Hero of Darkness



The following day arrived, and the entire Beast Empire was swept up in a jubilant atmosphere of celebration. The streets buzzed with excitement as people indulged in the thrill of making illegal bets, willing to risk everything they owned on the victory of either of the mighty warriors. The stakes were high, and individuals gambled their very futures on the outcome of this monumental clash.

This occasion held such significance that it felt like a national holiday, with hardly anyone engaging in their usual work routines. Only those involved in the food and entertainment sectors remained active, aware that this grand event presented a profitable season for them. They prepared delectable dishes and captivating performances, catering to the masses immersed in this fervent spectacle.

Regardless of age, whether they were young children or the elderly, and irrespective of their species and race, everyone eagerly awaited this monumental match. The anticipation reverberated through the air, uniting the diverse populace of the Beast Empire in their shared excitement.

The hopes and dreams of countless individuals were intertwined with the outcome of this clash of titans.

Behind the scenes, the arena of politics was in full swing, as influential figures engaged in shrewd maneuverings. Promises were made and alliances forged among the top echelons of the empire, with each faction vying for supremacy and using this event as a platform to further their own agendas.

The stakes extended far beyond the physical prowess of the warriors, as power dynamics and intricate webs of influence played out in the shadows.

As the day progressed, the atmosphere grew even more charged, and the crowds swelled, creating a sea of eager faces. The entire city pulsated with anticipation, the energy electrifying as the decisive moment drew near.

The fate of the warriors would undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences, not only for the individuals pitted against each other but also for the destiny of the Beast Empire itself.

In the heart of this colossal celebration, there existed a profound sense of unity and collective spirit. The clash of these extraordinary beings transcended the boundaries of personal interests and highlighted the shared aspirations and dreams of the empire's inhabitants. The outcome of this battle held the potential to shape the course of history, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all those who bore witness to it.

As the final preparations were made and the stage set for the epic confrontation, the air crackled with anticipation. The empire stood on the precipice of a momentous event, where the power struggles, dreams, and desires of an entire realm converged in a single arena.

The next chapter of the Beast Empire's legacy and the strongest Shadow Disciple of this generation was about to unfold, and the world held its breath, eager to witness the outcome of this grand spectacle.

However, Kahn found himself with little time to spare, as he delegated the responsibility of dealing with these peripheral matters to Romulus. After all, Kahn had the weightiest role to play as the representative of the esteemed Fenrirborne Tribe, and his focus had to be undivided.

This upcoming confrontation was not for the faint of heart—it was to be a deathmatch, with the victor only declared when one of the combatants breathed their last. 

Assuming his Atreus persona, Kahn took his place in the center of the resplendent arena.

Billions of eyes from all corners of the Beast Empire were fixed upon him, both within the physical confines of the arena and on the holographic screens that spanned across the vast expanse of the Nadur Empire.

Standing before him was his most formidable opponent yet in the Elysium Tribal Tournament.

A colossal figure, towering at an imposing height of three meters, possessed an ebony-hued complexion that seemed to absorb all light. Arcs of crackling lightning danced across his muscular frame, emanating an aura of raw power. The intensity in his eyes betrayed his unwavering intent to kill.

This formidable adversary, who had emerged victorious from every match thus far, stood as the final obstacle in Kahn's path.

With bated breath, the crowd awaited the revelation of the warrior's name, who possessed the strength to match Atreus blow for blow. And as the tension mounted, the name finally resounded across the arena, sending ripples of anticipation through the onlookers.

"Dahaka of the Black Panther Tribe."

The name echoed through the hearts of the spectators, stirring a mix of awe and trepidation. Dahaka, the epitome of power and ferocity, embodied the indomitable spirit of his tribe. Now, he stood as the last line of defense, ready to challenge Kahn in a battle that would push both warriors to their limits.

The atmosphere crackled with an electric energy as the two titans locked eyes, the weight of their respective tribes' hopes resting upon their shoulders.

The fate of the future powerhouses who would lead their respective tribes and contribute to the safety and growth of the Beast Empire teetered on a knife's edge, awaiting the outcome of this cataclysmic clash between Atreus and Dahaka.

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With a resolute gaze, Dahaka of the Black Panther tribe locked eyes with Atreus, his expression tinged with hostility. He spoke, his voice filled with grim determination, addressing his adversary without any pretense of surrender.

