Chapter 208: Farewell, Luna Wolves
"Pleasure working with you."
The rasping voice slipped from beneath the Death Lord's respirator. After being locked away in the apothecarion for quite some time, Mortarion had finally made an appearance as the Drune campaign neared its conclusion, just in time to attend the Luna Wolves' departure ceremony.
The Great Crusade still marched on. The frontlines, ever ablaze with war, called out to the Luna Wolves. Since the campaign had not severely depleted their legion's strength, fresh imperial orders had arrived swiftly—bidding them forward, toward the next battlefield, and into the flames once more.
Compared to previous tense interactions—like the confrontational Vulkan and Ferrus, or the bitter falling out with Perturabo—the cooperation between the Death Guard and the Luna Wolves could only be described as the smoothest collaboration of all. Without exception.
If not for Mortarion's sudden shift in attitude, the two legions would likely have become close allies by now.
Even so, the current relationship between the two was more than passable—"pretty solid," one could say. A simple farewell ceremony was enough to demonstrate that the two legions were open to future cooperation—an intentional signal to any observers.
Mortarion himself remained indifferent. Once he had come to the realization that corruption was inevitable no matter what, and that cooperation with certain legions was unavoidable, Mortarion had chosen, at the very least, not to work with Primarchs like Perturabo. Though Horus might betray them one day… for now, the Lupercal was still the most approachable of his brothers.
Horus was currently chatting warmly with Mortarion. The Lupercal, sharp-eyed as always, noticed that his brother seemed to be deliberately sidestepping his overtures—politely declining various invitations under flimsy excuses. Yet, at the Luna Wolves' farewell event, Mortarion had still shown up. Naturally, Horus wasn't going to miss this chance, and he enthusiastically poured forth rhetoric on the Emperor and the Legiones Astartes, despite Mortarion's stiff responses.
Elsewhere, Hades had pulled Vorx aside to chat with Abaddon and Sejanus. The two Luna Wolves, prompted by Hades' curiosity, were more than happy to reminisce about some ancient campaigns. Vorx, on the other hand, quietly observed the way Hades managed the conversation—how he handled the rhythm, when he shifted topics, and how seamlessly he navigated it all.
Under Hades' subtle nudging, Vorx began trying to consciously understand those techniques.
What surprised—or slightly discouraged—Vorx was the realization that Hades had used these same conversational tools on him at the very beginning.
But not anymore.
Vorx hoped this meant that the senior Death Guard now trusted him… rather than having simply upgraded to a more advanced form of manipulation.
"It's a pity we never got to spar in the dueling cage," Hades said cheerfully. "I really wanted to experience the Luna Wolves' famous martial prowess firsthand."
Abaddon smiled politely—though internally he was thanking the Emperor that the duel had never happened.
It was Sejanus who responded seriously:
"Next time we meet, you're welcome to challenge us. I look forward to crossing blades with you, Hades."
"There are many skilled warriors in the Luna Wolves besides me," Sejanus added. "I'm sure they'd be eager for the challenge."
Hades grinned. "Then it's settled. Next time, bring your weapons—we'll have a real match."
Sejanus nodded. "If it's purely a contest of martial skill, I'm confident I can face you."
Vorx noticed that Hades' gaze drifted slightly away from Sejanus for a moment—before quickly returning.
"Don't worry. If the situation allows, I'll use nothing but pure technique. Just make sure you don't die—we've got a match to look forward to."
Sejanus smiled faintly. For warriors like them, death was an everyday companion. As a Mournival, Sejanus had long accepted that fate. Though Hades' words gave him a moment's pause, he chalked it up to the melancholy of parting.
After all, in this era of endless war, it took a fair bit of luck to meet the same person again.
"You don't die either."
Hades let out a long, relaxed sigh. "Don't worry, I won't. Definitely not."
"Hey, let's not talk about dying—why does it suddenly feel all emotional in here?"
Abaddon's voice cut in, trying to lighten the mood.
Hades chuckled and quickly picked up the new thread of conversation.
The atmosphere shifted—once again warm and cheerful.
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