"Doing this will kill Horus, right? And the chances are very high," Guilliman asked.
"Yes. But I can assure you, if Horus's heart is aligned with the light, if he stands with the Imperium of Man, he will survive.
This time, I'm also gambling with my own followers. Unlike cosmic phantom beasts, Dark Giants are a different kind of lifeform, on a much higher plane of existence.
After merging with these Dark Giants, no matter what injuries you suffer, you will heal slowly. And this healing goes both ways: not only can you heal yourself, but you can heal the giant as well.
When their minds are linked, new transformation forms can be developed. For example, Horus and my Dark Giant, Daram—they've developed a Dark Emperor transformation form." Rhodes briefly introduced the power of the giant race.
As the true protagonists of the Ultraman universe, the giants are undeniably overpowered beings.
"What a fascinating species. So, you only have one of these Dark Giants right now?" Lion El'Jonson asked.
He found the Dark Giants intriguing. If he merged with one, what kind of Lion form or something else might develop? However, since he already had a cosmic phantom beast, he wasn't too envious of these giants.
"Yes, just one at the moment," Rhodes replied.
Although there was only one now, soon there would be more. The high-level shop draws can be targeted, so when Rhodes does a hundred draws, he'll get at least fifty Dark Giant fragments—enough to piece together another one or two, considering how rare they are.
"I think this is fine. It was Horus who betrayed us and killed Sanguinius. There were reasons, but now it's time for him to atone for his sins," Vulkan said.
If Horus can't endure it and dies, then Sanguinius may find closure, and everyone can help him move on. If they succeed, it's good for both—maybe the brothers can be reunited.
At one time, Horus was Sanguinius's closest friend among all the Primarchs—no one else came close.
"Let's do it then. Let Horus's heart of light work with my light of humanity and transform him into a Giant of Light," the Emperor said.
He knew Rhodes wouldn't suggest something uncertain. If Rhodes dared speak, it meant his light could indeed transform the Dark Giant.
"I'll bring Horus here now," Rhodes nodded to everyone and contacted Daram through the system space.
"Master! Did you need me?" the Dark Giant Daram responded immediately after receiving Rhodes's call.
"How are things over there with Horus?" Rhodes asked.
"All is well, Master! We've secured several new sectors and protected several Imperial worlds. The common people haven't been forced to convert to Chaos.
Many of the Red Corsairs' Chaos Marines only rebelled out of desperation. As for those truly devoted to the Chaos Gods, Horus has personally dealt with them," Daram reported.
"Are you short on troops?" Rhodes asked.
Among the Red Corsairs, most Chaos Marines do worship the Dark Gods. Eliminating all of them could drastically weaken the force.
"Horus anticipated that. He's extracted his own gene-seed and selected suitable recruits to create new Firstborn Marines.
These Marines are loyal to Horus, but they're made from untainted gene-seed.
They're not Chaos Marines anymore, but proper Firstborn," Daram explained.
Rhodes nodded. Horus would know how to make Firstborn Marines, and there are ways even among Chaos Marines. They just lack pure gene-seed—most Chaos gene-seed is corrupted or mutated, making modification dangerous.
But for Horus, now merged with Daram, his flesh is normal and the dark energy is fully under his control.
So his gene-seed is safe.
Horus is now deliberately purging old Chaos Marines to raise his own loyal Firstborn.
Rhodes nodded in approval—no wonder he was once the Warmaster. Even operating solo in the Imperium's shadow, he could rival Abaddon.
If not for Slaanesh's assassins, Abaddon might have been killed on that planet.
"Understood. Notify Horus that I'll use the system's recall to summon you both to the Imperial Palace. He must now face a sin from his past," Rhodes said.
Horus would be summoned remotely; after it's done, he could return to the Imperium's dark side via Tartarus's power.
"Understood, Master!" Daram disconnected and immediately notified Horus in the mind-space.
Upon receiving the message, Horus paused his work, arranged things with the Red Corsairs, and was summoned with Daram to Holy Terra.
A flash of light, and a four-meter-tall, bald man in black armor appeared in the palace.
Seeing his familiar father on the Golden Throne and his brothers around, Horus was overwhelmed.
