The word "eat" made the Aeldari souls tremble instinctively; they didn't doubt whether the young Tech-priest was lying to them.
"However, my way of eating is different from that pervert in the Warp. You can just assume I can make your souls completely disappear." Magos Gamma said this without much confidence himself, but now that it had come to this, the act had to continue.
The Supreme Seer, who had been accumulating psychic energy, heard this and was greatly shocked, losing control of his mind. The accumulated psychic power instantly went out of control, and psychic flames and psychic lightning appeared out of thin air, centered around his body.
"Isn't it better to just stay put and wait to become a slave of Magos Gamma?"
The young Tech-priest, under the incredible gaze of the Aeldari, ignored the surging psychic energy around the Supreme Seer and slapped him directly on the forehead. The anomalies caused by the uncontrolled psychic energy instantly ceased, disappearing without a trace.
"You, you—gah!" The Aeldari elder's neck twisted, and he fainted.
Seeing someone "faking an injury," the young Tech-priest quickly explained, "I didn't hit—ah, bah, I didn't knock him out!"
To ensure his plan proceeded smoothly, Magos Gamma had no choice but to move the Aeldari to another location. It had to be said, the villain persona was really useful. They hadn't even been taken as "dogs" yet, and they were already cooperating so well.
After a series of rescue efforts, the Supreme Seer was finally pulled back from the brink of death. The first thing the Aeldari elder did upon waking was to clamor to see Magos Gamma.
The young Tech-priest also wanted to test the other party to prepare for his next plan. His original plan was to use the excuse of helping the Aeldari cope with the crisis to naturally infiltrate the Craftworld, but the Supreme Seer, that old tortoise, saw through his plan.
There was nothing he could do. Magos Gamma, having revealed his true colors, could only change his strategy and choose to force the issue. Tormenting those Aeldari was also to break their psychological defenses and find a few 'nothing-to-lose' collaborators among them.
But just as the seeds were planted, the old tortoise pulled this stunt, clearly intentionally. He had to deal with the Aeldari elder, otherwise, the other party would constantly trip him up, which would greatly affect the plan.
In a moment, if he just said "no," he would directly kill him with the "Poison Plague." Magos Gamma thought this on his way to see the Supreme Seer.
But when he met the other party, the Aeldari elder's first words caught Magos Gamma off guard:
"Can you truly completely kill souls?"
The young Tech-priest regretted what he had said to break the Banshee's psychological defenses, but he still intended to argue, "Is that difficult? It's just a soul. Many people can do it."
Unexpectedly, the Supreme Seer's eyes revealed a gleam of wisdom as he said, "I am thousands of years old and have enough experience to distinguish right from wrong. Although you appeared incredibly evil in the holding cell, once I calmed down and stepped outside of my own situation, it was easy to discern that it was all your pretense."
This old tort—old fox, Magos Gamma stubbornly said, "Don't flatter me. If I say I'll destroy you, I'll destroy you, and I won't even blink my cruel eyes!"
"The acting is too strong," the Prophet said indifferently.
"Heh, you're looking for death, deliberately provoking me, aren't you? I'll now—"
"Tell me your authority. As long as you can do what you say, from now on, you will be our master!" The Supreme Seer's words were astonishing.
...
Question: What do you do when you only wanted to turn a few collaborators but ended up directly turning the opposing supreme leader?
Magos Gamma replied: Damn it!
"Are you trying to test me? I won't tell you—"
"The lives of our entire race are in your hands," the Supreme Seer stated as an undeniable fact.
"I am not a god!"
"I understand," the Supreme Seer said with a confident expression, but even an idiot could tell he was acting. To use his own words—
The acting was too strong.
...
Only the Supreme Seer himself knew the excitement in his heart. Heaven knows how envious the Aeldari were of humans when they scorned them as "barbaric monkeys." Only the human race in the entire galaxy had given birth to gods who could freely walk in the material realm.
Although similar situations had existed in the myths of the ancient Aeldari, the era was too distant, and it was a myth itself. The Supreme Seer didn't know the specifics, and the content was a bit too outrageous, so he didn't really believe it.
But the human gods on earth were real. Whether it was their Emperor or the Emperor's sons, they were gods who should not exist in the material realm.
The Supreme Seer had thought more than once if even one similar existence appeared among the Aeldari, would their situation become completely different?
Now, a "wild" god on earth appeared before him, wanting to "help" them break free from the shackles of fate, wanting to take them as "servants." How could the Supreme Seer not be excited?
If he didn't have one himself, couldn't he "kidnap" someone else's? If anyone was to blame, it was the humans themselves for not watching over their own gods!
The only remaining problem was "soul." The Supreme Seer, who was proficient in daemonology, knew that the word "shelter" was never a good word for believers. "Annihilation" was actually more merciful.
"Can you annihilate souls? Completely annihilate them?" the Prophet asked again.
Magos Gamma, with an uncertain expression, struggled for a long time over whether to kill the expectant Aeldari elder. Finally, for the sake of the plan, he decided to reveal some of his secrets. Anyway, Nurgle already "knew."
"I can absorb daemons."
"Absorb! Is it that civilized?" the Prophet exclaimed in disbelief.
"Is it the same as eating?"
"I can't bring myself to eat such disgusting things," Magos Gamma said, rolling his eyes.
"Show me!"
The process of proving it will not be elaborated. Summoning daemons was a small trick that the Supreme Seer could easily handle. After Magos Gamma slapped away the summoned Khorne Bloodletter, the Aeldari elder immediately knelt before Magos Gamma, swearing that he would be his Aeldari in life and his "food" in death, begging him not to despise his old age and difficulty in chewing.
If the Star Gods knew Magos Gamma had this treatment, they'd probably cry with envy.
The Supreme Seer's surrender stimulated the Aeldari and also stimulated the Tech-priests. The stimulated Aeldari did not curse the Supreme Seer's betrayal but instead cried in despair, finally no longer having to worry about their souls falling into the hands of the perverts in the Warp after death and being arranged into various 'plays.'
The Tech-priests' reactions were much more normal. They just wanted to kill these Aeldari "god-traffickers." If Magos Gamma hadn't stopped them in time, the Tech-priests would have already started drawing "life-or-death lots."
Finally, it was the Om faction, secretly exerting influence, that suppressed the situation. The Om faction provided an explanation for Magos Gamma's act of recruiting the Aeldari:
The omnissiah's existence is eternal, spanning past, present, and future. Did the omnissiah not exist before humanity was born?
Of course, it existed. Since the omnissiah existed, then the omnissiah must also have existed. But at that time, there was no species as pure as humanity, so the Omnissiah reluctantly descended among the ancient Aeldari.
This also explains why Aeldari technology is so incredible; it's all due to the Omnissiah's benevolence.
If you don't believe it, look at the ring on the Omnissiah's offspring's hand. The Aeldari themselves admit it's a divine artifact whose purpose and use they don't know. The Omnissiah's offspring could use this divine artifact freely the moment he put it on. Is this not enough proof?
The "invisible army" witnessed by tens of thousands of eyes is an undeniable fact!
These rings were very likely forged by the Omnissiah himself back then. Although the Omnissiah, after the appearance of the "pure humans," this perfect species, determined to make humanity his chosen people, these Aeldari did not shamelessly forget the Omnissiah's generosity to them like their counterparts. For tens of millions of years, they have always remembered the Omnissiah, carefully preserving the divine artifacts created by the Omnissiah.
By chance, the divine artifact returned to the Omnissiah's hands, and the Aeldari also recognized the Omnissiah through the divine artifact. And the merciful Omnissiah, upon discovering that there were still his believers among the Aeldari, although unwilling to accept their faith, still chose to protect them out of old affection.
