Warhammer: Hail to the Void Lords!.

Chapter 715 07.714: "Welcome to 'Varna-Studianchi'"

Horatio stepped out of the shuttle, slowly raised his head, and looked at the tall fortress standing on the earth in front of him.

For a moment, he seemed to have stepped into some steampunk medieval world.

The Knight's Castle, an airborne fortress constructed of steel, is like a giant beast descending from the sky, sitting firmly on the ground, slightly tilted, but extremely stable.

It is in the shape of a Norman tower, square and about 45 meters high.

The main body was made of extremely solid metal. Horatio could clearly see that there were firing points on the tops around the castle, where groups of knight servants were operating their weapons. The searchlights in their hands emitted dazzling light, and they looked down from above and vigilantly scanned the surroundings.

Above the fort, flags with the family crest fluttered in the wind.

"Welcome to Varna-Studyonchi, Your Excellency."

Baron Bayard had already changed into medieval-style clothing, and Baroness Ambis beside him was also wearing a decent dress. The two of them personally came to the steel stairs in front of the Knight's Castle to greet Horatio and his entourage.

The baron's servants stood in neat rows on both sides, some with swords flashing coldly at their waists; some held the flags of the knight families, looking majestic and awe-inspiring.

Except for the Baron and the Baroness who had warm smiles on their faces, the faces of the other servants were extremely solemn.

Horatio noticed that the Imperial Knights seemed particularly fond of addressing each other by their titles, which was completely different from the Imperial Navy's habit of announcing their ranks first when meeting.

"Thank you for your personal welcome, Your Excellency the Baron. This is the first time I have seen such a solid fortress. It is truly impressive."

Horatio bowed slightly to Baron Bayard to show his respect.

At this moment, the baroness stretched out her slender white hand, and Horatio gracefully reached out and gently pinched it, then pressed a kiss on his thumb - this was a high-level etiquette that demonstrated gentlemanly demeanor.

Then, Horatio straightened his back and cast his eyes toward the magnificent interior structure of the Iron Fortress.

He introduced his entourage one by one: Chief Military Supervisor Farida, who had an upright posture and a look of competence and confidence in her eyes; Second Navy Captain Louise, who had a beautiful face but a resolute expression and exuded the heroic spirit of a soldier; Intelligence Officer Lina, who had a calm expression and seemed both cold and mysterious; Logistics Officer Yin Shuyao, who had a gentle temperament but also a unique tenacity.

There are also the Skyhawk Squadron pilots who serve as Horatio's air bodyguards. They have just completed escort and air control escort missions. Although they look tired at the moment, they can't hide the excitement and passion in their eyes, just like their appetite at this moment.

Horatio originally wanted to take Archie with him, but as a lord captain, Archie was supposed to take over supervisory duties when the captain was away from the ship.

The other captains also had their own necessary duties, so they finally gave up and it was enough to take along Louise, the second captain who ranked only after the captain.

Of course, there will be another distinguished guest arriving from orbit later - Lieutenant General Malan has also received an invitation.

It is said that this man rarely participated in dinner parties and almost bound himself by the standards of an imperial missionary.

He has a serious and irascible personality, which earned him the nickname "Glocks the Bull".

Although he has a strong character, he almost never publicly expresses his views on current affairs. In terms of political stance, the only thing he publicly expresses is his unwavering loyalty to the Empire and the Divine Emperor.

He was so devout that his flagship, the Hammerblow, was home to many fervent priests, missionaries, and confessors.

Some are as wrinkled and steely as Malan himself, and many have served him on board ships throughout his career.

Ma Lan is like the ideal pure soldier, old and experienced, and as spotless as a blank sheet of paper.

Of course, Vice Admiral Malan is famous throughout the Imperial Navy not just because of these qualities.

Moreover, in the outline adjustment of the overall expansion plan of the Solar Fleet, it was planned to incorporate the entire Kaledes Battle Group into the Terra 1st Battlecruiser Fleet. This news had already spread among the circle of naval officers.

In other words, everyone in the Imperial Navy system knew that this lieutenant admiral was going to be promoted to admiral.

He was also promoted to the Zhili Fleet and served as the commander of the Terra 1st Battlecruiser Fleet.

What does this mean? The vanguard of the Imperial Palace Garrison's great fleet, the commander of the Divine Emperor's vanguard fleet.

This is the honor that almost all imperial naval generals dream of.

He is equivalent to "Baturu, the First Marine of His Majesty the Divine Emperor" and is of the same level as Captain Deng, who is "the one who strengthens the navy's prestige".

Perhaps it is because he is so pious and flawless, has such an impressive resume, and is so familiar with the Storm Star Region.

