Chaos Heir

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Tlexicpalli couldn't think. Khan's sudden sprint had silenced her brain, emptying it of thoughts and emotions. She was utterly dumbfounded, and most of the audience shared her reaction.

Khan calmly lifted his right leg, removing it from the ground to restore his foothold. His graceful moves didn't enlarge the cracks, but Tlexicpalli saw that something about him had changed. Khan's figure still felt weightless, but something dangerous and explosive had joined it.

'It's just better,' Khan thought, suppressing the urge to sigh.

The training halls had already confirmed it, but the latest execution had removed any doubts. The Transcendent Step was superior to the Lightning-Demon style in every aspect. Even the mere perfect execution of its foundation form surpassed the complete mastery of his first martial art.

Of course, Khan didn't limit his execution to the martial art's theory. He had added Maban's technique to the equation, bringing out more of its power. Still, even without the symphony's help and according to the training hall's calculations, the Transcendent Step's foundation form would remain faster than its predecessor.

Usually, Khan wouldn't reveal his real power to the public, especially to an audience that could spread that information to troublesome parties. Yet, the network needed reminders of his strength, and the Ef'i's arrival had created the perfect opportunity.

Khan could also see that his action had the intended effects. He lifted his bright eyes to the audience, and shocked faces filled his vision. Monica's proud and confident smile was the only exception since she knew about Khan's power-up.

The situation now only had one last issue. Khan turned, facing Tlexicpalli, and the two fell into another silent conversation. They both knew what Khan's demonstration implied, but the conclusion remained unclear.

Tlexicpalli's brain resumed working but only provided terrifying answers. Khan didn't take her by surprise now. He had actually warned her about the imminent attack, but she failed to see it anyway.

Moreover, the power of Khan's kicks had increased. His attacks already hurt, but the latest sprint had dug into the terrain, shattering the surrounding ground. Tlexicpalli's skin was tougher than that, but she wasn't sure whether she would come out of a direct blow in one piece.

Of course, battles weren't so simple, and both Khan and Tlexicpalli had yet to use spells. They also had more techniques in store, which could easily turn the tables in either's favor. Yet, it was clear their friendly spar had reached a critical point.

Blood had already been spilled, and things were bound to worsen if Khan and Tlexicpalli began fighting for real. Khan's latest attack also described how deadly the battle would be. One warrior was likely to die.

An ordinary Ef'i would disregard the threat of death and jump back into the battle. However, Tlexicpalli was an Ambassador. She had to keep her political role in mind, preventing her from acting freely.

Either dying or killing Khan were bad options for Tlexicpalli. Khan's prowess had just vouched for Baoway's training camps, so her species would miss out on an incredible chance by causing a mess. Tlexicpalli had to ignore her desires and consider the big picture, which inevitably led to one conclusion.

"[You are a great warrior, Prince Khan]," Tlexicpalli announced, dropping her fighting stance. "[I'm glad you've become even stronger]."

"[The Ef'i remain true to their name]," Khan matched the praise. "[I couldn't ask for better allies]."

Khan took the first step forward, and Tlexicpalli promptly imitated him. The two soon reached each other and shook their hands, respectfully ending the battle.

The audience obviously wasn't happy about that outcome, but its core members understood why the warriors had to opt for that path. Moreover, the short sparring had demonstrated enough. The Thilku spectators couldn't help but approve of the Ef'i's battle prowess, and the latter finally justified their innate respect for Khan.

Even the Scalqa looked pleased. They wanted to see more, but Khan's last sprint had reinforced the otherworldly idea in their minds. Khan wasn't only strong. He was stronger than other aliens, and following him could unlock new paths to power for their species.

"Lower the barrier!" Khan shouted from his position. "Prepare the [Feast]!"

The Thilku inevitably cheered at the news, and the involved parties began to move to prepare for the event. The night arrived by the time everything was ready, and a peculiar group gathered under a simple gazebo to watch it unfold.

The gazebo stood on a small hill surrounded by rocky ground. Scanners and drones surrounded it, and three teams stood past them, performing military salutes while waiting for more directives.

Meanwhile, Khan, Lord Exr, and Tlexicpalli sat under the gazebo, facing a table full of delicacies. The three teams also belonged to their species, ready for a traditional friendly contest that would see them hunting one of Baoway's monsters.

"This mountain area hides a big, hairy creature," Khan exclaimed, the drones outside the gazebo echoing and translating his voice. "Find and capture it."

