Emperor's Bane

Chapter 1025 The Kings' March (Part 2)
The glory of an emperor is never forged with blood.

Whether it's the enemy's or theirs.

When the newly released casualty figures were presented to Corax, the master of the savior inexplicably thought of this sentence.

He saw that simple number, yet it carried immense weight.

He was silent for a long time.

The room was pitch black with only eternal silence, as if even the breath of life had been taken away.

But the silence didn't last long: the door behind Corax was pushed open, and a person walked in.

"grown ups."

The man's voice sounded younger, but it concealed an uncontrollable rage.

"Sorola".

Corax turned around: the person who pushed open the door was none other than the youngest commander of the Nineteenth Army Corps.

Sorolla-Ann.

Corax had high hopes for him.

After he sent the best 10,000 men of the Legion to Taran as volunteers, the young commander was temporarily given the position of Primarch's second-in-command, carrying out various orders for him.

"Has the intelligence been sent out?"

Corax placed that heavy weight on the table.

About half an hour ago, the Primarch of the Ravenguard received this latest casualty count. Instead of choosing to silently conceal and bear it, he had Sollora report the number to all the commanders in the Legion: those who also had the right to know.

These sacrifices should not be forgotten: even if the Ravenguards resent their Primarch for it, Corax will accept it willingly.

"It's been distributed, sir."

Sollora's voice trembled slightly.

"Many of our combat comrades were quite...excited."

"Excited?"

Corax shook his head.

That's a really euphemistic word.

"You can be honest, Sorolla: have these casualty figures caused any unrest among them?"

“They are indeed worried about one thing, sir.”

The Dark Raven Guard bowed.

"They are worried that this terrible number of casualties will frighten you and make you choose not to support the resistance on Taran out of pity for your offspring."

"In that case, they would not have had the chance to join the reinforcements for Taran and personally avenge their brothers who died tragically from the virus."

"I'm afraid these fighting brothers won't stop worrying until the Death Guard bleeds."

This answer silenced the Primarch.

After a long while, Corax cautiously spoke, tentatively asking.

"Didn't they remember?"

"Did I send these people? I also bear some responsibility for these casualties."

"..."

Upon hearing this, Sollola looked up and glanced at his Primarch with a rather strange expression.

After confirming that Corax was genuinely concerned about the issue, the Ravenguard provided an answer.

“My lord, you have given the Dark Raven Guards a proper military order.”

"They carried out orders and died for them."

"There's nothing to worry about: no one in the fighting will feel wronged after hearing about such a death."

"This was our destined ending."

"not to mention……"

Sollola paused for a moment: his next words represented the sentiments of the entire legion.

"If, before this, we had any concerns about your rash decision to send troops to Taran, then..."

"So, when these Death Guards dropped the targeted virus that was only effective against the Raven Guards, no one in the Legion doubted Horus and his allies' stance, nor did anyone doubt the legitimacy of our joining this war: we firmly believed that we were fighting for justice."

"How could a legion truly loyal to the Emperor, the Empire, and humanity possibly be secretly researching poisons for its own brother units?"

"If we really have to say that the fighting brothers in the legion still have some complaints about you..."

"Their only complaint is that you haven't officially declared war on the Death Guard and are still only willing to send volunteers to the Taran battlefield instead of venting the entire legion's anger on the land of Barbaros."

Do you think I don't want to do this?

Listening to the fervor in Sorolla's words, Corax found himself only able to offer a wry smile.

His hand rested on the paper, the grim numbers making his fingertips tremble. The bloody sensation seemed to come out of nowhere, and with each passing second, he could hear the heavy breathing of countless offspring before their deaths.

They did not die a glorious death in battle, but rather succumbed to a vile virus.

Sorolla is right.

This debt cannot be left unresolved.

He did intend to cause trouble; it was his decision to send his army to that green world, so it's acceptable that they shed blood there.

Even if all 10,000 men were wiped out on the battlefield, he would not hold a grudge against Mortarian.

But dying honorably in battle and dying from a premeditated virus are two completely different things.

For these children who died not on the battlefield, but in their sickbeds, Corax wouldn't mind being completely opposed to the Warlord and the Death Guard.

Prior to this, his actions stemmed solely from his trust in Morgan, his loyalty to the Emperor, and a lingering resentment towards the Warmaster.

But now, a more vivid and also more vicious fire of emotion urges him to use every means to annihilate these rebellious brothers.

Even so, he still needs to stay calm.

It wasn't just about his own composure; he also needed to calm the Raven Guards down: anger and bloodlust were surging within this usually united legion, and if left unchecked, they could very well lead to unimaginable disastrous consequences.

"Please believe me, Sorolla."

Thinking of this, the Primarch stepped forward and patted his offspring on the shoulder with the respect due to a brother.

"I must have my own reasons for not fully participating in the war."

"Just like before, when I decided to send troops to Taran without any reason: I hope you can understand my difficulties once again."

Sorolla nodded.

“Of course we understand you, sir. No one would question your leadership.”

"We just want to know."

He took a deep breath, and the smell of blood filled his mouth: it came from his bitten lip.

"When will revenge finally come?"

