Hero of Darkness

Chapter 1167: Fated to be Enemies

As the majority of the Rakos Empire witnessed the new Minister of Finance appearing on the broadcasts around streets and places of gathering, many took bated breaths.

It was just yesterday evening that they had witnessed the history of crowning a new emperor with their eyes. Many were still gossiping about yesterday’s event.

Whether it was Kahn’s welcoming speech, the sudden emergence of First Emperor Rathnaar Whitlock, his recounting of the empire’s origin, or Kahn officially appointing all those powerful saints as new figureheads of the regime.

Many people also talked about Mr. Rotich and Sirius Blake as well since they had given them hope. The dream of achieving great heights wasn’t far anymore as long as they worked hard for it.

The fact that people who weren’t born to noble or elite blood now played pivotal roles in managing the empire’s economy without even having the ability to use mana left a deep impression on their minds.

And obviously, people talked about the food. Because the majority of the people who only lived on day-to-day work to feed themselves and their families finally got to taste the delicacies they had only heard about or seen from afar.

Hence, the crowd itself was cheerful.

But out of nowhere... the Minister of Finance suddenly announced that they were opening 20 million jobs across the empire from the next week, simply pulling the ground under their feet.

Gasp!

Shock!

There were no exceptions to these kinds of gasps and shocks since the announcement was so monumental.

What did it mean for people?

It meant a lot than many chose to admit.

Because even though the education system was decent in the Rakos Empire... majority of the government posts were always hogged by those from the noble clans and factions.

And even the underlings working on ground-level positions also got their jobs because of either bribing the officials or having some background ties with those people.

If there were 10 job openings available, the people who were qualified for those jobs and positions getting selected were 2 to 3 at most.

The competition was fierce as it is... on top of that, there was huge corruption during the interview process.

And the government itself didn’t try to stop it because they often used this method to plant their people, clansmen, or used it as a business model.

Thus, the majority knew that these positions weren’t meant for those without money or connections.

Hence, the populace could not help but drop their jaws on the floor.

”For full transparency... I would like to let the people of the empire know that we are aware of how deep the corruption in the hiring procedure goes, and effective immediately from tomorrow, we are suspending close to 14 million of such position holders, regardless which branch of government they work for, indefinitely until our investigation teams find them ’not guilty’.

Many already know how a lot of them have been passed down to the next generations since the past as if they are hereditary positions.

We do not condone any form of nepotism in these crucial positions.

Thus, we have decided to take this important step if we are actually to fix our broken system.” stated Mr. Rotich with a gleeful expression.

”His majesty decided that if we are to offer everyone a fair chance to live their lives based on their hard work, competency, and their eligibility...

This is a step that must be taken so people can hold their heads with pride,” he iterated with a quaint smile.

”Following tomorrow, you shall see notice boards across all the cities and towns regarding the positions, eligibility criteria and available spots.

So I hope that you will give us your overwhelming response.” said the minister of finance and bowed his head.

Beep!

Soon, the broadcast ended, and as one would expect...

”Whoa!! Is this real?!” spoke a blue tigerkin with his eyes wide open.

”Of course it is! We all saw and heard the announcement!” responded a foxkin standing on the side.

”Does that mean we finally get a fair shot to earn a good living without those bastards controlling the hiring process?” asked a bald thrall.

”Yes! It’s all thanks to the new emperor that we’re getting a shot at them.

Even poor people can apply for these positions and get a job if they qualify.” said a man in the eastern part of the empire, who watched the broadcast with his friends.

”Finally, all those years wasted studying will pay off. Before, even those illiterate bastards got the jobs, but now it’s finally the turn of those who deserve it!” spoke one of his friends.

The reason for this reaction was something Kahn already anticipated.

Because people had lost hope of being treated fairly already.

Plus, Kahn also wanted to kick out those who got these positions using the backdoors. Since he worked in a mega corporation himself as Elric, Kahn knew and hated the nepo-babies who didn’t have the knowledge, talent, or experience in authoritative positions but still got the job because their dad was a board member.

He knew how frustrating it was for other employees and how society itself hated that kind of partiality in day-to-day life.

Plus, once these people got their jobs and received their first salary... who would they thank?

