Chapter 200: Implanting new bloodlines (II)
Grand Marshal Anglius’ face was pale as the pain of the runic pen moving across his skin was immense, but he remained steady until the last line of the bloodline matrix was complete. Only then did the middle-aged man allow his body to tremble for several seconds as he shook away the pain.
Vlad glanced from a distance at the massive body of the middle-aged man, and after giving some time for Grand Marshal Anglius to rest, he spoke. "How have things been going with Overlord? Are you adapting well?"
Grand Marshal Anglius was a little surprised by the sudden question. As he was about to speak, he stopped for a moment and looked around, searching for the right words.
Vlad smiled as he saw that and shook his head. "Don’t worry, you can speak freely. Overlord doesn’t care about your opinion. You could slander him, and as long as you are useful, he would still help you with all his capabilities."
Grand Marshal Anglius couldn’t help but glance at Vlad for a few seconds before speaking. "He is odd. His capabilities are beyond terrific, and even I cannot help but feel awe at his military tactics and logistics, but how he acts makes me uncomfortable." The middle-aged man paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "Overlord’s behavior is that of a sage, always with a kind smile, but I can feel he looks at me and everyone else as if we were mere numbers, and if our usefulness diminished, he would discard us without hesitation."
Vlad remained silent. He had given the A.I. Chip Clone a human demeanor, and it did a great job projecting it, but there were those experienced and wise enough to see beyond it.
"You are right. Overlord doesn’t really care about you. He will protect the Xaos Kingdom with all his power, but if you or anyone else fails to meet its needs, he will replace you with someone who can." Vlad paused, then sighed before coldness appeared in his eyes. "Even loyalty is only a qualitative measurement to Overlord. Feelings do not matter; the only thing that matters is the improvement of the Xaos Kingdom and the progress of those who live in it."
Grand Marshal Anglius felt the weight of Vlad’s words, the gravity of the situation settling heavily in the air. "And what are your thoughts, my King?" he asked in a solemn tone, wanting to understand what drove the young man whose will and goals he followed.
Vlad patted the giant’s shoulder and looked at him, staring into his eyes with unwavering resolve. "Loyalty is very important to me, which is why I am giving you the tools needed to prove your worth. However, if Overlord determines that there is someone better for the job, I will seriously consider his suggestion."
The exchange hung in the air, the implications clear. The balance of power and trust within the Xaos Kingdom was delicate, and both men understood the stakes.