Evander was having a stressful day, like every other day in this week.
As the high general of Earth, he had a lot of responsibility. Part of it was being an acting commander of planetoids.
Only a few peak level 9s were eligible for this post and fewer do it. Because keeping track of the planetoids, the deployments, the abyssal plans, skirmishes, wars, and strategies…basically, it was a headache.
Of course, there was an expert committee to help make decisions. But it didn't erase the pressure he had to face to manage the gargantuan task.
Bali was also qualified for the job, and when he wasn't in a mission of the Shura Squad, he'd be an acting commander.
"When is he returning?" Evander stood up and rubbed his forehead.
He was inside a sleek white room filled with a hologram depicting the condition of the planetoids. Lights flashed from time to time, indicating there were changes in deployments.
In front of him was a huge table with experts of various fields seated on either sides.
They were focused on the hologram and their comm as they analyzed each and every change while formulating the suitable steps.
"General, there was a new legion on Rena planetoid. It is mainly composed of Fire and Body Awakeners. We suggest sending a legion Water and Plantae awakeners." An old man kept his gaze fixed on the hologram as his hand blurred and he took notes.
Evander narrowed his eyes and checked the hologram. "Send Water Awakeners and Beast Morphers. That planetoid's terrain is not suitable for low-speed plantae awakeners."
"On planetoid Mia, they just moved another fleet of…"
"Arrange the 8-star treasure to take care of…"
The exchanges went back and forth.
It was almost forty hours and neither of them exited the room. Thankfully, they were all high awakeners and didn't have the problems of normal humans.
Still, working under such high tension was mentally taxing even for mind awakeners, much less others.
Evander, however, carried on with a stoic face. The pressure didn't faze him. The tension didn't tire him. The danger didn't scare him.
'He's so reliable!'
'I'm proud to be working under him.'
'I wish my grandson is at least as half good as him. That'd be dream come true.'
Even though they were all busy, in their minds, everyone admired and worshipped Evander, the Steelheart.
His personality and strength attracted many suitors.
Legend has it that the fiercest suitor of him was also a level 9. She sent him a red-feathered dove—an enduring symbol of love on Earth since blink.
She met him the next day to heart his reply and found him munching on some nice fried meat.
Out of curiosity, she asked what he was eating. He replied. "That red dove."
The woman left with a crying face, and the story stopped all pursuitors of Evander.
People believe that his title as Steelheart came from his gallantry. While his battle exploits were astounding, the title itself was stared by this woman.
It quickly circulated among his suitors and became famous. The people misunderstood it as a honor title and started using it to praise him.
"Pain can't stop him. Sadness can't reach him. Despair can't meet him. He shall march forth into the heart of the enemy's army."
Evander heard these lines and agreed with them thinking they were used to motivate children.
And he unwittingly became the leader of a living cult.
And now, the Steelheart suddenly stiffened. He looked at the committee of experts and said.
"I'll be back in a few minutes. Call me if there's emergency."
Then he slipped out and entered a completely isolated room. He took out the brand new comm and answered the call.
A handsome young man with black hair and lean but muscular build appeared in the hologram.
Evander crossed his arms and glared at him.
"The weather is good, right? Ah! Hahaha!" The young man laughed nervously.
Evander gritted his teeth. "Really good for breaking your bones."
Varian coughed lightly. "Master, it's not like I'm at fault. You know why I couldn't contact yo—"
"It's not that!" Evander said loudly. Pointing at his disciple, Steelheart said in an enraged and depressed voice.
"Y-You laid your hands on Sarah! You bastard!"
"Uh?" Varian raised a brow. "We didn't do anything yet, really. I didn't even kiss—"
"YET? So you plan to do? Really?" Evander rolled his sleeves up and stepped forward with red eyes.
He looked like he was about to kill.
"And kiss? Kiss, my ass!"
"…." Varian rolled his eyes. "I'm straight."
"And I'm your master!"
"Yep."
"According to ancient traditions, master is equivalent to father. Master's wife is equivalent to your mother. So, master's daughter is equivalent to your sister. How dare you touch your sister? Incest! Incest I must say!"
"Wait, wait, what?" Varian was dumbfounded. "You really want me to buy that reasoning? C'mon! Try harder."
"Come back to Earth and I'll beat you as hard as you want." Evander cracked his knuckles and grinned.
"…" Varian sighed in exasperation.
A few weeks ago, you were neglecting your daughter like an idiot. Now, you are being so overprotective of her. Master, are you making any sense?
"Ah, you're jealous." Varian suddenly said, causing Evander to flinch.
"J-Jealous? Me? N-No way!" Evander waved his hand.
"Don't worry, master. Sarah won't stop talking to you. She'll still meet you. She'll still care for you. You're her dad after all."
"Nonsense! Of course I am!" Evander said with a proud smile.
"My daughter won't neglect me just because she has a boyfriend. I'll still need to tell her lots of stories. I'll still need to take her to tours. And I want to attend her graduation ceremony…wait, I'm the dean, so I won't miss." Evander said out loud, as if trying to affirm himself.
In the end, his shoulders slumped and he looked at Varian with a weak smile. "She…she won't avoid me and stop seeing me, right? She won't think I'm a boring old man with and abandons me, right?"
Evander closed his eyes and said in a rare emotional voice. "E-Even if that happens, I just want her to be happy. Due to my weakness and stupidity, I put her through a lot of pain. I couldn't protect her mother and brother. I couldn't give her a good childhood. But you…please take care of her."
Varian recalled Sarah and unknowingly an affectionate smile formed on his face.
He missed her more than he thought. He missed the words she said daily, the way she smiled, her silly actions and the way she took responsibility for everything.
Varian could vividly recall the way she cried when he appeared after 'dead'.
Clenching his fists, Varian said his heartfelt words. "I will."
Looking at Evander's appearance, he added. "Sarah treasures her family. Even though you've avoided her, she won't do avoid you."
"Right! I know it. I was just testing you." Evander changed his expression instantly and said with a straight face.
'Seriously, you should try acting. You'll bag all the awards.' Varian wanted to say, but instead, he took a deep breath and his expression turned serious.
Evander also realized it and his bearing changed. Now, he wa no longer a loving father, but the high general who protected the lives of billions.
"Master, I need your help.. Give me the contact of Sovereign Irene and if possible, everyone important in Nial family."