Chaos Heir

Chapter 1499: Death

Khan had never felt comfortable leading people, especially when death was a possibility. That responsibility wasn’t meant to be easy, and its unforgettable weight actually vouched for Khan’s suitability for the role.

Yet, Khan had to do just that now, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Moreover, he didn’t need just anyone. His words had to reach figures that no one could truly control, compelling them to join him despite the differences in species and dangers.

To do that, Khan couldn’t limit himself to a simple request. Orders wouldn’t suffice, either. He had to inspire people to ignore their allegiances and duties to band together and pursue the greater good.

Khan’s words didn’t only have to be perfect. They also had to be heartfelt, able to resonate with something more profound than genes, stirring emotions and drives at the very foundation of every living being.

"We all come from different planets," Khan announced, the quadrant’s mana echoing his voice, making it sound as if the sky itself was speaking.

"Different alliances," Khan continued, "Different cultures, different worlds."

That very meeting among evolved representatives couldn’t be more emblematic of that feature. Different, often conflicting cultures had come together, ignoring past grudges and incompatibilities to work toward a common goal.

"We follow different values," Khan added, "Abide by different rules, strive toward different goals. We even have different skills, looks, and tastes, but we do have one thing in common."

Khan stopped, letting the echoes of his voice exhaust their power, waiting for silence to fall on the white desert.

"We all want to live," Khan declared, his voice heavier this time, conveying more of its weight across the quadrant.

The reason didn’t matter. The different goals didn’t, either. Everything risked ceasing to exist, demanding utmost priority.

"The enemy at our doors doesn’t know compromise," Khan stated. "It won’t listen to reason. It’s death incarnate for anything that carries or has been touched by the mana. It’s death for us and life as we know it."

That was the True Chaos’ greatest advantage and most terrifying feature. That enemy had a single-minded purpose, turning a multitude of warriors into a joint, unshakable army that would benefit from any division from its opponents.

"This will be the greatest battle of our times," Khan continued, "The only battle that truly matters, a battle to affirm our very right to exist in the universe, a battle that is already upon us."

Khan couldn’t stress that point enough. Despite the universal invasion, he knew someone would still disregard the threat, either out of greed or sheer inability to comprehend it.

In a way, Khan struggled on that last point, too. Imagining an enemy capable of devouring something as vast and endless as the universe went beyond his brain’s capabilities. Yet, he wasn’t wrong, just like he was right about the need to defeat it.

"I’m strong," Khan exclaimed. "I’m truly incredibly strong. I’m stronger than any of you can imagine, so I’ll be sure to face the greatest threats."

Liiza had to muster the entirety of her self-restraint not to squeeze Khan’s hand harder. As much as she accepted that her husband had to fulfill that role and was the only one who could, she couldn’t help but be worried.

"But there are more threats below the top," Khan continued. "The enemy leader has beings of immense might under his command, and they are probably far more numerous than I can ever predict."

Information could win wars, but the True Chaos had the undeniable upper hand there. It was too mysterious an enemy to study. Khan wouldn’t even know where to begin. He could only prepare for the worst and hope it would be enough.

"I wish I could fight them all on my own," Khan admitted, "Remove that threat altogether, diminishing the casualties on our side, and making it easier for everyone."

Actually, Khan would have preferred to fight that entire war on his own instead of sending people to their deaths. He didn’t care for the glory of recognition. He only wanted that issue dealt with, but one thing was painfully clear.

"I truly wish I could," Khan repeated, sighing, "But I can’t. This enemy is bigger than anything I ever want to be, and I can’t defeat it alone."

The final enemy was a God with unknown might, and his underlings were no pushovers. Khan couldn’t allow himself to be distracted and lose focus on his actual target. That was a variable he couldn’t afford when the fate of the universe was at stake.

"I’ll share everything I know," Khan declared, "Everything I’ve learned from my nightmares, my trip to the Nak’s home world, and my last battle. I’ll even offer anything I own because none of that matters if we are dead."

Khan didn’t want to say his following words. They were quite shameful, but his pride couldn’t matter, and that wasn’t for the universe. He would gladly make a fool out of himself if that meant ensuring his daughter’s future.

"Just help me," Khan said. "I don’t care who you are, where you are from, what you look like, what language you speak, which Lords you serve, or what powers you wield. Just help us."

Surprisingly, the Emperor remained silent before Khan’s call for help. Despite the Thilku’s emphasis on pride, the Emperor acknowledged the strength required to put it aside, especially for someone in Khan’s position.

If anything, there was pride to be found in that, too.

"If you want to increase your chances of survival," Khan announced, "Fight with me. If you like your current life, join me. If you have anyone, anything you wish to protect, come by my side. I’ll welcome you all."

That didn’t sound like anything different from what Khan’s Baoway was already doing. However, his words had a deeper meaning for specific targets, which he hoped his message would reach and affect.

"Broken oaths can be mended," Khan said. "Betrayals can be forgiven. Anything is possible as long as we are alive, but, for that, we must win."

Khan loudly exhaled, unbothered by the fact that the symphony echoed that, too, before adding his last line. "Because today we are fighting death, and I promise you we can defeat it if we face it together."