I summoned the Fourth Scourge in Warhammer

Chapter 173 We yearn to be active participants in history

Ghostface's nonchalant attitude and his treatment of the judge created a chilling contrast, leaving everyone present speechless. The silence in the reception room only ended when Ghostface broke it, asking, "So, what were you discussing before I arrived? Did anyone summarize the meeting with me, or was there a clerk taking minutes?"

"We are discussing the withdrawal." Finally, Commander-in-Chief Wendell took over the conversation. He said in a deep voice, "Lord Lucius and I believe that if the expeditionary force continues to stay in Dalis, it will face a very dangerous situation."

“Oh, so you two Space Marines,” Ghostface turned to Calgar and Luman, “you think it’s essential to continue fighting the Xenomorphs, right?”

"Yes," Luman replied succinctly.

"So, what's your attitude?" Lucius stared intently at Ghost Face, trying to find the key to breaking the deadlock from him.

"My attitude? I should say the attitude of the 'Death Seekers'." Ghost Face shrugged and said in a nonchalant tone, "It's simple. If you want to continue fighting, the Death Seekers are happy to accompany you to the end, but if you want to retreat, the Death Seekers don't mind going somewhere else and fighting a different target."

This was essentially saying nothing at all… Lucius felt a headache coming on. A madman who dared to drag the Inquisitors around like trash would never be as slick as a politician on such a crucial issue. The only explanation was that they genuinely didn't care. Whether it was war or peace, it seemed to make no difference to this mortal legion.

This was absolutely not the situation Lucien wanted to see, because the standoff had happened again! He knew very well that they were now engaged in a brutal war, and a clear and decisive conclusion was needed regarding whether to retreat or stay. Hesitation or a stalemate would be the worst possible outcome!
Just as Lucius was racking his brains trying to come up with a solution that could convince everyone, the Ultramarines Chapter Master, Lord of Macragge, Marius Calgar, suddenly changed his expression. Everyone present was no ordinary person, and instantly all their attention turned to him.

In the next three seconds, Calgana's marble-sculpted face underwent several dramatic changes in expression—from shock to disbelief, and then to a heavy resolve. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and powerful: "I support the decision to retreat. Send a request for negotiation to those aliens called 'Titanium' as soon as possible."

Almost everyone present was stunned. No one could have imagined that Calga, who had just been so resolute, would make such a complete 180-degree turn. Ruman of the Steel Hand immediately questioned, "What happened, cousin Calga?"

Calga paused for half a second, seemingly weighing the pros and cons, before finally saying, "I can tell you about this... In fact, this news will likely resound throughout the entire galaxy soon."

He looked around at everyone and said solemnly, "A newly discovered, extremely dangerous alien is heading straight for Macragge. I must return immediately to take charge of Macragge's defense."

Ghostface immediately realized what kind of alien Karga was referring to, and how the epic story would unfold. He almost instantly replied, "If possible, the Legion of the Dead is willing to do its part to defend Macragge."

Calga looked at Ghostface: "I think I have no reason to refuse the aid of such a brave army."

“Not just one, Lord Calga,” Ghostface laughed. “Soon, all the martyrs from Peditia will set off and gather in Altramar.”

Calgar raised an eyebrow slightly, somewhat puzzled: "Sorry... I don't recall the Ultramarines ever doing any favors for Peditia or the Legion of the Dead."

“No, no, no, this has nothing to do with gratitude,” Ghost Face waved his hands repeatedly, excitedly saying, “This is history! Those who go to their deaths yearn to be participants in history!”

“Oh, right,” Ghost Face suddenly remembered something and said seriously, “Lord Calga, I would like to make a small request on behalf of the warriors who are going to their deaths. I wonder if you would be so kind as to grant it?”

Calga asked curiously, "Please go ahead."

……

Amidst the ruins of Gelblin, a brief yet solemn prisoner transfer ceremony is underway.

On the human side, there was only one Tau Empire Aether, being "escorted" by several suicide soldiers. On the Tau Empire side, there were dozens of Ultramarines clad in azure power armor.

From any perspective, this deal was a huge loss for the Tau Empire. But when the Aether was released and urgently protected by their own people, all the Tau people present visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

Company Commander Numi, yes, he has been promoted from a regular sergeant to the interim company commander of the Eighth Company. As for the former Company Commander Leido Asius... unfortunately, he has already served the Emperor.

