A few days later...
Upon the great ocean, Fulgrim stood proudly on the deck of his flagship, Saint Sophia, gazing out at the endless waves. His loyal guard, the Phoenix Guard, stood watch from a distance, observing the sea for any signs of movement.
The Saint Sophia, a mighty ironclad warship, had taken two and a half years to complete. Under the supervision of Master Engineer Jerrick Grimm of the Sea Gate, the ship had been constructed using blueprints personally designed by the Emperor himself. With the aid of vast resources, manpower, and even the assistance of the Lizardmen, the massive ship was completed in record time.
Measuring over 150 meters in length and 25 meters in width, the ship was powered by eight Dwarven steam boilers. The deck even featured a helipad capable of launching two Dwarven gyrocopters. The ship was armed with dozens of Dwarven cannons, but the most formidable weapon on board was the twin-barreled cannon designed by Jerrick himself, known as Grimnir's Iron Fist. This cannon's obsidian barrels could punch through the hulls of any Vampire Coast ships, although it was cumbersome and slow to reload. But for Fulgrim and Jerrick, cannons were secondary.
Real men fought with rams, boarding hooks, and in hand-to-hand combat!
The handsome Primarch, standing tall and regal as a god, watched the waves while the soldiers of the Ashen Legion went about their tasks. Only the twenty-odd Phoenix Guards remained on deck, tallying the loot and accounting for their losses.
Under Fulgrim's command, the Ashen Legion had been reorganized into several smaller units, each with its own structure. These units included:
- First Legion: Commanded by Phoenix Guard Captain Fernando Pirazzo, who also served as Fulgrim's second-in-command. Now a Sanctuary-level warrior after undergoing gene modification, Pirazzo led 4,000 elite soldiers, including Phoenix Guard veterans and knights.
- The Arabian Legion: Led by the Sultan of the Seas, Arcane Master of Gold, and immortal Caliph, Karim. This legion was composed of Arabian warriors, including spearmen, scimitar wielders, archers, musketeers, camel riders, and Arabian knights. Karim had also brought an entire corps of Arabian wizards into the Ashen Legion, along with the legendary Janissaries, the Sultan's elite bodyguards, known for their brutal efficiency.
- The Lancer Corps: Commanded by Julius, Ryan's brother-in-law, who had honed his skills over years of campaigns with Fulgrim. Julius now led most of the cavalry, both heavy and light, though primarily light horsemen.
- Grimm Brotherhood: Comprised of over 100 Dwarven engineers and 500 human gunners, along with numerous cannons, all led by Jerrick Grimm.
- Third Legion: Led by Wood Elf Princess Carona, this unit consisted of 5,000 soldiers, mostly archers and crossbowmen.
- Fourth Legion: Led by former Kislev Marshal Yegorov, this 5,000-strong unit consisted of infantry and some Kislev Winged Lancers.
- Fifth and Sixth Legions: Commanded by gene-modified warriors Pedro of Estalia and Imperial General Weidenfeller, who had both pledged their loyalty to Fulgrim. These legions remained stationed in Lustria.
- Additionally, there was the Halfling Exploration Corps, led by the Halfling scout Habit, and the Cheka Special Unit, formed by Winged Lancer General Felix.
Fulgrim had amassed a powerful and diverse force, made up of warriors from across the Old World, of different races, colors, and creeds, all united under his banner.
The sea breeze ruffled Fulgrim's silver hair as he pondered the recent battles and the events that had led him here.
Ryan had sent him an invaluable asset from the Old World—a Kislevite prophet known as "The Seer," who had once served alongside Pirate King Captain Roth. The Seer knew how to enter the Shipgraveyard, using Captain Roth's celestial compass, hidden on an island that Roth had once excavated.
After obtaining the compass, Fulgrim and his Ashen Legion had clashed with a fleet of undead pirates also seeking it. After a fierce battle, Fulgrim's forces had lured the undead onto the island and annihilated them, successfully recovering the compass. From the dead pirates, Fulgrim learned that the feared undead pirate count, Noctilus, was likely not in the Shipgraveyard. Instead, Noctilus was raiding the coasts of Araby and Estalia with his main fleet.
Seizing this rare opportunity, Fulgrim had launched a surprise attack on the Shipgraveyard, overwhelming its defenders. With Carona's help, they had located the Sunfire Amulet, a sacred artifact of the Elven Moon Goddess, Lileath, hidden in a decrepit pirate ship.
Now, all that remained was obtaining the Phoenix Guard's Sacred Scroll, given by the Elven Phoenix God, Asuryan, to his chosen guardian, Lord Cadrein. Fulgrim knew he would need Ryan's help to get this item, as only Ryan had established diplomatic ties with the High Elves. Moreover, Fulgrim was well aware that to steal from the gods—especially from under Asuryan's watchful eyes—he would need an insider. Lileath, the Lady of the Lake, was the perfect candidate for such a role.
As the wind tousled his silver hair, Fulgrim continued his silent contemplation. This next mission would be one of the most challenging yet. It wasn't simply a matter of overwhelming enemies with force.
