Warhammer: Empire Reboot

Even the tribal chiefs who advocated for peace talks did not believe that Saim-Han should back down.

They discussed how to temporarily make a dangerous human a usable variable, how to retrieve the Eldar's possessions at minimal cost, and how to prevent the Ark from being drawn into an unworthy war.

No one considered Lawson an equal ally.

At most, it's a threat.

For many of the Ark's top brass, acknowledging that a human being truly deserves to be treated equally is tantamount to admitting that the times have reached a point where they can no longer tolerate it.

At this moment, Eloris raised her hand, interrupting the argument.

"There is another variable."

Projection changes.

Abaddon's image appears.

Next was Vashtor.

The figure of the demon demigod, composed of fire, gears, chains, and dark mechanical structures, hung in the royal court, causing many Eldar to instinctively frown.

"Abaddon's loss of the Claw of Horus and the Demon Sword, and the theft of the Soul of Vengeance, is an unprecedented disgrace for him," Eloris said.

"He will come back."

“I see the Black Legion regrouping. I see the Warbands moving toward him. I see the Red Pirates, the Dark Mechanicus, the Cursed Knights, and many losers drawn by revenge and profit.”

“I also saw Vashtor.”

"The Creator is working with Abaddon."

"They will search for the key fragments to start a bigger war."

Kelach's eyes flickered.

"Let them fight."

Iserland said, "What if Abaddon kills Lawson and the Soul Stone falls into the hands of Chaos?"

This statement silenced many people.

Abaddon cannot purify Soulstones.

If those soul stones fall back into the hands of the Chaos forces, the consequences will be worse than if they remained in Lawson's hands.

Arian said, "We can look for an opportunity."

Urdan added, "Before Abaddon makes his move, send a negotiation team to contact Lawson. If we can redeem the Soul Stone and Ilancia, then let the humans and Chaos fight each other."

Eloris shook her head.

"The negotiations may reveal more information about the Ark."

Iria countered, "Then continue the assassinations? Are you willing to sacrifice a few more clan elites?"

Eloris said in a deep voice, "Sacrifice is necessary for the future of our people."

Kelach sneered.

"That's what the prophet is best at. Sacrifice is necessary, but who to sacrifice is another matter."

Several prophets turned to look at him.

Kelach made no attempt to back down.

The atmosphere inside the Starfire Royal Court became tense once again.

If this matter weren't so significant, someone would probably have already proposed a First Blood duel.

Finally, the elder patriarch, Salosin Bloodwind, who was seated in the high position in the middle, spoke.

He was one of the oldest of the twelve chieftains and had served as wartime commander-in-chief during several Ark crises.

"enough."

“Eloris, continue tracking the fates of Abaddon and Vashtor. I need to know when, where, and what their next gathering will be.”

Then he looked at Iria.

"You are responsible for compiling the feasible terms for negotiating with Lawson. List them all: Soul Stones, Ilancia, compensation, intelligence exchange."

Ireya nodded.

Salosin looked at the twelve clan chiefs.

"Gentlemen, no final decision will be reached today."

"The matter of Lawson is temporarily put on hold."

"The Prophet Corps will continue its observations."

"Clan combat readiness maintained at level two."

"Negotiation plans and assassination plans are being prepared simultaneously."

"We'll decide which piece to place once we have a clearer picture of Abaddon and Vashtor's movements."

Just as Salosin was about to conclude the council, a messenger of spirit bones strode into the royal court and knelt in the center.

"Chiefs, Prophet."

"Urgent news has arrived from the outer ring of Red Path."

Salosin looked at him.

"explain."

The Bone Messenger reported: "We have lost signal from the Third Hunting Team."

"At the same time, the outer ring psionic listening towers detected the flight path of the Dark Race."

"A mark that appears to belong to a Comorian hunting party."

Salosin's eyes turned cold.

"Recall the patrol riders."

"Block the Red Path."

"Prepare for battle."

…………

Planet Obolos III, the highest ruling layer of the Tower Zone.

The soundproof room still retained a warm feeling.

Four battle nuns, draped in silk robes, stepped barefoot across the soft carpet and quietly retreated to either side.

For them, those three hours were not indulgence, but a ritual performed with sufficient devotion.

Lawson leaned back in the large obsidian chair, his robe casually draped over his shoulders, a sliver of skin still exposed at the chest.

With his eyes closed, the activity of the cells in his body, which had been stretched to the point of near irritability by the continuous war, was finally brought back to a controllable and stable range.

Adela approached, carrying a glass of nutrient solution with the temperature accurate to the decimal point, her skirt stopping half a step away from his hand.

“The concentration you need,” Adela whispered.

Lawson took the cup and took a sip.

The nuns retreated silently, and before the door closed, Sera's gaze swept over Ilancia.

At the edge of the hall, Ilancia Moonblade stood ramrod straight.

She tried hard not to look at Lawson's open collar, not to look at the almost familiar distance between them when Adela handed her the cup, and not to think about everything she had been forced to see these past few days.

The blue sky of the agricultural world, the order that forges the world, the humans in the bottom nest who no longer fight for water and kill each other, and the desires and powers tamed into etiquette in this tower.

The pride of the Eldar in the Ark was once like a thin, sharp blade.

Now, Lawson holds that blade between his fingers, dulling it inch by inch with reality.

"I'm not going," she finally said.

Lawson did not open his eyes.

Ilancia knew he had heard her, so she continued, "I'm not going to other planets."

“I request to stay on Obrolus III for a while. I have a basic understanding of its operational structure, and Mrs. Adela has provided many valuable explanations for my questions. I hope to continue communicating with her.”

She found it laughable after saying that.

She didn't want to communicate.

She simply didn't want to be dragged across the galaxy by Lawson anymore, like a proud prisoner being escorted to an execution ground, watching him show her world after world, production line after production line, and army after army.

She needs some time.

Even if it's just hiding in the shadow of the Obolusta Peak, picking up the shattered pride from the ground and piecing it back together into a shape that can still deceive.

Lawson finally opened his eyes.

He looked at her for a moment, then asked calmly, "Do you have some misunderstanding about the word 'prisoner'?"

"I was in a good mood just now, so I let you finish saying those polite words."

He held up one finger.

"But the dignity is something I give you, not something you have the right to set a price for."

Ilancia's fingertips were clasped tightly in her sleeve.

Lawson continued, "Eight hours a day, at the Vigilant Star Command Center. The Eldar remnant files, ancient script, and web markings still need you, as their 'advisor,' to decipher them."

“Advisor?” Ilancia repeated softly.

“You can have ‘captives’ if you prefer,” Lawson said.

She looked up at him.

Lawson's expression remained unchanged.

It is this completely indifferent attitude that is most embarrassing.

Lawson leaned back in his chair, as if finally granting her a break: "However, after your eight-hour workday, if you cooperate well, I can send you back to Obulus to rest. If you want to chat with Adela, feel free. As long as she doesn't find you annoying."

At the entrance to the hall, Adela, who had not yet completely left, slightly curved the corners of her lips, without interrupting.