Hero of Darkness

Kahn introduced himself in front of the first prince and the third princess in his original appearance and voice as he knelt in front of both. This was a way of him trying to show them that he knew his place in their presence.

"Is this really your new disciple? He's not even a semi-saint." said Hector as soon as he noticed that Kahn was only a master rank individual.

Because at this moment, Kahn was hiding his levels at only Master Rank by using the new mythical rank metamorphosis bloodline which was many times effective in masking his original rank.

Previously, he could hide his rank to Peak Grandmaster at best in front of other saints who were proficient in using world energy. But the now evolved Mythical Rank metamorphosis bloodline was many times better in hiding his true strength.

But regardless of the situation… Both Hector and Venessa felt like this was a lost cause already.

Because Helsi was rumored to be a semi-saint and Kahn wasn't even a peak grandmaster. So as a result… his skills and levels would be limited because of his rank which was the key factor in becoming a capable blacksmith.

"Master said he will provide me with resources to raise my rank till next year… but sadly, we don't have anything left." said Kahn in a dejected tone.

"This is already a lost battle." said Hector regrettably.

Just then, the opposite party interjected.

"If you don't want to, you can back out. It's not like anyone is forcing you to." she said with a benign expression.

Hector then has a complicated expression.

Because If he let this opportunity go… he would be surely kicked out of the race to become the next emperor.

This was the reason why Rathnaar and Kahn gave a biased advantage to Venessa in phase three of their plans.

So that Hector couldn't back out in the fourth phase when the time came.

And if he didn't back down, Venessa couldn't back down either.

And with the announcement already spread across the empire… none of them could retract those rumors otherwise the one to back down will be seen as the loser and also an inconsiderate bastard. While the other one will be glorified by the church and the dwarven race, resulting in gaining their support as well.

So that way… both of them will be forced to declare their support for Throk.

To Kahn… their support meant both financial support and connections that they needed for the plans he had in the future which included him earning money by many folds as soon as either of them officially became their sponsors.

Now, all it remained to see that which one would be the final winner.

"Master Oakenshield… I would like to sponsor your company." said Venessa in a respectful tone, to appease the old dwarf.

"No, master Oakenshield. It should be me who sponsors your company.

I have always admired and respected your great work.

Rogis was indeed an incapable fool who could not see the quality of your works." spoke Hector as he lied on the spot.

"The thing is, my prince… we are short on time.

Although it is possible for me to teach Kahn all my skills and have ways to make him a saint even before the challenge officially starts…

We will be in need of abundant resources. Something I no longer have.

All my wealth went into paying the collateral amount and debt for my company when I went bankrupt because of the second prince." said the old dwarf with a sense of loss.

"As you can see… There isn't even a single employee in my company now.

And I'm not that shameless to ask for money and resources from your highness just so I could save my pride." continued Throk with a crestfallen look.

In reality, the cunning old dwarf had decades of his wealth and resources completely left untouched. Just that they had cleaned out the whole company and moved all the machinery, blacksmithing materials, and money into multiple space rings just to give the company building the look of a dilapidated site.

"Don't worry about that master Oakenshield.

I'm fully capable of supporting your company." spoke Venessa.

"If I just say a word, many people in the military who support me will offer you contracts for weapons and artillery.

I'm talking Quadrillions of Harlen in terms of wealth." said Venessa with a smug tone.

Seeing how she was taking away his only chance, Hector also chimed in.

"I can offer you all my connections related to materials, distributors, suppliers and even two of the fireborne clans who support me to make official dealings with you." said Hector as he outdid what Venessa offered.

While Throk and Venessa were surprised, Kahn had a calm expression.

Because he knew that for Hector… it was his last straw.

Then both Kahn and Throk looked at Venessa with expectant eyes… as if demanding to raise the stakes.

"Then I can offer you security, modes of transportation and flying ships for your company's products for free. And also the money to buy raw materials and the equipment of the highest quality for your forge." said Venessa as she blew away Hector's momentum.

"You!... You're doing this intentionally, aren't you?!" bellowed Hector with a pissed-off expression.

"What are you going to do about it?" asked Venessa sarcastically, without a hint of fear in her eyes.

Soon, both Hector and Venessa started arguing amongst themselves and didn't seem to stop even after 10 minutes.

"Wait… I think I have a way."

Suddenly, the voice of the young man in front of them broke their argument.

Kahn, who was still kneeling, got up after Hector and Venessa stopped and continued in a respectful tone…

"If I may, your highness.

I have a perfect strategy that can help you both and also make a profit in the way." said Kahn like a seasoned mediator.

"How?" asked Venessa.

To her question, Kahn let out a devilish smile as it was time for him to show what he was best at.

Because it was time for Kahn…

The Businessman.