Chapter 875: Dream
The idea of the partially alien implant could work and play into what humans were used to. Humankind already relied on the mana cores, which were nothing short of additional organs, so adding another wouldn"t be too hard to accept.
Of course, that field had vast room to grow. Khan and the others explored it throughout the nights, running simulations and expanding on that still-vague idea. Khan had various available paths at his disposal, and many were worth pursuing.
The Fuveall technology seemed the most reliable bet, but Khan didn"t forget about the Scalqa flesh"s unique properties. The project of creating artificial organic mana cores had slowed down but didn"t stop, and eventual breakthroughs could open new paths.
Theoretically, learning to cultivate organic mana cores would grant freedom over their composition. Khan"s scientists could modify them to suit the living elements better,
removing the need for an additional organ.
Nevertheless, as much as the group explored those ideas, everything remained theoretical. Tests were necessary, and they would only come after various parties tackled the issue.
The following day followed a routine Khan had already grown used to. The tournament"s preliminaries unfolded, further reducing the number of contestants. The audience hoped for another unfortunate event to force Khan to intervene and show his prowess, but no problems
arose.
Festive breaks occasionally interrupted the fights, and proper parties started once the night descended. However, Khan, Tlexicpalli, Lord Rsi, Lord Exr, and Mister Cirvags had a more important event to attend. The Thilku had planned a [Feast], so the five quickly flew to the intended battleground.
The [Hunts]" sceneries always followed the same rules. A gazebo stood on an elevated position, looking down on the area chosen for the hunt. Different teams encircled it, ready to jump on the a.s.signed vehicles or run on foot.
The Thilku had picked a forest for their event and provided special cameras for the nighttime. Their buzzing filled the area, occasionally illuminating it to offer better recordings to the people under the gazebo. The holographic screens conveyed multiple relevant scenes simultaneously, but only Tlexicpalli paid close attention to them.
"I"m grateful for this, [My Lords]," Khan announced after the group had gone through multiple rounds of drinks and food. "This [Hunt] is a good distraction from these days" gloominess."
"We enjoy these games, [Blue Shaman]," Lord Exr chuckled. "We do enjoy seeing our soldiers triumph."
"That is yet to be seen," Tlexicpalli snorted.
"This [Feast] was long overdue," Lord Rsi commented, "And it gave the Empire the chance to honor your father"s death."
"Thank you, [My Lord]," Khan said, lifting his gla.s.s. "The Empire always stays true to its fame."
"It wouldn"t be the Empire otherwise," Lord Rsi declared. "Our honor would have fallen long ago otherwise."
Khan noticed the vibe, and the others under the gazebo shared his awareness. Lord Rsi sounded serious but also more open about a conversation.
The vibe intrigued Khan. He wanted to learn more about his status from someone with far greater experience, but the Thilku beat him to it, disclosing information without requiring questions.
"It"s the job of a leader to uphold his species" values," Lord Rsi explained. "I won"t dare to speak for the Emperor, but I think he chose me because I shared his vision."
"Which vision?" Khan asked, genuinely curious.
"A vision of an unmatched Empire," Lord Rsi revealed, stretching across galaxies and united under its strength. A vision of unquestioned Thilku supremacy."
Anyone would find those words ludicrous, but Lord Rsi"s faith in his vision added a believable weight. That was a dream that stretched beyond reason and what was possible, inevitably attracting admiration.
After interacting with the Thilku, many would see them as an arrogant and delusional species. True power and influence backed up their pride, but it remained exaggerated. Khan"s sole existence proved that the Empire"s warriors weren"t the strongest.
However, Lord Rsi"s words revealed a deeper layer to the matter. The Thilku were far from clueless and delusional. They knew they had room to grow and would pursue it as long as they breathed.
The revelation was inspiring. Khan saw the true nature of leadership in Lord Rsi, making him question his own vision. He was unbelievably strong, but Kings needed more than that.
"Are you educating me, [My Lord]?" Khan wondered.
"The Empire values our alliance," Lord Rsi stated. "It"s highly beneficial and dependent on you. Your successes are our successes."
Khan had demonstrated his tendency to help the Empire over his species. That was primarily due to the higher personal benefits that path provided, but the Thilku Lords had also confirmed his loyalty to that alliance.
