Hero of Darkness

Chapter 1160: The Coronation

10 Minutes Ago...

Rathna, the capital of the Rakos Empire, was filled with joy and enthusiasm as people marched over the streets. All the Provinces and sectors within those regions populated by the people, comprised of dozens of species, races, and parts of society, had their hearts beating fast with anticipation.

The coronation ceremony of their would-be emperor was just minutes away while they all waited just to take a glimpse of him.

At the centre of Rathna was the Senate of the Rakos Empire, spanning over 12 kilometers and having over 35 monumental buildings acting as headquarters of all the major governmental institutions.

Millions of people entered and left this place every day, but today, the reason for their gathering was different.

For today, they were here to witness history in the making.

In the center, a massive white and pristine arena, similar to a colosseum or a football stadium, housed close to 200 thousand people.

Dhang!

Buzz!

Bang!

Sound of drums, trumpets, and warhorns filled the surroundings, while at the end was a large rectangular podium.

All the major people in the entire empire, such as law officials, military commanders, nobles, aristocrats from various sectors, royal knights, and saints from all over the empire, gathered in a grand ceremony.

Step!

Step!

Heavy and loud steps filled the central pathway as hundreds of Knights, adorning golden armors while brandishing swords, spears, and shields, marched towards it while covering both sides of the path.

At the same time, they escorted a man in a royal dark gray longcoat as he walked steadily with a dignified and charismatic face. Beside him, walked Kassandra as his partner, looking just as beautiful but also domineering.

Behind him, all 12 of his subordinates, in their real appearances this time, followed with pride.

They were not hiding their real face this time, unlike they had to do back in the day with Seven Deadly Sins or Misthios Mercenary Association. Today, they emanated strength and authority on their faces.

Both Vildred and Argos also followed behind this entourage with their own group of saints from the Belmont Kingdom.

Step!

After reaching the podium, Kahn, who was now the centre of attention from all these important figures of the empire, finally appeared on the broadcasting screens, his charismatic smile appearing all over the empire.

”My fellow citizens of the Rakos Empire...

It’s been a while.” spoke Kahn with a blissful joy on his countenance.

”WOO!!!”

”YEAH!!!”

”ALL HAIL KAHN SALVATORE!”

People started shouting and cheering as soon as they saw Kahn appear on the broadcast screens.

”The recent events leading to this coronation ceremony aren’t unknown to anyone at this point.

And I know most of you were surprised by the sudden announcement of me assuming the role of the new emperor of the Rakos Empire.” said Kahn as he outright addressed the most important issue from the very beginning of his speech.

”Before anyone starts asking questions... I shall explain why I’m abolishing the Democracy and re-establishing Imperial Rule again.” he spoke in a firm tone.

”All of you have already seen and suffered from this so-called ’freedom’ and ’democracy’ in the past 100 years.

The leaders you chose were not the ones who should’ve won.

And even if the ones you truly voted for and won... abandoned their duty and committed just as much corruption and crimes against you, the people of the empire like the culprits who created this system.” his voice echoed across the empire as people nodded their heads in response.

”It is already a failed model because whether Imperialism or Democracy, the ones who truly control the nation are the same set of Oligarchs, such as nobles, the aristocrats, business organizations, and the military leaders.

Only the name of the system changes, where they give you an illusion of choice, but in truth, they control everything as well as cut off every path that could grant you true freedom and justice.” his resolute words shone a light on the system that everyone had come to hate at this moment.

Kahn then addressed the next important issue...

”Imperialism is no different. The tyrant emperor of 100 years ago was a prime example of how if the individual leading the empire is a maniac who gets pleasure from causing wanton bloodshed and lets his pride control his mind and judgment... that it would bring nothing but ruin to all the population.

Just like Democracy... Imperialism is also another double-edged sword.” said Kahn as he made the reality of the world known to all.

”So why am I declaring myself as the Emperor instead of resorting to that kind of governance system?

Am I trying to be another tyrant who would end up oppressing you?” he openly questioned.

Those words quickly alerted everyone’s minds. Because Kahn wasn’t giving them some fake flowery speech, but talking about the actual problem.

”No... I have accepted this form of governance solely for a vital reason.

First of all... look at these people.” he said.