The interviewer or the man who made it possible for them to get these jobs in the first place?

As for the people, they were suspending...

Sirius was tasked to use the Seven Deadly Sins and their other organizations to find the dirt on them so the government could officially fire these people.

The extra 6 million posts were offered for all the new institutions they were creating.

Plus, there was plenty of scope for those who also wanted to join the military, law enforcement, or even a city guard if they wanted.

When people could make an honest living based on their capabilities... their hearts didn’t hate their ruler or the world around them.

It only motivated them to be better and ascend to higher ranks.

With this... Kahn had taken care of everything he needed to do. And there were only a few steps left before they began their journey to the Abyss Forest.

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

The following day... Kahn met Kassandra in his new palace, sharing a quiet and peaceful talk with her under a teahouse.

”Where is everyone else?” asked Kassandra.

”Doing what they are supposed to be doing before I, lord Argos, and master Vildred depart.” replied Kahn while sipping tea on the other side of the table.

”Are you sure, you don’t want me to come?” asked Kassandra with a skeptical tone.

”No. It’s too dangerous even for us.

Lord Argos is a 9th-stage saint, and master, comparable to a peak 8th-stage saint. Now the restriction of the contract is loosened.

But even then, it will be hard for us to survive. I can’t risk your life as well.” replied Kahn with warmth in his tone.

Despite all his arrangements for the Rakos Empire, he hadn’t given Kassandra any position in his reign.

Because Kassandra... she was now the leader of the Neutral Faction after they used the Stigmata of Bloodlines.

She was also to become the new clan leader of the Mikealson Clan, and even her parents were now forced to serve her.

She didn’t use the Stigmata of Bloodline on her own family but with Vildred and Kahn’s help... she bound all of their bodies under an Ancient Rank spell that forced them to follow her commands as well as prohibited them from scheming or harming her.

The pain they would feel from those attempts would be akin to death itself.

And every time they trigger the spell by trying to harm her, Kassandra would simply know.

This was something used in the Dragon Empire. Thus, only Kahn and Vildred knew how to break it in the Rakos Empire.

Besides, Kahn also wanted Kassandra to face the problems as a leader and govern the millions of people.

Because shortly, she was going to be the Empress of the Rakos Empire.

Apart from that... Kahn had plans to make Kassandra even stronger because of the warning the Martial Emperor gave him during the Conclave of Heroes.

With every following day... their goals were within their reach.

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

Meanwhile, in a different empire, there was a desolate land filled with nothing but the ruins of an ancient civilization.

Although many structures such as houses and roads survived the annals of time... there wasn’t a single inhabitant or even plantlife.

The tall towers and castles were burnt pitch-black, while the eerie surroundings only leaked a malicious aura.

Woosh!

Soon, a flying ship arrived and hovered in the middle of the sky. The ship itself was designed as a seaship, but had over a hundred people on board.

The leader of the ship was clad in black and red robes, with people kneeling in front of him. All these people wore red hoods over their bodies, and their faces were a mystery.

”So I found the place at last.”

Swoosh!

In the following moments, he and his entourage disappeared and then reappeared in a temple 20 kilometers away.

The leader took out an artifact from his pocket and activated it.

BOOM!!

Suddenly, the scenery changed, and they were transported to a completely different realm.

It was an altar, with dozens of massive chains that towered a few meters on their own.

”It’s not here?!” spoke the leader with an angry face as he clenched his fist.

The chains were supposed to bind something massive, something that could stand a few kilometers on its own.

”Our spies already reported that the Hero of Space hasn’t left the Erdve Empire.

And I was the first to find its clues.” said the leader.

”Sleipnir has already been claimed! If not me, then it leaves only one possibility.

It must be the Hero of Darkness!” said the leader as his eyes glowed red with rage.

His handsome yet domineering face turned vengeful.

”Looks like even if someone changes the timeline, we are both fated to be enemies again, Hero of Darkness.

When we finally meet... will be the day you rue your entire life for stealing something from me!” said the man as his black waist-length hair fluttered.

”Find me the whereabouts of Kahn Salvatore.” he commanded.

”We will do as per your wish, my lord...” spoke the hooded men behind him.

”The Hero of Sentience!”