A more influential Khan would grant the Empire greater access to humankind"s resources and a.s.sets. Helping him become a better leader had to be part of Lord Rsi"s interests.
"Am I not a hindrance toward your vision?" Khan questioned, shamelessly hinting at his superiority.
"You wear the Empire"s capes," Lord Rsi declared. "You are part of the Empire"s vision."
"I wonder if you could indulge me, [My Lord]," Khan requested.
"I might make an exception today," Lord Rsi chuckled.
"How did you achieve your status?" Khan questioned. "True leaders are rare, so I"m curious about your journey."
The question could sound like an inquiry into the Empire"s political system. Humans were known for their attention to those fields, so disclosing information could give them annoying weapons and leverage.
Yet, Lord Rsi didn"t question Khan"s seemingly genuine interest. The Thilku fell silent for a while, gazing longingly past the holographic screens before addressing Khan"s curiosity.
"I earned my fellow soldiers" trust on the battlefield," Lord Rsi explained. "Their respect and reverence toward me pushed me toward a leadership position.
"However, I had realized a sad truth during my fighting years. No matter the strength of my fist, I couldn"t use it to elevate the Empire as a whole."
Khan perfectly understood what Lord Rsi meant. He was actually facing similar realizations himself. His battle prowess was unmatched, but the world was far more complicated than
that.
"My ideals resonated with many among my species," Lord Rsi continued. "My fame increased, eventually reaching the Emperor. He acknowledged my value, and I have served him since then."
Khan"s gaze also looked past the holographic screens as he lost himself in his thoughts. His experience with the Thilku allowed him to imagine Lord Rsi"s rise to power. His ideals must have been incredible for the Emperor to grant his acknowledgment.
"What are your ideals, [Blue Shaman]?" Lord Rsi asked, surprising Khan. "What future do you plan for those who choose to follow you?"
Khan opened his mouth but quickly filled it with booze. Truth be told, he didn"t have a complete vision for his organization. He needed it against the scarlet eyes but had never seen that as a proper dream. Khan didn"t have what Lord Rsi had.
Nevertheless, the question forced Khan to consider an alternative world without universal threats and nightmares. He had shouldered the burden of leadership after Zu-Gru died protecting him, and the feelings about the matter were the closer he could get to Lord Rsi"s
mindset.
"I"ve seen many things, [My Lord]," Khan announced. "I"m young, but I"ve seen plenty. I"ve interacted with many species, learned their ways, and developed an appreciation for what
they offer."
Lord Rsi remained silent out of respect, and the other guests shared his mindset. Clearly, Khan needed time and peace to formulate those new thoughts.
"I"ve witnessed tragedies," Khan continued, "Catastrophes that could have been avoided with the help of different cultures. My very power comes from the fusion of many arts, and the more I learn, the more one thing remains clear."
Lord Rsi and Khan exchanged a look before the latter finished his statement. "I don"t see that
difference."
"Among species?" Lord Rsi asked.
"Among living beings," Khan corrected. "Their infighting, their biases, their grudges. I find
them idiotic. I"ve been on both sides and eventually realized that the only way out was up."
"While I see your vision," Lord Rsi commented, "Those differences exist. Many are also willing to fight to defend them."
"The weak have no claims over rights," Khan declared. "I"ll show them a better way."
"[Ah]!" Lord Rsi cried. "Your greed is praiseworthy, [Blue Shaman], but can you carry that
burden?"
"I"ll tell you a secret, [My Lord]," Khan said, smiling. "Unlike many of those in power, I never had any choice, and the humans will be the first to understand that."
Mister Cirvags listened to everything, and the last part of Khan"s statement inevitably alerted
him. It almost sounded like a declaration of war, which the Thilku could consider if he
gathered more power.
"How do you plan to show them?" Lord Rsi questioned. "Humans aren"t like us. They resent
those with more power than them."
"Either by planting countless flowers," Khan responded, "Or by creating b.l.o.o.d.y rivers."
"[Ah]!" Lord Rsi cried again. "Good answer. However, even an Emperor might fall short of
that grand vision."
"So," Khan thought, "I"ll become bigger than an Emperor."