"Whatever happened here today stays between us. If I so much as get a whiff that word got out, she will be your fate!" The servants hastily nodded in agreement, all clearly shaken to the core.
…
"Woah, master, when did you get so strong? Even Liam was afraid of you," said Lily, who complimented Zeke with eyes full of astonishment.
"Hey dummy, I've already told you not to work anymore, I said I had an idea on how to make bank!" replied Zeke who lovingly patted her head.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," purred Lily, her eyes closed, and enjoyed his touch whimsically.
"Liam is a smart man, he won't reveal my secret," explained Zeke.
"According to Lincoln's dosage, in another two months, the total amount of poison in the pill would be enough to kill me. If I'm still fine by then, he will definitely get suspicious!" Zeke contemplated silently.
The more he thought about it, the more he felt a sense of urgency and it caused him to clench his fist.
Lincoln was not a weak man, he was a Strength of ninth level, and the strongest in the entire Khan clan.
'I need to get myself to a Strength of level eight in these two months, that's the only way I can protect myself!' thought Zeke.
Zeke continued to plan his next move, he knew he did not have much time left, everything he planned needed to be foolproof.
His weakness was time that he did not possess.
Had he enough, silencing the entire Khan clan would not even be an issue.
Lily felt much better, and whistled all the way back to the shack.
However, once they reached, she immediately went to wash Zeke's clothes.
Zeke sat on his bed, silently reciting the Way, once again, preparing to train.
Zeke could feel his body adjust and strengthen each time he trained.
The true energy that the Way gave was like a dragon, constantly swimming throughout his body, increasing his fortitude.
After a while, Zeke let out a sigh of relief, indicating his training was over.
He noticed the energy he let loose was similarly shaped to a dragon, dancing ethereally around.
Two knocks on the door rang out.
"Master, are you there? It's me, Liam."
"Come in!" replied Zeke sweetly.
He was feeling contemptuous towards Liam, annoyed that he even dared show his face.
Liam entered, his complexion was hard to read, yet he stared at Zeke warily.
"What is it?" Zeke demanded, giving Liam a once-over.
Liam clenched his jaw for a moment, and immediately dropped to his knees, and respectfully replied
"Master, please forgive me for not recognizing your strength. Please forgive me for all the discrimination, insults, and inconveniences that I've thrown your way. Please, punish me if you will."
Zeke remembered that training resources for the Khan were arranged by Liam.
He remembered how the resources allocated to him were not even one-tenth of the ones the others got.
What he suspected was true, Liam had tampered with his allotted resources all along.
"Hmph. You're right Liam, I should punish you, severely at that! But, seeing how you've come to your senses in time, and rightly regretful, as well as my current social instability, perhaps we could come to an agreement. A choice for you to redeem yourself. What do you say?" puffed Zeke.
"Please accept my humble thanks, My lord! From now on, I, Liam, will be fully loyal to you, yours faithfully!" pleaded Liam.
Zeke nodded wryly; he was wary of Liam's motives.
He understood that Liam was a fair-weather friend, for now, he may be loyal, but when the going gets tough, Liam goes away.
However, he knew this worm would not try anything now, at least.
"Great, you are a smart one. From now on, report to me whenever something big goes on, especially when it regards Lincoln. As long as you do your job, I will not treat you unfairly," claimed Zeke.
"Understood, My lord!" replied Liam earnestly. He then got up and bowed.
Following this, he produced a silver bond and handed it to Zeke. "Master, please accept this gift from your humble servant," suggested Liam.
Zeke knew that one of these were at least worth 10,000 silver coins, Liam was willing, he could see that.
"Nice!'
Zeke quickly pocketed the bond of silver.
He needed various medicines for his training, especially now to expedite things.
He would not pass on such an opportunity.
"If I may, My lord, I will take my leave now." Liam bowed before leaving.
"This money sure is convenient!" exclaimed Zeke, smiling cunningly at the silver bond.