If you don't believe it, ask those Aeldari what they are to the Omnissiah?
They are servants!
And us? We are believers! We are followers!
Praise the Omnissiah!
The Om faction's clandestine actions could deceive Magos Gamma, but they couldn't deceive the Supreme Seer, who was determined to abduct Magos Gamma. After discovering that the Tech-priests' attitude towards them had changed, the Prophet used his psychic abilities to clearly understand the whole story.
Regarding the Om faction Tech-priests' explanation, the Supreme Seer only wanted to say two words: Brilliant!
It's well-reasoned and doesn't even need to be changed; it can be used directly for propaganda in the Craftworld. What's wrong with being a servant? A household slave is an insider. What are you guys, bowing outside the door, so proud of?
Just a side note: Ulthwe, who had been mentally tormented by Magos Gamma, after experiencing the dramatic ups and downs from "fearless warrior saving his home" to "sinner bringing disaster to his home" to "great hero finding the divine being."
He's become a bit abnormal. He is now a fanatic of Magos Gamma. Anyone who dares to say that Magos Gamma is not a god or not the savior of their home, he will hack them with his sword. Ulthwe does not accept any other possibilities or changes!
Although there were significant deviations from Magos Gamma's plan, he now had collaborators. What he needed now was to safely bring the Gear Fleet back to Thedan, arrange follow-up matters, and then leave alone with the Aeldari to face "Nurgle."
With the Supreme Seer, this Aeldari "rebel," around, Magos Gamma could use the Webway however he pleased.
It had been almost ten years since he last saw his beloved son, Archmagos Will, and once again, he received news of the Gear Fleet appearing in the Thedan system.
"You little rascal, you never tell me in advance when you're coming back," the Archmagos complained to Magos Gamma, who stood before him, unchanged.
However, he didn't expect Magos Gamma's first words to be: "Father, the Gear Fleet will be yours from now on!"
"Huh?"
Am I being exiled? Can't you build me a palace, send me beauties and treasures every now and then, and let me be a happy "retired emperor"?
"Grandpa, who is that person singing? Their singing is so awful," a young child, a few years old, complained unhappily, holding a steak.
The aging man with a scarred face, shedding his usual kind and gentle demeanor, single-handedly lifted his grandson—who he usually praised for eating a lot but now only seemed to care about food—and placed him on his knee. Today, he was going to spank the little rascal's backside until it was split into eight!
"You rascal! No matter how awful that Great One's singing is, it's still heavenly music! If I could hear his song before I die, I could close my eyes with a smile right now!"
The chubby child, realizing the gravity of the situation, frantically cried out with quick wit, "Grandpa, you yourself said the singing was awful! You can't just hit me!"
When the old man heard that, a cross-shaped vein popped up on his forehead, and any thought of holding back his strength immediately vanished.
"Ow, ow, ow! Grandma, help! Grandpa's going to kill me!" The resilient chubby child screamed for help.
But this time, the old woman, who usually doted on him, did not stop or complain about her husband. Instead, she reluctantly shifted her attention from the player and impatiently complained, "Old man, hit him to the beat! Don't distract us!"
"Understood!"
"Mom!"
"Dad, beat him hard! We've taught him so many times, and he still hasn't remembered Great Gamma's name and face. This time, use pain to deepen his memory!" the female Tech-Priest said, gritting her teeth angrily.
"Alright!" the old man replied.
The chubby child's pleas for help went unanswered, so he quickly shifted his target, casting a pleading gaze at his most trusted father. He believed his father would surely save him, as his father always told him that brothers fight tigers together, and fathers and sons go into battle.
But the strong man, whose arms were both simulated bionic limbs and whose body was highly modified, shrank his head, pretending not to see. He looked at his knowledgeable wife with a fawning expression and said,
"Wife, it seems this account is ruined. How about we—"
"Have another big idiot like you?" the female Tech-Priest, still angry, said.
The man quickly waved his hand and said, "Having this one is annoying enough. I meant, should we adopt a smart and beautiful one from the cultivation institution?"
"I want a little sister!" the chubby child, whose pants had been pulled down to his plump thighs, exposing his bottom, shouted, looking up.
The woman glanced at her husband and said unhappily, "I'll consider it, but I hear it's hard to get a spot."
The man patted his chest and said, "The Guard recently has new quotas to issue. My military merits are more than enough to exchange for one."
"Alright then, Dad, Mom, what do you two think?"
The old man, whose hand was already raised, paused his action and said, "As long as you two agree, that's fine. I've been a worker my whole life, what do I know? If I had a smart granddaughter, I could also show her off. Not like this little rascal; besides praising him for eating a lot, I can't think of anything else to praise him for."
As he finished speaking, his raised palm swiftly and unexpectedly landed on his grandson's bottom. The chubby child's eyes widened like brass bells. His small mind couldn't comprehend why, ever since the "big brother" appeared on TV, he was no longer the darling in the eyes of his grandparents, father, and mother.
"Slap! Slap! Slap!"
"Ah! Ah! Ah!"
The chubby child, crying from pain and grievance, hated this "bad brother" who had "stolen" his family and his favorite *Gamma Chronicles* cartoon. He secretly resolved in his heart that once he had a little sister, he would be a good brother and give all his toys to her.
(During the Siege of Terra, a female Tech-priest and her Guard expressed their love for each other before sacrificing themselves, so don't criticize me.)
Gamma, who was currently letting loose and singing "Just caught a few demons," was unaware of how many "family tragedies" he had caused. Ever since he returned to Thedan, he had been in a state of doing whatever he wanted.
Embarrassed? The little Tech-priest, who had streaked in front of everyone, no longer cared about face or reputation. He didn't want to think about anything, nor was he willing to. If he thought, he would be afraid. If he was afraid, he would shrink back. If he shrank back, everyone would be in danger. "Your Old Sun is going!"
At the end of the song, Gamma, carrying his "Golden Cudgel," walked off the stage with a proud and spirited stride. In the backstage, the Supreme Seer and Leia were all waiting for Gamma.
"Gamma," the Tech-priest Girl looked at the little Tech-priest carrying the "Ruyi Golden Cudgel" with a worried and unwilling expression.
With the messy facial paint he had drawn on himself, Gamma waved his hand and said impatiently, "How many times have I told you? Don't try to persuade me anymore. Use this time to read more books and learn more technology. Don't you know your own limitations?"
"I've led you for so long, and you haven't made any progress. A bunch of idiots!"
"Go, go, go! Don't bother me!"
As he spoke, he didn't forget to brandish his stick to keep the Tech-priest from approaching him. The Eldar Banshees, who had been waiting nearby with towels and makeup remover, easily approached Gamma and gently wiped the greasepaint from his face.
This scene made the Tech-priests' eyes burn with fury, yet they dared not speak their anger. Once Gamma's face was clean, he asked the Supreme Seer,
"Edra, how is the contact with the Craftworld going?"
"This..." The Supreme Seer hesitated, not revealing the true situation. Seeing the Eldar old man's expression, the little Tech-priest already had his answer. He took the towel from the kneeling Banshee's hand, wiped his hands, and said disdainfully,
"Heh, don't say I didn't give you a chance. My patience is limited!"
"Yes, Master."
"Those who haven't experienced despair won't believe that death is a blessing. Those who don't understand my power won't abandon their self-righteous fantasies. So, you know what to do, right!"
"Hmm?!"
"Yes, Master!" the Prophet and the Banshees said in unison.
"It's good that you understand. Now, it's time to make them understand too!" Gamma smiled, revealing his gleaming white teeth.
