Chaos' Heir

919  War n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The intense but short interaction revealed many details.

The evolved soldiers' hierarchy and privileges had become evident. Adrian and Bruno were one step above Miss Christen, with Bruno in charge. Also, the two didn't appear bound and subservient to the noble authority. They could act on their own as long as they abided by their role.

Adrian and Bruno's powers also felt one level above Miss Christen's. They were probably older, more experienced, and had completed the evolution through better paths. Their characters even seemed to match their elements and vibe instead of merely playing along with it.

The evolved soldiers' surprise at the revelation of Khan's current level also told him he was doing something right. The toxic pool was working. He was getting closer and closer to that superior realm, but something was still lacking.

Khan's aura had gained more power. He could affect the environment and break things without relying on his alien arts. Yet, its intensity still paled compared to the evolved soldiers'. That was reasonable due to his current level, but he spotted another flaw.

Adrian, Bruno, and even Miss Christen were one with their element, and that match extended to body and soul. Meanwhile, Khan's flesh was still unable to meet that requirement. He was missing something, and seizing it could create more problems.

The issue had already crossed Khan's mind, but Adrian's slight outburst confirmed it. The wall behind him had cooled down in those seconds, but the effects of his heat were still evident. Anyone could see the darker patch on the metal, highlighting what his mere mood shift had been capable of.

That event had Adrian's element at its core, and Khan knew his mana was no well-behaved child. Bragging aside, the chaos element was violent and destructive in its unreasonable pursuit of freedom. Completely assimilating it could make Khan a constant threat to anyone close to him.

Control was the key there, but the chaos element didn't play well with restrictions. The scarlet eyes' threat also didn't give Khan much of a choice. He could only wait and see, diving deeper into his training and hoping his eventual evolution would allow a loving touch.

Those worries could sour Khan's mood, but his evident improvements and another detail kept that feeling at bay. Adrian, Bruno, and Miss Christen shared his view of the world. The four had similar eyes and belonged to the same realm. Even if Khan turned into a monster, he wouldn't be alone.

The silent Excellencies highlighted that separation. Khan, Adrian, Bruno, and Miss Christen were speaking a language only they could understand, preventing regular humans from joining the conversation. Yet, duties were duties, and Bruno quickly decided to abide by them.

A tinge of surprise flowed into Bruno's smiling expression. He kept his brown eyes fixed on Khan for a few seconds before disappearing. His sitting figure returned to its previous position, and some pressure invaded the symphony when he found Khan looking at him.

The gesture wasn't random. Bruno knew Khan couldn't follow his movements, but there he was. Khan's senses had warned him about the location change, almost earning him praise from the evolved soldier.

Adrian and Miss Christen also noticed that detail, but neither spoke. Their curiosity was still rampant, but their time was over. Bruno was giving the room to the Excellencies, so they followed suit.

Khan understood and accepted that development, moving his gaze to the sitting figures around him. The six faction leaders didn't appear bothered by his location, but their unwavering eyes still studied him, and he responded in kind.

The table featured three men and three women, almost all showing clear signs of age. Only one middle-aged man didn't follow that trend, and his aura explained why.

Khan had become able to see the mana for years now, and countless powerful figures had crossed his eyes. Nevertheless, few could stand out among that crowd, and all the Excellencies met that requirement.

Solid, intense, sharp, confident, and proud auras surrounded Khan, and he could almost smell the rich experience they conveyed. The Excellencies were no ordinary leaders, making him feel like six Lord Rsi were at the table.

As for the middle-aged man, his aura was the brightest of them all. Each Excellency was a fifth-level warrior, but the middle-aged man had something more to it. He was similar to Major General Arngan, seemingly ready to enter the higher realm.

The inspection didn't last long. Khan soon turned, slowly walking to the empty chair. The Excellencies followed his movements with their eyes, and the tension in the symphony intensified once he sat down.

"I hope this place has food," Khan announced while Princess Rebecca and Prince Thomas reached his chair, standing behind him. "I'm famished."

The middle-aged man lifted a hand, performing a beckoning gesture that put Miss Christen on the move. She exited the hall through a partially hidden door, quickly returning with a tray in both hands. One was full of food, while the other had bottles and glasses.

