In Guilliman's initial strategic vision,
Firstly, the scale of the Draconys battle had to be kept within a tolerable range, meaning it was absolutely impossible to introduce more forces. This battle had to be confined to one Chaos God, and not be allowed to expand further, bringing in the other three.
Therefore, after killing the Chaos Warmaster, they had to control the pace, lest the Chaos Legions suffer too many casualties, causing the other three gods to enter the fray prematurely.
As for a Chaos Warmaster, while important, it was not that crucial—from a global perspective, the Four Chaos Gods could simply choose another 'Chaos Warmaster'.
There was one thing Abaddon miscalculated.
He miscalculated his importance in the eyes of the Four Gods. As a mere chess piece, he was always thinking about how to break free from the Four Gods' shackles. From this perspective, Abaddon's death was not unjust.
A Chaos Warmaster?
Couldn't they just pick another one?
Four-legged toads are hard to find, but two-legged Chaos Warmasters? Aren't they all over the streets?
It was precisely for this reason that, under the unspoken understanding between Guilliman and the Four Chaos Gods, the scale of the Draconys battle was jointly confirmed.
Not only Guilliman, but among the Four Chaos Gods, except for Khorne, the other three were also unwilling to be dragged into the quagmire of war too early.
This then led to the current scene.
Khorne went 'all-in' but lost everything. Not only did he not get 'Emrys', he even lost a Daemon Prince and a Daemon Primarch.
The resurrection and reconstruction of a Daemon Primarch require immense Warp energy and time. This meant that, for a long period, Khorne's power and influence would enter a dormant state.
This was also something the other three gods were happy to see.
Although the Four Chaos Gods appeared united, in reality, there was no shortage of infighting and mutual sabotage among them.
As the 'big brother' of Chaos, Khorne was ganged up on by the other three gods, Guilliman, and the resentful Vashtorr. He could only swallow the bitter fruit himself.
Having discussed the overall strategy, let's now look at Guilliman's tactical considerations.
He truly wanted to end 'Angron' here and further weaken 'Khorne's' power in the real universe.
However, he fell short.
There were many reasons for this, the most important of which was that the Lion, who should have appeared, ultimately did not!
Where was the Lion?
In fact, the Lion had originally intended to follow Guilliman's tactical plan and join at the most critical moment to completely deal with the mad dog Angron.
But the problem was, just as he was about to depart, news of Vashtorr's 'escape' came from the Rock Fortress in space.
Clearly, the advance speed of Guilliman's fleet and the retreat speed of Chaos had far exceeded Vashtorr's expectations.
In the initial expectation,
Khorne's legions, with their fleet and weapon systems crippled, would suffer huge losses in a short time, but they would definitely not be defeated.
Bringing the forces of Khorne, the black Legion, and the Dark Angels, Blood Angels, and Indomitus Fleet to the same level, letting them fight each other, and then profiting from the chaos—this was the outcome Vashtorr wanted to see.
But what happened?
The idiotic Abaddon delivered himself to the enemy and died, causing the black Legion's morale to collapse and Khorne's ground forces to be swept aside. The expected mutually destructive situation instantly turned into a one-sided rout!
This cunning demonic bastard immediately realized he could no longer wait.
Once the Indomitus Crusade Fleet completely crushed the Chaos fleet, then the 'key' would truly be lost!
Hoping for humans to keep their promises?
That was a joke—besides, Vashtorr never believed 'Emrys' would keep his promise from the beginning!
Everyone is a thousand-year-old fox; how could you be fooled?
A series of rapidly evolving situations forced Vashtorr to decide that relying on others was not as good as relying on himself. It was better to seize the 'key' himself while the various factions were preoccupied.
Upon learning of Vashtorr's escape, after weighing the options, the Lion made the most appropriate judgment for the current situation: ensuring the safety of the 'key' was more important than Angron.
Thus, he decisively used his Warp essence, 'Forest', to lead the Dark Angels Terminator Company and return directly to the Rock Fortress.
The Lion's sword, like a beam of light, struck with sharp swiftness, cleaving through the dark torrent that enveloped his vision, allowing him to regain sight.
And the 'Lion's Shield' that the gray-robed little man brought him effortlessly blocked the blasphemous beam that the Chaos daemon attempted to ambush him with.
The surging psychic energy struck the shield's surface but was immediately bounced back by a strange field.
The psychic beam, returning along its original path, was several times faster. Vashtorr barely managed to dodge it, and a hint of annoyance showed in his calculating, conspiratorial, Hive-like compound eyes.
"Is this what you Dark Angels call 'a promise'?"
"A promise?"
The Lion sneered, "Sorry, I don't know any Emrys. The First Legion answers to me. As for the promise you speak of, you can go ask 'Emrys' for it."
"Shameless! Despicable!"
Vashtorr was so enraged that smoke billowed from his mechanical body, and extreme malice emanated from his demonic compound eyes.
"Don't forget, if it weren't for my help, how could you have defeated Khorne's legions?!"
"Oh."
The Lion sneered again, commanding the Terminator Company to give the daemon a few 'plasma' shots to calm him down.
"If you have the guts,
go report me to the Inquisition!"
Having spent a long time with Emrys, the Lion unconsciously learned that kid's infuriating way of speaking, even adding cheekily.
"Go on, don't say I didn't give you a chance. Our Imperium of Man values law the most. Go to the Inquisition and say that the Lion conspired with Chaos to rebel. I've even given you the reason. You wouldn't be too scared, would you?"
Vashtorr was genuinely amused.
Report you to the Inquisition?!
Did he really think he was an Ogryn? Not to mention whether the Inquisition would dare to interfere with a Primarch, even if they did, would he dare to go?!
Those lunatics would probably shove a bolter in his mouth as soon as they met!
"Or, how about you go to Terra?" the Lion said lazily. "Yes, go to the Imperial Palace, find the one sitting there and complain, say that I, Lion El'Jonson, did not keep my promise to Chaos. How about that?"
"Do you take me for an idiot?"
Vashtorr sneered in exasperation.
"Good! Good! Good! Truly worthy of being a son of the 'Emperor', just like him, not keeping promises.
No wonder he ended up like that, hmph hmph—"
If Emrys were here, he would surely give him a thumbs-up, then proudly say.
"See, this is called inheritance!"
Of course, the Lion wasn't that thick-skinned. His eyes were cold as he said, "Instead of wasting time with me here, you'd better think about
how to explain to the Four Chaos Gods why you defected during the battle, causing that mad dog Abaddon's tragic death and Chaos' crushing defeat."
In the depths of the Warp, on endless yellow sands, stood the ancient Brass Throne. The terrifying crimson figure roared with the fury of the supreme god, and the almost tangible crimson flames nearly ignited the domain of this Blood Temple.
Robe, failed again!
A Daemon Prince, a Daemon Primarch, hundreds of thousands of Daemon Legions, tens of thousands of world Eaters, Iron Warriors, and so on—a series of huge sacrifices, but the final result was watching 'Emrys', who should have fallen into their grasp, slip through their fingers yet again.
And the most crucial role in this was played by that damned 'Lesser God'—the Chaos Creator, Vashtorr!
If it weren't for the temporary crippling of his legions using Chaos code, how could Guilliman's Indomitus Crusade Fleet have broken through the Warp trap set by the Chaos fleet so quickly?
"Vashtorr—."
In the depths of the crimson space, that terrifying figure's gaze shot directly to the Chaos Forge, to that mechanical daemon, the Lesser God.
Vashtorr, in reality, couldn't help but shiver, feeling—that malicious gaze from the supreme god!
