Silence reigned while the guests kept themselves busy. Some returned to the table, indulging in drinks and refreshments. Others began pacing around the room, unclear about what to do next.
As for Khan, he kept staring at the open area, overwhelmed by his many questions. Colonel Norrett's attempt to surpass the limits of the fifth level had ended in failure, but Khan had still learned a lot, leaving him confused and hesitant about his future.
"I should check on Mark," Robert Bizelli suddenly announced, breaking the silence. "I'm sure he has hired the right people, but an additional pair of eyes can't hurt."
"Should I come too, father?" Garret Bizelli immediately asked.
"No need," Robert responded, waving his hand. "I'm mostly going as a friend."
Garret could only nod and watch as his father approached the door on the other side of the room. The building had already given him clearance, allowing his passage without requiring additional safety measures.
All the guests watched Robert's departure, but the closing of the metal door brought their eyes back to the table or other areas of the room. No one knew what to say, and Khan was no exception.
Khan's mind lingered on the issues concerning his prospects before giving up on the matter altogether. It was pointless to waste time on questions he couldn't answer. Gathering more information on the topic would be a wise move, but the general mood in the room prevented that.
That lack of options pushed Khan to the table. He didn't sit, but the event was over, so he poured himself a drink. He didn't think relaxing would lead to answers, but that didn't stop him from trying.
Khan's arrival at the table brought some attention to him. After all, his presence at the event was quite peculiar, and his fame preceded him. His interaction with Major General Arngan also added weight to his whole political figure, making many guests curious about him.
Of course, the guests couldn't just approach Khan. Each move there had heavy political repercussions, so showing explicit interest in Khan would tell him how much power he held.
Moreover, seizing the initiative in those political moves could trigger a chain reaction and turn Khan into the most sought figure in the room. Those higher-ups and important people couldn't let that happen, and their experience in the field created a silent understanding of the matter.
In theory, Khan had to be the one to make the first move. He was a rising star in the political world with infinite potential, so it was in his best interest to interact with important people he wouldn't otherwise have the chance to meet.
Major General Arngan was only one example of a relevant political connection Khan could try to build in that situation. The other guests were all worthy of his efforts, and a few started wondering where he would go first. The guests didn't even consider he would miss that chance.
Sadly for the guests, the reality was completely different. Khan realized the uniqueness of his current situation and the fortunate opportunity he had received. He also sensed the rising curiosity toward him, but his mind was elsewhere. His brain continued generating thoughts about the evolution, keeping his attention on the topic while the good booze ran down his throat.
The three methods for the evolution all had advantages and disadvantages, especially in Khan's specific situation. Yet, those were only human approaches, and his knowledge spanned far farther than that.
Hypotheses and simulations involving alien arts crossed Khan's mind while his gaze was lost on the table. He had taken a glimpse into the theory behind the evolution, so he tried to apply it to his broader knowledge.
'I'm pretty sure the Nele and Niqols would opt for the natural induction,' Khan thought. 'I can't speak about the Thilku, but their runes should have some use too.'
Khan instinctively shook his head, taking another sip. The natural induction would remove his worries about his destructive mana, but giving up on a stronger body wasn't an option. In that case, it was better to take the coward's way out with the aided metamorphosis.
'Can't I fuse the two inductions?' Khan cursed, turning to inspect the glass dome again. 'Am I being too unrealistic?'
Khan knew the topic was still too distant. He didn't have the knowledge or finances to begin preparing for the procedure. He wasn't even sure he wanted to tackle it through the human approach. However, that never stopped him from trying to develop plans.
That stance prevented the arrival of any political move for entire minutes. Khan even returned to the table to refill his drink while remaining immersed in his thoughts. He was in his own world, but someone eventually forced him to return to reality.
The room had one guest that could approach Khan without triggering any political maneuver. Garret's status as a prodigy put him in the same league as Khan, and his father had even partaken in his promotion. It was in his best interest to establish a good relationship with him.
"Captain Khan," Garret announced while approaching Khan. "We have time now, so I'd like to introduce myself."
Khan found a stretched hand when he lifted his gaze from his drink. Garret had opted for a friendly approach over the usual military salutes, which Khan appreciated.
Moreover, Robert Bizelli had given Khan a good impression during his promotion, and Garret had even filled gaps in his knowledge during the previous questioning. Khan had every reason to be friendly with him, and his mana agreed.
"Khan is fine," Khan exclaimed, shaking Garret's hand. "Allow me to thank you, Mister Bizelli. I would have been lost without your explanation."
