Warhammer: In the Name of Nirvana

"Do you know about the Predator Forge?"

"what is that?"

"A monster that feeds on the planet."

"A rumor, an alarmist legend, and the darkest historical story. It originates from the outside of the eastern frontier of the Galaxy. It is the fear that is born in the edge of the edge. It is the projection of those twisted creations in reality."

"Legend has it that if a charter captain is too brave and greedy to be satisfied with the comfort of Salamas, he can cross the fertile territory of the Aegis Sector and the continuous fortresses of the Gul'Grad Protectorate, and then head Plunging into the outer void in the northeast, he will eventually face the most terrifying chaos that can appear in the entire real universe, and pay the heaviest price for his folly."

"There have been countless crazy actions like this in the past thousands of years, but in the end only a few panicked survivors were able to run back from the darkness, leaving behind a series of ravings and nonsense that were almost crazy."

"The most distant darkness is called [Huda Bay] by the people of Salamas. It is the outer void located directly north of Salamas, and it is also an extremely chaotic area extending from the ghoul stars further north. A bad land from which monsters have plagued the world of the Far Eastern Frontier for decades."

"Based on the historical documents I have recorded and collected along the way, the residents of the outer void are likely to be more terrifying and savage than we imagined. There may be twisted mutants of the Ogryn barbarians there, and they have been studied for generations. The empire of wizards with crazy spells, as well as all kinds of ogres and psychic alien species, their huge number is enough to flood more than a dozen galaxies at the same time."

"Of course, the most terrifying fragments in the record point to two unimaginably terrifying opponents: the first is the Kraphians, a psychic alien that can initiate mind control from the subspace and thus carry out parasitism. It is said that they are the oldest The lightless lair is hidden in the deepest darkness of the outer void, a wasteland that even the light of the star torch cannot reach."

"And the second one is the rumor hidden in the dark legend, the horror that only the bravest explorers dare to whisper: its name is [Ulan Huda], but more people like to follow The craziest part of the legend calls it the Predator's Forge."

"It is said that in the beginning, Ulanhuda was just an ordinary forge world, but their location was very poor: they built their own forge in the ghoul star and never left, and when When the storms of the Age of Strife spread to the eastern part of the Milky Way, they could no longer connect with any rational human world. In the following thousands of years, Ulanhuda was driven by all kinds of madness among the ghoul stars. Surrounded, with no way to escape.”

"In the end, they made the only choice in a desperate situation: if they want to survive in the endless terror, then they can only become the most terrifying one."

"It wasn't until thousands of years later that Salamas saw Ulan Huda again, or the Predator Forge: by then, it had become an unprecedentedly large heretical forging world, with all kinds of things that ordinary people couldn't tolerate. The distortion technology strengthened its power, allowing it as a world to actually sail in the subspace, thereby poisoning countless galaxies, and devouring the entire world to satisfy its hunger and greed. The land and steel of the devoured world were eventually destroyed. It becomes extremely huge and ferocious, and all the defeated ones will be transformed into machine slaves and consumables, used for the most evil witchcraft, so that the heretical sages of Ulanhuda can live forever and spread terror."

"It's full of hate, it's full of fear, and eventually, it becomes hate, it becomes fear."

"It eventually became part of the infinite terror, a member of the Ghoul Stars, whose blasphemous creations roamed the eastern fringes of the galaxy, periodically harvesting humanity with their legions of misshapen titans and abominable droids. civilization of the world.”

"It is said that they leave the ghoul stars every one hundred years to carry out a great massacre and desecration: and the last sighting of them was nearly a hundred years ago."

"...Is this also a rumor?"

"Who knows."

Ahriman closed his notebook, then picked up the teacup on the side, and patiently observed the expression of his friend across the table: The time spent traveling in subspace is always boring, and the depression caused by Geller's position In this atmosphere, no matter what academic research is done, people cannot calm down, so it is better to find some entertainment.

Of course, Hector may not have been a suitable pastime: while the scion of Magnus had certainly developed a fine swordsmanship over the past few years, Ahriman still had the valuable self-awareness of knowing that he In close combat, he is definitely no match for a physical monster like Hector, not to mention that the latter doesn't seem to be in a good mood right now.

It is said that he was eliminated in the first round of the statue competition?

That statue is obviously very lifelike. Abaddon's charm was carved out with just a few cuts.

Ahriman drank the wine-alcoholic beverage he had made by himself, and all kinds of wonderful thoughts ran rampant in his heart: The Far Eastern frontier is indeed a treasure land full of dangers. In just a few months, Ahriman's knowledge had made substantial progress, and his first and second notebooks were quickly filled up.

