I summoned the Fourth Scourge in Warhammer

Chapter 135 For the Emperor
In the command post on the other side, after Herbert left, Nguyen Van Bo returned to his command seat, his fingertips tapping lightly on the cold metal tabletop, his mind still replaying the judge's remarks about the Ministry of Military Affairs.

He had just sorted out some of his thoughts when an adjutant walked in, stood at attention, and saluted.

"Your Excellency Commander, Political Commissar Walter requests a meeting with you."

“Commissar Walter?” Ruan Wenbo’s thoughts were interrupted, and he repeated the name with some doubt.

He certainly remembered the other man. The political commissar of the Astral Army, who had fought alongside him in the early stages of the war and remained steadfast in his duties, had left a deep impression on him with his stern face. But why, at this time, did he come to see him?

Since the Legion of the Dead rose like a torrent and took over most of the military operations in Pedithia, the original Astronautical Army and Planetary Defense Force have been in a very awkward situation.

They belong to two completely different command systems from the Legion of the Dead. More importantly, the players of the Legion of the Dead don't really want these NPCs on the main battlefield—in their view, they are there to steal their kills.

Therefore, after gaining full control, Nguyen Van Bak, after some deliberation, assigned the remaining troops to carry out daily patrols of the capital and security work in some important areas. In the past, these tedious tasks were usually taken by casual players who wanted to accumulate merit points.

Those players mainly play this game to enjoy the 1:10 speed-up of thinking, so they don't pay much attention when patrolling. The only way to find enemies is basically to report to their superiors at the respawn point after being ambushed and killed.

Now that these well-trained NPC soldiers are taking on this task, the probability of detecting those lurking, unshot enemies is at least higher.

So, why did Commissar Walter suddenly visit? Could it be that some remnants within the Nest City are planning something big?

Ruan Wenbo's thoughts raced, but he quickly dismissed the idea. Now that the situation in Peditia was settled, what trouble could those insignificant figures possibly cause?
“Let him in,” he finally said to his adjutant.

A moment later, the door to the command post was pushed open. Commissar Walter strode in with steady and powerful steps. He stood ramrod straight, his black commissar uniform perfectly pressed without a single wrinkle, and the bright red sash on his chest was particularly eye-catching.

Ruan Wenbo rose to greet him, and the two exchanged a standard Eagle salute.

"Please sit down, Political Commissar," Nguyen Van Bo said, gesturing for him to sit.

Walter made no attempt at formalities. He pulled out a chair and sat down, his back still ramrod straight, as if ready to leap into battle at any moment. His gaze was sharp as he stared intently at Nguyen Van Bo, and he cut to the chase: “Governor, I won’t waste any more words. I wish to return to the battlefield.”

Faced with Commissar Walter's unquestionable gaze, Nguyen Van Bo quickly waved his hand and softened his tone, trying to dispel the overly serious atmosphere in the air.

“Political Commissar, no need for honorifics, it sounds strange. Just call me by my name, like before.” Ruan Wenbo’s gaze swept across the spacious command post, the eerie blue light cast by the holographic star map reflecting on Walter’s resolute face. He hesitated for a moment, then continued, “As for your return to the battlefield, I don’t object. After all, now that we’ve re-established contact with the Empire, we’ll definitely have to wage war against the aliens and heretics in other worlds again.”

The implication is clear: the previous practice of excluding and preventing you NPCs from the main battlefield because the Death Legion feared you'd steal kills will not happen again. The enemies outside the Empire are endless, and the market is a completely untapped market with supply exceeding demand.

“However,” Ruan Wenbo changed the subject, raising a practical issue, “Pedidia’s original Astral Army… how many people are left now? Forgive my bluntness, but the Legion of the Dead cannot welcome you directly to serve as a high-ranking officer, but if your troops are insufficient…”

“I understand.” Walter answered without hesitation. His back remained ramrod straight, like a sculpture integrated with the chair beneath him. He said firmly, “Therefore I hope you can grant me the authority to conscript soldiers, allowing me to train a new force with the surviving Peditian Astral Army as its backbone, and take them back to the battlefield.”

"Why... do we have to go back to the battlefield?" Ruan Wenbo was genuinely puzzled this time. "Pedithia is stable now, and we can pay the blood tax. Patrolling the hive and maintaining order isn't exactly idleness, is it?"

“I know you arranged these important jobs for us specifically to protect our dignity and to make us feel like we’re not just useless people being kept around.” Walter’s voice was deep and powerful, filled with sincerity, but even more so with an unwavering determination. “I am grateful for that. But please understand that it is our destiny to sacrifice ourselves for the God-Emperor on the battlefield.”

Ruan Wenbo remained silent.

Only the soft hum of the instruments remained in the command post. He looked at the political commissar before him, at his weathered yet resolute face, and suddenly understood something. For someone like Walter, the tranquility of peacetime was perhaps more agonizing than the brutality of the battlefield. Fighting, sacrificing, shedding their last drop of blood for the Emperor—it wasn't just a job, but the entire meaning of their existence.

After a long while, Ruan Wenbo let out a long sigh of relief, as if that breath had taken away the last trace of his confusion. He finally nodded and solemnly promised, "Alright, just do it without worry. I won't hold you back in terms of logistics."

“Thank you for your understanding.” Walter stood up abruptly, his movements clean and swift, and gave him another impeccable Eagle Salute, the metal heels clicking crisply on the floor.

“I am deeply sorry,” he said finally, his voice filled with an almost fanatical piety, as if he were confessing or making a vow, “I simply cannot imagine a world without war. I must die for the God-Emperor.”

He paused and said:
"For the Emperor!"

Nguyen Van Bo slowly stood up as well. He gazed into Walter's eyes, at the unadulterated fervor and loyalty, and a surge of unprecedented emotion welled up within him. He solemnly raised his hand in return, offering the same perfect Eagle Salute, his voice low and solemn:
"For the Emperor."

This was the most earnest and heartfelt speech Ruan Wenbo had given since entering the game.

(End of this chapter)