Chaos' Heir-Chapter 1166: Sacrifice

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"Prince Khan," A robotic, altered voice eventually resounded from the control desk. "I'm grateful and honored you finally granted me an audience."

Everything on the bridge flickered as soon as Khan heard that unrecognizable but familiar voice. In a different situation, Khan would have never considered that compromise. Raymond wouldn't have been able to draw a single breath in his presence before dying. Yet, that environment and distance provided room for negotiations.

"I despise killing," Khan announced, "But I can't wait to kill you, Raymond."

"I'm sure of that, Prince Khan," The robotic voice replied. "Maybe one day you'll get that chance."

"Drop the act, Raymond," Khan ordered. "You wanted to negotiate with me. Here I am."

"The here is vague," Raymond stated. "If I had to guess, you are in Coravis' neighborhood, watching over whatever revolutionary resource you found there."

Khan was actually far away from Coravis. He had left that planet's quadrant weeks ago, but his desire to prove Raymond wrong wasn't as relevant as the necessity for secrecy.

If anything, Raymond had used that line to mask his real intentions. The man wanted to imply he knew about Coravis and the Great Old One, but Khan didn't let it fool him.

"You are bluffing," Khan claimed. "If you keep playing your games, I'll end the call here and now."

"I apologize, Prince Khan," Raymond said. "It has been so long. I couldn't help myself, but the tables have indeed turned."

Khan didn't reply, and neither Raymond nor he needed to add anything to clarify the situation. Both Khan's and Raymond's statuses had significantly changed over the years, and the former's transformation went beyond that.

Raymond was now a relatively public criminal. The Global Army didn't label him that since the Cobsend family wanted to keep the issue within their ranks, but enough powerful parties looked for him to force him into hiding. Khan also trusted Luke to stay true to his word, so the matter was pretty much settled.

Meanwhile, Khan had grown into one of the most powerful and influential figures in and outside humankind. Moreover, his political expertise had increased by leaps and bounds. He wasn't the clueless and powerful kid Raymond had been able to play with and manipulate in the past anymore.

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"I got my hands on some data and samples of your alien army," Raymond explained. "My unique situation gives me more than enough free time, so I thought of completing your project for you."

As much as Khan hated to admit it, Raymond was resourceful and skilled, especially regarding mutations. Khan wouldn't take his word for it, but chances were he had truly succeeded in developing synthetic organic mana cores.

The problem was what Raymond wanted in exchange.

"I assure you the procedure was and is harmless for the Scalqa," Raymond continued. "I took into account your protective proclivity when working on the project. I'm also confident I'll be able to synthesize Scalqa's tissues soon, cutting your valiant army out of production entirely."

That sounded too good to be true, but technology was often like that. Besides, Khan had seen Raymond restoring a Nak's hand to life with different and unsuitable materials. He could have truly succeeded, but the problem remained.

"And what do you want in exchange for the samples, formulas, and procedure details?" Khan asked.

"A seat at your table, Prince Khan," Raymond revealed.

"Impossible," Khan declared.

"Prince Khan, I could be your greatest asset," Raymond insisted. "I'm sure I've proven my expertise and skills many times over. I'd be glad to add them to your force."

Khan didn't know whether to cry or laugh. Raymond had tried all his life to control or isolate Khan, but his current offer went in the opposite direction. Raymond was aware Khan had forever escaped his reach, so he could only push for him to accept his services.

"If you want to help me from whatever hole you are hiding," Khan voiced, "Go ahead. However, as soon as your head pops out, I'll cut it."

As much as Khan was ready to give up on his anger, he remained an uncompromising being. That wasn't even a matter of decisions or rational thought anymore. Khan knew he couldn't control himself if he ever sniffed the faintest trace of Raymond's scent.

"Is there no redeeming me, Prince Khan?" Raymond asked.

Khan couldn't help but fall down memory lane. Raymond had done many despicable things, but Khan wasn't innocent there. In some convoluted way, Khan also understood Raymond. The man had a lofty goal and would stop at nothing to reach it, just like Khan did.

However, understanding didn't mean acceptance. Some might see Khan as a hypocrite, but he still had his twisted values. Khan wasn't shy about killing people who had gotten in his way, but Raymond had caused plenty of casualties as a simple side effect of an experiment. Khan couldn't agree with that.

Moreover, putting Monica and George at risk was a deadly sin for Khan. It didn't matter what Raymond did. Khan couldn't forgive him. Accepting his help already was as much as Khan could push it.

"No," Khan eventually said.

"Very well," Raymond responded. "Then, I request your genetic material in exchange for the synthetic organic mana cores."

"I'm not giving you my genetic material," Khan instantly refused, "Or anyone, for that matter. The best I can offer is my current data."

Khan wasn't willing to give Garret all his genetic material, so Raymond was out of the question. Khan couldn't even imagine what that mad scientist would create from his samples and didn't want to find out. Besides, one monster like him was enough for the universe.

"The current and previous data," Raymond bargained. "If I can't study you, I'd love to look at how much you have grown, Prince Khan."

Khan hesitated, but the price didn't sound too bad. Raymond couldn't do much with data alone, and giving him his current stats could scare him enough to dispel any idea of treachery and betrayal. Even Raymond would have to hold back on the ploys before a being as strong as a planet, probably.

Of course, Khan wouldn't make that decision without consulting his scientists, so he steered the call in that direction.

"It might be agreeable," Khan announced. "My scientists will let you know what I decide."

"It's a pleasure finally doing business with you again, Prince Khan," Raymond exclaimed, but Khan cut the call short before he could add anything else. Nevertheless, Khan soon spoke again.

"What do you think?" Khan asked.

"I'm ashamed, My Prince," Abraham declared. "You shouldn't be forced to negotiate with such dishonorable characters due to my incompetence."

"It's not your fault," Khan reassured. "It's mine. My demands have grown increasingly crazy over a short period of time."

"Your demands have only adjusted to your status, My Prince," Abraham commented. "It's your right to expect your subjects to keep up with you."

"I told you, it's fine," Khan sighed. "So, are the terms acceptable?"

"They are, My Prince," Abraham confirmed. "I just wish you wouldn't have to sacrifice yourself like this."

"I'll pay whatever price is necessary," Khan declared. "Just make sure it's worth it."

"I will, My Prince," Abraham promised. "I won't let your sacrifice go to waste."

"Also, Abraham," Khan called.

"Yes, My Prince?" Abraham asked.

"Don't give him an inch," Khan ordered.

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