Emperor's Bane

Chapter 1018 Fire

Chapter 1018 Fire
Regarding the war at hand, Zefeng, the "Announcer of Death," held drastically different views from his other brothers in the legion.

To be more specific: he didn't really understand what Primarch Saint Gilles had specifically instructed them on before they set off.

Looking back now, that was just over a year ago.

But as long as you close your eyes, the worried look and words of the father of genetics are still vivid in your mind.

Zefeng remembered them very clearly.

In fact, the 5,200 veterans of the Holy Blood Angels who went on the expedition with him all remembered it very clearly.

Unlike Zephon, most Blood Angels, though inspired by their Primarchs, become outstanding artists and swordsmen, possessing profound skills in fields such as athletics, painting, and sculpture. However, this does not mean they are particularly intelligent: in fact, most Blood Angels are completely devoid of the ability to think.

Astartes are warriors by nature, and then, according to the Primarch's wishes and the Legion's tradition, become experts in various arts or strange and unusual fields.

For example, fire salamanders are skilled in forging.

The Dawnbreakers excel at interacting with mortals, and with all sorts of literal, unorthodox methods.

Then there are the Night Lords: their extensive knowledge of various laws is enough to put even the most senior mortal judges in the Empire to shame. Often, when Terra's judges lack sufficient grounds for judgment, they will consult the Night Lords' trial records.

However, almost no Astartes warriors in any legion wanted to become thinkers: not because they despised the value of wisdom, but because their inherent duty was contrary to independent thinking.

A soldier who is always prone to overthinking is highly likely to become untrustworthy.

Or, to put it another way: distorted thinking leads to heresy.

In every legion, this is a truth that no one would admit, yet many choose to believe.

Of course, not everyone believes it.

Zefeng is an exception.

Despite being part of the Blood Angels Legion, which is known for its absolute obedience to the Primarch's commands even among all legions, the Announcer grew into a skeptic.

Of course, he certainly wouldn't dare to question the Primarch.

Although Zephon was not a veteran of Terra, did not experience the darkest period of the Ninth Legion, and never had the seed of being saved by Sanguiles planted in his heart, he was born in a tribe on Baal.

For these tribal people who are born to struggle in a world of death, Saint Gilles, who led them into space, is also a savior, a great man who is not comparable to any legendary god.

Although often overlooked, the Baal people's worship of the archangel was no less than that of the Terrans.

Zephyr could die for the Primarch without hesitation, but that doesn’t mean he would blindly follow Saint Gilles’ advice.

And that was indeed the case: if Zephon the Announcer had been given the choice, he would have wanted to stay as far as possible by his Primarch and homeland as possible to protect them during this dangerous period when the galaxy was gradually descending into turmoil and chaos. But when Sanguiles put his name on the list, Zephon boarded the ship without any objection.

This is his loyal side.

When he arrived at the front lines of the clash between the Warmaster and Terra, as a member of the military observation group led by Radoron, he did not, like his other comrades, either remain on the warship indifferent to this war of their own kind, or stand on the front lines to observe the battle up close in order to gather necessary intelligence for the Legion and Primarch.

Zefeng chose the third path.

He also came to the front lines, unlike some of his brothers who hid in their warships: although he knew that these men were not truly indifferent to this fratricidal conflict.

On the contrary, those who were willing to stay on the warships were more compassionate, or had friends in the Terran army and the Warlord's army: they did not want to see these people bleed and kill each other on the front lines.

Zefeng didn't care about this; he only earned the title of "Announcer of Death" after becoming the commander of the unit that the legion had annihilated.

He came to the front lines only to find clues in the fighting: to deduce what he had always suspected.

He has been doing this ever since he arrived in Betangamon.

And for this reason, most people are quietly hiding.

On the surface, the messenger was a relatively active member of the military observation group, but behind the scenes, only a few people knew about and tacitly approved of his actions.

One of them, in particular, held a very high position and wielded great power.

"Zefeng".

As the messenger hid on a high vantage point, watching a small battlefield where fierce fighting raged in the distance, a familiar voice came from behind him.

Zefeng immediately stood up.

"Company Commander."

He saluted the person who came.

Radolon, the captain of the Blood Angels, is known as one of the three heroes of the Great Crusade, along with Abaddon and Sigismund.

Wherever he is, he deserves the respect of others.

Are you still conducting your observations?

Ladoron was already aware of Zefeng's purpose.

In fact, as the leader of the military observation group handpicked by Saint Gilles, Zefeng would not have been able to be so relaxed without his approval.

"I think I've made some progress."

Even Zefeng, who was used to indifference, couldn't help but feel a little proud when this was mentioned.

