"They become capable of complex thoughts," Krogan continued, his voice calm but heavy with meaning. "Thoughts that extend far beyond survival or instinct. They begin to understand what it means to be a leader. They gather their race beneath them, not merely as a pack, not merely as a herd, but as a people. They guide them, protect them, nurture their growth, hoping one day their kind might rise higher than themselves."
His golden eyes flicked toward the generals beside him, each one a living testament to that truth.
"Most importantly," he went on, "their very presence transforms those around them. The closer a beast is to a king, the more their own intelligence sharpens. They awaken not only themselves, but their kin."
He leaned forward, resting his chin against his knuckles, his gaze fixed on the godlings "You said something good earlier, that beast kings understand their limitations. This is true. But do you know what those limitations truly are?"
