Hero of Darkness

The next day, a grandiose scenario of celebration and festivities occurred throughout the entire Vulcan empire akin to their biggest cultural event. A few hundred thousand spherical projection screens that displayed the holograms of a particular arena's live feed to the populace had occupied all the major streets and gathering spots in cities, towns and villages.

At this moment, a grand colosseum in the capital Arkensan that was situated in Dvalin, the city which was also the main headquarters of the Dwarven Council. And the entire site that was displayed at this moment was called Thamur Colosseum.

In the annals of history, all the major blacksmithing duels in the history of the Vulcan empire were held in this very arena to pay respect to Thamur, an ancient and renowned blacksmith who was the figurehead in leading the dwarven race to reform the empire after the Firebornes overthrew they old rulers and freed their species from slavery.

And now, this place where the best of the best blacksmiths displayed their talent and decimated enemies with pure blacksmithing knowledge and skills alone. This was the battlefield of the craftsmans.

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In the middle of the rounded colosseum that spanned 2 kilometers in perimeter and had over a hundred thousand spectators seated over different platforms and the arena was filled with people from different species and races. The Dwarves and Firebornes being the majority while Humans being the least in numbers.

In the middle, were two sections made of black hard stone by the best stonemasons of the empire. Each of these sections resembled a working place of a renowned blacksmith that had furnaces, racks to place the equipment, various devices and machines that aided in the forging and crafting altogether. All and all, it was no different than two separate forges specifically made for the two participants.

The lowest and closest levels in the sitting arrangement were filled with the nobles, military officials, influential business organization leaders, the top management of the six fireborne clans as well as some of the members of the imperial clan.

Additionally… A separate pavilion entirely made of marble for the judges and the top figures of the Dwarven Council as well as the Church of Hetrax was situated at the end of the round arena.

The three judges for the duel were none other than the Trinity themselves.

Master Ivaldi, Master Druvagar and Master Fili… the top 3 saint blacksmiths of the Vulcan empire were appointed as the judges who would inspect and give their opinions as true experts and decide the victor of this duel.

Above their platforms were 10 seats. 5 of them were occupied by the five High Elders of the Dwarven Council from the left side while the rest 5 had the Pope, two Cardinals and two Archbishops from the right side respectively.

These two institutes were the official organizers of the Blacksmithing Duel between the human and the dwarf disciples of Throk Oakenshield and Bifur Tawerik. In the beginning, it was only going to be the dwarven council but since the church also declared their support for Oakenshield, they had to be brought in as organizers.

With their help, the duel now reached a level where the whole empire knew about it and were looking forward to it. Because for the majority of the citizens, it wasn't just a duel between two people… But the matter of pride.

To Dwarves, Blacksmithing and Stonemasonry were their forte, something they were unrivaled in. The dwarf contending in this duel was representing centuries of history and pride.

And for humans who were just liberated because of the imperial decree and finally had a fair chance to live their lives equal to the other races… the human challenger was acting as the culmination of their freed spirit.

So in many ways, this wasn't just a normal duel between two individuals but a symbolic battle between two races as well as a matter of pride and heritage that played a vital role in the culture of the Vulcan empire.

And finally above the topmost part of the pavilion, was a room specifically made for the Imperial family. And the two individuals occupying different luxurious chairs were none other than Hector and Venessa, the first prince and the third princess of the Vulcan empire respectively.

Hector had an excited expression on his face. This whole arrangement with Throk after being advised by his secret helpers who contacted him during the events with Rogis, the second prince, had greatly benefitted him till this point.

Although Venessa had a great start and overall momentum in the race for the position of the crown prince or princess… a few weeks ago, she pulled out from the race for some reason and no longer wished to stake her claim for the throne.

As things stood… she no longer had any support from the nobles, the commanders, generals of the military and everyone who previously sided with her till now.

Thus, Hector was assured that he would now become the Crown Prince and the future emperor as well.

Hector glanced without hiding his elated smile as he laughed inwardly at Venessa because now, his decades of planning somehow resulted in Venessa giving up.

The third princess however, had a solemn expression but there was no longer a light in her eyes as if she was a defeated woman who had given up on her life while wondering if there was any meaning to her existence.

After learning of her fate told by the emperor… Venessa had simply broken down because there simply seemed no point to all of the hard work and training she did to become the empress. Her fate was not in her hand since birth from what Havi, her father told her.

At this same time, there was another pavilion exactly on the opposite side of the arena where a group of nobles and a few saints were seated. At the front of this group were 8 seats. These people were someone who were portrayed as the group who represented the empire's future…

The Hero's Party.

Axel snickered as he looked at Venessa's lifeless expression as a wicked smile appeared on his face.

While the whole empire was excited and expected a great match, two individuals were standing in the center of the arena.

For someone who had been the center of attention for billions of people for years in the Rakos empire, Kahn wasn't slightly dazed or nervous as everyone's gaze was pointed at him.

As a craftsman who had been mastering his skills for decades at this point… Helsi was as confident and full of battle intent as one could be.

Finally, a middle-aged fireborne announcer stood in the middle of the arena and explained the rules to the audience across the colosseum and the people throughout the empire.

After he was done, he loudly shouted and his stoic voice resounded in the whole Vulcan empire at the same time…

"Begin the Blacksmithing Duel!"