During the Indomitus Crusade, Malan, who was already an admiral, was entrusted with an important task by the Imperial Regent Robert Guilliman to explore the Nephilim Anomaly Zone, which eventually started the battle of the Dead Zone.

Lieutenant General Ma Lan’s willingness to accept the invitation this time is a great honor.
-
At the entrance, that is, below the fortress, is where the knight mecha is loaded.

A standard-sized knight castle could accommodate two knight mechas and six attendant mechas. Horatio noticed that among the busy people inside, there were many figures similar to technical priests.

However, unlike regular Tech Priests, these individuals bear a unique crest, usually half gear and half family crest.

Moreover, most of them have not undergone deep transformation, and the flesh and blood components of their bodies still dominate.

"Please allow me to introduce them to you, Your Excellency. These people are the Relic Protectors. Without them, our mechas will not be able to fight."

Baron Bayar introduced them enthusiastically, his eyes showing respect for these maintenance soldiers. "Behind every mighty knight mech, there is a team like this. They are the key to ensuring victory. Without them, we would have no honor."

"I've heard of it, Your Excellency the Baron." Horatio nodded slightly. As the Hammer Man who owned an entire team of knight spearmen before traveling through time, he was not unfamiliar with the organizational structure of the knights, at least in terms of the setting.

At night, the knight's mecha will be maintained by the holy relic maintainers under the fortress.

These people, who are dressed in clothes similar to those of mechanical priests and whose bodies have been modified to look like those of mechanical priests, are trainees specially sent to the Mechanical Order by the Knight Families.

Most of them are second sons or side branches of the family who have no knight title to inherit. They will serve the God of All Things for their entire lives, and after they have learned enough, they will return to their original families to provide maintenance for the war weapons walking on the earth.

They can be considered a type of Tech-Priest Craftsman, specializing in the repair and maintenance of Knight mechas.

Under the guidance and introduction of the Baron and Baroness, Horatio took the girls on the ship to tour the entire fortress.

From a height of 15 meters up, you will find the living area of ​​the airborne fortress. The area between 15 and 20 meters is the storage area for daily necessities and the residence of the servants, while the noble knights live on the highest floor.

The knights have their own chapel, which is solemn and dignified; their own banquet hall, which is luxurious and grand; their own living room, which is warm and comfortable; and their own treasure house, which is filled with all kinds of rare treasures.

The Baron generously showed Horatio around his residence.

The room is about three to four hundred square meters in size, and is equipped with a living room, dressing room, changing room, reception room, and bathing pool.

The baron's bed was a four-poster bed, hung with heavy tapestries depicting legendary stories of countless knights ending their enemies.

There is a huge treasure chest at the head of the bed. Only the most precious treasures are hidden in it. They are usually the most valuable treasures of the Imperial Knights and rare treasures in the galaxy.

Horatio's eyes fell mainly on the neatly arranged rows of plate armor, which were beautifully shaped and exquisitely crafted.

"I can see that you like armor very much. They look very expensive." Horatio said.

"To be precise, it's my wife who likes it very much." The baron explained with a smile, "She is keen on customizing armor for herself, and once she starts, she can't stop.

The most she ordered was 12 sets! God, those were made of fine gold armor by top craftsmen, and they nearly bankrupted us."

"But in the end, these armors are worth it, aren't they?" The baroness said coquettishly, holding her husband's hand and pouting.

"Oh, ma'am, you have such good taste."

Farida, who was wearing a brand new uniform, exclaimed, "I also want to customize armor for my dear. He will look very handsome in it. When the time comes, I will definitely ask the best painter in Abyss Port to draw a portrait for him."

As she spoke, Farida quietly took Horatio's arm, her eyes shining with admiration like gems.

This action instantly attracted the attention of all the other accompanying sisters.

"Oh, dear, it's been so long, and it's rare to find a lady as classy as you. I think we will have a lot in common.

I can recommend you several outstanding armorers. The knight power armor they create is truly unique..."

The baroness smiled, released Baron Bayard's arm, and took Farida's arm, pulling her away from Horatio and discussing her custom-made armor exhibit with great interest.

This scene made the ladies who were a little jealous of the excessive closeness between a certain military supervisor and the captain breathe a sigh of relief.

It is obvious that Baroness Ambis has a high emotional intelligence. Just from their expressions, she can tell at a glance which of these girls have a deeper relationship with Horatio, and can resolve the situation in a clever and smooth way.

Baron Bayard and Horatio looked at each other, both with expressions that only a "married woman" could understand, then they shrugged with a snort of laughter.

"So Baron Bayard, would you be willing to tell me which family you once belonged to and why you became a Freeblade."

After touring the main facilities, Horatio followed the Baron toward the path that led to the banquet hall.

On the way, he finally had the chance to ask the question he had always wanted to ask.

(End of this chapter)