CHAPTER 820: OVERLORD AND CEZAR

Grand Marshal Anglius found himself momentarily at a loss for words, a complicated expression surfacing on his rugged face. The manner in which Cezar expressed himself, coupled with the unmistakable depth of wisdom within his eyes, presented a challenge that Anglius felt ill-equipped to overcome. Before him stood not merely a man but someone who had forged a hidden kingdom beneath the watchful eyes of countless enemies. In a world that had turned hostile, where every corner hid potential betrayal and even one’s own people hunted him relentlessly, Cezar had not only survived but flourished.

The level of cunning, resilience, and sheer brutality required to accomplish something of such magnitude could never be acquired through birthright alone. No, it was a trait developed over generations, refined through endless trials, suffering, and ruthless decision-making that would break the spirit of lesser beings. Anglius recognized that truth and respected it deeply, yet it troubled him as well.

"Ahhh," Anglius released a quiet sigh, breaking the silence. With a subtle wave of his hand, he summoned forth a small, perfectly smooth obsidian orb. In the next heartbeat, the orb illuminated, emitting a gentle hum as it projected a virtual image into the chamber.

The figure that appeared was striking, commanding attention with an aura of cold brilliance. The man’s pristine white hair framed a flawless, almost divine face, and his eyes shimmered with a clarity that suggested an intellect beyond mortal limits. This imposing figure was, unmistakably, Overlord—the sharpest, most calculating mind within the Xaos Kingdom.

In the brief exchange that had just transpired, Anglius realized his limitations clearly. He knew he could not match Cezar’s eloquence or strategic depth in conversation. Recognizing this, he decisively established communication with the one being in the Xaos Kingdom who could contend on equal footing with Cezar’s mental prowess.

"Greetings, leader of the Rebellion. I am Overlord of the Xaos Kingdom," the virtual projection spoke, its voice resonating calmly, filled with an authoritative yet oddly amicable tone.

Cezar’s eyes narrowed perceptibly as he observed the projection. Though it was merely a virtual manifestation, the immense pressure emanating from the figure before him was tangible. Yet Cezar was not a man to be caught off guard or intimidated easily. Rather, a faint smile appeared on his lips as recognition sparked within his gaze.

"You are the one who took down the Azalisk Stronghold," Cezar remarked, his voice measured and composed.

Overlord’s eyes sharpened immediately upon hearing this. He had taken exceptional precautions to conceal his involvement during that operation, having only directly appeared briefly when implanting larvae into the minds of the captured scientists, all of whom perished shortly thereafter. That Cezar possessed such precise intelligence was impressive indeed.

"Your intelligence network truly surpasses expectations," Overlord acknowledged, his voice filled with genuine respect. "No wonder your Rebellion has managed to survive undetected for so long."

Cezar’s smile faded slowly, replaced by a solemn, unwavering expression. "As I told your subordinate earlier, my people will not become mere pawns in your grand strategy. My goal is undoubtedly the destruction of the Zanis Family, but my ultimate aim is the freedom and sovereignty of my world. I refuse to trade one set of chains for another, no matter how tempting the offer may appear."

Overlord regarded Cezar thoughtfully before softly nodding in understanding. "I grasp your position fully. However, I also understand your desire to finally leave the shadows, to achieve more than mere survival." He paused deliberately, his eyes shimmering as though he could peer directly into Cezar’s heart and mind. "If that were not true, you would never have risked the lives of millions of your people by revealing your sanctuary to the Xaos Kingdom’s Grand Marshal."

Cezar stared back at Overlord, unshaken. There was no panic, no sign of desperation despite the revelation. Instead, a sense of peace, almost tranquil in its certainty, permeated the atmosphere around him.

"It is true. I do require your assistance if my people are ever to step into the light. However, my people and I fully comprehend the nature of sacrifice required for true freedom. Each year, we have willingly sacrificed thousands of lives to maintain the illusion of weakness for the Zanis Family, allowing them to underestimate us continually. And I assure you, I would not hesitate to sacrifice every single soul in this place if it meant ensuring we would never become eternal servants to alien conquerors."

