Chaos' Heir Chapter 1005: Emotional

Chapter 1005: Emotional

Khan was young. He had traveled a lot and met many species. The density of his experiences was exceptional. However, he was merely twenty-four years old. Khan couldn't have the wisdom to conceive the universe as a whole, let alone decide its fate.

Khan's recent political move had also separated him from every existing force. He had Baoway, but that was no species. He sort of had the Thilku, but acceptance and belonging were different. His cape wasn't enough to change his flag.

So, the Emperor's concerns were on point. Khan had no reason to fight for the universe. He didn't need to work so hard to defend it. Khan shouldn't even understand what was best for that infinite environment, but there he was, claiming that he would pursue that grand, impossible mission over a handful of affections.

The Thilku couldn't understand that reasoning. They were no emotionally stunted beings, but their whole species was founded on servitude toward the Empire. Their feelings had no place there and definitely couldn't be more important than their duties.

Nevertheless, the lack of understanding didn't imply disrespect. As young and inexperienced as Khan was, he had earned the Empire's approval. Even the Emperor had decided to listen to his tale, so no one in the hall dared to underestimate Khan's resolve. He might be crazy and delusional, but he truly believed what he said.

Pieces of the puzzle called Khan fell into place, finally providing a complete picture of his mindset. He was a cursed being, forced to bear the knowledge and suffering of a mission grander than life. A mission only Khan could see, which he had pursued with any limited tool the world had offered him.

However, that admirable effort revealed a flaw. At the core, Khan was an emotional being struggling to conciliate his feelings with the universe's cold political environment. Clearly, those opposite perspectives had led to clashes, culminating in his departure from humankind. Such a blatant political mistake threatened to ruin Khan's acc.u.mulation, but he still stood straight, as resolute as ever. His strength had increased, earning him the acknowledgment of the Empire's apex, and his mindset had sharpened beyond reason. Khan was nothing short of an unyielding, inflexible weapon that served a sole purpose, and the Emperor only had one doubt about its existence.

"[Do you believe you have the strength to reach your goal]?" The Emperor asked.

It sounded like the Emperor had believed each of Khan's claims. His sole concern was with Khan's power. Knowledge and resolve were useless without strength, and Khan's mission probably had the harshest standards the world had ever witnessed.

"[One year ago, I wouldn't have been able to breathe in your presence, My Emperor]," Khan declared. "[What do you think I'll be able to do in another year]?"

Silence spread through the hall. It seemed Khan's questions had finally forced the Emperor to think about the situation, and for good reason. Not long ago, Khan was still fighting on Cegnore, fighting among ordinary soldiers in the trenches. Meanwhile, he now stood before the Empire's Royal Court, almost addressing it as his equal. His growth had undoubtedly been terrifying.

Nevertheless, that didn't convince the Emperor.

"[The Empire won't believe boasts of talent]," The Emperor commented. "[The Empire doesn't need a soldier who can't accomplish his mission]."

Everyone understood where the Emperor was going, but he didn't finish expressing his mind. It seemed his test for Khan had begun, and he didn't shy away from it.

"[I'm willing to prove myself, My Emperor]," Khan announced.

At once, a different type of seriousness surrounded Khan. The Royal Guards stopped being wary of him and ready to restrain him, awaiting the Emperor's orders. One of them would be tasked with testing Khan, and the evolved Thilku didn't dare to take the imminent mission lightly. It wasn't out of their fear of Khan's power. That was how they reacted to the Emperor's will.

The Emperor didn't immediately speak. He pressed his hands on his knees, slowly standing up. That simple, methodical gesture sent the hall's symphony into chaos, and actual tremors ran through the resilient floor. The Royal Palance seemed to struggle to endure the Emperor's movement, and the faint earthquake continued even after he crossed his arms.

Khan was once again stunned by the Emperor's might. Curiosity tried to invade his brain, but more important thoughts kept it away. It annoyed him to face more tests after accomplishing so much, but the chance to vent was bound to arrive soon.

"[Lord Mighty]," The Emperor called once the red floor stopped shaking.

"[Yes, My Emperor]!" The huge Thilku shouted, turning toward the throne and performing a capeless traditional bow.

"[You will test the Blue Shaman]," The Emperor continued. "[Lord Blind Sword will remain behind to wait for Lord Rsi]."

"[Yes, My Emperor]!" The blind Thilku shouted in an equally loud voice while performing a similar bow.

The Emperor didn't add anything else and slowly descended the throne's short staircase, each of his steps sending tremors through the hall. Khan half-expected him to approach the group, but the crowned Thilku left, heading for an exit hidden behind a column.

Lord Enforcer also left the encirclement, steadily walking toward the same pa.s.sage used by the Emperor. Meanwhile, Lord Envoy approached Lord Mighty, placing a hand on his arm.

Lord Mighty had straightened his back by then, and Lord Envoy's arrival made him point a broad grin at Khan. His expression carried no disrespect. The evolved Thilku simply looked excited to have the chance to stretch his fists.

Khan understood what to do before Lord Envoy stretched his hand toward him. He was about to move in his direction when Lord Blind Sword hurried forward, stopping on his path. "[Don't expect to win, Blue Shaman]," Lord Blind Sword warned, his face pointed somewhere at the hall's entrance. "[Remaining alive is the best you can accomplish]."

Lord Blind Sword didn't suppress his voice, and doing that wouldn't have accomplished much in that environment. The other two Royal Guards would have heard him anyway. "[Blind Sword is the softest Royal Guard]," Lord Mighty teased, glancing at Lord Envoy, hoping he would support him. Sadly, the old evolved Thilku didn't seem to care about the

banter.

"[Ah]!" Lord Blind Sword cried, moving aside. "[What do you even know? Your eyes are useless anyway]."

Khan didn't know how to take Lord Blind Sword's warning, but his reaction wouldn't make much difference. The blind Thilku had moved aside, so Khan advanced, reaching Lord Envoy and taking his hand.

The same ability as before enveloped Khan. s.p.a.ce twisted, cutting off Khan's senses. He couldn't sense the hall anymore, but Lord Blind Sword's following words managed to reach

his ears.

"[Shamans have always wielded mysterious abilities]," Lord Blind Sword announced, "[But the Empire has killed hundreds of those. If you treasure that goal of yours, you should accept

your limits]."