Nareth leaned back on his throne, eyes half-closed, stroking the ginger fur of the gyrinx, contemplating.
'The Second Rangdan Xenocide affects vast regions of the galaxy's northern reaches. First, exclude worlds in these areas. Though not all will be engulfed, I don't know every affected world.'
'Resources invested there might be destroyed by war, wasting a divination opportunity.'
'Also exclude worlds requiring massive forces and prolonged conquest. Opening a new front now is unwise.'
After considering exclusion criteria, he thought of the Legion's needs.
'After the war with the Rangdan, Legion numbers will inevitably suffer. A suitable recruitment world is needed.'
'Preferably one that can be integrated swiftly without lengthy campaigns.'
Suddenly, a name stood out in Nareth's mind: Ventrillia.
Ventrillia was in the fringe of the galactic east, impossible to be war-affected.
Ventrillia had a proud military culture with a history that predated the Imperium.
Few Ventrillian nobles risked dishonor by evading military service. In Nareth's memory, those passing the Trial of the Lava Lakes underground coming-of-age ritual had wealth enough to buy their way out of the Imperial Guard dozens of times.
Yet they voluntarily enlisted, bringing their fine weapons.
Having reached this conclusion, Nareth decided.
Leaving the Dionysian Spear on the weapon rack, he returned to his quarters, then he went to the third layer of the Kingdom of Disorder.
Information about Ventrillia flashed rapidly through Nareth's mind.
'Ultima Segmentum, Mining World, Ventrillia.'
'Ventrillia produces gemstones valuable for both manufacturing and research...'
Everything Nareth knew about Ventrillia flashed through his mind. He mentally recited:
'Star charts from the Kalium Gate to Ventrillia.'
'Star charts from the Kalium Gate to Ventrillia.
'...'
After eleven recitations, he tossed the Dice of Prophecy.
Nareth recorded the star charts on a data crystal, then returned to realspace.
Through their psychic link, he shared Ventrillia information with John.
The "Calamity Priest's" home in Shadowhold was far more spacious than his cramped cabin on the Shadow's Sovereignty.
Two of five bookshelves were filled with divination texts; the other three held data slates.
On his divination table, a crystal ball, pendulum, and tarot cards were neatly arranged.
John snatched a quill, scribbled on high-quality parchment, quickly reviewed it, then comfortably reclined on a leather sofa.
Instantly, a vision flashed in his mind:
A lava lake erupting, dozens of nobles engulfed by surging magma.
Thousands of nobles fleeing upwards in terror, avoiding spreading magma.
The "Calamity Priest's" divination ability wasn't fundamentally enhanced over "Robot," but his spirituality had improved at both "Lucky One" and current stages.
The "Calamity Priest's" higher inspiration compared to other pathways allowed him to precisely grasp Ventrillia's situation.
Through the psychic link, Nareth immediately knew the "Calamity Priest" had accurately foreseen Ventrillia would experience a magma eruption during the coming-of-age ritual two months later.
He instantly recognized this as an opportunity to swiftly win Ventrillia hearts.
"Well done. You successfully foresaw the calamity."
John immediately felt something dissolve within him.
Nareth went to the fourth layer. Considering Ventrillia's dueling culture and Chapter situations, he decided to assign this world to the Eighth Chapter.
Extending his spirituality, confirming Thierry was alone, he pulled the Knight Lord into the Kingdom of Disorder.
"What is your Chapter's current status?"
Thierry quickly recovered from the momentary disorientation of being pulled into the mysterious realm. He replied.
"My Lord, as commanded, half the Chapter's strength, fifteen thousand, eight hundred is assembled at Kasai."
"One Ramilies-class star-fort is deployed at Kasai, guarding the teleportarium to Vostroya and the Kalium Gate."
Nareth telekinetically wrapped the data crystal, delivering it to Thierry.
"Lead five thousand to Ventrillia recorded in the data crystal. It will be your Chapter's new recruitment world."
"Ventrillia is remote. You must conceal this world."
Thierry accepted the data crystal gratefully.
"Thank you, my Lord."
"I shall obey Your will, in concealing Ventrillia."
Compared to his achievements and reputation in the Imperium, Thierry valued his Court position and the Black Emperor's intentions more.
"In two Terran months, Ventrillia's noble coming-of-age ritual will encounter a magma eruption. Issue a warning beforehand, and you will gain their support."
After speaking, Nareth returned Thierry to the Razor.
Back on his flagship, Thierry immediately ordered the fleet to set sail.
The Eighth Chapter's fleet traveled through the portal, reaching the Kalium Gate after five weeks.
Then, via the repaired fifth paired station's Kalium Gate projection, the fleet traversed from the northeast of the Segmentum Obscurus to the eastern fringe of the Ultima Segmentum in just four weeks.
This region remained untouched by Imperial fleets.
After full-spectrum broadcasts, Thierry received a reply from Ventrillia's ruling noble alliance, inviting them to the surface.
Leaving First Captain Buca to command at Kasai, Thierry left Second Captain Ghurgur in command of the fleet. With Third Captain Pierre Wright, he boarded an Aquila Lander.
The black Aquila shuttle bore the Legion emblem on its right side; the left displayed the Chapter's symbol.
Pierre carried a psychic longsword meticulously forged by Techmarine Kessai.
Even for an Astartes's superhuman frame, it was a longsword, one-fifth of the blade above his waist, the remainder extending past his knees.
Pierre walked slightly behind and to the side of his Lord, scanning the Ventrillians. His eyes suddenly brightened.
He noted that, like his homeworld, every Ventrillian noble wore a dueling sword or heavy two-handed blade.
A noble adorned with emerald headgear, sapphire necklace, two rows of gemstones on his attire, and a ruby-studded longsword on a gem-encrusted belt approached Thierry, arms open.
Through Librarian translation, Thierry and Pierre understood his words.
"Justin Wattara, Consul of Ventrillia, representing the Ventrillia Noble Council, welcomes the Shadows of Order."
After mutual courtesies, Pierre boarded a vehicle.
As they proceeded, Pierre noticed that unlike Kasai where everyone bore blades, not every Ventrillia did.
Ordinary citizens walking the city wore one or two smaller gemstones but no weapons.
Only nobles carried blades.
The vehicle stopped before an ornate palace. Pierre and others entered to musical accompaniment. He discovered the palace had fourteen levels, accommodating tens of thousands of nobles.
He thought silently, 'Ventrillia is wealthier than Kasai, abundant in gemstones, supporting many nobles.'
'The nobles here likely represent only a portion.'
Pierre ascended lavish steps, seated at the palace center. Delicacies and wines were served by attendants.
The banquet lasted two days. In harmonious atmosphere, the Knight Lord, via Librarians, answered every question from Ventrillia nobles.
The nobles understood Nareth's principles and requirements, deciding to accept the Shadows of Order' governance.
As the celebratory banquet neared its end, Justin, having learned some basic phrases, smiled and slowly said to the Knight Lord.
"Lord... in four days... we hold underground coming-of-age ritual... We wish to invite you and Shadows of Order..."
"Justin, this year's ritual cannot proceed. The lava lake will erupt."
After consulting the Librarian, Justin understood. He frowned.
The coming-of-age ritual was a Ventrillian noble tradition, crucial for him as Consul to gain support from new nobles.
Especially now, as Ventrillia faced unprecedented change in millennia, transitioning from independent nation to the Lord's domain.
Justin's smile faded. He said gravely.
"Can you be certain? This is vital for Ventrillia."
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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