"Is it."

Radolon nodded absentmindedly.

He wasn't interested in it.

"What's the progress? Can you tell me about it?"

"It's a bit troublesome to explain here."

Zefeng scratched his head.

"If you want me to explain this clearly, I need to find you a very professional military map and a bird divination instrument, as well as a lot of historical reference materials."

"However, to make a long story short: I have always suspected that the Primarch had ulterior motives for sending us to the front lines."

"Based on my observations during this period, there may indeed be something hidden beneath the land of Betangamon."

"What do you mean?"

"Radolon asked."

"To put it simply: I suspect that something extraordinary might be being held somewhere in Betangamon, because based on my observations and calculations during this period, the deployment of the Terra garrison is clearly somewhat hampered. They have deployed an excessive and inappropriate number of troops to a certain location, which seems to defy all common sense in military matters."

"The only reasonable explanation is that there is something there that they have to care about."

Radoron nodded.

"Alright then, if you really figure something out, remember to write me a report when you get back, Zefeng."

"I will pass it on to the two Primarchs."

"After being on the front lines for so long, our team has to observe and learn something."

"I will."

After receiving Zefeng's promise, Radolon did not delve deeper into the topic. Although the Announcer's discovery seemed to have great research value, it was not a matter that the company commander needed to concern himself with.

In fact, Radolph knew better than anyone why these men had been sent to the front lines by Sanguis.

This is also what he wants to discuss with Zefeng.

"Also, Zefeng, there's something I think I need to tell you."

“Amit sent me another email.”

"Is it?"

Upon hearing this name, Zefeng immediately became serious.

At the same time, they put the issues they cared about out of their minds.

Amit: This name is extremely important to the Holy Blood Angel who is currently in the early stages of Betangamon.

"What did he say?"

"Same as last time and the time before that."

Radoron scratched his hair in frustration.

"To reiterate, the situation near Baal has been brought under control, but the overall situation has not improved: the number of out-of-control Bloodthirsty Ones is increasing, and even Lord Saint Gilles is finding it difficult to suppress their changes. The apothecaries have also been unable to figure out what exactly went wrong this time."

Zefeng listened quietly, nodding occasionally.

"Then, the lockdown policy..."

"It must continue to be implemented."

Radolon interrupted him impatiently.

“It must be even stricter.”

"why?"

"Because in Amit's letter, he mentioned something very frightening to me."

"In a civilized world near the frontier, escaped Bloodthirsty Ones were discovered. Amit personally selected thirty brothers to capture them. However, after these men arrived in that civilized world, within just a few days, eight of them lost control one after another."

"Eight!"

"Yes."

"They're all...uncontrollable individuals?"

"No: Five of them recovered after draining a nearby mortal town, but their mental state was affected to some extent."

"And the remaining three brothers, and the one who fell into bloodthirst first: they must be dealt with mercifully."

"But what's worse, after the hunters sent by Amit dealt with the brother, they discovered that the Bloodthirsty One had not been stationed locally, but had gone out of control on another world several star sectors away."

"..."

Zefeng was stunned for a moment.

He quickly realized what that meant.

"That is to say..."

"Yes."

Radolon's expression was as cold as ice.

"As it turns out, this Bloodthirst Plague is more serious than the previous ones: many Bloodthirst sufferers, although they have lost their reason and honor, still retain the cunning and instinct of beasts in their hearts. They will take advantage of the chaos to sneak into the interior of those transport ships, which means that the scope of the Bloodthirst's harm may be larger than we imagined."

"If we're not careful, we'll be exposed to the empire."

"That would be terrible."

"No wonder the Primarch has doubled down on the border blockade."

Zefeng suddenly realized.

"Then, has the scale of the plague expanded again?"

“Amit didn’t say.”

Radolon shook his head. "But judging from his letter, things are definitely not going in a positive direction."

“Even Askelón, the Primarch’s captain of the guard, has been sent out to deal with local incidents.”

“You know that guy. He wouldn’t shirk his responsibility unless things had gotten really bad.”

"Furthermore, Amit also said in the letter that if any suspected Bloodthirst members are found in our team, then show no mercy: deal with them in the strictest way."

"The most severe method?"

"You mean... kill him outright?"

"Yes."

When Radolon nodded expressionlessly, even the messenger of death felt a bead of sweat trickle down his brow.

"Wouldn't that be too arbitrary?"

"You know, Radoron, even Blood Thirst isn't without a way to return to normal."

"That's how it used to be."

Radolon interrupted him.

"Indeed, some brothers who have become bloodthirsty will gradually return to normal after draining some of the blood of mortals."

"Although they occasionally lost control after that, they were generally trustworthy."

