Emperor's Bane

Chapter 993 Falling short of success

The flesh and blood left behind by Primarch No. 11 were very different from what Omega had anticipated.

If it weren't for this hundred-meter-square room, so empty it seemed like a dead end, with only this heavily guarded foreign object besides countless traps that could take a person's life in the blink of an eye, he wouldn't even be sure that what he wanted was right in front of him.

For Omega, which is used to living in the shadows and intrigue, dodging the defensive mechanisms set up by the emperor himself was not easy, but it was not difficult either.

Moreover, he was not fighting alone.

From the moment he stepped into the dark dungeon beneath the palace, the voice originating from the crystal labyrinth followed him closely.

It pointed out the threats to him, showed him the path, and constantly urged on his ambitions and anxieties.

Omega fully enjoys its convenience.

But he doesn't intend to rely on it completely.

He knew that although he could whisper the name of Saint Treacherous when necessary, the evil spirits deep within these warps were fundamentally untrustworthy: temporary cooperation with them might be beneficial, but to regard them as partners with whom a stable relationship could be established would be a foolish act that would only lead to annihilation.

A wiser choice is to use their power cautiously, with restraint and care.

While relying on their help, they also became aware of and avoided the traps they set, instead of being like other guys who sided with the Warp, thinking they had everything under control, only to be completely fooled by the gods in their dreams.

But he's different: he won't make the same mistakes.

As Omega slowly unraveled the final mechanism left by the Emperor, he was already pondering how to get rid of his partner, Tzeentch.

But this complacent act of discarding the bridge after crossing the river was soon swallowed up by a new kind of confusion: as the layers of protection left by the Lord of Man were dismantled one by one, the last remnant of that great figure who once stirred up the entire galaxy, the powerful being who once silenced even the most prosperous empires during the Great Crusade, was exposed to the Primarch.

"What's this?"

Omega's bewilderment echoed in the cold air.

Before him lay a platform two meters high and roughly four meters long and wide, resembling a precision cement pillar. It stood alone at the deepest part of the palace's dark side, and on its surface lay a solitary gray object.

It wasn't the flesh and blood Omega had imagined; at least it didn't have much muscle tissue or coagulated blood vessels, nor was it the kind of corpse that had been charred along with its armor after a fierce battle.

It feels more like metal, a metal that looks very soft.

If he had to recall, Omega remembered that long ago he had sneaked into Alpharis's study and casually browsed through his collection of books, including several ancient science fiction novels delivered by Midnight Ghosts: the descriptions of active metals or nanometals in them looked quite similar to what he was looking at now.

But more importantly, he could indeed feel that connection that came from his bloodline.

Yes, what you see before you is the last piece of flesh and blood left in the world by that lost brother.

As for why it turned out this way...

Omega had never regretted not getting the truth about the Danish War from Alpharis: now, this intelligence gap seemed to be backfiring on his plans.

No, it's not that bad.

The Primarch comforted himself: This was just a minor, insignificant accident.

A piece of flesh indistinguishable from metal can at most prove why Number Eleven was erased back then.

But then again, would the Emperor really unleash such divine punishment just because a Primarch transformed him into a robot?

While muttering to himself, Omega slowly approached the Primarch's flesh and blood. He first used his psionic power—a warp power that ranks among the top five of all Primarchs—to carefully examine the priceless treasure before him, to confirm that it was indeed worth the risk.

Then, he discovered something very interesting.

"Um……"

"The person is indeed dead."

"On this mutilated body, one cannot sense any thoughts that an independent soul should possess."

"This means that the owner of this flesh and blood has indeed died: and has been completely annihilated."

"At least, the unique soul of Primarch Eleven has completely disappeared from the world. Even if someone can use this flesh and blood as a base to recreate Primarch Eleven, from the perspective of the soul, it will be a brand new person, not the traitor that the Emperor decided to completely erase."

"Tsk."

Omega shook his head.

"The punishment was more severe than I had imagined."

"This is not just execution, it's being ground to dust."

"They will never be able to be reborn."

"What exactly did you do, brother?"

Knowing he wouldn't get an answer, Omega didn't stop what he was doing. He used his psychic powers to remove the last layer of protection covering the blood, and then pondered how to take it away from there.

At the same time, the Primarch also keenly realized a problem: the warp whispers that had been constantly nagging in his ear had disappeared without him noticing, seemingly the moment he stepped into the room where this piece of flesh was kept.

Perhaps it was a unique anti-magic stance: he had heard that Primarch Eleven was an untouchable.

But it seems to be another psionicist: how strange.

