The remaining half of the Sons of the Emperor, after Samuel's intervention, had their injuries completely healed.
The flesh that had once fused with their armor had now separated, showing no traces of mutation.
Even their faces, which had been twisted by Chaos corruption, had returned to their former glory.
With their helmets removed, these Sons of the Emperor once again displayed their flowing silver hair and handsome features.
Though they had once fallen into the abyss of Chaos, they now exuded an aura befitting the title of "Sons of the Emperor," as if trying to prove that they still had the potential to return to the light.
However, this rare "rebirth" was not without flaws.
The only blemish was the clear mark of the word "Sin" branded on the left cheek of each Son of the Emperor.
The character was deeply embedded in their skin, burning like fire and faintly glowing, with the surrounding skin showing slight redness from the burn. It was a mark that would never fade.
This "Sin" brand was not only a warning of their past misdeeds but also an inescapable humiliation—
A reminder to each Son of the Emperor that even if they were given a chance at redemption, they would forever bear this indelible mark of guilt.
??!!
As their vision returned, these Sons of the Emperor finally saw the changes in themselves.
When they looked down at their restored bodies and armor, shock and disbelief filled their faces, followed by waves of relief and joy, like a tidal wave crashing over them.
They had believed their fate was sealed—that they were irredeemable sinners.
They had expected the Emperor of the main universe to mercilessly deliver "divine punishment," incinerating them with psychic flames, reducing their bodies and souls to ashes.
But now, they had been given an unexpected opportunity—
A chance at rebirth.
Even as they touched the "Sin" brand on their left cheeks, feeling the burning sting of the ugly mark that symbolized their past atrocities, this humiliation seemed trivial compared to eternal damnation or annihilation.
More importantly, with their bodies restored, they no longer felt the rejection of the material universe's laws and were finally free from the torment and enslavement of Chaos.
However, when they looked around, they noticed that half of their brothers were missing.
This realization was like a cold blade, cutting through their joy and replacing it with a heavy calm.
They quickly understood that those brothers might never be forgiven, perhaps having already paid the ultimate price.
The remaining Sons of the Emperor lowered their heads, the joy of survival gradually replaced by shame and regret.
Some clenched their fists, trying to suppress the surging guilt within, while others closed their eyes, as if attempting to seal away the memories of their sins.
They were like survivors crawling out of the abyss, grateful to still be alive but unable to escape the weight of their guilt.
The burning brand on their left cheeks served as an eternal reminder—
No matter how hard they tried, they would have to bear the consequences of their past and the loneliness of never fully belonging among the "Sons of Humanity."
"Father?"
Seeing this, Fulgrim looked slightly confused.
His gaze wandered among the figures of the Sons of the Emperor. Clearly, he was puzzled about whether the missing half were alive or dead, or where they had been taken.
But Samuel only glanced at his son with the corner of his eye, offering no explanation.
Then, Samuel's gaze returned to the surviving Sons of the Emperor before him, his deep and commanding eyes seeming to pierce through their souls.
After a moment of silence, he finally spoke, his tone carrying an undeniable authority and calmness, each word striking the nerves of everyone present like a hammer:
"From now on, they will be integrated into the ranks of the Sons of Humanity. However, how you handle the internal dynamics of your legion and how you quell the public's resentment caused by them will be entirely your responsibility, Fulgrim. Do you understand?"
Fulgrim straightened his posture, a hint of awe and gratitude in his eyes. He bowed his head slightly, his voice respectful and firm:
"I understand, Father. And thank you for your understanding."
"No need for thanks." Samuel raised his left hand slightly, as if to stop Fulgrim from further expressions of gratitude.
And at the moment his hand lifted—
Boom————!!!
A terrifying psychic pressure descended upon the core area of New Argos.
An invisible force swept through like a tidal wave, causing the entire space to tremble.
"Ugh!"
Fulgrim's body stiffened.
Even a primarch, as powerful as he was, felt his breath quicken under this indescribable pressure. It was as if an invisible mountain had been placed on his chest, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead, showing the immense strain he was under.
The hundred Custodians and three hundred Phoenix Guards were also "fixed" in place, their bodies trembling visibly, struggling to maintain consciousness.
Fortunately, Samuel's psychic pressure was not directed at the primarch, Custodians, or the Phoenix Guards.
Otherwise, even a primarch would have been reduced to a "mere mortal."
As for the Sons of the Emperor targeted by the pressure, they were forced to kneel, their bodies spasming uncontrollably, emitting faint, painful groans.
Their faces pressed against the cold ground, unable to even lift their heads.
In this moment, they deeply felt the absolute power of the Emperor of the main universe.
It was a force beyond their imagination, an existence they could not resist, filling their hearts with fear.
Most importantly, the long-lost trembling from the depths of their souls made them involuntarily recall memories from ten thousand years ago.
The sudden fall of the Perfect City, the devastating punishment of the Word Bearers under the Emperor's wrath—these long-buried, tragic scenes now vividly resurfaced in their minds.
They finally understood that the Emperor of the main universe was not a "mere copy" of the Emperor of Mankind but an absolute being who could easily control their life and death.
In the brief moment under this pressure, the pride, defiance, and even the arrogance hidden deep within their souls were crushed into dust, leaving only fear and regret.
This emotion was like a heavy chain, tightly binding their souls, making them realize that so-called "mercy" was far more awe-inspiring than annihilation.
Samuel looked down at the kneeling Sons of the Emperor, his gaze like an endless abyss, making it impossible for them to meet his eyes.
Of course, the Sons of the Emperor couldn't even lift their heads, let alone meet his gaze.
After a moment of silence, as if to let the pressure fully seep into every soul, he spoke again, his voice like thunder rolling across a plain, each word carrying irresistible authority:
"Your lives no longer belong to Chaos, nor are they bound by its filthy chains. From this moment on, you are loyal only to humanity, only to the empire—this is your only path, your final chance."
