To make a name for himself!

**

Planet Voyyk

The week had passed by so fast that Zirkon had barely noticed.

It was now time for him to set off to start his campaign of conquest!

Zirkon looked at himself in the holographic mirror.

He was wearing a jet black plate armor, trimmed and decorated with purple and gold. 

It was the 5-star armor his father had gifted to him and it looked magnificent, regal even. 

Underneath the 5-star armor, he wore a space bodysuit which fully covered his arms and legs, leaving only his purple skinned hands visible.

Zirkon had never been a fan of gloves or other materials which covered the hands.

His spear felt much more comfortable, resting in his bare palm.

He was wearing knee-length black boots which were a pair of 3-star artifacts that boosted his speed and agility, even capable of fusing with his lightning to grant him explosive speed.

His dark pants were made out of the skin of an extremely tough Transcendent realm beast.

To complete it all, his spear was held firmly in his hand, another 5-star weapon given to him by his father the Emperor.

He could not fail.

He would bring back victory and many trophies.

Satisfied with his look, Zirkon left his personal chambers.

The palace was just as before; nothing had changed.

Many servants rushed about, going about their daily tasks.

That didn't prevent them from stopping to bow at him when he passed them.

With confident strides, Zirkon entered the throne room, where his father was.

"Zirkon! You're finally here. We are all set then," his father said, his voice booming from his throne.

Already, Zalysthene had arrived, dressed in similar armor, hefting her heavy broadsword on her shoulder.

It wasn't surprising that she had arrived before him. After all, she was a warmonger who loved fighting.

Beside her stood General Xeca, arguably Voronoi's best general!

Standing at an imposing height of nine feet, he was as tall as Emperor Zaluk!

His arms were covered in silver tattoos which crisscrossed around his huge biceps and even to his back. He held no weapon because his fists were his weapons.

His armor was a plain grey armor with many chips and dents. It had seen many battles and the general was unwilling to part with it.

With reddened eyes, he turned to look at Zirkon and gave him a polite nod.

Zirkon returned his greeting and stood properly in front of his father.

Zaluk clapped and stood up.

"Your hosts await you. Follow me," he said.

Zirkon, Zalysthene and Xeca followed the Emperor as he led them out of the palace.

**

"I can't believe that the Emperor is giving the command of my legion to his son! Is he fed up with me?" Ysabella said, fury and helplessness evident in her eyes.

"Calm down Ysabella. You know that his majesty wants to decide on who would take his throne. This is a chance for his children to prove themselves to him and us," said Xyke, the commander of the Bloodhound legion.

Ysabella's expression softened at that but it was still plain that she was upset about it.

"Cheer up Ysabella. You're going to be with Prince Zirkon. It is well known that the prince is one of the smartest Voronoi and one of the rare few who awakened in the Spirit path.

You're unmarried right? If this campaign goes well for you, who knows? 

Perhaps you might fall for him and end up as his wife," Xyke teased, a light smile playing on his lips.

"Shut up! Anyone who wants to wed me must defeat me in head to head combat first before I even acknowledge them! Whether I fancy them or not will depend on my mood!" Ysabella declared.

Xyke laughed. "Come on Ysabella. You're paired with one of the most eligible bachelors in our lands. I've heard fighting side by side brings people closer over time."

"The emperor is almighty and wise. 

That is why he paired an unreasonable person like you who loves confrontation and fighting with a rational person like Prince Zirkon.

Same way that he also paired me, the calm one, with his fiery daughter, Princess Zalysthene.

Is it not an equal balance?" Xyke added.

"One more word from you and I'll make you eunuch. We would see how you will visit the brothels you so love, Xyke," Ysabella snarled.

At that moment, the Emperor accompanied by General Xeca, Zirkon and Zalysthene walked out. 

Ysabella and Xyke immediately knelt before the Emperor.

"We greet the Emperor!" both of them proclaimed.

"Rise," the emperor commanded.

Both of them stood to their feet.

