Emperor's Bane

Chapter 828: Enemy Blade

Judging from its appearance alone, Zenobia can hardly be called a fortress world.

This prosperous land is divided by vast ocean and lush tropical rainforest, and at their intersection is the exquisite world capital of Zenobia: its splendor made Morgan involuntarily think of Prospero.

This is not a good association.

Because she knew what kind of hell Prospero was in right now: this was something no one else knew, and it was also the Lord of Avalon's greatest advantage.

As the owner of the third or fourth largest intelligence network in the galaxy (she was sure that Terra and Alpha had more resources than her, and Horus's power was less verified), the Spider Queen could get any accurate news she wanted in the shortest time.

Her agents, intelligence officers, and internal security forces rarely fail: at least in recent decades, and the few times they fail, there are always irresistible reasons.

The Spider Queen's servants took her instructions to heart and would fight Malcador and the other Primarchs' minions, but when the enemy lifted up their black robes to reveal the shining insignia of the Custodes on their armor, even the most important mission could be reasonably abandoned.

The tacit understanding between father and daughter revolves around such small issues: even the most ruthless and cautious imperial guards, when encountering Avalon agents who retreated voluntarily, would not kill them all out of habit, because the protagonist they are loyal to would not allow them to do so.

And more often than not, the Lord of Mankind would show amazing tolerance: Prospero was the best proof of this. Morgan's intelligence officers were among the few people allowed to operate in that land, and they provided the Primarch with an endless supply of first-hand information.

Because of this, when others were still guessing what big mistake Magnus had made on Nikaia based on the trivial information deliberately released by the Emperor, the Spider Queen already knew what the final fate of the equally jeweled city of Tizca would be.

Out of the most basic compassion, Morgan didn't want the world under her feet to end up in the same way.

After all, the fate of Prospero and Tizca had a political purpose: when the Lord of Mankind left for the Great Crusade, he needed a sufficiently eye-catching symbol to divert the wrath of the Primarchs and interest groups who had suffered losses on Nikaea.

Whenever people want to find out what happened on that name-erased world, they only need to look to the home planet of the Thousand Sons Legion, and they will be wise not to dig deeper, thus avoiding the possibility of further corruption by Chaos.

The reason is obvious: if the Thousand Sons Legion had not committed the serious mistake of crossing the bottom line, how could the Emperor have imposed such punishment?
Magnus was imprisoned.

The Thousand Sons, who are not allowed to recruit, will be wiped out to the last of their soldiers in one-way atonement expeditions.

As for Prospero: Although both Jonson and Leman Russ hoped to bring a quick destruction to the world with an extermination order, the furious Lord of Mankind did not want Magnus's kingdom to disappear so easily, as this was not enough to offset their sins.

His punishment will be even more powerful: the Lord of Mankind has decided to use chaos, imprisonment and famine as a noose to strangle the proud home planet of the Thousand Sons Legion alive, leaving them to their final end in thirst and despair: he does not care what consequences this will lead to, the tragic demise is the fate that Prospero deserves.

Compared to this verdict, the Burning of Prospero proposed by Jonson and Leman Russ was a welcome relief: the Emperor, already extremely disappointed with the Fifteenth Legion, did not intend to abuse his mercy any further, and he decided to let the entire galaxy see the fate of those who crossed the red line.

Even if this meant razing the dreamlike city of Tizca to the ground, the photos sent back by the Spider Queen's agents made the cold-blooded Primarch, who had been conquering the east and the west for more than a hundred years, feel sick and nauseous: using the term "hell on earth" to describe the current city of Tizca was no longer enough.

In other words, even if these primarchs decided to lead their respective legions to attack Zenobia, the damage ultimately caused would not be even one-tenth of the current city of Tizca.

What a shame: it was a very beautiful city.

Shaking his head, Morgan suppressed the unnecessary compassion in his heart and walked to the deck to join Horus's envoy team.

At this moment, the warmaster of the Great Crusade was discussing the last question with officials from the Federation of Kings: Who will be responsible for the safety of the Imperial delegation?

The Confederation of Kings insisted that their soldiers would do everything, but no Astartes would allow their Primarch to set foot on these lands without a guard accompanying him: they were not yet true allies.

By the time Morgan arrived on deck, the problem had been resolved, and the officials of the Confederation of Kings had finally backed down: they allowed the fully armed Astartes warriors to accompany their Primarch to Zenobia: even though this meant undermining their sovereignty.

The Federation of Kings has repeatedly stated that this retreat was out of gratitude for the efforts Warmaster Horus had made before for peace: they are not arrogant and blind, they can feel the kindness of the Wolf Shepherd God, and are willing to give the same thing in return for this kindness.

These words were very useful to the Warmaster, and he did not make things too difficult for the protagonists: the Wolf God took the initiative to limit the number of imperial envoys to within 1,200 people, and a considerable number of them were historians and artists from Terra, evenly distributed from the four legions.

Horus wanted to use this method to show that the Human Empire was not a military hegemony that only knew how to fight and kill. They also admired history and culture, and hoped to reverse the prejudice in the hearts of the Federation of Kings.