Samuel's words were cold and sharp, like a blade piercing their hearts:
"Do not mistake this for forgiveness. The mark on your faces is proof of your sins. Bearing this guilt is your atonement for those who lost their lives because of your fall.
If any of you dare to dabble in Chaos again, or defy the will of the empire, or harm innocent civilians, what awaits you will not be judgment but utter destruction."
Samuel paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over them before continuing:
"Remember, the mercy you receive today is built upon the blood and tears of countless sacrifices. I am giving you one chance, but only one.
If anyone tarnishes the name 'Sons of Humanity' again, they will lose everything, forever nailed to the pillar of shame, becoming a warning in history and enduring eternal scorn."
With that, the pressure gradually dissipated, but Samuel's presence remained as heavy as a mountain, weighing on the hearts of every Son of the Emperor—or rather, every "sinner" among the Sons of Humanity—making them remember the weight of this warning for the rest of their lives.
Samuel then turned and walked toward his custom Thunderhawk gunship.
His silhouette was like a silent deterrent, and just as he was about to step into the hatch, his gaze flicked toward Fulgrim.
Though he said nothing, the look was filled with meaning.
Fulgrim immediately understood—this was a silent reminder to maintain balance within the legion.
At this moment, the fifteen hundred or so "Sons of the Emperor" finally managed to stand.
In their eyes, Fulgrim was not only the bridge that allowed them to return to the empire but also the "father" who had saved their lives.
It was Fulgrim who, at great risk of being labeled a "heretic," had pleaded with the Emperor on their behalf. Without him, they might have already turned to ash in the psychic flames.
Moreover, the ruthless pressure Samuel had just exerted added an unshakable authority to Fulgrim's image.
This authority stemmed not only from their gratitude and respect for Fulgrim but also from their supreme trust in their "father" and the primarch.
The intertwining of complex emotions destined Fulgrim to become their spiritual pillar after joining the Sons of Humanity.
However, this did not mean Fulgrim's task would be easy.
The 2nd Company of the Sons of Humanity had nearly been wiped out due to the invasion of the demon Fulgrim and the Sons of the Emperor, suffering heavy losses. In simple terms, they had almost "lost their foundation," and thus harbored deep hatred for the Sons of the Emperor.
This hatred was not only due to the losses but also the profound pain of witnessing their comrades and brothers being slaughtered.
The most troublesome issue was that the Sons of Humanity already had many "descendants" from Prospero, who were even more furious at the Sons of the Emperor.
If Fulgrim could not properly reconcile internal conflicts and completely quell the hostility between the two groups, the legion might descend into endless hatred and strife.
A single misstep could lead to an irreparable internal conflict or even a full-scale rebellion.
Thus, Fulgrim had to "balance the scales."
This was why Samuel had silently reminded Fulgrim to maintain internal balance.
However, Samuel had unparalleled trust in Fulgrim.
Fulgrim not only had the ability to handle internal relations but also the wisdom and decisiveness to avoid foolish actions, such as directly integrating these "sinners" into the 2nd Company or having them replenish its ranks.
They would likely be sent to the edges of the galaxy in the Halo universe to embark on a "penitent crusade" against the remnants of the Covenant and the Flood.
Additionally, Fulgrim should understand that the existence of these "sinners" held far greater significance for the empire than merely sending a signal to the traitor legions that "the empire can forgive you."
For the empire's Biotech Division, their arrival was a monumental breakthrough.
The gene-seeds from the Warhammer 40k universe, especially those purified by Samuel's psychic energy, were incredibly valuable research materials.
The researchers in the Biotech Division would be thrilled by the arrival of these gene-seeds, viewing them as an opportunity to advance biotechnology to new heights.
At this moment.
As Samuel stepped into the hatch, it slowly closed behind him.
Fulgrim watched as the formation of Thunderhawk gunships ascended and flew away, realizing that his father had almost entirely entrusted him with managing the handling and aftermath of this Chaos invasion.
Every step from now on would require Fulgrim's utmost caution.
He had to ensure that these "veterans" who had joined the Sons of Humanity faced the appropriate punishment in the material universe while also quelling the hatred and resentment of the "descendants" and the empire's citizens.
His father's trust and expectations were Fulgrim's greatest motivation—and his heaviest responsibility.
---
Not long after, inside the cabin of the custom Thunderhawk gunship:"..."
Samuel sat with his eyes closed, resting.
The formation of Thunderhawk gunships was heading toward low orbit, from where it would proceed to the space gate on the dark side of Prospero and then directly to Universe 13, the Trench Crusade universe.
As for the missing half of the Sons of the Emperor, they had not been incinerated by Samuel's psychic shockwave.
Instead, after Samuel had completely purged the influence of Chaos and healed their souls and bodies, he had "dragged" them to the realm of hell.
Among them were over a hundred ten-thousand-year veterans.
Samuel had not left these veterans in the material universe because doing so would have made Fulgrim's Sons of Humanity legion somewhat "overpowered."
The combat experience and overall strength of these veterans, combined with Samuel's psychic healing, far surpassed most of the current Phoenix Guards.
Thus, Samuel had sent these veterans, along with the other half of the Sons of the Emperor, to "work" in the realm of hell.
If a colony in any universe were to face a large-scale invasion similar to New Argos, and other legions could not provide timely assistance, Samuel, seated on the Golden Throne, could expend a certain amount of psychic energy to "teleport" these Sons of the Emperor to that colony.
In other words, these Sons of the Emperor were akin to a "unique" version of the Cursed Founding.
After Samuel dealt with the "transformation" of the Combat Knights and Sisters, he would consider when to open space gates to other universes again.
------------------
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