The experience in Manlock occupies the largest space: the Lord of the Second Legion stayed in that huge world full of nomadic tribes for a whole month, and even recalled Ahriman, Cortez and others. Work with her to study ancient ruins scattered throughout the world. Those dotted ruins constantly hint at the artificial origin of some unknown alien evolutionary tree. To obtain permission for large-scale investigations from the panicked local population, even genetic samples are needed. The body appears in person.

Ahriman did not follow Morgan's main team deep underground. This was a simple act of avoiding suspicion. He was content to wander among the huge inscriptions on the surface, recording the talismans that had been passed down for countless years, and even discovered a An ancient self-portrait of an alien race.

He was not sure whether it was an abstract self-copying or an accurate depiction of a robot: the main content of that [self-portrait] was a metal skeleton, and you could even see the endless despair in the empty eyes. As with madness, this madness was also reflected in the words on the side. Ahriman did not even have the heart to record those twisted carriers. He could only speculate randomly that they might be the words of a mental breakdown after encountering a terrible catastrophe.

The Lord of the Second Legion's exploration of the underground ruins lasted for thirteen full days. When she came out of the ancient tomb, her face fell into an indescribable seriousness and depression. Ahriman noticed, The team following the Primarch seemed to have had some slight attrition, and their armors were more shabby than expected. Those warriors said nothing about this mission, and they had obviously made an unbreakable commitment. promise.

After that, the Spider Queen uncharacteristically gave the residents of this world extremely high rights of self-control. Avalon's rule over this place stopped at a few fully armed space stations in orbit, and it seemed that it had no intention of investing more. And garrisoned, and while the locals were celebrating happily, Ahriman smelled the indifferent aura of the leader of the second legion, which was called [abandonment].

Kind of scary, isn't it.

But what does that have to do with him?

Three days later, the heirs of Magnus forgot all about it, and Morgan's proud sons also focused all their attention on the statue contest that was held quietly after the battle in the Aegis Sector was completed. The final selection was shortlisted to ten winners, and it was left to Morgan to personally decide the final lucky winner.

Among those ten people, there were many old acquaintances of Ahriman: the victories of Bayar and Diarmait were not surprising. After all, they had always had wild artistic talents. Their statues of the Goddess of Victory and the Huntress It received unanimous praise from everyone. The descendants of Magnus even went to watch it. They were indeed very good works, but they all had a face that was unique to Morgan.

Maybe Hector lost here: there was something wrong with his selection. How could a warrior from another legion be better than the Primarch of his own legion? Under the premise that the entire competition was basically a competition for Morgan statues, A face that belongs to a Luna Wolf is really not a bonus.

Of course, out of consideration for mutual friendship, he did not say it. During the subspace jump from the Aegis Sector to the Gurglad Protectorate, the topics of Ahriman and Hector always revolved around the various conflicts along the way. Strange experiences and anecdotes about what happened to other legions.

"My battle brothers in Prospero told me an interesting thing in their recent letters: envoys from the Word Bearers Legion arrived in Prospero not long ago, and they borrowed the artistic taste of the legion. The most outstanding warriors serve as a necessary exchange between the two legions."

Ahriman's words were somewhat emotional.

"Amon told me that if I were not on an envoy in the Second Legion, this communication task about the Word Bearers Legion would have fallen on my shoulders."

"Are you sorry?"

Hector held the wine cup specially made for him by Ahriman. Although this wine cup was regarded as a wine cup for Astartes warriors and more like a keg for mortals, Morgan's pride still vaguely realized that it was in The palm of his hand seems to have become a little smaller: obviously, he seems to have started to grow again.

Unknowingly, his growing body shape has turned from an unexpected joy into a worry that sometimes comes and goes. Fortunately, his genetic mother recently sent a promise, and she has noticed his problem. All Hecht had to do was wait for a solution.

"Not really sorry."

Ahriman shook his head, his voice was sincere and irrefutable.

"It's just that I heard another rumor: The reason why the Word Bearers Legion borrowed those Astartes warriors and mortals with the most artistic sense is because a... new idea began to spread among their legion. ?”

"idea?"

"Yes, an idea that is incompatible with the Great Crusade: they are eager to find a suitable world and then build a great city on it to show their... fanatical belief in the Lord of Mankind."

Hector was silent for a moment, and then his answer became affirmative.

"I think the Emperor may not like this behavior. After all, this is the Great Crusade, not a prosperous era of national peace and security. The war orders from Holy Terra can pile up like mountains in an instant, and there is no building for us at all. Time for great cities.”

"Who says it isn't?"