Miss Christen calmly placed the booze tray on the table, slowly pouring seven glasses before bringing them to each leader. Khan was the last to receive his drink, but Miss Christen added all the food to her delivery.

Needless to say, Khan and Miss Christen exchanged a meaningful look, seemingly trying to pierce each other's souls with that inspection. Yet, the interaction was short-lived. Miss Christen quickly returned to her wall, forcing the meeting to start.

"Well, Prince Khan," One of the female Excellencies exclaimed. "We came here in person as requested, and you have your food now. Should we start?"

Khan glanced at the Excellency while pulling the food tray to him. His fork and knife went on an appealing steak while the leaders waited for his reply. His delay didn't affect their patience, so he decided to address the issue.

"I know your desire to get in my businesses," Khan stated. "You want part of what I built free-of-charge. That simply won't happen."

"Prince Khan," One of the male Excellencies called. "We didn't come here to hear the same words our representatives reported."

"But you came here without warning me," Khan responded. "Your stance is clear."

"You surely understand the reason behind this sudden meeting," Another female Excellency declared. "You know how it would look if the other nobles learned about our arrival."

"Why not let them think what they want?" Khan wondered. "It wouldn't be far from the truth, either. I have enough appeal to force all of you here. That's a fact."

"Do not mistake our presence for recognition," The third female Excellency announced. "The main reason behind this meeting is to avoid more drastic measures."

"Are we at the threats already?" Khan asked, smirking.

"Prince Khan," The middle-aged man called. "As respectful and praiseworthy as your achievements are, you know you can't oppose our factions on your own. Not yet, that is."

"But you aren't united," Khan said, pushing aside the now-empty tray, "Especially in your desire to take me out."

The empty tray attracted some surprise. It had been full of food just a minute ago, but Khan had wolfed it down in no time. Still, everyone soon focused on his words.

"I'm aware of the exuberance of youth, Prince Khan," The third male Excellency said. "However, you must admit you are taking this threat seriously. You wouldn't have bothered attending this meeting otherwise."

The Excellency has spoken the truth. Actually, Khan had never underestimated the danger his family posed. He had simply bought time, amassing as many assets as possible before the inevitable critical point, which seemed to have arrived.

"I do have a proposal," Khan admitted, "Which I hope you won't try to negotiate further."

"That will depend on its terms," One of the female Excellencies stated.

"My terms haven't changed," Khan revealed. "You can get my products at a competitive price, but I won't share the means of production. That monopoly is mine alone, and the same goes for the Thilku Empire."

"Is there a but coming?" One of the male Excellencies asked.

"I'm getting there," Khan said without hiding his annoyance. "Of course, the sales will take into consideration hoarding and reselling practices. We might be family, but I want you to know I'll remain a necessary evil."

Some Excellencies had retorts but remained silent. Appearances aside, Khan was technically equal to them, so he deserved politeness.

"Still," Khan continued, "One special opportunity has arisen. You are probably aware the Empire has tasked me with expanding its domain. I must colonize three planets, and I'm willing to give one to you."

Clear interest leaked into the symphony. Many didn't like Khan, but a whole planet was an appealing olive branch. Moreover, colonizing it could create an opening in the impenetrable Thilku Empire, which remained Khan's most valuable asset.

"Where's the catch?" The middle-aged man asked. "I'd be disappointed if there weren't one."

"The planet in question will take longer to become available," Khan explained. "Also, it would still be my planet. The Thilku Empire wouldn't accept someone else's authority."

"How long are we talking about?" A female Excellency questioned. "And what will happen to the other planets in the meantime?"

"I already made arrangements for them," Khan revealed. "Their lands will go to the other nobles and the wealthy families in my alliance."

"So," A male Excellency exclaimed. "You expect us to wait while you continue hoarding riches."

"Exactly," Khan shamelessly confirmed. "It's not a bad deal, but you are free to refuse it. Yet, I've grown tired of these pointless meetings. If this isn't enough to satisfy your greed, we can consider ourselves at war once we leave the building."

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