Two Ultramarines were locked in close combat, the clash of blades and the flashes of Bolter fire intermingling.
The Chief Librarian stared intently at the two, trying to analyze how this technique called "enchanting" actually reduced damage.
But despite his vast knowledge, he found it difficult to explain the operational mechanism of enchanting.
In the end, it could only turn into a sigh of admiration. "This must be the Emperor's mighty power!"
Astounding wisdom. Zeke looked at the Chief Librarian, having expected the old man to offer a better explanation.
After the final duel, the two were still inseparable; the debate over the strongest enchantment remained inconclusive.
A weak voice spoke up as a Sergeant raised his hand. "Am I the only one who thinks Thorns is pretty good?"
As soon as these words came out, the topic was instantly terminated. Boos erupted from the side.
His superior covered his face and waved at him. Forget it, go play somewhere else.
Finally, they unified the topic and looked at Dance.
"Can Protection coexist with Projectile Protection, Blast Protection, and Fire Protection?"
Dance shook his head helplessly. Protection could only coexist with Feather Falling; nothing else was possible.
The noise of excitement filled the streets again. During the interval while Chaos temporarily halted its attack, people discussed enchanting with fervor.
The warriors bet that this thing would definitely play a huge role on the battlefield.
Some Ultramarines were already gearing up, discussing taking these new weapons to the Fortress of Hera in the afternoon to open the eyes of those Chaos forces.
Guilliman's gaze passed through the window, and the excitement on his sons' faces infected him as well.
They were children of this dark age, having seen nothing but hardship in their lives. Yet, despite this, they fought unyieldingly.
Guilliman, on the other hand, was fortunate enough to be born in a better era—a golden age filled with hope and triumph.
How could he stand still?
"Hope remains," he said to himself.
He would fight until every enemy poisoning the Imperium paid the price for their sins.
But before that, Guilliman looked at the Nether Portal surrounded by the crowd.
Could it be... truly a device similar to the Webway? Guilliman had roughly guessed the usage of that device, but deep down, he dared not believe it.
One must know that his father had once put great effort into the Webway, only for the final result to be a failure on the verge of success. The Webway was breached, and daemons poured out, attacking the Imperial Palace.
That could be counted as a turning point where the Imperium marched toward darkness.
To think that after just one sleep, this problem was solved?
He decided to summon this human first.
–
Beside the Nether Portal.
"Ah! You must be the brave warrior who saved the Primarch!"
A voice abruptly inserted itself into the discussion.
Everyone followed the voice and saw an old man wearing a robe inlaid with gold thread patterns, walking slowly accompanied by two guards.
His face was kind, and his gray hair was combed meticulously.
"What? He is the one..." Some Ultramarines exclaimed in low voices.
The Ultramarines, who were still passionately discussing enchantment choices, turned their heads in unison, focusing their gazes on Zeke.
The news of the gene-father's miraculous awakening had long spread within the fortress, but the specific details remained unknown.
Now, the Consul's words revealed the answer. This peculiarly dressed human before them was the one who saved the Primarch.
Fanaticism and gratitude ignited in the eyes of every Ultramarine.
Zeke took a small half-step back. Being stared at by a group of Astartes with such eyes put him under more than a little pressure.
"I am." Zeke admitted frankly.
The old man bowed slightly, his posture impeccable. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Consul of the Capital of Macragge."
The Consul of the Capital of Macragge was equivalent to a head of government in the traditional sense.
"I have come for an exciting plan! I plan to hold a military parade tomorrow, stretching from the Titan's Gate to the Fortress of Hera, to celebrate the awakening of the Primarch!"
His speech quickened:
"We will take this opportunity to spread the good news of the Primarch's return to every loyal world in the Imperium. Let the galaxy know that the Emperor's sword is unsheathed once more, and the beacon of Ultramar shines again."
His words were extremely infectious, even somewhat abnormally so.
The surrounding Ultramarines involuntarily puffed out their chests.
In the future, when Ultramarines met other Chapters, they could proudly say: I have a dad, do you?
The old man turned to Zeke at the right moment and patted Zeke on the shoulder:
"And you, noble savior, I formally invite you to participate in this grand ceremony together."
So ostentatious? Zeke looked outside; the Chaos artillery fire was still thundering.
Choosing to spend a fortune on a parade at this juncture instead of pouring all resources into the war?
The old man saw Zeke's skepticism and explained:
"In these difficult times, nothing is more inspiring than the awakening of the Primarch. People need faith." Then, he extended the final olive branch. "When the time comes, I will arrange for you to be near the Primarch. This will be a tremendous honor."
The old man tried his best to depict the beautiful glory of a human standing on the same stage as the gene-father.
Zeke, however, stared at the name above his health bar. Brother, your name is way too long.
Consul of Macragge, Spy sent by Fulgrim the Phoenician (Son of Slaanesh), The One Delivering a "Birthday" Gift to Guilliman.
And that blinding red dot on the World Map—aside from the pile of green Ultramarine dots around, you were the most conspicuous one.
I'm not blind, Zeke rolled his eyes.
The health bar display had this advantage: no disguise could hide under Zeke's eyes.
The old man subconsciously looked up at the space above his head, where there was only the towering domed fresco of the sanctuary.
"Then, it's settled!" The old man suppressed the inexplicable unease in his heart and turned to leave.
Zeke then exchanged a few words with Chapter Master Calgar beside him. Calgar's expression became quite colorful.
The recent external wars of Macragge had caused him to neglect internal affairs, allowing some Chaos forces to infiltrate.
Calgar asked Zeke not to make a scene yet.
The parade would proceed as normal. This was an opportunity to fish out his accomplices within Macragge.
At the same time, an Ultramarine delivered the message that Guilliman wanted to meet Zeke.
Inside the conference hall sat people familiar to Zeke.
Guilliman had already conversed with Archmagos Cawl, Celestine, and Yvraine of the Ynnari one by one.
Zeke asked how their conversations went. All three gave different evaluations of Guilliman, and without exception, they were all positive.
Guilliman is excellent enough as a politician. He will create the atmosphere you like, cater to your tastes, and extract your information amidst laughter. So said Archmagos Cawl.
Guilliman is indeed a son of the Emperor. His language is humble yet elegant. He expresses solemn gratitude for the contributions made by loyal subjects. The Living Saint put her palms together.
A respectable warrior. Yvraine summarized simply.