Warhammer: Black Emperor

Chapter 465 Mortarian's Dissatisfaction

The third sidereal month of 858, Primitive Office.

Akahan Rand spoke eloquently, offering frank suggestions for improving the hive city in response to the rise of the Primarchs.

"Lord Ninglu, as I just said, after the production line of this laser gun manufacturing plant is adjusted, the production efficiency will increase by five percent."

"Over the past twenty-three work cycles, I have identified all areas where Tesworth can improve."

Arkham remained puzzled by the Primarch's requirement for him to report every work cycle.

Without the time spent traveling back and forth, he was able to complete the Tesworth Nest City survey at least four work cycles ahead of schedule.

The "Corrupted Baron" leaned against the throne, scrutinizing Aqqhan's words and his physical posture.

[Akahan's faith in Huang Laohan is very strong; it's not so easy to "corrupt" him after all.]

Once I've finished "corroding" him, my digestion will be at least halfway complete.
Ning Lu examined the past instances of "corruption," his mind racing as he analyzed the situation.

Hathor Matt was "corrupted" by the "Land of Chaos," which did little to improve the digestion process.

His previous targets of "corruption" were only Ryan Ramirez, Gios Veroni, and Malevoles.

Because of his discovery and contact with the STC, Ryan and Malevolus were already somewhat loyal to him, and he saved the Veroni family.

"Corruption" played a limited role in compelling the three men to be completely loyal to him.

Based on his past experience with digestion, he is currently about one-third of the way through digestion.

[Successfully "corrupting" Arkham will significantly accelerate the digestion process of the "Corrupted Baron," conservatively estimated to be over halfway complete.]
The key question is how to "corrupt" the Aqqhan, who has a firm belief.

Ning Lu's eyes were deep, and after a moment of thought, he thought to himself.

Simply accumulating time won't work; we still need to show Arkham a miracle.

The Void Claw is this miracle.

However, the Volian Sandstorm Vortex is a significant problem.
Ninglu knew that the Volian Sandstorm Vortex was essentially a subspace storm that was almost impossible to penetrate.

His mind raced as he considered how to secure success.

There are about six months left before the Prophecy Dice finishes charging. At that time, a route to the research station where the Void Claw is located will be found.

Yes, let's set off early and try other methods, while also letting Akahan give it a try.

If he finds it, it will be with my guidance; if he doesn't find it, my final intervention will allow him to deeply understand the meaning of miracles.
Thinking of this, Ning Lu spoke up.

“Akahan, continue your investigation of each hive.”

"Report once per work cycle."

"The fleet will set sail within a stellar month to search for doomsday weapons from the 'Dark Ages of Technology'."

Arkhan's eyes lit up upon hearing this.

"Follow your will."

As Arkham left, he brushed past the silver-haired Primarch servant who was walking into the office.

The two nodded to each other, and although they didn't interact much, they still respected each other's knowledge.

After the door closed, Arsène Dunn spoke.

"My lord, the Emperor has decided to convene a new war council, which will begin at the time of Perniban's arrival."

Ning Lu nodded slightly. "What is the topic?"

Arsena's mind raced through the intelligence he had gathered, and he began to speak.

"According to Terra's Shadow Guard, Logar delivered a speech at the celebration of his return, praising the Emperor."

He believed that positions should be created within the Space Marine Legion to honor the Emperor’s leadership of the Great Expedition and to inspire the fighting spirit of the Astartes.

The "Guardian of Knowledge" finally stated his conclusion: "Lord Loka wants to promote the faith in the Emperor within the Legion."

"I see."

As the Night Caesars ended and the bells rang to signal the start of the Perniban, Nimrod's consciousness traversed the sea of ​​stars and descended upon Terra's golden palace.

Ninglu's gaze swept across the palace; besides Makado, there were already fifteen Gene Primarchs present, including himself.

The biggest seating arrangement was the First Army's return after Ryan Aljonsen's return, their departure from the humiliating Carcassonne victory criticized by Robert Guilliman, and their subsequent bloody and sacrifice-driven demonstration of their power.

Lane moved past Roger Dorn and sat to Robert Guilliman's right.

To Ryan's right are, in order, Leman Ruth, Saint Gilles, Foghrim, Volkan, and the recently returned Loga.

Loja's bald head was branded with the language of Colchis, and his golden skin made his gray eyes look like snow in winter. The black charcoal smeared around his eyes made his gaze shine even brighter.