It was the third day after the battle.
The Battle of Aeros was essentially over.
A large number of Chaos Daemons were driven out, the beguiled mortal auxiliary troops were executed, and Aeros, which was everywhere with Chaos Daemon factories and Warp rifts, was completely reduced to cosmic dust by the main guns of the "Rock Fortress" under the Lion's command.
Guilliman had tried to stop him, but unfortunately, Lyon simply wouldn't listen. On the matter of not obeying orders, one could only say that the Dark Angels perfectly inherited their 'gene-father's' flaws.
Guilliman, who held the title of Regent, couldn't do anything to Lyon.
Moreover, he already felt some regret about splitting the Legions and felt indebted to the former Lord of the First Legion, so he simply gave Lyon face and ordered the information on Aeros to be sealed.
Of course, the highest-level information had to be filed with the Ministry of Interior.
Aboard the Macragge's Glory.
In Guilliman's study, the Primarch used a quill to write the record of this event on a parchment scripture blessed by the Ecclesiarchy.
Imperial Archives Index: Ultima Segmentum / Idolater System / Aeros / military Campaign Action Record.
Classification: Edict Level (Detailed content for High Lords / Inquisition / Space Marine Chapter Masters only)
Recording Node: Terra High Lords Council.
Recording Time: 012.M42
Campaign Scale: All-out War Level.
Detailed Campaign Content:
Phase One: In 010.M42, the black Legion invaded the dark side, cut off supplies to Avacalon and other systems along the way, and used Aeros as bait, causing heavy losses to the Dark Angels Legion;
Phase Two: The Blood Angels fleet came to the rescue, trapped in the Idolater System, the Dark Angels ground forces suffered heavy casualties, encountering resistance from Khorne Daemon Princes, Daemon Princes, and other forces.
Phase Three: Imperial Regent Guilliman arrived with the Indomitus Crusade fleet, joined the Battle of Aeros, turned the tide,
Killed Chaos Warmaster Abaddon, severely wounded Daemon Prince Angron.
(End of Record)
To be revised and sealed by the Scriptorium of the Holy Codex, High Scribes, in the Eternity City of Terra—after Robert Guilliman made the final stroke and sealed it with sealing wax, he concluded the entire battle report summary and pinched the bridge of his nose.
Just then, Victor, the Captain-General of the Custodian Guard, who had already recovered from his injuries, suddenly pushed the door open.
Victor, with his helmet removed, had an extremely handsome face, with long black hair reaching his shoulders, deep features and pupils,
His fair complexion made him look less like a super warrior and more like a melancholic artist.
"How are your injuries?"
Guilliman spoke first.
"I'm recovering very well, thank you for your concern, lord Regent." Victor's reply was neither humble nor arrogant, his gaze level, not showing any humility because the other party was a Primarch.
Guilliman was already accustomed to such an attitude.
These people were fundamentally the direct subordinates of the "Emperor"; he only had the authority to deploy them, not actual control.
"You came to see me, what is it?"
Guilliman went straight to the point, knowing that if there was nothing, the Custodian Guard would not proactively seek him out.
"Respected lord Regent, to continue our previous conversation," Victor said calmly, "I hope to have a private audience with Mr. Merlin Emrys."
Upon hearing this, Guilliman couldn't help but frown.
"I need a reason." The Primarch tapped his index finger lightly, his eyes holding a degree of consideration as he gazed deeply at the Captain-General of the Custodian Guard.
"Victor, you should know Emrys' importance—both I and Lion attach great importance to him."
Last time, he had temporarily rejected the Captain-General of the Custodian Guard's proposal on the grounds that Emrys was in a coma, the reason was actually very simple—
He couldn't be sure what the Custodian Guard's attitude towards 'Emrys' was.
The Emperor's will?
No, the Custodian Guard only cared about the "Emperor's" safety; in necessary circumstances, they would even defy the Emperor's will, and this was precisely what Guilliman worried about most.
Emrys' existence, including his unique qualities, was closely linked to the Emperor's own state, and he dared not gamble whether the Custodian Guard would eliminate him for the sake of the 'Emperor'.
"Apologies, no comment."
However, the Captain-General of the Custodian Guard's reply was extremely stiff, even to the point of showing no respect to the Imperial Regent.
Guilliman was not annoyed, but the tapping of his index finger became heavier, and the chill in his eyes deepened.
"In that case,
I'm afraid I cannot agree to your request, Victor."
"What if I must see him?"
Victor did not back down, his gaze fixed on the Primarch.
"You should know that even a Gene-Primarch cannot obstruct the will of the Custodian Guard, and this is a top-level order directly issued to us by the Captain-General of the Custodian Guard, Trajann Valoris!"
The will of the Custodian Guard is the will of the Emperor!
To some extent, what a Gene-Primarch says is not even as effective as the Captain-General of the Custodian Guard.
"What if I insist on refusing?"
Seeing him bring up the Captain-General of the Custodian Guard, Guilliman seemed to show a bit more anger.
"If the Captain-General of the Custodian Guard has an opinion, then let him come and tell me himself!"
Even a worm will turn.
What's more, he was the Imperial Regent, the Emperor's son, Robert Guilliman?!
"Is this your intention?"
Victor still did not back down, his gaze pressing on the Primarch.
"The will of the Custodian Guard is equivalent to the will of the Emperor!"
"Hmph—"
Guilliman sneered, an absolutely calm light flashing in his eyes.
"The Emperor's will is not for you to interpret. This is not only my intention, but also the intention of the Lord of the Dark Angels, Lion El'Jonson, and the Lord of the Blood Angels, Luis Dante!"
Calling for backup? Who wouldn't!
Now, gathered here were two Primarchs and a legendary Chapter Master—this weight—even if the Captain-General of the Custodian Guard himself came, he would probably have to weigh his options!
Indeed, facing the pressure of two Primarchs, Captain-General Victor fell into a long silence, his gaze no longer so arrogant.
"Lord Regent, we do not wish to cause division within the Imperium, nor do we wish for this matter to affect all of humanity."
Victor's tone softened.
Seeing this, Guilliman also appropriately eased up. He also did not want to escalate the matter, so after a moment of thought, he said.
"I will not interfere with the actions and will of the Custodian Guard, but I must ensure 'Emrys'' personal safety and freedom,
He... is very important!"
This statement was already telling the Custodian Guard that as long as they could guarantee this, it would be fine.
Victor also breathed a sigh of relief, then said in a deep voice.
"We are willing to swear in the name of the 'Emperor' that this meeting will absolutely not endanger 'his' personal safety and freedom; it is merely to convey a message to 'Emrys'."
This was already the limit for the Custodian Guard.
Guilliman was also very clear that if the person sitting here today wasn't him, but a Space Marine, even a Chapter Master like Dante or Calgar, if the Custodian Guard said even half a sentence more to them, that would be considered good temper!
Given the Custodian Guard's attitude towards Space Marines, explanations? Bullshit, are you worthy? If you don't listen, they'll kill you; if you do listen... be ready to be killed at any time!
No exaggeration.
"Good."
Guilliman nodded.
"I agree."
Seeing this, Victor also relaxed. Noticing that Guilliman still had some lingering worry in his eyes, he said.
"Actually, you don't need to worry at all that we would pose a threat to 'him'. In fact, on some level, 'his' importance is even higher than yours."
At this, Guilliman was truly relieved.
But then he thought about it again and felt a little annoyed—so in the "Emperor's" heart, his own son wasn't as important as Emrys?!
