Warhammer: In the Name of Nirvana

+You mean, Dorn and Alpharius quarreled less than five minutes after they met? +

"Yes, father."

The Lord of Mankind chose to summon his sons one by one on a balcony with almost no extra decorations, to communicate with them one last time or reach a compromise before leaving the Great Crusade and returning to Holy Terra and the "Great Cause" that he had been thinking about.

The nineteen Primarchs would receive summons conveyed by the Custodians, and even Angron and Alpharius would not be exempted: the two hundred Custodians who were responsible for supervising Morgan on weekdays were ordered to execute this order. They pulled out fifty people and left the surveillance tower standing next to the Dawnbreaker camp.

Some people may wonder whether it is sensible to leave only one hundred and fifty people to supervise a powerful psyker Primarch and her legion, but as conservatives among the Custodians, Morgan's supervisors know that they can't play any military role in front of the Primarch.

This bitter truth has been proven countless times in practice.

Their function is a torch: even the most powerful Primarch cannot wipe out the lives of more than a hundred guards silently, not to mention that they are not gathered in one place: as long as one colleague can survive, he can inform the whole world of the arrival of betrayal.

With this base number as a guarantee, it is no big deal to withdraw fifty people. They specially selected the fifty with the best temper and the most patience among their colleagues to face the famous irritable giant babies in the galaxy.

And Horus is the first, and he should be the first: before the wolf god saw his gene father with his own eyes, he had confirmed this fact.

The Emperor is waiting for him: there is no divine light or golden armor, only a father wearing a pale robe, facing a rattan table, mixing red wine for him and his son. The iron-gray atmosphere of Ullanor shrouds the Emperor's deep skin, making him look more real than before.

Only the Emperor is waiting for him: just like he did on Cthonia.

This was a pure conversation between father and son. Even the most trusted guards of the Emperor could only stay outside the marble door. Horus's guards were even more stagnant and stayed at the bottom of the tower. The moment his footsteps broke through the door, Horus clearly felt that he was passing through the psychic barrier specially set up by the Emperor.

But to be honest, the Wolf God loved this arrangement: he had forgotten the last time he had a pure father-son conversation with his father. The kind that did not include war or missions, only the two of them, father and son, talked about whatever they thought of, and put down the burden in the breath of freedom. Such a moment has not appeared for too long.

It was not Ullanor, nor Goron: the brief conversation during the war was far from meeting the standard in the mind of the Wolf God, and looking forward, it was the endless years of the Great Crusade. He had not even boarded the Emperor's Dream a few times: perhaps only in those thirty years, when even Horus himself could not remember the details, did the Wolf God truly enjoy the affection between father and son in his eyes.

Too short.

Thirty years is still too short.

Horus shook his head and spit on his greed in his heart. He knew that the treatment he received was much better than that of other brothers. He should not be greedy, but he just couldn't restrain this desire that had almost become a physiological instinct. He couldn't restrain it no matter what.

The Wolf God's life was drifting in this confrontation between emotion and reason.

But fortunately, his father always understood his difficulties. When the wolf god adjusted his mentality and sat down opposite the emperor in a slightly awkward manner, the Lord of Mankind was still immersed in the scene below the balcony: they were in the tower that would be at the core of the parade a few days later.

The broad road that stretched to the horizon was widened again in front of the tower, enough for the legion to march side by side with the Titans, and in the next parade, the Emperor and the Primarch would stand shoulder to shoulder at the top of the tower, and billions of warriors would be reviewed by them.

But they would not stand here, not on this balcony, this was the private living area of ​​the tower that belonged to the Emperor, and it was also the area with the least internal decoration: except for some double-headed eagles and valuable souvenirs, there were only layers of thick walls, as if they could protect this god on earth.

Horus felt that he could not: he even felt that the guards of the imperial guards could not do so.

However, the Wolf God was still very pleased to see that the first souvenir he gave to the Emperor a hundred years ago was placed in the most conspicuous position, and it was obviously well maintained: He followed the Father of Genes' gaze and happened to see the camp closest to the tower. Wasn't that his Moon Wolf Legion?

It was not easy to grab here.

It would take an entire continent to accommodate the 19 Astartes Legions and the mortal auxiliary troops they brought with them, so even if he stood at the highest point of Ullanor, Horus could not see many legion camps.

He only knew that several of his brothers in the Far East had arranged the legion's camp as far away from the emperor as possible, and that the Forbidden Army's camp was on the road that these Far Eastern troops must pass to reach the parade tower: but recently A piece of news came about, but it was about the Alpha Legion and the Imperial Fists Legion. These two camps happened to be very close to each other's legions, and they were as far away from each other's sight as they were to avoid the plague.

