Hero of Darkness

After the straight to the facts words spoken by Stronoff that appeared hurtful to everyone in the room, especially to his own daughter who just had a little emotional breakdown after being unable to accept his defeat; a silence ensued in the room. 

However, based on his tone and the calm demeanor.. Most of them quickly understood that he must have had a reason for speaking those words. 

"Everyone aside from Veronica and Kassandra Leave the room." he ordered. 

This baffled many of them but everyone decided to follow the orders of the clan's commander without thinking for another second. 

"Yes, your lordship." spoke one of the attendants and everyone, including Isaac left the room. 

Stronoff then took a unique rank isolation artifact and separated the room from the outside world as the thick barrier encapsulated the entire room. 

"Let me explain why I said so." he said and soon, he started elaborating the meaning behind his direct words. 

After just 2 minutes of their conversation.. Both Veronica and Kassandra had their eyes wide open in disbelief. 

Both of their bewildered eyes and aghast expressions were as clear as the sky. 

"That's impossible!" spoke both Veronica & Kassandra at the same time. Their voices synced and echoed in the room. 

"I can say that we are lucky that I came to see today's match. Only someone who is at least a 4th stage saint can sense it. 

Since no one among the other saints present here is at least on my level or a stage above me… I don't think the majority of the people or any of the top figures of the empire have figured it out yet. 

And I heard that no one apart from that peak grandmaster blacksmith Albestros Winston has backed him officially. 

So I'm certain no one else knows of this even now. 

This is a great opportunity for our clan." he spoke in a slightly excited tone. 

"What do you mean by a great opportunity, second uncle?" asked Kassandra. 

But instead of responding to his niece, Stronoff looked towards the battle ring with expectant eyes. 

"Kassandra, if you ever cross paths with him… Be extremely careful of this young man." he said and then next moment, spoke with a resolute voice.

"If he doesn't accept our proposal through riches, power and authority.." 

His following words petrified both Veronica and Kassandra on the spot.

"I shall even offer to make him my direct disciple." 

—————-

Kahn had returned to his manor by the night after changing his appearance a couple of times and hiding in between the crowd. 

Many people tried to target him again while some tried to make shady deals with him so he was left with only choice and left the battle arena without raising suspicion. 

After the management informed him about his semifinal match that will be held 12 days later, he had quite some time on his hands. 

This time however, instead of holding a meeting between his subordinates.. Kahn had a meeting with the old man Albestros in his private office inside the manor. 

"So how did it go? Do you think you'll succeed?" asked the old man in a deep voice. 

"I'm not sure. Things are still as dangerous as before. But for now, your name and position in the capital is completely secured. 

Even if I were to provoke someone powerful.. No one, including the three factions, would dare to touch or harm you in any way. 

To everyone, I'm just someone you hired as a bodyguard when leaving the flavot city in case they tried to do some background research on me. 

And I have only worked as your stand-in for a short time in the Bloodborne company since all the official records and documentation have you as the listed owner.

I have taken care of everything." said Kahn. 

"But Kahn.. I'm still worried about the outcome of the competition. If you succeed in your plans.. 

You know that only death awaits you." spoke Albestros in a caring tone. 

"I know. And that's exactly why I have planned everything ahead. In just a month.. I will achieve all my goals. And if things go as planned.. 

Not even those seventh stage saints can touch me." spoke Kahn in a relaxed tone as he leaned against the sofa. 

"Still… is it really necessary though? We already have so much money and prestige. 

It's more than enough to live a good and peaceful life in the capital. Why must you risk your life?" asked the old blacksmith dressed in white and blue regal clothes. 

To his words full of worry, Kahn responded in a mischievous tone. 

"I don't want peace. I want problems. Always!" 

He said and chuckled lightly. 

"I just want to make sure that no one dares to step on me like I'm some ant or a side character of a story who gets oppressed because he's weak. 

My goals aren't set out of my greed but my own will as well as an absolute necessity. 

So I must take this risk or I won't get another chance in this life." replied Kahn with a thoughtful expression. 

"Besides.. This Rukon District is too small for someone like me. 

And don't worry.. I'll make sure that our future is 100 times better than what we currently have. Even those three factions won't be able to touch us." he said with a confident tone. 

"Then what are you going to do in the meantime? Fourteen days gap is too long to waste." spoke Albestros as he sipped on a glass of wine. 

"Well.. I'm not going to be as ignorant as before. Everyone remaining in the upcoming matches is an enemy. And I once heard a very good saying. 

So I'm going to watch their matches and know who I'm up against. 

Especially those semi-saints who are the only threat to me." he replied. 

"Is that so? Then tell me what was that saying." commended Albestros. 

Kahn simply took a small breath and replied with a benign smile. 

"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles."