Hero of Darkness

Chapter 1058  Meeting the Hero

In a pristine castle, an epitome of ancient Japanese architecture and craftsmanship, the white and dark brown colors of the structure perfectly complemented the blooming beauty of the spring season. The cherry blossoms in full bloom added a touch of ethereal beauty, their petals gently drifting in the breeze, creating a scene of tranquility and serenity.

However, despite this peaceful and serene backdrop, an important meeting of powerful saints was underway. Within the castle grounds, amidst hundreds of vigilant guards and over a dozen saint-rank warriors of various professions, stood a pagoda.

This pagoda, constructed from the highest quality vibrant orange wood, served as the centerpiece of this grand meeting. Its elegant design and rich colors made it a striking contrast to the rest of the castle, drawing attention to the gravity of the assembly taking place within its walls.

Step!

Step!

A total of 8 figures, accompanied by soldiers on both sides, walked in the center of the stone path as the ponds nearby were filled with golden and red carp, adding more life to this environment.

Soon, the servants who were a mix of various races and species exclusive to the Erdve Empire, started offering refreshments and freshly brewed tea of the highest quality dried tea leaves available.

Sip!

"They're late. Sakamoto-sama said the new members would arrive right in the middle of the day." spoke an enchanting woman in a purple kimono as 9 white furry tails wiggled behind her gracefully.

"To hear that Yukimura-dono and Hanzo-dono are being replaced so soon just because of their fatal injuries… it boils my blood, to be honest." spoke a giant red figure with two heads. Even while sitting on a Zabuton, his height was a meter and a half.

"Stop it! To oppose the order of our Lord… it is treason!" exclaimed a frail-looking man in the white and violet garbs of an exorcist.

Tung!

Tung!

But before their conversation could continue… the guards announced the arrival of the guests.

Two tall and extremely fit warriors stepped in while being escorted by the servants.

In the meeting hall, 8 people waited for these guests.

Soon, the head servant started introducing everyone to the new arrivals as part of the customs.

"This is Lady Kagura." said the old man while bowing slightly.

The lady he referred to was an enchanting beauty with fox ears and nine tails, elegantly adorned in a purple kimono. Her captivating feminine features and peerless beauty were so striking that they could make any straight man instantly fall in love with her.

The purple kimono, intricately designed with delicate patterns of cherry blossoms and flowing rivers, only enhanced her ethereal charm. Twitch!

Her fox ears twitched subtly, and her nine tails swayed gracefully behind her, adding an air of mystique to her presence. Every movement she made exuded grace and allure, her enchanting aura filling the room and captivating all who laid eyes on her.

"This is Lady Tomoe," said the servant, gesturing towards a Yuki Onna (Snow Demon). She was veiled in a white kimono, her glowing eyes with crystalline blue irises and silver hair giving her the appearance of an Ice Queen.

Her glossy white skin, paired with the cold, penetrating gaze in her eyes, added a tangible chill to the air around her.

The ethereal beauty and icy demeanor of Lady Tomoe made her presence both captivating and formidable, as if the very essence of winter had taken human form. The intricate patterns on her kimono shimmered like frost on a windowpane, enhancing her regal and otherworldly aura.

"This is Lord Shingen." said the old man as he pointed towards the twin-headed and four-handed red Ogre who had a Legendary rank Kanabo (club weapon) lying beside him.

"This is Lord Isshin." introduced the head servant as he bowed towards the frail human who seemed to be an Onmyoji (Demon Exorcist/Priest) human with spiritual powers.

"She is Lady Momoko," spoke the old man, respectfully addressing a Jorogumo (Spider Demon) who held a wagasa (Japanese wooden umbrella).

Despite her human-like appearance, she had four green eyes and four spider legs protruding from her back.

Lady Momoko exuded an aura of danger mixed with mysterious allure, making those who met her gaze feel a shiver run down their spine. Her kimono, adorned with intricate spider web patterns, swayed gently as she moved, adding to her enigmatic presence. The combination of her delicate human features and the menacing spider traits created a captivating contrast that left an indelible impression on all who encountered her.

"Sitting next to her, is Lord Dosho." said the servant as he addressed a monk in yellow Buddhist garb with beads around his neck while a Khakkhara was placed in front of him.

"May Amitabha and Mahakala guide you." spoke the monk, greeting the guests gently.

