Warhammer 40k: Shattered Steel Soul

"Mathematics is an important part of many subjects, and it is also the basic education that the people of the empire should receive under the inspiration of the empire's truth. From the embedded prosthetics of the Mechanicum to the current planning tools promoted by the imperial prime minister in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, mathematics It is essential for the field to evolve. However, there are underlying truths behind the numbers that have not yet been clearly articulated. These truths will be the basis of this article.”

Magnus slowly put down the handwritten notes in his hand, placed the notebook with Mortarion's square handwriting back on the dark brown wooden table of the fourteenth Primarch.

When the notebook hit the table, it inevitably made a "pop" sound and made a short falling sound.

Mortarion helped Magnus drag his straw cushion toward the table, inviting Magnus to sit down beside him.

After living in Barbarus for a few days, Magnus finally took off his helmet and dared to let Barbarus's dim sunlight shine directly on his pearly red facial skin.

As for necessary protective measures such as gloves, boots, and respirators, they are still faithfully wrapped around the tall original body. These things unearthed from the storage cabinet may last as long as their counterparts in the cabinet for decades in just a few days.

"Where do you think this article needs to be revised, Magnus?" Mortarion asked. In order to make Magnus more willing to enter his room, he even changed the poisonous mist incense to the one with the lightest smell today.

There were some subtle changes in the corners of Magnus' mouth hidden under the respirator. "...As a beginner of written Gothic, your handwriting is very good." He said sincerely.

"Thank you." Mortarion's yellow eyes stared at Magnus unblinkingly. "anything else?"

Magnus couldn't bear to look away, looked around the room, and continued: "From a content perspective, this article has a clear research background, novel main research topics, unique innovative angles, and practical research goals. There is a certain degree of feasibility in terms of application potential. Although the research plan and program are relatively vague, considering that you have little experience in researching the topic, this is a completely acceptable situation. "

He mentally took stock of the various journals and periodicals within the legion, and finally settled on a newspaper recently founded by several temple lecturers from the Tianxiao School, and said sincerely: "Although it is your first article, but If you are willing, the latest internal journal of our army, "Qianyang Journal", will be happy to publish it in the central page. Its quality undoubtedly beats many of my soldiers' articles."

Mortarion continued to stare at him. "But you don't approve of it, Magnus."

Magnus reached out desperately and rubbed his stiff face.

If that guy Russ was here, his right fist would probably have been energized by psychic power and was ready to go.

"I'm sorry, Mortarion," Magnus put down his palm and said kindly, "your research is enough to open up a new path in the empire's psychic system, but you know that I can't confirm you yet. ...The essential difference between numerology and subspace psychic energy. Perhaps in future exploration, this idea will make a contribution worth remembering for thousands of years in the advancement of imperial technology."

Mortarion looked at the digital compass on his desk, and his pale face became unhappy.

He didn't need to ask to know what Magnus was thinking. This genetic brother, whose serial number is one smaller than his, not only holds a rather conservative attitude towards psychic witchcraft - his attitude even extends to his prejudice against numerology.

If Magnus really opposed all supernatural magic, Mortarion might still have some doubts about his own nascent doctrine; but Magnus's support of the spells used by the wizard Morse, and Proving that he has his own definition of witchcraft.

To put it simply, perhaps Magnus and he have the same approach to witchcraft: except for one unique law, the rest of the witchcraft and methods originating from the filthy otherworld will sooner or later disappear from the stars. One day.

Perhaps the change in Mortarion's expression was too obvious. Magnus quickly frowned and looked at his brother with troubled dark gray eyes: "I'm not lying, nor am I belittling you, Mortar. Ryan."

Mortarion nodded.

Mortarion had no doubts about Magnus ever since he first heard of Magnus's ideas against the Warp.

If Horus Luperkar brought the light and warmth of blood and family to Mortarion, what Magnus brought to him was the comfort and encouragement of those who share the same path. People born in Barbarus understand that in difficult times, a true friendship is worth cherishing.

Of course, the premise of all this is respect and sincerity without hypocrisy or deception.

"I know," Mortarion said. "You don't want to reflect negatively on me."

"Oh," Magnus raised his eyebrows, somewhat flattered, "Yes, yes. I would love to work with you, Mortarion."

Mortarion took his compass off the table and placed it on the ground near his seat, moving it aside with other calculation papers, obsidian knives, and a small censer.

"Me too, Magnus."

Magnus noticed Mortarion's movements, and a sudden twinge of guilt lingered on the surface of his mind.

He should know that the Barbarus people don't know much about the technology of the Empire. Mortarion is not Perturabo, and he doesn't have the complex knowledge and complete mind that comes with being properly mastered and used reasonably.

He thought for a moment: "But... I believe you must have an opinion about me. Can I know what it is?"

Mortarion glanced at him. "Your definition of sorcery is too radical."

"Me? Me?" Magnus was stunned on the spot, "Do I?"

If this comment came from someone else, Magnus might have smiled or agreed with a bitter face. Only when Mortarion said this, he was surprised beyond words.

"You compare numerology and warp magic, Magnus."

"But they do..." Magnus's expression changed several times, and finally, he shrugged dejectedly and put his arms on his knees.

