Rich

After Hassan was cut down within his large tent, the rest of his forces were massacred in the desert outside.

Saalim's soldiers torched the encampment's tents, and gunned down any of the bandits who resisted.

Dozens of men, women, and children lay in puddles of blood on the sand.

There were still many survivors, and the soldiers rounded up any bandits that had surrendered. 

They also dragged the surviving women and children from their hiding places and grouped all of the prisoners up on the outskirts of the now flaming camp. 

Hassan's central tent still stood amidst the sea of fire that was once his base. Within this tent was Saalim and Draco, and Saalim's one remaining guard. 

The three of them were currently ransacking Hassan's tent, and they took anything in the room of value and threw it into a pile on the floor. 

Looking at the large golden and silver mound of treasure on the tent's floor, Draco whistled. 

There were chests of golden coins and jewels in the pile, and shiny ornaments and weapons were stacked atop it.

Draco imagined that Hassan must've raided cities and caravans all across Libya to accrue such wealth. 

"I hope you plan on sharing some of this." Draco said, looking over to Saalim. 

Saalim smiled lightly, "You can have your pick of anything in there, I've already acquired the greatest treasure here." he said, looking at the hilt of the light sword in his hands. 

Draco tilted his head, "What's so special about that thing anyways. I get that it's a strong artifact, but beyond looking cool isn't it just a glorified sword?" he asked.

In Draco's eyes, this treasure in front of him held more value than a single weapon. He could probably fund his whole operation with what was here, but with a weapon he could do little more than kill things better. 

Draco was sure that he could even buy a powerful weapon once he started making progenitor serum. 

Saalim chuckled to himself, "You do not understand, Draco. A light sword is not merely an artifact, it is much more." he said, flicking the light sword on.

The weapon's white plasma blade sizzled in the air, burning the very molecules in the air. 

"This light sword is merely a standard-grade artifact, but it is a marvel of science and engineering. I'd venture to say that it's actually the Khalid Dynasty's greatest creation." Saalim said, an indescribable look in his eyes. 

Draco didn't understand though, "How could a standard-grade artifact be so impactful?" he asked.

Saalim shook his head, "The fact that this weapon is only a standard grade artifact is what makes it so great." he flicked the blade off with a hiss and tapped on the hilt. 

"This hilt right here is the entirety of the artifact, but the blade the hilt emits from the end is what's so incredible. The blade of a lightsword is comprised of a form of anti-matter, and there is little in this world that can resist having the very atoms of its body vaporized." Saalim explained.

He continued, "This standard-grade artifact is capable of competing with even certain mythical-grade artifacts, and it is affordable enough to give to an entire army."

Draco sucked in a deep breath as he understood the implications, for the Khalid Dynasty held a monopoly on the technology behind light swords.

"No wonder. The Khalid Dynasty has a distinct advantage over the rest of the world with weapons like this." Draco said. 

Saalim nodded, putting the hilt of the light sword away in his robes. 

"You can take whatever you can carry out of here. Consider it payment for your assistance in dealing with my brother." he said.

Hearing the generous offer, Draco smiled broadly. 

Not needing to be told twice, Draco walked over to the pile and picked a chest that seemed stuffed with the most riches. 

He threw a couple of swords and opulent jewelry atop the chest, and then began to carry the chest out of the tent.

As he walked, gold coins and jewels were falling from the pile, but Draco had so much wealth in his hands he didn't even bother to pick them up.

The flames were now reaching the main tent, and he saw the edges of the tent beginning to char black and burn. 

Draco exited the tent with Saalim and his guard in tow, and all of them carried a pile of treasure in their arms. 

Draco saw that the encampment was now engulfed in flames, and that all of Saalim's forces had gathered at the edge of the camp. 

As Draco approached he saw that the vehicles had already been brought down there.

He was relieved to spot all three of his soldiers standing around his own armored vehicle, and Draco walked over while carrying his new-found loot. 

The soldiers looked over with wide eyes, for they had never seen such riches before. 

"We're rich boys! Addo, come over here and help me out." Draco said.


Addo rushed over and tried to grab the chest of gold from Draco, but he almost dropped it due to the chest's sheer weight. 

Draco laughed, "Sorry, I forgot about that." he said, remembering that he was actually stronger than ten normal humans. 

Draco set the chest down outside of the vehicle, letting loose coins and jewels fall from the chest and into the sand below. 

"Scoop up the loose change, and then load that into the vehicle." Draco said, turning to approach Saalim. 

As Draco walked over to Saalim he kept an eye on his soldiers, but he didn't see them taking anything they weren't supposed to. 

Saalim was currently in front of the prisoners, and he was issuing orders to one of his captains. 

The captain left Saalim to retrieve a long chain from one of the vehicles, and he brought that chain back to the prisoners and began to attach each of their ankles to it. 

While the prisoners were being chained up, Draco turned to Saalim. 

"What do you plan to do with them?" he asked.

Saalim scratched his beard in thought, "The men and women will be sold, and I'll likely keep the children who are young enough to be disciplined."

Draco was speechless when he heard this. 

'This Saalim guy is ruthless!' he thought, looking at the prisoners being forced to line up in their chains. 

Draco heard Saalim at his side, "You fought well today, Draco. If you're interested, I now have a position open for a personal guard." he said. 

Draco chuckled, "I'm flattered Saalim, truly. However, I have plans of my own."

He inwardly debated if he should confide in Saalim, but he ultimately decided to twist the truth a bit.

"I have something to discuss with you." Draco said. 

Saalim raised an eyebrow, prompting Draco to continue. 

Draco elaborated, "I am developing progenitor serum, but I do not have many clients yet. If you'd like, once I have perfected my serum I can reserve some for your forces." 

Saalim widened his eyes in surprise, for he had no idea Draco had such resources. 

"With Haftar gone, I was wondering how I would train new powered soldiers. It seems your appearance was a blessing in disguise." he said. 

Draco nodded his head sagely, as if stopping Haftar's operation wasn't actually his doing. 

"I used to have facilities in North America until they were raided. I have been looking for equipment in Africa to set up a manufacturing base, but so far I've been unsuccessful." Draco said, making up a story on the spot.

Saalim nodded, seemingly convinced, "I do not have any of the required equipment for such an operation in my city, but I do know some people."

He turned to watch his forces begin to form back into the convoy, and then turned back to Draco. 

"If you agree to sell me serum at a discounted rate, I'll gladly refer you to someone in a nearby city. They'll sell you the equipment you need, but it won't be cheap." Saalim said. 

Draco smiled when heard that. His plan was finally coming together. 

He already knew equipment of that magnitude would cost an arm and leg, so he wasn't surprised by Saalim's words.

Draco offered his hand and Saalim took it, "We have a deal." he said. 

Draco and Saalim left each other to attend to their own matters. Draco climbed into the back seat of his trunk to check over his treasures, and Saamir directed his men as they loaded the convoy up with loot. 

Soon, the entire camp had been ransacked, and Saalim ordered the convoy to move out. 

The prisoners were tied to the back of a vehicle and as the convoy traveled through the desert they were forced to march behind it. 

The blazing sun above the desert was beaming down onto the prisoners, and they had to shuffle at uncomfortable speeds to keep up with the convoy. 

The miles long journey back to the city of Sabha was going to be a grueling one for them, but Draco was unconcerned with their plight. 

He was now back in his vehicle and looking over these recent gains. 

Draco found a number of what looked to be artifacts in his pile of treasure, and he had too many gold and silver coins to even count. 

Draco was filled with giddy laughter as he played with a handful of jewels. 

'I'm f*cking rich!' he thought, unable to contain his happiness.