"Opposite to him is Lord Kensei." said the servant as he pointed towards a human warrior who used Naginata (Japanese halberd) as his main weapon.

And as soon as the servant was about to address the last person at the very end of this sitting arrangement…

A two-meter-tall fiery red tiger adorned with golden ornaments around its neck and legs, and a floating golden tenne (ethereal shawl) draped over its back, lay majestically on the floor. Its presence commanded attention, serving as a regal chair for someone, making its formidable appearance known to all.

This ethereal tiger who had two bright red glowing horns coming out of its forehead, was a Divine Spirit, the first of its kind witnessed by the two guests. Its fiery fur seemed to flicker like flames, and its golden ornaments shimmered in the light, adding to its majestic aura.

Resting comfortably on the belly of this massive, ferocious tiger was a long black-haired, handsome Japanese man with strong and imposing features. His presence exuded both endearment and authority, a kingly figure who commanded respect and admiration.

This distinguished individual was none other than the Hero of Space, Sasakibe Ryuken.

Step!

Step!

All of their gazes were now focused on the two new arrivals.

At the front, was a silver-haired tall man with his upper body exposed, revealing the black runic tattoos across his chest, waist, and back.

His black right arm resembled that of a claw of a demon while the bracers on the left arm showcased a master-crafted part of armor.

"Huh? What kind of Yokai is that?

A dog? A wolf? Is he a descendant of the Inugami (Japanese dog deity)?" spoke Kensei with a curious tone.

"Look at those Katanas… both of them are Legendary rank. We barely have one weapon of such rank for ourselves while he is openly displaying two of them." said Shingen, the tall Oni warrior.

Raijin and Kyojin… the two legendary rank katanas had attracted everyone's attention from the get-go.

GRRR!

However…

The massive tiger suddenly opened its eyes and growled at the two guests with hostile intent, deeming them threatening.

"Calm down, they're not enemies," said Ryuken in a gentle voice.

Shing!

Shing!

Suddenly, the red tiger's entire body turned into ethereal energy and was absorbed by the Hero of Space.

The very next moment, a massive red glowing tattoo with some parts resembling the head and claws of the tiger appeared over both his arms.

"Apologies. He is usually unwelcoming towards new faces." said Ryuken and slightly bowed his head.

"I, Raiden… Greet the Hero of Space, Ryuken-sama." said Omega, sticking to his 2nd persona for their stay in the Erdve Empire.

"Raiden, huh? The world I come from… it was the name of the God of Thunder and Lightning in my lands." spoke the Hero of Space in an amicable tone, welcoming Omega in a respectful tone.

And finally, it was time for Kahn, the second person who had garnered everyone's attention.

Kahn had transformed his face and entire physical appearance to establish his new identity.

He now appeared as a slender-looking Japanese man with a very handsome and striking face. His shoulder-length silky black hair framed his features elegantly, enhancing his distinguished and captivating presence.

The transformation was so complete that even those who knew him well would have struggled to recognize him. His new visage exuded confidence and charisma, traits that drew the attention of everyone in the room.

As he stepped forward, the air seemed to hum with anticipation, the room falling silent as all eyes fixed upon him.

Other than the Monk and the Hero of Space, most male members found this man's appearance irksome for reasons unknown.

The three female members, on the other hand, revealed interested and slightly charmed expressions, with a blush appearing on their faces.

Kahn was adorned in a regal pitch-black hakama, cradling the katana Muramasa close to his chest as he sat down on a zabuton. His demeanor exuded an air of quiet strength and nobility.

There was one distinguishing feature about his new persona that stood out the most: Kahn now wore a black headband that acted like a patch to cover his left eye. This subtle yet striking detail added an enigmatic edge to his noble and gentle appearance.

To the onlookers, Kahn's new persona, created solely for his deal with Miyamoto Musashi, presented an intriguing figure—a man with only one eye.

This distinctive characteristic, combined with his composed and regal bearing, made him a captivating and mysterious presence in the room.

"I greet all the members of the Hero's Party." spoke Kahn with a changed voice that was as pleasant on the ears as it was polite.

"In my clan, they call me the One-Eyed Dragon. But all of you, including Ryuken-dono, may call me…" spoke Kahn as he gracefully introduced his new persona with a benign smile…

"Masamune Byakuya."