Hero of Darkness

After Kahn's declaration that resounded in the whole arena, all the audience across the empire, hundred saints and the three faction leaders were amazed and also curious at the same time. 

Kassandra also looked at Kahn with a surprised expression but then let out a chuckle as blood dripped from her arms and chin. Yet the expression on the injured sorceress was that of a satisfied person. 

"Finally.. Someone who can fight as my equal." spoke Kassandra with a grin on her face. As if she was finally happy and content with this fight. 

She looked at Kahn who was 2 kilometers far, noticing his minute expression and realized that the words that came from his mouth were his honest feelings indeed. 

Her opponent that she looked down on because of knowing her strength, turned out to be just as strong as her and even so.. He truthfully acknowledged her. 

"Tell me something, mister Salvatore… 

Why are you so keen on winning the fight?

You know that even if you won the competition… only a thorny path awaits you. 

Despite knowing all that you will become enemies with all these factions and clans one way or another.. Why do you want to win?" she asked that was targeted only at Kahn using some sort of magic spell. 

Apart from the two of them, nobody else heard her words. 

"Well.. tell me your reason first. Then I can come up with a proper and suitable explanation.

You already have power, money, background and authority. So why are you fighting till the point of getting injured in this battle as if your life depends on it?" he asked curiously through the magic spell connection he felt with Kassandra. 

"Because I want to prove myself." replied Kassandra while adjusting her breathing. 

Kahn raised an eyebrow and signaled her to elaborate. 

"That where I am now isn't solely me being the daughter of the clan leader. 

But because of my own hard work and talent. 

And that's why.. I can't afford to lose." responded Kassandra as a violet burst of aura was released from her body. 

"Well.. You've at least convinced me for now." spoke Kahn with sincerity. 

"Now tell me yours." she said. 

Kahn nodded in response and replied in a gentle tone. 

"It's not because I crave power, money or authority. It's not a want but more of a necessity. 

What I need is strength… enough strength to the point where I.." responded Kahn and let out a deep sigh as he explained the real reason. 

"Will be in control of my own fate." 

Replied Kahn with his honest feelings. 

Shocked! 

Kassandra was shocked as soon as Kahn's words reached her ears. 

And for the first time.. Kassandra looked at Kahn with eyes full of respect and acknowledgment.

Although he was her enemy at this point.. Kassandra understood one thing for certain. 

Although their paths were different… 

Their destination was the same! 

[He He! Only if this woman knew the truth..] spoke Rudra in his mind while mocking Kahn. 

[Shut up!] shouted Kahn. 

[What?! Am I being wrong? You're fighting to win this match even after she summoned that celestial being is because of something else..] retorted Rudra and explained the real truth. 

[Because you bet your entire fortune on your victory!] 

Spoke Rudra in Kahn's head and started laughing loudly. 

[This bitch.. Just you wait. I'm going to settle the score for this one soon.] cursed Kahn at the Basilisk subordinate. 

However, inside his mind.. Kahn was crying! 

Because he bet all his money while being overconfident and told his generals to go all the way in. 

When Brunhilde appeared and Kahn wanted to forfeit the match.. Ronin messaged him telepathically and reminded him of the choice he made. 

If he were back down then… Kahn would lose the entire fortune and not even have a single penny in his hands. 

He then looked at Kassandra who was already preparing for a final attack as she summoned a 20 meter long archaic spear of her own that let out burst of energy with each passing second. 

However, Kahn wasn't even slightly fazed from the incredibly oppressive aura. 

"Well.. I wish we could've met in different circumstances and not as enemies." he spoke. 

"Kassandra… I can't afford to lose this match either. 

So I will give you the last chance. Admit defeat. 

Because if I use my last card.. Even I'm not sure if I can control it." he warned without any malice or killing intent. 

Kassandra on the other end wiped off the blood from her bleeding lips and replied with an unshakeable iron will. 

"Bring it on!" she said with an excited face. 

Kahn closed his eyes and spoke in a calm demeanor. 

"Thank you.. For pushing me beyond my limits. 

You have my gratitude." spoke Kahn as his eyes turned serious. 

Clatter! Clatter! Clatter! 

The very next moment, something happened that shook the entire arena. 

Kahn's aura suddenly expanded so wide that the audience in the entire arena felt a burst of chaotic energy on their bodies. 

Soon, clattering noises filled the whole arena from hundreds of different places. 

Swoosh! Swoosh! 

Out of a sudden, a sword on a guard's waist popped out of the sheath and flew towards the battlefield where the two finalists stood in a standoff. 

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! 

In the following moments.. Hundreds and then thousands of swords that were equipped on either guards, the swordsmen among the audience, military soldiers, millions of clan members of prestigious clans and even some of the swordsmen saints lost control over their swords despite using their saint aura. 

Kassandra was rooted on the spot as she noticed the abnormality in the surroundings. 

Hundreds, thousands and then nearly a million of swords levitated in the air. 

Kahn held Lucifer downwards from the hilt and let go of his greatsword. 

And right before the eyes of the who Rakos Empire… Lucifer disappeared in the ground as if it drowned inside deep water. 

The next moment, the millions of flying swords flew towards his side and directed their blades towards the Raven Sorceress. 

Beads of sweat dropped from Kassandra's forehead who had an aghast expression on her face as she felt an inevitable sense of death and destruction coming her way. 

Kahn then gave a final look to Kassandra, the opponent he had come to acknowledge.

His tyrannical and kingly voice resounded in the whole empire as he spoke the name of his ultimate skill… 

"Bankai… Senbonzakura Kageyoshi."