Gamma had never thought he could take down an Eldar Craftworld without bloodshed. Nor would he believe that the Eldar's current obedience meant they genuinely served him from the bottom of their hearts.
Ultimately, it was merely mutual exploitation. Their recognition of him was simply a desperate measure in their despair, like a patient throwing themselves at any cure. If it weren't for the Poison Plague, and if it weren't for the other powers in his hands, the Eldar who were now so respectful to him would undoubtedly take him back to the Craftworld and turn him into a brainless wetware for their "Infinity Circuit."
For Gamma, the Eldar had always been tools, useful tools for now. If a tool wasn't handy, it needed to be modified and polished. As long as it was useful, he didn't care how much material was trimmed and polished off the tool.
At the same time, Magos Lauster and Archmagos Will were discussing in a secret chamber. Before them was a giant Cogitator, which was also the main Logic unit.
"Is this the artificial intelligence of the Golden Age? It's truly terrifying!" the Archmagos exclaimed, looking at the constantly changing growth rate on the screen.
"Alert: Incorrect wording. Not terrifying, but efficient," the main unit emitted a cold electronic voice.
"..."
Magos Lauster nodded in agreement, though his approval was for Archmagos Will, not Logic. Those who had never witnessed top-tier artificial intelligence with their own eyes could never imagine its power, just as ignorant farmers believe the Emperor would use a golden hoe to till the land.
Even knowing that Gamma had integrated many contingencies into it, Magos Lauster still felt fear at Logic's power.
"Archmagos, the sudden surge in Thedan's production efficiency, won't it arouse Mars's suspicion?" Magos Lauster asked worriedly.
Archmagos Will said indifferently, "Lauster, don't think Mars's own backside is clean. Do you think they don't want to, or don't dare to? They can't do it!"
"Even if they knew about Logic's existence, the first thing they'd want to do is hide it from everyone and make us hand it over to them."
"Moreover, the current increase is entirely due to the excessive waste and unreasonable production plans we had previously. After a while, once Logic smooths everything out, the growth rate won't be so high, and it won't be as conspicuous then. With Gamma—"
At the mention of Gamma's name, the Archmagos paused and did not continue. His thoughts immediately returned to the day Gamma came back.
"No! You're not going! I'm going to slaughter those Eldar right now!" the Archmagos shouted, losing control of his emotions and slamming his hand on the desk. This desk, which had accompanied him from Tech-Priest to Tech-Magos, then to Archmagos, and finally to Fabricator-General, was shattered beyond recognition by the immense force of his bionic limb.
"Father, calm down. I have a necessary reason to do this."
"No reason is good enough! No means no! How can you go to an alien's territory alone? Have you forgotten what I told you? Don't have any damned sense of mission. Your living safely and soundly is the greatest contribution to the Imperium and to humanity!"
Gamma walked over to the agitated Archmagos, gently patted the Archmagos's massive body, comforting him while saying,
"I know you're worried about me, but I can't stay here. It would bring danger to you."
"We're in danger, but aren't you in danger?! Don't you understand how important you are to Thedan, to the people of Thedan, and to me? Even if we all die, as long as you're still here, Thedan will remain!"
"I know, I know. It's precisely because of that that I am this way. This is my home, and you are my most important family. Your living happily and joyfully is my greatest support."
Gamma's words made the Archmagos think of something. He quickly bent down, using his mechanical bionic limb to feel all over Gamma's small body, checking every part of him.
"You've been targeted by a demon?!"
Swatting away the Archmagos's hand reaching for his private parts, Gamma said helplessly, "Father, don't ask about this matter again, and don't investigate."
Pausing, Gamma realized that merely saying so wouldn't stop the Archmagos from doing something. He had confessed to Archmagos Will instead of secretly leaving because he feared that a demon might exploit the Archmagos's desire to uncover the truth of his departure and corrupt him.
The same Logic applied to Magos Lauster and Leia. Gamma was now experiencing how frustrated the Emperor must have been back then—unable to say nothing, yet unable to say everything, only able to say half and leave half.
After much thought, the little Tech-priest had no choice but to imitate the Emperor of old—to be a person with divine power, yet not a god.
Only then could he make others obey his requests and commands unconditionally, even with their hearts full of questions and doubts!
Sighing deeply, Gamma waved his hand. The shattered desk, to the Archmagos's incredulous gaze, restored itself as if time had flowed backward.
"Whew, Father, I think you also know how extraordinary I am. There are many things I've known since birth. These things are too dangerous for you, which is why I don't want you to get close to them."
"..."
"They are not opponents that can be defeated with any number of tanks, warships, or doomsday weapons."
"He has already made his move, and I must retaliate, otherwise, only one outcome awaits me!"
"So, Father, promise me. Don't investigate why I left. Live happily in Thedan, build it into the jewel of the entire galaxy, let all humanity see that we can live like this, and let humanity see hope in this desperate universe."
"Develop it, protect it, spread it."
"This is my request, and it is my command!"
Archmagos Will's mind was in a mess. Although he knew that many Priests believed Gamma was the Omnissiah, Gamma himself had never admitted this. As Gamma's father, Archmagos Will, like his son, did not accept this idea from the bottom of his heart. Only he knew how annoying this little rascal was, and how perfectly he embodied the meaning of the word "human."
Although he knew how extraordinary Gamma's talents were, as a Tech-Priest who had worshipped the Omnissiah his entire life, the idea of the Omnissiah becoming his son was simply too blasphemous. Archmagos Will could not accept it, both physiologically and psychologically.
Now, Gamma had personally admitted it to him—"Yes, I am the Omnissiah, and I am going to fight a divine war."
This left Archmagos Will's organic brain blank and his mechanical brain completely frozen. Even though he had no lungs, the Archmagos felt it difficult to breathe. Giving birth to the Omnissiah was truly too heavy a burden for a Tech-Priest. Should he still believe in the Omnissiah in the future?
Or should he set up a spiritual tablet for himself among Source Power, the God of the Craftworld, and the Omnissiah, and worship himself from now on?
"Father? Father? Father!"
"Huh?" the Archmagos, coming back to his senses, called out, bewildered.
Seeing the Archmagos in this state, Gamma could understand, but he had no choice but to do this. He gently hugged the Archmagos's body and comforted him,
"I know this is difficult for you to accept right now, but don't overthink it. I am not a god. I am still your son. I am happy to have been born into this world as your son."
Looking down at the small Gamma, the Archmagos suddenly felt relieved. What Gamma was didn't matter; knowing that he was his son was enough. Thinking this, the Archmagos reached out and gently stroked Gamma's head, saying,
"A father's responsibility is to be his son's support. I will Guard this home for you, so promise me, Gamma, you must defeat them!"
Archmagos Will, whose thoughts had returned from the past to the present, reached out and touched the casing of the Logic mainframe, one of the treasures left behind by his son. "Lauster, am I truly incompetent?"
The only reply he received was silence. The two remained silent until they exited the secret chamber, walked out of the secret passage, and reached the crossroads where they were about to part ways.
"Incompetence isn't just limited to you."
Magos Lauster's voice echoed from behind the Archmagos.
The nightmare of countless foolish children in Thedan was over. Magos Gamma, whom their parents often spoke of, no longer monopolized their televisions, and they no longer had to endure comparisons to Magos Gamma in his youth.
His sudden disappearance was just like his sudden appearance; besides making them remember the name Gamma through their discomfort, everything seemed as if it had never happened. If there was any change, it was that their parents' faces showed more smiles than before, and they needed to throw fewer tantrums to get the toys they wanted.
