Warhammer: Black Emperor

Chapter 800 "Dark Angel" First Mentor: I will rebel against Ryan, against the misfortune he has brought upon us.

987.M30.

The home planet of the "Dark Angels," Caliban.

Meryl Astlan, the former commander of the First Warband and the first mentor of the First Knights, stood at the foot of the towering walls of Oduruk.

He came from the plains of the Spanish province, and witnessed the inhumane massacre when his homeland was conquered by the Thunder Warriors.

The Emperor recruited the first five thousand Astartes from the province of Spain, and he was one of them.

They were incorporated into the sole Astartes Legion during the War of Unification, fighting alongside the Emperor.

Merrill rose rapidly in his early career, growing from a commander of ten men to the leader of an entire battle group in just fourteen years.

But after the emergence of Ryan Aljonsen, known as the father of genetics, his life took a sharp turn for the worse.

His body was still at its peak, yet he was exiled just as the Great Expedition was gaining momentum, witnessing his successors rise one by one:

Azekaiser Abaddon, the "Shadowmoon Wolf"; Sigismund, the "Imperial Fist"; Radoron, the "Blood Angel"; Howard Finder and Bukayo Arshavin, the "Shadow of Order"...

He had not committed any wrongdoing, yet he was exiled.

"Commander." Company Commander Merian, also wearing armor from the old Terra era.

“He’s a former regimental commander; my rank hasn’t been reinstated yet,” Merrill corrected.

"I summoned you here to discuss a matter you wish to discuss privately."

“Chapter Commander,” Merian addressed him without changing his form of address, “the Caliban…”

Merrill didn't try to correct the stubborn Company Commander Merian anymore. "There are no more Terrans or Calibans now. We are all Dark Angels."

“That’s exactly what I wanted to say: why Luther still retains that redundant position of Lord Cypher,” Merian retorted.

"After Luther returned from the 'War of Randan,' he rebuilt the Grand Knights."

"When the young recruits received their training and took their oath of dedication, not a single word was mentioned about the emperor or the lion king; they swore to become knights."

"Are you accusing Lord Luther?" Merrill glanced at the majestic fortress.

It differs from most of the Caliban that it reshaped by following the technological marvels brought to Caliban by the Emperor.

It still uses infrastructure and systems left over from the "dark age of technology".

Throughout the empire, it was more often referred to as the Great Stone than as Oduruk.

Ancient technological relics within the caves beneath the megalithic castle, the low-gothic Angel Tower, create an energy shield to protect it from behemoths during the long night.

"Be careful, Merian."

“Luther is already a great mentor; his status is second only to the Lion King.”

"He has indisputable power, and his decisions are legal."

“Luther has long fallen out of favor, just like us,” Merian said with a disdainful sneer.

“Cos Wayne,” he said, his voice tinged with envy, “and that cousin of the think tank Zaharel, the pastor Nemir, are both more favored by the Lion King than he is.”

“Luther is not the problem; we know how to isolate him and bring him down.”

"The other people are the problem, the recruits and those loyal to Luther."

"Ben Dregger, he abandoned the honor of his predecessor as legion commander and colluded with Luther and Zahariel."

Merrill Astram stared at Company Commander Merlian. "Do you really think we can do it?"

“I’m sure!” Merian said firmly.

"It would be helpful to our cause if an emperor appointed a former war captain who was highly respected in the old legions to take the lead."

"Warband Leader, your reputation can rally the Terrans of Caliban."

"Your experience will guide our actions."

Merrill pondered for a moment, then said, "It's settled."

"I need you to call a meeting, not everyone, but only the officers in charge of your troops."

Merian knelt down abruptly. "My lord, as you wish. I sincerely thank you for your participation."

"We are facing a difficult time, but with your leadership, we will get the Legion back on track."

Merrill watched Merian's retreating figure until he completely disappeared from sight before turning and walking towards the Stone Castle.

As the last rays of light from Caliban faded, Meryl Astland appeared outside the Grand Master's private room.

He said to the two soldiers at the control panel outside the door, "I want to see Lord Luther."

"Come in," a deep voice came from upstairs.

Merrill walked up the stairwell and gently pushed the wooden door.

It is a remnant of the old era of the Caliban.