When Guilliman sent Krast to inform Merlin about the Custodian Guard's request for a meeting, it made him feel somewhat timid and uneasy.
What did the Custodian Guard want with him?!
These weren't just any cats or dogs; this was the Custodian Guard Legion, nominally directly subordinate to the Emperor!
Although for nearly ten millennia, due to their failure to fulfill their duty of protecting the Emperor, these 'Golden Corn' had all become recluses, indifferent to everything in the outside world. Their only external action was to suppress the deluded Battle sisters during the Ecclesiarchy's rebellion.
If it weren't for the Primarchs' coming home and convincing the Custodian Guard Marshal, these 'Golden Corn' would probably still be confined within the high walls of the Terra Imperial Palace.
It was precisely because of this that Merlin felt some confusion and unease about the sudden request from the commander of this 'Custodian Guard' to meet him.
After all, he knew his own business.
If the things he had done in private were brought to light, being shot a hundred times would be considered lenient. It was quite possible that a 'treason' hat would be placed upon his head!
This was one reason.
Secondly, given the Custodian Guard's attitude towards the Astartes, it was highly unlikely they would be kind to Merlin. He couldn't believe that his private formation of an Astartes Chapter, using the geneseed of the traitorous 'Midnight Sons' and 'Iron Warriors' Legions, could be hidden from the Custodian Guard's ears.
Although the Custodian Guard had always remained within the high walls of the Terra Imperial Palace, in reality, their intelligence network extended almost throughout the entire Milky Way Galaxy, and even the Inquisition might not be more formidable than them.
And this involved another, very special aspect of the Custodian Guard.
The Custodian Guard did not have a permanent service system; at unknown intervals, some Custodian Guard would choose to 'retire,' but this so-called 'retirement' merely meant a change from guarding the Imperial Palace to another secret mission.
These 'Custodian Guard' who left the Terra Imperial Palace would be dispersed throughout the Milky Way Galaxy to carry out secret missions.
According to Merlin's recollection, the Custodian Guard's secret missions generally fell into two categories.
The first mission was to find the former first Custodian Guard Marshal, the legendary Grand Marshal who was the earliest to follow the Emperor and experienced the Terra Unification Wars—Constantin Valdor!
It is said that this Custodian Guard Marshal, before the Emperor ascended the Golden Throne, learned a huge secret from the 'Sigillite Malcador' and, after the Battle for Terra ended, left the Custodian Guard to carry out this secret mission.
A large portion of the dispersed Custodian Guard were tasked with finding 'Constantin Valdor.'
As for the second task, that was much simpler.
Since the hugely impactful Horus Heresy and the Great Ecclesiarchy Rebellion, the Custodian Guard Marshal realized that the current situation in the Milky Way Galaxy was becoming increasingly tense, with various forces in turmoil. The Custodian Guard absolutely could not be confined to the Imperial Palace and had to acquire necessary information in advance.
Therefore, some Custodian Guard were secretly spread throughout the Milky Way Galaxy, covertly collecting information from all sides, including the Inquisition, Astartes Chapters, and even the Martian Mechanicum, bringing all these forces under the Custodian Guard's monitoring to prevent unforeseen circumstances.
Based on the above reasons, Merlin did not believe that his self-assembled Chapter and Iron Legion could escape the Custodian Guard's scrutiny.
But no matter what he thought, this meeting was unavoidable. Fortunately, Guilliman knew Merlin's temperament and gave him a comforting shot in advance, telling him that the Custodian Guard harbored no ill will.
Otherwise, Merlin would have at least gone to other Worlds to hide for a year or so first.
Just as Merlin was thinking, heavy footsteps outside the ward pulled him back to reality.
They're here.
As Merlin's gaze turned towards the door, an extremely burly, tall figure, even far exceeding an ordinary Astartes, with deep-set features, a melancholic temperament, and an extremely handsome male, draped in a gray robe, entered the ward.
The man had a typical caucasian face, black shoulder-length hair, and deep brown pupils. If not for his exaggerated height, he would resemble a refined, somewhat melancholic artist.
"Guard the door. No one is allowed to approach."
The refined, melancholic man spoke in a low voice, instructing the four Custodian Guard in golden power armor outside the door.
Merlin twitched his lips. Having four Custodian Guard guard the door—was he afraid he would run?
After doing this, he came to the bedside, looked directly at Merlin lying on the bed, observed him for a few seconds, and then slowly spoke.
"Hello, Duke Merlin Emrys. I am Custodian Guard Commander Victor Ktaraz, a member of the 'Aquilon Guard,' and I have come to meet with you on the highest directive of the Custodian Guard Marshal."
"Duke...?"
Upon hearing this title, Merlin couldn't help but be stunned for a few seconds.
"Yes, Duke."
Victor's voice was calm, as if nothing could ripple him.
"To reward your contributions to the Imperium at Vigilus, the Baal system, and Wanderport, including your outstanding performance in this Draconys campaign, the Custodian Guard Marshal has already instructed the High Lords of Terra to formally grant you the noble title of Imperial Duke. Subsequent specific documents and rewards, as well as the 'exclusive battleship' forged for you by the Martian Mechanicum, will also be dispatched to the nearest Mandeville Point according to your needs."
"Wait, am I still dreaming?" Merlin looked at Victor, dumbfounded.
"Commander Ktaraz, did you say that wrong? A battleship?"
"Are you doubting a Custodian Guard's memory?" Victor frowned slightly and said in a deep voice.
"The Mars-class battleship prepared for you by the Martian Mechanicum's subordinate forge Worlds, to be precise, it should be considered a battlecruiser."
"Of course, the Imperium and the Martian Mechanicum have also equipped you with corresponding combat personnel, including five thousand conscripted Navy crew, one thousand Mechanicus members, twenty thousand Servitors, fifteen hundred air wing personnel, two thousand Astra Militarum Marines, one hundred special function personnel including Astropaths, and one hundred and fifty members of the 'Flames of Aries' Chapter, a successor Chapter of the 'Imperial Fists.'"
My goodness...
Merlin's expression at this moment could no longer express the ecstasy in his heart.
This surprise was undeniably huge. The Imperium not only gave him the nominal title of 'Duke' but also had the Martian Mechanicum specially send him a 'battleship'?!
Moreover, it also equipped him with all the combat and logistics personnel needed for an entire battleship, almost equivalent to Merlin getting the power of a battleship for free!
A battleship already possessed the power to sortie alone, and even destroy a world with a single strike. In other words, if he found anyone disagreeable in the future, he could completely bring out the 'battleship' and directly use macro cannons and lances to glass the area!
Who said the Imperium was stingy?
The Imperium was too damn generous!
He, Merlin, would dedicate his life to the Imperium!
"Next, the second matter."
Victor looked directly at Merlin, his tone carrying a strange sense of authority.
"Duke Emrys, on behalf of the Custodian Guard Marshal, I ask you how you view the Emperor?"
...Do you want to hear what you're asking?!
Emrys, who had just been overwhelmed by ecstasy, was like a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, a chill surging up his spine to the top of his head.
He immediately sobered up.
"I believe the Emperor is the guiding star of humanity, and humanity's only savior!"
Emrys didn't hesitate, racking his brain to use all the best words he could think of to describe the Emperor.
"The Emperor is the hope of humanity. If not for the Emperor, humanity would still be struggling in the chaos of darkness. If not for the Emperor, humanity would never escape the Warp. I believe the Emperor is great, irreplaceable, and the deity of humanity—!"
