Narud! Hurry Up and Transform for Me!

They said that although the Emperor of the Empire had never prayed to the god of war, he was greatly favored by him. Augustus Mengsk's ascension to the throne had been destiny ordained, for the goddess of fate had kissed that boy from Sterling, Korhal, at the moment of his birth.

It was a joke.

I could crush him with one finger. Alarak thought maliciously.

But Alarak knew he had to be cautious. Within this vast military alliance led by the Terran Empire, his voice carried little weight. Before rising to a lofty position, Alarak had merely been an obscure nobody who had yet to become an Ascendant among the ruthless competitors of the Chain of Ascension. That was why he understood even better how to endure and wait for his chance.

At least, that had been the case before he became Highlord.

To put it bluntly, he was still just a beggar standing up to ask for handouts, except he was certain that Augustus and Artanis had no choice but to help him.

"No need for me to remind you that speed is of the essence in war." Alarak narrowed his long, crimson eyes at Augustus, who was walking toward him.

He set aside what had just happened and resumed his lofty tone, as though he were the one giving the orders:

"Augustus Mengsk, the only way to defeat the enemy is to do better than they do. While Ma'lash's supporters are scattered throughout the Death Fleet fighting the Primal Swarm, you should immediately dispatch a large army to launch a surprise attack on Slayn!"

"You're right." Augustus glanced at Alarak. What Alarak had said was precisely what he had intended to do, but he had no desire to appear more anxious than the other man.

The greatest possible