And perhaps out of the same opinion as the Wolf Shepherd God, the envoys sent by the Federation of Kings this time were not the well-dressed and cultured people like last time, but rather serious and cold-faced soldiers: their attitude was equally respectful, and the atmosphere between the two sides was fairly friendly.

"The highest-level Iganus Tower in Zenobia City has been specially cleared out to welcome your country's delegation. We will do our best to meet all your needs. All foreign guests and visitors will be properly accommodated, and their activities in Zenobia City will not be restricted in any way."

Because Jefta's senior officer of the Federation of Kings was in charge of liaison with the four Primarchs, and although he appeared to be very calm, the four heirs of the Emperor present could all see that this gray-haired veteran still felt a lot of pressure in the face of the Primarch's tall stature and natural aura.

But he performed well, reminding the Primarchs of the best generals in the Mortal Auxilia, and under his guidance, the Imperial delegation landed smoothly at the starport and took part in a parade held to welcome them: a ceremony lavish enough to rival the grand celebrations on Holy Terra.

The square formation of tens of thousands of soldiers from the Federation of Kings stretched as far as the eye could see, mixed in with countless revelers, making it seem lively yet orderly: when the soldiers in armor and wearing garlands walked in a line, the citizens on both sides would scatter petals and ribbons at them, and this enthusiasm would often be reciprocated, with kisses between the warriors and the girls continuing.

"This is good."

“But it’s too informal.”

Fulgrim's voice dissipated in the cheerful melody of the celebratory music, and he sat there complaining in a depressed atmosphere: ever since Horus accepted the invitation of the Federation of Kings, the atmosphere around Fulgrim has always been gloomy, and the most common words coming out of his mouth are various complaints.

Especially considering that the float carrying the four primarchs was so tall, like a walking building, when Horus' brothers looked around from above, they could clearly see in the queue behind them, the queue composed of the foreign auxiliary troops of the Alliance of Kings.

“Is this a way of showing off?”

Fulgrim frowned.

"It's impossible for them not to know our attitude on this matter."

"Perhaps the Wolf Shepherd God agrees."

The Archangel didn't care.

"This is a problem for the Federation of Kings."

"Do not."

Phoenix shook his head seriously.

"That's his problem."

The various alien faces showed that the Federation of Kings did not only cooperate closely with the Kane Black alien species: some alien faces had at least a hint of beauty that humans could appreciate, while others might be more like insects or reptiles than mammals, or even had an appearance that could not be described in words.

"It's only been half an hour since I landed, and I've already identified thirty-seven different alien forms."

This time, the Phoenix is ​​joined by an angel symbolically holding a glass of wine.

He sighed.

"I must begin to doubt: Can we convince a human regime that is highly cooperative with the aliens to accept the laws of the Empire? And if they are unwilling to accept it, can we accept so many alien subjects?"

"If it had been just one Cairnbridge man it would have been all right: but there are too many."

"Look at the crowd on the roadside: the ratio of humans to aliens is almost one to one."

[A very dangerous number: something will happen sooner or later.]

The Spider Queen leaned on the railing and rarely agreed with her two brothers' views: although Morgan could only identify twenty of the thirty-seven aliens pointed out by the archangel, there was one thing she was very sure of.

Among the aliens present, at least fourteen species had previously engaged in bloody conflicts with the Empire.

This means that it is almost impossible for the Empire to accept their surrender.

I don't know how the Federation of Kings reached cooperation with these ferocious aliens, but considering how they dealt with those giant spider races before, they probably subdued these aliens, helped them up, and took them in with so-called tolerance, right?
If this were a normal world, the Federation of Kings would indeed have a bright future.

Morgan couldn't help but smile as he listened to the next round of cheers from the floats.

"look."

Sanguinius stood beside her: the archangel was oblivious to the cheers his appearance had caused among the crowd below, he simply directed Morgan's gaze to a position in the square.

"It seems our people are in trouble."

"where?"

Phoenix came over quickly.

"There."

Following the guidance of the Archangel, the three Primarchs saw Tarvitz of the Emperor's Children: this charismatic warrior encountered two extremely enthusiastic ladies from the Federation of Kings, and was trying to get out of the predicament in an awkward posture. His brothers all noticed this problem, but everyone just smiled and did not help.

“This lady has good taste.”

Phoenix raised his forehead proudly.

"Tavitz is a great fighter."

"but……"

The Primarch quickly changed the subject.

“Are they too offensive?”

"offend?"

The archangel's brow twitched.

"What? Are all your Emperor's Children made of gold?"

【I guess it's glass.】

Morgan grinned.

【The eyes are shining.】

"That is not what I meant." Fulgrim frowned, trying to look as serious as possible.

"I just look at them: these people are pulling and tugging at the marching column, and they have no respect for the soldiers at all. The military parade should be a ceremony that can make people feel safe. It should be solemn and grand. People can cheer, but they should not extend their hands to the soldiers who protect them."

“Maybe it’s just a cultural difference.”

Sanguinius shrugged his shoulders, his eyes fixed for a moment on the fruit plate and other delicacies specially provided by the Federation of Kings: he seemed to want to try the exotic delicacies very much, but in the end he did not have the courage to eat them.