But before he could react, Lion El'Jonson rushed up and punched him, pinned him to the ground, and beat him up—fist after fist, blood flying.
Horus didn't resist. He knew this was the punishment he deserved. If taking the beating could ease his brothers' pain, even death would be worth it.
"I want to kill you right now. But I'll give you one last chance. Treasure it—this is your final chance," Lion El'Jonson said.
Horus staggered to his feet, wiped the blood from his mouth, and fell silent. He noticed the energy being floating in the air: long blood-red hair, blood-stained wings, and a pale, evil face—his brother, the Archangel Sanguinius.
Once, Sanguinius had great white wings, golden hair, and unmatched beauty; among the Primarchs, only Fulgrim could compare.
They'd been the closest of friends, sharing everything. When Horus first became Warmaster, Sanguinius was the happiest for him.
Before Chaos corrupted him, Sanguinius even entrusted Horus with the Blood Angels' secret, not the Emperor—a mark of deep trust.
Horus had promised to help Sanguinius solve the Blood Angels' curse, but after his corruption, he broke that promise and even tried to corrupt Sanguinius too.
"Long time no see, my brother!"
"Yes, it's been a long time, Horus. I thought you were utterly destroyed. I underestimated father's love for you—you're still his favorite," Sanguinius said, suppressing his rage.
He had sealed the Black Rage within Mephiston, or else he would have lost control and attacked Horus.
"I apologize. If my death will help, then do it.
Your gifts can take over my duties—the Imperium's shadow needs a Primarch to lead," Horus said.
He guessed why Rhodes had summoned him urgently. After all he'd done, it was only a matter of time before his brothers noticed and realized he was alive.
Perhaps only his death could end this.
"Daram, thank you for your companionship these past two and a half years. You're a worthy warrior, but sometimes you must use your power wisely.
A Dark Giant is better suited for ranged attacks before close combat. You're strong. I'm sorry I can't accompany you further," Horus said farewell to Daram in the mind-space. Without Daram, he couldn't have built his power in the Imperium's shadow.
"Don't say that. Things might change, and I recognize you. You're the only human vessel I acknowledge. Unless you die, I won't separate from you," Daram replied.
At first, he'd merged with Horus only on Rhodes's orders. But after two and a half years together, he'd seen Horus's incredible combat talent—his own growth in that time surpassed centuries.
He'd even developed new transformation forms. If he could, he would protect this human vessel at all costs.
"Don't be so sentimental. Here's the deal: Horus, are you willing to accept the Light of Humanity and, with Daram, transform into a Giant of Light?" Rhodes explained everything.
"If it can save Sanguinius, of course I'm willing.
Father, I accept the Light of Humanity. My heart will always remain in the light," Horus said.
He'd thought he would have to die to atone, but now it seemed he was being asked to help Sanguinius heal. He was happy to do it.
"Wait, Master, do you mean I'm to become a Giant of Light?" Daram asked, staring at Rhodes.
He was a Dark Giant! Dark power was supposed to be stronger than light!
"Trust me. Becoming a Giant of Light won't erase your dark power. Light and dark can coexist.
Just look at Tiga, whom you once followed, or the Emperor himself—he holds both dark and light within.
If you can unite both, you'll achieve a true state of power, even surpassing Dark Tiga," Rhodes explained.
It was like gaining a new transformation. Darkness wasn't completely purified away; you just gained a light form.
"Alright, Master. I'm willing. When do we start? Do I need to prepare? Let me be clear: I have no heart of light inside me," Daram said.
This was no small thing. Without a heart of light, he couldn't withstand the baptism of the Light.
"That's where the importance of the human vessel comes in. Horus and you have been merged so long your minds are as one. His heart of light is your heart of light.
Once you become a Giant of Light, use your new power to purify all the darkness from the Archangel," Rhodes said.
"Understood, Master. If it's Horus, I'll try. I can temporarily separate from him for the evolution, but afterwards, I'll return to his body—he's the only warrior I acknowledge," Daram said.
"I agree. Horus is indeed a powerful warrior. Since you get along, I won't force you apart," Rhodes replied.
He hadn't expected them to form such a genuine bond, but that was right. With that bond, the human vessel's true power was revealed, and the giant grew stronger.
Daram's current power was due in large part to Horus.