1054  The Unfettered

Out of nowhere… the God of Space proposed that Kahn become his vessel, leaving the latter bewildered in sheer disbelief.

Kahn could not fathom or absorb this unexpected twist appearing in this congregation, yet he tried to come to terms with it and soon, he declared his response…

“How is that even possible? You said that giving me any help at this point would destroy my soul.

And even if I’m a Saint, does it make sense for a God to be able to use a human as a vessel without any repercussions?” asked Kahn, slightly anxious.

“Yes. It is possible… If you no longer have a Soul itself.” replied the God of Space sternly.

Shock!

“No way in hell I’m doing that!” shouted Kahn in defiance.

What Raum meant… Was simply Kahn dying, his soul disappearing and then the God of Space taking possession of his body right now during this meeting.

He wanted Kahn to sacrifice himself for the sake of saving the Multiverse.

But Kahn made his intentions very clear to the God of Space.

To refuse an almighty God… well, it wasn’t his first time so to speak.

“Think about it… you’re currently the most suitable person for me to do it, even better than the current Hero of Space.

Maybe even the original Kahn Salvatore planned for it to happen.” said Raum, suggesting an unforeseen mystery.

Shake!

Kahn on the other end, quickly shook his head in denial.

“The way I talked with him and everything he told me to do… there’s no way he planned for it.

And I’m not a buffoon either, to fall for your words just because you’re a God.” replied Kahn with a firm voice.

Sigh!

The God of Space’s sigh destroyed hundreds of planets again in their respective universes.

“Even when the inevitable annihilation is at your doorsteps… all the mortals, regardless of their species or powers, still choose to adhere to their own beliefs and think they can do better.

That futile emotion you call ‘Hope’… Is but a useless notion in face of destiny.” he stated, reminiscing his own experience.

“Who do you think will be far superior choice at destroying the Demon God? You or me?

Can you even utilize the Dimensional Law divine ability to its fullest extent, better than me at that?” he asked in a cajoling tone.

“What we have at stake here isn’t just one world or two, but the entire multiverse and everything that ever existed.

Yet you can’t even relinquish your body and let me end this war?” asked Raum in a reprimanding tone.

Kahn’s expression turned serious but his eyes became resolute.

“You may be right. You possibly could end this war if I give you my body right now.

But what you have is just an obstinate view of this world as a God and not a living being whose existence relies on the survival of Vantrea.

Even if this world is destroyed… you will continue to live and maybe even create new worlds out of boredom. You have backup plans… but there is no Plan B for me.” said Kahn firmly.

“Besides, I owe it to a lot of people to see this through till the end.” declared Kahn in a stoic voice.

Raum found this sentiment completely useless to their cause.

“Shame… First, the Hero of Space disappointed me with his stagnant progress in the Space Law, and now you, the most suitable vessel also denying my proposition.

It seems as if all my plans are turning pointless now.” he iterated in an exasperated tone.

Kahn asked curiously…

“And what plans were those, if I may ask?”

To his query, the God of Space responded in a regretful tone…

“Had the Hero of Space achieved the 4th Enlightenment by now… I wouldn’t even have to ask you, a chosen Hero of another God.”

Tremble!

Kahn’s eyes were wide open as he jolted in shock.

“So you planned to take over his body from the start?” he queried with an aghast countenance.

“Yes. The current Hero of Space wasn’t chosen solely for his qualities… but because he knew very well that one day, he might become my vessel should the situation force our hand.

And he is the kind of person who would have understood the responsibility we both have and the consequence if we failed to protect this world.” revealed the God of Space.

“He was keen on becoming stronger to protect Vantrea and his home world. That is why he accepted this responsibility in the first place.” stated Raum.

To this divulged information, Kahn replied sternly…

“Well, unfortunately… I used to be a man who never took charge of his life, surviving in a complacent environment just because it was the safer way than redefining myself through challenges and risks. That has changed ever since I came to Vantrea.

And now… I have become a very selfish bastard myself. I hate losing what is mine and I will do absolutely everything in my power to protect what I have.

I may not be some righteous hero like your Hero of Space who would sacrifice himself for the sake of this world.

But I’m the kind of man who would rather take control of fate itself than let it dictate my life. And for that very reason… I humbly decline your proposition.” said Kahn, this time, showing proper respect to the God of Space but resolutely stating his final decision.

Raum showed no contempt towards Kahn’s refusal for some reason and continued in a sagacious voice…

“We still have a few years… but if you don’t become a Demi-God before the Demon God, then our only choice will be meeting like this again if you achieve the 5th Enlightenment in the Space Law.

Do you understand how uncertain that kind of future is?” he said.

“Would you still wager the fate of the entire multiverse just because you are ignorant of your own achievements so far?” he asked in an authoritative tone.

One would consider those as an insult to Kahn. However, the latter was not irked by them.

“I would, I would… not because I’m overconfident. You may not know this about me yet…

But unlike all the other Heroes summoned in this generation… I didn’t achieve what I have just because of me being a chosen Hero of a God who had useful divine abilities.

And certainly, the original Kahn and Saalazaar indeed made my current life possible.

It’s also true that I have received a lot of help from others too. I have no problem with it and neither would I deny their part in it.

However…” cited Kahn as his entire countenance relaxed.

He pointed and tapped at his head with the right forefinger.

“I’m what I am today because of my own mind and my nature.” said Kahn as he made a firm declaration.

“I have made mistakes, but I have also learned from them.

I have gained strength and willpower to survive in this world because I had no support or any kind of backing since the day of my arrival.

I have killed for it; I have bled for it!” he loudly proclaimed.

Raum too showed an interested gaze.

“I have suffered immense torture and died more than a million times just to become the best at everything possible for me.

And through all those struggles, hardships, and dangers I have faced in this new life…

My mind and my wit have always been the strongest ally who helped me adapt and overcome every situation.

To you… I may be a selfish and an ignorant fool. But anyone close to me would wholeheartedly agree that…”

Kahn then ended his words in a resolute voice.

“I’m a Survivor.”

The infinite expanse of space and universes suddenly stagnated, halting its cycle as the God of Space was intrigued by Kahn’s firm declaration.

“Such hubris.

Even your predecessor, the 8th Hero of Darkness, who was the strongest Hero to exist so far, went above and beyond to kill the other chosen heroes; but still couldn’t kill the Demon God.

You’re outnumbered, outmatched, and fighting for a hopeless war because even now, the other Gods and the Empires are still lingering over their petty politics and greed for power.

With all of these obstacles, you’re bound for failure just like the 8th Hero of Darkness.

So tell me… what makes you think you can fare better?” he asked in a daunting tone.

“What makes you think you’ll be any different than those who came before you?

What says that you won’t fail in front of the destiny itself?” asked Raum, the God of Space.

Kahn clenched his fist and raised his head as he replied with an unfettered and undefeatable will…

“Unless I win.”

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[[Author’s Note: Good news, readers of the Hero of Darkness. I feel elated to announce that an official Comic Adaptation of the novel has been confirmed and will start serialization in 2025.]]