The three teams obviously had the same equipment. The rocky area prevented the use of jeeps and bikes, but the soldiers still had a few rifles and metal nets. They lacked artificial lamps, but the drones would provide illumination when requested.

"Lord Exr," Khan called. "Would you like to do the honors?"

Lord Exr directly stood up, his small eyes browsing over the three teams. His gaze turned into a glare when he looked at his fellow Thilku, clearly pressuring them into winning. Still, he eventually opened his mouth to voice a human "Begin!".

The teams immediately dispersed, diving into the rocky environment to look for the monster. Meanwhile, Lord Exr returned to his seat, seizing a bowl to eat.

Khan and Tlexicpalli imitated him, and silence spread at the table while the three ate. Still, some tension slowly built up, and the hovering screens depicting the team's efforts couldn't distract the trio from it.

"You held two fights in my absence," Lord Exr commented, keeping his eyes on the almost empty bowl. "I wish I witnessed them."

"They were both inconclusive," Khan reassured. "The tournament will have the real battles."

"We can always host more," Tlexicpalli said. "I know my warriors won't refuse them."

The three had agreed to speak in human language to avoid misunderstandings and secret conversations, but the atmosphere remained far from friendly. Lord Exr had also just learned about the previous battles, which disappointed him.

"Are you insinuating something, Ef'i?" Lord Exr asked.

"I do wish to test the Empire's might more in detail," Tlexicpalli revealed. "We could host a private tournament and see which species have the best warriors."

"If you wish to see so many of your warriors perish," Lord Exr snorted.

"You have been here for months," Tlexicpalli exclaimed, "But your pride stopped you from asking for superior training camps. Horrendous."

"The Empire has superior training camps," Lord Exr stated.

"Does it?" Tlexicpalli asked. "Then, the Ef'i's superiority will be uncontested once we gain access to them."

"Are you implying that mere training camps can make your species surpass the Empire?" Lord Exr wondered.

"Will it?" Tlexicpalli questioned.

"It would also confirm its current inferiority," Lord Exr grinned.

"We are a battle race," Tlexicpalli claimed. "The best of you can match the best of us, but what about the rest?"

"Your words insult the Empire as a whole!" Lord Exr shouted, slamming his fist on the table. "You can endure some heat. The Thilku can endure stars!"

"You squandered your potential by expanding recklessly!" Tlexicpalli snorted. "Your average soldiers can't do anything against my species!"

"Shall we test it now?" Lord Exr questioned, standing up.

"Friends," Khan called, stopping his aura from revealing how annoyed he truly was. "Both your species are praiseworthy."

"Blue Shaman," Lord Exr announced. "You have witnessed the insult to the Empire. Are you willing to take the Ef'i's side on this matter?"

"There is no side," Khan claimed. "Both your warriors fought and found themselves worthy. This discussion is only petty bickering between two valiant species. It's demeaning."

Lord Exr refused to sit down, but Khan promptly looked at Tlexicpalli. She had started that bickering because she wanted to test the Thilku. Her approach would have the intended effect, but her friendship with Khan would suffer because of that.

"I apologize," Tlexicpalli sighed. "Lord Exr, please understand that my words merely have eagerness at their foundation. It's rare for the Ef'i to meet an equal match."

"[Ah]!" Lord Exr snorted. "Equal."

The comment didn't fully please Lord Exr, but he returned to his seat anyway. Truth be told, he understood the Ef'i's eagerness. Moreover, he realized his position there. Arguing before the [Feast]'s host was unbecoming.

"I know cohabitation is hard," Khan declared, "Especially between such proud species. However, I ask you to compromise for my sake. We are all aware of the benefits of this cooperation, so let it go smoothly."

Silence followed, but the two guests soon broke it with requests.

"I want my warriors to test themselves against the Empire's soldiers," Tlexicpalli stated.

"The Empire needs access to those training camps," Lord Exr said.

"The Ef'i also want to fight the planet's natives," Tlexicpalli added, "And the human soldiers stationed here."

"We require more [Feasts]," Lord Exr announced, "And a festival for My Lord's eventual arrival."

"Done," Khan uttered, holding back a sigh.

The two guests pretended that the concessions were still unsatisfactory but didn't add anything. Lord Exr soon resumed eating, and Tlexicpalli eventually added a joke.

"I don't envy you, Prince Khan," Tlexicpalli admitted. "It must be hard to force such different species to cooperate."

"Don't worry," Khan exclaimed. "I'm about to add another."

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