"Did you activate the dormant Eldar Gene-coding within him?" Jain Zar observed Captain Sicarius, who was gradually ascending from the ground, with an expression mixing surprise and suspicion.
Under standard circumstances, even if Sicarius had activated the Eldar Gene-coding in his enhanced physiology, he would require exposure to Wraithbone resonance to properly manifest levitation abilities.
Yet that subtle golden energy was sufficient to fully activate the latent Eldar sequence. This indicated Kei had completely deciphered the fundamental architecture of Eldar genetic structures! And if the activation protocols could be inverted, it would enable direct attacks against Craftworld Eldar at the genetic level!
Although, considering the overwhelming force he employed against Lelith... Even without such methodology, neutralizing most Eldar would likely require minimal exertion from him.
Nevertheless, this progression is unnaturally rapid!
In totality, merely hours have passed since his arrival in their reality. She had scarcely provided any meaningful intelligence.
The most closely-guarded secret of the Eldar within the known galaxy, held no mysteries before him!
Was this the capability of a Dimensional Demon God?
"Not precisely. I also implemented... a True Love... no, a Soul-Bond Detector?"
Kei's expression contained subtle amusement as he monitored Sicarius's erratic aerial movements.
"What? He can identify predestined soul-bonds now?"
Celestine blinked, curiosity illuminating her features.
"The principle approximately involves detecting positive psychic resonance and spiritual connections to oneself."
"And how does the connection mechanism function?"
"Should he respond to someone who isn't his true soul-bond, he'll experience minor discomfort."
"...Establishing companionship already presented formidable challenges for him, and now you've elevated the difficulty to impossible standards? That's exquisitely cruel! Hahaha~"
Celestine envisioned Sicarius's reaction upon discovering this truth, and couldn't restrain her amusement, striking the surface before her with unrestrained laughter.
She'd frequently overhear Imperial officers discussing such matters in hushed tones.
"Rather ingenious methodology." Jain Zar's lips formed a subtle expression of amusement.
She perceived that the wielder of the Galactic Force appeared to harbor favorable impressions toward the female Inquisitor Greyfax.
However, should he lack reciprocal sentiment... That would present fascinating developments!
Nearby, Lieutenant Voss, Inquisitor Greyfax, and Tech-priest Datius, who initially intended to inquire about potential genetic enhancements for themselves, instinctively recoiled slightly upon witnessing Sicarius's erratic aerial trajectory.
Their expressions conveyed unmistakable sympathy.
Emperor's blood, if levitation proved unattainable, then so be it! But to eliminate even that minuscule fragment of human pleasure? Such circumstances approach genuine tragedy!
"Jain Zar, Kyganil, would you prefer assistance activating your Webway Technology? And Celestine, do you desire liberation from the genetic restrictions within your divine form?"
Kei's proposition contained undeniable allure.
Celestine had experienced recurring misfortune because, despite possessing Emperor-blessed capabilities, she couldn't fully access them while enemies could exploit her connection to the warp. If the genetic restrictions were removed, those calamities inflicted upon her might never materialize.
Regarding Jain Zar, it wasn't until her journey to Commorragh, when Yvraine suddenly lost communication and she nearly perished fighting Drazhar, that her Webway Technology activated fully.
With earlier activation, perhaps her destined path would have diverged significantly.
Kyganil had traversed a comparable trajectory, an unfortunate soul repeatedly defeated in critical engagements.
Earlier Webway Technology activation would certainly render them more formidable than in the original timeline.
"Kyganil and I shall contemplate your offer. Living Saint, what is your decision?" Jain Zar arched an eyebrow and skillfully redirected attention toward Celestine.
As someone who appreciated observing consequential developments... She recognized a kindred strategic mind in Kei. The soul-bond detector presented no concern to her. Eldar consistently pursued their fated connections.
However, if Kei surreptitiously incorporated some unexpected modification within her and Kyganil... They would undoubtedly become subjects of subsequent amusement.
"I... would Lord Guilliman discover this modification?"
Celestine hesitated momentarily, then leaned toward Kei, whispering with minimal vocal projection.
Confronting the immense pressure from advancing Tyranid Hive Fleets and Chaos incursions, she genuinely desired enhanced combat capability. But should she remove her genetic restrictions and be discovered by the Adeptus Mechanicus...
Not only would they immediately implement new restrictions, but Lord Guilliman would likely subject her to extensive tactical criticism!
"I'll fabricate falsified warp-signatures, no one will notice."
"But... will I maintain control over such amplified capabilities?"
"Hmm... perhaps I'll implement a regulatory mechanism for you? You can figure it out as you go."
"Please avoid compromising my existing functionality. I've maintained relative contentment on Holy Terra. Should I experience public humiliation, relocation to another sector would become necessary for continued service."