To be more specific: it was Alpha Legion who chose to move unilaterally.

+Just because they had a fight? +

"In fact, I think the two of them had some fundamental differences."

Horus took the emperor's red wine: he was not sure when his genetic father became fond of this drink. This softer drink should be suitable for Sanguinius or Morgan. Here The relationship between the two blood relatives and the emperor should not be very good.

Ah, by the way, he should also take the time to visit Morgan: it would be best to find out what she and the Emperor talked about, and even if Morgan is tight-lipped about it, given the influence shown by the Spider Queen in [Jonson's Faction] It was necessary for Horus to talk to her.

Otherwise? Should we go to Zhuang Sen, the stone lion, to exchange interests?

+What are they arguing about? +

The Emperor leaned back on the stone chair.

Horus was silent for a moment. He coughed awkwardly and then laughed.

"I have to admit to you that this is part of my problem, Dad."

+ Just say it: If you have a problem, then I also have a problem. After all, I am the one who brought you into this world. +

"The thing is this: when Alpharius just returned, he expressed his desire to participate in the Battle of Ullanor with me, and I suggested that he should first complete the run-in with his own legion before participating in the Ullanor Expedition. , Alpharius agreed with my suggestion, but he insisted on leading the action alone. "

+What then? +

"Then, he chose to lead his army alone to quell the Akharis aliens in the Sun Star Territory. They are also called [Bone Drinkers]. They are a type of alien fungus species that are obtained by parasitizing other organisms. Self-awareness often destroys an entire imperial world, making all the human residents of that world their living food and temporary hosts, and then controls the spacecraft to go to the next world."

+It is often difficult to completely eliminate alien species like this. +

"Yes, the three legions of the Space Wolves, the Emperor's Children and the White Scars have tried to completely eliminate this alien species in the past few decades, but in the end they have failed: although their combat power is not strong, But their unique ability to reproduce makes them difficult to exterminate.”

+Bone drinker. +

The Emperor whispered the name.

+I should have heard of this word. +

"It should be...Morgan?"

Horus leaned forward, tentatively reminding his father.

"Wasn't there a time when my sister was known as the Soul Drinker?"

"But no more: Terra prefers to call her the Lady of the Lamp."

+Ah... indeed. +

The emperor nodded, but Horus was murmuring in his heart: Is it his misunderstanding? He always felt that his father's memory had become worse recently? The former masters of mankind could easily figure out a trivial matter from hundreds of years ago.

After a moment of silent silence, the Wolf Shepherd shook his head to dispel new distracting thoughts.

He continued.

"When Alpharius and his legions discovered the whereabouts of this alien civilization, he did not rush to launch an attack. Instead, he and the biological sages of the Mechanicum first developed an artificial virus specifically targeted at this alien creature. : A large number of agents and spies were dispatched at the same time.”

+Didn’t the legions before him think of this method? +

"My brothers generally have a...well..."

+Go on. +

"These spies successfully found a human world that was being enslaved by this alien civilization: In order to avoid the fate of destruction, the rulers of this world chose to provide a certain population to the Bone Drinker civilization, and Alpharius' Through lurking, the agents obtained the exact time when the Bone Drinkers were enjoying these tributes.”

"Just as the aliens gathered to enjoy the tribute they received, Alpharius launched a cyclone torpedo into the world, successfully wiping out most of the members of the Bone Drinker aliens: Although the remaining few remaining members succeeded Escaped, and also fled to the only Imperial world in the nearby space that allowed them to obtain food again, but it was not until they landed that they discovered that the residents there had been injected by Alpharius in advance, enough to kill this kind of Artificial viruses of alien species."

"And arriving in this world has consumed the last energy reserves in the ships controlled by the Bone Drinker civilization. These aliens eventually starved to death or were poisoned in the traps arranged by Alpharius. This civilization can already be The entire race was definitely wiped out: and the empire also lost two civilized worlds.”

+Is injecting this artificial virus fatal to mortals? +

"Not really, but the fatality rate is high."

"And Alpharius said that this is just a step to screen out the strong ones."

+ Let me think about it: Is it because of this last point that Donne is dissatisfied? +

"Yes, he thought Alpharius could have used normal means to eliminate the remnants of the Bone Drinkers instead of using another world as bait, but Alpharius countered that both the Space Wolves and the Emperor's Children had used normal means but failed to achieve the goal of exterminating each other: if the remnants of the Bone Drinkers were allowed to escape, it would further poison more Imperial worlds."

+So: their dispute was limited to the world where the virus was released? +

"Yes."

The Wolf God spread his hands.

"After all, the first world chose to succumb to the alien civilization even though it had sworn allegiance to the Empire. According to the law, their entire world is guilty: Alpharius just enforced it too harshly, but he did not violate the laws of the Empire."

