Hero of Darkness

First, it was Omega who lost his cool but now, it was Kahn himself who was angered and openly challenged the Hero of Space for a fight.

Why did Kahn have such an intense reaction?

Omega losing his composure suddenly over the intervention by the hero of space was not anyone expected, probably not even Omega himself.

However, whether it was the beginning or the ending… Kahn too felt that Ryuken was being a hypocrite.

Kahn said that he'd like to see how far the hero's companions could withstand Omega/Raiden's onslaught.

But he never stopped or deterred Ryuken from acting on his own and intervening in the battle when his fellow members used the Sanguine Formation of Death just for the sake of winning, even though he too knew that Omega could almost certainly die despite this only being friendly duel as per his own words.

And now that he did interfere, he was suddenly talking about going to an extreme level and even tried to fatally injure Omega as a form of 'showing him his place'. So obviously, this left a bad taste in Kahn's mouth.

The friendly spar turned into a life-and-death match a long time ago but he only reacted when his friends were close to losing their lives. In every way, it was total hypocritical behavior.

That was why Kahn now openly challenged the Hero of Space for a fight. Because if he did not stand up for his underlings, who else will?

"Get some rest. I will handle this." said Kahn/Byakuya in an authoritative tone.

Omega nodded and flew kilometers away to recuperate and spectate the fight that was to come.

"What's the meaning of this? Are you challenging me to a fight now, Masamune-dono?" asked Ryuken with a surprised countenance.

"Didn't you hear that the first time, you dimwit?

I don't think I need to be polite to a hypocrite who speaks volumes of honor and chivalry, about following a code but then goes against his own words as soon as his side is on the losing terms." berated Kahn, completely throwing away any form of courtesy he had before.

"A man must honor his beliefs and morals. That is done by not being dishonest to others, but to himself." said Kahn as he cited what he was taught by Miyamoto Sensei.

One could preach about laws, morality, and what is good and evil but such words hold no value if the one preaching it does not act and deliver upon them through their own action.

At least Kahn had long ago accepted that he was a selfish and self-serving person during his journey and only recently after achieving the 4th enlightenment in the Space Law, had he come to acknowledge that he needed to do more for the outside world than just being a cynical person.

This also helped him overcome his inner darkness and finally helped him accept his role as a chosen hero. Not because the Martial Emperor, the Elder Dragon Saalazaar, the Revenant Sovereign, or the Sword Saint said so… but because he chose that goal and embraced those responsibilities by himself.

He was no longer the Hero of Darkness because he was chosen. No, he was the Hero of Darkness because that is what his life's mission and purpose was at this point.

And the very flaw he saw himself being guilty of… was being committed by the Hero of Space.

At least Kahn owned the fact that he was a hypocrite in the past, but the Hero of Space was seemingly oblivious to his own actions.

If one wanted it, they could find 10 excuses and 100 justifications to advocate their crimes. But that person could never be compared to someone who owned their actions and took full accountability for their deeds.

"You damn ruffians have no manners or shame. Let me ask you something…

What have I ever done to either of you for such incessant disrespect and humiliation?" asked Ryuken, his eyes turning bloodshot red.

"Isn't it obvious? We were promised to have the opportunity to work with a savior who would supposedly save the world from the Demon God who ought to destroy everything.

Yet, what we witnessed was a hypocrite who seemed to have grown too comfortable in his own skin because he is called a chosen Hero." replied Kahn in a condescending tone, as if repulsed by Ryuken's entire existence.

"Let's not waste time shall we? Your wounds are also healed now. Your next chapter awaits on empire

So show me if you are worthy of my respect." said Kahn/Byakuya.

"I guess there is no way of talking this out then. Let me remind you why there is a certain order of things.

That there is a reason why I'm a chosen hero of a god and you're not." spoke Ryuken, furious in his voice.

At this point, he had let go of his understanding nature and no longer tried to reason with the newcomers as his pride was trampled upon.

"Good. This place is already ruined. Let's take it somewhere else." said Kahn and soon, he appeared 50 kilometers away in the sky with a single second.

"What?! How is he that fast? It didn't seem like he moved." said Kagura, bewildered.

"No, he didn't move, rather it feels like he teleported." spoke Isshin, the brains of the party.

"But how? I didn't see him using a spell, an artifact, or even some innate skill.

He's not even a mage, so how did he do that?" asked Kensei with a confused expression.

Right then, it was Omega whose voice reached into their ears telepathically.

[If you're surprised just by that, then you're all up for a show.] he said in a smug tone.

Soon, Ryuken also reached the new battlegrounds, although it took him 10 seconds despite being the Hero of Space himself.

"Alright then. I shall still offer you some leeway to reflect on your behavior alas they say that the Hero of Space was abusing his authority." spoke Ryuken and soon, his violet glowing katana burst with ethereal space force and the hero made a vertical slashing attack.

Slash!

At the speed of a lightning bolt, the 10-meter-long blade made of highly condensed space force attacked Kahn/Byakuya.

Ryuken also froze space around Kahn, to deter him from moving.

However…

Cling!

Just as the massive blade hit the latter…n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Shatter!

Crumble!

The sealed space around Kahn shattered and the violet glowing space blade crumbled as soon as it hit the target.

Ryuken's face was full of bewilderment because the first time, he hadn't noticed it when Kahn saved Omega. But now, it became apparent to the point that even the Hero of Space was stunned.

"Are you done playing?" a voice reverberated on the battlefield from the point of impact.

Kahn/Byakuya had deflected that lethal attack with just the sheath of his katana.

And what followed was a voice filled with disappointment and disdain…

"Do not mock me with such meager skills."