Omega removed his protective gear, and he was finally able to observe the flesh and blood before him with a clear view.

No matter how many times you look at it, it gives the impression of having been roughly cut, but the cut itself has been treated to be an exceptionally smooth, noble metal, with a luster that is completely unlike that of silicon-based life forms. Even in the shadows, you can clearly see those hard curves and hideous scars, making Omega unconsciously swallow.

He had a bad feeling.

It was an instinct: but when he thought about it carefully, he couldn't recall where he had done anything wrong.

Perhaps it's just nervousness?
While comforting himself, Omega slowly extended his hand toward the priceless treasure in front of him.

In the frigid air thousands of meters underground, only his anxious breathing could be heard, and...

"If I were you."

"I wouldn't do that."

The seal bearer's unhurried opening remarks.

……

Omega stopped what he was doing.

But this is not out of fear, but rather the composure necessary for a Primarch.

"The one who holds the seal."

Omega was not surprised by Makado's late arrival. Originally, his plan was only to barely hold off Dorn and the Marksman. Even though he had used all available resources, Omega would not be surprised when the two Terran Guardians left by the Emperor could see through or break through his obstruction.

Or rather, if even this small matter cannot be resolved, then Macardo is not qualified to be the Emperor's Seal Holder, and Dorne is not qualified to be the chosen Terra Guard.

"You're faster than I expected."

"Are you trying to get your revenge on me sooner?"

Omega first placed his left hand on the Primarch's flesh and blood before him, and a pale blue spiritual energy flowed down from his fingers, awakening this demigod's body, which had been dormant for too long, from its long slumber.

This seemed to be the source of his confidence, allowing him to calmly turn around and greet the somewhat disheveled handprint master with the air of a master.

The emperor's confidant's tattered robe still bore the marks of his hasty journey, making him appear to be in a particularly disadvantageous and passive position.

But the indifferent expression on Macardo's face left Omega with a lingering unease.

After recognizing Omega's figure, the one who held the seal took a few steps forward, leaving the doorway, and then stopped steadily before reaching the red line in Omega's heart.

It was as if he could sense exactly where the bottom line of the rebellious Primarch lay before him.

At this moment, they were more than ten meters apart and could clearly see the expressions on each other's faces.

Whether it was Omega's arrogant composure, the enigmatic calmness of the scepter, or the smiles on both sides.

Makado's voice echoed in the air.

“Your little tricks on Holy Terra did cause some trouble for me and Dorn.”

“I have to admit, you are far superior to your twin brother Alpharis in the matter of riots.”

"Perhaps we should award you a medal, Omega."

"You know my name?"

Omega's surprise was genuine: but he quickly figured out the logic behind it.

"It seems that Alpharis is not as tight-lipped as he promised me."

"Do not."

The person who held the seal shook his head.

"On this point, he was indeed tight-lipped."

“But I think you two have underestimated the Emperor’s control over his offspring.”

"If he wants to know something, he doesn't need to wait for you to ask him."

"...That makes perfect sense."

Omega nodded.

But the smile on his face remained sharp.

"However, despite all that, I don't think I have a place in his grand plan."

"You and the Emperor have both ignored my existence."

"So from this perspective: Terra's current disaster is also your own fault."

The man holding the seal did not answer this question. He put his hands and scepter behind his back to appear harmless, while carefully maintaining the conversation as he observed how Omega was awakening the flesh and blood.

"So: you killed Alpha?"

"of course not."

Omega shook his head.

“We hate each other, but it hasn’t come to that.”

"However, now that we have separated, only one Hydra Lord can survive."

"Do you hope that you will be the one who survives?"

Who doesn't want to live?

Omega considers this question somewhat idiotic.

“You, Morgan, Horus, even the Emperor.”

"Who doesn't want to live? Who doesn't want to fight tooth and nail for their freedom?"

"free?"

This word made the person holding the seal raise an eyebrow.

"Is this what you want?"

"Yes."

Omega nodded.

“I have already endured the days of having to share my fate with another person, even if it is my twin brother.”

"I yearn for a destiny that belongs to me."

"Whether it will be good or bad, whether it will become another disaster or not, I will fight for it."

"A beautiful ideal."

The one who held the seal sighed, but this sigh ended with an overly obvious mockery.

“I almost cried: if you hadn’t chosen to join Chaos to realize your dream.”

Does this make you feel stupid?

"Not really."

Makado's gaze would occasionally drift to the mass of gray metal that had begun to wriggle: it looked like frozen meat being slowly thawed in a microwave.

Each tremor made the seemingly steady breathing of the person who held the seal heavier.