Anglius’s eyes widened in shock at the sheer intensity and sincerity in Cezar’s voice. He could see plainly that these were not idle threats. Any advantage the Xaos Kingdom believed they possessed from knowing the location of this hidden city meant nothing if its leader was fully prepared to destroy it himself to prevent its capture.

"Of course," Cezar continued softly, "the pain of losing so many would be an eternal burden upon my soul. But if forced, your people would become my primary target. I would very much like to see how your kingdom intends to conquer a world when you find yourselves facing the Zanis Family in the open, and my endless hatred from the shadows."

At those chilling words, Anglius clenched his fists tightly, feeling genuine unease at the mere thought of simultaneously facing two enemies. While the Rebellion’s direct military strength might be limited, their expertise in infiltration, sabotage, and stealth made them extremely dangerous opponents. Fighting them covertly while openly battling the powerful Zanis Family would be a catastrophic scenario.

Yet, unlike Anglius, who was visibly tense, Overlord allowed a faint smile to spread across his lips. His eyes sparkled with curiosity and calculation rather than fear.

"We can indeed cause the deaths of millions of your people," Overlord replied, his voice measured and deliberate. "Yet, you possess the ability to turn our conquest into a living nightmare. Given this unique balance of power, I believe it is appropriate we speak as equals. Don’t you agree?"

Cezar’s expression shifted slightly, eyes narrowing in thoughtful contemplation. Overlord had masterfully transformed what began as an exchange of threats into an acknowledgment of mutual power and respect. Even Cezar, with his centuries of experience, found himself momentarily surprised. After a moment’s reflection, he offered a small nod of agreement.

Overlord’s smile broadened subtly. "Then, as an initial gesture of good faith, the Xaos Kingdom will commence immediate operations to liberate the concentration camps and detention centers throughout Exilon, freeing your imprisoned comrades and innocent civilians held by the Zanis."

Although he masked it expertly, Overlord’s sharp perception caught the brief flash of thrill and excitement that crossed Cezar’s face. The Rebellion’s leader may have been calm and composed, but the mention of liberating the captured stirred something deep within him—a spark that even centuries of battle-hardened discipline couldn’t completely suppress.

"After that," Overlord continued, his voice smooth and deliberate, "we can proceed with further collaboration—exploring new ways in which our forces might assist each other. What do you think?"

Cezar’s expression darkened slightly. A faint frown formed across his face, though not out of anger or disdain—rather, caution. While he was fully prepared to sacrifice thousands of his people for the greater good and to protect millions more, it would be dishonest to say that the liberation of those captured wasn’t deeply personal.

Many of the individuals imprisoned in the Zanis-controlled concentration camps weren’t just civilians—they were high-ranking strategists, skilled warriors, and key architects of the Rebellion’s network. Their return could reinvigorate the movement in ways that were immeasurable.

And yet, agreeing too easily with Overlord was dangerous. Cezar understood better than most that control over a conversation—over the narrative itself—was a form of power. One careless concession, and he might find himself negotiating from a position of weakness. He could not afford that.

After a few moments of silence, a new sharpness lit up Cezar’s gaze. His voice was composed, but firm.

"I accept."

Overlord’s smile widened, satisfaction dancing in his eyes—but before he could speak further, Cezar raised a hand, continuing with his terms.

"As a show of good faith from my side," he said, "I will provide you with the complete schematics and biological data on the Zanis Organization’s explosive blood compound. I assume you’ve already begun your own analysis using your advanced technology, but my files contain unique insights—details you would not be able to reconstruct easily. With it, your scientists may find the breakthrough you’re searching for."

The words wiped the smile clean off Overlord’s face.

It was true. Despite the immense computing power and biological laboratories under his command, Overlord had not yet devised a reliable method to neutralize the explosive blood embedded within the population by the Zanis family. His best efforts had only managed partial suppression methods—unstable, temporary solutions that required more refinement.

Receiving the original schematics would be a monumental advantage.

And that was precisely why it concerned him.

By offering something of such value so quickly, Cezar had turned the tide of the negotiation. In that moment, he had seized equal footing—or perhaps something more. It was no longer Overlord extending an offer to an inferior. Now, both sides had something the other needed, and that delicate balance shifted the nature of their arrangement.

Overlord said nothing at first. Then, with measured calm, he gave a small nod.

"A generous gesture," he said. "One that will not be forgotten."