Chapter 156 - "Plan B: Beat Him Up"
The Raven started explaining how different realities worked to the Master of Mankind.
"Our universe keeps things balanced between technology and mystical stuff. Both sides get weaker, but they can work together without destroying each other."
"Fantasy cultivation methods will lose a lot of power when they come to our reality. But they'll still have enough juice to help fix the Second Primarch's problem."
The Emperor's face grew dark as he thought about it. Then he shut down the idea with his usual decisiveness.
"That matter lacks urgency. We shall prioritize technologically-oriented realities."
Getting too much mystical knowledge would be way too dangerous for the growing Human Empire. Humanity was meant to dominate the universe through technology. They could mess with mystical enhancement later, after they'd expanded into the wider multiverse.
Using Warp energies too soon would definitely weaken the barriers between realities. This would make it easier for the Ruinous Powers to show up in real-space. Regular humans would face more temptation toward corruption and damnation when that happened.
"Fine, then we'll visit the Transformers universe," the Raven said, giving in. He knew there was no point arguing when the Emperor had made up his mind like this.
Their relationship stayed fundamentally equal despite everything. The Raven couldn't force cooperation through violence or mind games.
"Show me this reality's parameters," the Emperor ordered.
"There's an unfortunate creator who got backstabbed by his own creations. We help solve his problems, then acquire the All Spark and Matrix of Leadership."
The Raven compressed all the relevant information into a glowing sphere of data. He sent it straight into the Emperor's mind.
The All Spark looked like a perfect cube made of unknown metal. Complex geometric patterns covered its surfaces in ways that hurt to look at. Inside its dimensional folds were vast amounts of source code.
This was Primus's greatest creation, combining the ultimate mastery of mechanical arts. It could create an unlimited number of mechanical life forms.
The Matrix of Leadership commanded total obedience from any created beings while providing incredible power reserves. More importantly, it represented a theoretically endless energy source.
True infinite power made real.
"This reality shows considerable promise," the Emperor said with clear approval. "We shall proceed there."
Both artifacts would be incredibly valuable for the Human Empire. The All Spark would completely revolutionise the Mechanicum's Titan legions. The Matrix could power the entire temporal anchor network alongside the existing C'tan shard reactors.
"Yeah, it's pretty good. Helping others is a virtue, after all."
Since he couldn't successfully trick the Big Guy into his preferred trap, the Raven felt a bit deflated. He'd been hoping the Cosmic Emperor would be more...
Challenging and maybe rough up the Emperor a little during the process.
While thoughts of the Transformers universe filled his mind, the Raven wondered about an important philosophical question: If Optimus Prime used dating apps, would that count as looking for a good relationship? And if he browsed used car listings, would that be like seeking divorced partners?
The Emperor's voice cut through his deep thoughts. "Can we actually obtain these artifacts? The creator requested assistance without guaranteeing compensation."
"A scrub who can't control his own creations," the Raven said dismissively. "If he doesn't hand them over, we beat him up. Aren't you the expert at that?!"
"I neither confirm nor engage in such behaviour," the Emperor denied with double emphasis.
The Raven looked at him with deep skepticism. "Right, sure. The guy who broke into the Warp and robbed the Chaos Gods blind definitely wasn't you."
The Emperor's silence said everything.
'Stop bringing up ancient history!'
After getting his frustration out, the Raven started preparing for dimensional travel. He called for Valdo, then locked himself in a private chamber.
Then he began... snickering.
No.
He began the crossing.
Thunder echoed through the air as the Raven's body dissolved into streaming light. He carved a spacetime corridor through the fabric of reality. The Emperor and Valdor stepped through the bright portal.
Right then, massive storms erupted throughout the Warp.
The Chaos Gods in their domains all turned their evil attention toward the material universe at the same time. Their gazes crossed countless light-years of distance, focusing on the Emperor's Grand Design.
"By the Eightfold Path, He must be contained," they spoke as one voice.
