Anyone could obtain this power so long as they were willing to learn. Of course, this was only possible with his permission. After all, he, Sanguinius, was the creator of the Holy Light, the very source of its energy.
Sanguinius's words were like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, stirring a tidal wave in the hearts of Axis, Magnus, Kasha, and Kratos.
"Taught?" Magnus's voice was filled with unprecedented shock as his eyes remained fixed on Sanguinius and the warm, powerful golden light in the Primarch's palm. "Are you saying… this isn't like other powers, but more like… a form of knowledge that can be learned?"
The concept overturned everything Magnus knew. The Holy Light was a power so immense it could directly harm the very essence of the Immaterium. Such power was exceedingly rare in the material universe and was typically bound to an individual, like the Emperor's divine psychic might or Axis's unique Ki.
Only Axis and his specially cultivated warriors possessed Ki. While there were many psykers, their abilities were innate. At that moment, Magnus was still unaware that Axis possessed the latest version of the Fruit of the Tree of Might, which could awaken psychic potential in ordinary humans.
"That is correct, Magnus. The Holy Light is knowledge that can be passed down, and it can also be described as a potent form of faith," Sanguinius explained.
He slowly closed his fist, and the golden Holy Light flowed between his fingers as if it were a tangible substance. The sheer strength of this power was far beyond what any of them had imagined.
"The Holy Light now exists at the foundational level of the physical universe, dwelling deep within every soul that yearns for the light and harbors goodwill. As long as a mortal's will is firm enough and their soul pure enough, possessing compassion for the suffering, the resolve to protect what they treasure, and the hope to believe in the future, then their soul can resonate with this fundamental, luminous power of the universe.
"And my existence, my Divine Form, acts as a powerful signal tower that amplifies this resonance, making it easier for them to perceive and channel it."
Sanguinius left one thing unsaid: as more people believed in and used the Holy Light, his own power would grow ever stronger. He himself was the source of this energy.
It never would have been born without the potent, life-giving Fruit of the Tree of Might provided by Axis, the constant baptism of his body by Axis's Ki, or the Ascension Ritual that had fully awakened his divine soul in the Immaterium.
A sharp glint flashed in Axis's eyes as he instantly understood the strategic significance and far-reaching implications. This was not just Sanguinius's personal power; it was the blueprint for an ultimate arsenal, tailor-made for the Imperium of Man in its war against Chaos.
"This power is incredibly important, Sanguinius. How difficult is it to learn? Are there specific requirements?" Axis asked.
He imagined his legion's Golden Transformation paired with this Holy Light. It would be a perfect combination. This power, this divine force so different from the Warp, could even be passed down to all Space Marines. With a single successful Ascension Ritual, Sanguinius had gifted the Imperium a formidable weapon, one that could affect the fate of their entire civilization.
"In theory, anyone who is willing to learn, meets the conditions I mentioned, embraces the light, and holds justice in their heart can earn the Holy Light's favor and wield its power. Of course," Sanguinius added with divine confidence, "I can also forcibly plant a seed of the Holy Light within a target, allowing them to use its power."
In truth, from the moment he had created the Holy Light, anyone who fit the criteria he had laid out could be awakened by their own inner desire for guardianship, light, and justice, even without guidance. Therefore, in principle, it was not just the human race that could master this energy in the future.
Any species, so long as they were willing, could gain its recognition. When Sanguinius created it, he had fated the Holy Light to be selfless. If you had faith in the Holy Light, the Holy Light would surely respond.
Of course, as its creator and ultimate source, Sanguinius could also allow someone he chose to bypass the initial stages and wield the power directly. Take Axis, for example. He was a pure warrior. If you asked Axis to be filled with compassion, a sense of justice, sympathy, and knightly virtues, he would most certainly fail. But Sanguinius could plant a seed of the Holy Light within him, granting him access to its strength.
"In that case, let me propose a scenario," Axis began. "If a normal Space Marine learns this wondrous power but, due to certain circumstances, falls and becomes a Chaos Space Marine, he would become evil and dark. Would the power of the Holy Light then leave him?"
