In the assembly area of the space gate base in Universe 13, the Trench Crusade universe;
As a dazzling burst of psychic light flashed across the sky, the clear, azure heavens once again came into view for everyone.
The lingering glow of the light scattered like stars, illuminating a relatively large "army"—approximately forty thousand knights and sisters—lined up in the assembly area.
These individuals, once deeply influenced by God and Heaven in the Trench Crusade universe, had undergone biological enhancements and thorough purification, elevating their physical abilities and combat skills far above those of ordinary auxiliary troops. They were the pinnacle of human strength in the Trench Crusade universe.
However, at this moment, they were clad in black and white robes, embroidered with the imperial emblem and the skull insignia of the Inquisition, symbolizing their newfound loyalty to the empire.
Though this army, designed to combat "demons," stood in silence, they exuded a solemn and sharp aura of authority.
On the outskirts of the assembly area, members of the Third Legion, the Dark Angels, stood guard in their dark green and black-painted power armor.
They held their boltguns and plasma weapons, patrolling the perimeter to ensure absolute security.
Their presence not only showcased the majesty of the Imperial Guard but also hinted at the empire's high regard for this special transformation ceremony.
Standing on the northern inspection platform of the assembly area was Samuel, who had just released the "radiant light" to cleanse the knights and sisters of God's influence, transforming them into Combat Knights and Combat Sisters.
Flanking Samuel were Lion El'Jonson, clad in his custom power armor and carrying the Lion Sword, and Alexia, dressed in a white lab coat.
As the glow of the radiant light gradually faded, the waiting technical team sprang into action.
Over a thousand technicians, clad in white protective suits, led a group of synthetics and medical Terminators into the assembly area in an orderly manner.
They divided into groups to conduct basic checks on the Combat Knights and Sisters, confirming each individual's condition and screening for any potential abnormalities.
Afterward, each knight and sister was required to proceed to a designated location. Their movements were steady, and their gazes firm, demonstrating their unconditional obedience to the empire.
Once the preliminary checks were completed, these transformed soldiers would be sent to the Biotech Division's research base.
There, more precise instruments and detailed procedures would further analyze their data, including their physical condition, the durability of the reversal, and the long-term effects of the psychic baptism.
"..."
Standing on the inspection platform, Samuel could clearly sense the emotional fluctuations of the Combat Knights and Sisters.
They held a deep reverence and admiration for the identity of the Emperor of Mankind, stemming from their respect for authority and power.
This was the first time they had seen the Emperor in person, and their hearts were filled with confusion and doubt, especially after having once served God. Their acceptance of the Emperor was not instantaneous.
Nevertheless, after being exposed to the Human Codex and the ideals of the human empire, and having their subconscious influenced by psychic energy, they remained absolutely loyal and carried a heavy sense of responsibility.
Deep within, they were experiencing a rift of faith and identity, looking toward the future while enduring immense psychological pressure.
Of course, among these Combat Knights and Sisters, some displayed exceptionally strong willpower...
Or rather, after learning the truth about Heaven and Hell, they felt a deep disappointment in the hypocrisy of both and the fate of humanity being manipulated like pawns.
To defend human dignity, they had chosen without hesitation to join the human empire, becoming part of this new force.
Isabella de Caelua was one such representative.
She was one of the first sisters to make contact with the joint reconnaissance team and undergo interrogation by Chris Redfield.
After studying the empire's Human Codex and its ideals, Isabella demonstrated a high level of cooperation. In subsequent research, she provided the Biotech Division with a large amount of critical data and support, becoming a steadfast ally in the empire's new order.
Her decision to join was not merely a personal transformation of faith but also a firm commitment to the future of humanity.
"Father." Lion, who had remained silent since the reversal ceremony began, finally spoke.
The primarch's tone was steady and low, but it carried a clear note of doubt: "The Sons of Humanity have decided to accept those Chaos Astartes, haven't they?"
Upon hearing this, Samuel nodded slightly in affirmation, then turned slightly to face Lion directly.
His tone was unhurried, as if laden with meaning: "What, Lion, are you suggesting that Fulgrim's decision is flawed, even contrary to the Imperial Truth?
And in your opinion, should Fulgrim and the Sons of Humanity be severely punished to establish the empire's absolute stance of zero tolerance toward Chaos, is that it?"
"..."
Seeing that his thoughts had been seen through by his father, Lion remained silent for half a second before continuing in a firm tone:
"Yes, Father, I must admit that Fulgrim's actions concern me.
Those Chaos scum caused catastrophic losses in New Argos, both in terms of imperial lives and property damage. This is the most severe Chaos invasion in the empire's history.
Moreover, while I never doubt Fulgrim's loyalty, I fear that such a decision will weaken the empire's resolute stance of zero tolerance toward Chaos.
If we fail to set a clear example in this matter, it will not only shake the people's faith but also tarnish the image of the other primarchs."
As soon as Lion finished speaking, he looked up at his father's face.
Deep in the primarch's eyes was a mix of unease and profound reverence for his father's decisions, but more than that, there was a steadfast adherence to principle.
After speaking, Lion fell silent again, awaiting Samuel's response, as if hoping to receive final guidance from his father's words.
"Lion..."
Samuel sighed softly, his gaze distant, as if surveying the war-torn world before him.
His voice was steady and magnetic, conveying an unshakable resolve:
"Every word you speak is filled with loyalty and deep concern for the empire's future, but you must understand that the glory and victory of the empire are far more than just the gains and losses on the battlefield."
He paused briefly, his sharp gaze piercing through Lion, as if seeing the countless bones and blood that upheld the empire.
"Fulgrim's decision cannot be judged solely by the battlefield and the losses afterward. The threat of Chaos is both an immediate disaster and a future abyss.