The Lord of Mankind did not speak.

+According to you, the two of them fell out because of this matter? +

"Yes."

When he mentioned this, the Wolf God felt a little pain between his eyebrows.

"This is not the first time that Dorn has lost his temper because he disagrees with someone else's tactics: in fact, more than a hundred years ago, he and Jonson had an almost identical conflict, and Fulgrim and I were present at the time."

"However, Jonson's temper is more straightforward than Alpharius's. They each sent out a champion swordsman to duel about the honor of the Primarch. After Jonson won, the matter was left unresolved."

+What about Alpharius? +

"Alpharius left directly after hearing Dorn's accusations. He stated that Dorn did not understand flexible tactics at all, and Dorn swore in front of us: If Alpharius continued to maintain this tactic that squandered the lives and safety of the citizens of the Empire, the Imperial Fists would never fight alongside them."

+So: Didn't you try to mediate the conflict between them? +

"I did."

The Wolf God lowered his head in shame.

"But I failed, father: Dorn refused to give in on this matter."

"I'm sorry, father."

"I let you down."

+Ah, it's okay. +

+This is difficult, Horus. +

The Emperor didn't care much, he even made a joke.

+In fact, over the years. I have realized how difficult it is to mediate the conflicts between you brothers: even the best at doing this often fail to do so, or simply abandon the responsibility. +

+It's really a headache: isn't it? +

"..."

The Wolf God rarely responded to his beloved father's inquiry, his words were buzzing because of the Emperor's unintentional words.

The best at mediating the conflicts between the Primarchs?

His dear gene father should be: talking about him, right?

Although this sentence doesn't sound like talking about him.

And even if it is talking about him: the latter evaluation doesn't sound very good.

...

What's going on?

Horus blinked: He suddenly felt that this long-lost father-son conversation seemed to have changed a little without him noticing.

He didn't feel it at first, but now he thinks about it carefully: whether it is the words from the Emperor's mouth that he can't understand (this kind of thing has never happened before), or some of the Emperor's unintentional small movements and habits, they all seem to be different from the beautiful moments in the memory of the Wolf God, just like a hateful stain on a flawless white shirt.

Just like...

Just like the Emperor has been accustomed to talking to another person over the years.

When the Wolf God didn't know, the Emperor completely entrusted the secrets in his heart, such as those questions about the various Primarchs that constantly troubled him, to others: to another person besides him.

And he didn't even know about this...

"..."

But...but this...

This...

...

Hey!

How is this possible!

After a moment of surprise, the Wolf God suddenly denied himself loudly in his heart.

He laughed very hard.

Horus would not admit that his indestructible heart, the heart that had never hesitated even when facing the war between Goron and Ullanor, actually shrank just now: just because of the absurd conclusion he deduced.

He was indeed not good at reasoning.

The next moment, the indisputable fact helped the Wolf God to overcome himself: in this galaxy in front of him, who could replace the father-son relationship between him and the Emperor? Who else could sit down with the Emperor like Horus and carefully discuss some profound and difficult topics about other Primarch brothers, or even the entire Great Crusade and the direction of the Empire?

Who can do it!

Who dares to do it!

There will be no one in another hundred years!

Horus's eyes casually swept across the wine glass clamped in his hand. There were still waves on the pure red water. The Primarch stabilized his mind and ignored the fierce look in his pupils.

The Emperor also ignored it.

+However: You should indeed improve your skills in this area. +

The Emperor seemed to have remembered something.

+Only in this way: can I entrust the entire Great Crusade to you with confidence.

He smiled, as if he was just explaining a trivial matter.

"..."

"!!!"

Not pausing for the mixed feelings before, the next person who rushed to the battlefield was Horus's stunned look.

"Father...Father..."

The Shepherd God was stunned on the spot. Before he could adjust the position of his facial features, he could only feel the pain after his eyes widened. Horus's sweat flowed down his smooth forehead, bypassing the stiff tip of his nose and lips. , dripping all the way to the lips and teeth that could not be closed. When it fell down the throat and into the stomach pouch, the voice of the Wolf Shepherd God was squeezed out.

Very light, very weak, without the expected sense of ecstasy and glory, just like a child waiting for recognition, timidly asking his father: Even an unintentional breeze seems to be able to blow this voice away. , until the emperor nodded again, and then confidence was poured into the body of the Wolf Shepherd God.

+That's right. +

Horus gradually puffed out his chest in the glory of the Lord of Mankind.

+Horus, my son. +

+ When the idea of ​​Warmaster first appeared in my mind, it already belonged to you: I need my most capable and talented son to help me oversee the entire Great Crusade. , so that I can return to Holy Terra. Of all people, only you can shoulder such a great responsibility. +

+You are the Warmaster, the heir to the crown on my head. +

"But...but..."