"Precisely, Axis," Sanguinius affirmed, "The Holy Light and any evil force are naturally opposed. If someone falls to become a Chaos Space Marine, corrupted by the power of the Four Chaos Gods, the Holy Light will absolutely abandon him." Chaos could never taint the Holy Light.
"Besides the healing abilities and its effectiveness against daemons you mentioned, does this Holy Light have offensive capabilities? For instance, can it attack beings that are not from the Immaterium?" Axis asked, stroking his chin. This Holy Light seemed increasingly similar to the power from a certain world called Azeroth. Was Sanguinius now akin to a Naaru?
"You've guessed correctly, Axis. The Holy Light can be used as a weapon, though the specific methods will require some research. After all, I have only just mastered this energy," Sanguinius replied with a shrug.
"Haha! This is like the ultimate insurance policy! It's a power that will belong to humanity alone in the future," Magnus declared, his face alight with excitement.
"Sanguinius, as soon as I return to my Legion, I will immediately arrange for some of my men to come to you and learn the ways of the Holy Light."
It was a completely new form of power, one with no learning barrier. It could heal, combat creatures of the Immaterium, defend against the Warp's corruption, and be used in battle. It was a truly all-purpose force.
How miraculous! He had been the one to propose the Ascension Ritual, yet Sanguinius was the first to complete it. Sanguinius had gained control of the Holy Light as a result. What power would he himself gain upon completing his own Ascension? Would his psychic might from the Immaterium simply grow stronger? Magnus was filled with anticipation.
"Of course, Magnus. Send whoever you wish, and I will diligently teach your sons. I can also plant seeds of the Holy Light within you all, so that you too may use this power," Sanguinius offered.
"It seems the Primarchs are about to gain another new power," Axis said. "I think you should create a systematic framework for this energy, perhaps by designing some abilities or establishing a complete system for its training."
With the Holy Light now in existence, the concepts of Paladins and Priests were not far behind.
Axis had previously worried about how to establish a state religion to provide the Emperor with sufficient faith-based power. Now, the perfect candidate had emerged. Who could be more suitable than Sanguinius?
He could already picture it, ten thousand years in the future: a Battle Sister, shouting for the Holy Light, her body glowing gold as a massive golden hammer descends from the heavens to smite a daemon.
The number of Paladins among the future Space Marines would likely not be small, either. In ten thousand years, the Imperium of Man would have thoroughly transformed into an Ecclesiarchy.
"I will do that, Axis. I will study this power carefully," Sanguinius agreed with a nod. "And everyone who masters the Holy Light can study it together, including you and my sons."
"Hahaha, my brother! I can hardly wait to experience this Holy Light you speak of! Come, plant your seed of light in me at once!" Magnus exclaimed eagerly.
Axis glanced at Magnus, a thought striking him. Sanguinius had gained the Holy Light after his Ascension. What would Magnus create when he completed his own ritual? A Sorcerer? Magnus already was a sorcerer, capable of casting a wide variety of spells.
No, that wasn't quite right. Magnus was no mere sorcerer. Warlock! That seemed a more fitting title for him. Perhaps in the future, Axis could give Magnus a nudge and suggest he create spells to forcibly control daemons from the Immaterium.
"Of course. Sister Kasha and Kratos, come as well. I will plant the seeds of the Holy Light in all of you, so that you may all use its power," Sanguinius said with a nod.
"Thank you so much, Uncle Sanguinius. I am very much looking forward to this Holy Light," Kratos said, his expression filled with excitement. If he had possessed such a power during his fight with Horus, it would have been Horus who had fallen.
"What exactly do we need to do?" they asked after exchanging glances.
"Relax your minds," Sanguinius instructed. "Recall your most cherished memories, and leave the rest to me."
Axis, Magnus, Kasha, and Kratos nodded to one another and sat cross-legged together.
Following his instructions, they relaxed their minds and began to search deep within their souls for those memories filled with warmth, resolve, hope, and the will to protect.
...
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ps?