Hero of Darkness

Kahn watched from afar how Hector's entire physique was now transformed as soon as he activated his imperial fireborne bloodline. He was now twice the original size and his oppressive aura already hinted that he was comparable to at least a peak 3rd stage saint. 

And finally, Kahn got to see her transformation and he was quickly transfixed after looking at her form. 

Flap! 

Flap! 

Two massive wings made of pure and searing hot fire like that of some divine bird appeared behind her back. 

The burning sword in her hand had now transformed into a blood-red spear while leaking an intensely as well as terrifying aura. 

This time, the previous white and green armor Venessa wore for the Blacksmithing Duel also transformed. 

Her entire armor set revealed some parts of her skin such as belly button and a large portion of her thighs while many intrinsically designed golden and silver patterns stood out on her new appearance. 

There was a golden tiara that covered her forehead while green and long skirts spread like drapes also gave her a sense of royalty in terms of appearance. 

The Blacksmith in Kahn was appraising the quality of her armor using his senses. 

[Quasi-Legendary! Her weapon and armor are all of quasi-legendary rank.] spoke Kahn inwardly. 

Compared to her previous appearance when Venessa fought as a swordmaiden, the armor changed itself to aid her transformed style of a spearwoman. Even the gaps on her armor actually helped in rapid and flexible movements when fighting. 

Only a skilled craftsman like Kahn could instantly notice these changes. 

[So beautiful.] said Jugram in a worshipping tone after sensing the purity of Fire expelled out of those wings on Venessa's back. 

[She doesn't disappoint. Her control over the fire element is still the best I've seen yet.] spoke Rudra in an affirmative voice. 

Both of them sounded as if they were this close to start worshipping Venessa. 

[Pay attention kid… her Fireborne bloodline is twice as effective compared to Hector despite having the same father.] said Rathnaar as he too noticed these changes in her aura. 

To the first emperor's words, Kahn replied calmly. 

[Well, it's because her mother was a human. 

After her birth, Venessa only had the appearance of a human but her fireborne bloodline was a more prominent factor in her physiology. It kept becoming stronger as she grew up and hence, it's purer compared to her stepbrother without a doubt.] 

But the next moment, Rathnaar snickered and spoke in a conniving voice... 

[Kid… try to win her heart if you can. 

Although that Mikealson clan girlfriend of yours is a one-in-a-billion gem… this Venessa isn't bad either. 

Plus she's a princess. Who knows she might turn into a useful chess piece later.] said Rathnaar, cunningness exuding from his tone as he shamelessly suggested this notion. 

[Shut the fuck up, old bastard! She's my friend. And I'm sure you're just trying to use her in case you somehow gain control over my body later. Do you think I'm a fool to blindly believe you?] retorted Kahn. 

[Plus I'm already committed.] he iterated. 

[Tch! So obstinate. What's wrong with adding powerful women to your harem? 

Even I had 3 wives and 6 concubines when I was alive. Don't think about this matter so seriously. It's normal here unlike your previous world.] said Rathnaar without a shred of guilt. 

[Tch! That's one of the genres I hate the most. No thanks… I'm a one-woman type of guy.] said Kahn as they focused on the battle instead. 

Unlike the last time Kahn and the company saw Venessa fight at the southern border of the Vulcan empire where she could only summon a hundred meter tall dragon head when she roasted a legendary rank Jatvuarym monster alive…Venessa could now summon 3 long dragons similar to the Asian culture mythologies Kahn used to read in the novels. 

All three of these long dragons had short legs and no wings but were at least 200 meters in total length while their bodies were made from condensed and scalding hot crimson red fire. 

Hector on the other had 4 summoned greatswords, each one was 50 meters in height that attacked enemies from long distances and also defended his blind spots when he was fighting against multiple enemies. These greatswords infused with his bloodline completely made up for his disadvantage of a melee clan warrior as they covered both range and defense at the same time. 

Compared to Venessa, Hector appeared stronger than her because his aura was comparable to a 3rd stage saint while Venessa's own saint pressure appeared to be that of a 2nd stage saint… 

However, Hector's expression was full of amazement as he noticed Venessa greatly suppressing her three opponents as she fended off their attacks and even forced them to retreat few kilometers back. 

[She's only using one-third of the bloodline while I'm using all of it. Yet she's already this strong. 

No way… has she even surpassed father in terms of potential?] he thought inwardly. 

ROARRR!!! 

Windstorms made with scorching fire appeared in the middle of the battlefield as Venessa's dragons attacked her enemies and burned every place they struck. Whether it was the ground filled with wild grass or the tall trees… everywhere these dragons passed through instantly caught fire and smoke filled the surroundings as the battlefield went ablaze. 

Even Venessa herself was fighting like a truly seasoned spearwoman and wantonly beat the hell out of Tamak, Edna and Mikeala… the three members of the hero's party. 

Previously, Venessa was on the backfoot because all of them were 1st stage saints. But now that she was using one-third of her bloodline… she easily turned the tables on them. 

Forget a princess… Venessa now looked like a Warrior Queen who could obliterate an entire army on her own. 

Even someone with great battle experience with powerful people during his life, Rathnaar praised her fighting techniques and the way she was in control of the entire battle without leaving the smallest opening for her enemies. 

STAB!! 

But just when the situation seemed like it was getting under control… a sudden calamity struck. 

Even Kahn failed to see this sneak attack and had his eyes wide open in disbelief. 

Out of nowhere, a sword had pierced a tall fireborne's chest from behind. This sword belonged to none other than Axel who struck when his target was engaged in a fierce battle while fending close range attacks of three enemies at once.

Before Kahn and Venessa could even grasp the situation… Like a cold-blooded murderer… 

Axel killed Hector.