"But this was the highest intensity of transformation. If they reduced the amplification to around twice their strength, then they could maintain the state for ten minutes of battle without suffering any harm to their bodies. Even fighting for an hour would only require them to release the transformation to rest, without incurring any fatal damage," Malcador said.
In the original design, Axis's Super Saiyan transformation had been capped at a maximum of fivefold power. The baseline amplification was twice, but this time, in order to test the full effect, the Custodian Knights had all activated the fivefold limit state.
Ordinarily, on the battlefield, an Astartes did not even need to use such a transformation to crush their opponents.
After all, those implanted with Axis's gene-seed were already stronger than regular Astartes.
The fivefold amplification was meant as a desperate measure, a last resort, only to be unleashed in moments of true crisis. In most cases, the normal form, or a twofold or threefold transformation, was more than enough to deal with any situation.
"Teacher, your thinking is sound, but I must tell you something. S-cells cannot be contained," Axis said.
With the increase of S-cells, the growth of power, and the evolution of the body's physical foundation, the effect of the transformation would continue to strengthen. If one underestimated the Saiyan bloodline, underestimated the potential of S-cells, then that was truly shortsighted.
Did they really think such power could be suppressed?
The potential of a Saiyan was endless.
The initial transformation of a Saiyan already began with a fiftyfold increase. Though these Astartes had restrictions placed upon them, if prodigies such as Sigismund, Abaddon, or even later warriors like Calgar emerged, they might well shatter those limits.
As long as the body could endure it, the S-cells would continue to push them into infinite heights.
Tenfold amplification. Twentyfold amplification. As long as the body and spirit could sustain it, such leaps would not be impossible.
To speak bluntly, Axis's gene-seed was the most perfect, most stable, most efficient, and most powerful among all gene-seeds ever created for the Legiones Astartes.
Not only did it grant resistance against the corruption of the Warp, but it also bestowed the overwhelming ability to transform.
Axis explained it.
"If such a gifted Astartes truly appeared, then it would be a blessing," the Emperor said, "The restriction was never to bind their strength, but to protect them. If it becomes possible to safely unlock greater transformations, then as their father, you may guide them."
By now, the number of Astartes had already exceeded one and a half million, and the figure was still climbing at a staggering pace.
According to the Emperor's estimate, if the Great Crusade lasted for several more decades, the Legiones Astartes might surpass 2.5 million warriors, perhaps even break the threshold of three million.
With numbers on such a scale, it was inevitable that many extraordinary individuals would rise from among them.
Already, there were champions within the Legions whose strength could rival the Custodes, and a few who could even defeat them.
If such warriors were implanted with Axis's gene-seed, the results would be unimaginable.
But there was a regret.
These top-tier Astartes were already the leaders of their Legions, and it was impossible for them to undergo implantation again, stripping them of their former identity. Otherwise, their power would have ascended to an even higher level.
"We must establish a rule within your Legion," the Emperor said, "In ordinary combat, they may freely use the twofold or threefold transformation. But if they wish to ascend to fourfold or fivefold, they may only do so for three minutes, and only with the approval of a captain or higher. This is for the safety of your warriors."
The transformation was indeed powerful, but it had to be kept within a controlled and safe boundary, or disaster would follow.
"I agree," Axis replied, "But one more condition must be added. If a warrior faces a life-or-death crisis, and only by unleashing the limit state can they survive, then it should be permitted. Or if one has resolved to perish together with the enemy, then it should also be allowed."
Rigid restrictions alone were folly.
If a transformation could kill the foe, why not use it? Even if it meant dying together, it was still a victory of sorts; at least the enemy would be dragged down as well.
"...My concern, Axis," the Emperor said gravely, "is that this transformation might become the natural course of action for them. Do you understand? When mortals revere you blindly, when their faith in you becomes fanatic, they are capable of the most reckless acts."
Just as the entire Imperium now worshipped the Emperor himself to the point of treating him as a god. Though in truth, he was one.