His face was filled with fanaticism, and he raised his arms in a cheer. Anyone seeing this scene would likely think he was a fanatical devotee absolutely loyal to the Emperor.
But... unfortunately.
The biological Alchemy of the Custodes was multifaceted and extremely comprehensive, which meant Victor could clearly hear Emrys' erratic heartbeat, smell his panicked pheromones, and notice the most subtle changes in Emrys' face, skin, muscles, and bones.
"You are lying."
Victor saw through Emrys' insincere flattery at a glance and was completely unmoved.
"Duke Emrys, I need your genuine answer from the heart, not this meaningless drivel."
"Commander Victor, I swear on the honor of the Emrys family that every word I say is true, every single word comes from the bottom of my heart!" Emrys remained unrepentant, even going so far as to swear on his family's honor.
But in his heart, he was thinking of something else—what a joke, could he tell the truth?
If he told the truth a second, he was sure that the Custodes Commander would twist his head off the next!
He couldn't tell the truth, not even if it killed him!
Emrys could still distinguish right from wrong, and what was important. Speaking ill of the Emperor in front of the Custodes was no less than badmouthing an idol in front of their fanatical followers.
The only difference was that an idol's fanatical followers would only attack you on a certain platform, but the Custodes—they could really twist your head off!
Seeing Emrys swearing and making vows, Victor's eyelids twitched slightly. Although he had already known about this bastard's shamelessness from his files before coming home, he only realized upon meeting him that his thick-skinned nature...
Jane was not much different compared to the High Lords of Terra!
Then, under Emrys' gaze, Victor unhurriedly pulled out a long roll of parchment from his embrace, which almost touched the ground, and slowly began to read:
"Merlin Emrys, in ****.M41, in the Underhive of the Roselle hive city, made remarks about the Emperor and clearly showed derogatory meaning."
"In ***.M41, on Vigilus, Ninth Section Continent, when attacked by Dark Eldar, the Farseers of the Eldar and the Craftworld Saim-Hann Eldar claimed the Emperor was the fifth greatest Loki in the Milky Way Galaxy, and you explicitly agreed."
"During the same period, you secretly contacted the Necrons and the traitorous Dark Angel Company 'Fallen Angels,' and reached some agreement with xenos."
"In ***.M42, in the Baal System, during the battle with the Tyranids Hive Fleet, a giant artificial intelligence product suspected to be an 'Emperor-class Titan' joined the battlefield, instantly turning the tide of the battle, and—after the battle, you reached an agreement with Dante to secretly adopt a group of Blood Angels suffering from the Black Rage and the Red Thirst."
"Oh, one thing is missing here. You also secretly obtained a 'C'tan Shard,' whose true form is the 'Void Dragon.'"
"Your statements in the Forge Palace during the Wanderer's Port Fernando family and Draconys campaigns, etc., etc.—."
Each time the Custodes finished an item, Emrys' pupils widened a bit, until finally, his eyelids twitched wildly, and his mouth was wide enough to swallow an entire watermelon!
"Do I need to continue reading?"
Custodes Commander Victor slowly shook the almost meter-long parchment scroll in Emrys' gaze, and said faintly.
"We have many more such records."
Emrys felt his mouth dry.
"You—have been monitoring me?!"
Victor looked at him, knowing what Emrys wanted to ask.
"Monitoring is not accurate. To be precise, we have been 'protecting' you."
"Protecting?"
Emrys couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.
"Yes." Victor said calmly.
"Unlike the 'protection' you imagine, we will not interfere with your choices,
nor will we ever meddle in your actions, even if you 'die' because of them."
This sentence was full of contradictions!
It was 'protection,' but he didn't care about his life or death?!
Seemingly sensing the anger in Emrys' eyes, Victor's voice was as cold as winter.
"Our 'protection' is to ensure your 'purity.'"
"Purity? Hahahaha—that sounds so good, but it's really just because you're afraid I'll fall into Chaos, isn't it?" At this moment, Emrys was extremely angry at having been under 'surveillance' all this time, even speaking recklessly.
"What? Once you find any sign of me falling into Chaos, you'll immediately execute me. Is that your order, the Emperor's order, isn't it?!"
Victor fell silent.
Looking at the emotional Emrys, he calmly shook his head.
"No, the mission we received does not include the order to 'execute you.'"
"Then why are you here now, telling me all this?!" Emrys felt very annoyed.
Surveillance?
Protection?
Purity?
What was the Emperor really planning?
And what role did he play in it?
These questions annoyed Emrys, and he couldn't help but glare at the Custodes Commander.
"I am merely representing the Custodes Marshal, to ask you—how you view the 'Emperor.'"
Victor returned to the original topic, his brown eyes seemingly containing an invisible pressure.
"You only need to state your opinion, whatever it may be, the Custodes will not pursue it. This is also why I told you these things."
If they were to pursue the matter, based on what Emrys had done, he would have been pulled away for the white Phosphorus execution a hundred times over by now, no need to wait until today.
Emrys closed his eyes.
Silence enveloped the ward. Victor did not press him, until much later, the young man lying on the hospital bed slowly opened his eyes.
"The Emperor is not humanity's savior. As he is now, his danger level is no less than that of the Four Chaos Gods. This is my most genuine opinion."
Ever since he experienced the last dream.
After the Emperor's eerie backward glance on the snowy mountain peak, asking 'Do you think I am human or a god?', Emrys completely understood.
The Emperor now stood between human and god.
If he was a 'god,' then that would be a disaster for the entire Milky Way Galaxy, including the human race!
After saying this, Emrys felt a sense of relief, a hint of bitterness on his face.
"Alright, you have your answer. How will you deal with me?"
He was already prepared to escape at any moment.
After all, that statement was too dangerous!
But unexpectedly, Victor's expression remained unchanged, as if he had long anticipated that Emrys would utter such a shocking statement.
Snap!
Victor snapped his fingers.
Immediately after, a fully armed Custodes stepped into the ward. Beneath the golden helmet, blood-red tactical goggles fixed on Emrys, bringing a suffocating sense of oppression.
Emrys swallowed hard.
Just then, Victor spoke.
"He is Telarax, belonging to the Custodes 'Master of the Watch,' guarding the 'Emperor' in the Throne room. Starting today, he will be responsible for guarding your personal safety, until—you return safely from 'Gomorrah.'"
Commorragh—
This word instantly dragged Emrys back to that terrifying Daemonforged Palace.
He had almost forgotten.
Because of the 'Emperor's' possession, the 'Astronomican' that now illuminated the Imperial shipping lanes was temporarily extinguished, and the instruction he received from the 'Emperor' himself was to go to the Dark Eldar's lair and retrieve a 'thing'.
That 'thing' would allow him to relight the 'Astronomican' and help the Imperium weather these difficult times.
"—How do you know I might have to go to Commorragh?!" Emrys couldn't help but slap himself after saying this, realizing it was a pointless question.
How could they not know?
To some extent, the existence of the Custodian Guard was actually a manifestation of the Emperor's will, even though the golden-skinned one rarely spoke.
Thinking of this, Emrys couldn't help but ponder.
Should he go find 'Omnitron' and try to get a custom speaker for the Emperor on the Golden Throne?
"Your pheromone concentration has changed, and your micro-expressions seem a bit guilty." Victor calmly watched Emrys, who was clearly even more guilty after his thoughts were exposed, and said with a hint of warning.
"For the sake of the Marshal, I can overlook your previous 'heretical' remarks, but—this does not mean that the Terranax beside me, who hails from the 'Sentinel-Guard', can tolerate some of your heretical actions and ideas without limit."