"Please, just Garret," Garret smiled. "Also, that was nothing. I'm more than happy to share my medical knowledge with friends."
Robert didn't manage to do much during Khan's promotion, but that short interaction had been enough to establish a good foundation. Garret expanded that by labeling Khan as a friend, and he happily accepted that approach. The sole fact that Colonel Norrett was on the Bizelli family's good side was enough for him.
"Care to share more?" Khan asked, letting go of Garret's hand.
"It's no problem at all," Garret declared, pointing at the table. "Shall we take a seat?"
Khan didn't reply but sat at the table, and Garret quickly imitated him. Things didn't end there since Khan proceeded to fill two cups and give one to Garret, which he accepted with a polite smile.
"Just to clarify," Khan spoke as soon as Garret seized his drink. "That was the extreme induction, right?"
"Indeed," Garret nodded. "Sadly, its success rate is meager, and its survival rate is also scary. In my humble opinion, the Colonel has hired a wise crew."
"There's no need to be humble," Khan uttered. "After all, I read your profile."
"And I read yours," Garret responded. "Being humble is mandatory."
Khan obviously scanned Garret's mana the whole time. He wouldn't miss a single ripple in his aura but sensed no lies. Garret felt like an upright man with great resolve, drive, and ambition. Khan could only praise Robert for doing a good job with him.
"Still, I was wondering," Khan changed the topic. "How big is the difference between natural and extreme induction?"
"On complete result?" Garret asked.
"Or earlier," Khan replied. "I don't really know the difference."
"Well," Garret said, sipping from his drink while he straightened his thoughts. "The natural induction can eventually lead to the same results as the extreme, but the process can take years if not decades."
"Decades?" Khan couldn't help but ask.
"Mutations are a dangerous matter," Garret explained. "Elevating and evolving an entire body to its full potential without external inputs can take forever."
Garret made sure to nod at the other guests, and Khan understood the meaning behind that gesture. Nothing said that those fifth-level warriors weren't attempting the natural induction. The difference in their power actually proved the opposite.
Khan began to have doubts about his understanding of the fifth level. His senses weren't flawless, so his attention went on the other guests while his eyes remained on Garret. Still, his inspection couldn't last long.
"You have insights into alien methods," Major General Arngan exclaimed, joining the conversation. "What's your take on this?"
Khan couldn't help but glance at the Major General. Humans rarely mentioned his connection to alien arts, but the old man appeared interested, and the guests shared his curiosity. Somehow, Khan had become an expert and a celebrity in that isolated environment.
"There are ways to control mutations," Khan revealed, looking at Garret. "I don't know if that can help."
Khan partially understood the complications behind that suggestion, and Garret didn't lie to make him look good.
"Controlling means limiting," Garret explained. "Evolutions are unpredictable. The Global Army tried and failed every time to standardize the extreme induction."
"What do you mean by failed?" Khan questioned.
"The subjects died," Garret revealed. "It is possible to aim for the ideal body, but that always fails to create a beating heart or a working brain."
"Is it that bad?" Khan wondered.
"Everyone would approach the evolution otherwise," Garret replied. "Mutating into a superior being is no easy feat. The Global Army is barely starting to learn that field."
"Why does it teach about higher potential, then?" Khan asked.
"Flexibility," Major General Arngan ended up answering the question. "Humans can choose any path they want, be it greatness or mediocrity."
"Alien species usually don't have as much freedom," Garret added. "The whole aided metamorphosis is an unknown field to them."
"You do know your stuff, kid," Major General Arngan praised.
"I have my father and family to thank for my preparation," Garret bowed his head in respect.
"They indeed did a good job," Major General Arngan declared before looking at Khan. "Do you have anything to add?"
"Is your arm a problem in the evolution?" Khan asked, uncaring of what the audience might think.
"As a matter of fact," Major General Arngan announced, "It is. My skin already tried to fill the gaps. I'm not sure the Global Army can produce enough mana for me to recreate my limb."
Khan was almost ready to speak but forced his mouth to stay shut. He might find a solution to the issue in the future, but giving hope to soldiers who had outlived him multiple times didn't feel right.
"You know," Garret intervened due to the awkward situation. "The Solodre-."
"No," Khan directly interrupted. "You are talking to me."
Major General Arngan chuckled before Garret's speechlessness. The young man immediately realized his mistake, but pure coldness remained before him. Khan didn't accept compromises. He was ready to make a mess if anyone tried to mention his girlfriend's family.
