Hero of Darkness



As the profound revelation of Atreus's true identity reverberated through the empire, the air grew heavy with anticipation. The momentous truth, unveiled in the presence of billions, demanded further elucidation. 

Added with the conviction displayed by Romulus, the Heavenly King of Fire… the situation was now at a standstill where even a misunderstood word could lead to a great conflict.

Moreover, the Empress found herself in a precarious position when it came to enforcing the 12 Tribe Laws upon Atreus.

As a 5th-stage saint, Atreus had ascended to a level of power that made him a formidable force within the Beast Empire. His status as a future powerhouse further solidified his position and granted him a certain degree of autonomy.

While the 12 tribes held significant influence and boasted the largest number of saints and population within the empire, they were not the sole authority. The presence of other influential clans and tribes meant that the power dynamics within the empire were complex and multifaceted.

The Empress understood that taking any action against Atreus would inevitably lead to a confrontation with Romulus, his steadfast mentor and protector.

Romulus's reputation, expertise, and unwavering dedication to his disciple made him a force to be reckoned with, a staunch defender of Atreus's rights and interests.

The Empress found herself in a predicament, her authority constrained by the hierarchical power structure deeply ingrained in the empire's laws and culture.

Despite being the strongest individual in the empire, she could not simply disregard the existence of Romulus, for the laws established by the 1st Emperor of the Nadur Empire, who happened to be Haldor's great-grandfather, posed an impenetrable barrier.

These laws included a clause that limited the actions and decisions of future generations of Emperors and Empresses. Even though the Empress had achieved the rank of a beginner 8th stage saint, a remarkable feat she accomplished just two decades ago, her powers were overshadowed by the presence of two Peak 7th stage saints.

Among these two powerful figures, the Heavenly King of Fire, Romulus Lykaios, and the Heavenly King of Light, Haldor, it was understood that Romulus possessed far greater strength. This knowledge was known only to the Heavenly Kings and the upper echelons of the Imperial Rule.

Additionally, there was the intermediate 7th stage saint, the Heavenly King of Metal, Jaro, who had recently departed from the scene. And finally, there was the Heavenly King of Water, Kaida, who completed the lineup of the Heavenly Kings.

If the situation had merely involved exerting brute force or strong-arming her opponent, Kaali Adisesha might not have hesitated to assert her authority.

However, the 1st Emperor, known for his wisdom, had implemented a crucial restriction to prevent irrational decisions that could endanger millions of lives or be driven by personal greed or hatred.

The law enacted by the 1st Emperor aimed to safeguard against the potential havoc caused by a madman or a tyrant ruling the empire.

It stipulated that the reigning ruler could not engage in unreasonable conflicts or employ their authority as a tool for eliminating future competition or settling personal grudges... The consequences of such actions would be severe.

Thus, the 1st Emperor established the second order of hierarchy, the Heavenly Kings.

To the general public and those uninformed of the empire's inner workings, the Heavenly Kings appeared as the second most powerful figures, with their true purpose concealed.

In truth, their role was to serve as a check and balance against the Emperor or Empress.

To enforce this balance, the law was enacted.

If the ruler made a detrimental decision involving the Saints, the 12 Tribes, or the Heavenly Kings that could harm the future of the empire, the existing Heavenly Kings and Heavenly Queens had the authority to unite and eliminate the Emperor or Empress. Once this was accomplished, the Heavenly Kings would compete amongst themselves for the position of the next ruler, ensuring a smooth transition of power.

It was almost as if the 1st Emperor had foreseen the need for such a law.

After 400 years, the 2nd Emperor became the first to fall under this law's jurisdiction. This historical precedent prevented Kaali from making rash or self-serving decisions regarding Atreus' fate.

Furthermore, Romulus was not just a Peak 7th stage Brawler class saint...

The Heavenly King of Fire held significant influence within the Imperial administration, maintained friendly ties with many of the leaders of the 12 Tribes, and cultivated positive relationships with Haldor and Kaida over the years.

If Kaali intentionally provoked Romulus, he, as a contender for the throne, could utilize the clause and align with at least the other two Heavenly Kings to eliminate her. 

Thus, the Empress found herself grappling with the limitations imposed by the laws and the power dynamics of the empire. Her role as the Empress, while conferring great authority, did not grant her unrestricted freedom to act as she pleased.

The presence of Romulus and the Heavenly Kings served as a reminder of the constraints within which she operated, forcing her to consider her options carefully and strategically.

These invisible chains bound Kaali Adisesha, the strongest individual in the empire, preventing her from taking action against Atreus.