The Sentinel-Guard, or 'Sentinel Wardens', belonged to the specialized legion of the Custodian Guard, specifically tasked with guarding the Golden Throne and the Emperor's personal safety as special adjutants.
Because of this, the selection for such individuals was extremely stringent; only those with the most fervent faith and the most powerful martial arts could be chosen as 'Sentinel-Guards', and they were hailed as the toughest shields, second only to the 'Achillus Dreadnoughts' among the Custodian Guard.
And the 'Contemptor Dreadnoughts', these great engines of destruction on the battlefield.
Of course, ten thousand years later, after Guilliman's coming home and a conversation with the Custodian Guard Marshal, the Custodian Guard finally emerged from their high walls and regained many missions, including the protection of Primarchs.
The targets protected by the Sentinel-Guard were basically beings of paramount importance to the Imperium, such as Primarchs, Living Saints,
Forge Masters of Mars, High Lords of Terra, and so on.
It could be said that having a 'Sentinel-Guard' for protection was enough for Emrys to run rampant in most territories within the Milky Way Galaxy. Wherever the Custodian Guard were, it was equivalent to the Emperor himself being present!
Surely no one would misunderstand the weight of that statement!
Aside from the immense political significance represented by the Custodian Guard's identity, their personal combat prowess was absolutely impeccable. It was no exaggeration to say that given enough geographical space and time, a single Custodian Guard could even wipe out an entire Space Marine company!
The blood trials of the Custodian Guard were no laughing matter; every Custodian Guard was a divine weapon forged through countless blood and fire!
For example, Emrys vaguely remembered a certain campaign where the Custodian Guard, due to their unyielding style, disregarded the opinions of the Space Marines and the damage caused by Horus' rebellion, forcing a certain Space Marine Chapter, which ultimately led to their counterattack.
The result was that five Custodian Guard almost wiped out an entire Space Marine Chapter.
In simple terms, the Custodian Guard: strong in power, stubborn in temperament, unadaptable, with everything centered on defending the Emperor and Terra as their highest core doctrine; beyond that, nothing else mattered.
And a very interesting point was that the Custodian Guard's attitude towards mortals was much better than that of the Space Marines.
The reason was simple: humans were the Emperor's descendants, sharing similar genes with the Emperor, so the Custodian Guard, like the Emperor, loved humanity as long as certain rules were not violated.
As for Space Marines?
In the eyes of the Custodian Guard, there were only two types.
One type was those who had not yet betrayed the Emperor, but always had the potential to betray, and needed to be vigilant.
The other type was those who had already betrayed the Emperor and needed to be immediately purged.
This was also why Victor was so unyielding before the Primarch brought up the Lion, Krast, and Dante.
They fundamentally distrusted these Space Marines, including some Primarchs.
"Thank you for your reminder, my respected Custodian Guard Commander lord." Emrys unhesitatingly "Backed down," as there was no practical meaning in arguing with these single-minded individuals.
Victor nodded slightly.
Actually, if it weren't for the Custodian Guard Marshal's instructions, he would have twisted this guy's head off the moment Emrys said that, because no one in this world dared to speak ill of the Emperor in front of the Custodian Guard!
He also knew in his heart that Emrys was just pretending, but even pretending—he had to make it look convincing!
"Terranax Aurian, from now on, you must stay by Duke Emrys' side at all times, protecting his safety as you would the Golden Throne."
Victor turned, his gaze resolute, and said in a deep voice.
"In the name of the Custodian Guard's honor, this is the will of the Emperor, and the will of the Custodian Guard Marshal!"
"For the Emperor!"
Terranax shouted the slogan without hesitation, his entire being like a great mountain, his Sun-colored golden armor clashing with a uniform metallic sound.
After instructing Terranax, Victor looked at Emrys again.
"There's one more thing; this is something the Custodian Guard Marshal asked me to give you."
With that, he took out another parchment sealed with wax from his gray robe and handed it to Emrys on the hospital bed.
"...It's not another mission, is it?" Emrys twitched his mouth, reluctantly taking the parchment seal.
"I don't know."
Victor shook his head readily.
"The contents of this letter are highly confidential, to be destroyed after reading. The Custodian Guard Marshal asked me to give it to you, saying that its contents will allow you to leave Commorragh at the most dangerous time."
Could it be a brilliant stratagem?
Emrys' eyelids twitched. Hearing Victor's words, he felt that his trip to Commorragh didn't seem as safe as he had imagined.
"Can I open it now?" He squeezed the parchment seal; it seemed to contain a hard object and a piece of paper.
"Yes."
Victor nodded.
Emrys then broke the wax seal and poured the contents onto the bed: a simple piece of parchment, and—a very old,
Corroded badge.
This badge was very old, almost covered in the red rust of time's erosion. The pattern was not a common one, nor the emblem of any Space Marine Chapter, but rather a broken lightning bolt?
Lightning?
Emrys held the badge, a look of confusion on his face.
"How come I don't remember any Imperial Chapter having a 'lightning' bolt as their emblem?"
As he spoke, he rotated the badge, only to see a very ancient word faintly carved on the almost corroded back of the badge. This word was not English, nor High Gothic, but Chinese!
Are you kidding me?!
Emrys was thunderstruck, his brain nearly overloaded, enveloped in a blank haze.
Behind an ancient badge, two 'Chinese' characters were actually carved? For a moment, he even felt like he was being fooled, that it was all a conspiracy of Tzeentch!
"This is impossible! How can this be?!"
Emrys looked as if he had seen a ghost, directly throwing the medal away. He huddled against the headboard, his pupils constricted to pinpricks, staring intently at the medal on the floor. His eyes were bloodshot, and he kept muttering, "Impossible, impossible, impossible—."
After witnessing Emrys' strange reaction, Victor silently walked over, bent down, and picked up the ancient, rust-covered medal whose inscription had been blurred by time. He carefully wiped away non-existent dust, let out a soft sigh, and his eyes filled with complexity.
"The Marshal was right; you really do recognize this script."
Hoo-hoo, hoo-hoo...
Emrys' chest heaved violently, gasping for air, his constricted pupils still fixed on the medal in Victor's palm. He looked as if he had fallen into a trance.
"This isn't the Marshal's order, nor does it concern the Emperor himself; it's merely my own question, and you may choose not to answer it." Victor's eyes showed intense curiosity and complexity.
"This script is from one of the human historical civilizations, long lost, hidden within the Terra archives. Throughout the entire Holy Terra Palace, only the Emperor, Malcador, Valdor, and successive Custodian Marshals are recorded as knowing how to read and write this script. How do you—how do you know it?"
"I—"
Emrys opened his mouth, unable to answer.
Should he tell this Custodian Marshal that he was a soul who had traversed from a very ancient era, when human civilization had not yet unified, to this present age?
No, if he really said that, putting aside whether Victor would believe him, he would most likely be labeled a Chaos cultist and purified on the spot!
Seeing his silence, Victor gave a wry smile and shook his head.
"Never mind, I won't ask anymore—how you learned to recognize this script is none of my business."
Emrys breathed a sigh of relief.
If he were pressed further, he wouldn't know how to answer.
Victor lowered his head, his eyes filled with complexity and unspeakable emotions, as if the rusty medal had pulled him back to the distant past.
"No wonder the Marshal refused my suggestion to send a few more Custodians to protect you." Victor sighed deeply.
This scene puzzled not only Emrys but also Terranx beside him.
In his memory, this Custodian Commander had never shown such a vulnerable expression. What was the origin of this medal anyway?
