Chaos' Heir Chapter 949: Final phase

Chapter 949: Final phase

That heavy mindset accompanied Khan throughout his return to the Headquarters, which didn't leave even after entering the vast lab. Usually, he would have used that chance to fly away and face packs on his own, but the expansion had reached a critical point, forcing him to stick to orthodox plans.

Praises tried to escape the scientists' mouths but remained stuck in their throats before Khan's aura. Some screens and consoles also flickered, disturbed by his mindset. Even his target suffered from his influence, but everything stabilized after a few seconds.

Khan stopped before a tall hologram depicting Senerth. Three-quarters of the planet was red now, highlighting the area under Khan's control. The army only had a few battles ahead left, but they were bound to be problematic.

The many battles had dealt with most packs, even those outside the perimeter. However, they had also cleared hunting areas for the monsters that had stayed behind.

The remaining packs had enjoyed a short period of abundance of resources and s.p.a.ce, increasing their numbers. Those unconquered areas also featured large deposits of Senerth's strange mineral, occasionally creating proper hills and caverns that could facilitate the monsters' growth.

"There's movement in the remaining quadrants, Prince Khan," Garret announced, approaching the holograms to stand at Khan's side. "These creatures are fighting for territory."

"Is it good or bad?" Khan questioned.

"Both," Garret revealed. "They are killing each other, so their final number won't be as high as we predicted. However, the survivors will be stronger than anything we have faced."

Garret held back from giving his opinion. Khan and Lieutenant Dyester were in charge of the mission's military aspects, so Garret only added his insights when explicitly requested. Also, he knew Khan was already exploring his options.

The monsters' behavior had long since been studied and mastered. Khan knew those creatures better than some of his soldiers. He could predict what could happen in the following period, opening many possibilities.

The packs' infighting would make higher-quality food available. As abundant as those remaining quadrants were, they couldn't compare to actual mana-enhanced flesh. The survivors would have access to their fellow specimens' nourishing meat, potentially triggering short-term power-ups.

The monsters' growth wasn't all bad. The packs required alphas to enforce order, and the arrival of multiple stronger specimens could disrupt it, leading to more infighting. Chances were Senerth could take a while to restore its natural balance.

Sadly, that was the best-case scenario. The opposite could happen and was also more likely. The alphas had priority over high-quality food, and bolstering their strength could theoretically produce a single, ma.s.sive pack. One strong, unbeaten leader would be enough to create that outcome.

The army could deal with either consequence, but Khan had a choice now. He didn't need to be a pa.s.sive bystander. The pheromone, machines, Scalqa, and his personal power could change the natural course of Senerth's fauna, creating the ideal conditions for the mission's final phase. Khan only had to decide which one would benefit him.

On the one hand, facilitating the creation of a single pack would remove variables, shorten the mission's final phase, and limit the conquest to a last, ma.s.sive battle.

That option would preserve most of Senerth's surface resources and allow Khan to leave as early as possible. The relatively quick success would add fuel to his fame, improving his position inside the Thilku Empire. He could also use the salvaged mines of the planet's minerals as leverage against his family, showcasing his goodwill and improving future deals. Moreover, leaving early could save Khan from his current regression. He was no stranger to his mental stage and knew that some things had changed forever. Yet, reuniting with Monica could help in ways even he wasn't aware of.

Instead, pushing Senerth's new balance toward the coexistence of multiple smaller packs would lead to easier battles. The campaign would last longer, but the army would save manpower, and Khan was all for preserving his underlings' lives.

Nevertheless, the second option opened the mission to many variables. The monsters' incredible reproduction and growth rate could lead to a one-pack scenario again. Also, each battle would have to be surgical and be wary of the infighting, inevitably slowing down the campaign's progress.

'There has to be a middle ground,' Khan thought. 'What's the point of this power if I can't pull off a few miracles?'

Khan would never hasten his return to Monica's loving embrace through his underlings' blood. As much as he wanted and needed her, that was a line he couldn't cross.

However, Khan also wanted to excel, creating the best possible outcome through his power and skill. The situation's theoretical restraints meant nothing to his mana, and abiding by them would go against its very nature.

"Run a few simulations," Khan ordered, "And coordinate with Master Carl. I will launch surgical strikes on my own. I just need the right targets."

Garret didn't expect anything less from Khan. Truth be told, he had already taken similar orders into account, laying the ground for the requested simulations. Khan's unclear abilities left gaps in the software, but they could be discussed later. Resting was paramount now since the remaining quadrants had to stabilize, and Khan also had something else to address.

"It will be done, Prince Khan," Garret announced. "I must also inform you that the communication array has been improved. Miss Solodrey has already tested it, and its quality should be acceptable."

Khan diverted his gaze from the holograms, his bright eyes gaining a trace of humanity. Senerth's unstable situation and Monica's duties had prevented the two from interacting too often. Even when they did, they limited themselves to short calls disrupted by the planet's barebone technology. Flying to the Leviathan could solve the issue, but Khan simply couldn't leave.

"Is she available?" Khan asked.

"Miss Solodrey did provide a window, Prince Khan," Garret nodded. "You are still in time."

Khan immediately turned to leave. He knew the communication array and where to hold a private call. Yet, the hesitation in Garret's mana made him shoot a questioning look at the

scientist.

"Forgive my boldness, Prince Khan," Garret said. "I know time is short, but your appearance might need attention."

Khan looked down at himself, recalling his state. He was more blood than skin, with gore littered over his cape and trousers. The corpse stuck on his foot was gone, but the severed head on his shoulder had somehow survived his return to the Headquarters. If anything, Khan was surprised the scientists could recognize him, but they had probably gotten used to that sight in those months.