The Shepherd God pursed his lips. He had imagined the scene in front of him countless times, but when the surprise actually arrived, Horus still found that he was unprepared. He could only keep licking his lips, but The discovery was still frightening: even though the Primarch's powerful heart had accepted the Warmaster's crown on his head, Horus was surprised that his first reaction was not to let ecstasy fill his soul.

Rather: something very complicated.

So complicated that it’s hard to describe

Horus blinked his eyes and tried his best to stabilize his mind, ruminating the emotions in his mind like a cow: The emperor's recognition indeed made him ecstatic, but behind the ecstasy, there were two complex forces. element.

There is a sense of comfort, the kind of comfort that after being tense for a long time, you can finally take a long breath to relax. This is the satisfaction after filling the deep pit of self-confidence: he finally got this position. Before that, All the self-deception and panic can finally disappear at this moment.

He won.

What followed was fear and confusion about the future.

They are equally important: but fear has a much higher priority than confusion.

after all……

"What should I do with Zhuang Sen?"

The newly minted Warmaster was thinking about this question all over his mind.

"My votes..."

+ Number of votes? +

The Emperor laughed, as if he was amused by something ridiculous, but when he noticed the seriousness in Horus's pupils, the Lord of Mankind suppressed his laughter, and he kept coughing softly in his throat. , urging his brain to come up with a plausible reason.

+ Number of votes: You seem to have forgotten that your father also has one vote. +

+ And I think the weight of the ticket in my hand should be heavier. +

"..."

Horus blinked.

He was not an idiot, but he still accepted this reason with great reluctance.

"But Zhuang Sen's side..."

+You can talk to him. +

The Emperor waved his hand, and his heroic appearance calmed Horus's mind.

+ In fact, you should have talked to Zhuang Sen as early as when you were in Ullanor: then you will find that Zhuang Sen recognizes your ability and personality charm, and he is willing to admit that you have won the title of Warmaster. competition. +

"This is not easy for him to see: did you give him any compensation?"

The question silenced the Emperor.

+Ah...a long time ago. +

"That's it."

Horus paid no attention.

Compared to Jonson, the Wolf God focuses on another character: the powerful character who is really in charge of the entire [Jonson Faction], has formed an offensive and defensive alliance with Guilliman, and can temporarily win over so many brothers.

"What about Morgan?"

Horus didn't notice the hint of nervousness in his voice.

"Can she accept the defeat of the Warmaster?"

The Emperor blinked: a flicker of inspiration appeared in his mind.

+Then why do you think Morgan took the same shuttle as me? +

+Some things have been discussed. +

"Father……"

The Shepherd God sniffed, but found that his nasal voice seemed a bit heavy. It was the remnants of tears squeezed into his eyes. It was the manifestation of the emotion called touching in the body. Horus barely controlled the muscles on his cheeks. , he had to press his lips desperately to avoid saying more intermittent embarrassing sentences.

"I...I'm really..."

+ Hear me out, my son. +

The Emperor's body leaned forward, he smiled and patted Horus on the shoulder, signaling Horus not to be so rude.

+ During the negotiations with Morgan, I had to make certain compromises, and not all of the final terms were beneficial to you: I hope you can make the necessary mental preparations. +

"compromise?"

Horus didn't even notice those [unfavorable] words against him.

"You actually... compromised?"

+ expediency. +

The emperor smiled helplessly.

+ In Morgan’s words: You don’t want Horus to be unable to become Warmaster, do you? +

"..."

The Wolf Shepherd's breathing became heavier.

+ In short, what I want to give you is the right to be a true Warmaster, but under the demands of Morgan and her companions, I am afraid that my wish will be greatly reduced. +

"What's the meaning?"

The Shepherd God finally recovered his proud thinking ability.

+ means: You may never be able to order them like me. You can only communicate privately with your primarch brothers through compromise and daily authority, so that they can voluntarily obey your orders, or accept them. Your coordination is more like the elder brother of all the Primarchs than the Warmaster. +

+Morgan calls this the Three-Chapter Agreement. +

+ She really intends to set some terms that everyone must abide by. +

"That's it..."

Horus nodded.

No matter what it looked like on the surface: The Wolf God's heart was actually far more relaxed than the emperor thought. He listened carefully, and then thought quickly, only to find that this condition was far better than he imagined...

Better?

hiss……

Horus laughed, reassuring his father with a smile.

"Don't worry, father."

This time, it was the Shepherd God's turn to pat the Emperor on the shoulder.

"No need to feel bad."

"I think: I am more willing to accept this [Three Chapters of Agreement] than you think."