"Heh, I thought they were all dead. I didn't expect any to still be alive." Victor held the ancient badge, examining it repeatedly in his palm, a deeply complex expression on his face.
There was both disgust and—regret.
"You, you know the origin of this badge?" Emrys felt a bit confused. For a moment, he really couldn't recall which legion this lightning-patterned badge came from.
"Wait, could it be—" He suddenly widened his eyes, thinking of a terrifying guess.
"This badge, is it—from those two destroyed legions?"
"You know about this too?" Victor turned to look at Emrys, a hint of amusement in his gaze, a half-smile playing on his lips.
"It couldn't be that Lion El'Jonson told you, could it? He—he wouldn't tell anyone about this."
...Emrys was speechless again.
He really couldn't answer that question. He couldn't very well say that GW wrote it that way, could he?
"Never mind, you have many secrets, and I don't want to know them." Victor shook his head, walked to the bedside, and very solemnly placed the badge in Emrys' hand.
"Keep it safe. The origin of this thing has nothing to do with those two vanished legions. It—it can be said to be the glory of Terra, and it can also be said to be an old scar of Terra."
Emrys' fingers traced the mottled Marks on the ancient badge, his gaze always fixed on the words "Unification." He felt as if something was about to burst from his mind, just a little more—
"Indeed."
Victor nodded, seemingly in agreement.
"With this, ensuring your safe escape from Gomorrah should not be a problem."
"It—is it more reliable than the Custodians?" Emrys asked curiously, while also looking at the piece of paper.
The content was very simple.
An address in the city of Gomorrah, and a few very simple names.
Cassius Warren, Jan, Theoris, Maximus, Wang—a total of five names, including one that seemed to be 'Chinese.' This sparked Emrys' intense interest and confusion about the origins of these people.
"These people may have concealed their true names. When you go to find them, be sure to—well, don't take Terranx with you." Victor hesitated for a few seconds and offered the same advice to Terranx.
"Only when he goes to find these people again, you don't need to follow him."
"Yes."
Although Terranx was puzzled, he didn't press for answers.
He was born much later and wasn't fully aware of the many secrets within the Custodes. As for Victor, the Custodian Commander, it was said that he was one of the few Custodians who had survived since the brutal Terra Wars, so calling him an 'old relic' wouldn't be an exaggeration!
Emrys felt even worse.
"Do the Custodians and these people have a grudge?"
Victor's expression, very rarely, showed a microsecond of awkwardness, but he quickly masked it, stating calmly.
"From a personal perspective, we don't have such trivial emotions, but from a broader perspective... yes, and you'd best not try to be glib in front of them."
At this point, Victor meaningfully patted his shoulder.
"This is also a kind reminder, as most of them don't have very good tempers; they're a 'little' bit volatile. If you're disrespectful in front of them, they will genuinely beat you to death."
"Unification, Terra, Custodians—"
Suddenly, it was as if a lightning bolt flashed through Emrys' misty mind, cutting through the layers of fog, connecting all the fragmented clues, revealing the final answer.
"Thunder Warriors?!"
These four words, like lightning, struck Victor, causing the Custodian Commander's expression to stiffen slightly, and letting Emrys know that he—he had guessed correctly!
This badge was the badge of the Thunder Warriors!
No wonder the words "Unification" were carved on the back of the badge!
Only the Thunder Warriors could command the direct attention of the Custodians, even evoking emotions of regret and disgust. And only this ancient legion, long buried by history, which unified all of Terra and laid the foundation for humanity, would engrave the words "Unification" into their very bones, onto their legion's badge!
"Ah—"
Victor sighed.
"You really do know about 'them.' Yes—this legion badge belonged to the 'Thunder Warriors,' who participated in the Unification Wars and are the predecessors of the Astartes today."
Victor left.
But the problems that had been bothering Emrys not only didn't lessen; they multiplied due to this meeting.
The tangled threads of thought were like a messy ball of yarn, making him feel as if he were sinking into a quagmire, being swallowed bit by bit, yet utterly helpless.
Only his breathing could be heard in the ward.
Terrax stood silently in the corner, like a lifeless stone statue, following Victor's orders to protect the target at all times.
Before long, Emrys' ward welcomed its second visitor — the Primarch, Lord of the Thirteenth Legion, Imperial Regent Robert Guilliman.
Guilliman strode into the ward, his gaze immediately falling upon the Custodian.
"Terrax Aurian."
"So, it is you who is responsible for his safety. Indeed, it is most fitting. Duke Emrys and I have a very important matter to discuss. Please step out for a moment."
"Lord Regent."
Terrax nodded slightly to show his respect, but his feet remained rooted to the spot, showing no intention of leaving.
Guilliman frowned slightly, a hint of authority entering his tone as he emphasized, "I am the Imperial Regent!"
Terrax wore his Custodian helmet, so his expression couldn't be seen, but his tone remained very firm, one might even say he gave the Regent no face at all.
"The Custodes only obey the will of the Marshal and the Emperor. Protecting Duke Emrys Emrys is an order personally given by the Marshal. Please forgive me, lord Regent, but I cannot obey your command."
The Custodes were truly like stones in a latrine—to say they were both stinky and stubborn was no exaggeration!
Guilliman was so exasperated he laughed.
"Do you think I would threaten his safety?!"
He, the esteemed Imperial Regent, a Primarch, a Son of the Emperor, was actually rejected so mercilessly by a mere Custodian?
Was he the Son of the Emperor, or was this young man the Son of the Emperor?
Emrys, caught in the middle, was extremely awkward and could only turn his head to Terrax.
"Ahem, how about this—you wait outside the door.
Let lord Regent and I speak alone."
Terrax stared at him.
"Please forgive my refusal. Commander Victor's order to me was that I am not to leave your side for a single step, except when you go to meet 'them'."
"Good! Good! Good!"
Guilliman suppressed his anger, looking at Terrax with a cold sneer.
"Fine, I can't get through to you, and you won't listen to his orders, so let's have someone else talk to you then."
Someone else?
Terrax was stunned. Before he could react, the ward door was suddenly kicked open.
An enemy?
Terrax's power halberd had just lit up when he felt a violent gust of air directly impact his body, followed by an unshakeable force that forcibly pressed down his power halberd.
What in the world?
This scene unfolded extremely quickly.
Even Emrys didn't see it clearly; he only felt a swirling gale. When his vision returned, he finally saw who it was.
Deep green ornate armor, an extremely imposing and powerful physique, and a suffocating aura, an undeniable absolute power and skill.
The one who overwhelmed the Custodian was none other than the First Primarch of the Imperium—Lion El'Jonson, the coming home Lion!
It proved that even after ten thousand years, the seemingly ancient Lion King still possessed first-tier combat capability.
In front of Lyon, even the Lord of the Watch, who guarded the Golden Throne, could not stop him.
Terrax's power halberd was forcibly pressed down by one hand, while the other hand gripped his throat, pinning the nearly three-meter-tall Custodian, clad in adamantium power armor, against the wall.
Lyon, not wearing his helmet, had white hair, but his gaze was still extremely oppressive, sharp and wild, like an enraged Lion, staring coldly at him.
"Are you going to roll out yourself, or do I have to throw you out?"
Terrax tried to resist, but what awaited him was Lyon's fist, as large as a sand bowl.
Bang!
One punch, like a cannonball.
Terrax's three-meter frame, along with the wall behind him, was shattered by that punch. He flew backward, crashing heavily onto the metal floor.