Yet the Emperor still clenched his teeth and proclaimed to all the truth of the Imperium: he was not a god. But if there existed a standard by which one could be judged a god, then he surely met it.
"I will teach them not to misuse their power," Axis said, "and especially not to waste their lives in meaningless suicidal attacks."
"Then I am reassured," the Emperor replied, "From this day, this Legion will be entrusted to you. Soon, I shall declare your true identity, that you are one of my created Primarchs. And you shall wed my daughter Kasha."
It was the season of rediscovering the lost Primarchs, so the addition of Axis would raise little controversy.
He would simply be treated as another of the Emperor's sons who had returned.
Axis nodded at these words.
At last, his status as a Primarch would be official. From this point onward, he would stand within the highest councils of the Imperium.
…
A month later, three thousand newly-forged Space Marines clad in golden power armour stood before him.
This was the embryonic form of Axis's Golden Knights Legion, a brand-new Legion of the Legiones Astartes.
By the Emperor's order, recruits from Terra itself had been assigned to Axis, delivered to undergo the Astartes transformation.
At the same time, Lion El'Jonson had promised three thousand recruits from the knightly orders of Caliban.
These would also be implanted with Axis's gene-seed and, in time, become warriors of the Golden Knights, though their modifications would take longer to complete.
Across other worlds, too, the Emperor commanded planetary rulers to select suitable youths and send them to Holy Terra.
Within ten years, his plan was to expand Axis's Legion to more than one hundred thousand warriors, an army worthy of the Great Crusade.
"Salute the great Emperor! Salute the great gene-father Axis!" The three thousand newly-created Astartes stood tall, raising the Imperial Aquila in salute toward the Emperor and Axis.
"My sons, you are the foundation of this Legion. You are the new Golden Knights. Make me proud, and make the Imperium proud!" Axis stepped forward, addressing his sons with a voice that carried over the ranks.
"We are the Children of Gold! For the Golden Knights! For the Imperium!!" they roared back, their voices shaking the air.
Golden radiance flared skyward.
The warriors burned with light like living flame, their hair and brows turned gold. Even though this was a weakened form of the true Super Saiyan transformation, the spectacle was breathtaking.
Their power had truly risen, and in the eyes of ordinary men, they were nothing short of demigods.
"Axis is one of my sons," the Emperor declared before the highest lords of Terra, "He shall be counted as the eighteenth Primarch to return to the Imperium, following Jaghatai Khan."
The record of Axis's service with the Space Wolves was erased by the Emperor's decree. From now on, Axis stood as a new figure in the Imperium, fully recognized as one of its ruling elite.
Only four Primarchs remained unreturned: the lord of the XII Legion, the XIX Legion, the VIII Legion, and the XX Legion.
"Hail the Primarch!" The Imperial Palace square erupted in thunderous cheers.
Axis stood at the Emperor's side, smiling as he waved to the countless citizens gathered beyond the palace gates.
With ki infused through his body, Axis was now standing at three and a half meters. It was a matter of appearance.
To the galaxy, a Primarch was a giant. If Axis still appeared as a man of two meters, he would seem out of place.
At the Emperor's side that day stood two other Primarchs: Rogal Dorn of the VII Legion and Horus of the XVI Legion. Both had been summoned specifically to witness the founding of Axis's new Legion and his investiture as a recognized son of the Emperor.
They greeted Axis warmly, offering blessings and welcoming him into the brotherhood of the Primarchs.
His former record with the Space Wolves was set aside, but his deeds in the Rangdan Xenocide were retained.
Officially, it was recorded that Axis had been discovered by Lion El'Jonson, Leman Russ, and Jaghatai Khan, then brought into the Imperium, where he played a decisive role in the war against the Rangda.
His triumphs in that conflict secured his rightful place among the sons of the Emperor.
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Sorry for the late update! there's been a power outage in may are cause of the heavy rain, and even my phone was dead.
anyway, the pending chapters will be up within an hour!
also, don't forget to donate some powerstones!!