Chapter 928: Problems

Chapter 928: Problems



The city had more than Scalqa. Humans, Thilku, Ef'i, and even a few Fuveall witnessed the announcement and couldn't help but grow excited. Khan's cry didn't only ignore language barriers. It also conveyed his mindset, turning it into a quasi-poison that tainted the encampment's symphony and resonated with the people it touched.

The Fuveall were a rational bunch, so they quickly calmed down and became wary of Khan's strange ability to influence their hearts. However, the humans lingered on that inspiring cry, and some cursed the fact that they couldn't join Khan's mission.

As for the Thilku and Ef'i, they had it worse than the Scalqa. The various screens across the city had translated Khan's speech, and his clicking cry had delivered the final blow, almost prompting them to swear loyalty to him and join the imminent battle.

Khan noticed those tiny, distant reactions but ignored them. The time to create a multi- species army would come, but solidifying his core troops came first. The Scalqa had to be his priority, and his chin rose proudly at the excited shouts that reached his ears.

Khan didn't add anything else. He watched and waited, letting the alien shouts wash over him. The desire to jump on the first ship for Senerth invaded him, but he kept it in check. The war was right around the corner, but Khan had a few things to handle before departing.

"[Celebrate]," Khan eventually announced. "[Fornicate. Prepare. War is waiting for Ka-Han Tribe]."

The announcement triggered another wave of excited shouts, but Khan only absorbed them for a second before leaving. He could still hear his name and other battle cries reaching the terrace when he approached the door, and its metal seemed to tremble under their weight.

Returning inside the building brought silence but no privacy. A few figures were waiting for Khan's announcement to be over, and one confused him. Lieutenant Dyester was there instead of inside the encampment among the Scalqa, hinting at a request.

"Let's talk," Lieutenant Dyester said, eyeing Prince Thomas, Princess Rebecca, Gordon, and Abraham.

Khan's relatives glanced at him and departed at his nod. The same went for Abraham and Gordon. Meanwhile, Khan and Lieutenant Dyester walked toward the nearest room, isolating themselves inside it to talk privately.

"What is it?" Khan asked, tearing off the broken bone armor and remaining bare-chested. "Do you have a strategy for Senerth?" Lieutenant Dyester asked. He was privy to many pieces of classified information, so he obviously knew about the Empire's mission.

"Bring a Leviathan-class ship into the planet's orbit," Khan explained, "Find the best landing spot, establish an outpost, and slowly expand the perimeter."

Khan was open to any suggestion, but the Empire's directives left small room for improvements to the strategy. Khan could only aim to expand his domain from one chosen area without missiles and other weapons.

"These creatures on Senerth," Lieutenant Dyester exclaimed. "Their numbers are overwhelming. They aren't an enemy a few thousand Scalqa can wipe out."

"Luckily," Khan scoffed, "I'll be there. We'll take it slow and see whether we can improve something after a few battles."

"The Scalqa can't cast complicated spells," Lieutenant Dyester revealed. "They are strong in individual fights. Quite strong, actually, but the battlefield is a different beast."

"What are you waiting for?" Khan sighed, approaching a nearby table featuring some booze. "Ask what you came here to ask."

Khan exploded into a laugh once the metal door closed. He shook his head, and a strange smile appeared on his face afterward. Khan still recalled his first meeting with Lieutenant Dyester, and seeing that change partially pleased him. Khan understood he felt better but wasn't sure leading him to a battlefield was the best he could offer.

'Even if he is a liability,' Khan thought, 'I guess I owe it to him, especially after dragging him

into this mess.'

Khan shook his head again, emptying his glass and preparing to leave. Yet, the metal door opened again, and Prince Thomas stepped in, reeking of an unusual insecurity.

"What's up with you?" Khan asked.

After the initial conflict, Prince Thomas became one of Khan's most trusted advisors. He was the most knowledgeable of the people in his inner circle, and his devotion to the faction was

unmatched.

Nevertheless, Prince Thomas had always been business-focused and firm. He was the only person in the entirety of Baoway who dared interrupt Khan and Monica. As long as Khan abided by his duties, he didn't care about the potential danger, so his current insecurity felt

odd.

"I learned about Master Carl's addition to Senerth's expedition, My Prince," Prince Thomas announced. "It was wise to accept his request. His experience is priceless, and a good stretch

was long overdue."

Khan remained silent, opting to refill his glass. He knew more was coming, and something told him a drink was necessary.

"Forgive my impudence, My Prince," Prince Thomas exclaimed. Unlike Lieutenant Dyester, he avoided wasting Khan's time and went straight to the point.

"I know how vital Senerth's expedition is, My Prince," Prince Thomas declared, lowering his head. "I know how dangerous it will be. I also know you already have many worries of your

own.

"But, I'm shamelessly requesting to add my second-born, Richard, to the expedition. As he currently is, he is no asset worthy of the Nognes name, and I humbly request your assistance

in the matter, My Prince."

Khan was so surprised he forgot to drink. His mouth also remained open. Senerth's mission had yet to begin, but problems were already accumulating.