The son of Magnus continued his soft sigh. This attitude of always being at ease with the world makes him actually not have many friends, but the friendships he does have are often heavyweight.

"However, the problem with the Word Bearers Legion has always been so strange. They made few achievements during the Great Crusade, and they are marginal figures that not many people care about. Their brightest beliefs are not the center of the topic."

"The Emperor does not like this."

"Yes, the Lord of Mankind obviously prefers the truth of his empire: Speaking of this, I remembered a question, a moderate question. Hector, I hope you can help me answer it."

"But it doesn't matter."

Ahriman put down the empty cup and carefully recalled and thought for a while, confirming the caution of his words and the possible future: after a gaffe in the arena caused a little unpleasantness, he developed this good habit. new habits.

"A question about Imperial Truth and the Federation of Avalon, Hector: Based on what I saw in Avalon, you seem to have very little interest in spreading Imperial Truth, and have not put spreading Imperial Truth at the top of your daily work. , you must know that the spread of the empire’s truth is one of the death orders of Holy Terra.”

"Is this..."

Hector touched his chin.

"I'm afraid it's difficult for me to answer you, my friend. After all, you see, I am just a small Astartes Captain. This kind of specific governance strategy can only come from the great Gene Mother, and we have no right to speculate on her. idea.”

"Then you can always have some personal ideas of your own. I remember that Mr. Morgan encouraged you to try and have the courage to think for yourself, so as to ensure the combat effectiveness and independent initiative of the Dawnbreaker Legion in a dispersed state: I remember what she said to everyone at the beginning Declared.”

"Indeed, if you want to ask me what I think: Look, Ahriman, although our Avalon Federation is stable and prosperous, to the north is the legendary and notorious Ghoul Stars, and to the south is Da The strange waves of Mokris Bay are close to the edge of the Star Torch on the east side, and beyond that is boundless darkness and madness. Only the west is far away from the core control area of ​​​​the empire."

"In this case, the assistance Holy Terra can give us is as elusive as its control, and our most important task is undoubtedly to resist dangers from three directions: military presence, political stability and Sufficient logistical supplies, there are too many things that are more important than the truth of the empire at the moment, and to take a step back, doesn’t the spirit of seeking truth from facts developed and maintained in this situation include the truth of the empire?”

"Mr. Morgan, do you think so?"

"Yes, this passage comes from a regular legion meeting."

Ahriman nodded. He himself didn't care much about this issue. As a senior psychic master, the attitude of Magnus's descendants towards the truth of the empire was like that of the Thousand Sons and Prospero. Just like people, it is the simplest to ignore and avoid.

"You seem to have a lot of interest in the Federation of Avalon, Ahriman. Recently you have asked a lot of questions related to it, which is not in line with your previous image of a scholar."

"Society itself is the greatest institution of learning, especially when our respected Lord Morgan is obviously preparing to conduct an unprecedented sociological experiment. As a scholar, nothing attracts me more than the future of the Avalon Federation. .”

"I have to point out to you: The Federation of Avalon is a gift from the Mother of Genes to countless people in the Far Eastern Frontier. This is a sacred mission and burden for her, not a sociological experiment."

"They do not conflict, Hector, and my respect for Sir Morgan is absolutely as high as anyone in the galaxy. Many of her actions reveal a kind of rational kindness, which is a method that is sufficient for long-term peace and stability. This is true in the empire." This is rare in other places. Haven't you noticed that when many worlds fell into deathly silence due to the empire's military operations, what the Second Legion left behind was often sincere cheers."

"Because we brought some benefits to them, even if it's just temporary."

"Yeah, so who's going to pay for these benefits?"

"Those who don't want to cheer."

Unspoken laughter echoed between the two Astartes warriors. As the long bottle on the table stirred up waves due to a strange fluctuation, both of them felt a familiar feeling. A sense of vibration.

"Ah, we've arrived."

——————

"Crossing Mandeville Point."

"It has been determined that the destination is true. It is the Fortress System [019]. This place is part of the original Gurgrad Protectorate and is stationed by a family of knights loyal to the Forge World."

"A welcoming fleet sent by the forging world Gorgrad was currently in the space near Mandeville Point. The message they sent claimed that the great mechanical sage of Gorgrad himself was in the fleet, eager to To be able to meet the mother of our genes."

"It's really rare. This is the first time that a forging world has such enthusiasm and low profile. Although Tigurus, Corinth, Karagat and Belus Prime have also surrendered to our genetic mother, at least they still have There’s something strangely reserved about it.”

"It doesn't matter whether you are reserved or arrogant. A group of small forge worlds that don't even have a garrisoned Titan legion are just poor wretches shivering in the storm of the Age of Strife. They are all sheltered in the shadow of the triple galaxy, scavenging for scraps. The huge order from Avalon is enough to make them grateful."