Nimrod's gaze swept over Loka's pale skin, where thousands of runes written in golden ink were clearly visible. From his smooth head to the outline of his jaw, rows of neat characters were arranged, containing prayers of reverence, words of a bright future, and invocations for divine assistance.

Ninglu withdrew his gaze. Beside him, in order, were Fernus Manus, Dorn, Peturabo, Hannibal, Magnus, and Mortarian.

“Ninlu.” Horus’s tone was relaxed. “The Shadow of Order” had not closed the gap with “Shadowmoon Wolves” recently, which made him feel much more at ease.

“Our new brother, Primarch of the Seventeenth Legion, Lorgar Aurelion.”

He then spoke to Luo Jia.

"The Primarch of the Eleventh Legion, Nimrod."

Loka's grey eyes shone. "Ninglu, during my time in Terra, the stories I heard most often were about you."

"The people of Terra call you the conqueror of the aliens."

"Welcome to the team, Luo Jia." Ning Lu greeted Luo Jia and was about to say something modest when he heard an annoying, gruff voice.

“Luo Jia, that’s all in the past.”

"The 'Shadow of Order' suffered heavy casualties at the center of the galaxy, and then had no more noteworthy achievements."

"That's normal. Relying on wizards is just opportunistic and a short-lived victory. Only true warriors can win lasting glory."

No sooner had Ruth finished speaking than Magnus spoke first in rebuttal.

“Falsehoods are not only ugly and disgusting, but they also pollute the minds of listeners.”

"Imagine what kind of knowledge we will have a thousand years from now, based on the knowledge recorded by think tanks."

Saint Gilles saw that Russ's eyes had become sharp and fierce, and before the other man could speak, he slowly said something.

"Past wars have proven that the use of think tanks provides legions with entirely new tactical options."

"In the battle of the Teghha system..."

Even when refuting Russ's views, Saint Gilles maintained a smile, speaking in a calm yet forceful tone.

Just when Nimrod thought the debate would end with Saint Gilles's charismatic speech, the silent Mortarian spoke up.

“I have serious doubts about the establishment of a think tank in Astartes, and I am worried about what kind of schemes the Thousand Sons are planning to plant in the various legions.”

"Unlike Blood Angels, Death Guard will not be corrupted by think tanks."

"Doing evil is like walking on a road; the human heart will accumulate small evils and become corrupt."

Ninglu's eyes flashed. Mortarian's words were aimed directly at Magnus and Saint Gilles, but he didn't mention himself.

[Is this because I helped him complete his mission in Barbaross?]

It's strange that he targeted Sanguielles more than Magnus.
Ning Lu's eyes were deep, his mind racing. Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him, and the name Galaspa flashed through his mind.

He recalled that not long ago, Old Man Huang had sent Horus and Saint Gilles to Galapagos to investigate.

Galaspa was Mortalian's first battle after returning to the Empire, and it was the battlefield he chose.

Galaspar's psionic powers and policies of enslavement reminded Mortarian of Barbaros and the Overlord, and he slaughtered the Knights like a scythe.

In Galapagos, Mortarion freed the enslaved Sinnith, who subsequently became an apostle of the Death Guard.

Mortalian was quite dissatisfied with Saint Gilles's questioning, and he also scorned Vokham's concerns, believing that the path the old man wanted Horus to teach him was not his.

Even though he successfully killed Nekare, he still picked up the scythe and embarked on his own path to death.

Seneca was less an apostle of Mortalian than a messenger, having foreseen his path to death from the very beginning.
A moment of silence fell over the golden palace. Saint Jereth's smile vanished, but his expression remained calm. He exchanged a glance with Horus, knowing that Mortarion's actions were a retaliation against Galaspa's questioning.

After a few seconds of silence, Horus decided to speak to calm Mortarian down, but Logar spoke first.

“Our father permitted the establishment of the think tank, and we should comply.”

"The judgment of our Lord is the truth!"

Nimrod looked at Logar. Unlike some of the Primarchs who had returned before and had been observing cautiously after joining the War Council, Logar was like a fanatical believer who had broken in, eager to show his devout faith in Old Man Huang.

Horus followed up on Loka's words, saying, "That's right, Father has already made his decision."

As the Mars Forging Director entered the golden palace, Mortarian remained silent.

He did not believe that his father's path was correct; on the contrary, he was too cautious when wielding the scythe and his policies in the worlds of the empire were too cruel.

Motalian knew he couldn't mention it publicly.

His hood and respirator grew increasingly gray, as if he were isolated from his surroundings.

A golden light shone, and the Emperor and Constantine Waldo appeared within it.

(End of this chapter)