Hero of Darkness

Chapter 1163: The People’s Champion

Rathnaar abruptly revealed his actions of past achievements that were mostly forgotten even by the natizens of the Rakos Empire at this point.

Even in the history archives, the existence of Gods and their chosen Heroes was deliberately discarded. While some people were indeed aware of Gods because of the existence of nearby empires... the chosen Heroes and Heroines of these Gods were no different than a myth to them, like a fake rumor that spreads and dies down within a day.

Since the empire itself wasn’t part of the whole war against the Demon God ever since its founding over a thousand years ago... their knowledge about the matter was as extensive as a child’s understanding about global economics.

”Yes, the rumors and the myths you’ve heard about Gods and their chosen Heroes... they are all real.

I assume that this information was mostly hidden from you all to avoid another rebellion due to some people having joined certain religions.

They just did not want to repeat the same mistakes and have another massacre like in my era.” said Rathnaar and dropped another shocking bomb.

Gasp!

Shock!

While the majority of the citizens honestly did not believe in the existence of gods... hearing directly from the founding emperor himself had shocked the entire population.

”Many decades later, my existence as the Peak Saint of Vantrea back then deterred our enemies and brought peace for a long time. And you all know the rest of the history as it is followed after my death.” said Rathnaar as he concluded his speech.

”Now... why am I telling you an irrelevant history that doesn’t change your present reality?” asked Rathnaar as he looked around, his clear and resolute eyes staring into their souls.

”Kahn Salvatore is no different from me. Though he may not have fought against the enemies outside... he has fought many within.

By the time I met this young man 6 years ago, he was already the Sovereign of Verlassen Fiefdom.

At first, I was skeptical of his eligibility, wondering why the remnant soul of my most loyal friend chose him to succeed us?

But after I have come to know him as a man... I too saw the reason.” said Rathnaar with a contented smile.

”He was already a competent leader who strived to improve and protect the lives of his followers.

That quality and character are something you cannot teach or instill into someone easily.

Both Lezron Mikealson and I chose him as our successor because he is a man of conviction and a vision for his fellow citizens of the empire.” stated the peak saint proudly.

”Kahn Salvatore isn’t a chosen heir by his heritage or bloodline.

No, an Emperor doesn’t need to belong to some noble lineage or need to have the blood of the previous rulers. I myself am an example of that.

Some emperors... are chosen by you, The People.” he stated loudly, his majestic voice echoing through the entire empire.

”Regretfully, my own descendants failed to uphold my ideals. So I, Rathnaar Whitlock, the founding emperor of the Rakos Empire... Beg you, the people of our great nation.

To believe in the man who shares the will and wisdom of the founding fathers of the empire. A man who would not hesitate to lay his life for you.

Believe in our chosen successor...” said Rathnaar, the Peak Saint.

”Believe in Kahn Salvatore, your New Emperor!”

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

Rathnaar’s voice echoed throughout the empire, rallying the masses as his testament to Kahn’s character and his vision for the people of the Rakos Empire resonated to their hearts and minds.

The whole empire had turned silent for a moment, their hearts palpating collectively as if the whole nation had become a single entity.

Thud!

Thud!

One after another, some people started kneeling wherever they stood. And like a ripple of waves in a vast ocean, the surrounding people also followed the same action.

Within a minute, people had bowed their heads and knelt in respect.

The most notable part was that no one had asked or ordered them to kneel or bow their heads.

This was a raw and heartfelt emotion that made them do it on their own. Soon, all that remained was a sea of people showing respect to their New Emperor.

The next moment, Rathnaar spoke in a majestic and magnanimous tone...

”Rise, Son of the Rakos Empire.”

His words were directed at Kahn, who still knelt since the moment Rathnaar’s visage appeared out of the artifact.

”Do you swear in the name of your ancestors, your predecessors, and your future generations to come... that you, with all your heart and mind unified, will lead the people of this great empire into a better future?” asked the Peak Saint.

