Hero of Darkness

Suddenly, Morrigan Morningstar, the High Priestess of the Cult of the Darkborne, dropped a startling revelation on Kahn.

As the Hero of Darkness, he wasn't merely a symbol of their cause... he was the official Cult Leader of the Cult of the Darkborne.

"I am the what now?!" Kahn exclaimed, his voice laced with shock and disbelief.

"That's how it is done in the Abyss Empire." Argos interjected, his smile reflecting a blend of amusement and understanding.

"Unlike in other empires, where the chosen Hero or Heroine serves as a mere representative or figurehead, the Hero of Darkness is, by default, the Cult Leader." spoke Lucian in a reaffirming tone.

Morrigan nodded in agreement, her expression serene yet serious.

"Yes, my lord. Every Hero of Darkness who came before you held this same esteemed position."

Kahn took a moment to absorb this new information, his mind racing with the implications of such a responsibility.

He wasn't just a hero as per his previous assumptions and what he had seen with other heroes like Maximus and Ryuken; rather he was a leader, a figure of immense power and influence within the Cult of the Darkborne.

After addressing a few more of Kahn's pressing questions, Morrigan began to explain the organizational structure and hierarchy of the Cult, providing him with a clearer understanding of his newfound role.

"The highest authority within the Cult of the Darkborne rests with the Cult Leader... the Hero of Darkness," Morrigan explained.

"No one can challenge your authority, and it operates independently of the other forces or factions within the Abyss Empire." she iterated with a prideful countenance.

This time, it was the Revenant Sovereign who continued…

"In contrast, other empires like the Vulcan, Zivot, and Nadur Empires have a symbiotic relationship with the official institutions representing the Gods they serve.

For instance, the Fireborne Royal Family collaborates closely with the Church of Hetrax, the High Elves work alongside the Monastery of Life, and the True Descendant clans maintain a similar alliance with the Temple of Nature." he explained in a regal tone.

"But in the Abyss Empire…" Argos added, his voice resonating with a subtle pride.

"The Cult of the Darkborne stands as a separate entity, wielding influence comparable to that of the Imperial Family.

So you're not just some poster boy here... no, you're one the 3 key figures of the empire."

Kahn felt the weight of his new position settle heavily on his shoulders.

The realization that he was not just a player in a larger game but a central figure reshaped his understanding of his mission and his future.

Thankfully, Kahn already had plenty experience of in managing such a prestigious role.

Whether it was as the Mercenary King, the Chairman of Bloodborne, or the Sovereign of Verlassen fiefdom.

Soon, more information followed…

In addition to the factions within the Abyss Empire, there was also the Senate of the Republic, a body where leaders chosen by the common populace voiced their opinions and wielded a fair amount of power.

For any significant decision to pass, the approval of at least two factions was required to form a majority, a system designed to balance power and prevent any one group from becoming too dominant.

This structure served as a crucial check, maintaining equilibrium among the three principal factions.

However, within the Cult of the Darkborne, the organizational structure diverged sharply from these more democratic institutions.

Unlike religious hierarchies that featured a pope or cardinal, the Cult had always been led by a High Priestess.

This position was not merely symbolic but was held by those who had devoted their lives entirely to the God of Darkness, forsaking all worldly ties through a vow of celibacy.

These devotees had undergone rigorous trials to prove their unwavering faith and commitment.

"I, Morrigan Morningstar, am the 73rd High Priestess of the Cult of the Darkborne." Morrigan stated with pride, her voice echoing with the weight of history.

"A role that has existed since the founding of the Abyss Empire over ten thousand years ago."

The Cult of the Darkborne was unique in its practices and beliefs.

Devotees were blessed based on their contributions and the sacrifices they offered to the God of Darkness, who was also revered as the God of Death in Vantrea.

These offerings ranged from livestock and blood rituals to the execution of criminals and traitors, acts that cemented their devotion and secured their place within the cult's hierarchy.

Like the Holy Churches, the Cult of Darkness maintained an extensive network of churches, temples, altars, and cathedrals throughout the empire, wielding a theocratic power that was unrivaled.

Their influence permeated every corner of society, from the nobility to the common folk.

As Morrigan continued, she revealed a lesser-known truth to Kahn, her expression growing more solemn.

"I assumed the role of High Priestess over a decade ago, and it was then that I uncovered a disturbing reality. We had been unable to connect with the God of Darkness since a cataclysmic event over three centuries ago."