"Yes, but it is precisely for this reason that we can choose the items we need at will. Compared to Reza, the service attitude of these small forging worlds is almost scary, and their prices are also very low."

"But Riza is necessary. We can't rely entirely on shabby settlements like Gurgrad to build the Avalon Federation. Mother's great plan requires amazing production capacity. The orders brought by this production capacity are enough to satisfy those in the small world. The furnace has been running day and night for many years.”

"After all, it is just a small world that has long since declined. It is said that they only have one casting furnace and a few customer worlds left. For a casting world, it is definitely the end of the road."

"Sounds like us a few years ago."

"There's no comparison, you idiot, they don't have a Primarch to look forward to."

"You look particularly proud when you mention the mother of genes."

"Aren't you the same?"

The jokes among his subordinates reached Lana's ears. The always serious chief of the Old Guards opened one eye, glanced at it, then closed it again and turned a deaf ear.

The march to the Far Eastern frontier has lasted for several months. Although most of the situations have been one-sided battles and surrenders, it is not impossible to give them some time to relax after the fatigue of the journey. Although Rana maintained Long and serious, but he still knows the truth that when the moon is full, it is short.

Although the Old Guards have never waited for the great battle they were destined for, their organization and comradeship have been built on the ground, and all their stubbornness and arrogance are under a greater common goal. , is gradually twisting into a strange unity.

Especially after Reza's more than two hundred sets of Hades-type Terminator armors arrived, the Silver Torrent composed of the Old Guards has gradually become one of the most trusted trump cards of the Second Legion. The unparalleled power in close combat, and the countless burning ruins proved it.

They performed very well and deserved a short period of reward and relaxation. Rana was constantly learning from his own genes in running the army, and he also discovered that the leader of the Second Army was best at commanding his subordinates. It means full trust and relaxation.

As a result, the Chief Old Guard shouldered the important task of guarding the throne room alone. His genetic mother was meeting with the Archbishop of Gurgrad inside. This would be a long negotiation and surrender. The attitude of the Forging World was very Enthusiasm, so they will become less easy to deal with.

The Primarch only allowed her maid and chief champion Bayar to stand on both sides of the silver throne. She spent about two Terran standard hours talking with her visitor, using promises and orders to secure this key position. The foundry world completely turned towards him, and in the archbishop's voice full of hatred, he knew the ancient and present grudges belonging to Gurgrad.

To put it simply, this is nothing more than a story about loneliness and hatred: Gurgrad was once the darling of mankind's golden age. It owned a vast territory called the Gurgrad Protectorate on the eastern edge of the galaxy. The dozens of fortress systems north of the Aegis Sector are the legacy of this powerful nation, but these glorious days only lasted until the first storm of the Age of Strife arrived, and the Forge World suffered heavy losses in that torrent of destruction. , the ensuing alien invasion and corrupted marauders destroyed the Gorgrad people's small empire.

Over the next several thousand years, Gurgrad's seat of power was devastated, forced into constant battles with the filthy invaders, and its manufacturing capabilities and military were irreparably damaged. Find yourself forced to become a line of defense, the first line of defense against the southward invasion of the terrifying hordes of ghoul stars.

Behind it, the three forging worlds of the triple galaxy joined forces, enjoying the protection of Gurgrad and devouring the mines and fortresses that once belonged to the former. All diplomatic efforts were ignored by the powerful three brothers. Because Gurgrad, which has declined so far, has long since lost the ability to fight against the powerful triple galaxy.

In this way, in anger, in despair, in ancient contradictions, hatred was finally born. Gurgrad did not become a part of endless terror like its counterparts in the ghoul stars, but it also became A monster, a monster bent on wreaking vengeance on the Triple Galaxy at all costs.

This madness made them kneel at Morgan's feet without hesitation, offering their loyalty, the Knight Family and the Titan Legion. Although these gifts had long since declined like the Forge World itself, the Primarch still valued it. Recognizing some of their value, she accepted this small gift and gave Gurgrad a somewhat different franchise agreement.

Of course, because of Gurgrad's fiery passion, the Lord of the Second Legion took advantage of this agreement, and the only promise she needed to make was the ultimate hostility to the Triple Galaxy: As it happens, Morgan She was extremely happy about this. She did not want to see such a powerful being who could not surrender in her own Far Eastern frontier.

In the words of the Primarch, which were so exquisite that there was almost no promise, the Gurgrads left with great gratitude, and their former protectorate area became the northern border of the Avalon Federation, and [Frontier March] ] will also pause here. After regaining those fortress systems, the Second Legion will not continue to march north, because there is nothing of value except the barrenness of the Trail of Tears and the madness of the Ghoul Stars.