But on the surface, Macardo was very good at disguising himself, and even had the mood to make some not-so-clever jokes.

“I am just grateful to you. You made me realize that my education was not useless. Although I did not raise Alpharis to be a perfect child, he at least retains human rationality and will never fall into chaos and try to harm others. Seeing how you, who lacked education, did it makes me proud of Alpharis.”

"..."

This statement surprised Omega.

"Do you think I'm like that idiot Magnus?"

"Magnus?"

The one who held the seal pondered the word.

"You did remind me."

"If your goal is to complete your soul's existence through a piece of the Primarch's flesh and blood, then why don't you go to Magnus?"

"Although Betangamon is currently embroiled in war, that makes finding him easier than finding the one in front of us."

"indeed so."

Omega raised its head somewhat arrogantly.

"If you want to know the reason..."

"Because I look down on Magnus: it's that simple."

This answer made Macardo blink.

Such an illogical answer: It must be true.

"You despise Magnus?"

Why should I have any respect for a fool who's been completely fooled by the warp?

"But you yourself have succumbed to the warp."

"It's not a defection, you who hold the seal; I'm simply using all available power at the right time."

“During the Great Crusade, neither the Hydra Legion nor your own forces lacked precedents of cooperating with mutants or even extraterrestrial forces: Chaos is simply a more difficult to control but also more rewarding partner.” “I understand.”

The person holding the seal nodded.

"Do you think you can manipulate the corruption of chaos on you in the same way you manipulate your partners?"

"Use them, and you won't be affected."

"I never intended to remain completely untouched by any trouble."

The soul flame in Omega's hand was almost completely devouring the Primarch's flesh and blood in front of him. Now, the awakening ritual was almost at its final stage.

"I know there will be a price to pay."

"But I also believe I'm rational enough to get out of there before the warp demands more compensation."

“I’m different from those idiots.”

“I have no respect for the warp. I despise the warp more than any of them, and therefore I am safer.”

"...I see..."

The one who held the seal sighed softly.

At the same time, smile inwardly.

If his assessment of Alpharex Education before this was merely self-deprecating, then...

Now, he genuinely believes that his educational level is quite good.

At least he didn't educate AlphaRes to the level of Omega in front of him: isn't that a success?

Just as the one who held the seal was secretly pleased with himself, Omega had already completed his final step of the ritual.

Now, he can simply reach out and take this priceless piece of Primarch flesh away.

The person holding the seal still made no comment.

Even Omega had to question this.

"You came all this way just to discuss these trivial matters with me, Seal Master?"

"First, I don't think it's irrelevant."

Makado corrected him seriously.

"A person's attitude toward chaos determines his stance in the war that follows."

"Secondly, I came here more to fulfill my duty as a host: to avoid outsiders saying that Terra is unreasonable."

"As for the third one..."

He raised his head, and his confident eyes leisurely fixed on Omega.

But where the Primarch couldn't see, ten aged fingers were already tightly tangled together behind the black robe.

On the surface, he still smiled.

That was a smile that no one could see through.

"If you really want to do this, if you really want to listen to the call of the Lord of Change."

"why not?"

"Perhaps you can prove you're right."

"..."

This provocation is far too obvious.

By the time Omega realized what was happening, it found itself with nowhere to retreat: it couldn't just give up here, could it?
"Humph!"

Having figured this out, the Primarch could only suppress his inner unease with a facade of indifference.

“You’re good at making excuses for failure, Macado, just like the High Lords Council.”

Having said that, and while preparing for the possibility of Macado pounced at any moment, Omega once again placed his hand on the Primarch's flesh. This time, however, he did not channel his psychic power, but instead closed his eyes and communicated with the remaining instincts of the body in the world of his mind.

Yes.

Even though the soul to which this body belonged has now vanished, as the original body, as an undisputed demigod in the real universe, even if only a piece of flesh without any soul remains, it still retains a powerful instinct: the deepest obsession left behind by the deceased in life.

As someone personally erased by the emperor, this obsession naturally stems from hatred towards the emperor and the empire.

This is a matter of course: Omega doesn't even need to spend a second thinking about it.

To reiterate: Primarch Eleven is the most dangerous enemy in the Imperium's Great Crusade.

And when he wakes up, he will still be.

But the one who awakens will not be the Legion Commander who once dominated the galaxy: his flesh and blood will merge with Omega in a warp ritual, and the Hydra Lord will accept his last vestige of soul, completing his own fragmented soul while inheriting that powerful strength and his unwavering determination to fight the Empire to the death.

This is what he has to do, and this is what he wants to promise to the flesh and blood before him.

