Hero of Darkness
Chapter 136 - 136: Arc 1 Epilogue

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT CHAPTER.

Must read before you continue to the next arc otherwise, everything will confuse you.

This is your Author CrimsonWolf here. In this Epilogue chapter, we're going to discuss many things for the understanding of our old-time readers and newcomers.

Some plots have been changed and some information was retconned recently. Some extra plots and reasonings were added because I failed to properly explain the plots back then.

So in the form of Q&A... I will be explaining these changes and how the power system and ranks work in this Novel because I simply failed to do so before since I was a complete newbie to the writing sector back in the day and did not set up things beforehand.

But since you're reading this chapter, it means you've decided to stick around and accompany Kahn on his journey. So I owe it to everyone who has been reading and supporting this work. And I wish to make things clear about many of the plots and the reasoning behind them. So let's start with often asked Questions first.

Q : MC as Elric was nothing but Simp! He deserved to get conned and die.

A : Really? The majority didn't even know that word before it became a trend. And that's basically a culture on its own given the current situation of the entertainment industry and social media where you are brainwashed into fantasizing and sexualizing women. Let it be Movies, Tv shows, Anime, Superheroes, Celebrities, and even your so-called Icons do that as long as it gets them money.

That's a whole different structure of the society itself in our current world.

Elric was indeed one of the so-called Nerd, Otaku, and Virgins. He fell for the most obvious trap that people with such a mindset and lifestyle normally do in our real world. Half of the people ranting about it are the ones who think they're better but these are the same people who get scammed by their friends and family in real life.

But that's none of my business. *inserts Kermit tea meme*

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Q : Why didn't the previous Heroes who came before Elric choose Ability Absorption, Dimensional Law, and Synthesis? They must be completely stupid.

A : Every single one of them came from different eras and from different worlds. Not all were from Earth. So they'd prioritize whatever their mindset was based on their respective eras, traditional train of thought, and what suited them best based on their respective capabilities.

Why would someone trained in Warfare choose abilities he wasn't confident in using or had no prior knowledge of? Why would someone who was a scholar pick up abilities that would need them to go hunt monsters in a forest?

Besides, none of them had any prior knowledge of the potential of these abilities and also didn't grow up reading Novels and Mangas or watching Anime... Like us.

So only Elric was able to see through the potential and hence he chose these 3.

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Q : MC threw shade at others for calling the wolves with traditional names but named it Omega. How is that better?

A : The plot hasn't been changed and nor the logic is, that Kahn chose the name because he knew he was going to create new subordinates later anyway, so the title of the Alpha of the pack belongs to him. And that's why he named the first subordinate Omega.

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Q : Why did MC turn stupid and make that oath after killing the mother Somir?

A : This plot was actually not properly explained because of my rookie mistakes back in the day. I've already re-edited that chapter so new readers won't have any questions. This explanation is for our old-time readers.

After eating the core and getting influenced by the dead Somir's will... Which was a mother who sacrificed her life for the children without a hitch, had deeply moved Kahn because in his case... His family was never there for him when he needed their help and support.

Seeing how he was already made to realize the consequences of his actions... He swears to make Rudra one of the strongest beings. Elric was a man with regard for life and had a moral code.

You can't expect someone's behavior to change overnight for the sake of plot convenience.

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Q : Why is Rudra not loyal to Kahn? That's bullshit and a legit plothole.

A : I'm gonna copy-pasta the paragraph I wrote in edits again. So you may get a proper understanding.

'Because only the Strong acknowledges the Strong. Weaklings are not even worth looking at in their opinion. And that's why Rudra had not acknowledged Kahn in the slightest.

The gigantic snake could just swat its tail and Kahn would be turned into meat paste. That was their current situation.

Because no matter what, an Ant cannot control a full-grown Dragon... A newborn baby cannot control an adult King just because they held the leash. If not for the restrictions made by the Synthesis divine ability, Rudra could kill Kahn with a sneeze. And that's why he had to look for a different approach.'

I hope this gives a simple explanation. I can't spoon-feed more than this.

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Q : Why did he choose Antidote Potions? He has a Grandmaster rank immunity.

A : They're just there for display in case he had to help someone or look like he took the antidote in case he was poisoned. To avoid unnecessary suspicion.

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Q : Why did he not take Stragabor's body and make subordinates after killing the top fighters of the Sigurd clan?

A : Because Kahn wanted to make it look like the work of another clan. Nobody else than him had any use for dead bodies.

