The third stellar month of 858.M30, in the Primarch's office.
Arkhan Land spoke at length, bluntly proposing one improvement suggestion after another for the hive cities of the Primarch's domain.
"Lord Nareth, as I just stated, adjusting the production line of this lasgun manufactorum would increase efficiency by five percent."
"Over the past twenty-three work cycles, I have identified all areas for improvement within the Hive of Tizca."
Arkhan remained puzzled by the Primarch's requirement for a report every work cycle.
Without the time lost in travel, he could have completed his survey of Tizca Hive at least four work cycles earlier.
The "Baron of Corruption" leaned back on his throne, scrutinizing Arkhan, his words, his posture.
'Arkhan's faith in the Emperor is quite firm. "Corroding" him indeed won't be easy.'
'Once I succeed in "Corroding" him, my digestion progress will advance, conservatively estimated to exceed fifty percent.'
Reviewing past "corrosion" cases, Nareth's mind raced with analysis.
Hathor Maat was "corroded" through the "Kingdom of Disorder," contributing almost nothing to digestion progress.
His primary "corrosion" targets thus far were only Lian Ramilies, Gios Vyronii, and Malevolus.
Because of the STCs he uncovered and their prior interactions, Lian and Malevolus already possessed a degree of loyalty to him. He had saved House Vironi.
"Corrosion" played a limited role in solidifying the complete loyalty of these three.
Based on past digestion experience, his current progress was close to one-third.
'Successfully "corroding" Arkhan would greatly advance the digestion of "Baron of Corrupt." Conservatively estimated, progress would exceed half.'
The key was how to "corrode" the steadfastly faithful Arkhan.
Nareth's eyes grew profound. After a moment's thought, he mused to himself.
'Mere accumulation of time is ineffective. I must show Arkhan a miracle.'
'The Voidclaw is that miracle.'
'But the Vhulian Swirlx is a significant obstacle.'
Nareth knew the Vhulian Swirlx was, in essence, a nearly impenetrable storm.
His mind spun rapidly, calculating the odds of success.
'The Dice Prophecy's recharge will complete in approximately half a year. Then, I can find a route to the research station holding the Voidclaw.'
'Hmm, set out early, try other methods, and let Arkhan attempt as well.'
'If he finds it, it will still be due to my guidance. If he fails, my eventual intervention will make him recognize the miracle even more profoundly.'
Having reached this conclusion, he spoke.
"Arkhan, you will continue your surveys of the various hives."
"Report once per work cycle."
"The fleet will set sail within one stellar month to search for the Dark Age of Technology-era weapon."
Hearing this, Arkhan's eyes shone.
"Your will be done."
As Arkhan left, he passed the silver-haired Primarch's aide entering the office.
The two nodded to each other. Though their interactions were few, they respected each other's knowledge.
Only after the door closed did Arsena speak.
"My Lord, the Emperor has decided to convene a new War Council, timed for the beginning of the timed for the beginning of the white-light shift."
Nareth nodded slightly. "What is the agenda?"
Arsena's mind flashed through the intelligence gathered. He spoke.
"According to reports from the Shadow Guard on Terra, Lorgar delivered a speech at the celebration of his return, praising the Emperor."
"He believes a position should be established within the Space Marine Legions to extol the Emperor's achievements in leading the Great Crusade and inspire the Astartes' fighting spirit."
The "Polymath" stated his conclusion. "Lord Lorgar wishes to propagate faith in the Emperor within the Legions."
"I understand."
When the bells marking the end of the black-night shift and the beginning of the timed for the beginning of the white-light shift sounded, Nareth's consciousness traversed the starry sea, descending into Terra's Golden Palace.
Nareth's gaze swept the hall. Besides Malcador, fifteen Primarchs, including himself, were present.
The most notable seating change was for the First Legion. After Lion El'Jonson's return, having emerged from the disgraceful victory at Caliban, criticized by Roboute Guilliman, and the subsequent bloody, costly proof of worth, the Lion now sat to Roboute Guilliman's right, surpassing Rogal Dorn.
To the Lion's right sat Leman Russ, Sanguinius, Fulgrim, Vulkan, and the recently returned Lorgar.
Lorgar's shaven head bore inscriptions in Colchisian script. His golden skin made his gray eyes resemble winter snowfall; the charcoal smudged around them made his gaze seem even brighter.