Soon, the projection artifacts focused on the particular group of people and their faces, as well as factions appeared all across the empire through the holographic broadcasting screens.

Whether it was Allister, Jeremiah, Joseif, the governmental officials... all the once almighty and prestigious nobles, clan leaders, including their heirs, and officials who held top positions across various institutions.

”Yesterday, something happened that none of you were aware of as it took place behind your eyes and ears.” said Kahn.

Soon, for the next 10 minutes... Kahnwill explained he used an Ancient Rank artifact and tied all these people to his bloodline.

How these people, whose lineage controlled and reigned over their empire for centuries, were now reduced to mere slaves.

Gasp!

Shock!

Most of the populace was bewildered beyond belief. To hear how their future leaders had enslaved basically millions of people in just a single day.

”Some of you might call me a merciless or a heartless person for doing so.

Some will argue whether the children and the future generations of these people suffer for the actions of their predecessors?” said Kahn as his head looked around all the attendees in the stadium.

”Well... you’re wrong. One day, they too will inherit the wealth, the luxury, the accessibility, and lifestyle similar like their parents and families.

I’m not going to take that away from them. But at the same time... why should they reap the benefits of the crimes committed by their predecessors with no cost?” he questioned with a stern voice.

”Everything in this world comes with its own price and consequences.

Since their forefathers ruined the lives of billions of people, this will be their penance while still having the benefits.

I’m not jailing them or killing them just because they have blood ties with these people. What I’m offering them is salvation.

If they can’t even do that... then they don’t deserve any form of forgiveness from us.” he firmly stated his stance.

”As for these people... they all thought they were above you. They orchestrated and thrived upon the misfortune of others while you struggled to make ends meet.

They had cozy sleeps in their mansions while the roof on your house was leaking under heavy rain.

They robbed you all of the opportunities and future that could have been yours if the system were just and fair to everybody.

So instead of putting them in chains... why not make them work for the rest of their lives to make up for their sins against the people of the Rakos Empire?!” he stated with an obvious smirk.

”Yaaah!”

”Yes! Make these bastards pay!” shouted a wolfkin in a random city!

”Hell yeah! They should serve the people till the end of their days!” shouted the elf who spoke in the tavern yesterday morning before the protest began.

People witnessing across the empire loudly cheered, their outcry shaking cities and towns equally.

The rage and hatred they held towards their oppressors were finally showing up on their faces without any remorse.

Their soon-to-be emperor just publicly humiliated everyone, abhorred by the people of the empire.

Kahn then continued...

”Why should 100 thousand soldiers need to die to an enemy force or a wave of monsters when we have these saints from these prestigious clans who could do the work?

Whether it’s loss of life or resources... these people will pay back a hundredfold to the people of the empire in the name of service.

Whether working to better your lives or fighting on the front... all these bastards who benefited from your flesh and blood all over these years will have to bleed their own under my new regime.” iterated Kahn in a majestic tone.

”The reason I’m establishing the imperial rule is to divert all the authority to myself since I’m the only one with the full power over their lives.

So I can keep making them work to the bone and make up for their sins.” he explained with no sense of guilt.

”I know some of you may worry tomorrow that it’s too much power for one individual.

But I do feel like I have earned the right. Because what you saw yesterday wasn’t an overnight success.

It took years of training, many times facing death over and over, just to become strong, planning and calculating everything until I could finally make a move.

All for what?

Am I doing this all for myself?

Am I doing this to reign over the people like a monarch?” he loudly questioned all the witnesses.

”No, because unfortunately, this is the most effective way for enforcing the will of the people while punishing these transgressors for the damage they’ve caused to you, the hardworking people of the Rakos Empire.” he stated and the very next moment...

Swoosh!

Out of his space ring, Kahn took out a squarish, quartz-like artifact.

”Before I wear the crown... There is someone who would like to talk to all of you.”

Shing!

Shimmer!

The artifact started emitting an image of a man with a white grizzly beard, clad in white and golden armor, and holding a massive greatsword at the front, plunged in the ground.

”People of the Rakos Empire! This is the very person who created the home we all stand upon.

Please, pay your respect to...”

Kahn, in a regal yet courteous tone, revealed the name of the entity as he himself kneeled on the podium.

”Rathnaar Whitlock, the First Emperor!”