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Q : Why does the MC call himself no different than a Killer? He hasn't killed anyone innocent or a child.

A : Unlike how these novels and stories tell you, in the world of adults and real life... Killing is killing.

I could create 100 different reasons for Kahn to justify him killing someone, like by making them a bad guy or someone who deserved it because of the crimes they committed... But it does not fundamentally change the fact that your hands have blood on them.

I can't speak for other MCs but Kahn is someone who acknowledges that fact about himself and owns it.

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Q : Why do some of the old abilities still exist when MC clearly merged them using Synthesis?

A : Merged abilities and skills are a multipurpose and upgraded version of base abilities. But that does not mean the old ones disappear because of it.

He is not creating subordinates by merging two bodies where the base specimens disappear after creating a new version.

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Q : Why did Kahn get angry and feel responsible for a no-name character like Jessica?

A : Unlike the majority of the antiheroes, Kahn is someone with a moral code and consciousness. Although he's not averse to killing anyone if they stand in the way of his goals, he isn't a hypocrite to runs away from responsibility if he caused an innocent person's death because of something he did.

And that's why he gets enraged and goes on a killing spree to avenge her. Where he also learns that Jessica didn't sell him out till her last moment because he saved her life twice.

So I for one think that his reaction and actions were acceptable

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Q : Why didn't he call out Rudra against the Undead Lich fight?

A : It's explained when Rudra reappears again when fighting the Magma Drake Dungeon Boss.

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Q : Will there be other reincarnated people and other Heroes?

A : Summoned using a magical ritual. They will have their own bodies. Few will be humans from Earth but the majority will be from different Worlds/Dimensions. Each of them will have their own unique traits, Divine Abilities, and powers.

And since they all have the backing and resources of Empires and Churches, they already have a huge advantage over Kahn who has to hunt and look for resources by himself.

The current Kahn is very weak compared to all of them who were summoned quite some time ago. Let it be resources, people he can command, powerful allies, connections and authority. He's lacking in every aspect and has to build things from scratch.

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Q : Will there be Romance or a Waifu in the future?

A : No. I currently have no plans to create a romance or waifu candidate. And although I have planned for some badass female characters who will have a long-time part in the story and will have some influence till the endgame... I personally would prefer to not shift the story in that direction.

It also goes completely against Kahn's character because he was once betrayed because of his feelings and love. He will be reluctant to fall for that cycle again.

So no Romance… for now, at least.

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Q : How is Kahn an Antihero when he's choosing to not kill people or spare the members of some clans?

A : First of all, we've been over this already. An Antihero does not mean an edgelord or a psychopath who kills people for no reason.

Kahn won't kill the wife and children because he has a beef with the father. Or he won't massacre an entire clan just because he has enmity with the top-ranking members running it.

That's nothing but a wish-fulfillment type of story made for a 14-year-old who just joined the internet. You don't outright kill someone because you had a small quarrel with them. And you definitely don't go and kill their family because they share the same blood.

An antihero is someone who looks for their own gains rather than playing a selfless and righteous hero of justice.

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Now the line above must have made you think about Kahn being a hypocrite and doing the same thing I just mentioned about being a hero of justice.

Q : MC said he won't be a hypocrite but why is he doing the same with the Blacksmith and his children's story?

A : It hasn't even been 2 months since Kahn was sent to this world. The teachings and outlook he had on the world won't change or get aligned with the new world that easily.

Even Kahn acknowledges that was indeed acting like a hypocrite and went against his own words when he decided to interfere. But the old man's perseverance even after losing his reason to stay alive, just to see his children receiving the justice they deserved made Kahn realize how big and a sore loser he was when he lived as Elric.

That how he wallowed in self-pity and used his life experiences as a gateway to commit suicide. And how he could've had a different life if he had held on to a more positive outlook.

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Q : How is MC even an Antihero if he gets enraged by hearing other people's suffering and exacts revenge for them?

A : To make him an Antihero, I first wanted to make him experience what it means to play the warrior of justice first. And the consequences that come with making that decision.

His actions caused a small war in the city and resulted in hundreds of people dying because of his message as Azrael. He owns the consequences of his actions as well.

I made this whole 'Injustice' plot so that he sees both sides of the coin, becomes a truly rational person, and then decides which side he wants to pick.

I call that foundational work and good reason for character development.

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Q : Somir Scales should've merged with Drake Scales.