The Dark Powers wouldn't allow the Anathema to keep growing stronger. The Human Empire had become dangerously powerful already. If it expanded any further, it would threaten their very existence.
As the Raven broke through dimensional barriers and plunged into the void between realities, the Chaos Gods followed him into that space.
When the Raven noticed their presence, his joy nearly overflowed. He could practically kiss three of the four Gods right now.
Three, not four. Nurgle remained completely disgusting.
"They're following us! We need to change destinations, let's go to the Saint Ruins universe like we originally discussed." The Raven's mouth twitched upward as he pretended reluctance.
The Emperor sensed the Ruinous Powers moving and frowned deeply. "Proceed according to the revised plan."
"Understood." The Raven changed course toward their new destination, Zhetian.
Even though the Big Guy had firmly refused earlier, he would end up following the original plan anyway. The Saint Ruins Universe, also known as the Plateau Universe, was a central reality with numerous satellite dimensions attached to it. Zhetian was one of the most important ones.
'I'll teach you a proper lesson for that arrogance, He-He-He, 'the Raven thought with smug satisfaction.
When Supreme beings from the Forbidden Zones beat the Emperor senseless, would he really not call for rescue?
And at that, The Raven would stand there triumphant, hands on his hips, laughing loudly while mocking the Big Guy's situation.
Red clouds rolled across the black sky, hanging heavy like mountain ranges ready to crash down to earth. The air felt thick with dread that pressed down on everything.
Endless wilderness stretched out without any sign of human life anywhere.
A skilled hunter moved quickly across the empty plains. A hunting hound as large as a calf ran beside him. A dark raven sat perched on his shoulder. Behind them loomed a forest made of twisted shadows.
Strange eyes and grasping claws emerged from the darkness, making otherworldly howling sounds.
Hungry beasts watched from the shadows, wanting to devour both flesh and spirit. Above the forest hung a cruel black moon, sneering down with endless hatred.
Howling winds made the grass sea wave back and forth while carrying distant cries and screams. The forest chased them without stopping, no matter how far the hunter travelled. It stayed behind him like a living shadow. Gnarled branches reached up toward the sky like demon claws. Countless eyes gleamed in the depths.
A terrible wind swept across the plains.
Monsters burst out from the dark forest. Creatures with fangs and claws, dripping disgusting saliva. Their howls were piercing and terrifying, making skin crawl with fear.
The hunter pulled out his longbow and shot arrows wrapped in flame. When the creatures got close, he held up his torch, driving them back again and again.
The hunting dog showed its teeth and got ready to fight. When beasts came near, it charged without hesitation, tearing at their flesh with savage determination.
The hunter fought the creatures hard, finding chances to wound them badly. Blood flowed everywhere as agonised howls echoed across the wasteland.
Then, on the horizon, a massive black lake appeared next to mountains that soared up into the clouds.
From the dark waters came a thin, ghostly creature wrapped in black liquid. It had razor-sharp claws and bone-white fangs. The thing crawled on all fours toward the hunter while foul-smelling darkness dripped onto the wilderness.
From the mountain peaks, living stones with legs and claws rolled downward. Their rumbling shook the earth like thunder.
The sudden change left both hunter and hound completely shocked.
"Run, Big Guy! It's a Contamination Source!" shouted the raven perched on the hunter's shoulder.
The hunter shot one final arrow before running deeper into the wild lands. Forest, lake, and mountains chased after them without stopping. The land itself had become a hunter.
After running for what felt like hours, a beautiful city appeared in the distance. Three soldiers in armour holding swords and bows stood on the walls. Next to them were large war machines and defensive equipment.
The hunter felt hope rising up inside him. Maybe safety lies ahead.
But in this cursed place, hope often turned out to be the cruellest trick of all.
[End of Chapter]
LoL, Cliffhanger, shit hm-hm-hm.
Well, have a good day.
See you tomorrow.