Khan had never felt comfortable leading people, especially when death was a possibility. That responsibility wasnât meant to be easy, and its unforgettable weight actually vouched for Khanâs suitability for the role.
Yet, Khan had to do just that now, and the stakes couldnât be higher. Moreover, he didnât 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 couldnât limit himself to a simple request. Orders wouldnât suffice, either. He had to inspire people to ignore their allegiances and duties to band together and pursue the greater good.
Khanâs words didnât 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 quadrantâs 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 couldnât 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 didnât matter. The different goals didnât, either. Everything risked ceasing to exist, demanding utmost priority.
"The enemy at our doors doesnât know compromise," Khan stated. "It wonât listen to reason. Itâs death incarnate for anything that carries or has been touched by the mana. Itâs death for us and life as we know it."
That was the True Chaosâ 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 couldnât 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 brainâs capabilities. Yet, he wasnât wrong, just like he was right about the need to defeat it.
"Iâm strong," Khan exclaimed. "Iâm truly incredibly strong. Iâm stronger than any of you can imagine, so Iâll be sure to face the greatest threats."
Liiza had to muster the entirety of her self-restraint not to squeeze Khanâs hand harder. As much as she accepted that her husband had to fulfill that role and was the only one who could, she couldnât 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 wouldnât 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 didnât 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 canât. This enemy is bigger than anything I ever want to be, and I canât defeat it alone."
The final enemy was a God with unknown might, and his underlings were no pushovers. Khan couldnât allow himself to be distracted and lose focus on his actual target. That was a variable he couldnât afford when the fate of the universe was at stake.
"Iâll share everything I know," Khan declared, "Everything Iâve learned from my nightmares, my trip to the Nakâs home world, and my last battle. Iâll even offer anything I own because none of that matters if we are dead."
Khan didnât want to say his following words. They were quite shameful, but his pride couldnât matter, and that wasnât for the universe. He would gladly make a fool out of himself if that meant ensuring his daughterâs future.
"Just help me," Khan said. "I donât 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 Khanâs call for help. Despite the Thilkuâs emphasis on pride, the Emperor acknowledged the strength required to put it aside, especially for someone in Khanâs 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. Iâll welcome you all."
That didnât sound like anything different from what Khanâs 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."