Hero of Darkness

As soon as Armin suggested the name of the old man Albestros, who was basically part of the crew at this point, everyone including Kahn was left speechless. 

The seemingly dim subordinate who didn't have too many dealings with the outside world aside from making appearances here and there, advised them about using the old man as their backer. 

This was indeed a great idea when one carefully thought about it. 

"Why didn't we think of it.." spoke Ceril.

He was the one managing the accounts and logistics of the company the most in the past two months alone until Kahn brought Sirius into their team. So he should be the one to suggest it first. 

"Think about it. He is well-reputed throughout the capital and many clans including their leaders such as saints have been trying to curry favor with him recently. 

The majority of them have already offered their friendship let it be in the form of money, resources and manpower. 

So shouldn't we make use of it as well?" said Armin. 

Currently, the name of peak grandmaster blacksmith Albestros Winston was well renowned throughout the capital and many powerful clans, let it be from Pureblood Faction or Neutral Faction have been trying to make him their ally. 

Even the powerful saints were trying to make connections with him so that he would take their commissions for making weapons and armors of the highest quality. 

There were only 3 peak grandmaster blacksmiths in the whole capital, showing how hard it was for someone to reach this rank in this area of specialty. And he the one who also made Kahn's Drakos Armor and Lucifer. 

So Kahn himself knew how truly talented the old man was. There was even a time when Kahn thought about learning blacksmith skills from him but it would've raised many unnecessary questions since no one had ever seen a swordsman being able to use skills of two different classes. 

Plus given his weapon mastery & combat techniques mastery blessings, Kahn would've easily mastered these skills so quickly and eventually; he'd have to reveal his real identity to the old man. 

Kahn didn't want to put his life in jeopardy after he finally moved on with his life nearly 11 months ago just for the sake of his personal gains. 

"I'm not so sure about this. Just him appearing along with me would put too much risk on his life. And what if something happens when I'm not here? 

In the end, he is his own person. I have greatly benefited from him till this point. 

What if I provoke someone and they try to kill him to vent out their anger? I absolutely won't do it." said Kahn stubbornly. 

A moment of silence ensued in the room but then Omega spoke. 

"Master.. You should at least talk with him about this. He is no stranger to you at this point. Who knows he may think differently about this whole ordeal? 

Whether to come through or not would be his own decision." he suggested. 

After further discussions, the meeting was adjourned and Kahn decided to talk with the old man the next morning. 

----------------

The next morning at their usual place, Kahn and Albestros were having tea together before they had to set off for work. 

He did not hide the fact about how they have been earning money through the competition and how it would turn out to be a big risk from the next rounds. 

The old man had a solemn face after Kahn explained the situation along with his personal opinion not getting Albestros involved. 

Albestros replied with a kind expression on his countenance. 

"What are you getting so worked up about? It's no riskier than when we were targeted by the chamber of commerce. 

Things like this are bound to happen today or tomorrow anyway." he said. 

"But.. But that could put you at risk. Even I don't have the strength to protect you if some top clan or some faction targets you because of me. 

And given the goals I have.. It's bound to implicate you if we do this." spoke Kahn with a worried voice. 

Albestros let out a long sigh and placed his hand on Kahn's left shoulder as he spoke in a caring tone. 

"You always shoulder all the responsibilities by yourself. It's okay to lean on others once in a while. 

Besides.. when you were avenging my children, you also put your life at risk, didn't you? 

Compared to that.. This is nothing." affirmed the old man. 

"You helped me turn my life around for the better. And if not for you.. I would still be stuck inside that downtrodden mansion, wallowing in misery and heartbreak even now. 

So if I can help you by facing some risk to my life… 

I will gladly do it." spoke Albestros and lightly smiled. 

"Tha… thank you." said Kahn with gratitude. 

Although he did not intend to address it… but there was already a bond between him and the old man. 

"What's that? Did I just hear you thank me? 

This punk.. Do we need to thank each other at his point?" he said and rustled Kahn's hair. 

"Just tell me when you need to do it. I'll always be ready." said Albestros. 

"Actually… I already have a plan ready." said Kahn, avoiding the old man's eyes like a kid denying that they broke something in front of their parents. 

"Ahh… this clever bastard! You already knew I would say yes." said the old man and pulled Kahn's ear. 

"Ouch! Stop it you old fart! I'm just good at reading people." replied Kahn and he slightly leaned down. 

For the following hour, Kahn explained a detailed plan he had in mind and the best way to execute it using the old man's name. 

"Understood. It does seem very effective. But I hope it works the way we want. Otherwise, it will adversely affect our company in many ways. 

Others will say that we are snooping our noses in places where they don't belong." said the old blacksmith dressed in formal clothes. 

"You do not need to worry. I already got things in motion. It will take a week before it shows effect. After all.." he said and continued with a devilish smirk on his face. 

"Lies spread faster than the truth."