Magos Gamma, who had already left Thedan, now stood on the surface of a desolate planet. The scorching air, hot enough to incinerate a person to dry bones within minutes, felt like a gentle breeze to Magos Gamma, who carried no heat-insulating equipment. Though there was no oxygen, it didn't hinder his normal breathing.
Compared to him, the Aeldari standing behind him looked much more normal; each of them was enveloped in thick space suits.
Their usual cat-like agile postures had become as clumsy as pandas.
No matter how many times one saw it, the Webway always felt incredible.
Magos Gamma's voice resonated in the Aeldari's minds, but they currently behaved like lifeless stones, each of them terrifyingly blank-faced beneath their space suits.
Magos Gamma, receiving no response, pursed his lips, though no sign of anger appeared on his face. As the Great Demon King who led the "Corrupted Warriors" to attack the warriors' homeland, he could still understand the feelings of his subordinates at this moment.
But he would not say anything to comfort these Aeldari. What he wanted was obedience. As for what they thought in their hearts, whether happy or sad, Magos Gamma did not care.
Watching the Webway gate emerge above the ancient and mysterious equipment as the Supreme Seer operated it, Magos Gamma's curiosity about the Old Ones grew even stronger. The Old Ones' creations were the only technology Magos Gamma had not been able to fully comprehend to date.
Whether it was his attempt to steal Old One technology through Ork spores or his subsequent observations of the Webway, Magos Gamma obtained very little information. Their technology seemed to be protected by a blurry veil, and trying to see through this veil to the secrets behind it was far beyond Magos Gamma's current "self-power."
However, Magos Gamma was not worried that this veil could always obstruct him. Endless demons were his nourishment, and Aeldari souls were also his nourishment. He was still "young" and had immense room for growth.
"Master, it is ready."
"Good, you've worked hard."
Turning to look up at the sky, Magos Gamma shouted: "Little White, this journey is destined to be a one-way trip."
The giant living metal titan swung his massive club, stirring up a gust of wind: "Beep beep beep!"
Behind him, countless mechanical entities of various sizes and shapes, also composed of living metal, all spoke in unison: "Then let it be a one-way trip!"
"Depart! Seize that Craftworld for me!"
As Magos Gamma issued the command, an unsettling, piercing hum echoed across the land. Countless mechanical beetles ascended from the ground,
Like a sky-darkening black cloud, they swarmed towards the Webway gate.
Then, amidst a chorus of wolf howls, swift giant wolves converged into a black torrent, surging into the Webway.
After all the beetles and giant wolves had entered, the army of Iron Men followed, entering in an orderly fashion, one phalanx after another.
Huge floating transport vehicles were interspersed within the Iron Men's phalanxes, protected closely by them.
And Magos Gamma had already taken his Throne of Dominion, advancing towards the portal suspended in the void, escorted by the metal torrent.
What is the "Webway"? Those who understand it might describe it as an "Warp highway."
But if Magos Gamma were to describe it, he would say that the Webway is something that cannot be clearly explained in the language of the current world. The laws of the real universe do not apply here. If he had to describe it, the little Tech-priest could only use the term "labyrinthine dimension."
Although the structural form of the Webway space is not as completely chaotic and disordered as the Warp, it still does not conform to the cosmic laws and spatial geometry that most races accustomed to long-term life in the material universe are used to.
Some parts adhere to physical laws to varying degrees; gravity is purely a subjective perception upon entering the Webway, while distance and direction have an accidental relationship with each other. Some parts are even technically infinitely wide and immeasurable.
It can be described as a tapestry of galaxies woven from shimmering threads, its hidden threads spreading across the veil between the two, like an exquisite fabric covering something unclean.
It can also be considered a labyrinth of glowing tunnels, or perhaps it resembles the vascular network of some colossal creature, a system composed of countless arteries and capillaries.
But all these metaphorical descriptions fail to convey the truth, or are severely inconsistent with the facts, merely offering a glimpse through a keyhole, like blind men touching an elephant, because the essence of the Webway is difficult to categorize simply.
In a sense, the Webway is less an objectively existing reality structure independent of the Warp and the real universe, than it is actually the "gap" between the material realm of the real universe and the Warp, which is filled with surging tides. It is a hyper-dimensional tunnel "excavated" between intangible dimensions, or a "non-existent void" cleared out from the conceptual meaning of "existing things."
"The Old Ones are awesome!"
Magos Gamma, whose brain was aching from pondering, exclaimed for who knows how many times. He now had the flavor of a Tech-priest, an endless thirst for knowledge filling his mind, making him repeatedly and presumptuously attempt to unlock the secrets of the Webway using the fragmented information he gained from it.
Hearing the word "Old Ones" from Magos Gamma's mouth once again, Supreme Seer Eldrad's face showed a determined expression. Because there were no other humans present in the Webway this time, the Aeldari Prophet deliberately told Magos Gamma some things about the Webway. He wanted to use these facts to increase the value of the Aeldari in Magos Gamma's mind.
In his narrative, the Webway became a product of the glorious era of the ancient Aeldari Empire, one of the Aeldari's greatest achievements. Although it is now fragmented and shattered due to the catastrophic event of the "Fall of the Aeldari," and the fragmented passages have made the original labyrinthine structure even more bizarre, also infiltrated and disturbed by strange creatures from different realities and dimensions, the Webway as a whole has not collapsed or become ineffective. The Aeldari can still use it to traverse "various locations" in the galaxy.
As a staunch "realist," could Magos Gamma tolerate the Aeldari old man showing off absurd "Aeldari pseudo-history" in front of him?
Of course not!
The little Tech-priest immediately raised a question: Why can you only use it but not repair it?
The Supreme Seer replied: The Fall of the Aeldari caused them to lose too much.
The little Tech-priest asked again: Do you have historical records that can prove the Webway was built by the Aeldari? Such a grand engineering achievement, how could it not be extensively recorded in the Aeldari's historical texts!
The Supreme Seer replied: The Fall of the Aeldari caused them to lose too much.
The little Tech-priest asked further: If there are no historical records, even a mythical story will do. Tell me a myth that features the Webway, or its repair, even if it's just a little bit of related content!
The Supreme Seer replied: The Fall of the Aeldari caused them to lose too much.
Facing such "Aeldari-centric" believers who avoided reality, could Magos Gamma, who held "truth" in his mind and hands, spare their feelings?!
He unleashed a furious barrage against the Aeldari present, slapping their faces resoundingly. He also educated them on what true history was and told them that they were descendants of the cannon fodder created by the Old Ones back then, and were "step-siblings" with the Orks.
Facing Magos Gamma, who held "truth," these "Aeldari-centric" believers dared not falsely accuse him or claim he was just a self-indulgent amateur.
Finally, Magos Gamma spoke to the Aeldari, whose Dao heart was shattered and whose arrogance was crumbling: "If you cannot even face true history, how can you learn from the tragedy of the Fall of the Aeldari? Do you not understand the principle of learning from history?"
"To truly repent, to truly save your race, you must start by facing true history, and abandon the arrogance in your hearts. Although history is false, the glory of the Aeldari Empire is real; I have not denied this. You can be proud, but you cannot be arrogant."
"Lay down your arrogance, look at the world and yourselves from a new perspective. I have erased your future, but I have also given you an opportunity—a future to create with your own hands!"
The Aeldari, who had been subjected to PUA, felt much less guilt. What was originally a forced compromise made only to save their homeland and people now had a new reason: to pull their people, who were on the wrong path, back onto the "right path."
Magos Gamma, needing to relax his brain and relieve his headache, chatted idly with the Supreme Seer beside him.