So he poked his sister's shoulder.

"Morgan: Do you have any more fruit?"

[Yes, there is. ]

Morgan gave him a helpless look.

[But do you think this is the right time? ]

"Not yet."

The archangel smiled kindly.

"No one will be interested in your flatness: you are not even as good as Vulcan in that respect."

【! 】

The air became a little solid for a moment.

【you……】

Just as Morgan was about to say something, the Wolf God standing in the front interrupted the brothers' conversation with a voice full of joy.

"Look!"

He points forward.

“It’s their museum: the place that gives us all the answers.”

【hope so. 】

What answered him was the Spider Queen's lingering cold smile and a pair of eyes that suddenly became lively.

------

Yes, it's right there.

She could feel it.

------

"The equipment hall records the war history of the Federation of Kings from its founding to the present day. It has special significance for our military art: here you can find every weapon that the warriors of the Federation of Kings have ever used, from the most primitive swords to the most advanced artillery. They are all preserved in the energy field."

"In the darker area, there is the weapons exhibition area of ​​Cairnbridge, as well as the territory of our other allies. Their weapons are very different from ours, but more advanced in terms of technology. Even the smallest objects are extremely lethal: they are only used in times of war."

"So please be careful."

General Jefta proved that he was a very good museum guide. Under his endless chatter, the weapons locked in the cold positions were vividly described in terms of their power and ugliness: although this made the imperial warriors very uncomfortable.

"It's strange."

Even Sejanus was mumbling quietly.

"They are obviously warriors, so why do they hate the weapons that are responsible for protecting them so much?"

"Maybe they feel they are strong enough that they no longer need these weapons."

Abaddon mocked from the side: Being forced to visit the alien's arsenal and having to endure the company of several aliens at all times has almost driven the Luna Wolf to the brink of madness.

But in the next exhibition area, his irritability quickly turned into new doubts.

"What are these?"

When the Federation of Kings showed them the so-called advanced weapons of the Cainbridge people, both the Primarchs and the Astartes, these battle-hardened warriors were somewhat incredulous.

They did not see any swords or modern guns, but a lot of strange little things: necklaces, boxes, rings or iron rings around wrists, and various metal products of strange shapes.

"They are both extremely deadly."

General Jefta's serious expression confused the imperial envoys.

"Please don't think I'm exaggerating. These weapons are derived from the forbidden technology that the people of Cairnbridge have long abandoned. They are logic and knowledge that cannot be understood by the real universe. Even for a powerful person like you, just the tiniest cut from them is enough to endanger your life."

The "you" here naturally refers to the four most powerful Primarchs present.

This seemingly threatening statement made the Astartes clench their swords in dissatisfaction, but Horus just waved his hand, and the somewhat tense atmosphere returned to calm: he looked at the receptionist of the Federation of Kings with a smile on his face and expressed his gratitude first.

"You mean to say that their forging process cannot be explained by science?"

“It’s not that exaggerated yet.”

General Jephta smiled.

"At least these weapons can be explained by so-called science. Weapons that cannot be explained by science have been placed in the deepest part of the museum. If you want to explore them, you must visit them from a safe distance."

"That's it."

Honestly speaking, the Wolf Shepherd God had little interest in this visit. He was more concerned about the subsequent examination of the historical text. Just as the Empire's War Marshal was thinking about how he should decline in the most polite tone possible, a voice he had never expected came from a position not far behind him.

【Then take us to see it. 】

Morgan smiled and winked at Horus who turned his head to look at her.

[I also want to know what things cannot be explained by the logic of the real universe. ]

【Could it be...】

The Spider Queen deliberately lengthened her tone.

【witchcraft?】

"Hahaha……"

As soon as these words were spoken, cheerful laughter rang out in the Empire's ranks, and everyone thought that the Spider Queen was just joking: except for the envoys from the Federation of Kings.

"You guessed right."

General Jefta's sigh and his solemn tone silenced the Primarchs and Astartes. They raised their brows and looked at the sincere envoys of the Federation of Kings in front of them with some surprise.

"I think they're playing a trick on us."

Phoenix lowered his voice and complained to Sanguinius standing beside him.

"They think we are barbarians: barbarians enough to actually believe in witchcraft."

"Maybe."

The Archangel remained noncommittal.

While they were talking, Morgan was the first to take a step.

She rarely showed such excitement.

The wolf shepherd god just smiled, but kept this tiny detail in mind.

General Jeftah's voice was still echoing.

"It is a specially made weapon, once forged by the most outstanding forging master among the Cairnblaich people, using an extinct substance called Ghost Metal: Ghost Metal is the most powerful intelligent metal we know of, and it gives this weapon extraordinary effects."

"Specifically, this weapon can choose an enemy for its owner and make itself the scourge of that enemy: the chosen person is destined to be killed by this weapon. This is a fact determined by fate, and even the gods cannot change this fact."

"Crazy talk."

Phoenix snorted disdainfully, while Morgan next to him had a serious expression.

So, what is it called?

"Enemy Blade."

The general of the Federation of Kings had a gloomy face.

"Cursed by the gods: Nemesis Blade."

(End of this chapter)