Seeing Terrax still attempting to resist, Lyon, standing at the edge of the shattered wall, looking down at him from above, said coldly.
"Dare to move again, and I will deem you a traitor, a traitor to a Primarch, a Son of the Emperor. You had best think carefully—can the Marshal you speak of bear this Guilt (crime)!"
At this remark, Terrax's attempt to resist immediately froze.
Beneath that golden helmet, as radiant and noble as the Sun's radiation, his tactical optics locked onto Lyon with a crimson glow. After a long pause, a hoarse voice emerged from his communicator.
"I will report this matter truthfully to the Marshal."
"Heh."
Hearing this, Lyon sneered.
"Whatever."
Were there so few scandals concerning his First Legion, the Dark Angels? He estimated that the tables of various High Lords, the archives of the Terra Imperial Palace, and the data banks could be piled high with them. Why would he fear this little bit?
Turning his head, he saw Emrys, dumbfounded on the sickbed. Lyon's eyes showed a hint of anger, and he reprimanded him, disappointed.
"Since the Custodian Marshal has already given the order, then you are his Sir, but he openly defied your command. Is this how I taught you?!"
"I—"
Emrys was at a loss for words.
He hadn't even had a chance to speak yet; hadn't you, old man, just kicked the door open and walked in?
He was given no chance at all; with one punch, you sent the arrogant Custodian flying and even threatened him. One could only say that it was no wonder the Dark Angels didn't obey orders; it was all inherited from you!
"And you!" Lyon wasn't finished after scolding Emrys. He turned to stare at Guilliman, his words laced with cold sarcasm.
"Weren't you quite formidable when it came to breaking up the Legions? How is it that you can't even handle a mere Custodian now?!"
...Guilliman's mouth twitched slightly.
Regarding the matter of breaking up the Legions, to say he did nothing wrong was indeed not wrong, but the mistake was in incorrectly estimating the extent to which the Imperium's mess would rot after ten thousand years!
But there was still a bit of guilt. Guilliman didn't argue, letting out a cold snort.
"I have already explained this matter to you. I don't want to elaborate on the specific reasons again. If you think it's inappropriate, then go to the Terra Imperial Palace and meet 'Father'!"
"I will go, but not now."
Lyon took a deep breath, no longer bothering to pursue the matter.
"Let's get to the main point. We are not here to argue today. As for the Legion issue, we can discuss that later."
Main point?
Emrys gave a wry smile.
He was having a run of bad luck. No sooner had the Custodian Commander left than two Primarchs showed up. Even if he guessed with his toes, he knew it was absolutely no small matter!
"Two Primarchs, what exactly is so important that it warrants both of you specially coming to see me?"
He asked cautiously.
Guilliman looked directly at him.
"What we want to ask is, 'Father'—no, it should be 'the Emperor'—what exactly happened to him?"
Good question!
This was absolutely not Emrys mocking, but rather his genuine thoughts, but—?
The problem was, what should he say?
Should he directly tell the two Primarchs, 'Your cheap old dad has already evolved into a 'weasel spirit' and even deliberately sought my 'bestowal of a title' last time?'
No.
That definitely wouldn't do.
It wasn't that Emrys was afraid of being beaten; he believed his relationship with these two Primarchs was quite good. Even if he said something so 'treasonous,' at most he'd get a beating, not be dragged to the Inquisition.
What he truly worried about was precisely these two!
You ask why?
The reason is simple: the Dark Angels, Ultramarines, and Blood Angels—these brothers truly have a dark history, having even established the 'Second Imperium'!
If these two brothers were to learn that the current 'Emperor's' divinity now outweighs his humanity, they might secretly plot something reminiscent of the 'Second Imperium' affair.
Emrys saw it very clearly.
Even if the current 'Emperor' truly has more divinity than humanity and is almost unable to suppress it, the Imperium of Man absolutely cannot lose him.
Otherwise, humanity's existing order would only disintegrate at an even faster rate; a Second Imperium alone could not save it.
But from another perspective, the Emperor's current state requires a contingency plan, just in case.
However, Emrys couldn't come up with this plan.
He didn't have the great ability to influence the 'Emperor,' nor could he possibly meddle in the high-level decisions of the Imperium of Man. The only two with hope of preventing the 'Emperor's ascension to godhood' were, and only were, the Lion and Guilliman.
Therefore.
Silence, only silence, was the correct way to respond. Seeing Emrys remain silent and say nothing, Guilliman also guessed a little from this oppressive, eerie silence: 'It's not optimistic, is it?'
The intelligence of a Primarch far surpassed that of a human; from Emrys' silence alone, much meaning could be discerned.
'I—I didn't say anything at all.'
Emrys gave a dry laugh, trying his best to appear ignorant in the eyes of the two Primarchs.
He was just an ordinary Rogue Trader; he didn't want to get involved in such matters. Couldn't he just be allowed to explore and adventure in peace?!
The Lion and Guilliman exchanged glances, but it was extremely subtle. The two seemed to have simultaneously thought of something, their brows furrowed, saying nothing.
The Lion: Eyes hinting, restless.
Guilliman: Hesitated repeatedly, unable to decide.
The Lion: Eyes like a fierce wolf.
Guilliman: Shocked?
The Lion: Resolute, furious.
Guilliman: Thinking, wavering.
Emrys couldn't quite understand how these two managed to convey such complex information with just a glance.
Could it be that there was some kind of telepathy between Primarchs?
Seeing the two Primarchs' eye contact become increasingly frequent, and Guilliman clearly showing signs of wavering, while the Lion's gaze grew sharper, Emrys felt a bit restless.
This atmosphere was too bizarre!
One seemed to be pressuring, the other hesitating. Considering the Lion's 'dark history,' Emrys finally couldn't help himself: 'Ahem, I'll interrupt you two for a moment. You—you wouldn't be thinking of something terrifying, would you?'
The tense atmosphere was broken, and Guilliman visibly breathed a sigh of relief, secretly giving Emrys an appreciative look.
But the problem was—the Lion's gaze was a bit unfriendly. He stared at Emrys meaningfully, saying with interest: 'Oh? Then tell me, what terrifying thing?'
'Listen...' Emrys was immediately stumped.
'Let me guess—' The Lion raised his hand, placing it lightly on Emrys' shoulder, and said with a half-smile: 'Are you trying to say we're conspiring for a Second—'
'Enough!' Guilliman suddenly spoke, reprimanding sharply, directly interrupting what the Lion was about to say next.
Emrys was sweating profusely, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, and looked pleadingly at the Lion: 'Lower your voice! Lower your voice! There are Custodians outside!'
If the Custodians heard that, every single one of them would be put on the Custodian's wanted list!
Was the Second Imperium something that could be openly talked about?!
Emrys was truly impressed by the Lion; to describe him as audacious wouldn't be an exaggeration.
In comparison, the minor issues of his sons, the Dark Angels, were utterly insignificant before the Lion!
'Hmph.' The Lion snorted coldly and withdrew his hand: 'You think too ill of me. What happened back then was entirely out of necessity. Do you really think we wanted to do that?'
Emrys gave a dry laugh, not daring to respond.
Whether it was 'out of necessity,' how would a mere Rogue Trader know the truth? And what did it have to do with him anyway?
'We came today not only to ask about that matter, but also about something else.' Guilliman's forehead veins throbbed, clearly also startled by the Lion's audacity, and he stiffly changed the subject: 'I heard you also saw Corax?'
'Yes.' Emrys nodded; there was nothing to hide.
If anything, Emrys might be the only person in the current Imperium of Man who has had the fortune to meet three Primarchs, two Daemon Princes, and still be to live.
