Warhammer: In the Name of Nirvana

Chapter 647: Debut (Part 1)

"Towards absolute purity."

"How did you come up with such a slogan, my brother Lorgar?"

"It is so... unique."

Fulgrim's tone was no more stable than the wine in his glass. The wine-red mirror reflected his perfect face and added luster to his already shining hair: even on the [Endurance], a ship as dull and boring as its owner Mortarion, the Phoenix Lord still released his brilliance, as if he was the master of this world.

Such a host would naturally not get any good feedback: as the host, Mortarion just watched his brother fooling around without sadness or joy. He still wore his huge respirator, and every breath urged the expansion of the green miasma. The stench from Barbarus kept the remaining three chairs at a subtle distance from him.

The Primarch didn't care about it at all. He even felt a unique sense of pride. No one could deny the strength of his brothers. Even such powerful beings still avoided the atmosphere he was accustomed to. This fully proved Mortarion's tenacity: just like the name of his flagship.

"Now, no one wants to discuss the art issues you care about, Fulgrim."

The Lord of Death spoke first, because the rest of the people were not paying attention: Lorgar and they seemed to be from two different worlds. Although he was invited to the Endurance and participated in this hastily held brotherly reception, he seemed to lack enough interest in the toasts and drinking between blood relatives.

This was different.

Fulgrim leaned on his throne: this soft, lavender chair was certainly not the property of the Endurance, but was specially moved from their flagship by the Emperor's Children. Fulgrim could stretch his bones comfortably on it, lazily cross his legs, sit at a slightly higher angle that was difficult to be noticed by outsiders, and carefully observe the three brothers.

Phoenix's eyes first focused on the Great Bearer of Words: In his impression, Lorgar was not a person who liked to be lively. He was not very interested in cocktail parties and banquets. He liked to stay in his prayer room, copying poems or praying alone. However, due to his well-known good temper, the Great Bearer of Words was not opposed to participating in banquets between brothers.

What's more, Lorgar's evaluation and popularity among the Primarchs were actually very good: the brothers did secretly criticize his martial ethics, but no one would deny his good temper and warm heart. Except for Horus and Morgan, the two special talents, Lorgar might be the most concerned Primarch in mediating conflicts between brothers.

In short, a somewhat pedantic and good-natured person who could not do anything big, this was Fugeri's impression of Lorgar before: although it sounds a bit like the queen of the Far East, the two are actually very different in nature. Although Phoenix also believes that Morgan has the potential to become the second good-natured person, no one will deny that the Spider Queen has indeed created a career in her land that was originally not worth looking forward to.

A career that can surpass him.

Seeing this, Fulgrim's eyes were temporarily occupied by dimness. He lowered his head, seemingly tasting wine, but in fact he was hurrying up to wipe away the jealousy in his pupils: Fortunately, the three Primarchs present did not have the habit of staring at other brothers.

"And to be honest, Phoenix, if I were you, I would not discuss topics related to art in the next few years. After all, it is a self-humiliating behavior: although all of us are brothers to each other, it is indeed embarrassing to lose to another brother in an invisible duel, isn't it?"

But this does not affect their poisonous mouths.

Fulgrim smiled and remained elegant in front of Mortarion: But Phoenix had to admit that when the Lord of Death responded to his usurpation with a sarcastic tone, the sensitive heart of the Chemos people still twitched, pulling him back to the most unbearable memory.

Mortarion used the most direct way to remind Fulgrim of his original unwillingness. He recalled that when he had just reunited with the Third Legion, he was actually secretly jealous of many brothers in his heart, especially Guilliman, who owned five hundred worlds.

The reason was also very simple: when he only had the last two hundred soldiers left, looking at the powerful Ultramarines and Ultramar across the universe, how could Phoenix not be jealous? But this jealousy was gradually washed away by the pride and honor later.

But now, all the honors have dissipated like the ebb tide, and the original unwillingness has been revealed: in the aspect that he was most proud of and boasted about, his other blood relative defeated him so easily, and Morgan didn't even try a little for it.