Nareth's eyes scanned Lorgar's pale skin. Thousands of symbols written in gold pigment were clearly visible.
Rows of neat text ran from his smooth scalp to his jawline, containing reverent blessings, words of a bright future, and invocations for divine aid.
Nareth withdrew his gaze. To his side sat Ferrus Manus, Dorn, Perturabo, Hannibal, Magnus, and Mortarion.
"Nareth." Horus's tone was relaxed. The Shadows of Order hadn't recently closed the gap with the Luna Wolves, which put him more at ease.
"Our new brother, Primarch of the Seventeenth Legion, Lorgar Aurelian."
He then said to Lorgar.
"Primarch of the Eleventh Legion, Nareth."
Lorgar's gray eyes gleamed. "Nareth, during my time on Terra, I've heard your legendary tales most frequently."
"The people of Terra call you the Conqueror of Xenos."
"Welcome, Lorgar." After exchanging greetings, Nareth was about to offer a modest remark when a grating, boorish voice sounded in his ear.
"Lorgar, that's all in the past."
"The Shadows of Order suffered heavy casualties in the galactic core. Since then, there have been no noteworthy achievements."
"It's normal. Relying on your witchcraft was merely winning temporary victories. Only true warriors earn enduring glory."
Before Russ finished speaking, Magnus was the first to rebut.
"False words are not only ugly but also pollute the minds of listeners."
"Imagine the knowledge Librarians record will grant us a millennium from now."
Sanguinius, seeing Russ's eyes grow sharp and fierce, spoke before he could, his tone measured and forceful.
"Past wars have proven the Librarius provides Legions with new tactical options."
"During my engagement in the Tegha system..."
Even while countering Russ's point, Sanguinius still wore a smile, his tone calm yet powerful.
Just as Nareth thought the debate would conclude with Sanguinius's charismatic speech, the silent Mortarion spoke.
"I harbor doubts about establishing Librarius divisions within the Astartes. I am concerned about what schemes the Thousand Sons seek to plant within each Legion."
"The Death Guard will not be tainted by a Librarius division like the Blood Angels."
"Committing evil is like walking a path. The human heart decays by accumulating small evils."
Nareth's eyes flickered. The edge in Mortarion's words targeted Magnus and Sanguinius, but not himself.
'Is this because of the aid I provided on Barbarus, helping him fulfill his mission?'
'But the way he targets Sanguinius more than Magnus is quite odd.'
Nareth's gaze grew profound. His mind raced, then inspiration struck. The name Galaspar flashed through his thoughts.
He recalled that recently, the Emperor had dispatched Horus and Sanguinius to Galaspar to investigate.
Galaspar was Mortarion's first battle after rejoining the Imperium, a battlefield he had chosen.
Galaspar's psychic policies and enslavement reminded Mortarion of Barbarus and the Overlord. He reaped the knightly orders there like a scythe.
On Galaspar, Mortarion freed the enslaved Cinis; she later became a Protege of the Death Guard.
'Mortarion is deeply dissatisfied with Sanguinius's subsequent inquiry and accountability, scorned Vulkan's concerns, and believes the path the Empero wished Horus to teach him as unfit.'
'It seems even after successfully killing Necare, he still took up the scythe and walked his own path of death.'
'Cinis is less Mortarion's Protege and more his Herald, solidifying his path towards damnation.'
A brief silence fell in the Golden Hall. Sanguinius's smile faded, but his expression remained calm. He exchanged a look with Horus, understanding Mortarion's words were a counter to the Galaspar inquiry.
Horus remained silent for a few seconds, then decided to speak to soothe Mortarion. But Lorgar spoke first.
"Father has permitted the establishment of the Librarius. We should obey."
"His decree is Absolute!"
Nareth looked at Lorgar. Unlike some previously returned Primarchs who observed cautiously after joining the War Council, Lorgar was like an intruding fanatic, eager to display his pious faith in the Emperor.
Horus followed Lorgar's words. "Precisely. Father has made his decision."
As the Fabricator-General of Mars entered the Golden Hall, Mortarion spoke no more.
He did not believe his father's path was correct. On the contrary, his father wielded the scythe with too many restraints, and the policies enforced across Imperial worlds were too brutal.
Mortarion knew he could not speak of this openly.
His hood and rebreather seemed to grow darker, as if isolating him from his surroundings.
Golden light flared. The Emperor and Constantin Valdor appeared within the radiance.
.....
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