"Hahaha~ Agreed then!" Kei readily consented.
Observing Celestine inhale deeply, adopting a solemn posture as though preparing for combat operations, he experienced internal amusement and issued instructions to the Labyrinthian Circuit.
Labyrinthine, generate counterfeit data to circumvent Imperial psychic monitoring systems. Replace Celestine's genetic restrictions and implement multiple internal regulatory mechanisms. Position the control interface within her physical form, accessible exclusively with her authorization.
---
(Activating Labyrinthian Combat Protocols. Target: Living Saint Celestine. Chosen of the Emperor. Retrieving genetic sequence, internal psychic resonance patterns, restriction architecture... Retrieval complete. Constructing genetic restriction reconfiguration framework.)
(Framework complete. Activating anti-warp capabilities, advanced material definition, and high-level conceptual recoding. Initiating genetic restriction reconfiguration. Progress: 20%... 40%... 60%... 80%... 100%.)
(Genetic restriction reconfiguration complete. Returning conceptual state to baseline.)
---
The Labyrinthian Circuit concluded its mechanized notifications at accelerated velocity. The subtle anti-warp and warp-based conceptual manifestations surrounding Celestine rapidly dissipated.
"Emperor's light! Such efficiency! I experienced no sensations whatsoever!" Celestine blinked, then examined the tiered genetic restriction interface now apparently under her complete authority.
With bewildered expression, she mentally adjusted the interface upward one level and attempted initiating warp energy manifestation.
The sudden intensification in energy convergence illuminated her features with unmistakable elation!
During Lord Guilliman and the Mechanicus's previous attempts to optimize her capabilities, they had labored extensively within the Fortress of Hera.
And presently?
Within mere moments, this dimensional entity had accomplished it?!
Jain Zar nearly succumbed to laughter at Celestine's remarkably suggestive phrasing, particularly when she observed Kei's expression, now displaying visible discomfort.
Newly ascended saints possessed distinctive charm.
Such articulation... even with her millennia of experience, she could never replicate such unintentional innuendo.
Kyganil struggled to maintain composure. However, confronting such a potent entity, genuine laughter seemed inadvisable.
---
[Major alteration to an important character's fate.]
[The worldline has deviated.]
[Obtained:
- 3 trait extraction
- 1 trait duplication
- 1 gifting opportunity
- 1 trait upgrading (purple)
- 1 trait downgrading
- 1 trait removal
- 1 trait reset]
---
"If you want to laugh, just laugh." Kei observed the extensive reward notification, then resignedly glanced toward Jain Zar and Kyganil.
Universal comprehension of Celestine's intended meaning existed. Several expressions of mirth wouldn't diminish his rewards.
"Hahahaha~" Kyganil initially surrendered to unrestrained laughter.
Jain Zar abandoned restraint over her facial muscles, which had exhibited pronounced tension. She positioned her chin upon her hand and directed a mischievous gesture toward him.
"I presumed you might object. After all... this certainly involves... mmm."
"How does that ancient Terran expression proceed? 'The less substantial one's assets, the greater one's concern'? If genuine curiosity exists, I wouldn't oppose demonstrating personally."
"Pfft~"
Jain Zar's complexion acquired subtle coloration, expressing playful indignation before averting her gaze in momentary embarrassment.
Typically, she initiated such exchanges. Yet today, she became the recipient. Most problematically... continued exploration of this subject would only intensify its suggestive nature!
This entity, while certainly not resembling the Drukhari pleasure-seekers, likely didn't embody the "noble ascetic" archetype either.
"Hahahahaha~ Captain Sicarius! Inquisitor Greyfax! Lieutenant Voss! Tech-priest Datius! The Emperor's Saint has returned! Engage me, I shall demonstrate the true power of His divine light!"
Celestine, completely absorbed in her enthusiasm and utterly oblivious to surrounding conversation, emanated intense golden radiance as she assumed a confident stance, hands positioned at her waist, directing a self-assured expression toward Inquisitor Greyfax and her companions.
The Sister of Battle and Inquisitor simultaneously covered their faces.
Not because the golden illumination proved excessive, but because Celestine herself projected overwhelming exuberance.
Sister Miriya observed with subtle envy Celestine's aura of luminous confidence. Then, noticing her two companions shield their faces, she quickly adopted identical posture, reluctant to appear nonconformist.
"Saint Celestine, direct some illumination toward this position. Visibility approaches zero, and Datius has been ineffectively searching for the activation rune. Additionally, would you prefer your protein with increased capsaicin content?"
Inquisitor Greyfax briefly acknowledged Celestine before returning attention to carefully rotating meat portions over the heating element.
The sustenance approached optimal preparation.
What rational individual would abandon nocturnal refreshment for supplementary combat exercises?
"Oh! Affirmative, affirmative! Maximum capsaicin intensity!"