Hero of Darkness

In the early morning, an announcement spread across the vulcan empire via various information outlets and people about how Throk Oakenshield had accepted a challenge from another dwarven saint blacksmith that he would take a human as his disciple and teach him the blacksmithing craft.

And there will be a faceoff between this human and his previous pupil Helsi, who changed sides and joined master Tawerik when the second prince Rogis, who was now the most hated prince in the history of the empire; targeted the old and honest dwarf.

That how his own people and friends who had been with the old dwarf since decades betrayed him the moment they heard the cruel, racist and psychopath second prince targeting him.

And when everyone was hitting him down at his lowest… the dwarven blacksmith Tawerik stole all his people and students. And even challenged the old man.

But unexpectedly… Throk Oakenshield bet his honor, reputation as well as his company on the line. Saying that he could even teach a human and make him a worthy blacksmith… someone better than his most prized pupil who betrayed him.

Thus he chose a human and signed a contract with the opposite side. And a year and a half later… both these pupils would represent their masters and face each other.

The one to win will uphold the pride of their master and the one to lose will cause their downfall.

As the news spread throughout the common populace, Throk was portrayed as a sorry person who was a victim of prejudice, and betrayal, an honorable person who paid the price of standing against a cruel mass murderer who hated the church and the dwarven race.

The narrative described him as the one who would rather break than bow in front of certain death.

This news was something Kahn had asked Hector and Venessa to spread on their own volition as part of phase four since both of them were already desperate.

But in reality, he was just using them to solidify a background story for himself in this empire and no one would suspect his origin because everyone will think that he was just a random normal human who was chosen by Throk Oakenshield for this challenge.

In the news, Kahn's name wasn't mentioned anywhere because it was a Redemption Story for Throk Oakenshield.

Because sooner or later… he'd have to reveal his identity as a first stage saint and he could use Throk's name for it since his name would be known by many in the near future.

Thus, all of this build-up and him receiving some of the limelight was to make a lot of money and resources in this empire while becoming a capable blacksmith for his own sake.

And at the end of it… both sides already declared that prince Hector/princess Venessa were officially going to become the sponsors of Throk Oakenshield in his time of peril. As a form of responsibility to negate the damage and mental stress received by one of the top 5 dwarven blacksmiths of the Vulcan empire.

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

Rathnaar already had plans to help out Kahn and greatly benefit from the situation more than they should have.

Knowing what kind of opportunity this whole incident with Throk and Rogis got Kahn dangled up in their battle… the peak saint planned this whole thing which would not only help them gain resources of their own in a vast amount but not endanger their livelihood or take unnecessary risks.

It was something even Kahn wasn't able to plan easily as he lacked experience and didn't know how things would turn out.

And given how big of an untrustworthy person Oakenshield was… Kahn needed the old dwarf bound to him till he became a saint blacksmith himself.

So using the smithing challenge as an excuse, he made sure that the old and cunning bastard couldn't back down since there was no official contract or even an oath between them.

And hence, now that Throk was trending on social media, Kahn was also going to use it for his personal profit.

He told Hector and Venessa that if they spread this issue as well… They will be seen as heroes who extended their help to the dwarf and the human he was preparing for the blacksmithing challenge.

The public opinion would be increased and they'd gain support from both the dwarven race and those who wanted to appear as saints on the surface.

And seeing the profits only by just spending some of their resources and using their name… both of them jumped into the deal.

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

"You… what the hell are you doing here?!"

Asked Venessa with a shocked expression as the figure who just walked in behind Throk was someone she had met nearly a month ago.

Kahn bowed and saluted the prince and the princess in the vulcan tradition and spoke in a soft tone.

"Pleased to meet you again, your highness." he said with a charming smile.

Venessa suddenly was rooted on the spot as she couldn't make sense of things.

"Huh… you know this human, sister?" asked Hector as he noticed something odd.

But instead of replying him, Venessa secretly active her Sandhed Charm again.

[Let me handle this.] said Rathnaar and cast two similar formations that repelled the effects of this artifact which made everyone speak the truth without being suspicious; one for Kahn and one for Throk.

"You mean… the last time… the auction house… the body…" spoke Venessa in as she tried to connect dots on her own.

[Old bastard, just agree with me without showing any surprise. Or our deal is null.] warned Kahn as he telepathically informed Throk using an artifact hidden in his sleeves.

"So this is the person you bought that Jatvuarym for?" asked Venessa.

"Yes, your highness. Master Oakenshield is that person." lied Kahn as he nodded in order to create his cover.

Because Venessa was connecting Throk to be the mysterious client Kahn filled in for in the auction house of Oslo city where he bought the body of Jatvuarym for 40 trillion.

"Your highness… you know my new disciple?" asked Throk with a curious gaze.

"Your disciple? Is he the human who's going to participate in the challenge?" asked Hector in an astonished voice.

To both of their curious gazes, Kahn kneeled in respect, more likely trying to look submissive, and spoke in a gentle tone.

"Kahn Salvatore at your service, your highness."