"I won't be asking you to yield like the others. No, I eagerly anticipate ending your life with my own hands.

I want you to fight with every ounce of strength you possess." Dahaka declared, his words dripping with disdain.

"You will pay for besmirching the descendants of the godbeast Baihu. It is your very arrogance that shall lead to your downfall.

I yearn for the satisfaction of witnessing your futile struggle in your final moments.

Only then will it be a victory truly worth celebrating."

As Dahaka's chilling proclamation echoed through the arena, millions of people across the empire stood rooted in silence, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air. The gravity of the impending battle was palpable, as spectators absorbed the gravity of the clash between these two formidable opponents.

In response to Dahaka's death sentence, Atreus smirked, his voice laced with haughtiness as he delivered his retort.

"I hope you have bid farewell to those you hold dear. It would be a shame for them to miss the chance to share their feelings, as I will be snuffing out your life right before their eyes.

This way, I won't be burdened with excessive guilt for extinguishing your story here and now."

His words carried an overbearing arrogance that was expected of someone of his caliber.

Atreus reveled in the tension, stoking the fire of rivalry between them.

The previous night, Kahn and Romulus had engaged in a brief conversation about Dahaka. 

They shared details of Dahaka's lineage, revealing that he was the third offspring of the Heavenly King of Metal, Jaro.

The eldest son, who surpassed the age of 150, had reached the impressive 6th stage of a saint. His accomplishments and power had earned him the esteemed title of Official Disciple.

The second child, a female, possessed the strength of a 4th stage saintess and held a position among the imperial advisors, showcasing her intelligence and strategic prowess.

Lastly, Dahaka, the third child, emerged as a Lightning elemental Beawler class saint, much like Atreus.

Despite being significantly younger than his siblings by 50 years, Dahaka had already attained the impressive level of a 5th-stage saint. His prodigious talent had garnered recognition and admiration from all corners of the empire for decades.

As the stage was set for the ultimate clash between Atreus and Dahaka, the knowledge of their respective backgrounds added an extra layer of intrigue and anticipation to the forthcoming battle. 

However, the proceedings took an unexpected turn when the Heavenly King of Metal, Jaro, stepped forward and declared Dahaka as the Shadow Disciple—a title bestowed seemingly out of nowhere.

Confusion rippled through the populace back then as they struggled to comprehend Jaro's decision.

Why would he condemn his own son to the perilous fate of potential death in this unforgiving match?

While the masses grappled with this revelation, the truth behind Jaro's actions gradually unfolded. Those astute enough to see beyond the surface such as the other Heavenly Kings and the Empress, understood the motivations at play.

Dahaka, it appeared, was driven by an insatiable ambition and an inherent competitive nature. His aspirations stretched far beyond merely participating in the Tribal Tourney.

He coveted the position of Tribe Leader and harbored dreams of ascending to the rank of a Heavenly King in the future.

In Dahaka's eyes, the tournament became a crucible through which he could showcase his untapped potential, proving his mettle to the entire empire. It was a strategic move, leveraging the grand stage of the Tribal Tourney to demonstrate his strength, courage, and undeniable prowess as a warrior.

By emerging victorious, he aimed to etch his name in the annals of the Nadur Empire's history, solidifying his claim to future leadership and securing his place among the pantheon of Heavenly Kings.

Such circumstances had now brought Dahaka to the present situation, where he faced Atreus in the climactic finale. The weight of his ambitions, coupled with the desire to prove himself, fueled his determination to overcome the formidable opponent standing before him. It was a battle that transcended personal glory, intertwining the fate of two warriors and the destiny of an entire empire.

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Atreus and Dahaka found themselves transported to a pocket dimension, a surreal realm devoid of solid ground.

Above them, the sky stretched endlessly, dotted with billowing clouds, while beneath them, an expanse of water extended as far as the eye could see. It was within this ethereal battleground that the destiny of both warriors would be determined, where the echoes of their clashes would reverberate through the annals of history.

"Begin!"

With the stage set, the air crackled with anticipation as the battle commenced. The atmosphere grew heavy with tension, each breath pregnant with the weight of their aspirations and the hopes of their respective tribes.

And thus began…

The Deathmatch.