----------------

Finally, after the air cooled down, Kaali came to terms with the current predicament… she announced in front of the empire.

"As you can all see… Atreus Bellator is ineligible to become the Official Disciple of the Fenrirborne tribe leader.

Thus, I take away his claims to that position even in the future regardless of the circumstances." she openly declared.

Kaali's announcement resonated throughout the empire, revealing that Atreus Bellator was no longer eligible to become the Official Disciple of the Fenrirborne tribe leader.

This declaration left a mixed reaction among the people, and not everyone was content with the decision, particularly the other four Disciples of Romulus.

Having been defeated in a 4 vs 1 battle against Atreus, these Disciples held differing opinions about him but couldn't deny his earned respect as a formidable warrior.

However, many Clan Leaders and Tribe Elders of the Fenrirborne Tribe displayed displeasure upon learning the truth about Atreus's origins. They felt deceived and betrayed, with some even harboring internal curses towards Romulus for keeping the truth hidden until this moment.

Given Atreus's impure bloodline in relation to the Fenrirborne Tribe, the Clan Leaders and Tribe Elders were resolute in their stance. They would not allow him to become the next tribe leader under any circumstances, as they considered the purity of bloodline a crucial factor in assuming such a leadership role.

The revelation had shattered their previous hopes of Atreus ascending to the position of tribe leader in the event of his victory in the Tribal Tourney, leaving them feeling cheated and resentful.

"However…" the Empress suddenly spoke.

"Like few of the previous champions of the tribal tourney in history who willingly gave up their claims to become the Official Disciples and instead, received lands to rule and govern…

I cannot allow Atreus Bellator to claim that reward." her authoritative words resounded in the empire.

"It is due to the laws of our empire which emphasize on the strength of an individual and heritage such as the bloodline they carry or their tribes since all the Shadow Disciples are from the 12 True Descendant Tribes in the first place.

Hence, Atreus Bellator is disqualified to reap that reward as well." she declared her reason.

"And due to his mixblood origins and the bloodlines of Godbeast Fenrir and Basilisk at the same time…

He poses a threat to muddle the ancient sacrilege of the tradition which has always decided the influential positions in the empire.

Someone with both of such powerful bloodlines breaks the balance of equality in terms of opportunity for others to contend for positions such as Generals and Heavenly Kings of the Nadur Empire." she explained her reasoning again.

So in simple words… Atreus was an anomaly who could not become the Official Disciple.

But he could also not gain the benefit of a regional lord either as it went against the old rules.

On top of it, he was a mixblood… he would not be accepted in positions of power in the imperial rule either since it will be unfair to others.

"Moreover, although reluctantly… I must impose another restriction on him." spoke the Empress in a helpless voice as if she was against her next decision.

"Atreus Bellator is prohibited from marrying anyone or producing any offspring.

This is to maintain our traditional social structure and balance the bloodlines of the future generations since such mixed bloodlines between the descendants of godbeasts will cause mutations in the upcoming generations, creating the cycle of pain and suffering for many lives."

The Empress, enforcing her authority, issued a harsh decree that further added to Atreus's burdens.

From the perspective of an ordinary commoner, it seemed that Atreus had lost the opportunity to live a happy and fulfilling life.

Due to his unique origin and the specific laws of the empire designed to address such anomalies, Atreus was condemned to a life of celibacy. He would be deprived of the ability to experience love or have children in the future.

The prospect of a solitary and detached existence awaited him, despite possessing the remarkable status of a 5th-stage saint, a feat that billions of people could only dream of.

Atreus's life became marked by sacrifices and metaphorical chains that robbed him of the joys and fulfillment that others take for granted. The weight of his godly strength and the burden of his extraordinary bloodlines seemed to overshadow any semblance of personal happiness he could hope to attain.

"However… It does not change the fact that he is the rightful champion of the tribal tourney.

In case the first two benefits could not be rewarded to the champion of the tribal tourney under special circumstances…" spoke the Empress in a majestic tone.

"The reigning Emperor or the Empress can grant the champion a special status or reward." she spoke in a benign tone.

[Did you really think you could escape from my clutches that easily?] behind the benign smile of the Empress in front of masses of the empire, was a sinister and malevolent grin.

"I, the Empress Kaali Adisesha bestow a great honor on Atreus Bellator in front of our entire empire.

From this day forth, Atreus Bellator is…"

The Empress did not even give Atreus or Romulus a chance to speak and declared her decision that would trap Kahn in a cage that he wouldn't be able to escape from.

"A member of the Hero's Party!"