“But this time is different, Zefeng.”

"This time, the vast majority of bloodthirsty patients have completely lost control: the proportion of patients who have completely fallen into darkness is soaring. Many of them, even if they no longer have the need to drink blood, will relentlessly slaughter one town after another. This is no longer a thirst for blood, but a bloodlust."

"Moreover."

Radolon sighed softly.

"Do you think Amit would have given us such an order without the angels' approval?"

"This already represents the will of the Primarch."

"Phew... I understand."

Zefeng took a deep breath and nodded.

He knew that as a member of the Annihilator Force, Radoron had only two reasons for seeking him out.

First, like Radolon, he is among the group of people who are unlikely to be consumed by thirst.

As for the second point: he had no aversion to killing his own brothers.

“Remember, Zefeng.”

Before leaving, Radolon patted him on the shoulder.

"Don't forget why we're here."

“We, these 5,200 men, were handpicked one by one by Primarch Saint Gilles from the hundreds of thousands of combat brothers in the entire legion. He personally tested each of our bloodlines and past experiences, personally observed our habits and mental state in daily life, and personally talked with us before finally making his decision.”

"In his eyes, we are the last embers of the legion."

"Bloodthirst can defeat any Holy Blood Angel, but it cannot defeat us."

“Once Baal’s fortress falters in the face of this unprecedented thirst for blood, we are the only card the Father of Genetics has left to rebuild the Legion.”

"This is his trust."

"It is also our responsibility."

"Remember this identity, Zefeng."

Radoron patted him heavily on the shoulder.

"If that day ever comes."

"Even if the object is you, or me."

"I don't want your sword to become dull either."

"Don't worry, Company Commander."

Without hesitation, Zefeng made a decisive promise.

"My sympathy for any of my brothers probably cannot surpass my gratitude to the Wolf God."

"sounds good."

Radoron's brow furrowed quickly.

"But don't forget, we are your brothers: the War Commander is ultimately an outsider."

"I know."

The messenger nodded.

"But I will never forget: he saved my life."

"I wouldn't be here without him."

"Ah...I know."

Radoron certainly wouldn't forget.

He clearly remembered that during that expedition jointly conducted by the Shadowmoon Wolves and the Holy Blood Angels, if the Wolf God hadn't saved Zefeng in time on the battlefield, this harbinger of death would most likely have died on the spot, or at least lost his skillful and priceless hands: for Astartes, the former and the latter were actually no different.

"If you're truly that grateful, brother, you can expedite your research and then report it to the War Commander."

"Perhaps this will be useful to him?"

"I will, Company Commander."

Zefeng made his promise.

"However, I also hope that if there is any new information from Barr, you can let me know immediately."

"I will try my best."

Radolphin's promises were vague.

However, just before leaving, the company commander seemed to have thought of something else.

"But you've reminded me."

"If we're talking about new information, there is indeed a piece of news, not too big, not too small, in Amit's letter."

"What is it?"

Zefeng regained his interest.

"how to say……"

Radolon coughed somewhat awkwardly.

"Actually, neither Amit nor I really understand the issues involved, so Amit specifically asked me to ask you: but I almost forgot."

"In Amit's words."

"Since the outbreak of Bloodthirst, Primarch Saint Gilles has been in the laboratory, hoping to find out the source of this plague. To this end, he broke with tradition and conducted human experiments on several Bloodthirsty people who had no hope of salvation."

"He personally took charge."

"What was the result?"

"Nothing."

Radoron shook his head in frustration.

"The only certainty is that the vast majority of those who have lost control of their thirst can still vaguely recognize Lord Saint Giles during their final moments of lucidity, and will express their remorse to our father in the final stages of their lives. However, there are a few patients whose condition has become so severe that they can no longer even recognize their father."

"Someone even tried to bite the Primarch, and the apothecaries had to kill him beforehand. It is said that this incident saddened Lord Saint Gilles very much."

"According to Amit, the Primarch has gradually lost faith in such scientific experiments and has begun to explore other paths, believing that the Blood Thirst plague is extremely strange in both its appearance and spread: it is not something that can occur in reality."

"what do you mean……"

"Yes."

Radoron nodded.

"Lord Saint Gilles suspects that this thirsty plague is very likely related to the contamination of the warp."

"So what is he planning to do?"

"There's no good solution right now. Lord Saint Gilles has never been known for his knowledge of the warp."

“But I heard from Amit that the Primarch seems to be planning to visit a powerful being in the warp realm.”

"Who?"

Several figures flashed through Zefeng's mind.

"Morgan? Hasn't she been missing for a long time?"

"No, it's another one, also in the Far East."

"You mean..."