The meeting featured one evolved warrior with immense knowledge in the ways of the mana and the universe, and two existences that were ready to border on godhood.
Yet, none of those elites among elites could prehend what a God was capable of. That being was beyond their realm of understanding, so any strategy they came up with was bound to be flawed.
Of course, powerlessness wasn’t something the representatives could accept on the spot.
"I’m sorry, but what does this mean for us?" Dean Ulluw asked. "We can’t just ignore the problem."
Liiza’s bright eyes fell on the human representative, conveying their characteristic chilling vibe. It appeared as if she was making a silent threat or felt insulted for being called by someone other than her husband, but she replied anyway.
"Our enemy is a God," Liiza declared, "A being as vast and stronger than the very mana. That is the only problem."
Despite Liiza’s seemingly grumpy stance, her words rang true. All the strategies in the world wouldn’t work if the allied front didn’t solve the main problem, which was having the ability to defeat an actual God.
That was an undeniable truth, a hurdle that no amount of battle plans and preparations could overe. The allied front was made of ants trying to use their limited and flawed knowledge to defeat a dragon. None of that could work. Their reasoning was wrong at its very foundation.
It truly seemed the regulated universe had to accept powerlessness, which didn’t e easily to people who had been at the known peak of the realms of mana for years or decades. Even Khan didn’t like the idea of standing still, but knew better than to contradict his wife.
"Blue’s wife is scary," Lord Mighty whispered, grinning. "He chose well."
"Indeed," Lord Envoy mented. "They are a good match."
"Lord Envoy is correct," Lord Enforcer added.
"I said that first!" Lord Mighty plained. "Old Envoy, stop being so liked."
"I’ll try my best as long as it doesn’t affect the Emperor," Lord Envoy chuckled.
"You are just too easy to tease," Lord Blind Sword sighed.
"But you are the one everyone likes to tease," Lord Mighty pointed out.
"Lord Idiot Muscles is correct," Lord Enforcer stated, making Lord Blind Sword snap his eye-less face at him.
The Royal Guards’ bickering continued, and Liiza couldn’t help but blush under the occasional praises that flew her way. That was far from the proper behavior at such an important meeting, but their Thilku leader was the worst of them all.
"[Ah]!" The Emperor cried, inflicting untold damage to the already ruined desert. "I also approve of your wife, Lord Blue Shaman."
Khan blinked. As much as he appreciated those pliments, that wasn’t the appropriate place or time, especially after Liiza mentioned such a troublesome point.
However, Liiza wasn’t on Khan’s side there. She stopped minding Yeza to take his hand, making their tattoos join before looking proudly at the other representatives.
Somehow, the threat of the True Chaos’ God came after declaring to the world that Liiza was proud of being Khan’s wife. It was also Khan’s job to get the meeting back on track, but he couldn’t when Liiza looked so happy.
It didn’t help that the issue had no solution. Khan didn’t have anything meaningful to add or a proper strategy that could improve what the Emperor had suggested. As reckless as it sounded, the allied front’s only shot at victory was to switch to the offensive.
"It seems we can’t plan much further for now," Khan announced. "Let us vow our cooperation for now. Let’s join forces to study the attack in the hope of finding some trail the True Chaos might have left behind."
"Prince Khan," Dean Ulluw called. "Are you asking us to wait in the hope of some miraculous discovery?"
"We need to regroup anyway," Khan stated, using his free hand to refill his drink. "Learning what we can about the attack is also mandatory, and we wouldn’t just do that."
Giving orders wasn’t ideal in that still-uncertain cooperation, but Khan knew where each species could shine better than the individual representatives at the meeting. He was the only one who could formulate a plan that involved everyone on the spot. Actually, he already did.
"The Thilku Empire has the biggest domain," Khan declared. "The data it can provide about the attack is priceless. We’ll need that."
Khan sipped from his cup before continuing. "I expect humankind to do the same. We can’t have freeloaders, not now."
If Savdat were there, she would understand where Khan was going. He was about to deliver the same speech he had made to her, obviously adjusting it to the new data.
"The Kros, Fuveall, Global Army, and my scientists should work on studying the data," Khan continued, making sure to add a key point. "Together! If anyone can find the True Chaos’ home, it’s all of you and your unique expertise bined."
Some discontent was already accumulating on Khan’s side of the table, or sand, so he decided to address that species next.
"The Thilku Empire should be our side’s main fighting force," Khan stated, "Together with the Ef’i, and my Scalqa. Humankind should support them, too."
The discontent on Khan’s side turned into satisfaction, which also gave birth to a silent rivalry before Mazatl’s challenging grin. Still, Khan ignored that for now.
"However, it’s clear we can’t just throw troops at the enemy," Khan added. "We have a weapon that works. My force’s mutagen has proven itself useful. The Niqols and my scientists are already testing it further, but I’d like to add the Nele, the Kros, and the Fuveall to the project."
"The Kros are interested in experimenting with this mutagen," The tall alien sphere said in its manufactured human voice.
"The Global Army also expressed its interest in the subject," Dean Ulluw added.
"The Fuveall and your forces have already worked well together, Prince Khan," Pa-ankh stated. "We’ll join the project as long as we can enjoy the same scientific liberties."
"That’s fine by me," Khan agreed. "Still, the Fuveall have connections with Milia 222. I wonder if they can involve the Tors in these projects. I also need a direct line of munication with any Orlats of some relevance."
"The Orlats, Prince Khan?" Pa-ankh asked.
"Yes, they are the best at scouting and gathering information," Khan confirmed, standing up. "Please, tell them to e to the negotiating table before I burn them all."
"Lord Blue Shaman," The Emperor called. "We must feast for your victory!"
"Hold that thought, Emperor," Khan said. "We will celebrate, but later. Just start implementing these agreements in the meantime."
"Prince Khan, the Global Army will need an explanation for your absence," Dean Ulluw pointed out, watching as Liiza also stood up and handed the yawning Yeza to Khan.
"I don’t really care about what the Global Army needs," Khan admitted. "But, if you really want to know, I’m going to sleep!"
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