"We must make more far-reaching choices—to tolerate and transform, or to completely eliminate. But you must understand that 'zero tolerance' is not simply about punishment; it is about thoughtful reflection on our beliefs and the bigger picture."
Samuel turned and placed a hand on Lion's left shoulder plate, his gaze deep and penetrating as he looked at his son:
"If simple punishment and execution could solve all problems, we would no longer be troubled by trivial matters. Fulgrim's choice reflects his understanding of the empire's greater goals."
"I am not indulging him but approaching this from a longer-term perspective. You want to see the empire's justice upheld, but justice is often not about swords and judgment."
He paused, his tone softening: "Lion, the image you speak of cannot be maintained solely through surface-level intimidation and punishment.
As a primarch of the empire, as my son, you must understand that behind every decision, true power comes from the wisdom of choice, not just brute force."
"Child." At this moment, having listened to the conversation between father and son, and knowing that Samuel had finished making his point, Alexia interjected with timely advice:
"You are the backbone of the empire, and the weight of responsibility on your shoulders is greater than you imagine. But sometimes, you are too rigid, too stubborn.
The world is not black and white, and not everyone can be easily categorized as an 'enemy' or an 'ally'... Of course, those who have completely fallen to Chaos are exceptions.
So don't always see yourself as a lone walker. Learn to be tolerant and accepting, even if you dislike certain people. You need to know how to fight alongside them."
She paused briefly, then added: "You don't always have to wear a cold expression or make yourself seem like an emotionless machine. The empire needs unity, and you need to show others your gentle side, not just your sword."
"Yes..."
Hearing this, Lion responded in a low voice, appearing very calm.
However, in the end, the primarch's tone hesitated slightly, and he uttered a word that was almost unheard of from him:
"Mother."
"Oh??"
This address caught Alexia off guard, and she couldn't help but let out a light laugh, her eyes revealing a rare hint of warmth.
She reached out and patted Lion's armor, as she often did, with a straightforward and unpretentious sense of closeness.
"Child, you do understand, don't you? Haha~"
At this moment, the head of the Biotech Division, known among the technical team as a "workaholic" and "hot-tempered," showed a genuinely maternal side.
Then, she added casually: "When I have some free time, I'll make you your favorite beef pie, how about that?"
Though her words carried her usual playfulness and care, Alexia's gaze lingered on Lion's figure for a moment.
She, too, recalled the time when Samuel had first brought Lion to her, and she remembered all of Lion's habits and quirks.
Back then, she would often pat Lion's head or even physically "correct" the young primarch to ensure he focused on his studies and followed instructions.
But now, Lion was a "giant" who managed his own legion and even parallel universes, no longer the stubborn child who would defiantly resist her.
Of course, Alexia's smile did not fade but deepened.
"..."
Lion, however, turned his head away, not meeting Alexia's gaze, and nodded silently.
Clearly, the primarch, known for his composure—or indifference—remained as ever, reluctant to reveal his true emotions."Alright."
Samuel raised his hand slightly, his gaze shifting as if to remind everyone that there was no need to dwell on these topics further.
Then, his tone remained steady and commanding as he looked at Alexia:
"Now, you and your team must resolve the mass production issue in the shortest time possible. Additionally, once these transformed knights and sisters have been thoroughly inspected, report to me immediately."
Alexia had no objections to Samuel's instructions. She quickly nodded and responded:
"Understood."
In an instant, she set aside her gentle smile and immediately shifted into work mode.
For her, the mission was her top priority.
She understood Samuel's decision and knew that the existence of these knights and sisters would bring new opportunities for the empire's fight against Chaos.
As for this massive biological engineering project, she had already prepared herself mentally.
"Father." Lion, too, set aside his emotional fluctuations and asked Samuel:
"Should we now focus on expanding our military and development?"
"Correct." Samuel did not deny this and replied to his son:
"The empire's focus should be on development, as we need stronger military power, resources, and infrastructure. At the same time, we cannot ignore the hidden threats lurking in the shadows.
We must also ensure that any enemies within the empire are eradicated. No foe can escape the empire's scrutiny."
At this point, Samuel did not forget to remind Lion:
"Lion, your Dark Angels should engage more with the Thousand Sons, perhaps even conduct joint exercises.
Their legion may be small, but they possess formidable psychic firepower. Once I open the space gate to 'that' (Warhammer 40k) universe, the empire will face Chaos creatures, traitor legions, and various dimensional xenos and heretics.
Therefore, I hope your Dark Angels gain sufficient anti-psychic experience. This is crucial for you and all the empire's legions."
A flicker of contemplation crossed Lion's eyes, and he nodded in agreement. "I understand, Father."
The primarch cautiously asked: "Father, when will the next space gate be opened?"
"At the very least, we must wait until the reconstruction of New Argos is fully completed." Samuel did not evade the question but directly explained:
"Moreover, the colonization projects in the main universe are at a critical stage. We must also acknowledge that, compared to the monstrous entities of that universe, the current scale of the empire is still too small to easily handle any external threats.
Therefore, steady development and cautious expansion are our top priorities."
Shifting the topic, Samuel continued: "Additionally, Universe 14 (Starship Troopers) requires some time to complete its integration.
After the integration, Sanguinius and the Blood Angels will still have to deal with security operations of varying scales. These issues must be prioritized, as any oversight could shake the foundation of the empire in Universe 14."
And..."
At this moment, Samuel's gaze fixed on Lion, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity:
"Lion, until a more suitable primarch is found to serve as governor, I intend to temporarily entrust Universe 13 (Trench Crusade) to you.
"This universe needs a clear direction and relatively firm methods of governance, and you are one of the most suitable candidates. I hope you can, in your own way, make the imperial order in this universe more stable."
"Yes, Father. I will not disappoint your expectations."
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