Hero of Darkness

Chapter 1168: Preparing to Depart

The next day, a group of compelling people was assembled in the new imperial palace. Kahn, as the new emperor, was now surrounded by all his subordinates and allies. After their plans related to the Rakos Empire bore fruit, all they had left to do was go to the Abyss Forest.

The gathering took place because, by their assumptions, Kahn would be going away for at least another month.

So for now, Kahn was gathering and instructing everyone on what to do within the next month.

Kassandra was also present during this meeting, as her being the new Matriarch of the Mikealson Clan as well as the new leader of the Neutral Faction made her more than qualified to attend such a meeting where important matters were discussed.

Among the other attendees were the new generals and also the previous faction leaders of the Pureblood, Demi-Human, and Neutral factions.

All these mighty Peak 7th-stage saints who once sat in the same position as Kahn were now reduced to mere underlings who only had to follow orders without having a single say in the decision-making.

”Your majesty... about the new job hirings as per the imperial decree... if we do it by next week as you ordered, I’m afraid that it’s going to greatly impede the task you gave me and the Department of Justice.

Due to the sudden influx of new officials and employees, it will hamper the ongoing investigations. A lot of the people who are already working on these cases would get suspended, leaving behind a big gap in the workforce.” said the elderly elf.

Kahn, on the other end, seemed carefree as he stated...

”Are you afraid that when the new blood joins... they will expose what you guys have been doing all these years?

Don’t worry... I won’t execute you or your bloodline. But I will reveal to the world what you and all those noble bastards have been doing in the name of lawmaking.

Whether you and your faction live with shame or guilt... that’s none of my concern.”

Clench!

Jeremiah clenched his jaw with rage, but couldn’t afford to show his fury in front of Kahn. He had no other option but to swallow his pride and take the insult to his face without any rebuttal.

Because what else could they do?

Not only were their lives at the mercy of this man who defeated them, but also their families, who weren’t as strong as they were, would suffer the most if they tried to plot against Kahn.

”As for the people getting those jobs... most of them will know what to do because they are part of the system already. Just that you lot never allowed them to rise higher in ranks despite having the experience and eligibility.

If anything, the future looks brighter to me,” said Kahn with a scornful smile.

[Still trying to protect their dignity as if holding those positions means anything.

They’re not people but just a commodity to me now. The sooner they realize it, the better.] said Kahn to himself.

After another hour of discussions...

”Other than the commanders, ministers, Matriarch Mikealson, and Patriarch Vandereich, the rest can leave,” ordered Kahn.

Soon, all the unrelated crowd left, and now, it was just Kahn, his subordinates, Kassandra, and Allister left.

Step!

Step!

Next, it was Argos and Vildred who arrived with steady steps.

”Greetings, lord Argos, master Vildred. Please be seated,” said Kahn, and offered them to sit on luxurious chairs in this large throne hall.

”Now, Patriarch Vandereich... we still haven’t decided the fate of your clan. I know that I won our battle and get to decide the fate of your clan in particular... I have decided that instead of making your bloodline a slave of mine, I should task your clan with another responsibility.” declared Kahn.

Shock!

The old vampire saint’s eyes were wide open, his heart palpating with both joy but also concern.

”Know that my decision has solely changed on the fact that you are the disciple of lord Argos Belmont. This is not me being forgiving or lenient to you... But me giving him face.

So don’t mistake my magnanimity for weakness. If you try anything funny in the future... I will kill you myself and then eradicate your whole clan.

With how much other clans from the Pureblood faction hate yours now, given the fact that they were enslaved to my bloodline, but only you made out without major consequences... I probably don’t need to worry about anything,” iterated Kahn in a cold tone.

Despite his cold and threatening words, Allister couldn’t help but appreciate Kahn’s decision.

Because for the past 2 days, he had seen that all the other clans and factions were in turmoil.

And the Vandereich Clan itself had been ousted from the Pureblood Faction, marking them as enemies.