"The lives of thousands of our comrades in battle have been lost; this matter cannot be left unresolved."

"We do not expect tenfold retaliation, nor will we extend our anger to innocent people."

“But those guys on Taran who release poison gas, every one of my brothers in arms longs to cut off their heads himself.”

"We can't be so reckless."

Corax waved his hand.

"No matter how much we despise it psychologically, the virus that guards death does have its tricks."

“Even now, I haven’t fully deciphered the underlying logic of this virus.”

At this point, the Primarch was somewhat frustrated.

Although the Raven Guards on Taran carefully sent the patients and pathogens back to Redemption as soon as possible, and Corax quickly threw himself into research, the Primarch, who had made some achievements in scientific research, still frequently encountered setbacks and could only watch helplessly as the plague on Taran continued to rage.

"With the help of volunteers in the legion, I have conducted many clinical trials."

The Crow King looked dejected.

“My antidote can ensure that the virus will no longer spread on a large scale and the mortality rate will be reduced, but the Raven Guards infected with this virus will still lose their ability to fight, and even walking independently will become very difficult: such wounded soldiers will still be a burden on the front line.”

“Under these circumstances, while we cannot cut off our aid to Taran, we must proceed with extreme caution.”

“That place is gradually becoming important.”

"The first batches of supplies have already been delivered to Holy Terra and Dorne via the route through Taran, but they still need more support. Therefore, the defense of Taran cannot be compromised. We must replenish supplies and reinforcements as quickly as possible."

"And we must be better prepared to face the onslaught of a virus that threatens to kill us."

Corax paused for a moment.

"I plan to send another 50,000 men to Taran: the best 50,000 men the Legion currently has."

"In addition, both supplies and the supporting mortal army will be prepared: I also plan to send more fleets to Taran."

"Do you know what this means, Sorolla?"

"Of course, my lord."

This problem is no challenge for the Raven Guard.

"With such a large-scale deployment, it would be almost impossible to hide it from the eyes of the Death Guard."

“Aside from not having formally declared war, we have completely broken off relations with the Fourteenth Army.”

"Yes."

Corax snorted coldly.

"However, Mortarian should have foreseen this from the day he decided to dump those damn viruses on my children's heads."

“I won’t forgive him easily.”

“Taran will continue to stand firm: I will do everything in my power to ensure this.”

"At the same time, in addition to reinforcements, we must also influence the will of the Death Guard."

"Let them know our stance."

"what do you mean……"

Sollora inquired.

"It's very simple."

Corax pointed to the star map beside him: that was the border between the Ravenguard and Deathguard legions.

"While sending reinforcements."

“I am prepared to personally travel to the border with the Death Guard to inspect the area.”

"At the same time, I will mobilize the legion to conduct a large-scale military exercise on this side of the border."

"Is this a show of force to Barbarossa?"

"Yes."

Corax nodded.

"Let my brother realize what it will mean for him to provoke me at this time?"

"The pitiful hundred thousand troops he left behind at Barbarossa cannot stop my army of revenge."

"Although we won't take action now."

“But if he continues to do evil: I will not choose to continue to suppress your anger, Solora.”

"Go and tell this news to the others."

"One day, revenge will come."

"Perhaps not today."

"But if they want to go to Taran to avenge their fallen comrades: from now on, I will accept requests for battle from all companies."

“I will tell them, sir.”

Sorolla bowed deeply. "Believe me, Primarch, you will soon be struggling to choose which eager-to-fight force to join the operation."

"I'm looking forward to that moment."

Corax smiled until Sollora's figure disappeared outside the gate.

Then he looked out the window: the Primarch's face, which was always filled with melancholy, had returned to calm.

“Motalian…”

He stroked the letter, whispering the name of his brother who had become a blood-stained figure.

"Did you give this order?"

Kolac squinted, carefully recalling his meager meetings with the Lord of Death.

That wasn't a pleasant brother, but he shouldn't have fallen to that level.

But even if the virus was released, it wasn't his idea.

But this potent virus itself must be Motalian's masterpiece.

Only Primarchs can counter Primarchs: if it were just the work of the Death Guards, Corax wouldn't have spent so much time trying to crack it.

The fact that it could be researched and stored in such a large quantity already speaks volumes.

The outstretched palm slowly clenched into a fist.

The long silence eventually turned into a sigh of resignation to letting go of certain things.

The crow king's voice echoed in the room.

“You were the one who crossed the line first, brother.”

"Get ready to bleed."

"Today, you can still arrogantly make your choice between Holy Terra and Taran."

"You're still thinking about whether you can escape unscathed in this battle and enjoy the feast afterward."

"Let your imagination run wild."

"Soon I will make you understand what a foolish order your offspring issued in Taran."

"The strife between brothers is over, Lord of Death."

Since the restoration of Redemption, it has been a long time since anyone has heard such a cold voice.

"Now……"

"War is war."

------

"War is war, of course."

"No one can change it."

"No matter how eloquent the reasons may be, the person who first starts a war has a cold heart."

"It's that simple."

The Lion King of Caliban sat on his throne, with only a few attendants standing beside him.

