In recent days, the Chaos fleet's attacks have suddenly become much more frenzied than before.
They often assembled large numbers of warband forces, regardless of the cost, to focus on breaking through a specific defensive area held by the Imperial Navy and the Astra Militarum.
The most direct result of this approach was that the Chaos warbands suffered heavy casualties without making significant progress; instead, their repeated impetuous attacks led to a decline in their own morale.
The continuous failures made the warband leaders, who were already brimming with suppressed anger, unable to hold back any longer.
They had initially thought that with the departure of the disgusting Sarthon, the newly appointed Zane would be a man of courage.
But who would have thought, this guy was even more detestable!
Those who followed "Zane's" chaotic commands and suffered heavy casualties, like dumplings being wrapped by the Imperial Navy, were their own men, yet the Blood Skull warband, under 'Zane', had always cowered in the far rear, claiming it was to supervise the battle!
Supervise the battle?
Nonsense, this was clearly Zane, that bastard, deliberately wearing down their strength so that he could annex them after the war ended!
This tactic was not uncommon among Chaos warbands; the previous High Lord Sarthon had done similar things, but at least he had some semblance of decency!
But what about 'Zane'?
That bastard was utterly shameless, openly telling them he was depleting their vital forces, relying on the lingering prestige and power from his recent ascension!
At this point, they could no longer tolerate it.
If they continued to swallow their anger, these warband leaders would all be annexed by the Blood Skull warband before the war even ended.
Why?!
Just because you are a High Chaos Lord?
And so, these indignant warband leaders decided to seek an explanation from 'Zane'!
Over a hundred Chaos warband leaders, each with their own ulterior motives, arrived at the 'Bloody One' warship with varied intentions.
This scene startled even Krastl; over a hundred Chaos warband leaders angrily barging into the council hall—anyone unfamiliar would think they were there to cause trouble!
"Let Zane come out!"
"Exactly, quickly tell him to come see us!"
"What? Is Lord Zane hiding on the bridge, afraid to see us?!"
Looking at the enraged Chaos warband leaders, Krastl's face was cold. If he weren't afraid of exposure, he would have loved to draw his sword and cut down these damned traitors!
But a moment later, he took a deep breath and said coldly, "Please wait a moment, everyone. I will inform the Lord."
With that, he turned and left.
Upon entering the bridge command center and seeing Merlin, Krastl finally voiced his concerns.
"Lord, the situation is a bit grim. Your recent commands have caused these damned traitors heavy losses, and they have stormed into the council hall demanding to see you."
"Oh, they came so quickly?" Merlin raised an eyebrow, showing no fear on his face.
"I thought they could endure for another two days."
He had done this deliberately, his goal being to provoke these people so that his plan could proceed.
"Since they've all come, then let's meet them."
Saying this, he rose from his seat and smiled at Rosales, who was still busy nearby.
"The rest of the matters, I'll leave to you, Archmagos."
Rosales lowered his head, trembling all over, his voice a little shaky, his eyes filled with fear.
"My—Lord, do we really have to do this?"
"At this point, do you think you still have room for regret?" Merlin tilted his head, a smile flashing in his eyes, like a daemon tempting someone to fall.
"With your current position in the Dark Mechanicum, you'll only ever be a Sage until you die.
But, with my help, you might one day control a Forge world of your own. By then, even if you bear infamy, who could do anything to you?"
At the thought of the future Merlin promised, and the extremely tempting prospects, Rosales' heart immediately burned with passion. Even his brain, long replaced by machinery, surged with a warm current.
Yes!
Leaving aside whether his regret at this point had any meaning, or if Merlin would even agree, even if he truly regretted it, what then?
Continue to be left on the warship, serving as a High Tech-Priest, slowly accumulating merits, and then climbing back to his former Sage status?
No, of course not!
He knew very well that with that person pressing down on him from above, even if he climbed back, he would never be able to advance further in his lifetime, only to be stuck in that position. This was already the best outcome!
But what if—he took this one risk?
In Rosales' mind, he recalled his first meeting with Merlin, when he was just a Rogue Trader who had recently inherited his family's business.
But by their second meeting, he had already become a qualified family head, and had even led a fleet to ambush half of Abaddon's fleet in one go!
And the third time?
This young Rogue Trader had already gained a formidable reputation within the Imperium, his name widely spread among the Astra Militarum and the Space Marines!
And now, he even possessed a Space Marine Chapter, having long since become incomparable to his former self.
Given this, why shouldn't he take a gamble?
"Good, good, I will do as you say!" In the depths of Rosales' crimson android eye, a hint of ruthlessness burst forth.
"I trust you, Lord Merlin."
"Very good, I never mistreat my friends."
Merlin reined in his satisfied smile and patted his shoulder, with just the right amount of force, as if to give him courage.
"And you, Archmagos Rosales, now only need to show a little courage, a little action, to prove your friendship to me."
"Yes, Lord Merlin."
Rosales knelt on one knee, symbolizing his complete submission.
"Let's go, it's time to teach these wretches a lesson." Merlin straightened his attire, took the helmet from Krastl's hand, and put it on.
"Lord, please forgive my impudence." Krastl suddenly spoke, his voice low but firm.
"Should anything unexpected happen, you must withdraw immediately. I will hold them off for you."
His concern was not unfounded.
The minds of these Chaos wretches were already not quite right. What if this time they came prepared, attempting to emulate his previous power grab?
Or what if their identities were exposed?
One must know that they were currently deep within the Chaos fleet, surrounded by enemies on all sides. If their identities were exposed, the Sons of the Forest on the warship alone would not be able to guarantee Merlin's safety.
Merlin's safety was personally ordered by the Lion!
He demanded that they ensure Merlin's personal safety at all costs, even if all of them perished!
"I know what you're worried about." Merlin turned to him with a smile and said.
"Don't worry, I, as I am now, will absolutely not be exposed."
Khorne's "cursed blessing" bestowed upon Merlin had already transformed him into 'half-Chaos'.
Of course, this matter was top secret.
Apart from the person concerned, the Lion, and Zabriel, no one else knew.
"Oh, and there's something—I'd like to consult you about in advance." Merlin suddenly turned back, looking at the tall, imposing Krastl, who resembled an iron tower, and scrutinized him for a few seconds.
"If you were to face several Chaos Lords simultaneously without revealing your identity, how many could you deal with? I mean, kill them as quickly as possible?"
"Without revealing my identity—"
Krastl pondered for a few seconds and gave a precise answer.
"Ten. I am confident I can handle ten Chaos Lords simultaneously without revealing my identity, in no more than three minutes. Any more than that, I wouldn't be sure."
Merlin nodded thoughtfully.
"Good, I have a rough idea. Later—you might be needed to make an appearance."