Warhammer: Hail to the Void Lords!.

Chapter 804, page 08.803: 'Amberly's True Purpose'

Kefas Kane's gaze lingered on Horatio for a moment, until the beautiful woman beside him broke the silence.

She gave a perfectly timed, judge-like smile.

“Greetings, Your Excellency.” The graceful blonde woman nodded slightly to Horatio, her voice clear and steady. “I am Amberley Weir, Inquisitor of the Order of the Repulsion.”

Every movement she made exuded a natural elegance, a blend of aristocratic refinement and absolute authority.

“And a salute to you, Madam Judge.” Horatio composed himself, smiling as he removed his cap and gave a flawless hat-tipping salute.

“Excuse my bluntness,” Amberly said, her gaze sweeping over them and landing on the vast training ground below, “You seem to be conducting some kind of comparative experiment on these soldiers?”

On the training field, the charging sound of low-power laser beams and the dull thuds of training bombs intertwined to create a noisy symphony.

Soldiers in different uniforms are moving rapidly in squads through the simulated city ruins, taking up their respective tactical positions.

The air was filled with the pungent smell of ozone from the burning plasma weapon and the dust of gunpowder smoke, and the iron platform underfoot trembled slightly with the impact of the simulated explosion on the field not far away.

“You have a keen eye, madam.” Horatio smiled with a hint of pride and nodded. “The Imperial Navy has been granted pilot status to form an amphibious assault force. We are making preparations for it.”

“Unbelievable.” A smile mixed with astonishment appeared on Inspector Kane’s face. He glanced at the beautiful judge beside him and cleared his throat. “Our naval friends are actually planning to set foot on land themselves.”

Yes, this is undoubtedly a good omen. I remember, during my long years serving in the 597th Regiment in Verhala, countless times I looked up at the clear sky, watching the faint outlines of Imperial Navy warships in orbit, thinking: 'Damn, if only they could come down and lend a hand.'

Of course, I have no doubt about the bravery of the Imperial Navy, and I know that we are all doing our part.

Hearing this news today, I can't help but feel a little envious—after all, I'm retired now, and I'm afraid I'll never again experience the joy of having my naval brothers come to my aid.

“Don’t say that, Inspector Kane.” Horatio’s tone carried a serious humor. “I remember your record in the Department of Military Affairs… should be permanent service. Perhaps you will have the chance to witness that day.”

Kane's smile froze for a moment upon hearing this.

“Oh, uh… I appreciate your kind offer, haha,” he quickly defused the awkwardness with his signature slightly self-deprecating tone, “To be honest, I’d like to enjoy a few more years of leisure.”

He grinned with a nonchalant grin and continued, "Actually, the main reason I accepted Ms. Amberley Will's invitation to come to Abyss Harbor is... Aww! By the Emperor!"

Before Kane could finish speaking, he gasped sharply, his body tensing instantly.

Amberly's seemingly delicate fingers were like iron clamps, precisely and sharply twisting the tough flesh and belt around his waist.

The action occurred discreetly and swiftly in a blind spot, almost imperceptible to others, except Horatio.

“Please forgive me.” Amberley turned to Horatio, her smile still gentle and impeccable, but Kane could see a sharp, surgical warning flash in her eyes. “We can’t put everything on the table, and I think we both understand that.”

“Hey! I only had two rejuvenation surgeries!” Kane protested in a low voice, rubbing his back. “And I don’t feel any signs of aging or slowing down at all!”

Gunner Jurgen leaned against the railing like a weathered statue, and the air around him seemed to grow quieter.

His face remained expressionless, seemingly unsurprised by the unspoken flirtation between Kane and Amberley. Horatio keenly sensed the subtle atmosphere between the two, and wisely refrained from pressing the matter, instead smilingly changing the subject:
"I did not expect that you two would arrive at Abyss Harbor so early. For an imperial hero of your renown to come so quietly this time."

Please rest assured, I have arranged accommodations for you at the Abridal Loyalty Academy. After you have settled in, I would like to host a banquet in your honor.”

“This is too much trouble for you, Your Excellency.” Amberley’s gaze lingered briefly on Horatio’s uniform at the chest, her keen eyes seeming to penetrate the fabric and notice the outline of a rose knot badge that was slightly raised below his chest.

"Regarding accommodation, I am confident that you will make the arrangements very well, but I have a few small requests, and I wonder if you can meet them."
-
That evening, a warm dinner was taking place at Major General Edward Perug's residence.

Horatio sat to the right of Major General Perug's guest seat, while They and her mother sat opposite him according to seniority. The dishes on the table continued Major General Perug's usual style: abundant, high-quality, yet just right, without any extravagance.

Small to medium-sized plates and dishes hold a variety of exquisite dishes, enough for four people to enjoy.

The silver cutlery clinked crisply on the bone china plate. The tender Glock steak was seared to a light brown on the outside, yet still juicy inside.

Cut off a small piece, dip it in the rich brown sauce, and put it in your mouth; the multi-layered flavors will bloom on your taste buds.

“You mean, the famous Inquisitor Amberley Weir of the Exile Order has come to Abyss Harbor?” Thee’s voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement. She leaned forward slightly, her bright eyes fixed on Horatio.

“Absolutely true.” Horatio wiped his mouth with a napkin and confirmed, “Accompanying her was the legendary military overseer, Caifas Kane.”

I have arranged accommodations for them at Loyalty Academy. Ms. Will specifically requested a 'small' warehouse, for reasons unknown.

"The warehouse?" Thee raised an eyebrow, exchanging a knowing glance with her parents. "Hmm, it sounds like a senior member of our Outer Order has come to Abyss Harbor on some 'small mission.' And she brought along her... 'talisman,' the great hero Kefas Kane. Did she say how long she'd be staying?"

"No. But I guess it will at least last until the school anniversary celebration ends."

After all, the official reason given for Inspector Kane's trip was to attend a friendly school's anniversary celebration. Horatio took a small sip of his sparkling wine and asked, "So, you know Ms. Will?"

Tei smiled and looked at her father.

“To be precise, we met once.” Major General Peru put down his knife and fork, swallowed the steak in his mouth, and pondered, “Many years ago, when I was on duty for Inquisitor Clarence Ravenno, Ms. Amberley Weil visited us.”

“Yes, I remember that too,” Mrs. Peru added with a smile, the fine lines at the corners of her eyes deepening with her smile. “She also gave our They a few little trinkets that she really liked, some… strange alien creature specimens.”

“Hmm, I vaguely remember, but I was very young then.” Tei’s brows furrowed slightly, as if she was trying to search for distant memories.

After a moment, she stopped reminiscing, her furrowed brows relaxed, and a bright smile returned to her face: "But there is no denying that Ms. Amberley left a very deep impression on me. It was this admiration for her that planted the seed of becoming a judge in my heart."

Major General Peru raised his glass, gently swirling the deep red liquid inside, and recalled, "I remember, that incident... seemed to be related to the Tyranids."

“Tyron?” Horatio caught the key word.

“That’s right.” Major General Peru’s eyes sharpened. He put down his glass, his tone carrying a hint of unresolved confusion. “But that incident was very strange. I still remember the situation vividly.”

(End of this chapter)