The only thing stopping them was the existence of Allister Mor Vandereich himself. If Kahn killed him tomorrow, there was no way the vampire clan would survive.

Thud!

”Thank you for your kindness, your majesty!” said the old vampire, kneeling on his left knee and bowing his head.

At the same time...

”Thank you.” said Argos softly with a pleasant smile while folding his arms.

At this moment... Kahn was indeed showing a lot of mercy despite his hatred for the old vampire saint.

He had chosen to let his grudge go for the bigger picture. Because Argos was indeed his benefactor and because of this very person, the entire world wasn’t hunting him anymore.

Besides, Kahn had bigger concerns than himself at this point. So instead of holding onto a grudge... he decided to find another way.

”However... from this day forth, you and your entire clan shall take the role of the Imperial Shadows.” said Kahn.

”What do you mean, your majesty?” asked Allister, confused.

”From here on, the Vandereich clan’s role will be to protect me, any members of the Imperial Family, as well as my future generations from any form of plots, assassination attempts, or even potential resurgence.

I won’t give you the short end of the stick out of my respect for lord Belmont. But your clan needs to earn that freedom.

Submit to the Imperial Family for generations to come, and we will protect you and your descendants even if Patriarch Vandereich dies in the future.” stated Kahn.

Obviously, his mercy came with terms and conditions. The fact that he wasn’t outright killing Allister and his clan was already more than enough.

But it didn’t mean he was going to let them go without any repercussions either.

Even letting the grudge go came at a price.

”Think about it... Vampires are far better as a force to quell rebellions, commit assassinations, and even provide protection at night.

The Vandereich clan is the biggest vampire clan with millions of capable warriors from all classes and professions.

If it were up to me... I would turn your clan into the next imperial army to serve directly under me.” said Kahn which offering a lucrative idea.

”It’s just that I can’t appear to be partial or favorable to anyone. Besides, you haven’t earned to right to swear loyalty to me either,” said Kahn.

”I... I understand.” said Allister.

He too understood that many doors were already closed to his clan for the future to come.

If they now choose to serve Kahn as the Imperial Shadows, working behind the scenes to carry out Kahn’s will, he will act as a deterrent to stop others from acting against their clan.

Allister himself had hardly 20 years left to live at this point. If he chose to serve the new emperor now, at least they would fare well compared to others who were enslaved to Kahn’s bloodline and future descendants.

”We, the Vandereich Clan, accept your majesty’s grace and will shoulder the responsibility as his shadows!” declared Allister, letting go of his pride and choosing to grasp this last straw to ensure the safety of his clans.

”Good, go tell your clan about my decision. And if they do not accept it, let them know that both I and Commander Jugram will visit your clan headquarters.” said Kahn with a benign smile.

Allister did not linger anymore. He knew that none of them actually had any choice.

All he had to do was convince his clan and all the important members unless they wanted to suffer just like the rest of the noble class.

Afterwards, only the closest allies who knew about Kahn’s real identity and goals were left behind in the throne hall.

[Brat, with our objectives accomplished here... it’s best to leave the other half of my soul for later.] said Rathnaar, his calm voice resounding in the hall.

”I agree. It’s better to complete our visit first.” said Vildred.

”I thought the same, everyone. After my divine key is awakened, it will be much easier for me to ascend to higher ranks.

It shall also help in pass whatever conditions there are to pass whatever conditions there are to retrieve Rathnaar’s other half-soul.

Swoosh!

Kahn then created a Cosmic Replica and left it in his place to monitor and lead the empire in his absence. So to everyone, the emperor is still present in the capital.

The cosmic replica was also Kahn himself, so there was no need to worry about any future decisions to be made. Plus, nobody in the empire could tell the difference anyway.

Woosh!

Soon, a dark fog condensed in the middle of the hall.

Step!

Step!

Finally, an entity suddenly emerged from the dark fog and walked forth as Kahn spoke...

”Greetings, High Priestess of the Cult of Darkborne.”