"The first task: when the stars align incorrectly, the foul and evil rats are preparing to bring their plague and destruction to Lustria. They are hiding in the rainforest near the southern Eternal City of Oxoatl. I will send troops to assist you in eliminating the Skaven. The great prophet of Sotek, Tehenhauin, and his Serpent God Legion will also join the battle."
"The second task: recently, a group of warmbloods, led by one among them, have been raiding our supply convoys on the Spine of Sotek. You are to drive them away or eliminate them. If possible, recruiting them is also acceptable."
"Go now, Child of the Old Ones, and may the light of Poteq shine upon you." After saying this, Kroak closed his eyes, signaling that Vulkan could leave. The temple guards and Skink Priests immediately stepped forward to escort Vulkan out.
"One last question." Vulkan ignored the temple guards and Skink Priests, keeping his gaze on Kroak. "I have one more question to ask."
"Speak." Kroak opened his eyes again, causing the temple guards and Skink Priests to step back.
"Is there still hope for the future?"
"Hope always exists."
A few minutes later, Vulkan emerged from the great pyramid. He descended the steps slowly, his eyes observing the hundreds of lasers shooting into the sky from Itza, remaining silent. Neither Julius nor the Golden Mage dared approach him for an update, as Vulkan waved them off, indicating he needed time to think.
Seeing their commander like this, the entire army knew Vulkan had learned something significant. They gave him space and time, setting up camp within Itza under the guidance of the Lizardmen.
From a human perspective, Lord Kroak's attitude towards Vulkan might seem a bit cold. The Emperor had expended his power to resurrect Kroak, suffering considerable loss in the process. He had also helped purify the corrupted spawning pools of the Lizardmen and left Vulkan to assist them.
Yet, Kroak's attitude was surprisingly indifferent. He first informed Vulkan that the Emperor was not as invincible as he thought, then plainly stated that Vulkan was not qualified to understand the Grand Plan, followed by making it clear that this was merely a transaction, and finally, he tasked Vulkan with his assignments.
It seemed cold, didn't it?
But Vulkan understood the logic of the cold-blooded. For the Slann Mage-Priests, the Grand Plan was the only thing worth their attention and effort. They were willing to sacrifice everything, including their lives, to protect the world shaped by the Old Ones. They didn't comprehend gratitude—if something benefited the Grand Plan, they would do it; if something harmed it, they would eliminate it. This was the logic of the cold-blooded. Concepts like goodwill meant nothing to the Lizardmen.
One should not apply human logic to understand the thoughts of the Lizardmen, just as mortals could never fully comprehend the thoughts and powers of the gods.
However, Vulkan could extract valuable information from the interaction. He might not know exactly what the Grand Plan entailed, but he understood that Kroak had a much deeper understanding of it and had shared some of this knowledge with the Emperor. The Emperor acknowledged the Grand Plan, or at least part of it, providing a foundation for their alliance, which led to Vulkan and the Lizardmen's pact.
But the question remained: what was the Grand Plan's ultimate purpose?
Whenever Vulkan pondered this, it gave him a headache. He always felt on the verge of uncovering the truth, only for his conclusions to be swiftly overturned. The truth and core of the Grand Plan had finally been revealed to him by Kroak: it was unknowable.
So, I'm just a tool, through and through. After realizing this, Vulkan chuckled self-deprecatingly.
A tool of my father.
The Primarch did not wallow in self-pity, though. He knew he owed the Emperor. If not for his rapid fall during the Horus Heresy, where he personally killed Ferrus Manus and later severely injured Guilliman, perhaps things would not have turned so dire. He owed much, but at least now, he had a chance to atone.
In an ancient building not far from Itza's great pyramid, the soldiers of the Ash Legion were stationed. A Skink Priest had delivered detailed maps.
Since Vulkan was absent, the Golden Mage Karim, Julius, and the vice-commander Fernando Pirazzo gathered together. They spread the map on a table, pointing to the Spine of Sotek in the west of the Great Jungle. Fernando Pirazzo spoke in a low voice, "According to the Lizardmen's intelligence, a group of short-statured warmbloods have been conducting raids and plundering in the Spine of Sotek. But since the Lizardmen's main forces are focused on reclaiming more temple cities and battling the Skaven in the south, they haven't been able to deal with these warmbloods."
"Short-statured… warmbloods?" Julius furrowed his brow.
The knight-errant suddenly felt incredibly small. Within the grand and majestic temple city of the Lizardmen, Julius truly realized the power of the ancient races. The lasers piercing the sky, the towering carnosaurs, and the countless Lizardmen armies all spoke of the Old Ones' ancient and glorious history.
