The Emperor’s Angel of Death

"Wow, how cool."

Hiding in the shadows, Leelin watched the Custodes heading towards the bridge, clicking his tongue in admiration.

"Is that weapon a power spear? I don't think our chain halberds are that powerful."

Kassadtee, leaning against a pillar with his arms crossed, smacked the back of his head.

"Stop talking nonsense. That's a Guardian Spear. It can easily cut an Astartes in two with one blow."

"I heard the Custodes are the greatest warriors, designed by the Emperor himself, even more powerful than the Astartes."

Ustad, as the second company captain, stood relatively close. He seemed amazed by the majesty and imposing presence of these palace guards, while Robin, standing beside him, glanced at the sword at his waist and said softly:

"If they can bleed, they can die. If the Custodes were truly invincible, they wouldn't wear those black robes. It's a mark of failure, a constant reminder and shame to them and everyone who sees it—that the Custodes were inadequate as guardians."

Ustad glanced at Robin and sighed softly.

"That kind of talk will get you in trouble, Robin. You should restrain yourself."

"Understood, Captain."

But he didn't refute Robin's words, because it was indeed a common understanding that the Custodes themselves replaced their original blood-red robes of war with black ones.

"Hey, Sergeant Bahram, do you think the Custodes are more powerful, or the Chapter Master?"

Hearing the recruits' question, Bahram pursed his lips into a line, then reached out and gently tapped the young man's head.

"Such comparisons are an insult to warriors and a form of vanity."

"Just asking."

Bahram shook his head helplessly, thought for a moment, and said softly:

"If the Chapter Master is serious, then probably hmm."

From the moment the Custodes entered, Soshyan felt scrutinizing gazes sweeping over him. Naturally, he was also scrutinizing them, especially the leader of the Custodes squad, a Shield-Captain.

The warrior gripped his ornate power spear tightly, a black cloak draped over his shoulders, and the lenses on his helmet shone like rubies in the light, tingeing the magnificent baroque-style enclosed helmet with a hint of red. His armor was more elaborate and decorative than that of the surrounding Custodian Guards, with gems and lightning patterns adorning his chest.

For some reason, Soshyan's mind suddenly flashed back to Veronica's description of "tasseled corn," and a strange sense of amusement arose in his heart, but he quickly dispelled it.

Although he didn't know much about the internal workings of the Custodes, Soshyan was familiar with some basic knowledge about them, such as the Shield-Captains having hundreds of symbolic or traditional titles in addition to their military rank, some of which were only held until a task was completed or a duty fulfilled, while others were held for life.

At the same time, the names of the Custodes were said to be very long, and combined with their titles, Soshyan wasn't sure if he could pronounce all of their titles.

Besides him, Faisel the Envoy and Villets were also present to meet the Custodes.

The Custodes stopped ten meters away from Soshyan, the butts of their weapons hitting the floor with a synchronized sound. Then, the leading Custodes tucked his weapon under his arm, removed his helmet, revealing a stern face with sharp features, short and dense blond hair, and calm, deep eyes. Both his appearance and demeanor showed that he was a born warrior.

Just as Soshyan was thinking about how to greet him, Faisel spoke first.

"Chapter Master Soshyan, this is Shield-Captain Valerian."

Clearly, he had done Soshyan a great favor. Soshyan smiled, nodded, stepped forward, and extended his hand. Wearing his armor, Soshyan was still a bit taller than the Custodes, so at least he didn't appear shorter when face to face.

"Pleased to meet you, Captain Valerian."

However, the other party didn't respond, only looking at Soshyan with an indifferent gaze.

The atmosphere froze.

"What's with this arrogant guy?"

Leelin pointed at the Custodes, curling his lip.

"Give me a Catachan blade, and I can definitely take him on."

Sablin and Kassadtee chuckled. Sablin even mocked:

"You'd be lucky to last ten rounds. Don't brag."

"I'm serious."

"So am I."

Just as the Astral Knights were getting a little restless, the Shield-Captain slowly spoke.

"Soshyan Aleksey, I've heard much about you."

To Soshyan's surprise, the other party's voice was thick but not deep, even with a hint of youthfulness.

Then he shook Soshyan's hand, the force from their massive hands causing their gauntlets to creak, and quickly separated.

"You are indeed different. My curiosity has been satisfied."

Soshyan blinked, surprised by the Custodes' bluntness.

"You met me just to satisfy your curiosity?"

In his imagination, the Custodes were the kind of beings who never smiled, were extremely rigid and cold, and had nothing left but rationality.

But the other party laughed, though it was only the slightest of smiles.

"In just fifty years, you've restored a Chapter that was reduced to only 33 warriors to near its historical peak. And in those fifty years, you first daringly seized the Red Corsairs' war fortress, then defeated the strongest Ork tribe of this millennium at Armageddon, then forced the Great Despoiler Abaddon to flee in disarray on Rypan, and destroyed the giant derelict ship Ouroboros, which had appeared several times in history, retrieved the Mechanicus Ark Red Blood, and manipulated many Mechanicus forces like puppets. And just recently, in only seven years, you completely crushed the Red Corsairs, a Chaos Legion second only to the Black Legion. How could one not be curious?"

Soshyan's assessment of these words was—a veiled barb.

And his reply was:

"The Chapter was almost destroyed in the battle of the World Engine. Thanks to the help of Captain Lysander and Chapter Master Pew, we barely survived. The surprise attack on the Eye of Terror relied on the Malakim brothers' familiarity with the Red Corsairs' situation and the full assistance of the Lamenters and the Rangers. The victory at Armageddon was due to the courage of the people of Armageddon and their unwavering faith in the Emperor. We were just icing on the cake and dare not take credit. Rypan was a risky move by the great enemy Abaddon, but it also relied on the strong assistance of the White Templars and many brother Chapters, such as the Dark Angels, for us to seize the opportunity. As for the derelict ship Ouroboros, we Astartes were merely external helpers from beginning to end. Important decisions came from internal consultations within the Mechanicus. As for the Great Maelstrom Expedition."

Soshyan sighed.

"Huron is still at large, so it's hard to call it a success."

Hearing Soshyan's words, the Custodes tilted his head slightly, seemingly re-examining him, then nodded.

"I'm even more curious now, but I can suppress it for now. But Marshal Trajann Valoris is right. The winds of change have begun to stir."