3rd Month 862.M30, Mars.
Within a gloomy underground catacomb, Arkhan Land walked with brisk steps.
His monkey perched on his shoulder, yet his pace surpassed some Tech-Priests with mechanical augmentations.
During his over two-year expedition exploring the Librarius Omnis, Arkhan had become a true "Archaeologist" and recently an "Appraiser."
Besides numerous blueprints, Arkhan, relying on historical knowledge, located the tomb of a what he believed to be a Dark Age of Technology Martian Magos.
Records were fragmentary, seemingly deliberately erased.
He spared no effort to reconstruct lost history only revealed that Magos Armas-41 conducted dangerous experiments.
He caused many deaths, especially several figures equivalent to Magos Majoris, leading to universal ostracism.
Arkhan believed such dangerous power only the Omnissiah was worthy of wielding.
Using ruin-related knowledge, he opened this tomb.
During prior excavations, Arkhan found Dark Age of Technology data slates, enriching his knowledge.
Now, he reached the main burial chamber.
Arriving before a sealed stone chamber, he circled it first, discovering the chamber supported by twelve auramite pillars, divided into four sectors.
'The highest burial specifications. This chamber held great significance for Magos Armas-41 interred here.'
Returning to the entrance, Arkhan examined the sentinel guarding the doorway.
An automated construct created by excising human brain lobes and modification.
The sentinel turned its head towards him; one eye socket glowed with a crimson iris.
Arkhan carefully examined the synthetic materials for mechanical components, very peculiar, some even unfamiliar to him.
'A Dark Age of Technology technological relic, remaining loyal guardians after millennia.
The sole obstacle before me.'
Arkhan approached slowly. The sentinel on the door moved, emitting metallic grating sounds.
It leaned forward. With a piercing shriek, the right video screen lit up, displaying mysterious symbols on a green background.
As an experienced Martian "Archaeologist," Arkhan realized he had only one attempt. Entering the wrong runes would trigger defense arrays attacking his team.
Not believing he possessed luck like the Omnissiah's strong-brain cat, he must rely on his own ability to find the unlocking runes.
Entering he stared at the 0-9 numeral rune keypad, mind racing.
'From Armas-41's writings and chamber architecture, the Machine God's sacred number twelve held great significance for him.'
'Password is twelve digits.'
'Structure of 3 and 4, binary 0 and 1 important, also 41—his chosen personal number...'
The "Appraiser" extracted a sequence from historical ruins, arranging digits according to Armas-41's personality.
Standing before the keypad, he rapidly tapped runes.
The cogitator's video screen flickered continuously. Hearing servo motors whir and mechanical pumps hum, Arkhan sighed in relief.
The door hissed open. Arkhan immediately entered. On the laboratory bench, he found the dangerous experimental item.
The "Appraiser" cautiously examined the glass-structured grenade, not touching it, carefully extending his spirituality.
As spirituality rapidly depleted, information about the glass grenade surfaced in the "Appraiser's" mind. Simultaneously, he felt something dissolve within him.
The "Appraiser" stared at the glass grenade, already intuitively perceiving the dormant Warp brain-worms within.
These forbidden weapons, created at humanity's peak mastery of physical laws, targeted souls.
They could not only annihilate flesh but also obliterate their celestial reflections.
Three days later, Arkhan returned to the orbital docks with the dangerous glass grenades.
Stepping off the Aquila Lander's deck, Arkhan noticed many red-robed Tech-Priests present.
He frowned slightly but paid no mind. He had always been an outlier on Mars; they couldn't be seeking him.
As Arkhan headed towards the frigate gifted by the Omnissiah, a red-robed Tech-Priest turned, spotting him, excitedly shouting.
"Magos Arkhan Land!"
His cry drew surrounding Tech-Priests, crowding around.
Arkhan was instantly surrounded by hundreds. His expression changed. He was anxiously watching the servitors carrying cases.
"Do not approach!"
Fearing disaster, Arkhan spent two long minutes ascertaining the situation. These Tech-Priests were outliers without mentors or ostracized.
His published four Standard Template Constructs had shocked the Imperium, including Mars and many Forge Worlds.
These Tech-Priests sought the Omnissiah's Light-Bearer, wishing to follow him.
From them, Arkhan also learned the Fabricator-General and various conclaves decided to construct a Mechanicum Ark for him.
Scanning hundreds of fervent Tech-Priests, previously he wouldn't have accepted them. But now, a new thought emerged.
'Perhaps they can serve the Omnissiah.'
With this thought, Arkhan spoke.
"Follow me."
Arkhan boarded his frigate amidst the throng.
After having attendants settle the Tech-Priests, he directed servitors to bring crates of glass to his quarters, placing them on the altar. Then he devoutly prayed to the Black Emperor.
"Black Emperor of the Order of Shadows,"
In Arkhan's mind, the Black Emperor was the Omnissiah, as he once mistakenly believed the Emperor was the Omnissiah.
The Omnissiah and the Black Emperor were one, the deity he worshipped.
"..."
"I beseech Thy gaze."
"I beseech Thy favor."
"I offer You sacrifices."
"..."
Reciting the fifth time, black mist engulfed him and the crates of offerings.
Within the fourth layer of the Kingdom of Disorder, after hearing Arkhan's report, Nareth gazed at the glass grenades.
'The Dark Angels forbidden vaults hold several such dangerous weapons.'
'Unexpectedly, Arkhan found forty-one and acquired manufacturing technology.'
'Other conventional weapons can be licensed to Mars and other Forge Worlds, but such forbidden weapons must never enter Standard Template Construct sequences, only secretly manufactured.'
Nareth looked appreciatively at Arkhan. "Well done."
"All glory belongs to my Lord!" Arkhan said devoutly.
"Continue exploring Mars. Through appraising ancient relics, you will master the power I granted." Nareth instructed.
"The Tech-Priests following you shall learn under you and assist in receiving the Ark Mechanicum."
"A negotiation team will assist you in dealings with various Forge Worlds."
"Your will be done." After Arkhan accepted, Nareth returned him to the frigate.
Back in reality, Nareth immediately messaged the Forge Lord.
Shortly after, Rosicky entered the Primarch's office.
Nareth pushed the data-crystal towards the Master of the Forge, gesturing at the crates.
"Take one crate of glass grenades for reference. Secretly manufacture them aboard the fortress ship."
"The remainder and manufactured products will be sealed aboard the Shadow's Sovereignty and Chapter flagships."
"Use of this forbidden weapon requires simultaneous authorization from at least the Chapter Master and another Court Baron."
"As you command, my Lord." The Forge Forge immediately handled the glass grenades per the Nareth's orders.
Nareth was about to attend to other official duties when he suddenly received a request for an audience from Arsena.
Moments later, Arsena entered the office.
"My Lord, the Emperor has convened an emergency war council."
"Forge World Xana is under seige. The enemy has breached orbital defenses and made planetfall."
Hearing this, Nareth knew the Second Rangdan Xenocide had begun.