Hero of Darkness

Just before Kahn had abruptly relayed his decision to Stronoff, he had a well-thought judgment after contemplating everything ever since the fourth stage saint came to meet him in the first place.

[So it's his style to goad me into joining his side. He's knowingly revealing all this information to me so that I will find him reliable and think he has the best intentions for me.

He wants me to think that he's on my side.

This bastard is no different than others.] thought Kahn to himself.

In just a few moments, Kahn replied his final decision again.

"I'll take my chances. So leave." said Kahn. This time, there was no semblance of respect or politeness in his tone.

"Are you that stupid?" asked Stronoff with an exasperated tone. This sudden shift in tone greatly angered him but he couldn't touch Kahn again lest he wanted to kneel in the ground.

"Whether it's Ismaetrazel, the Vandereich clans, the Pureblood faction or you'¦ there's one thing you all have in common." spoke Kahn with a domineering tone as he continued'¦

"All of you are liars!"

Kahn walked close to the man and looked at him as if he had seen through the whole facade.

"You know that I'm a semi-saint.. And the only swordsman among all the candidates.

And you came here in secret knowing that I didn't have anyone's backing so you wanted to recruit me.

If not for me having this token, you would've kidnapped me and made one of your puppets for something you want anyway.

That's the problem with you noble clans.. You think that everyone besides you is stupid and will believe your words just because you're some powerful people.

I'm now even more certain that whatever your intentions are after knowing my potential..

They don't benefit neither me nor your clan.

Whatever your plans are.. I'm not going to play your game." said Kahn with creased brows he was barely holding his anger.

[This brat! Have I really been seen through?

I guess I'll have to wait for the end of this competition.

Then I'll deal with him!] scoffed Stronoff in his mind.

"You're making a grave mistake. Once your secret is out.. Everyone will become your enemy. I'm the only one who can protect you." said Stronoff while keeping the pretense of someone who cared for Kahn.

"Like I said, I will take care of my own problems. So leave." spoke Kahn with a lifeless expression.

"Hmph!" scoffed off Stronoff after being denied thrice by Kahn. The only thing he could do now was to act later when Kahn no longer had the recommendation token.

When Stronoff walked back with both his hands behind his back, his footsteps suddenly stopped. He turned his head towards Kahn and spoke in a solemn tone.

"Master Albestros.. I hope what happened between me and the kid doesn't affect our relationship.

I will send my people soon to sign the contract regarding our deal related to weapons and armory." he said and then his gaze shifted to Kahn again.

"As for you kid.. Let me offer you a word of advice.

If you're unluckily pitted against my niece, Kassandra in the upcoming rounds..

Just give up and forfeit the match. You might as well make a lot of money by betting on your loss instead.

Call it a fair warning out of courtesy." he said and waited for the domain to deactivate.

"And why is that? Didn't you say I have the potential to even surpass you?" asked Kahn with a contemptuous tone.

"You do. But the current you is no match for her.

I'm not saying this because she is my niece or because I'm overconfident of her strength.

But because Kassandra is not like you or the other candidates.

Nobody outside of our close family circle has seen her fight at best.

Even with your talent & potential.. If you fight her..

You will definitely lose." declared Stronoff.

Kahn did not respond and deactivated the artifact.

Soon, Stronoff left with his envoy. Although he could create a scene here.. But Albestros was a figure he couldn't dare to harm.

And using the peak grandmaster blacksmith to threaten Kahn would also turn against him because this man was even more famous and favored by the saints of the three factions currently.

Using his true strength here would come to bite him back later and the plans he had for Kahn that no one except him knew about for now would come to light.

Even his secret visit here would need some covering up from his end.

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In the evening, Kahn and Albestros were seated in their usual place in the garden where they often enjoyed the morning breakfast.

Both of their faces had a sullen expression.

Today's confrontation with the number one swordsman of the empire was too overwhelming for both of them.

Had it not been for the recommendation token Kahn had with him'¦ things would've turned out very differently.

And they wouldn't have been able to resist at all. Because fame, prestige and authority can only protect you to a certain extent.

"This is going to be a headache.." spoke Albestros. His appearance looked as if he suddenly aged by another decade.

"I don't understand one thing though.. Why was he so adamant about recruiting you?

Compared to that vampire clan leader, he was very'¦" but before he could finish the words..

"Desperate!" interjected Kahn.

His eyes turned serious as a thoughtful expression appeared on his face.

"For some reason.. I can't see the full picture and what's happening behind the scenes.

Even though the Vandereich clan gave me this token, they haven't tried to contact me even till this point.

It's like something big is happening. And everyone is desperate to find a semi-saint fighter of their own despite there being more than two hundred of them in the empire." spoke Kahn with a stern voice.

"Well.. I'll just focus on this competition for now." he said and continued in an excited tone suddenly as battle intent filled his eyes.

"And see how strong this Kassandra Mikealson is."

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[[Author : Reference Arts for Stronoff Mikealson in chapter comments.]]