Hero of Darkness

The entire crowd amassed in the company grounds that had been invited was rooted on the spot. Many were still not able to digest the fact that the 4th stage Saint Rank clan leader of one of the strongest clans in the entire Rakos empire would personally come to the opening of a small company that didn't even have 100,000 employees or several branches spread throughout the empire. 

The guests who only came as part of obligation and to explore this new company that had a rising Grandmaster Blacksmith were flabbergasted. Because to them, they only came here to make connections and business deals before others smelled the meat. 

But suddenly, one of the top clan's leader who also represented the clan that lead one of the top 3 factions in the entire empire was now standing in the middle of the crowd and turned out to be one of the guests as well. 

To Kahn's greeting, Ismatrazel only slightly nodded, maintaining the regal and domineering appearance of the Vandereich clan. 

Kahn on the other hand looked at Szayel as if the young heir had done something that they didn't plan at all. 

Vivian who was standing beside Szayel looked at Kahn with vengeful eyes as if he had stolen her first kiss. Although she was nearly 80 years old, she appeared only a year older than Kahn because of how Vampires aged as a species. 

But unlike before, her appearance looked.. Defeated. Her once soft and radiant face was nowhere to be seen but instead, she now had a sullen appearance as if she had been greatly tortured, like a broken doll that had been put back together after breaking it piece by piece. 

The vampire lord then shared pleasantries with Albestros, the owner of the company in name. And soon, an amiable conversation between the two experienced people in their respective fields started that affirmed people's belief about the vampire clan leader indeed coming there to form a relationship with the old man. 

Although there were over 20 Grandmaster Rank Blacksmiths in Rathna alone.. They were highly sought after and sometimes, rich noble clans and warriors would even pay them millions of gold coins just to have these blacksmiths make their custom-made weapons and armors. They even provided the materials and resources themselves. 

And hence, they were in high demand and each of these individuals was greatly respected even by noble clans. If any faction tried to oppress or force them to work for their side alone.. Others would use that opportunity to gang up on that clan or even declare war on them. 

Plus, the connections these grandmasters had with top-rank warriors also made them someone with enough backing as well. 

Albestros also qualified to be one of them but he never had any connections with top clans of the capital. If not for Kahn personally visiting all these important figures and using the Vandereich clan to spread the news about the old man from behind the shadows.. Many would not even take this opening ceremony seriously; some would've even questioned the authenticity of the old man being a grandmaster blacksmith in the first place. 

With their presence alone, it was revealed to everyone that even one of the strongest clans in their entire empire had acknowledged The Bloodborne company as someone worthy of working along with. 

That this weapon enterprise already had a Behemoth as their powerful backer. 

To Kahn, this would give their company a huge spike in reputation and declare that they were indeed a real deal. After today, when the news of Ismatrazel personally coming to their opening ceremony spreads among the top rank clans and organizations.. 

Everyone would be compelled to hire them, make deals with them for arms supply and many requests for cooperation with Albestros at a high price would line up in front of them. 

At the current moment, Kahn appeared as a representative and a speaker to all the important guests who was Albestros's right-hand man and also the one in charge of logistics and management. 

The number of people who actually knew that he was actually a Semi-Saint Rank fighter in reality could be counted under 2 digits. The seemingly harmless and cheerful young man was only seen as the blacksmith's underling. 

As the evening finally came, Kahn gave all the important guests and possible business partners a tour of the main company building. 

An impeccable taste in furniture, well-organized office structure, highly advanced machinery for crafting and a well structured production system that ensured quality products left many of these influential figures pleased. 

Because unlike some medieval era settings, magic was incorporated in the majority of the machines and equipment to avoid wastage of resources while properly making weapons. It wasn't just burning furnaces, anvils and hammers used for forging.. But also equipments to hammer down, study the composition and designs of the required product. 

Although, it would be the trained people doing the work in the end; just by using these high-cost machines to create the arms had made a good impression on everyone.

Kahn who had wasted 70% of the money he had just on these high-end machines and equipments alone felt like it was worth the money. 

Because now, the majority of these people would be inclined to work with them for the long term if the company could provide quality products at half the market price. Even other clans of the Pureblood faction and organizations would be compelled to do business with them. 

After the entertainment programs with delicious food was served to all the guests at night, Kahn finally managed to talk with the vampire lord alone. 

He sat next to the clan leader and asked, "I didn't expect you to come here, lord clan leader. Only Szayel was supposed to come today." 

"Am I to assume you are displeased with my presence then?" asked Ismatrazel in return. 

"No.. I didn't mean it that way. It was simply.. Unexpected." replied Kahn 

The vampire lord gave a smug smile and spoke.. 

"I only came here to ensure that the company we were backing didn't appear weak or defenseless in any way. If not for me, many of the guests would have doubted your claims and caused a scene. Not everyone who came here is your well-wisher." spoke the 4th stage saint rank warrior. 

"Besides.. You've made quite the enemies just with the half-price stunt you pulled." he explained. 

"I understand. But you should also be aware of how big of a target you put on us just by coming here." spoke Kahn with an annoyed expression. 

"Are you afraid?" asked the vampire coyly and chuckled. 

"If you get into trouble.. I can always take you in my clan." he said mischievously as if trying to toy with Kahn. 

Kahn rolled his eyes in response. 

"Conflict never happens as per our expectations anyway. I guess it will come sooner than later." sighed Kahn. 

The opening ceremony was a great success. They made a great impression and attracted the right people they needed. And all that remained was them to get fully available to everyone for commerce and the business was bound to take off. 

But to Kahn, this was but a beginning. Because from tomorrow… 

The real battle would start.