"Well, objectively speaking, maybe as we learn more about the warp, one day you will be proven right. On that day, I will decide whether to recognize you."

"Will you promote your calculation method in your legion?" he asked, perking up.

"Unfortunately, my companion said he can't learn this calculation method," Mortarion answered simply. "Not until it is perfected."

Everyone knows that Karas Typhon is a shrewd and calm warrior, and his talent and thinking deserve recognition. But when Mortarion shared the mystery of numerology with him, the Pale Lord saw his scout captain look so confused for the first time.

Magnus nodded. "When psychic support is needed, the Fifteenth Legion is willing to provide any help."

Speaking of this, the Red Primarch remembered another large project he was preparing recently. He thought about it for a while and chose to tell it frankly.

"My legion is preparing a new plan recently, which is to establish a reliable psychic personnel hierarchy and management registration system within the Astartes Legion." Magnus said, hoping that Mortarion could give him some advice, even though this brother had just touched a corner of the Empire's unique military system. "I will first establish a more universal psychic training system within the Fifteenth Legion with more evenly matched internal personnel. The psychic warriors trained from this team will go to different legions willing to receive psychic training on the premise of ensuring the normal operation of the Fifteenth Legion itself, and assist their brother legions in conducting controllable psychic training and construction within the legion." "Of course, if a legion does not need this kind of assistance, has its own unique priest system, or regards it as the Thousand Dust Sun's prying into the secrets of other legions, I will not turn it into a compulsory measure." Mortarion used a frown to explain his opposition to Magnus's psychic plan. However, the Lord of Mankind had already told him the necessity of psychic power on the day he first met him. In the decisive battle with Nakre, the Emperor also used psychic power to help him for the last time. The information shared between brothers also told him that humans now sailing between the stars also need to rely on the guidance of psychic devices, the magic of interstellar communication and the steering of the navigation family.

He must endure the existence of witchcraft in the empire just as outsiders endure the smell of Barbarus.

"The Fourteenth Legion does not need psychic power, because I can use numerology." Mortarion finally replied, "As for the other legions, thank you for your hard work. Do they have separate names?"

"Refer to a position in ancient Terra, think tank, I think." Magnus said.

Putting aside other factors, the position of think tank who manages the library does fit his personal hobby of collecting knowledge.

After restraining his natural instinct to study unknown things without limit, Magnus now shifts his hobbies to exploring the history and culture of mankind as vast as the sea of ​​stars.

If Morse was more serious when writing the script of the Olympia Games series, perhaps Magnus would still have enough trust in his heart to discuss the survival of ancient history with Morse.

"Librarian," Mortarion commented on the term, "maybe?"

In his childhood, when he was reading books in Nakre's study, he had seen this distant term.

At that time, his impression of the think tank was roughly the guardian of knowledge and the assistant of decision-making. This is not a disgusting term. In fact, it is almost offensive and is contrary to the danger of psykers.

Perhaps this is also Magnus's deepest wish. Mortarion suddenly thought. Become a librarian wandering in the sea of ​​books, rather than a legion leader fighting in the galaxy.

Just like Mortarion will always be the heir of Barbarus.

"Okay, then it's decided." Magnus said, "I will report this to the Emperor. Thank you for your advice. I sometimes get troubled in naming."

Mortarion nodded silently.

"Speaking of this, can I know if you have named the Fourteenth Legion? They are now called the Dusk Raiders." Magnus asked, giving him a chance to talk endlessly, he can become the leader of the conversation.

"When I named the Fifteenth Legion, I hesitated for a long time, and finally came up with the name after discussing with Perturabo. The Thousand Dust Sun, with a tiny body, conveys the light of the sun... That was a long time ago, when he had not yet begun to teach his gene brothers the tricks of numerology and divination."

"What about you, Mortarion? Do you need any help from me?"

Mortarion reopened his notebook.

This small booklet has pages divided by horizontal lines, with his first paper neatly written on the first few pages; after turning through the large number of blank pages in the middle, the last few pages are filled with Motari The neat handwriting left when An held the pen to practice writing, the draft for the paper, and a large number of random sketches.

"There are still some small unit names that have not been set, but for the name of the Fourteenth Legion, I will use the name when fighting Barbarus and name them Death Guard." Mortarion found the icon he drew, "This is the logo of the legion. My guard is called the Death Shroud."

Magnus observed the spiked skull, his eyes slid over the sketch of the wheat field painted next to it, and nodded: "A series prefixed with death? I support your choice, Mortarion-"

Someone knocked on their door, and judging from the height of the sound, it could only be one person.

"Good evening, Horus." Mortarion stood up and opened the door for Horus Luperkar.

"Good evening, my brothers." Horus squeezed in nimbly from the door, carefully picking out the gaps between piles of parchment, sandalwood Ouija boards, polished stone dice and an abacus. , choosing his foothold.

"I bring you three pieces of news, Magnus, Mortarion." Horus smiled brightly, holding his wolf skin to prevent it from accidentally knocking over a certain wolf skin while moving. Burning fire candle. "I think it's something you didn't expect."

