Chapter 8 - Acceptance

 Panic seeped into Lloyd's bones. He was sure he hadn't made any misstep, so why was he suddenly on the defensive again?! At the same time, Alexander, who had been sitting moments ago, rose to his feet before stepping towards him, his massive frame cloaking the scientist in an ominous shadow as he struggled to even remain upright.

"Little man, you've put on a commendable performance. After all, the number of individuals who've stood up to me and lived can only be counted on one hand."

 His dark eyes directly peered into Christopher's, and although not bearing their previous killing intent, they still made him feel like an insignificant speck of dust. Watching him struggle again also elicited a broader smile from the General, which revealed his impeccably white and straight teeth.

"However, your proposition lacks depth and substance. I was the greatest King and War General of my time, so why should I follow someone as weak as you?"

 His demeanor was assertive and domineering, with his assertion slicing through Lloyd's glaring vulnerability. Even if the engineer had acquainted Alexander with Earth's history, it was still just that: a story. He had yet to show anything for himself, which meant that persuading him was going to be an uphill battle. With alarms urgently ringing in his head, it was time to find something, anything, to get out of this situation. Wait… Perhaps?

"You're right. Following me wouldn't make sense… But what if I told you that we could unify this world?"

 This was his last desperate attempt, a move so audacious it could only be classified as the most daring of Hail Mary's. It had never been part of his original plan, but if it saved his life, it was a risk worth taking on. If the recollections of his studies were accurate, he also thought that appealing to Alexander's sense of grandeur would give him a better chance. What he didn't expect, however, was the reaction of the former King, whose smile had vanished and was instead replaced by a twitch betraying his anger.

"You are brazen, little man… Do you know the efforts that were required to stage invasions? Do you know how many lives were lost to that end!?"

 The fury in his voice was palpable, and Lloyd realized that he had touched a nerve. However, he was on the ropes, which meant that backing down now would inevitably lead to his death. His only possible escape was to keep pressing onward.

"What of it? Are you scared, General?"

 Spite dripped from his voice, and he saw that it took every ounce of Alexander's self-restraint to not slay him right then and there. The legendary figure clearly detested condescension, especially from those who couldn't boast of anything. Seeing his fury simmer, the scientist then quickly continued.

"If you give me 3 years, I'll show you what I can do. Not only will you be in charge of the army and military affairs, you'll only have to report to me, and me alone. You'll also have free rein to do as you please in battle."

 These were the terms, and although hastily crafted, he couldn't think of anything else that'd satisfy a person of his stature. After all, military freedom was the ultimate authority a general could attain, as it signified an extraordinary level of trust, making it a coveted privilege for those valuing autonomy. Yet, Alexander's expression didn't change. Was it insufficient? Did he have to push further? He wasn't going to wait and find out.

"General, you're in another world now. Killing, or even abandoning me, would hurt you far more than you think. Not only that, but I have knowledge that you can only dream of, making me the key to elevating you to unprecedented heights. If you refuse, then it'll be the end of both of us. But if you follow me, know that I will undoubtedly make the Macedonian Dynasty look like savages… With all due respect, of course."

 Christopher was gasping for air by the end, with fatigue gradually exerting a stronger toll on his body. Even he was shocked that he had endured this far. With his plea finally concluded, he also felt a sense of pride well within him. He had done everything he could, and he found comfort in keeping his dignity intact in what might be his last hour.

 On the other side, Alexander still didn't flinch. One minute passed, then two, and it wasn't long before the silence became deafening, with the wait slowly but surely killing him. Couldn't he finish this quickly, at least!?

"I also want total authority over the recruitment of my men."

 The engineer's breath caught in his throat. Had he heard correctly?

"Of… of course. I wouldn't have it any other way!"

 He was so stunned he couldn't believe it. Had he succeeded?!

"Know this: in 3 years' time, if you have nothing to show for yourself, I will have your head. Nothing will stop me, not even if you're at the other end of this world. You boasted big, and you better deliver."

 Alexander's voice was calm, yet heavy. The implications were severe, and Lloyd had no doubts he'd do everything in his power to honor these words.

"You'll not regret it, General. I intend on showing you the modern era of Human warfare."

 The former King scoffed. To him, those were still empty promises until proven otherwise.

 A loud ding then suddenly rang inside the scientist's head, followed by the appearance of the infamous blue prompt.

[Subordinate has been successfully added.]

[A new system tab named 'Subordinates' has been created. Would you like to see the status of your subordinate?]

"Yes."

[Choice confirmed.]

[Alexander the Great (32) — Human (Currently capped at 20%) Progression 1/5: 0%]

(New) 'Progression' is a trait only given to entities summoned with items. Its value determines the progress required to unlock another portion of the entities' strength. Progress can advance if the entity learns, trains or fights.