Her eyes gleamed with fervent conviction as she added...

"However, six years ago, we received our first divine decree in centuries... a vision that showed us your face, my lord."

Morrigan's zealous expression made it clear how eagerly she had awaited Kahn's arrival, the culmination of years of devotion and anticipation.

Kahn, meanwhile, found himself drawing comparisons in his mind, analyzing the structure and operations of the Cult of the Darkborne against the other institutions he had encountered. Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire

[This feels strikingly similar to the Demonic Sect. Just as the cult leader in that setting was revered as a god by its members, I, as the Hero of Darkness, will be treated as the official spokesperson.

To them, I am the absolute.] Kahn mused, drawing parallels between the two systems.

"How much authority do I have, and what kind?" Kahn asked, his voice steady and stoic, betraying no emotion.

Morrigan clasped her hands together and bowed her head in reverence as if offering a prayer.

"Your command will be taken as the word of our almighty, the God of Darkness." she replied with unwavering devotion.

Kahn blinked in surprise, taken aback by the sheer depth of their faith.

"Whoa, that's pretty much blind faith in a man you've just met," he said, his tone revealing his bafflement.

The idea that his words would be accepted without question, solely because he was the Hero of Darkness, made him uneasy.

In his previous experience, particularly when establishing the Misthios Mercenary Guild, he had to earn respect and prove himself as a capable leader before gaining the trust of his followers. This instant reverence was both new and unsettling.

Morrigan's expression shifted slightly, her tone cautious as she posed a significant question.

"Do you wish to lead us into the war against the Demon God under the banner of the God of Darkness?"

"I do. It is my life's mission already." responded Kahn without a hint of hesitation.

Morrigan's eyes narrowed, studying his resolve.

"Would you fight to protect the Abyss Empire if we were surrounded by enemy empires?" she asked to test his priorities.

"Of course. That is already part of my responsibilities as the Hero of Darkness." said Kahn firmly, his voice filled with conviction.

Morrigan's lips curled into a smile, her eyes reflecting a mix of admiration and satisfaction.

"Then our lives are yours to command." she declared, her words sealing the bond between Kahn and the Cult of the Darkborne.

Soon, Morrigan elaborated on the intricate structure of the Cult of the Darkborne, detailing the various roles held by its followers.

The cult was a well-organized entity, with numerous cadres comprising priests and nuns who dedicated their lives to serving the God of Darkness.

Beyond these religious figures, there were also the adjudicators, stern arbiters of the cult's doctrines. And the knight legions, who served as the militant arm of the cult.

The enforcers upheld the laws and teachings, ensuring the followers adhered strictly to the sacred texts and decrees.

However, Morrigan explained that the involvement of these cadres was primarily limited to matters directly related to the God of Darkness. Their duties were essential in maintaining the sanctity and purity of their faith, especially in light of past incidents where the doctrine had been misused.

"There have been instances..." she explained, her tone grave, "where individuals went against the divine doctrine.

Some were so fanatically devoted that they misinterpreted the teachings, leading to massacres and rituals that claimed innocent lives.

Others, seeking to oppose the Cult of the Darkborne, tried to establish their own religions, often resorting to violence to assert their beliefs on the masses." explained the priestess.

"The Cult of the Darkborne takes it upon itself not just to act as religious representatives but also to ensure that the name of the God of Darkness remains untarnished, both in prayer and in practice.

We are vigilant against those who would misuse our teachings for personal gain or who distort the divine message to justify their heinous acts." her composed yet determined voice resounded in the room.

The balance they maintained between devout worship and strict enforcement was crucial to preserving the integrity of their faith.

The cult's role extended beyond mere religious guidance… it was also a guardian of their sacred traditions, a bastion against corruption from within and attacks from outside.

"Do you know the core chant of the Cult of the Darkborne, my lord?" asked Morrigan.

"No. Because I had no exposure to it in the outside world. They chose to erase the existence of God of Darkness and the Cult of the Darkborne 300 years ago." replied Kahn with honesty.

"Then please listen to it…" spoke Morrigan as she preached the signature motto of the Cult of the Darkborne.

"Death comes to all. But overcoming the fear of death… is the beginning of life.

Death is fair to all. One can extend their lifetime, but never avoid it." cited the High Priestess.

Her profound words then echoed in the room as she spoke the final verse of God of Darkness' doctrine.

"For Death is inevitable. Even to a God."