"Three pieces of good news?" Mortarion asked.

"Two and a half." Horus thought for a moment, "The other half is that the Emperor and Mors have left Barbarus and asked me to come and inform you."

"So soon?" Magnus blinked, "I haven't said goodbye yet..."

"My father told me personally that he does not need these false gifts. If the Barbarus people ask, they will say that the hermit Fas has fulfilled his wish and passed away suddenly."

Horus said to Mortarion.

"You will meet again in Terra. The rooms in the palace have been tidied up by Malcador. You may have to live in Terra for a while before your legion is ready. If you have any questions then, just ask Go find Malcador and he will take care of you."

"Where's Morse?" Magnus asked.

"He seems to be rushing to Baal, where the news has not yet reached the throne world and my legions." Horus said, "This is the first news."

He handed Mortarion a roll of parchment.

"This is the second one," said the Shepherd, with a gentler voice. "Perturabo wrote a personal letter to you. Morse found a way to send it to me and delivered it to me."

Mortarion immediately accepted the volume of letters.

In several exchanges with the defensive master who existed only in Morse's description and in his mind's imagination, this was the first time he had received a message from Perturabo himself.

"Also, don't rush to read it yet," Horus raised his eyebrows, "Let me finish the third message."

"What is it?" Mortarion asked.

Horus patted Mortarion's shoulder affectionately. At some point, he had crossed over the debris on the floor and successfully arrived at Mortarion's side: "It's dinner time now, my brother. I've been waiting for you to come out for dinner an hour ago. Don't let the kitchen reheat my multi-grain rice for a third time, dear Mortarion."

——

"This is the first time I have spoken directly to you, Mortarion. Although our conversation can only exist on static paper, I have no chance to see your true face."

"I heard that you liberated your planet from the control of the sorcery overlord. After hearing this, it would be untrue to say that I was surprised. I have always believed in your ability and that Barbarus will be free sooner or later. It will come in your fight, but that doesn’t stop me from appreciating your achievements and, by extension, you.”

"In Morse's understatement, you seem to be a troublesome brother. However, given his unique mouth, I imagine you must actually be a pretty nice guy."

"I have no intention of mentioning your origins, but in this year, you have indeed gone from the trough of having nothing to your ideal end step by step."

"The difficulties you face are something that I cannot guarantee to overcome under the same conditions. In fact, most of the brothers I know are very likely to fail in the difficulties you are in. But you have persevered and made it through. Finally, lead your people to overcome the obstacles of the right time and place.”

“I can’t help but imagine how the sound of the bells of freedom sounded across the land of Barbarus when it rang out from the bell tower at the top of the dark mountains, arousing shocking waves of tears falling like rain in people’s hearts.”

"I'm not sure how much the little knowledge of mathematical models I've provided will help you, Mortarion. Maybe they accomplish nothing, or maybe they do something small."

"After all, I am far away on the other side of the galaxy. Apart from my few theoretical knowledge, I don't have any more assistance to reach the scene of war and construction."

"Now you are about to step into the stars and go to the world. The door to the new era will be officially opened to you. How do you view it? Expectation or worry? I don't know."

"When I left Olympia about forty years ago, although I was full of longing, I couldn't deny my nostalgia for my home planet. It was my home, the city-state that raised me, and it shaped me into what I am today. Growing up In the process of my life, if I had to choose someone to give me maternal love, I would choose Olympia. What about you?”

"Perhaps I judge you for my own good, Mortarion. When Morse mentioned that he thought I should give you a diver's glass helmet used to supply poison gas, I laughed at his ridiculous suggestion. , but another answer pops up in my mind. Maybe when you leave, you will want to know what is happening to Barbarus."

"I don't know if there is such a custom in your home planet, but in the farmland of Olympia, a man made of straw is sometimes erected to scare away the birds that steal food when the owner is not around. And I happened to do it recently. Making some automatic combat robots - well, that's the technology used by my Iron Ring Guards."

"I will share with you some of the general foundations of this technology, along with some unmodified prototype machinery specialized in telematics. By the time you leave Barbarus, through these 'scarecrows' you will be able to Get the latest information from Barbarus in the depths of the Star Sea, and they can also engage in some simple battles if necessary."

"If you trust me, I have completely handed over the relevant authority to you, whether it is fighting or watching."

"I'm not really an imaginative man, so this is the gift I can give you, Mortarion. Perhaps you would like to put them in Barbarus's wheat fields, with your own personal adjustments. Of course. , if you don’t want to accept it, just tell me and I will come up with a new gift, but it cannot be given as a gift for your voyage.”

"I have nothing more to say, my brother. I wish you all the best in your future life. - Perturabo"

Mortarion solemnly rolled up the parchment and looked at the steel prototype machines arranged in front of him. He suddenly felt that they were standing silently on the edge of the wheat field as the sun set, quietly watching Baba after the original body left. Ruth.

Through these mechanical eyes, he will be able to gaze at the land where he grew up. Perhaps for a moment deep in the icy sky, he will feel that he has never left his home planet.

They need a name. Mortarion thought. A Barbarus-like name that begins with death. A name that belongs to a scarecrow.

They will be called Death Watch.