'He—how is he?' Guilliman inquired.
'Well—' Emrys scratched his head: 'He seemed to be doing quite well, I suppose?'
'What special abilities does he have?' The Lion suddenly lowered his voice and said gravely: 'Like me—my sudden awakening of the 'Forest.' He should have a similar situation, right?'
Oh...
Emrys finally understood.
The two Primarchs came to him, on one hand, to inquire about the current state of the 'Emperor'; on the other hand, they wanted to know if the Warp essence issue that occurred with the Lion was an anomaly, or if—every Primarch possessed it!
'Yes.' Emrys said bluntly: 'A similar situation occurred with the Raven Lord; he can transform into shadow and ravens.'
Guilliman and the Lion both seemed to show an expression of 'just as expected.'
'When I return to Terra, I will find the reason for this and give you an answer.'
Guilliman's tone was somewhat heavy.
He didn't know if it was because of the secret of the Emperor creating them, or because they contained some 'Warp essence' for some reason.
'Good.' The Lion nodded slightly, then looked at Emrys: 'You are going to Gomorrah, and it concerns the relighting of the 'Astronomican.' There can be no mistakes. I will have Krast lead a detachment of the Sons of the Forest to follow your command.'
With that, without waiting for Emrys to speak, he immediately added: 'You are not allowed to refuse. Don't forget—you are still my First Watch Knight.'
Alright.
Emrys had no room to refuse the Lion's 'goodwill'.
After all, he didn't want to taste the First Primarch's iron fist hitting his face.
The Custodes could withstand it, but that didn't mean he could.
Then, Guilliman also patted his shoulder and said earnestly, "The Astronomican has been extinguished. For the Imperium of Man, you must go to Commorragh as soon as possible."
Emrys could only nod in agreement.
If it were only for the Imperium of Man, a lofty ideal that seemed grand but was actually quite distant from him, he might not have agreed so readily. But reigniting the Astronomican was also for himself.
"Lord Regent, I... I have a small request."
Emrys pondered for a long time before finally speaking.
"You want to ask about your family fleet, don't you?"
Guilliman was indeed a Primarch, sharp and meticulous in his thoughts, seeing through Emrys' inner thoughts at a glance.
"Exactly." Emrys nodded, a bitter smile on his face. "As you know, ever since I was drawn into the Warp and lost contact with them, and then encountered so many other things, I haven't had the time or opportunity to contact them, and I don't know... how the family fleet is doing."
Counting the time, since he was drawn into the Warp and went missing, inexplicably arriving in the Ultima Segmentum.
From encountering the awakened Lion, recapturing the rebellious Hive world Avarclon, to being forced into the Dark Angels' war, he had been entangled with Chaos on this wretched world of Draconys for a whole year!
During this time, it wasn't that he forgot about the family fleet, nor that he was unwilling to contact them.
It was genuinely impossible!
He could travel to other Worlds, but the people on the fleet could only stay on their ships, passively waiting for news from him.
But, the damned Abaddon and Vashtorr, in order to seize the 'key' within The Rock, had caused the Warp to block all communication between Avalon and Draconys, within those two star systems.
This directly led to Emrys finding it very difficult to contact the family fleet, even if he wanted to.
Now, after the war finally concluded, he was free, but he had to rush to Commorragh, the Dark Eldar's lair.
What kind of place was Commorragh?
The Dark Eldar's lair, arguably the most terrifying domain in known civilized society.
No one who wasn't insane would willingly go to that place.
Moreover, Commorragh was located deep within the Webway, difficult to find by ordinary means, and impossible to pinpoint, let alone contact the outside world.
So Emrys had to seize this only opportunity now.
"The Emrys Fleet"
However, the Primarch's expression showed a hint of hesitation.
"Lord Regent, what happened to them?"
Emrys detected a hint of unease from the Primarch's subtle gaze, and his heart immediately skipped a beat.
"No, it's not that anything happened." Guilliman furrowed his brow slightly, seemingly considering how to phrase his words.
"Just tell me directly, lord Regent."
Emrys' tone was somewhat urgent, and he sat up from the sickbed, his eyes filled with worry.
The Emrys Fleet was his home!
Moreover, this fleet was built by him. From the Eldar Warlock Hilda, to the War Apostle Morgana, to Holger Emrys, Carol, Ilia Vigilant, and Thorzak, all these people were on his fleet!
He couldn't imagine what it would be like to lose these people.
Morgana, although she was a War Apostle, more often than not, this innocent little girl was also Emrys' only safe haven.
Holger Emrys was his Grandpa, and the one who spared no expense to rescue him from Roselle.
Archmagos Carol had supported him all the way, helping him gradually secure his position as the family's controller.
Ilia Vigilant, a silent sister of Silence, but whenever danger arose, she always stood in front of him.
Warlock Hilda, though her mouth was like poison, never refused to act when it was her turn.
And most importantly... Winnie Winslet.
She was also on that ship.
Seeing Emrys' emotional state, Guilliman's broad hand rested on his shoulder.
"Don't be nervous, it's not as serious as you imagine." The Primarch's deep, magnetic voice and warm hand seemed to calm Emrys down a bit. "The reason I was silent is because... to this day, there has been no news of them."
No... news?
Emrys' recently calmed mood immediately became agitated again. "What do you mean 'no news'? Can't you contact them?"
"Calm down, Emrys."
At this moment, the Lion spoke, his usually stern voice uncharacteristically gentle.
"Sorry, I just" Emrys took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
He also knew that constant agitation wouldn't make things better. The most important thing now was to quickly find out what happened to the Emrys Fleet after his disappearance.
"When the Indomitus Crusade fleet crossed the Ultima Segmentum and received news from the Blood Angels, I issued orders in advance."
Guilliman slowly began, "The content of the order was to inform the Emrys Fleet of your location and status, but... to date, all the Warp communications we sent have vanished without a trace; not a single reply."
"There are many reasons for this, not just what you're imagining."
"Because of the Astronomican's extinguishment, all Imperial fleets are in chaos. Communication between worlds and Hive Worlds must rely on Astronomican towers as central hubs, so the inability to communicate promptly is one aspect of the reason."
"Secondly, Chaos will inevitably launch large-scale attacks on Imperial fortresses and strongholds during the period when the Astronomican is extinguished. The effects of Warp storms will also block or delay communications, which is also a factor that must be considered."
"In summary, not being able to contact the Emrys Fleet doesn't necessarily mean something has happened to them."
After Guilliman's well-reasoned analysis, Emrys' agitated mood did indeed ease somewhat.
Perhaps, possibly, it really was like that?
But, deep down, Emrys still felt a sense of unease.
psykers' premonitions are often very accurate, which means... the Emrys Fleet is not as safe as the Primarch said!
At the very least, they encountered some crisis.
Emrys vaguely remembered that when he was thrown into the Warp, the fleet was in the middle of Warp travel.
The extinguishment of the Astronomican would directly cause fleets traveling through the Warp to lose their sense of direction. If they were unfortunate enough to encounter a storm, it was even highly possible they would be thrown into a completely unknown area to humanity!
Thinking of this, Emrys could no longer sit still. He slowly exhaled, met the gaze of the two Primarchs, and said in a deep voice, "I understand. I will set off for Commorragh as soon as possible to reignite the Astronomican!"
To find the fleet's coordinates and contact the Emrys Fleet, he had to restart the Astronomican as quickly as possible!
Commorragh, even if it was a den of dragons and tigers, he would have to brave it!