"Eldrad, what is the current situation of the Craftworld?"
The Supreme Seer's reply lacked the usual hesitation in his tone. He answered, "The Warhosts have taken control of the Seer Council. They are currently preparing for war with all their might."
"Heh, preparing for war." Magos Gamma, with a look of disdain, continued: "Didn't you tell them about the Poison Plague?"
"I did."
Sensing the Supreme Seer's helplessness in his tone, Magos Gamma decided to show his merciful side. A qualified ruler must understand the balance of carrot and stick. Even if he cared nothing for the lives of his subjects, he still had to do so, for it was a necessary means of governance.
"Before the war, I will give you one last chance to surrender. This is also my final act of mercy for those who remain obstinate. Those who dare to draw a sword against me face only death. This will be the supreme law of Craftworld Ulthwé from now on."
Upon hearing Magos Gamma's words, Eldrad and the other Aeldari immediately knelt, placing their right hands over their chests, and bowed respectfully, saying, "Thank you for your mercy, Great Gamma."
Having tasted the sweetness of power over the Aeldari, the slightly giddy little Tech-priest let out a cool "Hm," making them kneel for a good while before allowing them to rise.
Power truly is intoxicating! Magos Gamma thought to himself.
In the dark side of the Imperium, the half of the galaxy where the Astronomican's light could not reach, a colossal space 'sailing ship' comparable to a planet was traveling at sub-light speed through the boundless galaxy.
This was the home of the Craftworld Eldar, a wandering 'world'.
Its internal space was actually much larger than it appeared, with forests, lakes, and urbanized areas.
Some areas remained uninhabited, awaiting construction, and no one knew when they could be transformed, as the sparse Eldar population couldn't even fill this world.
Inside this massive Craftworld, named 'Urielwe Craftworld,' every adult Eldar, regardless of gender, was queuing to receive weapons and armor.
Their sparse population meant that every Craftworld Eldar had to undergo some military training to form a militia force to defend their world when necessary. Before taking up arms, they might have been pastry chefs, gardeners, painters, or held various other identities, but now they had only one identity: 'Guardian'.
(Who said Eldar didn't have cannon fodder?)
Warriors from various branches of the Warrior Path were fully equipped and gathered at the Webway gate on the Craftworld, while Guardians, composed of ordinary Eldar, constructed defensive fortifications under the command of the Warstrider.
Even the Exarchs, lost on the Path, both revered and reviled by other Eldar, and alienated from Craftworld Eldar society, had gathered here.
"You are leading everyone to their deaths! Has even the soul of your Warstrider been claimed by Khaine?" The bound and restrained Prophet, usually revered, struggled and shouted.
The Path of Command was the path of studying tactics, formulating plans, and guiding the Eldar in combat. Those who walked this path were called Warstriders. Before becoming a Warstrider, they would learn from various branches of the Warrior Path, mastering their essentials, and finally drawing on the strengths of many to become powerful warriors and leaders.
"Shut up!" A Warstrider snapped. If these erratic Prophets weren't still valuable, they would never have allowed these 'traitors' to appear here.
At this moment, one of the captive Prophets spoke to a former comrade standing beside the Warstrider: "Balewi, have you forgotten that our duty is to ensure the Craftworld's continuation? Why choose a fate that is destined for destruction?"
The expression on Prophet Balewi's face shifted erratically, like crying and laughing, yet neither. He replied with a slightly neurotic voice, "I'm tired of fate's mockery. Fate wants me to yield, but this time, I won't follow its will!"
"Are you crazy?"
"Who isn't crazy?"
"Something's happening!" The person who had been closely observing the Webway gate suddenly shouted loudly.
Whether it was the Warstrider, the bound Prophets, or other Eldar, everyone stopped what they were doing and focused their gaze on the Webway gate, which was shimmering with mysterious light in the distance.
As the frequency of the light's flickering grew faster and faster, until every rune on it was lit, all the Eldar knew the enemy had arrived.
But to their surprise, there was no overwhelming army as imagined; only one person emerged from the Webway, a person they were very familiar with.
"traitor! You still dare to appear before us!" The leading Warstrider roared at the Supreme Seer he once revered.
Feeling the overwhelming hostility from his compatriots, Eldrad gave a bitter smile and said, "Give up. Don't make pointless sacrifices. Don't let Khaine's will influence your judgment."
"Never! Scum! Eldar will never be slaves!"
"Never be slaves?" The Supreme Seer's bitter smile now looked more like self-mockery.
"Supreme Seer, that lord?" The bound Eldar asked.
Eldrad subconsciously looked behind him at the Webway, then turned back to explain to his captive companions, "Our master, his heart is much more merciful than his words. He's giving us one last chance."
"Is that so? That's wonderful!" The kneeling Eldar breathed a sigh of relief, then quickly said to the enraged Warstriders and branch warriors, "Think carefully. If the Supreme Seer truly betrayed the entire race for himself, he wouldn't appear here alone, much less strive for a chance for us."
"Silence! It's all his lies! Why is it only him? Where are the others who acted with him?"
"If you wish to see them, I can have them come out."
Eldrad's words caused the atmosphere to freeze. Those chosen for important missions were naturally the elite of the elite. Their martial arts skills and personal will were outstanding. The sacrifice of each of them would be a significant loss to the Craftworld.
Upon receiving news from Prophet Balewi and confirming from other captured Prophets that the Supreme Seer had found himself a master, the Warstriders assumed that everyone else had sacrificed themselves, and Eldrad's solo appearance corroborated their conjecture.
But now Eldrad said they were all still alive, and had all joined that evil entity, supposedly a Nurgle Greater Daemon. How could this not shake the Eldar? Seeing this change, Eldrad quickly unleashed a psychic power. Under the effect of the spell, this psychic power transformed into a butterfly and flew into the Webway. Before long, the Eldar surrounding the Webway gate saw several gradually clearer figures emerge from the Webway gate.
When they fully recognized the newcomers, expressions of confusion and bewilderment appeared on their faces, because among them was also a small human.
"Haaah, haaaah, fresh air is still the best." Gamma breathed deeply as if no one else was present.
Eldrad's expression changed drastically when he saw Gamma appear. Fearing that Gamma might change his mind, he quickly went before the young Tech-priest and respectfully said, "Master, you—"
Raising his hand to interrupt Eldrad, Gamma said, "You continue. Just pretend I'm not here. It's too stuffy inside; I came out for a stroll."
.....
The Supreme Seer clearly knew that Gamma wouldn't appear here for no reason; he definitely had his purpose, but he couldn't guess the lord's thoughts for a while.
But the Craftworld Eldar who witnessed this scene wouldn't give Eldrad time to think quietly.
"He is the master you found for yourself!?"
Hearing his compatriot's questioning, and to prevent the other party from angering Gamma, Eldrad had no choice but to put aside his thoughts and say, "That's right, this lord is also your future master!"
Gamma smiled when he heard Eldrad deliberately raise his voice when saying "your future master." This wasn't a reminder to the Eldar; it was clearly a reminder to him that these Eldar were the power he would wield in the future, and too many deaths would also affect him.
How could he not understand this principle? Otherwise, he wouldn't have appeared here. They were all his 'psychic cattle and horses'; what would happen if too many died and there was no one to work?
He deliberately exposed himself to draw out the hardliners and eliminate this hidden danger that affected his rule of the Craftworld.
The leading Warstrider had given up all hope for the shameless Eldrad. He trusted the warriors he had personally chosen more, so he asked the Howling Banshees:
"Idaline, tell me, have you also betrayed your own people?"
