Hero of Darkness

After being surrounded by the black dome-like barrier that isolated them from the outside world, the enemy was flabbergasted and felt a sense of dread.

"What is this?" the gargoyle-like creature demanded, his astonishment evident.

"My Domain." responded Kahn, his tone laced with wry amusement.

"Nonsense! Everyone who enters God's Domain becomes a Semi-Saint! How can you wield your domain when even the Hero of Nature cannot?" asked the gargoyle whose disbelief was palpable.

"Because I'm awesome?" responded Kahn, his retort dripping with sarcasm.

Contrary to his towering figure and formidable presence, the gargoyle was, in fact, an assassin by trade.

His mastery over darkness and shadows allowed him to strike from hidden openings, rendering his massive stature seemingly incongruous with his role. His unique advantage lay in his proficiency in utilizing anything dark or black to execute his stealthy skills, often without the need to be physically close to his target.

Given the obsidian terrain of nothing but black soil and mountains—it provided the perfect backdrop for his lethal tactics, allowing him to execute flawless ambushes.

This grim landscape was tailored to his advantage, offering him an environment where every element served as a tool for him to eliminate the Hero's Party.

"You asked how did I find you, right?" but Kahn wasn't done.

Tremble!

Tremble!

The answer emerged in a chilling revelation as hundreds of ebony shadows emerged from the very ground, encircling Zolvik, the gargoyle assassin.

"I had my own assassins dispersed across this land the moment I set foot in this blackened environment." Kahn's words unraveled the truth.

"How is this possible?! I didn't sense any of them as if they're not alive." said the opponent.

"Because they are not." responded Kahn with ease,

"Then... Did you know about them as well?" the enemy's inquiry held a tinge of uncertainty.

"Yes." Kahn's response carried an air of casual nonchalance.

"Those gargoyle heads emerging from walls, mountains, and boulders? They're your eyes and ears, allowing you to observe, listen, and gain insights into your adversaries." His taunt, veiled in amusement, continued...

"Why do you think I decided to separate from the group? If I had revealed how you operated, they would've created a ruckus, leaving us even more vulnerable. And you would be aware that I was on your tail already.

That's precisely why I've come for you alone." explained Kahn fearlessly.

"You still haven't answered my question.

What is your name?" Kahn's tone retained its calm expectancy.

"I'm Zolvik." came the reply from his adversary.

Thud!

A sudden thud reverberated, and from within Kahn's spatial ring materialized a magnificent black and golden throne.

With an air of leisure, he lowered himself onto the throne, reclining comfortably.

Swoosh!

Another item conjured from the same mystical source was a long, brown cigar, which he brought to his lips. Exuding an air of relaxation, Kahn gazed at Zolvik with a demeanor that suggested he was entirely at ease.

"We are now separated from others in a 2-kilometer radius. No one can see or hear anything that transpires within these boundaries." Kahn's voice carried an air of authority.

"Even if you were to temporarily become a saint, no one would be privy to it.

Rest assured, I won't employ any debuffs from my domain to diminish your strength or seal your abilities." Kahn's expression shifted into a tone of regal amusement.

"So now… Entertain me." implored Kahn majestically.

At this command, Zolvik was filled with fury due to being looked down so much by the blue Fenrirborne.

"You insolent fool! Your pitiful tricks and bravado won't save you from meeting your end at my hands, just like those two killed recently!" Zolvik's voice reverberated with rage.

A myriad of darkness elemental spikes, whips, chains, and colossal daggers materialized in the sky as Zolvik exploited the terrain to unleash his unique skills.

Kahn's assassins vanished, and there was only Kahn left, lounging on the throne with an air of nonchalance.

"What kind of death do you want?" asked Zolvik, infuriated by Kahn's nonchalance.

"Surprise me." replied Kahn as he shrugged his arms.

After the exchange of banters and threats was over...

Zolvik launched a relentless assault from every conceivable direction except the sky, determined to overwhelm Kahn.

Bang!

Clang!

However, in a sudden turn of events, a barrier materialized, halting Zolvik's barrage in its tracks.

This was the Darkness Barrier skill Kahn acquired from Ajax, the Dark Summoner in the Bromnir dungeon during the first month after his arrival in Rakos Empire.

The appearance of a darkness elemental barrier left Zolvik dumbfounded and perplexed.

"Weren't you a Water/Ice elemental brawler warrior?

How can you wield a darkness elemental barrier like a mage?" Zolvik queried Kahn from a distance of 100 meters, clearly taken aback by this unexpected development.

"Hush! Cease your pointless inquiries. Why don't you try something a bit more original?

I'm finding these types of attacks rather dull," Kahn retorted, his demeanor brimming with amusement as he savored the revitalizing aroma of his cigar.

Rumble!

Zolvik's next move involved creating a sizable pit, an attempt to ensnare Kahn within its depths.

Yet, Kahn countered swiftly, as countless rod-like extensions made of darkness, sprang forth from his throne, forming supportive pillars in a matter of moments.

Woosh!

Clink!

Undeterred, Zolvik conjured hundreds of dagger-like projections, each measuring a substantial 5 meters in length.

Shoot!

In a swift motion, the daggers were released, hurtling towards Kahn with lethal intent.

Crack!

However, before they could reach their target, cracks emerged in front of Kahn, and in a split second, the projectiles were drawn into a spatial void.

CRACKLE!

In an instant, those same cracks reappeared, this time directly just a few meters above Zolvik.

BOOM!!

DHANG!

Clatter!

The very daggers he had launched now descended upon him, resulting in a resounding explosion that bathed the vicinity in a cloud of ebony dust.

When the dust cleared, Zolvik was revealed, bearing injuries inflicted by his own weapons and skills.

To this haggard figure of the opponent, Kahn responded with a condescending smile.

"Ah, come on! You can do better."