The lady Caroline who finally chose to go to the Far Eastern border had been the target of the Phoenix Lord ten years ago. The Primarch personally wrote her an invitation letter and sent the Emperor's Children to invite her three times: but it only took an accidental encounter for the Great Avalon to make this famous artist on Terra actively throw herself into their arms.

After the matter was done, because of Fulgrim's previous publicity, this originally trivial matter was quickly known to most of the Primarchs and even many mortals: everyone seemed to be able to use this matter to mock Fulgrim a little.

The trivial matter that was originally insignificant now made people feel like a needle: no matter how open-minded Fulgrim was, he couldn't stand it because his brothers talked about this matter, even Horus and Ferrus would make some insignificant jokes with him.

God knows how long these guys have been wanting to do this.

Of course, they didn't have any bad intentions.

But Fulgrim... couldn't stand it.

He didn't care at first, but now he had to ask himself in his heart.

Why?

Why did he lose?

Just because his sister had a great country famous in the galaxy?

...

Okay.

Then he would have it too: he would have a greater and more famous country.

The perfect country of the Phoenix.

Guilliman, Morgan, and the other brothers of the Riftlands, the envy and shame they had brought upon him would be ended forever, no longer existing, just as he had led two hundred court swordsmen through the difficult years at the beginning: he could rule the Emperor's children well, and naturally he could rule the mortals who submitted to him well.

As for now?

Just be patient.

Fulgrim smiled, and nodded in the direction of Mortarion, letting the Lord of Death's sarcasm hit cotton like a punch: Mortarion snorted in his hoarse and heavy voice, and ignored it, allowing the Phoenix to take the opportunity to look away.

As for the Lord of Death himself, Fulgrim had no interest in him, after all, this guy had never changed in decades: However, to be honest, Mortarion had indeed become a lot more diligent during this period, and people could often see him soaking in the history section of the library.

So, the Phoenix turned around.

"I can not talk about art, brother: but we should talk about something else."

"For example?"

"For example, how about governing the country?"

"Then you should talk about art."

Before Mortarion spoke, the Khan sitting next to him spoke first: Chagatai Khan was still dressed in a seemingly rude but actually exquisite outfit, but this time, he chose a robe for himself to attend the warmaster ceremony on Ullanor, which made him look more like a king.

But it was obvious that Chagatai Khan himself was not used to this change.

His voice was also a little hoarse.

"After all, even if art goes wrong, it won't kill anyone."

"Then you underestimate art, my brother Chagatai Khan."

"I don't underestimate art."

"I don't underestimate someone's danger either."

The Khan didn't turn his head. He was staring at the scene outside the string window from beginning to end. Anyway, Fulgrim didn't understand what was so good about the iron-gray sky of Ullanor and the dark legion fleet in low-Earth orbit: yes, the scene of dozens of expeditionary fleets gathering in one place and quietly waiting for the ground tower to be installed was indeed shocking, but that was all. Phoenix never thought that these warships in front of him were a force worthy of his respect.

Even if these ships were completely wiped out in a future battle, it would not be a big deal for the Empire, right?

Phoenix leaned forward, and he was sure that Chagatai would notice his tone.

"Are you talking about me, brother?"

"It could be anyone, Fulgrim: I just want you to be aware that governing a country is not a light word you say. Bad art is just a problem with a painting or a piece of music. At most, it can destroy the good reputation of an artist or a theater company, but in terms of threats, its most terrifying upper limit is far less than the mildest lower limit of [governing a country] you say."

"A word you spit out casually may be behind the lives of thousands of people."

Phoenix raised his eyebrows.

"Does this number frighten you, brother?"

"I will not be afraid, I will only think carefully about their significance."

"Listen to me, Phoenix: Even if you cannot learn to fear and respect, at least you must learn to consider the value of it."

"You can be ruthless and ungrateful."

"But you cannot be carefree."

"He is right."

As soon as the voice fell, before Fulgrim could prepare his counterattack, a new voice rejoined the topic: The Great Speaker, who had been praying in a low voice, raised his head and affirmed the Khan's words. The color of war was reflected in his pupils, which surprised the remaining three people.

And Lorgar was immersed in his own understanding.