The Howling Banshee first looked at the young Tech-priest who was looking around, then replied, "We are not betraying, but saving our home. Lord Gamma will sever our fate, allowing us to create a future with our own will!"
The Banshee's reply shocked the Warstriders, and equally shocked were the Eldar warriors from various branches present. From their expressions, it was clear that Idaline had a considerable reputation within the Craftworld.
"Why?"
"Lord Gamma's power is beyond imagination. Only by following him can we gain freedom. Only by serving him can we find liberation. Only by serving him can we achieve salvation!"
"Have you been mind-controlled by him!?"
"Impudent! How could Lord Gamma use such despicable methods!"
"..."
At this moment, Eldrad seized the opportunity and said, "The truth is not what you think. I cannot explain the hidden secrets through psychic communication. Put down your weapons and welcome Lord Gamma's arrival. I will explain everything to you afterward!"
"Uto, don't be stubborn, don't be influenced by Khaine. If fighting could solve everything, then an Exarch should be standing in your position now!"
The head Warstrider's face was filled with hesitation. He keenly felt that the entire situation had developed to its current state as if a large hand was pushing it. The Supreme Seer's actions were indeed inconceivable, but for a Supreme Seer and several elite warriors to betray simultaneously was equally unheard of.
Just as he hesitated on how to make a choice, a voice sounded in his ear: "If this evil entity's power can corrupt Eldrad, then corrupting Idaline and the others would not be difficult for him!"
Uto turned his head to look, and it was indeed Prophet Balewi. His words caused the scales in the Warstrider's heart to shift again.
"Eldrad, I can release the detained members of the Prophet Council, as long as—"
"Foolish! Why are you still so naive as to think we are qualified to negotiate with Lord Gamma!" The Supreme Seer roared.
He couldn't understand why Uto, who was always wise, was so naive now. What was the difference between making such a request now and provoking him?
Suddenly, he seemed to think of something, and looked sharply at Balewi beside Uto, roaring, "Balewi, what have you done?"
Eldrad's actions left everyone present bewildered, including Gamma, who was watching the show from the side.
"Uto, stay away from Balewi, he's problematic!"
"Haha, a traitor who has sided with an evil entity says I'm problematic? Eldrad, are you senile?" Balewi said lightly.
The Supreme Seer's face darkened. He was certain that the one in Balewi's body was not the original Balewi. When had the true Balewi ever been so frivolous? But aside from their Prophet Council members, others had not had much contact with Balewi, and now, who would believe the words of those who bore the title of traitors?
Just as Eldrad didn't know what to do, Gamma, who was studying the patterns on a Spirit Stone, appeared in his line of sight.
"Master, an evil entity is spying on your servants!"
Gamma, who was multitasking, naturally knew what had happened. He also saw that the Eldar Prophet was problematic, and Eldrad had confirmed it, so it was pretty much a given.
"Heh heh, how bold. But Eldrad, think carefully. If I make a move, the promise will be void. I don't have time to argue with them."
Eldrad dared not imagine the consequences of letting 'Balewi' continue his mischief. Now, he only had to cut the Gordian knot quickly and deal with him before he caused greater disaster.
"Yes, Master. I hope you will forgive them, seeing as they were only misled by Balewi!"
Ignoring Eldrad's plea, Gamma unhappily looked at the 'Eldar Prophet' in the distance who had disrupted his 'luring the snake out of its hole' plan. He wasn't trying to lure *this* snake!
Gamma raised his hand and snapped his fingers at the Eldar. Immediately, an ear-splitting wail echoed throughout the entire Craftworld. Whether it was the Eldar army defending at the Webway gate, the Eldar children in the shelters, or the Eldar fleet circling the Craftworld, no living Eldar could make any movement other than wailing.
The sudden immense pain also struck down the Warstriders, led by Uto. Only the Exarchs, who had been silent all along, supported their trembling bodies with their weapons and did not fall.
"Ah! Wonderful! So wonderful! I want more!"
Compared to Uto and the others' agonizing screams, 'Balewi's' behavior was clearly abnormal. Others were in so much pain they couldn't control themselves,
but he was in so much pleasure he couldn't control himself.
After exchanging glances, the Exarchs understood each other's meaning. Two of them, leaning on each other to support their bodies, slowly approached the pervert who was writhing in pleasure on the ground.
When they reached Balewi's side, one of the two Exarchs slowly drew his weapon and aimed it at the Eldar's head on the ground, thrusting it down with the combined weight of both of them.
Just as the blade was about to pierce Balewi's skull, a figure appeared without warning beside the Exarch, knocking them aside.
"Lord Gamma commands: take him alive."
"Master, a total of 113 people died this time."
"113 unlucky souls, how did they die?" There was no guilt in Gamma's words for taking innocent lives, only bored curiosity.
The released Prophets knelt before Gamma, and one of them answered him, "Most died from old age and frailty, unable to withstand your divine might. A small number were piloting flying vehicles at the time, and also—"
"Also what?"
"Also several pregnant women—"
"Enough!" Gamma cut him off.
In the magnificent hall, all sounds ceased abruptly after Gamma's voice rang out. After a moment of silence, Gamma spoke again:
"How have the 'rebels' been dealt with?"
"The Warstriders and Bishops have all been detained. The tribal warriors, after their equipment was confiscated, are currently forbidden from leaving their respective temples."
"Heh, quite cooperative. I thought a few defiant ones would rather die than submit, providing an example for others," the Tech-priest said with a hint of disappointment in his calm tone.
The kneeling Prophets' bodies trembled slightly and involuntarily. Before Gamma appeared, they could only imagine his power through the star-messages relayed by the Supreme Seer. But after witnessing his power to kill everyone with a single thought, a deep fear lingered in their souls.
"They only acted so foolishly because of Balewi's instigation. After witnessing your divine might, Uto and the others have all come to their senses," the Prophet pleaded for his compatriots.
Gamma raised an eyebrow and retorted, "You are quite magnanimous, not at all bothered by the fact that they almost killed all of you."
The Prophets didn't know how to answer Gamma, so they responded with silence.
"Hmm, you are the first to pledge allegiance to me, and I can't be ungrateful. How about this: I'll give you the authority to deal with these rebels. You can dispose of them as you wish, kill them, release them, I will not interfere," Gamma said lazily from his throne, propping his chin, like a slacker dumping troublesome tasks onto others.
The joyous expression on the Prophet's face lasted only a few seconds before being replaced by expressions of apprehension and unease.
This was the first task their new master had given them; it was a test. How they dealt with Uto and the others would directly determine what Gamma would do next!
"What, you don't want it?" Gamma's voice rose a few pitches.
"Thank you, my Lord!" The Prophet quickly prostrated himself in humble gratitude.
"Alright, you may all withdraw."
After all the Aeldari in the hall had left, Gamma, sitting alone on his throne, let out a long sigh and muttered to himself:
"So tiring—"
In the prison of the Craftworld, Eldrad and Uto exchanged bitter smiles. The Supreme Seer had already given the head Warstrider a detailed account of their encounter and why he had done what he did.
After the Warstrider's chaotic mind barely made sense of the situation, he spoke, "Thank you, Supreme Seer, you have saved us once again."
"Hmph, 'saved' is too early. No one knows what our ultimate fate will be."
Looking at the troubled Supreme Seer, the Warstrider joked, "Finally, I don't have to listen to your cryptic prophecies anymore, and I don't have to do those inexplicable things. It feels really good to think about."
The "unemployed" Supreme Seer rolled his eyes at the other party and said, "I can't prophesy for us, but I can for others. Our master has his own plans, and you'll only hear more in the future."
