Warhammer 40: Doom

Chapter 219 We must be wary of him

With a solemn expression, Doom solemnly promised his brother that he would not reveal the secrets of the empire to anyone.

This matter is far-reaching, involving both the emperor's plans and the potential impact on Horus.

Horus Lupecal, this brother was proud in Doom's eyes, and he cared a lot about his status as the "son of the first."

If he were to learn that a brother had been secretly hiding in Terra and standing beside the Emperor before his return, the chain reaction would be severe.

Many thoughts raced through Doom's mind: to whom should the honor of "Son of the First Return" belong?
Horus and Alphareth, one in the open and one in the shadows, were the first two Primarchs to appear on Terra, and both were formidable competitors.

Yes, Doom believes there is controversy, rather than a definitive conclusion.

Alpharis never left Terra, seemingly unrelated to the "Return" in the title of the First Son of Return.

But he was indeed lost and wandered far away, though the distance was short, and the emperor personally went to find his son.

Horus's return from the stars, recognized by the emperor as the "first son to return," carries immense symbolic significance.

Judging from Alpharis's tone, he did not acknowledge Horus's identity and believed himself to be the true firstborn son.

He stared at Horus as if scrutinizing a clown—a man who, by virtue of his father's favoritism, stole the glory that belonged to others.

Doom kept the secret his brother had shared to himself. He didn't care who the firstborn son was.

Because this honor, for the two brothers, was not something they had won themselves.

Whoever the emperor decrees is the "first son to return," and there is no point in arguing about it.

He could have a million reasons for doing this, and who would dare to deny the emperor's authority?

Alpharez leaned back in his chair, staring intently at Doom's expression, trying to deduce his inner thoughts from the subtle twitches in his muscles.

Although he appeared shocked, he did not express any opinion.

He nodded to himself, feeling relieved.

Alpharez wasn't after glory; he revealed the secret simply to see how his brother would perform.

The question itself is meaningless; it all depends on the emperor's attitude.

With just one word from that man, countless people would jump out to offer reasonable justifications for his actions, turning the words of the Lord of Mankind into truth.

For the people of the empire, the emperor's words are the truth.

If something is not considered the truth, the emperor will make it the truth.

Alpharis has witnessed countless instances of various "heretics" being crushed by "truth".

The original truth can be shaped, distorted by external forces, and given various colors to become another kind of "truth".

He was deeply influenced by him.

The Emperor's father was a shepherd who guided the lambs called "human beings" with a whip that was the embodiment of truth.

The Alpha Legion, established by Alpharis, derives its operational philosophy from this: to shape lies into truth through various means and manipulations.

By distorting public opinion and manipulating rhetoric, they change the truth in the eyes of ordinary people and overthrow regimes around the world.

"Brother Alpharis, why are you lurking around Solas?"

After a brief exchange, Doom learned about Alpharis's background and began to inquire about his current purpose.

As for the veracity of his brother's words, Doom chose to believe them.

He knew very well that if Alpharis was deceiving him, he had no way of verifying it now.

Instead of being suspicious, it's better to trust him for now and continue the conversation along his train of thought.

Alpharis nodded, his smile fading as he sat up straight with a serious expression and looked at his brother.

“At first I found Solas interesting, so I infiltrated the Second Legion.” He said, his voice growing lower. “But now, I realize he’s dangerous.”

A cold glint flashed in Alpharis's eyes; Solas's actions were mysterious and dangerous.

"Danger?" Doom sat up straight, his eyes narrowing as he looked at his brother, hoping for an explanation.

It's a bad assessment for someone skilled at hiding and exploration to perceive another person as dangerous.

“Yes.” Alpharis nodded heavily, his deep voice recounting his discovery: “Solas is not keen on fighting.”

"Since his return, the Second Legion's combat frequency has gradually decreased, eventually reduced to perfunctory routine conquests." "Soras has focused his attention on wandering within the Empire, frequently interacting with or cooperating with various legions."

“Horus Lupecal, Fugrim, Feralus Marus,” Alpharis announced the names one by one, finally raising his eyes to indicate, “Now it’s your turn, and also Rus.”

