Chaos Heir

Chapter 1523: Palm

The power hierarchy had never been in doubt. Everyone knew that Khan and the Emperor were the greatest assets in the allied front’s army, and, as such, they would have to deal with the enemy’s biggest threats.

It was also a silently understood truth that the allied front was outclassed. That small gathering alone showcased how few willing experts at the True Chaos’ Kings’ level the regulated universe had at its disposal.

Khan and the others would never win through numerical advantage. The higher quality of their experts was also in doubt. Their only viable strategy was to aim for the head of the enemy’s army, the core and source of the True Chaos.

That probably demanded someone to pave the way to the True Chaos’ God and keep his underlings busy while Khan and the Emperor dealt with that battle. It was no easy task. If anything, it was a sacrificial play, but the regulated universe had no other option.

"The Royal Guards protect the Emperor," Lord Enforcer declared, hinting at his agreement with the plan. His fellow Royal Guards either smirked or nodded, too, confirming that their side of the group was taken care of.

Of course, Khan had never doubted the Royal Court. The four Royal Guards were also the experts he had more confidence in, if he didn’t count his wife. Instead, Khan couldn’t say the same for the others.

Mazatl looked strong, and she had the Ef’i’s competitiveness on her side, but that didn’t exactly work in the elite team’s favor. She wasn’t the kind of warrior who would accept leaving the tough opponents to someone else, especially a Thilku.

Ilman was just Ilman. Khan would trust the Niqols with his life, and Liiza’s power sort of vouched for his. Yet, Khan wasn’t sure Ilman could follow orders with his character, especially when the future of his wife and child was at stake.

As for the others, Major General Arngan looked capable of excelling on the battlefield, or at least of attracting enough attention to let Khan and the Emperor pierce the enemy’s lines.

The three humans from the noble families had also stood out during Khan’s inspection, and Dean Ulluw probably wouldn’t be there if he weren’t confident in his abilities.

Meanwhile, Muhsin was the true outsider. Khan had even fought with him, so he knew he had no place inside that team.

Luckily, the Kros weren’t socially inept, and Muhsin was also aware of his shortcomings, so he didn’t hesitate to make his floating metal chair provide the group with an explanation.

"The Kros will coordinate with the experimental weaponry to enhance its firepower," Muhsin declared. "The Kros’ mainframes tested and confirmed the successful connection and integration."

Everything became clear at that point. Muhsin’s statement also explained why no evolved Fuveall was on the scene. That species and the Kros’ champion was technology itself and the weapons they had modified and improved during those two weeks.

When Khan thought about it, it was actually quite reassuring. He had seen how Muhsin controlled his machines, so he couldn’t fathom the kind of power the Kros could unleash with unlimited access to an entire army’s worth of weapons.

"How’s the army looking in that regard?" Khan wondered. "Did you build anything at the evolved level?"

"The Kros already possessed that kind of weaponry," Muhsin revealed. "We implemented the Fuveall’s implants to make it effective against the True Chaos and add further improvements. The vanguard will be ready for the day of the attack."

Khan nodded, deciding to stop his questions at that. He didn’t know whether the Kros had something that could work on the True Chaos’ Kings, but additional explanations that he couldn’t understand wouldn’t really help in the matter.

It was simply better to trust the Kros and Fuveall’s joint technological effort.

"Craig," Khan eventually called, nodding at the dark-red demon.

"Brat," Major General Arngan growled, his voice low and gritty. "Just throw me on the battlefield."

"That was my plan all along," Khan agreed. "So, I guess your training went well."

"The key was in his attachment to his human form," Lord Blind Sword explained. "Once he gave up on it, he lost his self-appointed limits."

"And it’s all thanks to Lord Mighty’s mighty wisdom!" Lord Mighty added, laughing, resuming to pat Major General Arngan’s shoulder.

"Lord Idiot Muscles hijacked the spar because he was bored," Lord Enforcer corrected. "Lord Blind Sword’s wisdom produced these results."

"The spar was begging for Lord Mighty to help," Lord Mighty proudly announced.

Khan had already stopped listening to the bickering. His attention had gone to the four humans, especially the one he had never expected to see there.

"I didn’t think you would have been interested in this task," Khan pointed out.

"It seems my battle instincts aren’t as gone as I initially thought," Dean Ulluw cursed. "Trust me, Prince, I really wanted to lose this spot."

"You are stuck with us now," Khan laughed, looking at Ilman. "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I’ll ever be, my friend!" Ilman shouted, crossing his arms in confidence.

Khan nodded, browsing over the group again. The assembled warriors were too few, but they would have always been too few. Khan simply had to make them work anyway.

"We have one week until the departure," Khan stated, "And we all know how this enemy is, so spend it well. Prepare, drink as much as you can, get laid, and do whatever you want. Once the time comes, we go to war."

"[Ah]!" The Emperor cried in response, unleashing mayhem and filling the area with his breathtaking battle intent. He looked ready to add something else, but Liiza beat him to it.

"If you’ll allow it," Liiza exclaimed, standing up, resorting to a far politer tone than usual, "I’ll spend this week with my family."

Despite the polite tone, the steadily dropping temperature told the group that Liiza’s statement wasn’t a request. Khan couldn’t even add much since he was the most surprised of them all, remaining speechless while a series of grins and nods expanded in his vision.

The group quickly dispersed, leaving Khan alone with Liiza and the sleeping Yeza in her arms. He remained silent for a few seconds, waiting for everyone else to get far enough before interrupting the silence, only for Liiza to beat him to it, too.

Liiza didn’t speak but leaned on Khan, hiding her head on his shoulder, snuggling closer to him while making sure to leave enough room for Yeza.

Khan was still speechless and confused throughout the event, but something changed when Liiza took his hand and led it to her waist, pressing his palm against it to experience his warmth and convey a silent message.