To his surprise, Uto smiled dismissively and said, "As someone who is about to enter that one's belly, I won't be able to hear your nagging."
"I'm enjoying treatment that many of our compatriots yearn for but cannot obtain. What kind of expression is that? Can't you be happy for me?"
"Uto, perhaps—"
"I must die. My death will show submission to that one, and my death will extinguish the unwillingness in the hearts of our people."
"But—"
"There is no 'but,' Eldrad. Isn't that one's intention clear enough? Do you want to watch him purge our compatriots?"
...
The Aeldari's actions were much faster and more efficient than Gamma had expected, completely contrary to the Tech-priest's stereotype of this long-lived race as being slow and procrastinating.
To be honest, when Uto's Spirit Stone was presented to Gamma, Gamma himself wasn't mentally prepared to devour the soul of a sentient species. But a "Great Demon King" couldn't back down on such a minor matter, so the Tech-priest had to bite the bullet.
Then he discovered a problem: how was he supposed to absorb the soul from the Spirit Stone?
Swallow it whole? It was too big; it would kill him, and the Spirit Stone wouldn't be consumed!
Lick it? Too disgusting; Gamma couldn't physiologically accept it.
Finally, Gamma had no choice but to hold the Spirit Stone in his hand, close his eyes, and immerse his consciousness into the "Gamma Egg," activating his 'think-and-it-will-happen' method.
"I'll absorb! I'll absorb! I'll absorb with all my might!"
Surprisingly, it worked. Uto's soul really appeared on the "Gamma Egg," though its posture was rather undignified, the entire soul spread out like a large character pressed against the eggshell.
"Hey, Uto, how does it feel?"
Uto, in his soul state, "heard" the voice coming from within the giant egg, and his heart was filled with indescribable shock. Was this the true form of a god? Even before birth, it possessed such terrifying divine might. Without doing anything, its mere existence made it impossible for mortals to conceive of any resistance or struggle.
The Warstrider felt his soul being disintegrated and absorbed. Other than being powerless to resist, there was no other torment. Uto sighed, "We are truly fortunate!"
At this moment, a voice came from the giant egg again: "I think you're unlucky. My troubles are much greater than you imagine."
"Your existence is destined to face them. To attain peace after death is enough for us."
"I thought that in the heart of someone like you, the idea of restoring the glory of the Aeldari Empire would surely be paramount," Gamma said with surprise.
The Warstrider said self-deprecatingly, "Such thoughts only appear in young people who haven't yet understood the cruel reality. If even we don't comprehend our race's on the brink extinction, it will only accelerate our demise."
"No wonder the Death Guard's extreme methods still gain so much support. So you Aeldari high-ranking officials are all so pessimistic at heart!" Gamma exclaimed.
"Master, can you answer one more question for me?"
"You want to ask me how I plan to treat the Aeldari?"
"Yes."
"I don't know," Gamma truthfully told the "dying soul" his real thoughts.
Uto said in astonishment, "You don't know?"
"You're about to completely disappear, and I have no intention of deceiving you. I actually have no interest in your world, or your souls. If you hadn't come to me yourself, I wouldn't even have been prepared to absorb souls. Before you, only a few unlucky demons stumbled upon me."
"I also don't like fighting, or killing. If I hadn't been targeted, I'd still be happily traveling on the other side of the galaxy."
"I came here for a purpose, and you are tools for me to achieve that purpose. But no matter how many times I tell myself you are just tools, I still can't convince myself deep down."
"Perhaps in some battle, I might send all of you to your deaths, or I might have a change of heart and try my best to minimize your casualties."
"It's contradictory, so I don't know."
Uto never expected to receive such an answer from Gamma. This god was very different, not like the Aeldari gods with their distinct divine natures, nor like the chaotic and disorderly Chaos Gods. His inner being was filled with complex humanity.
"Thank you for your answer. Please deliver a dying message from me to Eldrad."
"Heh, that old man is trying to play mind games with me again behind my back. Say it, I'll deliver it."
When Gamma opened his eyes, he still saw the familiar scene. He placed the empty Spirit Stone back onto the tray presented by the handmaiden, and under the handmaiden's bewildered and fearful gaze, he said:
"Take it away."
In Eldrad's eyes beneath the throne, expressions of tension and anticipation flickered. Although in their eyes, Gamma had merely picked up the Spirit Stone and immediately put it back down, Eldrad could feel that the soul within the Spirit Stone had vanished.
"Eldrad, do you admit your guilt?" Gamma's tone was icy, so cold that all the Aeldari's souls involuntarily trembled.
The Supreme Seer immediately knelt and said, "Master, I admit my guilt."
"Then accept your punishment."
As Gamma's thought arose, the prostrate Eldrad's body immediately twisted in agony. He felt every cell in his body wailing, causing him to lose control of his body. Piercing wails involuntarily escaped his throat.
The Supreme Seer's horrific state reminded the others of the pain they had experienced not long ago. Such torment, even just thinking about it, would cause them phantom pain.
As time passed, Eldrad's voice grew weaker and weaker, changing from the initial wailing to intermittent pleas, and then to incoherent begging for mercy. He wanted to faint, but a force within him prevented his body's protective mechanism, making escape an unattainable fantasy.
Only when he was on the verge of his limit did the torment suddenly disappear from him.
The dazed Prophet seemed to hear Gamma on the throne say, "Uto asked me to tell you, thank you for finding them a good master!"
"Hahaha," the Supreme Seer let out a laugh only he could hear before losing consciousness.
In just a few days, life for the Aeldari on the Craftworld Uriel resumed as usual. Civilians returned to their posts, continuing their centuries-long work: gardeners remained gardeners, painters remained painters.
But the ubiquitous mechanical beetles, the towering metal giants in the streets, the giant wolves patrolling everywhere, and the unseen nanomachines all told the Aeldari that the master here was no longer them. Whether they would live, and how they would live, depended entirely on the mood and thoughts of that great one.
Gamma had never considered being a ruler. The taste of power, while delightful, was "too spicy" for him. A little taste was fine,
but while the young Tech-priest was happy to accept, making him eat "chili peppers" for every meal was something his "stomach" and "butt" couldn't handle.
However, to rule this Craftworld of the Eldar, Gamma had to adopt the demeanor of a ruler.
Fortunately, Magos Lauster's many years of strict guidance had laid a foundation for Gamma, teaching him what to do and what not to do.
This was also why Gamma, knowing full well that Eldrad and Uto were testing him together, still conveyed Uto's "last words." He wanted the Eldar to know that he could give them what they wanted, and punishing Eldrad was to tell the Eldar that he could give, but they couldn't demand!
The "dialogue" without communication made Eldrad's last doubts vanish. The first thing he did upon waking was to drag his weakened body to completely seal the Webway gate on Craftworld Uriel, because once other Craftworld Eldar knew about the Webway, and that this foundation of the Eldar's existence was controlled by a human, they would spare no effort to destroy this place, even if it meant killing all the Uriel Eldar.
After the glow of the Webway gate disappeared, the Iron Men legion tacitly appeared around the gate, designating it as a forbidden area, prohibiting any Eldar from approaching.
The disappearance of the biggest hidden danger allowed Gamma, whose heart had been highly tense, to finally breathe a sigh of relief. Eldar who dared not travel through the Warp, without the Webway, were effectively cut off from Eldar society.
The exact location of the Craftworld, which always traveled at sub-light speed, was known to only a few of the Eldar living on it.
From now on, Gamma truly had complete control over this Craftworld, and could begin to transform the people and things here according to his ideas.
"Phew, from now on, I'm in charge here. The 'might' has been displayed; now it's time for 'benevolence.'"