The emperor then turned to look at everyone calmly.

"Very well. You may be wondering why your departure isn't having a proper sendoff as has been countless times.

The crux of the matter is; war hasn't been officially declared.

Due to the rules stipulated by DAUN, it is our unruly vassals who would initiate the war. Once they declare war on us, we are then free to attack and kill them as we please.

Notwithstanding, this doesn't mean we will not put pressure on them and force them to go to war with us earlier than they would like.

You are not to initiate mass attacks until you are ordered to do so.

What your task is from now till the start of the war is to provoke these vassals to prematurely declare war.

This first mission is a mission of wit and brains not strength.

Use any means possible, with the exception of outright mass attacks," said Emperor Zaluk.

Everyone nodded.

The emperor then turned to face his children, Zirkon and Zalysthene.

"Once war has been declared, then your million soldiers and ships would be under your command, awaiting your orders and deployment.

For now, Zirkon, I give temporal commandership to you over the Vulcan legion, led by Commander Ysabella.

And you, Zalysthene, I give temporal commandership to you over the Bloodhound legion, led by Commander Xyke.

They will oversee your performance and give you the necessary advice.

You may be temporary head commanders with them under you but it would be in your best interests to consult and take counsel with them.

Even though you cannot freely attack the vassals until war is declared, you can harass and attack Rexorian forces as you please.

You have five years to force your targets into declaring a war on us.

I wish you all good luck and success in your first of many missions," the emperor said and left.

 An awkward silence ensued.

Clearing his throat, General Xeca walked away, leaving the two royal siblings with the two legion commanders.

"Hello princess Zalysthene, this humble one goes by the name Xyke. I hope we can work together for the victory of our race. Allow me to lead you to the Bloodhound legion's ship," Commander Xyke said and bowed to Zalysthene.

Zirkon nodded inwardly. This commander Xyke was a smart person.

Hopefully, Commander Ysabella would be as resourceful as him.

Obviously pleased with Commander Xyke, Zalysthene nodded and turned to Zirkon.

"So long brother. Don't get killed," she said with a wink.

"I won't," Zirkon replied.

He watched her leave with commander Xyke and then turned to look at Commander Ysabella.

She was very beautiful.

Ysabella stood at a height of seven meters and eight inches, just below Zirkon's eight-meter physique.

She had dark brown hair which flowed all the way to her back, deep piercing eyes, full red lips and a small nose.

Her red armor failed to conceal the curves she had and especially her humongous bosom which was fighting for liberty against the ever capable armor doing its duty of keeping it in.

At the same time, Ysabella was observing Zirkon.

"He's as handsome as the pictures and rumors portray," Ysabella thought subconsciously.

Almost immediately she chided herself. "What on Voyyk are you thinking! Handsomeness does little on the battlefield! Only strength matters!

Besides I'm still against him taking my position.

I'd like to see him lead the Vulcan legion better than I," Isabella said inwardly.

Noticing that Zirkon was standing there calmly looking at her, she swallowed her pride and gave a light bow.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Prince Zirkon. Please allow me to lead you to the base of the Vulcan legion.

We are ready to depart," she said.

"It's also a pleasure to meet you, commander Ysabella. Please drop my honorifics as prince for now and refer to me directly as Commander Zirkon or Zirkon.

After all, we are in the same boat now.

I hope we can work together," Zirkon said politely.

He knew that somehow, Ysabella was displeased with him taking over her commander position and that he had to pacify or at least get on with her.

This was because the ease of his mission depended on his relationship with the commander who already knew her men and had fought side by side with them countless times.

Antagonizing her would be plain stupidity and it would cost him dearly.

Once he distinguished himself to the Vulcan legion and had their trust, it would be easier for them to follow his direct orders.

"Alright, commander Zirkon. Let me take you to meet the legion," said Ysabella.

She turned around and walked away with Zirkon falling in step with her.

This was going to mark the day he set off to make a name for himself.

And make a name for himself he will.