Hero of Darkness

In the realm known as the Hesperides, a breathtaking sight awaited those who entered its domain. Floating castles adorned the skies, perched atop meteorite-like mountains that floated gracefully in the boundless expanse of space.

Each castle was a marvel of architecture and magic, representing a different aspect of reality. Some were lush gardens of vibrant colors, housing flora and fauna that defied the laws of nature.

Others were towering citadels of light, emanating a celestial glow that illuminated the cosmos. Each castle existed in harmony with the laws of its own reality, a testament to the infinite possibilities of creation.

Rivers of world energy crisscrossed the open space, flowing in multicolored streams like a natural web of interconnected energy. These currents held the secrets of the cosmos, granting those who could harness their power a glimpse into the fabric of existence itself.

The environment was a symphony of energies and realities, merging and colliding in an intricate dance of cosmic proportions.

At the center of this celestial wonderland stood the 13 Towers, towering structures that seemed to bridge the gap between this world and another dimension.

Each tower represented a different aspect of reality, representing a law of reality and served as a gateway to the adventures that lay ahead for the Hero and Heroine's parties.

"I greet your majesty, the Empress."

As soon as they exited the gate, a humble voice resounded in the surroundings as a powerful entity was waiting for them at the exit.

This 3-meter-tall warrior was of an intermediate 7th-stage saint rank, someone qualified to be a Heavenly King in the Nadur Empire.

[Be careful around him. He is a member of THAT group.] warned Romulus to Kahn, signaling him to do his best to lay low.

And thanks to the cloaks that the Empress provided to them, it became much easier for Kahn to do so. One could say that Kaali was the biggest helper Kahn recently came across.

"Markgrav… Can't say I am pleased to see you." spoke Kaali with a hint of anger in her tone.

Before her, stood a lionkin spear warrior in a silver plated armor from head-to-toe.

Markgrav represented the Beast Empire in the mysterious group created to hunt down the Hero of Darkness, and his dedication to this cause was evident in the relinquishment of his title and candidacy to become a Heavenly King decades ago.

However… Markgrav, though lower in authority compared to the Empress, carried himself with utmost respect and deference.

The Empress revealed a disappointed countenance as this representative has still not been able to find the Hero of Darkness despite having the means and resources provided in abundance.

Once a member of the previous Hero of Nature's party, Markgrav had undergone tremendous growth in strength over the centuries.

From a mere 3rd-stage saint that he was 300 years ago, he had risen to become an intermediate 7th-stage saint, a true powerhouse akin to Romulus himself.

His prowess was such that even the current Kahn, with all his training and power, would not be a match for him. Their battle would require Kahn to at least reach the level of a beginner 6th stage saint, considering the difference in ranks and the formidable bloodline of Godbeast Baihu possessed by his opponent.

Markgrav's journey to find and confront the Hero of Darkness spanned three long years, showing his unwavering commitment to the task.

However, the one he had been looking for to seek vengeance all this time, was standing among the group he respectfully welcomed in Hesperides of his own volition.

"Are they ready?" asked Kaali to Markgrav.

"Yes, we will only take action if the Hero of Darkness shows up.

Otherwise, we will not intervene in the proceedings of Conclave in any way." spoke the lionkin with a majestic mane.

"I hope he does show up. Otherwise, all of your sacrifices would have been for naught.

And I will have to take harsh decisions due to your incompetence." spoke Kaali, openly threatening Markgrav in front of everyone.

"I shall disappoint you no further, your majesty." spoke the lionkin and led the way.

At this moment, a similar situation occurred for the other 10 sacred passages coming from different empires.

After a few minutes of travel through air, Kahn finally saw the groups of other Hero and Heroine's parties.

However, everyone was hiding their auras in cloaks and masks just like them.

The towers stood tall and majestic, each leading to a different entry point in the second dimension, accessible only by the Hero's Party members.

This second dimension was a place exclusively reserved for those below 7th stage saint rank, making it suitable for the Hero's Party members who were mostly 6th stage saints.

However, finding such powerful individuals willing to risk their lives by joining the Hero's Party was a challenging task, and it had taken considerable effort to assemble each team.

Yet, this restriction suited Kahn perfectly.

Being a 5th-stage saint himself, he was well within the qualifications to explore this enigmatic realm. He felt a sense of anticipation, eager to face whatever trials and secrets this dimension held.

As all the 11 groups gathered in utmost quiet and secrecy, a profound silence enveloped the area.

BOOM!!

Suddenly, a divine being appeared in the skies, capturing the attention of everyone present.

This enormous four-armed humanoid being that have encompassed the entire sky, emitted a lustrous white aura, and its dark blue orb that acted as the head, seemed to penetrate the very souls of those who gazed upon it.

Its size and shape was changing every passing minute, yet the overwhelming aura established its authority.

The presence of this celestial entity filled the air with an otherworldly essence, leaving the Hero's Party members in awe of its power and majesty.

They could feel an almost overwhelming energy emanating from the divine being, hinting at the unfathomable mysteries of this realm.

The overseer of the Hesperides was a being of cosmic energy, similar to the Cosmic Aether entity Kahn had become in the Conjunction of Space, took on various forms after short intervals that defied earthly comprehension.

The celestial possessed multiple elements and laws of reality in their body beyond measure, and their purpose was to guide and observe those who ventured into this dimension for the Conclave of Heroes.

With mind that held the knowledge of countless eons, they were the highest authority, ensuring that the laws of the conclave were upheld and that the sanctity of the Hesperides was preserved.

However, this celestial being had no eyes, nose or mouth as it was made purely out of world energy.

Finally, an archaic voice resounded in everyone's minds.

"The Gods wish success upon all. I hope you abide by the ancient rules of the Conclave of Heroes and pass your tests." it spoke as a pristine white aura emanated from its body.

Thud!

But right then… Another person showed up with a 7th-stage saint from one of the gateways leading into Hesperides.

Both of these individuals were full-fledged Fireborne with wavy fiery hair that floated in the air.

However, the one in the back was an 8th-stage saint with an ancient rank red spear.

At the Conclave of Heroes, Emperor of the Vulcan Empire…

Havi Hos Sigfreed finally showed up.

Step!

Step!

Kahn was baffled to see the Emperor again. It had been more than 2 years since he last saw him.

Havi on the other end, did not speak with any other Emperors or Empresses and directed his gaze towards the celestial being.

"I have come to invoke a clause. Hero of Darkness has killed the Hero of Fire before the Conclave of Heroes.

And as per the ancient laws made during the first-ever Conclave of Heroes 3000 years ago…" spoke the emperor in a domineering tone as he declared his intentions in front of rulers of all the powerful empires of the world that served the Gods.

"I have the right to claim his life."