”I will.” spoke Kahn, his body straightened and firm.

”Do you swear to put the interests of the people, whether they come from a small village or the capital of the empire, above your own?” asked the first emperor in a stern voice.

”I swear.” replied Kahn calmly, but his eyes glimmered with resolution.

”Do you promise to protect and provide the citizens of our empire an honest way of life where they can be proud of themselves?” asked the old man.

”I do.” responded Kahn with a firm voice, his face showing readiness to take on the burden.

”Then I, Rathnaar Whitlock, the First Emperor of the Rakos Empire and the former Peak Saint of Vantrea...

Bequeath this great honor and responsibility that you must shoulder till your last breath.

From this day forth till the end of your time... you are ordained to dedicate yourself for the sake of peace and the prosperity of the Rakos Empire.” announced Rathnaar as he lifted his sword and tapped around both of Kahn’s shoulders.

Kahn then turned around, his gaze settling on the people kneeling in front.

”Stand.” he spoke in a soft but authoritative tone.

”I may have been chosen to carry the mantle of leading our empire.” iterated Kahn as his eyes wandered across the people who stood up.

”However, even if the person in the highest position of authority is strongest in the world...

He can never accomplish the grand goal of bringing true justice, honor, freedom, or prosperity by himself.

So I want to ask you, the people of our empire...” spoke Kahn as a sense of kinship and yearning could be detected on his personage.

”Will you accompany me on this great journey?

Will you lend me your strength, your trust, and your patience to make our home a land of hope and honor again?” asked Kahn earnestly.

This question shocked many people. Because many thought that after being anointed as the next ruler of the empire, Kahn would make some grand announcement and order the people of the nation to follow his rules.

Many had heard and expected it to happen since it was a recurring scene that had happened in history. Not just theirs, but also other empires.

But unexpectedly, instead of commanding some grand edict... Kahn was asking them, the normal and helpless people of the empire, to lend him their strength and trust.

The man supposed to be their new leader wasn’t telling them to follow him; rather, he was asking them to stand by his side and travel this journey of leading their empire... together.

After hearing that even if anyone who still had their misgivings or doubts... how could they hold any qualms against Kahn?

He was not only capable, trustworthy, and visionary but also a reliable leader who didn’t treat the citizens of the empire as his subjects... no, he treated them as his companions.

As moments followed... a unified wave of realization washed across the netizens of the Rakos Empire.

That the man they were all looking at through the screens wasn’t here to lead them into his vision for the empire. Instead, he was a friend they found in their journey of life.

”Yes! We will walk along with you, my emperor!” shouted someone among the audience.

”We will stand with you, my lord!” a loud noise filled the colosseum.

Soon, similar shouts akin to a battle cry resonated across the whole empire, and people from all ages, races, species, and genders started loudly proclaiming their support.

What they were looking at wasn’t an emperor or a leader. But someone who shared their lives, their hopes, and their dreams with them.

”Yes, we will accompany you in the journey, our leader!” shouted the old bald tavern owner whom Kahn talked to yesterday morning.

In that same city, there was the elf who mentioned the imperial rule and how their lives were better.

”His speech, those words... they are leagues above that bastard of an emperor who ruled us 100 years ago.” he said with surprised voice.

”Hey, did you witness the previous emperor’s commoration speech?” asked a green skinned demonkin who stood beside the elf among the crowd.

”Yes, I did. 120 years ago when he took the throne... he talked about his grand ambitions to expand the military’s might, going to war with other empires and acquire more land while displaying our strenght to our enemies.

But not even once, did he talk about making the lives of us commoners better or offer us more opportunities to suceed in life.

He was not only arrogant but also saw all the people as just his servants. This man, however, sees us as his equals despite being the chosen one.

Even if I die following this man... I will die with a smile on my face.” explained the elf, his heart with inexplicable joy.

What followed at the end of their chanting and cheering was the one echo of the collective will of the people of the Rakos Empire...

”Long live the Emperor!”