He will take him away from this cage.

He will be there when he leaves the Emperor's sight.

They will merge into one, appearing in the nightmares of the Empire's inhabitants in a more powerful form.

They will betray the emperor.

Attack him, retaliate against him: until you kill him.

Yes, that's right, that's exactly it.

Through their tightly joined palms, Omega conveyed his words to it in detail: including his solemn assurances and bloody promises.

Then he saw that this piece of flesh, which had actually been dead for a century, miraculously broke free from its slumber and gradually awoke after hearing his words.

This piece of breathing metal moved, twisted, and changed in an unimaginable rhythm, as if adapting to this long-lost world, until one of its branches raised its head like a snake, looked around blankly, and finally locked onto Omega's face.

It looked at him as if to confirm whether those promises had truly come from the person before it.

Omega, on the other hand, extended its hand.

This is both an affirmation and an invitation.

His breathing trembled slightly; now, he was only one step away from success.

Although he could catch the unmistakable mockery on the face of the one who had the seal inscribed in the corner of his eye.

……

and many more?

ridicule?

Did he see it wrong?

Just as Omega was distracted by this, a cold wind suddenly blew in.

Looking into his pupils, his head, his heart, and the corners of his mouth that hadn't yet changed.

In the silent roar.

The last trace of the one whose identity has been erased.

He charged at the traitor in front of him like a wild beast.

……

"what?"

"Damn it!"

Two emotions simultaneously occupy the heart of Omega.

He had no time to think. His battle-hardened instincts took over, causing him to tumble to the side in an extremely undignified manner, rolling and barely managing to dodge the fatal blow.

It wasn't until he looked up that he realized what was happening in front of him.

That mass of flesh and blood, that awakened metal, that last trace left in the world by the erased.

That thing that he had originally envisioned as the soul he should complete, the thing that should become his greatest ally.

At this moment, it was like a sharp snake, slowly coiling in mid-air.

He had no eyes, yet it seemed as if all the malice in the galaxy had been poured into Omega.

He followed his instincts completely.

His instinct was to kill Omega.

……

"That's your first mistake."

In the deep darkness, the whispers of the Marksman Makado seemed both far away and close at hand.

"You take your own ideas for granted on a question that seems to require absolutely no thought."

"It's like the classic mistake any follower of Tzeentch would make."

I am not one of his followers!
Omega roared inwardly, but he had no energy to pay attention to Macado's mockery. The living metal in front of him was attacking him frantically, as if Omega was its greatest enemy. Invisible light cut through Omega's armor and flesh, forcing the Primarch to dodge and weave in a very disheveled manner.

Well, at least Alpharis's boasting about the Eleventh Primarch's military might is absolutely true.

After he was hit hard and his entire body was slammed against the wall, Omega thought bitterly.

He had to clench his fists and try to breathe in the power of the subspace.

Although he didn't want to do it.

"And that is your second mistake."

Maka's voice came again.

"No matter what you say or think: once you're tainted by chaos, you can't shake it off."

"And they will never tell you the truth."

"They didn't tell you about the erased history."

"They also didn't tell him that they wouldn't support him in completing all the plans at all."

"You are just a pawn in their game."

"Once you've been manipulated by them, your own thoughts and dreams become insignificant."

"..."

Omega also did not respond to him.

While desperately dodging the damned metallic serpent's relentless pursuit, he hysterically summoned the power of the warp.

The ever-changing master who whispered in his ear, paving the way for all his plans.

With just a wisp of its will, it could take Omega and this lump of flesh and blood away: at that point, who would care what Macardo might say?

Even if the snow and flesh are unwilling, he has a way to make it submit to his power.

After all, it's already dead.

And I only need...

need……

Omega, who was urgently devising a backup plan in his mind, suddenly froze.

Because when he began his own calling, he suddenly realized a problem.

……

That voice.

That voice that spurred him on.

The voice that seemed desperately eager for him to summon this erased person back into the galaxy.

The master of the crystal labyrinth

The oldest deity.

The Master of All Changes: The Treacherous and Unpredictable.

He refused his call.

……

It was a resolute, stubborn, unquestionable silence, tinged with a hint of mockery.

There was no explanation, nor any reason.

The gods refused to help the treacherous Hydra in this final and crucial step.

……

"And this is the last and biggest mistake you made."

In the shadows, the one who holds the seal smiles.

"You simply don't understand the minds of the gods."

"You have no idea either."

"Regardless of what they say."

……

"But in my heart."

"No god wants to see [him] truly return to the galaxy."

(End of this chapter)