His faith grew stronger because of this. He firmly believed that his Lady had not placed him here without reason.
"Speaking of short-statured warmbloods, that can only mean…" The Golden Mage stroked his beard, and the officers all turned their heads towards a certain direction in the camp.
"?" Halfling Habbie was wearing a tall white chef's hat, rubbing spices and salt onto a dinosaur leg. Two halflings were laboriously turning the spit, from which delicious aromas wafted. The halfling's culinary skills were recognized by all. Seeing several people looking at him, Habbie grinned, "Gentlemen, dinner is still a while away. Don't worry, the food won't cook faster just because you rush it."
"I don't think it's halflings." The Ash Legion's First Company Captain Pedro shook his head with a bitter smile. "It's not impossible for halflings to be in Lustria, but they prefer stealing to highway robbery."
"I agree. Halflings aren't that ambitious. Protesting unfair taxes and demanding citizenship rights is about their limit," Pirazzo nodded. "If it's not halflings, then the only possibility is…"
"It's Dwarfs, and not just any Dwarfs, but a group of high-tech Dwarfs!" Vulkan suddenly appeared.
"Commander!" Everyone stood at attention and saluted, making way for Vulkan. The commander of the Ash Legion calmly approached the map. "They're Dwarfs, and a highly specialized Dwarf unit at that. They're equipped with advanced war machines, and they even have a Dwarven gyrocopter squad!"
"Commander, you mean…" The Golden Mage had already grasped Vulkan's idea.
"The Holy Alliance between the Empire and the Dwarfs has lasted for over two thousand years. No matter what, the Longbeards would at least give humans a chance to talk." Vulkan smiled, his stunning appearance shining like a god to the soldiers. Even his words and every expression could mesmerize them. "If we can find a way to track down these Dwarfs, I can convince them to join us willingly. I guarantee it."
"But… Commander, we're not the Empire." Julius hesitated, clearly doubting whether they could persuade the Dwarfs. Bretonnia's relationship with the Dwarfs had been tenuous at best, with conflicts erupting from time to time. Whenever there was friction between Bretonnia and the Empire, the Dwarfs of the Grey Mountains and Black Mountains would always side with the Empire.
"Who says we're not the Empire?" Vulkan stood tall, his voice filled with absolute confidence. "What symbolizes the Empire? The golden double-headed eagle, the skull, the Emperor? After the Emperor, it's Guilliman. After Guilliman, it's me, Vulkan!"
"In this world, I am the Empire!"
****The Real Empire and the Fake Empire****
The Ash Legion would remain stationed in Itza for a short time before setting out for the Spine of Sotek. Meanwhile, in the south, the Serpent God Legion, led by Tehenhauin, had been locked in battle with the Skaven near Oxoatl for several months. Both sides had suffered losses, and it seemed the Skaven were trying to construct something underground. Vulkan ultimately decided to deal with the Dwarfs first. He and his legion desperately needed Dwarf technology and weaponry. He couldn't always rely on importing advanced firearms and war machines from the Old World.
As night fell, the Ash Legion's camp grew silent, with the beams of light from the Old Ones' pyramids illuminating the dark sky. The stars and the moon trembled under the ancient power of the Old Ones.
During the journey, Carona had behaved herself, following the Ash Legion without causing trouble. After the mission to deliver the tablet to Itza was completed, the Phoenix Guard overseeing her relaxed their vigilance, allowing the Wood Elf princess to find an opportunity. Using her stealth and superior night vision, she slipped out of the camp.
Now's the time for this princess to shine! Carona couldn't suppress her excitement. She secretly retrieved her dagger and, following the planned route, left the camp.
"Princess Carona, where are you going so late at night?" Just as Carona was about to succeed, a gentle voice spoke beside her. Vulkan, with the Sotek spear on his back and the golden power sword Glory at his waist, looked
at Alaralos' daughter with amusement. "Didn't we agree that you would stay with us and not leave?"
"Ah, it's you, strange old man!" Carona's heart skipped a beat when she saw Vulkan. He was too handsome, too stunning. The strange old man's face was like a sculpted stone, with chiseled features that made him exceptionally handsome. The sharp gleam in his eyes made him hard to ignore. His silver hair, parted down the middle, flowed smoothly, and his sword-like eyebrows framed eyes that seemed to speak, threatening to ensnare anyone who gazed into them. Carona blushed. "I… I'm just taking a walk. Can't I do that?"
