Hero of Darkness

Chapter 1124  A Painful Reminder

The following morning, Kahn, Vildred, and Omega made their way into Rathna, the grand capital of the Rakos Empire. The sight before them was a testament to the cityʼs magnificence and fortified nature.

Towering walls, rising to 80 meters, surrounded the city, their imposing presence a symbol of the empireʼs impenetrable defenses. Above, floating security islands hovered, overseeing the air traffic while monitoring the capital for any potential threats.

The airspace was bustling with activity. Massive cargo and transportation ships moved in and out, their hulking forms dwarfing the smaller, private vessels.

Among them were heavily armored warships, stationed to ensure the security of the cityʼs borders. It was clear that Rathna was more than just a city; it was the beating heart of the Rakos Empire, a fortress designed to withstand any incursion.

However, Kahnʼs group had to exercise caution. The Bran Castle, his mobile fortress, couldnʼt be brought here. The security mechanisms at the capitalʼs borders were too advanced and would immediately detect an unregistered and unidentified property like the castle, categorizing it as an invader battleship.

To avoid drawing attention, Kahn relied on his mastery of the True Dimension, a power that allowed him to bypass even the most intricate of barriers.

With unparalleled precision, Kahn, Vildred, and Omega effortlessly maneuvered past the cityʼs formidable defenses. The guards, magical detection arrays, and surveillance systems were none the wiser as the group casually infiltrated the capital.

An hour later, their journey led them to the northern section of Rathna, specifically to the 157th district... better known as the Rukon District.

This area had a unique significance for Kahn. It was a district filled with activity, home to countless industrial sites and factories, where the hum of machinery and the buzz of laborers filled the air.

Within the True Dimension, the trio hovered above a particular factory. It was no ordinary site... it was the birthplace of the Bloodborne Blacksmithing Company.

After Albestros moved to the border of Verlassen Fiefdom, establishing a new base of operations near the enigmatic land, the original factory in the Rukon District underwent a significant transformation.

It no longer served as the core of the Bloodborne Blacksmithing Company but instead became a crucial branch; a distribution hub for the capital.

Finished products from the main headquarters were stored here and then delivered throughout Rathna and beyond, ensuring the companyʼs influence remained strong within the empireʼs heart.

Despite its importance, the factory had no saint-level protectors stationed there. Yet, this didnʼt make it vulnerable. Only a fool would dare cause trouble for Albestros, the most celebrated blacksmith in the Rakos Empire.

Even leaders of noble factions, powerful and influential as they were, sought his favor and respected his craftsmanship. To cross him was to invite ruin.

Standing atop the facility and gazing down at its bustling operations, Kahnʼs expression turned somber and reflective.

”This place made me realize that I wasnʼt just responsible for myself,” he said, his tone heavy with the weight of the past.

”I became responsible for everyone who worked for me... their lives, their livelihoods.”

The memories surged back, vivid and unrelenting. In the early days, when Kahn was still building his empire, he had unknowingly walked into a battlefield of political and economic power plays.

His attempt to lower the prices of his products to outmaneuver the competition seemed like a smart business strategy. But it wasnʼt allowed by the Chamber of Commerce, an institution heavily influenced by those in power, who had no tolerance for disruptors like him.

What followed was a brutal retaliation. Those who couldnʼt beat him in fair competition resorted to hiring an underworld organization known as the Red Right Hand.

Their methods were merciless and indiscriminate, killing over a hundred of Kahnʼs employees as a warning. The factory became a blood-stained reminder of how dangerous the game of power could be.

Kahn clenched his fists as he recalled the aftermath. ”I didnʼt just sit back and watch,” he said, his voice steely with resolve.

”I tracked down their base, uncovered every last one of them.” His tone turned cold, a stark contrast to the nostalgic warmth moments earlier.

”I destroyed the entire organization... burned them to the ground. And I made sure 90% of those murderers never saw another sunrise.”

Vildred and Omega stood silently beside him, neither speaking nor interrupting. They understood this was a deeply personal moment for Kahn, a moment tied to his growth, not just as a leader but as someone who bore the weight of countless lives.

”This factory,” Kahn continued, his voice softening, ”isnʼt just a place of business. Itʼs a reminder.

A reminder that the cost of power is steep, and protecting those who depend on you requires strength... not just physical, but the will to do whatever it takes.”

HUMM!

HUMM!

It was then that Kahn felt it... a peculiar sensation deep within his chest, as though an invisible string tethered to his heart was gently being pulled, guiding him.

It wasnʼt painful or overwhelming, but it was undeniable, like a subtle yet persistent beacon calling to him.

”Iʼve felt it ever since we entered the capital,” Kahn said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ”Looks like this is a sign of who Iʼm meant to meet first.”

Vildred raised an inquisitive brow, but his sharp eyes glimmered with understanding. ”A connection, you say? Perhaps itʼs fate... or someone tied to your past.”

Omega, ever the silent shadow, gave a slight nod of acknowledgment and spoke with a smirk.

”It is both.”

******************

A few more hours passed and Kahnʼs group left the capital.

”Where are we going? Do you even know the directions?” asked Vildred, the sage.

”Iʼm just following my heart.” responded Kahn as they paced through the true dimension and finally reached vast dilapidated city ruins.

BOOM!!

At this moment, a massive shockwave was felt by them but the key difference was that no skirmish was appearing in front of their eyes.

”Itʼs an isolation barrier hiding a battle between saints.” spoke the royal dragon.

”Sofna alem fsuriora.” chanted Kahn and soon, a previously invisible barrier appeared.

Their trio passed through the barrier, their presence still undetected and unknown by those within.

What the trio then encountered...

Was a battle to death between two 5th-stage saints.