Terror
As tiresome as those constant worries were, Khan couldn't feel angry at Lieutenant Dyester. The old soldier's concern felt warm in Khan's chest, but he couldn't lie to himself. Khan had long since crossed the point where he could lie to anyone.
Still, talking was pointless. Khan had tried to explain himself. He had done his best to share his unique perspective, but to no avail. Khan was simply different. He had always been.
Even the fearsome Bruno couldn't fully get it. His perspective was deeper but not broader. His understanding was technical, burdened by his narrow human mindset.
Of course, Khan couldn't expect humans to treat the mana with the same mystical reverence as the Niqols and Nele did. He didn't even feel it fair to divide those approaches between right and wrong. They were simply different, reflecting the species that had originated them.