A : Not possible. Both are high-rank bloodline-specific abilities belonging to species that are more like each other's archenemy. They're incompatible with each other. Maybe in the future, Kahn will be able to do it. But the current him simply can't make it happen.

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Q : Why does War Deity Body show no considerable effects or make a difference? It's already at Stage 4.

A : This plot has been explained in current chapters rather than something I added later. But in case you missed that part, here's the explanation.

War Deity Body will only show its effects on Kahn's physiology and strength after he breaks through Stage 1 Saint Rank. His current body is unable to withstand the transmutation procedure. So for now, there are no noticeable effects or changes.

But do mind you, this is something that will definitely give him an edge over other Heroes in future arcs. But there is still some time for that to happen.

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Q : If MC is so smart, why did he not prepare against or think of a possible ambush set by Arkham and Solomon?

A : Obviously... He had made a mistake because of his previous encounters with both of them. And he's not an omniscient God who can know and see through everything. He can't control someone else's actions or their reasons.

Naturally, he will learn many lessons from these experiences and they will end up shaping him into a proper Antihero character in the future. Like I've said before, Arc 1 is nothing but Kahn's first stop of the journey. There's a lot to come.

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Complaint 1 : This world is no different than other Isekai worlds. It is the same setting and the same species of creatures we've seen in normal reincarnation novels.

A : Yes, I also acknowledge that fact. Initially, I wanted to introduce many different species of living beings but I was so consumed with how to make a more stable arc for the MC and what powers to give him by killing monsters... I ended up skipping out on it inadvertently. I admit my faults here.

But good news... The world setting is getting a huge upgrade after our MC goes to the capital of Rakos Empire. And you'll also see his Scamming and Accountant side. He can't always go hunting in a dungeon and fight monsters all the time. Even I will drop the Novel if that plot keeps repeating.

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Complaint 2 : The MC is becoming OP too quickly.

A : Yes. It was never my intention to make him a weakling who gets bullied by the strong and has to get stronger bit by bit and then come back to take revenge.

Kahn is someone who won't mess with anybody for no reason. But if someone slapped him in the face, he would at least break a few bones in return.

And if you notice throughout Arc 1, he never truly picked a fight with someone he wasn't confident in defeating. He chose all his battles carefully until he had the abilities and enough manpower to accomplish his goals.

His rise in strength by the end of Arc 1 will make him strong enough to at least be able to protect himself. And other sides of his characters and his traits are going to be explored in the future arcs.

Plus there are tons of new characters coming soon. So you won't be disappointed that he became too OP real quick.

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NOW TIME FOR A RANKING SYSTEM FOR EVERYTHING.

Following are the Ranks for Fighter classes/professions in ascending order :

Beginner

Intermediate

Master

Grandmaster (3 stages till these ranks)

Semi-Saint (A threshold stage before entering a completely different realm of power.)

Saint

Demi-God

God

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Following are the Ranks for Monster classes and their Species/Bloodlines :

Common

Elite

Rare

Unique

Lord

High Lord

Legendary

Mythical

Godbeast

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Following are the Ranks for Weapons and Armor:

Normal

Bronze

Silver

Gold

Rare

Epic

Legendary

Ancient

Divine Weapon/Armor

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Ranks for Abilities and Skills :

E to C = Common

B to A = Rare

S Rank

SS Rank

SSS (Smoking Sexy Style) Rank

Saint Rank

Legendary Rank

Divine Rank (The ones all the Heroes including Kahn are given).

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Strongest creatures/beings in the world based on Species and Bloodlines :

Human/Demi-Humans

Pureblood and Evolved Monsters

Descendants of Godbeasts

True Demons and Angels

Godbeasts

Dragons

Demi-Gods

True Gods

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I know this is a lot of info dump but it was important and necessary than introducing or explaining them like an amateur later in the upcoming story. So you can always come back to this chapter for references and better understanding.

Now we talk about the most important and the very reason I'm still writing this novel.

THE MONEY... I mean the FANS!

Never had I believed that I would gain the support of so many people who liked the story and felt the potential for the vision I have for the future.

I do read and respond to any reasonable questions and queries of the fans. As long as it does not involve me in revealing any spoilers, I'll try to clear out your confusion and queries.

And all of your suggestions and criticism are always welcomed. And do point out any grammatical mistakes you see. I too want to write a foolproof novel as well.

So I hope you keep reading the novel patiently and travel us with on the journey which is only beginning now.

Will be seeing you, partner.

- CrimsonWolf