With a clattering sound from the hinges, Merrill entered the Grand Master's room.

Luther stood by the window, gazing at the low towers and meeting hall to the south of the monolith. Before the apothecary enhanced him, he was considered tall for a mortal, with a thick neck and broad shoulders.

However, he was too old and his physique was not as good as those of the Dark Angels who had undergone complete transformation.

Everything changed when Luthor returned to Caliban; his physique is now comparable to any dark angel.

He wore the prototype Saturn-shaped Terminator gifted to him by Lord Ninglu, his imposing figure completely obscuring himself.

Luther looked at Meryl Astland scrutinizingly. "Astland, what do you want?"

"My lord, Caliban is plotting against you."

"As far as I know, those currently involved in the conspiracy include Company Commander Merian and the suspended commander of the Nereids battle group..."

"There's a dungeon under the boulder, but I suggest you dig out more as a backup."

Luther stared intently at Astram, remaining motionless.

“You are a Terran, and your hatred for the Caliban and the people of this world is well-known.”

"Tell me, what is your purpose in telling me about the conspiracy?"

"You already see that this rebellion is doomed to fail? You want to curry favor with the winner before the outcome is clear? You want to regain control of the military?"

Luther fired off a barrage of urgent questions, "What do you want?"

“My lord, the reason I support you is very simple,” Meryl Astland said calmly.

“I don’t know what happened between you and the Lion King, but I can tell that you no longer follow his goals.”

"I have seen your power as well."

"The Corrupted Baron" Luther clenched his fist, his gauntlets clicking. "Power?"

“That’s right, I felt no sorrow when the Emperor slaughtered my people,” Meryl Astland said frankly.

“I understand now. The use of power can be just, even if it brings misfortune.”

"Resistance is pointless; pointless actions will only lead to destruction."

"When I was absorbed into the Legion, I became a part of the power, a part of its application."

His eyes shone. "Now I see a new force rising, and there is no point in criticizing it."

“You have brought us the opportunity to resist.”

Merrill's eyes were deep and unfathomable. "Everything the First Legion has encountered since we discovered your world has stemmed from his flawed influence."

“I will rebel against Ryan, against the misfortunes he has brought upon us.”

“I want to pledge allegiance to a more worthy commander, and that is you.”

boom!
Meryl Astram's knee slammed to the ground.

“If you tell me I am wrong and that you are still wholeheartedly loyal to the Lion King, then I will immediately go into the depths of the boulder and join the prisoners.”

Luther's silence tormented Meryl Astland for ten seconds.

boom!
A warhammer stood before him, and a large hand supported him.

"Commander Merrill, you've been reinstated." Luther's face was warm, subtly using the familiar first name instead of the surname that had recently caused them to drift apart to bridge the gap.

"Of course, only after I've dealt with the traitor."

Merrill breathed a sigh of relief. "As you wish, I will lure out all the conspirators."

Luther stared at the gently closing wooden door. [Everything? It's a pity you can't.]
He always remembered Serafax and Bella, who lurked in the shadows and stole the "Sirius Knights'" tomes.

They prevented themselves from fulfilling the Black Emperor's oracle.

Luther activated the built-in communicator and contacted the trusted Zaharie and Urian Bendreig via an encrypted communication channel.

“They’re about to make a move, Merrill just reported to me, but his loyalty is still uncertain.”

"While I am away, you must keep a close eye on Merian and Nereids."

“I have been watching them from the shadows.” Veteran “Nightmare” Zaharel said in a deep voice.

"Don't worry," came the voice of "Judge" Urian.

"They thought they were being discreet, but they didn't realize they were always under my watchful eye."

After Luther hung up the communicator, he went into the inner room.

As he removed his armor with the help of his servants, he looked at the shadowy figure of Order draped in a black robe. "I'm ready."

The "Faceless Man" of the 12th Regiment of the "Shadow of Order" has his skin rapidly drying out and cracking.

“The Shadow Stormbird is ready for you.” The Faceless Man spoke in the same deep voice as Luther, and the artificially enhanced veins bulging on his neck were exactly the same.

Luther looked at the shadow of order that was exactly like himself and nodded.

[The power bestowed by my Lord is strange and terrifying; it has made him look exactly like me.]
(End of this chapter)