Behind him, the officers of the Ashen Legion gathered.
Julius, Ryan's brother-in-law, stood fully armed. After years of campaigning under Fulgrim, he had grown into a capable commander. Though still brooding and taciturn, Julius had matured. "What do you think Fulgrim is plotting now, Pirazzo?"
Fernando Pirazzo, now a Sanctuary-level warrior and standing over two meters tall after his gene modifications, shrugged. "How would I know? I'm not inside his head."
"Oh, I bet he's planning our next big move!" Dwarven Engineer Jerrick Grimm, bursting with excitement, couldn't hide his enthusiasm. "By Grimnir! Who's our next target?"
"We're not going after anyone right now," interjected Princess Carona, her leather armor adorned with green leaves and silk. "Guessing what Fulgrim thinks is dangerous business."
"The leader comes and goes, but the people remain," said Lev, the Seer, stepping forward. "Our focus should be on our mission."
"Mission? Like marching on Kislev to shell the Ice Palace?" Pirazzo retorted. "Do you really think it's wise to start a civil war under the nose of Chaos and the northern tribes?"
"If the time is right, why not?" Lev replied seriously. "Marching Saint Sophia up the Lynsk River to bombard the Ice Palace is my dream. We're far from that goal now, but at least we have a direction."
Lev's expression softened slightly. "Of course, it would be better if Fulgrim would try my new fried chicken."
At the mention of fried chicken, everyone's mouths watered. Even Julius, the most stoic of the group, couldn't help but feel tempted. Lev had spent years perfecting his recipe while in hiding, and his fried chicken was beloved throughout the Ashen Legion.
"Oh, finger-licking chicken!" Jerrick's eyes lit up as he licked his lips. "I have to admit, I'm looking forward to that."
"Yes, Fulgrim must be thinking about tonight's dinner!" added Halfling Scout Habit, darting around the deck with his short bow and slingshot.
As the group continued their lighthearted discussion, Karim, the Gold Wizard, approached Fulgrim. "Lord Fulgrim, we've confirmed the message."
"The situation?" Fulgrim's attention shifted from thoughts of explaining himself to Gilles and winning over his nephew. "Did your illusions succeed?"
"Indeed. The remaining undead in the Shipgraveyard are seeing exactly what we want them to see," Karim said, nodding meaningfully.
"Like an army adorned with Phoenix crests and symbols storming in to steal a High Elf relic?" Fulgrim chuckled. "Well done, Karim."
"It is my honor to serve you, Lord Fulgrim. In my hundred years, I have never met a leader like you—one who unites people from across the world, of different races and beliefs, all under one banner." Karim bowed deeply. "Even after I've finished with that accursed vampire, I wish to continue serving you."
"You will, Karim. You've earned my trust," Fulgrim replied, noticing that the wizard had more to say. "Speak your mind."
"Lord Fulgrim, there's no need to tie yourself to just one Elf. I mean, don't spend all your time with her." Karim cautiously suggested, "I've brought many beauties from Araby this time, all around fourteen or fifteen. If you're interested..."
"Oh, please, Karim. We shouldn't be distracted by such things," Fulgrim sighed, shaking his head. "Besides, dealing with Carona is already enough. Now, didn't you promise us some Araby music to celebrate our victory? I can't wait for that."
"Yes, we are ready," Karim replied enthusiastically, saluting before hurrying off to make preparations.
Fulgrim noted that the Sultan's Janissaries were gathering on deck, holding instruments, while the wizards readied their staffs
to join the performance.
"I think I heard something about Araby beauties?" Carona appeared suddenly, her tone sharp. "So that's what you're into?"
"...Karim was just asking," Fulgrim sighed, feeling another headache coming on.
Carona's presence was both an asset and a challenge. After initially agreeing to serve as his aide and help train his longbowmen, Carona had grown discontent after a year, claiming that Fulgrim wasn't treating her as a true ally.
Her skills were invaluable to the Ashen Legion, especially in the tropical jungles where she provided guidance on concealment, survival, and archery. When Carona threatened to leave, Fulgrim had reluctantly agreed to her demands, which, though small, came at a personal cost.
Unfortunately, one concession had led to another, and then another.
Thankfully, the Araby music began just then, saving him from further confrontation. The Janissaries started their performance, blowing their horns and pounding their drums. The wizards tapped their staffs in rhythm, the charms hanging from them jingling with the beat.
"Boom, boom, boom," went the drums.
Karim, at the front, began to sing, his voice filled with joy and pride for once. "Ceddin, deden, naslin, baban!"
The Araby soldiers joined in:
"Ceddin, deden, naslin, baban!
Your ancestors, your lineage, your father.
Forever brave, oh people of the desert!
Your armies have been known throughout the ages.
Your armies have been known throughout the ages!"
The rousing military song echoed over the ocean.
Even the sea itself seemed to tremble with excitement.
Fulgrim closed his eyes, savoring the music.
What a glorious song!
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