"You can't relax, Phoenix, especially when it comes to the God-Emperor, the Empire, the expedition, and everything related to reality. Irresponsible words are no different from blasphemy. The casualness and laxity in daily life will affect your rational mind to make choices when necessary: the more frequently you mention something, the less respect you will have for it in your heart."

"Because you think you are strong enough in this regard and don't need to respect it anymore."

"I don't think so..."

"This is a fact: it is not affected by your personal thoughts and words."

Lorgar's voice was slow and calm, still the gentle emphasis that Fulgrim was familiar with, but they were two completely opposite things: Phoenix's face still had the blush left over from the confrontation with Chagatai Khan. He frowned slightly and glanced at Lorgar's face, which was a face that was extremely unfamiliar to him.

He didn't know how to describe it.

Fanaticism?

It was the same before: but there was something obviously wrong with Luo Jia's current fanaticism.

firm?

Be crazier.

stubborn?

Somewhat appropriate: but lacking intensity.

"Compared with before, you are really different, Yurizeng."

After hesitating for a while, Fulgrim could only sigh and shake his head.

"This is a necessary change."

Luojia smiled. His smile felt familiar. This might be the only comfort reward Fulgrim could get from him. He looked at Luojia's face along the curve of his raised mouth. Above, those thousands of newly engraved words: they are still golden.

A golden color mixed with blood red.

And...it seems to have become a lot sharper?

Those arcs that were originally left between strokes and strokes were once soft and full of charm and cultural atmosphere, but now they are only as sharp as daggers: Phoenix couldn't help but think of those full of words surrounding the Great Word Bearer. The bloody rumors were all submerged in the increasingly exaggerated achievements of the Seventeenth Legion.

He couldn't help but speak.

"Do your changes also include your regiment and your expedition?"

"Of course: that's the theme."

Luo Jia puffed up her chest proudly.

"Our father, our God Emperor, personally guided me to the future path."

"Holy war fanaticism, the cavalry of heaven."

"In the name of the God-Emperor, toward the place of absolute purity destined for the galaxy and humanity."

"Water it with sword and fire: the blood of the betrayer will nourish the fertile soil of milk and honey."

"Isn't this natural?"

The Khan chuckled.

“The more blood there is, the richer the soil becomes.”

"Why do we need gods to judge? This is the natural law between heaven and earth."

"But it requires God's permission, brother."

Luojia turned his head. Fulgrim could not imagine that anyone could greet the Great Khan's words with such a firm attitude.

So confident: Luo Jia is even smiling.

"And you, my brother eagle, have more wisdom than others. Your words may seem stubborn and rebellious, but you are only one book away from the true way of worshiping God. That reason and seeing is believing just help You: When the grace of the God-Emperor bathes your beard, you will naturally understand and join our path."

Oh my god...

Fulgrim muttered quietly.

It had been a long time since he had seen someone act so recklessly towards Chagatai Khan.

Who was the last unlucky guy?

…

Oh, right: himself.

"Do you want to say: Hui Gen?"

The words from the Word Bearer's mouth stunned Chagatai Khan. A very strange smile appeared on his majestic face like an eagle: the left eye narrowed slightly, while the right eye still maintained a normal arc. , half of the lips could not help but curl up, and half of the lips were still suppressed. The face looked slightly funny, but the fierce light in the pupils made people stop laughing.

But Luo Jia didn't care at all.

"You can understand that."

He spread his hands.

"The awareness of faith will not change due to differences in origin and status: even those who are about to become Khans are not lacking in piety. In those ancient times when paganism was in power, even the khanates on the grasslands would respect the people who came from far away. For the pioneers who preached in the church, for a thousand years or more, the pace of religion symbolized the pace of civilization.”

"Since they can all convert, why should I lack faith in you?"

"Your argument has no credibility."

Khan just shook his head.

"According to this statement, the number of Khans who died on their war horses is no less than that of devout converts, but behind the few cases of successful conversions are the piles of corpses of countless fanatics: according to your understanding of probability So, is this what we are destined to end up with?"

"I died on a horse?"

"Did you die in asceticism?"

