Hero of Darkness

In the middle of the battlefield, all three top saints of the Rakos Empire reached a collective consensus. That whatever Kahn was trying to do… they had to thwart his plans and make all of his claims against the noble clans and their respective factions look baseless. 

Because the last time, they barely managed to keep everything under control and had to deal with a lot of public criticism throughout the empire and barely managed to smolder the matter before the finale. 

But now, the main perpetrator was trying to pull another stunt like that and this time, the same method for damage control wouldn't work. 

"I, Allister Mor Vandereich, declare that you can choose any of the 'two' areas and I declare full support from the military." spoke Allister as he emphasized the word 'two'. 

"Yes, all the departments of the ministry will also provide their full support with funds for redevelopment and economic expenses. 

So pick any of the two areas you like." spoke Stalin who also was the chairman of the council of ministers. 

"Are you sure? Because I'm afraid everyone will go back on their word once the competition is over and people of the empire aren't watching through such grand competition and broadcasts of this scale." spoke Kahn without fear. 

And billions of people also resonated with his words. Because that's how normally things happened in reality. 

"What about you, Chief Justice?" asked Kahn to Jeremiah Themis, the faction leader of the Demi-Human faction. 

"Yes. The rules according to the accords for the fiefdom owned by the Emperor's Chosen shall be carried out without any interference from any third party or sector of the government. 

So you can choose any of the chosen areas you see fit. 

You have our word that you will receive full backing and support for the first 5 years of rule as per the traditional rules." spoke Jeremiah. 

All three of them didn't want a similar situation like the last time because if things escalated, the outcome would be detrimental for all of them.

And once all three of them openly declared their full support in front of the whole empire that was watching from different corners and places… Kahn let out a light smirk. 

"Good. Now that all the three factions and representatives of the government in these three sectors have given their word in front of the whole empire.. 

I shall choose the area I want as my fiefdom." 

"And the area I choose is…" he spoke. 

At this moment, all the citizens and the top three saints of the empire had their eyes glued on Kahn and awaited his final decision. 

Kahn then turned his face towards all the broadcast artifacts and declared loudly. 

"The Verlassen Mountain Range!" 

GASP!! 

Millions of citizens gasped at the same time. 

Flabbergasted! All three of the saints were flabbergasted and had their eyes bulged out. 

Because the 7000 kilometers wide area Kahn chose in front of the whole empire was actually the third area apart from the two they all suggested to him. 

Under billions of surprised gazes, Kahn quickly collected himself and spoke again. 

"I do not crave riches or any form of wealth. 

And neither do I crave any form of resources or authority over a domain filled with an abundance of natural treasures. 

Before any of you decide to judge me.. 

Let me tell you a story." spoke Kahn without giving any of the saints a chance to speak. 

"I, Kahn Salvatore, am originally from the Verlassen Mountain Range. Yes, it is my birthplace. 

I am from a house of people who used to fight in the war against the monster army tide that has been happening every single year for centuries. 

Twenty years ago, my entire family was wiped out while trying to fight against this army of monsters. 

Both of my parents were in the army. Even now, I do not remember their rank or their position. But I remember their resolve and their creed. 

They both wanted to better the lives of the people. They wanted to heal the wounds of those who always lost their homes and their families every year. 

When I lost everything to one wave of those monsters.. My uncle, the only remaining family member I had back then took me far away. 

Before departing, I took an oath on my parent's graves that one day, I will return and make our people's lives better. That I will carry on their will." spoke Kahn with a heavy voice as streams of tears trickled from his eyes. 

Only then did people realize that he was talking about some promise to his parents after winning the match. 

"Seven million eighty nine thousand four hundred and fifty two." spoke Kahn as his firm voice resounded. 

"These are the numbers of soldiers that died last year in the Verlassen mountain range while fighting the monster tide." he revealed. 

"Twenty four million ninety thousand eight hundred and forty five." he gave another number. 

"These are the normal citizens of that area who died after the military failed to defend against the monster tide." he elaborated. 

"Even with one third of the annual budget of the empire spent in quadrillions, why haven't the monster outbreaks been controlled in the past 200 years? 

As someone who was born there.. I feel as if the people there have been abandoned and no one even cares about their lives!

I have spent the past 20 years of my life training to become a capable warrior just so that I could return one day and fight to protect my birthplace!" spoke Kahn with a fierce yet passionate voice. 

"And that's why I even risked my life in the semifinals to reveal the scam because I didn't want anyone to ignore my people for their greed and abandon them again!

It was my only chance if I wanted to keep the promise made to my dead parents that day." he spoke as his body started quivering with sadness that was filled in his watery eyes. 

"Now, tell me… isn't it a son's duty to care for his sick mother?

Isn't that what it means to be a true patriot of our motherland?! 

Tell me… Have I made a wrong choice by thinking about the people of our great empire who have been abandoned and neglected?!

Tell me, O' people of the Rakos Empire.. 

Will you stand with me?! Will you support me in giving hope to the millions of helpless people who never had someone truly fight for them?!" shouted Kahn vehemently as his encouraging voice resounded throughout the empire. 

And in just a matter of seconds, even those people who did not cheer or felt any joy after him winning all raised their fists in the air and jumped out of their seats and loudly cheered for him. 

In just a minute, the entire empire was riled up after Kahn's emotional and enthusiastic speech. 

The screams of commoners cheering throughout the empire and chantings from the whole crowd present shook the arena as they openly voice their support with Kahn. 

But at this exact moment.. All three faction leaders were extremely bewildered and looked at Kahn with an aghast expression. 

[This bastard! He chose that area on purpose.] spoke Jeremiah in their telepathic chat group. 

[Because it's the only place in the whole empire…] spoke Stalin. 

But before he continued, Allister spoke with a fearful tone.. 

[Where no Saint can enter!]