Hero of Darkness

At this moment, Kahn stood speechless and didn't know what to do. The current situation was as worse it could be for him. Because on one side, the Caladrius had killed off all of his monsters he left to stall it while Kahn ran off from the battlefield. On the other, Kassandra's aura dimmed little by little with every passing minute. 

"I'm sorry. It was my responsibility to protect the people and yet you did your best despite having no need to. 

If not for me asking you to come along here… 

Maybe you would've managed to live or had a long life." spoke Kahn in a tone full of regret. 

A vivid image of Kassandra heroically facing the legendary rank monster on her own while summoning the valkyrie Brunhilde appeared in Kahn's mind. 

Unlike all the other heirs of noble clans and factions he had met till now… only Kassandra seemed to have a sense of duty and responsibility for the normal people who she was given the charge of protecting. 

While she was driven by rage and vengeance… in the end, it was Kahn who made the final call and allowed her to come here under his authority. 

And yet, because of his error in judgment and negligence… she ended up in this sorry state and now only had a day left to live. 

However… there was much more to it than one could understand. 

The Mikealson Clan already lost one of their heirs. If Kassandra were to die too, they would definitely make his life a living hell regardless of their stand in front of the public. 

And on top of it… she was also one of the representatives of the Neutral Faction and a candidate who was supposed to venture into that area where Kahn himself had agreed to go. 

If she died right when he was with her… many questions would be raised and the situation would become unfavorable for him throughout the empire because in the end, he was only a ruler of a portion and didn't have any real influence over the rest of the empire. 

Plus too many soldiers had already died after Caladrius suddenly attacked the border. Many witnesses had also seen Kassandra putting her life on the line while Kahn leading the monster and ordering her to follow him. 

So the blame would definitely fall on him regardless of the truth or Kassandra's heroic sacrifice. Everyone would need someone to blame and Kahn would be the obvious choice. 

On top of it… he still hadn't managed to get rid of the legendary rank monster that caused this chaos in the first place. With Kassandra gone and seeing the aftereffects of that Soul Attack skill it had… it was nearly impossible for him to get the job done. 

No matter what he did… It won't be an easy job convincing the population and this incident itself would undo his image, reputation, question his capability to rule as a Sovereign and god knows how many forms of criticisms he would have to go. 

The final aftermath would be uncontrollable as many would question his reign even if he controlled the system. Because the rest of the empire was ruled over by the noble factions who still harbored hatred for him. And Kassandra's death on his watch was just the opportunity they yearned for. 

However… Kahn forgot about all his worries as he saw the peaceful and quiet figure of Kassandra who seemed to have no worries about the world in her unconscious state. 

Kahn sat beside Kassandra and his warm palm gently touched her cheek while he spoke in a remorseful tone. 

"Thank you… whether it was my past life or this one. 

No one has ever tried to save or protect me." 

Kahn's expression turned crestfallen as he gazed at the most beautiful person he had met in this life and somehow… he ended up playing a part in her downfall. 

One of the main reasons why he always chose to not get close to others or form any type of friendship or connections with his peers was that he just did not wish to be responsible for their lives or hold any accountability. 

He came into this new world by himself and even if he were to die… it was better to die alone than dragging someone innocent along with him. 

While Kahn was lost in his thoughts full of remorse… the Healer general who stood behind him suddenly spoke. 

"Master.. I think there's still a way. We may be able to save her."

Armin suddenly revealed a choice to save Kassandra. Kahn quickly looked back at the subordinate with a surprised expression. 

"Well… I have some soul healing abilities if you remember properly. 

I may be able to heal her soul. Although she might not stay as strong as before or might even lose her powers as a summoner and the ability to use magic altogether… she will still live." he explained. 

"How? How can we save her?" asked Kahn hurriedly. 

"Master… If I'm not wrong… the soul attack by that monster was more than enough to kill a first stage saint. 

And even with me having this legendary Pathfinder class… she would've died regardless." iterated Armin. 

"Just tell me what to do?!" exclaimed Kahn as he was out of his wits after a long time. 

"It depends on you. And if my hypothesis is right… you still should've suffered some damage despite that barrier protecting you from the attack." he explained. 

"What are you trying to say? How is that connected to her situation?" asked Kahn as he felt like Armin was beating around the bush for no reason. 

Sigh! 

Armin let out a deep sigh as he explained the only way he could think of. 

"Because if you want to save her… you must make a sacrifice." he spoke and looked Kahn right in the eyes. 

"What is it?" asked Kahn with a somber expression. 

"You must sacrifice…" replied Armin and stated the main condition to save Kassandra… 

"A part of your soul."