He posed a question to Doom: "How do you see the difference between him and me?"

“No different.” Doom’s face was ashen, and his neck stiffened as he stated his thoughts: “He’s gathering intelligence on the Primarchs.”

Looking at their paths, Alpharez and Moribas Solas arrived at the same destination, albeit through different means.

The difference lies in the fact that the former operates covertly, focusing on exploration, while the latter's actions seem inexplicable.

Alpharis grew up beside the Emperor, and it seems that all his actions have the legitimacy of being allowed by the Lord of Man.

The origins of Mauribas Solas are shrouded in mystery, and his actions are shrouded in secrecy.

“Yes, he’s no different from me,” Alpharis said with disgust. “And he’s even bolder, as if he wants everyone to know.”

Finally, he added, "Apart from Horus, who didn't know, he also gave Soras a very high evaluation."

“It’s not Horus’s fault.” Doom slowly shook his head, offering a neutral explanation: “The Shadowmoon Wolves were the first legion to contact Solas, so of course he would treat them kindly. He just didn’t expect that.”

Horus is not to blame. If Solas had been the first to contact Nur, he wouldn't be so wary now.

"Why is he so contradictory?" Doom asked Alpharis, his thick brows furrowed, hoping for some answers. "Intelligence gathering can be done in secret, but he makes no attempt to conceal it?"

“That’s something I can’t figure out either.” Alpharis shook his head; he couldn’t fathom his brother’s intentions either.

Intelligence gathering can be conducted in secret, but Solas did it openly, as if he wanted everyone to know.

What is he hiding? And what is he hinting at?
When a conflict arises in a person who is also a Primarch, the issue itself becomes irrelevant.

Solas's attitude is intriguing—what exactly does he want to do?
As Alpharis pondered this, he revealed his discovery: "Not only us, but the warriors of the Second Legion also don't understand what Solas is trying to do."

"There's a lot of anxiety within the Legion right now. Astartes isn't stupid; they're secretly discussing what the Father of Genetics is planning."

"Solas also has poor control over the legions and is deliberately avoiding this issue, not wanting to take command of the Second Legion."

"I don't know if he's afraid his offspring will be implicated, or if he's ashamed of his actions and wants his genetic offspring to look down on him."

"Is this really true?" As his brother revealed this, Doom's doubts deepened.

It is highly unusual that the Primarch would neglect or even deliberately allow the Progenitor's army of offspring to run rampant.

He suddenly realized that Russ was only talking about the surface; Alpharis had gone deep into the Second Legion and uncovered even more horrifying details.

Doom felt a mixture of relief and sadness.

Two emotions welled up in my heart, both because the preventative measures I took were effective.

He was glad he had taken precautions in advance, which reduced the leaks of intelligence about the three legions, but his brother's ill intentions saddened him.

"There are many similar incidents. In short, the Second Legion is now shrouded in mystery."

Alpharis solemnly reminded Doom: "Brother, I've only glimpsed a corner of darkness from the shadows, and I haven't yet found out what Solas is planning..."

He spoke with heartfelt sincerity: "But as a master of covert operations, I must remind you to be wary of Solas."

His tone was still somewhat sarcastic when he spoke of Horus, but now his voice was calm and steady, without a trace of jest.

“I will be careful.” Doom nodded solemnly, his voice equally heavy, realizing the seriousness of the situation.

The atmosphere in the room was heavy and suffocating as the two Primarchs discussed and doubted their blood brothers.

After a brief silence, Alpharis said slowly, "I really like your arrangements."

"We preserved the legion's secrets and managed to salvage some of the intelligence losses."

Upon receiving his brother's affirmation, Doom gave a regretful, wry smile: "I'd rather I was overthinking it."

“No,” Alpharis said seriously, “Being prepared is the best policy. It’s remarkable that you can make the right judgment based on the clues you’ve heard.”

"It takes courage to doubt one's blood brother, and it takes even more daring to make a decision while bearing the responsibility."

Doom waved his hand, no longer dwelling on the matter, and asked Alpharis, "Have you asked the Emperor where Solas came from?"

(One more chapter, I got back too late.)
(End of this chapter)