A particular suit of bright red armor stood out starkly against the backdrop of black and silver, yet it was remarkably harmonious.

It was as if he was meant to stand there.

The Caliban were watching him.

Of all the Astartes the Lion King encountered, the owner of this armor posed the most incisive questions.

Or perhaps: Naive?
Why do you want to ask that, Ahriman?

After answering the question from his ex-girlfriend Chiko out of leisure and interest, Zhuang Sen followed up with further questions with great interest.

"There's no particular reason, sir."

Ariman shook his head frankly.

"If I had to say something, I feel somewhat lost about the current war."

Feeling lost? Where is that feeling?

Zhuang Sen changed his sitting posture, leaning forward, which made him seem even more intimidating to Aliman.

"I can't explain it clearly."

Ahriman frowned.

"I just think...it's kind of funny."

"One hundred and fifty years of the Great Expedition only brought fifty years of peace, and then another war."

"It's as if the previous bleeding was meaningless."

“Your idea is ridiculous, Ahriman.”

The Lion King shook his head dismissively.

"Another war, which just proves that not enough blood has been shed in the Great Expedition."

"The enemy is still in the shadows; they have not yet been intimidated by our power, nor have they been completely eliminated."

"So, isn't it reasonable for another war to break out, giving us the opportunity to completely eradicate them?"

"..."

The Lion King's words made Ahriman's eyes widen.

This kind of argument, which seemed to contain a unique logic despite its sophistry, left even the well-read Qianzi momentarily speechless.

On the contrary, the Caliban began to lecture this psionic master with a hint of smugness.

“I know you all too well, Ahriman.”

"You're just like Robert."

“You are trapped in your own rules and regulations, and you sigh and complain at the slightest dissatisfaction.”

"Whenever something unexpected happens, what you like to do most is to reflect, introspect, and learn from the lessons."

"It's as if simply reflecting on things can change something."

"But you never thought that when an accident really happens in front of you, the most important thing you should do is to immediately pick up your weapon and eliminate the enemy: make the accident disappear. Get everything back on track as you expected."

"After you've killed all your opponents, you'll have plenty of time to reflect and introspect."

"Instead of starting to complain and blame others now."

"...I will remember your teachings, sir."

It is unknown what Ahriman was really thinking, but on the surface, he humbly lowered his head.

"very good."

Zhuang Sen stood up with satisfaction and walked to the window.

However, as he passed by Ahriman, the fearless ruler of Caliban suddenly stopped.

He thought for a moment, then leaned close to Ahriman's ear.

"in addition."

Zhuang Sen lowered his voice.

"When I see Robert later."

"Don't tell him, that's how I describe him in private."

"..."

Ahriman raised his head and looked at the lion.

Zhuang Sen looked at him with an innocent expression.

"That will be troublesome, Ahriman."

"Robert, that guy, holds grudges. He's not as magnanimous as I am."

"Yes...yes, Primarch."

""very good!"

“I knew you were trustworthy, Ahriman.”

After giving Qianzi a heavy pat on the shoulder, the lion left with a satisfied look on his face.

Regardless of what Ahriman was thinking, Zhuang Sen waved his hand as he approached the window, and immediately a mortal servant of the Dawnbreaker stepped forward.

"grown ups."

"Tell me, how much longer until I get there?"

"It will depart from subspace in two hours and is expected to arrive in low Earth orbit in fourteen hours."

"Hmm... what about Robert?"

"Lord Guilliman and the Ultramarines' delegation have already arrived at the meeting place: Lord Orpheus will be waiting for us near Mandeville as a welcome."

"very good……"

"Is there anything else I should be aware of, attendant?"

"I have a question, sir."

The mortal servant took out a piece of paper.

"The envoys and officers who will be meeting with you want to know whether it is necessary to inform Lord Guilliers of Lord Guilliers' news in advance."

"After all, you suddenly suggested changing the meeting place. Although the Ultramarines complied, they have always been suspicious. If we told them, Lord Guilliman might be more honest. Based on experience, this would be useful for the rest of the conversation."

"No need."

Zhuang Sen shook his head.

“I never intended to rely on Guilliman’s candor.”

"That's a false proposition, mortal."

"Lies and hypocrisy are in the nature of most of my brothers: especially Robert."

"As for the matter of Saint Gilles."

At this point, the Primarch paused for a moment.

Then, a cold laugh escaped from his throat, sending chills down the spines of the mortal servants beside him.

"Let's keep it for now."

"Perhaps this will be a useful trump card when facing Robert."

……

"Don't think I don't know what that kid is thinking."

"Now that Morgan is gone, the existence of Saint Gilles must be an irresistible temptation for him."

"Uh...why do you say that, sir?"

The mortal servant looked somewhat bewildered: the Guilliman that Johnson spoke of seemed quite different from the reliable ally of Avalon he had previously known.

"It's very simple."

The Primarch slowly took a deep breath.

"Perhaps in the past, he could hide it very well."

"But after Morgan left, I bet Robert couldn't suppress his greed any longer."

"He is eager to place his authority above Avalon and become the true master of the Far East."

"And Saint Gilles, for him..."

"Would be a perfect ally...and a puppet."

(End of this chapter)