Hero of Darkness

In front of all the top authorities, officials, blacksmiths and nobles of the dwarven race that were present in this hearing hall… Kahn announced that they'll accept the challenge and face Helsi in an empire-wide event. 

To this declaration, even Throk himself was surprised because he hadn't expected Kahn to outright accept the arrangement by the dwarven council instead of refusing and arguing that it wasn't fair to them. 

[Boy, have you lost your mind?! This isn't some street-level fight or competition between youngsters! 

This is a faceoff between truly skilled blacksmiths. If the whole thing turns into an empire-wide event, I'll be shamed to my grave and lose everything to the point of no return.] said Throk as his white beard fluttered in the air. 

[We don't have any choice but to accept. 

Look around you. If we don't do it… do you think any one of these people will back you up or treat you with respect? 

You'll be forever remembered as a coward among the history of the blacksmiths in this empire given how big your current reputation is.

It's like we're giving an opportunity to the enemy.] explained Kahn. 

As for why Kahn accepted the public challenge… it was because of many reasons. 

Although it looked like things would become troublesome and he'd garner the attention of the whole empire… he was left with no choice because of the dwarven council's meddling. 

Also, backing down here would mean that they'd let down all these prestigious figures from blacksmithing craft and officials plus nobles who backed up Throk right at this moment. 

This was a kind of support that was necessary to thrive in the future and they could use it to gain real influence since they currently had name and money only… but no real connections among the top brass and backing outside of Hector, Venessa and the church. 

To someone like him who had seen what the real strength meant in this world due to his experience with the three noble factions in Rakos Empire… Kahn was willing to gain their favor to smoothen things out. 

And if they refused this arrangement… 

Tawerik was going to use it against Throk and ruin their reputation throughout the empire using his channels because unlike Throk, he was a well-connected individual who had friends in high places and those who owed him favors everywhere. 

All the risks he took till now to set himself up in this empire would be washed away if Throk lost his place and reputation as it would also reflect on their income and backing. 

In simple words… flying down was no longer an option. They had to fly towards the sun even if they didn't want to. 

Plus Kahn was also doing things casually in terms of learning skills from Throk. If he really wanted to become an expert, he too needed some real pressure. 

Later, Throk made arrangements with the council and the date of exactly 15 months later was set, the same as the contract they signed before. Only that now, the faceoff was going to be displayed throughout the empire under the owned channels and properties of the dwarven council. 

Before they departed… Helsi came to meet them and spoke with a stern expression. 

"Master… I didn't wish for things to happen like this." he said in an apologetic tone. 

"Master? Who's your master? 

The last time I checked, Tawerik was your master." scoffed off Throk as he clenched his fists. 

Instead of arguing back… Helsi looked at Kahn. 

"Look after him. He makes really bad decisions when he's angry. This is one of the reasons why he has no wife or children either. 

He is his biggest enemy." spoke the brown-haired dwarf who appeared like a middle-aged man based on dwarf age standards since they lived up to 200 years at max. 

"But I won't be lenient in the faceoff when the time comes. So prepare him well, old oaf." he said while gazing at Throk. 

"Three decades… I trained and guided you for damn 30 years. Yet you threw away everything just to save your skin. 

Whatever relationship we had in the past no longer exists. So don't act like you care for my well-being. 

You're no longer my prized pupil and neither do I care why you chose to abandon my side. 

The fact that you gave up so easily is more than enough for me to understand what our bond as a master and disciple was worth to you." replied Oakenshield with a disappointed look on his face. 

"So no need to go easy on him… because I'll make sure you don't even get a chance to compete against him on equal footing." he declared and walked away at a fast pace. 

Kahn, who was a bystander in this conversation understood that Helsi wasn't a textbook traitor character of some story. 

He just wasn't brave enough to tackle the adversity when the second prince blacklisted them back then and chose to abandon Throk to ensure his survival. 

Although that wasn't an excuse to justify his actions… Kahn had seen people do worse than just betraying others for the sake of protecting themselves. 

And now… the relationship between the two dwarves was soured and beyond salvaging. 

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Kahn and Throk then returned to the main company building back in Nidavellir. 

"This is no longer about our little agreement, boy. 

Because of that faceoff contract with Helsi and Tawerik where you also signed… we have to face it nonetheless." said the old blacksmith in a grumbling voice. 

"Instruct your people to manage the company properly. We can no longer have any distractions from this point." he spoke and continued with a serious tone. 

"From now on, I'll train you seriously. 

And I'll prepare for all of your armors and weapons in the meantime while you're perfecting your skills. 

The only advantage you have over Helsi is that you're a saint and he's only a semi-saint. 

But in terms of skills… I've trained him myself. And believe me… he's already comparable to a saint in terms of talent and skills. The only thing that's stopping his rise is his physical rank and level. Otherwise… you are not even worthy to share the same stage as him." he informed Kahn. 

"So tell… are you ready? 

To devote yourself… 

To the Blacksmithing Craft?" asked the old dwarf in a firm tone. 

This time… even Kahn understood how grave this matter was. Because it was no longer a side quest that he could play casually. 

"Yes. I'm ready." he replied with true resolve in his eyes. 

"Good. So now… let's take your training seriously. You live and breathe solely for this craft after this day. And in just one year…" said Throk and continued with eyes full of battle intent. 

"I'll make you a Saint Blacksmith."