More than half an hour later, when the drone's power began to run low, Chen Rong slowly guided the flying artifact back toward the ground.
The faint humming gradually softened as the machine descended, its blinking lights flickering like a falling star before finally settling onto the illuminated landing pad.
The night returned to its original stillness.
Genghis Khan watched the drone land with visible reluctance.
His sharp eyes remained fixed on the device even after it stopped moving, as though he feared that if he blinked, the miraculous object might disappear.
"I was only just beginning to enjoy it," the Great Khan said, his voice carrying a trace of regret. "And already it must return."
Chen Rong bowed slightly.
"Great Khan, please forgive me. This artifact must be recharged before it can fly again.
If Your Majesty wishes to see it take flight once more, we must wait until tomorrow."
This was one of the drone's greatest limitations.
No matter how powerful it seemed to people of this era, its battery capacity remained limited.
Once depleted, it was nothing more than a silent piece of metal.
Genghis Khan nodded slowly, though the disappointment on his face was still evident.
After returning to his seat, he stroked his beard thoughtfully and looked at Chen Rong.
"There is something I do not understand," he said. "When we watched the world below through this small device, everything appeared green.
Yet outside, it is pitch dark—so dark that one cannot even see one's own hand. Why, then, does this artifact show the land so clearly?"
Chen Rong had anticipated this question.
"Reporting to the Great Khan, this is another ability of the artifact bestowed upon me by the gods.
They called it 'night vision.' Even in darkness, it can see what human eyes cannot. In truth, at night, it may even see more clearly than a man."
Genghis Khan's brows lifted slightly.
"So… like the eyes of an eagle?" he asked.
Chen Rong hesitated inwardly. During the day, even modern cameras could not match the sharpness of an eagle's vision. But at night, eagles were nearly blind.
Still, such technical explanations would only create confusion.
"In a sense, yes," Chen Rong replied respectfully. "The gods said that it allows one to see through darkness as if it were day."
Genghis Khan gave a satisfied nod.
"Remarkable… Truly remarkable. Your gods must be connected to Eternal Heaven itself."
Chen Rong lowered his head respectfully.
"The Great Khan speaks wisely."
Inwardly, however, he could only smile wryly. Whether these so-called gods existed or not, as long as the Great Khan believed it, that was enough.
Genghis Khan leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful.
"This object is truly extraordinary. Even if it could be used only once a day, even if it remained in the air for only a short while, it would still be of immense value in battle," Genghis Khan said, stroking his beard as he studied Chen Rong with a thoughtful gaze.
Chen Rong agreed silently.
He understood better than anyone how powerful drones were in military applications.
A commander who could see the enemy's movements from the sky would hold an overwhelming advantage.
The ability to detect ambushes, track troop movements, and identify weak points in formations—these were advantages that could determine the outcome of entire campaigns.
With such intelligence, defeat would become extremely unlikely.
However, Chen Rong also knew something Genghis Khan did not.
The drone was not a permanent weapon.
Although he currently possessed solar panels that allowed him to recharge the battery, even the best-maintained equipment had a lifespan.
The solar panels might last ten years at most—perhaps less, depending on environmental conditions.
The drone itself was even more fragile.
Its motors, batteries, and electronic components would inevitably degrade over time. Spare parts were limited, and once they were used up, there would be no replacements available in this era.
Chen Rong estimated that, even with careful maintenance, the drone might only survive a few hundred flights. After that, it would become nothing more than useless scrap.
This limitation was precisely why he had dared to reveal it to Genghis Khan.
Because in his possession, he still held something even more valuable.
The high-definition telescope.
Compared to the drone, the telescope required no electricity, no maintenance beyond careful handling, and no complex components.
As long as the lenses remained intact, it could function for decades—perhaps even centuries.
Though it lacked the drone's ability to fly, its observational range far surpassed anything available in the 13th century.
In truth, the telescope was the real long-term advantage.
And Chen Rong had no intention of revealing it yet.
Compared to a telescope, the shock value of a flying artifact was far greater.
To people of this era, flight itself bordered on the divine. That impression alone strengthened his credibility and influence.
At this moment, Genghis Khan spoke again.
"Soon, I intend to pursue the new Sultan of Khwarezm—Jalal ad-Din. Previously, he gathered Khwarezm soldiers at Parwan and defeated the vanguard of my Mongol army.
I will not allow this insult to stand. I will hunt him down and avenge my warriors."
The Great Khan's voice was calm, but the cold determination within it was unmistakable.
"When that time comes," he continued, "your flying artifact will be of great use. I hope you will accompany me and use it for my army."
Chen Rong bowed without hesitation.
"How could I dare refuse the Great Khan? If this artifact can assist Your Majesty, it would be my greatest honor."
Genghis Khan nodded, clearly satisfied.
He had deliberately avoided asking Chen Rong to hand over the artifact directly.
Though he was not known for mercy when seizing valuable items, this situation was different.
Even Genghis Khan, who feared little on earth, did not wish to provoke unknown gods.
Instead, it was far wiser to make Chen Rong his subordinate.
If the man served him, then the artifact would naturally serve him as well.
This approach avoided unnecessary risks while achieving the same result.
"Very good," Genghis Khan said. "You are an honest man.
I believe that you truly wandered into the realm of the gods. Tell me—do you desire any reward? Speak freely."
Chen Rong hesitated briefly before answering.
"Great Khan, I have not yet rendered any true service. I would not dare request rewards.
I only hope to remain under Your Majesty's protection and find a place to serve."
Genghis Khan's eyes gleamed with approval.
"You speak wisely. If I were to grant you an official position now, many generals would be dissatisfied.
In Mongolia, all honors are earned through merit. Even my own sons are no exception."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"However, once you accompany me on campaign and achieve merit, I will reward you properly.
Until then, I will grant you gold, silver, and servants. You shall also be provided with suitable quarters within the camp."
Chen Rong bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Great Khan."
Inwardly, Chen Rong felt relieved.
He did not want a position too quickly.
That would only draw suspicion and jealousy. Gradual advancement through merit would be far safer.
Besides, with the drone—and eventually the telescope—earning military achievements would not be difficult.
For the first time since arriving in this unfamiliar era, Chen Rong felt that he finally had a stable foothold.