Chaos' Heir

Chapter 984: Shatter



Those ominous final words didn't affect Khan at all. Brigadier General Meadrey wanted to reveal the deeper intention in his actions, but Khan couldn't care one bit. In his mind, that battle was a simple retribution for his dead crew.

'Saving humankind,' Khan internally scoffed, storing his phone. 'If only he knew.'

The call had made one point clear. Brigadier General Meadrey didn't care that he was being used. If anything, he sounded glad to have the opportunity to enforce his vision to the Global Army's political environment.

Truthfully, Khan couldn't blame the General. He could see things from his perspective. Khan's power and actions had caused quite the mayhem inside humankind. The tournament had improved his reputation, but the Global Army's higher-ups weren't so easily tricked.

Still, that didn't matter. Khan had come to peace with his actions long ago. He understood the world's perspective but also had his own to keep in mind.

Khan could have avoided strife with the Global Army. He could have also saved himself from the many troubles that had afflicted his life. He just had to accept his curse and give up on pursuing any kind of happiness, and his problems would have disappeared.

However, how could a clueless kid from the slums accept that outcome? How could Khan give in to his desperation and stop searching for a solution to his nightmares?

Even old and wise sages, let alone Khan, would struggle to accept such a pitiful life. Moreover, his initial intentions had been pure. He only wanted to get rid of the nightmares and escape his bottomless desperation. Khan didn't even dare to dream of happiness back then. He only craved silent nights.

Of course, things quickly became complicated, and Khan's mindset and goal had also changed. Uncovering the nightmares' secrets and having a taste of happiness had turned Khan's simple approach into a mature and more profound journey. It wasn't about removing the curse anymore. He now had to save the universe.

Khan could have still contained himself after discovering the scarlet eyes' threats, but his affections had made that impossible. Loving and being loved had enlarged the scope of his journey. Khan couldn't just save the universe anymore. He also had to pursue his own happiness.

Desire was the root of many problems. Obtaining something meant depriving others of that very thing. A world where everyone was happy was a utopian idea. Khan had to step on others to seize what he wanted, especially when it came to emotions as intense as love.

Khan had first gone against the Global Army for Liiza, and their relationship had forever changed his mindset. Jenna had taught him to accept that pursuing happiness wasn't a mistake, even for him. If anything, his cursed life made him worthier than anyone else.

Monica had been the final blow. Her complicated position had forced Khan into a mess of politics, status, and compromises, chaining him to an immense array of rules, expectations, and intricate relationships.

An ordinary soldier would have failed at that step, but Khan had emerged victorious, obtaining what he wanted. The crown on his head had been the price and honor of that accomplishment, setting his new status in stone.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Nevertheless, as complicated as things had gotten, Khan only saw an innocent driving force behind his actions. He only wanted to keep the things he had begun to love close and safe. They were his happiness, so he would defend them with his life, which led to clashes.

A single man's happiness was nothing compared to an entire species' safety, but Khan needed to feel that right to exist, so he would keep fighting for what he wanted. After all, everyone did that. Khan simply wielded enough power to spread greater repercussions.

'Existing isn't a sin,' Khan thought. 'You are right. I don't belong, but that doesn't mean I should quietly step aside. I breathe, so I have a right to exist.'

The night turned into morning during Khan's pondering. The Scalqa woke up and exited their quarters without needing orders, gathering behind Khan while Gadus R's star appeared on the horizon. The camp's artificial lights went dark as natural illumination invaded the area, marking the arrival of the appointed time.

Khan stood up and glanced past his shoulders. The Scalqa had already arranged themselves into the planned battle formation. Multiple lines of shielded soldiers alternated themselves with aliens wielding rifles. All of them had worn their armor, only waiting for their leader to launch themselves into battle.

A buzzing noise reached Khan's ears during the inspection. His phone confirmed that the war clock had started to tick. The siege could begin, so he didn't waste more time.

Khan stepped forward, and the Scalqa followed. The imposing battalion advanced through the street until barren, sandy ground replaced the metal floor. The distant fort also grew closer, quickly revealing its walls' height.

A six-story tall barrier became visible, its shadow stretching several meters on the fort's side. The incredible sight could make the primitive aliens stop in shock, but Khan kept advancing, so the Scalqa did, too.

More details became apparent as the distance shortened. Long barrels peeked out from the wall's top and surface, aiming at the incoming battalion. The army had yet to enter the appointed battlefield, but those turrets were ready to submerge it in bullets.

Khan paid the turrets no heed. He even ignored the many soldiers on the fort's walls. He kept marching forward, but his steps gradually brought him into the air. Khan walked diagonally through the sky, leading his battalion from above.

The sandy ground didn't have clear markers for the appointed battlefield, but a loud siren eventually resounded inside the fort, announcing that the battalion had stepped into the war

zone.

The Scalqa had received specific orders and training, so they lifted their rectangular, metal shields while continuing their march toward the fort. As for the tall structure, it waited a few seconds before an azure rain hid its true form.

The battalion and fort still were a few hundred meters apart, but that distance was nothing for the turrets. Those long-range weapons fired multiple rounds in a row, filling the sky with a barrage of bullets. Most aimed at the Scalqa, but many also flew toward Khan. The bullets were fast, but the Scalqa were ready. They lifted their shields, preparing themselves for the impact. The sky turned azure as its blinding radiance grew closer, but Khan saw everything in slow motion, and the fearsome sight only earned itself a single word from him: "[Shatter]."