Hero of Darkness

Chapter 1302: The Stale Party

As night fell, the envoy of the Rakos and Abyss Empire was invited to a feast as a courtesy for future companionship. Even if they did not see eye to eye, given the circumstances, it was a way to form goodwill between the allies.

Although unwillingly, the envoy also accepted the invitation to show respect towards the host since their forces would soon come and would have to take rest within the confines of these fortresses and the entirety of the junction as they prepared for their next destination.

The official envoy was being led by two 6th-stage saints. One from the Rakos Empire and the other from the Cult of Darkborne.

The first saint was a snakekin from the Neutral Faction, serving under Kassandra Mikealson, while the second was a Gatthikra, a wraith-like species that had burning bodies with indigo colored flames.

Both these people held high positions in their respective factions, but now, they were acting as mere envoys.

However, given the circumstances, it was more of an important responsibility than something to be ashamed of.

In the evening…

Hundreds of armored soldiers, clad in rare rank armors and weapons while holding the official banners of the empires they represented, escorted the official envoy, led by the two 6th-stage saints. However, among their entourage, there were 3 hooded and cloaked figures who seemed akin to priests as they held sacred books and censers while walking among the regular soldiers.

And on the other side, the recipients of this envoy followed the same suit while holding the banners with the insignia of the Beast Empire… a large skull of a primordial beast with claws and heads of 12 beast clan sigils on the sides.

It not only represented the empire but also the 12 True Descendant clans that have been ruling the empire together ever since its founding.

And as the envoy reached the main entrance of the headquarters within the fortress, various members of the Black Panther clan held their own sigil with the head of the Godbeast Baihu in the centre.

To the True Descendant families, the Godbeasts were no different than their own Gods.

They didn’t practice any religious rituals but basically deified the Godbeasts like any other monotheistic cult.

And as the envoy finally reached the grand castle-like banquet hall, they were respectfully escorted to the main hall.

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After the chamberlain officially announced their arrival, the envoy soon faced the plethora of watchful eyes as they walked towards the end of the hall, where the host of the night sat on a stone throne with multiple bestial bones sticking out.

“Welcome to our humble abode. I hope your journey so far has been good,” said the main host seated on the throne.

Jaro, the Heavenly King of Metal, sat wearing tribal attire with glowing red, bone-like ornaments and red garments made purely of animal hide, while his son, standing to the right of his throne, wore similar attire in blue.

“We thank the Heavenly King for inviting us to such a magnificent and lively banquet.” said the snakekin, adorning golden and black armor.

“We also extend our greeting to the Heavenly King of Metal for the kind invitation.” spoke the Gatthikra.

“There is no need for thanks. It is our custom to invite our guests for a hearty meal and booze. No matter who they are…” spoke Jaro as he raised a large mug kept on a small circular table on the left side of his throne.

The envoy was also handed glasses filled with mead as everyone raised a toast to begin the banquet.

30 Minutes Later…

While the atmosphere was welcoming, the envoy felt very unwelcome as nobody tried to associate themselves or even made small talk with them.

Maybe because of their previous enmity between the empires, it was hard for the Beast Empire’s key figures to mingle with them.

Since doing so would irk the ire of their own people, as it would hurt their pride. And no one wanted to stand out and get scrutinized later either.

But to break this icy treatment, it was the Heavenly King who struck up the conversation first.

“This banquet feels very stale. Don’t you think so?” he asked the snakekin who was enjoying his meal at a designated large table for the envoy as their plates were filled with scrumptious meals.

“We have no qualms with your hospitality, lord Jaro.” he said while the Gatthrika kept drinking the mead, only to see it evaporate from his stomach.

“Be that as it may… how about we make it somewhat lively?” spoke Jaro as he made a proposition.

“We all hold important positions in our respective empires.

So it would be seen as an unreasonable conflict of interests. But since we are to fight side by side in the future… How about a friendly joust?

Obviously, none of us shall participate in it… so I would prefer to let the young blood bring some heat to the night.

What do you say?” said the Heavenly King.

Given their circumstances and positions, if any of them fought each other while on official business, that would be seen as an act of aggression.

However, if their handymen or soldiers were to exchange blows, it would be seen only as a spar among the talented soldiers.

“So that’s how you want to play, huh?” said the Gatthrika as the flames around his body raged violently.

“This was your main intention behind inviting us in the first place.

Do you wish to wage war within the allied forces first, Heavenly King?” asked the 6th-stage saint with no fear in his burning eyes.

“You exaggerate my intentions. It’s okay if you do not wish to display any of your skills.

I don’t want anyone to say that we bullied our guests either.” spoke Jaro with a scornful gaze.

This was clearly a setup that even a blind man could see. If they did not accept the proposition, the rest of the night would be spent receiving ridicule from the people present in the banquet hall.

The Heavenly King of Metal would get to feel superior, and the people of the Beast Empire would also get to brag about their strength shamelessly.

But it was right then, among the three hooded people… the one in the middle, barely touching any food, spoke with an elated tone…

“I shall accept the spar.”