Gamma muttered to himself as he released the organs in his hand from the specimen jar. As the bloody organs were submerged in preservative fluid, a mechanical arm sealed the jar and transferred it to a shelf nearby. There were already hundreds of specimens of various sizes on it.
Looking at the Eldar corpse, which he had dissected into pieces, the young Tech-priest's expression was quite something. He had discovered a big secret—the Eldar were degenerating, a degeneration similar to that of the Orks.
This was very likely a contingency left by the Old Ones when they created the ancient Eldar, to prevent the Eldar from developing too quickly, escaping their control, and thus threatening the Old Ones themselves.
Moreover, the mechanism of this contingency was very similar to the Orks' atavism mechanism. Orks could use the psychic energy generated by the WAAAGH! field to become larger, smarter, and closer to the ancient Orks.
The Eldar were similar; ordinary Eldar who had not developed their psychic abilities only lived for about a thousand years, while Eldar who had opened up their psychic potential, such as Eldrad, could live for thousands, or even tens of thousands of years.
Furthermore, the physical condition of the Eldar was greatly affected by their current mental state. When sad or dejected, their bodies would show obvious "aging," but once they cheered up, they would quickly recover.
Mind - Brain - Soul - Psychic Power. In essence, it was still related to their own psychic power.
Moreover, Gamma discovered that Eldar cells would rearrange their genetic information under stimulation. This change not only did not cause genetic collapse in the Eldar, but instead made their cells exhibit abnormal activity, such as hyper-division. This meant that the Eldar actually possessed the ability of hyper-regeneration.
Based on the speed of division, even a comminuted fracture could be self-healed by an Eldar in minutes.
However, this ability had not been manifested in the Eldar, not even in Eldrad, the Supreme Seer.
If Gamma hadn't "stolen a little something" from the Eldar cells and conducted a large number of experiments based on this knowledge, he would not have discovered this change.
"It makes sense. Even a rifle has a safety to prevent accidental discharge, let alone a bio-weapon."
The young Tech-priest weighed the experimental data in his hand, watching the mechanical arm clean up the "Eldar cadaver teacher." The teacher's soul had already thanked him, so he didn't need to feel grateful.
Although the "cadaver teacher's" death was related to him, the "cadaver teacher" himself had no objections and even stated that dying by Gamma's hand was truly wonderful, otherwise he didn't know how long he would have to wait in the infinite circuit before it was his turn.
"In that case, the 'benevolence' part can start from this aspect. Solving only the problem after death can only make the Eldar unable to leave me. Only by gaining tangible benefits while alive can the Eldar's enthusiasm be mobilized and make them work hard for me."
"But if the Eldar revert to some of the ancient Eldar's abilities, will they turn against me? The combat power of the ancient Eldar in their myths is truly terrifying!"
"And inducing Eldar atavism cannot avoid psychic power, but although Craftworld Eldar do not prohibit psychic power, developing their own psychic potential carries risks. Otherwise, most Eldar wouldn't choose to be a 'muggle.'"
After weighing it for a while, Gamma was still hesitant. Finally, he decided not to think about it for now. This matter could not be rushed and could not be done without foolproof safeguards.
"Time to clear my head."
As soon as he came out of the laboratory, he ran into Eldrad, who had come to "beg for punishment." Gamma stopped him from kneeling and said, "Alright, stop with these formalities. Take me for a walk."
"Yes, Master."
"From now on, change your address to Magos Gamma. No, better call me His Highness Gamma. Every time I hear you, old man, call me Master, Master, I get goosebumps," the young Tech-priest said with disdain.
The true form of Gamma made Eldrad a bit slow to react at first, but soon a smile appeared on his face. Although it was only a change in address, it meant their status had changed from servants to subjects.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
"Hmm, let's go."
On His Highness Gamma's tour of the Craftworld, looking at the lifeless Eldar city, the young Tech-priest asked the Supreme Seer standing beside him, "Tell me honestly, is this half-dead state because of me, or were you always like this?"
"This…" Eldrad opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.
"Tell me the truth. If your concealment makes me make a wrong decision, their suffering will be your fault."
"Both."
The young Tech-priest's eyes widened. "You mean even without me, it wouldn't be much better!?"
"Hmm."
?
"Stop here. Take me down to see my kingdom."
"Yes."
As the airship descended, the quiet, soundless streets gained a bit of "life." The expressionless faces of the Eldar finally showed a slight change. As Gamma's figure emerged from the airship, their faces finally showed the expression a living person should have—fear.
Looking at the Eldar kneeling everywhere, Gamma grumbled, "At least they still know how to be afraid, otherwise I'd think they were all wooden puppets."
"Emotions are very dangerous for us," Eldrad explained.
"A low-desire society is truly terrifying," Gamma couldn't help but grumble again, then used the power of his ring to make his voice resonate in the souls of all Eldar: "Rise, and busy yourselves with what you need to do."
But the kneeling Eldar made no move; they dared not. Seeing this, the young Tech-priest had no choice but to say again:
"Get up, do you want to experience the pain of that day again? If so, keep kneeling!"
This time, the Eldar all quickly stood up, and soon the street became empty. Gamma said nothing; if he were an Eldar, he would run too.
But there were always some who couldn't run, like the shopkeepers on both sides of the street.
Entering a dessert shop, Gamma curiously examined the exquisitely shaped, seemingly glowing pastries on display. A trembling mother, with a child about Gamma's height, carefully attended to him from the side.
"Did you make all these?" Gamma asked, pointing to the counter.
"Yes, yes, yes!" the Eldar woman replied, trembling.
Gamma asked again, "How long have you been doing this?"
"Three hundred years."
"Have you studied other Paths?"
"No."
"Don't you find repetitive work, day after day, boring?"
"...It's alright."
"Never thought of changing jobs?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you act on it?"
"I didn't dare."
Leaving the shop, the young Tech-priest asked Eldrad, "Are the Paths other than Prophet and Warrior used to numb them with repetitive work?"
The Supreme Seer nodded and said, "Indeed. Only this way can desires be kept to a minimum, and living a routine life can also avoid exposure to new things, thereby avoiding stimulation."
"No wonder everyone is expressionless, and the whole city has no noise at all. Eldrad, don't you think you are a bit too extreme? From what I understand, the Savage Eldar are much more passionate than you."
"According to records, the body of Khaine was shattered into countless fragments and scattered into the material world. Where Khaine's fragments took root, his wrath violently impacted the souls and minds of our ancestors, infecting them with bloodlust, causing them to slaughter each other, and Craftworlds to attack each other and burn together. Driven by their own madness, sorrow, and the Broken God, the Eldar continued to tear themselves apart until the Phoenix Lords brought the Paths, and we were finally able to control our behavior."
"The Savage Eldar, protected by the World-Spirit, did not experience that disaster, nor are they constantly spied upon by demons in the Warp like us. Over time, they have formed cultural habits different from ours."
Hearing Eldrad's explanation, Gamma understood, but he still didn't believe that everyone could accept this kind of life. The yearning for freedom exists in the soul of every intelligent species, and there are always bold individuals in every race, so he asked:
"Are there no people who don't accept this way of life?"
"Yes, those children choose to leave the Craftworld and wander the galaxy."
"I knew it. How could everyone be so obedient?"
After visiting a few more shops on the street, Gamma returned to the airship, rubbing his chin and pondering:
This could also be a breakthrough point for "benevolence." This is much safer than making the Eldar revert to their ancient forms. If it succeeds, in the future, the Eldar might even give me nicknames like "the Shatterer" or "King Gamma the Breaker."