actions from this point.

However, instead of paying attention to Kahn/Atreus…

Venerable Oogway approached Maximus, he could sense the conflict within the young man.

Apart from Kahn, no one else knew what was going on with Maximus.

With a gentle touch, he placed his tortoise-palm on Maximus's head, emanating a sense of serenity and understanding.

"I know you are in turmoil. I know you question the very reason for your existence in this world." spoke the Venerable in a soothing tone.

"I... I do not know what my purpose is anymore." spoke Maximus with a conflicted countenance.

"Your mind is like this water, my child. When it is agitated, it becomes difficult to see.

But if you allow it to settle, the answer becomes clear." advised the strongest saint of the Nadur Empire.

His words carried a pearl of profound wisdom, likening Maximus's restless thoughts to the ripples in agitated water.

Venerable Oogway was encouraging him to find both tranquility and resolve within himself, to let his thoughts settle so that he could gain clarity about his path and purpose.

"I have lived more than 400 years and among the many lessons life has taught me… One of them fits perfectly in your situation.

So I will depart the wisdom of this old monk…" spoke Venerable Oogway with an erudite countenance.

"If you only do what you can do, you will never be more than you are now."

Right then…

Maximus' eyes wide-opened in shock as a wave of enlightenment washed over him. He felt as if some of the chains that trapped him in his previous world and in Vantrea had just shattered, helping him break past his reckoning.

This simple yet profound statement held a significant message. Others may not be able to make sense of it but to Maximus…

It seemed like the answer he was looking for.

After speaking with all the other members of the Hero's Party…

Venerable Oogway finally spoke with Kahn in from of everyone's eyes.

[Do not worry, child. I have no intention to reveal your identity.

At first, I was skeptical. But now that I have seen you and the people associated with you… I have become certain of one thing.] spoke the monk with a gentle smile.

[That you are one of the people who have a key part to play in the fate of this world.] he declared.

Kahn was simply dumbfounded and bewildered at the same time.

"Use your skills for good, young warrior. Find the one thing you were denied so long ago — compassion." the Venerable Monk's words echoed in the surroundings.

Again… Kahn could not help but be frozen on the spot.

Although it was good news that the monk in front of him, who resembled a particular tortoise of the same name in an animated movie had chosen not to reveal his identity to the Empress, the words he spoke openly had left Kahn asunder.

Gasp!

[Wait… does he also know about my past life?] gasped Kahn and asked himself.

Those words of wisdom would not seem plausible if someone knew Kahn's miserable and lonely life as Elric.

Yet the words spoken by Venerable Oogway struck the right point as if he had seen through both of his lives.

He had done his best to bury the memories of his previous life, to forget the pain and loneliness he had endured as Elric. But now, it seemed that those memories were being brought to the surface once again.

Kahn's mind raced with confusion and curiosity.

How could the Venerable Monk know about his past life as Elric? It was a secret that he had kept hidden from everyone, even his closest companions. Yet, the words spoken by Venerable Oogway seemed to resonate with the truth of his existence.

"People like you who have great power and responsibilities… You are not the type of person who needs to find his purpose.

Rather, your purpose will come and find you." he declared in front of everyone.

He placed his palm on the blue wolfkin's chest and his green aura suddenly broke the previously placed mark on his body without anyone noticing.

[This is the only help I can give you, child. No one from the Beast Empire shall be able to track you after your part in this Conclave of Heroes is finished.

But you must make a choice when the time comes.] he spoke telepathically.

Kahn did not understand what the Venerable Monk implied with those words… But he knew that hard times were ahead and his participance in the Conclave of Heroes was not going to be without any extraordinary turn of events.

"One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it." said Venerable Oogway.

This impacted Kahn's mind again.

Because so far, he had been actively avoiding his part as Hero of Darkness and even hiding his identity so far in this new life.

Yet somehow, fate had brought him to this very place using one reason or another.

"Just remember this. You being present here…" spoke the Sage of Divination as he imparted his final words of wisdom to Kahn.

"There are no accidents."