"I will accept it, Jaghatai."

Luo Jia still smiled.

"If this is the will of the gods."

"Why……"

After a long absence, Fulgrim actually heard a sigh from the Khan's mouth. He found that the Khan adjusted his posture in his seat, facing forward with his eyes slightly closed, and a hint of a smile hanging on the corner of his mouth. Author: The original body of the White Scars took a rare moment of seriousness.

"Listen, Luo Jia."

"I'm only going to say it once."

"If you deprive others of their lives because you are more powerful, this is called oppression."

"If you can make others voluntarily die with just empty teeth and white teeth, this is called agitation."

"If it is for no reason, you can declare the fate of others at will. This is called murder."

"He who is all three I would not call a god: I would call him a criminal."

"Being able to sacrifice for God is..."

"Sacrificing for no one is not great, only sacrificing for the collective can be called great: No matter which individual you sacrifice for, it is just authority that happens to meet servility, it is just despicability that happens to meet stupidity, why do you ask an individual to do it?" Another individual gave his life?”

"But the son will be sent to death by his father."

"A father will die for his son: what does this have to do with your gods?"

"The God-Emperor is the father of all."

"That's a tragedy: at least he should have been certified."

The Khan was dismissive.

"Do you have a problem with this?"

"Of course not."

Luo Jia shook his head, as if none of this exceeded his expectations.

"I accept your point, Khan."

"The God-Emperor is tolerant."

"You can even be a little more free: I don't object to this kind of laxity in details, as long as you abide by a few real core principles. Pure humans will naturally not violate them, and violators who betray them will naturally be punished. Even if they look innocent, they still need to use a heart of steel to carry out the will of the God-Emperor."

"As you just said: ruthless, my brother."

"This is our value. As the God Emperor's weapon and thunder hammer, ruthlessness is the best way to show off our rationality, because such a career requires cold feelings: I'm glad you are so direct. pointed it out and allowed me to see the talent in you.”

"Also solved the riddle for me."

"Believe me."

Khan narrowed his eyes slightly, and a hint of coldness flashed between his pupils.

"This was never my intention."

"That is the will of the God-Emperor: another example of His walk on earth."

"snort……"

The Great Khan snorted, and unusually did not give any reply: But Fulgrim knew very well that Jaghatai Khan was not speechless because of the rebuke, he was simply afraid of what he would do next. A single word would immediately ignite the battle between the two legions.

Phoenix shook his head because of this: It was time for him to stand up again.

Therefore, Fulgrim turned to look at the protagonist here, Mortarion, who was theoretically supposed to lead the meeting, but after Khan and Lorgar interrupted one after another, he became suspiciously silent: Death The master seemed unable to keep up with this sudden change and completely jumped to a discussion topic in another dimension.

He basically felt the same as Jonson.

"What do you think, Mortarion?"

Phoenix took the initiative to speak, and after a second, the Lord of Death nodded belatedly.

He was silent for a long time before speaking to Phoenix very seriously.

"What do you want to discuss with me about the theory of governance, Phoenix?"

"..."

For a moment, not only Fulgrim, but also the Great Khan and Luojia were silent.

"Did you finally hear my question?"

Phoenix grinned and instinctively sneered at his brother. Mortarion didn't care about this little problem. He moved slowly and firmly in his seat and aimed his gaze at Phoenix's face. The other two The eyes of the original body also moved over.

"Okay, brother."

Fulgrim felt the pressure instantly.

"I'm just curious: we all know that our father will entrust us with our respective kingdoms on the land of Ullanor. This has never been imagined before. I am curious and after establishing our respective rule, you How can we ensure the long-term stability of our country?"

"I'm not going to think about it."

Khan spoke first.

“No royal court lasts forever: history proves that there is no eternal power.”

"Are you too pessimistic?"

"I just don't want to be stupid."

Khan's casual words caused Phoenix's smile to freeze.

He could only look at Mortarion.

"What about you, brother?"

The Lord of Death was silent, but this time he was not silent for long.

"My answer is simple."

“Survival of the fittest, that’s all.”

"I thought this was Perturabo's quote for his kingdom."