"Of course, Princess. But it's too dangerous for you to walk alone. I suggest you need a companion." Vulkan's tone was calm. "Otherwise, if something happens, I won't be able to explain it to my brother Ryan or your father, Alaralos."
"Hmph! You're such a weirdo. What does it matter to you if I take a walk? Your suggestion is clearly an attempt to take advantage of me!" Carona glared at Vulkan. "The Asrai won't accept your threats. I will never take a walk with a man!"
"Don't worry, Princess. I've considered that possibility." Vulkan clapped his hands, and over twenty soldiers from the Ash Legion appeared, all staring at Carona with green eyes. "How about a walk with over twenty men instead?"
"You… you… perverted old man! What are you trying to do?!" Carona took two steps back in fear.
"I've always respected you, Miss Carona. Now you can choose: do you want to walk with over twenty men or just me?"
Carona's face turned pale as she felt the predatory gazes scanning her, almost tangible in their intensity. The Wood Elf princess gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, finally conceding. "Fine… you win, you perverted old man! Happy now?"
"Very well." The soldiers dispersed, leaving Vulkan and Carona alone. Under the bright night sky, they walked along the streets of Itza. Carona knew her intentions couldn't be hidden from Vulkan, so she headed straight for the Pool of Emerald Waters.
"You've been very interested in this pool." Vulkan walked beside Carona, speaking softly. "Is this related to why you came to Lustria?"
"..." Carona remained silent.
"It seems I guessed right. Let me guess again. Our encounter wasn't a coincidence. Your original goal was to enter Itza, wasn't it?" Vulkan continued. "Why? Why would a Wood Elf be here, trying to get into Itza? Is it because of the Pool of Emerald Waters?"
Carona still didn't speak, quickening her pace as they neared the Pool of Emerald Waters. The massive, shimmering pool, hundreds of meters wide and filled with lily pads and aquatic plants, housed amphibious creatures and immense life energy. But as Carona tried to get closer, a powerful magical barrier blocked her path. "Damn it, old man! Tell them to lower the barrier! I have something important to do!"
Vulkan looked at the Wood Elf princess as if she were a fool.
"Please, strange old man! I really need the power of this pool! Help me, and I'll do anything!" Seeing Vulkan's refusal, Carona quickly changed her tone, pleading. "This is the only way I can find redemption. I swear, everything I'm doing is not for myself!"
Vulkan still shook his head. "No, unless you tell me everything."
Carona's expression shifted repeatedly. One moment she was anxiously staring at the pool she couldn't reach, and the next, she glared angrily at Vulkan. She secretly reached into her clothes, gripping her dagger, seemingly torn between a desperate fight and reluctant cooperation.
Vulkan watched her closely, waiting for her decision.
Finally, Carona let out a long sigh, releasing her hold on the dagger. "Fine, I'll tell you everything, strange old man."
"I came to Lustria because of a vision from Mother Isha. Only the power of the Pool of Emerald Waters can grant me redemption. The reason I seek redemption is because of the wrath of Kurnous, the Hunter God."
"Good, continue. Why did you incur the wrath of the Hunter God?" Vulkan remained calm.
"I fell in love with a Wild Rider under Orion's service, named Atherion."
"Atherion broke his vow. Wild Riders are supposed to sever all ties with the mortal world, but not only did he fall in love with me and remain loyal to our love, he also revealed to me the secrets of the Wild Riders."
"The enraged Hunter God transformed Atherion into a stag. Because of my father's plea, Kurnous didn't curse me, but he used an even more terrifying way to punish me. During a hunt, he guided me to kill my lover with my own hands. And that wasn't the end. Kurnous will continue to resurrect Atherion, forcing him to endure the endless cycle of being hunted and killed."
Vulkan showed no surprise after hearing her story. From the elven myths and stories he had read, it was evident that most of the elven gods took pleasure in tormenting and toying with their followers. Only a few gods, like Lileath, the Moon Goddess, and Hoeth, the God of Wisdom, were relatively reliable, but they were not the principal deities. "So, you seek the power of the Pool of Emerald Waters?"
"No, Isha came to me in a dream. She told me she couldn't stop Kurnous's wrath, but she could free Atherion's soul. All it would take is one Isha ritual by the Pool of Emerald Waters, and Atherion's soul would find eternal peace." Carona finished her story simply. "Strange old man, will you help me? Please."
"I can help you, but why should I?" Vulkan remained unmoved.
"I… I'll repay you!" Carona pouted, feeling upset. "Didn't I say I'd do anything?"
"In that case, I have a condition." Vulkan finally spoke. "If you agree, I'll help you."
"Name it."
"I need you to…"
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