Hero of Darkness

More weeks passed and now, only 4 months were left before the faceoff that was announced by the dwarven council. And even the imperial clan and the church of hetrax also helped the news spread across the entire empire. 

Now, this issue between two saint blacksmiths was turned into political warfare. 

One side who supported and allied themselves with Tawerik was trying to make it as if Throk was the one in the wrong. 

But on the other side, Throk had the support of both Imperial heirs and the church so they vilified the other side even more. Everyone who worked with them naturally took the stand on the latter's side. 

Meanwhile, the Dwarven Council and the Imperial Clan were taking the neutral stand and acted as a mediator since they couldn't get directly associated with either side otherwise it would create problems for them no matter who won or lost. 

But despite all the hype and predictions made by everyone… Kahn paid no heed to the noises and didn't even meet the people who came to visit him to deepen their friendship and support. 

These days, Kahn was in a world of his own. Like a historian trying to uncover the truth behind the events in annals of history or a philosopher trying to find the meaning of life. 

And with every new metal, alloy and material he came to perfect while improving his knowledge and skills about how to use or work on them… he gradually started making astounding improvements. 

And with the imparted skills and the aid received from Kahn… Blackwall was also making drastic improvements and just broke through to Grandmaster rank in Blacksmithing a couple of days ago. 

Even Throk, his own master, was overwhelmed by this skyrocketing progress by both disciples and felt that the enlightenment might have just made them absolute behemoths of this craft. 

But to him, this was also an opportunity. 

"Listen brats… you both are now qualified enough. 

So there's no reason for me to hold back any longer either. 

Now that both of you have mastered the advanced techniques… I'll get to the most important techniques that will help you make good enough to sit amongst the prestigious blacksmiths." he declared in front of the disciples. 

And then, he let out a smug grin and revealed the biggest step that alienated the gifted blacksmiths from the rest of the grass. 

"Let me teach you… Artificing."

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Meanwhile, a completely different scenario was running in the main headquarters of the church of hetrax where the Pope himself resided. 

Hundreds of people were running around and a majority of the saints affiliated with the church were present in a secret meeting. 

Unlike the congregation, this time… there were less than 20 people but they were all the main authority of the church. 

"We can not draw any attention. The preparations must be made in quiet if we're to move against the imperial clan. 

And I think we have the perfect way to lure the Emperor into our trap without letting any reinforcements of the imperial clan get involved." said Demiurges Val Arhlem, the pope. 

Soon, on a war table, he told the main hard hitters of the church a well-devised plan. 

"It will work. But the biggest risk is… who will fight the emperor? 

He's an 8th stage saint and we don't even have enough 7th stage saints on our side." said a fireborne Cardinal. 

"About that… you don't have to worry. 

Just make sure that we're ready. And the battlefield must be completely sealed to the point no one can enter or leave a thousand kilometer radius. 

Because if the Imperial Guards and the Emperor's four advisors enter the fray… it will be nigh impossible." he spoke in a commanding voice. 

"Your holiness… when do we actually begin the attack?" asked one of the archbishops. 

"When they're forced to let down their guard and no one is expecting it." he said with an insidious tone as he declared the time of executing their plan. 

"After the Blacksmithing Duel." 

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Later at the midnight, Demiurges stood alone in his quarters and basked in the peaceful moonlight as he stood on the top balcony. 

Swoosh!! 

Suddenly, a black and red shadow appeared behind him and instantly kneeled in servitude. 

"Your holiness… what are your orders?" asked a fireborne warrior with a trident on his back. 

"The time is coming close. And we need all of the chess pieces together. 

Even they have a part to play in it whether they like it or not." he said in a grim voice. 

This figure nodded and replied in an obedient tone. 

"I have done the thorough work of turning them against the imperial clan. Not a single one of them wishes to serve the empire under imperial rule. 

Also because of the incident with Princess Venessa… they all have been on an edge since that day. 

I used their fear and uneasiness to brainwash their minds." spoke this fireborne who emitted the aura of a 4th stage saint. 

"And what about him? Was he easy to manipulate?" asked the pope with a somber countenance as he looked at this insider of theirs. 

But the saint shook his head. 

"He's too smart. He still doesn't trust anyone easily. He even acts like he's walking into the trap and being goaded into doing things. 

But I always get a feeling that I can't see through him no matter how close or trustworthy I get." he reported. 

"Even so… he will be forced to jump in. 

Or there's no future for him in this empire even if he does have the potential." said Demiurge as he scoffed off. 

"And what about his side activities? 

How many?" he queried. 

To his questions, the saint's face contorted as he replied. 

"Since the imperial decree… it has become hard to bury that sort of matters. 

So far… The count is 183." 

To the saint's response… the pope also had an exasperated expression. 

"This child… is the key that will help us rule this empire."