Numi looked at the cheering, surging survivors, his heart filled with mixed emotions and frustration: "Not only did we fail to achieve the same results as these mortals, but we were even saved by them..." "Keep serious, Brother Numi," said Sicarius, standing beside him, his voice as steady as ever. "Astartes must always maintain dignity and composure, as clearly stated in the Astartes Codex."

"Sicarius!" Suddenly, a desperate shout came from the crowd, "Sergeant Sicarius! Is Sergeant Cato Sicarius here?"

The surrounding Ultramarines instinctively turned their gazes to Sicarius, who himself looked puzzled. He stepped forward and replied in a booming voice, "I am Sicarius, may I ask..."

Before Sicarius could finish speaking, he was completely engulfed by a black wave. His voice was also completely drowned out by the deafening cheers of the dying.

"Sergeant Sicarius! I've been your fan since I was a child! Can I get your autograph?"

"Sergeant Sicarius! I grew up listening to your legendary stories! Please, could you please sign your autograph for me?"

"Don't listen to them, Sergeant Sicarius! My family has admired you since my grandfather's generation! Give me your autograph first!"

What was going on...? Even the battle-hardened Cato Sicarius, who had faced countless terrifying aliens, was unusually flustered. He couldn't comprehend the scene before him.

Just then, a communication request appeared on his helmet display like a lifeline. Sicarius quickly answered, and Chapter Commander Calgar's face appeared on the screen: "Chapter Commander Calgar! I'm now..."

“I know,” Calga’s voice sounded odd, as if he was trying to suppress a laugh, “Keep calm, Sicarius, this is just… well, normal. The dead are just mortal soldiers who admire your bravery.”

“Chapter Commander, this is absolutely not normal!” Sicarius said anxiously, trying to break free from the frenzied crowd. “I’m pretty sure I’ve never been to Peditia before, nor have I ever had any dealings with the Legion of the Dead! I think no one except the Eighth Company of the Ultramarines Chapter knows the name Cato Sicarius!”

“It’s alright,” Calga reassured him. “After today, the name Cato Sicarius will definitely be more than just Ultramarines Eighth Company.”

“That’s the problem!” Sicarius finally revealed the real reason for his anxiety. “I’m just an Ultramariner sergeant! Perhaps someone can accept the passion of these people going to their deaths, but that person is definitely not me! This is not the glory I deserve for my current achievements!”

His voice trembled with excitement: "Chaptermaster, have they mistaken me for someone else? Have they mistaken me for some famous Space Marine who happens to share my name? I cannot steal someone else's honor!"

“In fact, I’ve confirmed this with their commander repeatedly,” Calgar said. “But they’ve also repeatedly answered: ‘Yes, it’s him, Cato Sicarius of the Ultramarines.’”

“Sicarius, do you know why this expedition ended so hastily?” Before Sicarius could answer, Calgar continued, “Because I just learned that our common homeland, Macurag, is under threat from another alien species and is in imminent danger.”

“What?!” Sicarius exclaimed. Macragge was always the Ultramarines’ top priority, not only because it was their homeworld, but also because their Primarch, Robert Guilliman, was sitting in the stasis field.

"Upon hearing this, the commander of this legion of the Dead immediately assured us that all the Dead from Pedithia would gather in Altramar to help us fight the Xenomorphs," Calgar said. "They are so enthusiastic, and as Ultramarines, we cannot let them be disappointed. I was thinking about who should be in charge of dealing with the Dead, but now it seems I have a very good candidate."

“Me…” Sicarius instantly understood, feeling a heavy responsibility pressing down on his shoulders.

“Yes,” Calgar said. “Since they admire you so much, why not go with the flow? Sicarius, if you really feel that you are not worthy of this honor, then work hard and fight until you feel that you are worthy.”

“Yes, Commander!” Sicarius’s voice was unwavering.

Calgarh hung up the communication with satisfaction. Sicarius, however, looked again at the surging black tide of people before him, took a deep breath, and roared at the top of his lungs, "Line up! One at a time!"

A thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd.

(End of this chapter)