My Talent's Name Is Generator Chapter 733: General Kharzun

"Why are you fretting over this?" Lyrate remarked with steady calm. "No matter what comes, we'll deal with it sooner or later. You're not someone who quits partway through. All that's required is for us to stay prepared."

I breathed out gradually and rose to my feet.

"Right," I replied. "We'll find out what awaits us ahead. In the meantime, brace yourself to scare off a crowd."

Soon enough, the fabric of space wavered once more.

Saleos materialized next to us, his stance upright, his face composed yet watchful.

"They’ve arrived," he announced. "The envoys from demon central command."

The atmosphere changed in an instant.

No longer was this about battle strategies. Now it turned to diplomacy.

We stayed put on the shattered surface of the central level. The surrounding emptiness had quieted down, though remnants of deathmist lingered like dissipating vapors. Ruined debris hovered off in the distance.

Demon troops were recovering and healing up.

Medics dashed about busily.

Several minutes ticked by.

Then the void twisted.

A vessel burst forth from the emptiness.

Unlike the enormous battle cruisers favored by the Ferans, this one was sleek, sturdy, and weighty in appearance. Its exterior gleamed in dull black, accented by rich red streaks carved into it, pulsing softly from the runes worked within.

The craft decelerated and positioned itself close to the platform.

With a low rumble of machinery, the entryway slid open.

Three forms emerged.

The leader was elderly.

His shoulders stooped a bit. He wore heavy, multi-layered armor crafted from shadowy alloy, unmarked by any damage. It seemed fresh and buffed to a shine. His horns swept rearward, briefer than those of typical demons at his level, their ends rounded from use. His gaze pierced keenly, remained firm, and carried profound weariness.

Trailing him came two younger demons.

Each stood tall and wide across the chest, shirtless, their frames etched with battle marks and war tattoos. One bore a huge halberd slung over his shoulder, while the other held a sweeping sword that vibrated gently with warmth.

I assessed them on reflex.

The elder demon.

His power hovered in the upper four hundreds. Nearing five hundred.

A true beast.

His escorts lagged not far. Peak Transcendents.

The trio advanced as one.

In a blink, they vanished.

The space bent sharply, smooth and exact.

They reappeared right before us.

Saleos moved ahead at once, pressing a fist to his chest.

"Commander Saleos," he stated. "Guardian of this breach. It’s an honor to greet you, General Kharzun."

The elder demon regarded him briefly, then offered a subtle smile.

"Saleos," he replied. His tone grated roughly, aged, yet reliable. "It’s been ages. I recall you as a Grandmaster, in my chambers, wondering if fear ever fades completely."

Saleos returned the smile, a uncommon gentleness softening his features.

"That counsel stuck with me," he said. "It guided me to my current position."

Kharzun dipped his head in acknowledgment.

"Fine," he remarked. "Then sharing it paid off."

The general swiveled his gaze to the barren spot where the rift had stood.

Nothing lingered there anymore. No light. No warp. Merely emptiness.

"Well then," he murmured deliberately. "It’s sealed for good."

He let out a breath.

"How many years since we managed to seal a breach this severe?"

His trailing demons tensed a touch.

Saleos responded in a hushed tone.

"Far too many."

Kharzun inclined his head once more.

"This occasion will go down in history."

His attention swung back our way.

"And these," he noted, "aren’t your full team."

Saleos pivoted a fraction and indicated me.

"Meet Billion Ironhart," he introduced. "Head of the Order of Absolute."

Kharzun’s stare fixed on me right away.

The pair at his back deliberately released their presences.

Right then, I sensed it.

Ragnar’s energy roused initially. A subtle force expanding outward.

Aurora joined in, sparks of electricity dancing lightly under her mantle.

Knight’s darkness intensified, the area near him compressing faintly.

Lyrate’s aura unfolded like controlled expansion, principles of creation murmuring near the boundary of existence.

Silver’s core honed itself, steely and expansive.

The platform quivered.

I advanced prior to any further buildup and offered my hand.

"Pleased to meet you, General," I stated. "You’re always welcome to align with the Order of Absolute whenever you choose."

Silence hung in the void for an instant.

Then Kharzun chuckled.

A rich, authentic burst of laughter that resounded across the emptiness.

"Audacious," he declared, clasping my hand with solid strength. His hold was powerful. "Quite audacious."

He let go and peered past me at my companions.

"I understand now why this breach collapsed," he observed. "You’ve assembled beasts."

I offered a slight grin.

"Indeed. In the literal sense."

One of the junior demons in his wake emitted a soft huff.

Kharzun dismissed it with a gesture, not bothering to glance back.

"I owe you gratitude for your aid," he expressed, tone even. "You might grasp it or not, but your actions here will echo through demon lineages for ages. Countless will rest easy for the first time in years." His eyes flicked momentarily to Saleos. "Him included."

Saleos stayed silent, though his posture relaxed just a hint.

"This marks just the start, General," I declared. "I aim to restore demons to everyday existence. Not one of eternal vigilance in spots like this, mired in grief and bracing for the next catastrophe."

Kharzun examined me at length, then chuckled anew, more profoundly this round.

"Splendid," he approved. "I admire that spirit. I’m too ancient for such grand plans these days, but it fits a figure like you." His eyes tightened a fraction, keen even in his years. "One possessing... unique abilities."

My grin widened.

I knew precisely his implication. And I detected it in him too. That subtle, known weight encircling his aura. The quiet sign of system meddling. This veteran demon had journeyed with the system for quite some time.

If that positioned him as a friend or a trickier entity was yet unclear.

"Why not join us and your group back at Dragos," Kharzun suggested. "A feast awaits. Given your feats, skipping the tribute would be odd. I think you’ll find it to your liking."

I agreed with a single nod. "We intend to attend."

"Excellent," Kharzun replied. "Allow us a moment to survey the aftermath here. Once done, we’ll depart as one."

I nodded anew, and thus the trio of demons withdrew with Saleos.

As soon as they left, Steve popped up beside me and slung an arm around my shoulders casually.

"So," he said, flashing a smirk, "a feast. I’m eager for this one. Fingers crossed for some alluring demon women."

"Alluring demon women?" North interjected at once, arching a brow. "What about Mazikeen?"

Steve rubbed the nape of his neck. "Uh... she’s made it plain she’s not after anything serious."

"Serious?" Lyrate chimed in, tapping Steve’s forehead. "Who mentioned commitment? You can enjoy yourself casually."

Steve eyed her earnestly. "That seems awfully tricky. I lack talent for casual encounters."

"Allow this queen to show you the way," Lyrate purred, glancing aside. "Aurora?"

"Yes?" Aurora answered, curiosity lighting her expression.

"Care to wager on who beds a demon with him first?" Lyrate proposed.

"Hold on, what?" Steve sputtered.

Aurora fixed on Lyrate for a second. Then a gradual smile crept over her lips. "What’s on the line?"

"One additional vote," Lyrate stated evenly.

"Agreed," Aurora shot back without delay. She surged ahead, but Lyrate seized Steve by the locks and pulled him away before disappearing.

A thunderous crack rang out in the void as Aurora pursued, bolts crackling, with Steve’s alarmed yell trailing behind.