Next, changing direction and marching towards the Salamas region in the east and south is the most valuable option: but before that, Morgan has to solve another matter. She must first go to a place that has been left behind. , a galaxy called Attila, to determine something.

Thinking of this, the Primarch glanced at the chief champion swordsman aside. He was one of the people who followed Morgan for thirteen days of underground exploration, and voluntarily forgot everything about it.

[Do you remember Attila’s Yemenga Monolith, Bayar. 】

[Or the Thanatos Dynasty and the Brilliant Star Map. 】

The sudden question from the Mother of Genes made Bayar look up in confusion. He frowned and tried hard to search for the records of these words in his mind: Of course, there was only a blank.

The Lord of the Second Legion rubbed his hair, feeling a little self-sarcastic for his ubiquitous cautious mentality. After another moment of silence, Morgan issued the order.

[Notify the Legion Council and let Marshall lead ten companies to continue the expedition in the Golgrad region. Let him maintain close communication with the Forge World. On the one hand, he must monitor their mentality, and on the other hand, he must also listen to these local snakes. Suggestion, also, that I will not, under any circumstances, allow any further march towards the ghoul stars. 】

"Understood, my lord."

[In addition, assign an additional fifteen companies, divided into three teams, to launch exploratory operations towards Salamas and the Triple Galaxy, avoid large-scale firefights as much as possible, and just conduct exploration, negotiation and reconnaissance. 】

"...Is it too much, my lord?"

Bayar frowned: After several years of expansion and unscrupulous military expansion, the Second Legion now has forty-four Astartes companies, each company has about five hundred warriors, of which ten are stationed. In the original Avalon and its surrounding star areas, there were nine more stationed and patrolled in the newly conquered Far Eastern frontier, minus the fifteen companies randomly assigned by Morgan...

[Ten companies, five thousand warriors, that's enough. I'll take you, Cortez, Hector and Diarmait, oh, and of course Lana's old guard. 】

When the original body spoke, the chief champion naturally had no need to continue to refute. After Bayar nodded, he began to ask about the purpose and reason of this action.

[We are going to the Attila galaxy. There are some things I care about there. There should be no fighting. However, just in case, we still ask them to bring everything, especially Cortes and others. Let them bring it. Take out those that are easy to carry. 】

"all?"

【all. 】

"I understand, my lord."

Bayar resigned, and the moment he closed the door, Virgo looked at his creator.

"Why are we in such an emergency?"

[It's not urgent. My genetic father just gave me a message. His fleet is sailing to the Far East border, preparing to take back another brother of mine. At the same time, he will also pay attention to Mrs. Krala's lack of light outside the Star Torch. The lair launches an expedition. 】

[If there is really any hidden danger in the Far Eastern Frontier, then I'd better figure it out before he arrives. 】

"Why?"

【……】

[Although I don’t want to admit it. 】

[But once something really goes beyond my ability, my only way is to ask him for help and look forward to his help and strength. 】

"Is this a compromise?"

【This is reality. 】

——————

"I heard that my mother chose you as one of the judges for the sculpture competition?"

After conveying the order, Bayar and Rana looked at the already desolate surface of the fortress system.

"Yes, this is Mother's command, and your work is what I personally pass."

"So I still want to thank you."

The Chief Swordsman smiled and the Old Guard just shook his head.

"No need, your victory is the result of your own ability. All I do is make a fair referee. The genetic mother of the goddess of victory is indeed impressive."

"The most profound one, I suppose?"

"...Not really."

Rana's face was slightly distorted for a moment, which aroused Bayar's interest.

"Is there anything better?"

"No, I just remembered a... off-topic piece."

"Off-topic? A competition like this is actually off-topic?"

"There is only one, and that is the work of Captain Hector of the 23rd Company."

"Ah, that big guy, what happened to his work?"

"He didn't sculpt our mother, even though he said she was, it clearly wasn't."

"Then who did he sculpture?"

Faced with Bayar's question, Rana could only smile coldly.

"Hector said that his statue represented the face of the Gene Mother, and Ahriman accidentally said in private conversations that it was a statue of Abaddon, but they were both lying."

"I looked at that statue."

"That's obviously Magnus."

"..."

"...If it's not too much trouble, can you take me to have a look?"

"Of course, all the pieces are in the room behind us."

"..."

"..."

"Who do you look like? Abaddon or Magnus? It can't be our genetic mother anyway."

"Well, I feel like... Guilliman."

"..."

"..."

"Is that kid really a genius?"