A couple more days passed and Kahn as well as Omega were already rediscovering themselves as samurai-class warriors. Without the use of any skills or powers, new ideas to adapt during battle, integrating the sword styles while furnishing their techniques kept coming each day. The occasional beatings to death from Miyamoto Musashi also alleviated their progress further. "This should be more than enough. I can confidently say you’re both ready for the upcoming war against the Demon Empire. However, I would suggest you two restrain your skills to the most degree and use them only against the types of enemies where none of your other powers don’t work for any reason." spoke the sword saint. "Yes, yes. We know sensei. To be honest… I don’t think we’d need to use them 99.99% of our enemies at all. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦 You do know that both Omega and I can kill hundreds of millions of people without even unsheathing our katana, right?" asked Kahn tauntingly. "Yes, sensei. I can just use the Anarchy Howl to destroy even thousands of warships in a 40-kilometer radius. An opponent would need our acknowledgment first to even draw our blade." replied Omega cordially. "And I don’t even need to summon my katana. I can just think and millions of space force blades will shred enemy forces or even a 5th-stage saint from the True Dimension without giving them even a chance to defend," spoke Kahn, gloating shamelessly. Sigh! "That is the biggest curse of having powerful disciples. All I can hope is that you two don’t become complacent and give up on your training. Even if it takes centuries… just try to keep getting better. I have taught you everything, stuff that wasn’t even part of our previous arrangement. So I hope that when the time comes, you help out the Erdve Empire. Consider that as the last request from your master." said Miyamoto Musashi. Both Omega and Kahn made a 90-degree bow and replied in an earnest tone. "Disciples will keep their promise." spoke both Kahn and Omega in unison. There was no hesitation in their voice. It didn’t feel unnatural to them either because of various factors. There was already a secret allegiance within them whether it came through their shared goals or the will of God of Space. Kahn already had a reasonable understanding of Emperor Sakamoto Hideyoshi. Also, he also had a good impression of the Hero of Space. Although many things were kept under wraps for now… there was no harm in supporting the Erdve Empire in times of crisis. Even if Kahn couldn’t officially get involved as Hero of Darkness… he still had the identity of Masamune Byakuya already prepared for him to use in such a predicament. Rustle! Strong gusts of flow within the dojo situated in the sword saint’s created realm. Miyamoto Musashi, the dual sword samurai revealed a content smile as he uttered his last words to both his disciples. "Then I hope you both are lucky in your future adventures." ****************** At the same time, in a pristine white and dark brown castle. There was a golden pagoda where the Hero of Space currently resided. Most of the castle was now bustling with hundreds of guests, varying from various races and species native to the Erdve Empire. Many of them were key figures who played important roles in the governing authority of the Empire of Space. Although the monarchy was practiced in this empire, the structure was no different than the Shogunate that once existed on earth. At this moment… a small congratulatory ceremony was held. Among the attendees were members of the imperial family, some members of the daimyo clans, monks from the Temple of Raum, and a few scholars who also practiced the Space Law. As for the reason why all these important figures had arrived out of the blue… All of them had come to congratulate Ryuken after hearing that he finally attained the 3rd Enlightenment just a few days ago. This was a piece of very big news for all the people in the empire’s authoritative positions as well as those who were already aware of the imminent war against the Demon Empire. Unbeknownst to Kahn and Ryuken, there had been some serious recent developments regarding the strategic advantages all the Empires had. Even those who had been targeting the Empire of Time after finding out that the Hero of Time had regressed and possessed the knowledge of the future… were left with no choice but to retract their forces temporarily for various reasons. And in such tense times… the pleasant news of their chosen hero achieving such a huge milestone would be nothing but a welcoming assurance. Because although Ryuken was currently the 7th strongest person in their empire… as the Hero of Space, chosen by their God, it’d be him leading their banner as part of the customs when it came to the matter of Demon God. And his becoming even stronger was also good for the other generals and their armies because he had special powers to not only sway the war on their side but also save countless lives in the process. Many already had a very good impression of Ryuken as they had learned his history from the abbot of the temple after he was summoned in Vantrea. Ryuken was shogun in his homeworld with similar culture as them, with the twist of divine spirits added; but he also sacrificed his life to save the fate of his country. Based on their creed, Ryuken as a chosen hero, had already proven himself to be a respectable warrior in their eyes. Hence, even the hero’s party members had great admiration for Ryuken and would normally flare up whenever anyone insulted him. One after another, all the important people arrived, and finally, came the Emperor himself. Every single person present in this castle bowed respectfully in front of the Sun of the Nation. Ceremonial rituals were held, introductions were made, and soon, followed the entertainment. Everyone started enjoying the feast, prepared by the most skilled chefs in the whole empire, consisting of the rare ingredients of spices and meat of even delicious legendary rank monsters, served only on rare occasions such as this. While the best dancers and performers showed their dazzling skills, added with melodic music in the background, the guests chatted amongst themselves while sharing pleasantries with those seated beside them. Even the princes and the princesses of the Erdve Empire had made their appearance so people who also wanted to curry favors with these potential rulers of the empire in the future, found this celebration as a golden opportunity to forge connections. Soon… A play popular amongst the nobility started on a stage while skilled artists performed it similar to a theatre performance. Ryuken, who was seated on a zabuton just a few meters away from the imperial family, whispered to Kagura as he asked… "Where are they?" Kagura, the nine-tailed fox along with Tomoe, the snow demon… replied one after another… "We asked around. Nobody knows where they currently reside." replied the fox demon, her voice filled with dissatisfaction. "It’s as if they appeared into thin air." said the snow demon with her usual cold tone. "How arrogant. I acknowledge that they won against us but didn’t the match between that snake bastard Masamune Byakuya and our lord Hero end in a draw?" suddenly, Shingen retorted in a displeased tone. "I give them the honor to admire their skills but social decorum should be followed since they’re also part of the Hero’s party now." said Isshin, the onmyoji saint. It was right then, that a voice rang into Ryuken’s head, an isolated speech message sent by the Emperor himself. "He has left for a very important mission of his own." Ryuken was baffled at first but then maintained his composure. Sakamoto Hideyoshi, the emperor also knew how big a part Kahn played in Ryuken’s new milestone. "He did leave something though." iterated the Emperor. He summoned an ornate golden box from his space ring and passed it along to Ryuken using his world energy. Many people noticed this subtle exchange between the Emperor and the Hero of Space. "Is His Majesty, giving Hero-sama a sort of gift for his achievement?" wondered the princess who had a demonic horn on the left side of her head. "Well, father must have been waiting for Ryuken-dono’s advancement for quite some time as well. It’s given that he would reward the Hero." spoke the eldest prince. Clink! Ryuken opened the lid of the box and gazed at the contents within. Everyone else also had their gazes locked on the Hero of Space, waiting for his reaction. "Hah!" Ryuken chuckled, his expression filled with amusement as he looked at the gift left by Kahn. "What a showoff." said Ryuken. Because inside the box… was Masamune Byakuya’s black headband. Only Ryuken understood why Kahn/Byakuya left him that headband. Because it hid his left eye that could use the World Creation ability. Continue your adventure with freewebnovel In a way, even as he bade farewell, Kahn was simply saying… ’I’m still stronger than you.’