The Emperor’s Angel of Death

It was deep autumn, and the morning air was chilly. Hays huddled in the back of the off-road vehicle, wrapping his military coat tightly around himself. Although the car wasn't exactly comfortable, it was better than walking.

He had been back in his hometown for a week, but he hadn't been able to return with the rest of his company. Due to his promotion to Major, he was forced to attend a series of ceremonies and meetings, including three victory parades, five public commendation meetings, and countless consolation meetings held by various department heads on the planet. Hays, having stepped into the 'officer' ranks, couldn't escape them.

Only now was he truly able to go home. However, being an officer did have its perks, such as a personal military vehicle with a driver and a guard. He planned to find his own guard, but the driver was a young man from his former company who had been forced to have his arm amputated and replaced with a prosthetic after an injury. He had already returned home and was later assigned to be Hays' driver by the regimental headquarters.

"It was so lively the first few days back. People from all the surrounding brigades came and held a two-day banquet with fireworks. That guy Fedon was bragging like crazy."

Along the way, the driver, Porter, kept chattering to Hays about their homecoming. Hays just sat in the back seat, looking a little tired.

After all, he was originally scheduled to leave the next morning, but he was so anxious that he rushed back overnight. He first took a transport plane, then a train, and finally a two-hour off-road vehicle ride.

However, although he was physically tired, the scenery outside the window gave him a refreshing change of pace. The fresh air set the stage for the magnificent view. The morning sun shone on the vast fields, where golden, white, and even red ears of grain weighed heavily on the stalks. Occasionally, tractors and harvesters could be seen parked on the ridges, and various herds roamed the harvested fields. In the distance, flocks of wild birds circled beneath the clouds.

Soon, road signs and various banners appeared, along with water stations, transformer stations, and other facilities. Low houses and small metal factories emerged behind the trees along the road.

"We're here."

When he saw the archway marking the Fourth Brigade, Hays immediately sat up straight. But when he saw something interesting, he suddenly laughed:

"Stop the car."

The off-road vehicle stopped, and the sound of tires crushing gravel disappeared.

Hays opened the car door, put his military cap on his head, and felt a soft sensation as his black military boots stepped on the familiar ground. He couldn't stop the smile on his face.

"Who goes there!?"

A group of children surrounded a high platform made of yellow earth. Two boys wearing cardboard armor stood on the platform, one holding a short stick with branches tied to the end, and the other holding a short wooden stick with a claw-like branch tied to his other hand. He also had a short braid tied on his head.

"Hmph! Grand Warmaster, Chief Looter, Heretic Warlord, these are all titles and reputations that I've had, each stronger and more powerful than the last! Today I'll let you know my true name, Abaddon! The strongest man in the world! Hmph! Sotha, now my strength has far surpassed you! And to ensure that I am forever invincible, I will do whatever it takes! In addition to dealing with all those who disobey me, they must also dedicate to me whatever can help me. As long as the fools don't know, and others don't dare to rebel and fear me, how can I be wrong? Even if it's wrong, it will only be the fault of the world, the fault of the fools, the fault of the weak! Therefore, all of you, if you don't want to die, if you don't want to suffer, you must love me, be loyal to me, respect me, and worship me! Admire me, the Heretic Warlord, and swear to die for me, the Chief Looter, the master of the Black Legion, I, I, I—I am Abaddon!"

However, the boy holding the long stick swept his "weapon" and snorted:

"Nonsense, don't say anything that insults my intelligence in front of me!"

"Waaah!"

Then the two boys "fought" with a clatter, and the surrounding boys raised the branches in their hands and shouted:

"Oh, oh, oh, the Chapter Master is mighty!"

They didn't even notice Hays walking up beside them with his hands behind his back and a smile on his face.

The boy playing Abaddon was the first to notice him, shouting:

"Who are you! Why are you trespassing on our Planet of Tribulation!?"

However, the boy playing "Sotha" screamed, tore off the cardboard armor, dropped his weapon, and jumped off the mound, only to be caught in mid-air by a pair of strong hands.

"Dad!"

"Ouch, be careful, what if you fall?"

Hays hugged his son Rongge with affection, and all the fatigue on his body disappeared at that moment.

"Little Rongge, you've grown so much in just a few years. I thought you wouldn't remember me."

"Dad, you haven't changed, how could I not remember! I asked Mom why you hadn't come back yet, and Mom always said you were still busy!"

Kissing his son's tender little face, Hays said dotingly:

"Yes, Dad had some things to take care of, but I'm not busy anymore. Oh, Dad has a little compensation for you."

With one arm around his son and the other hand in his pocket, Hays pulled out a high-end lollipop he had bought in the city. Little Rongge took it, tore off the wrapper, and his eyes lit up when he saw the colorful candy.

But he didn't eat it right away, instead turning to look at his eager companions behind him.

Hays smiled when he saw this.

"Don't worry, your friends will get some too."

With that, he pulled out another handful.

"Kids, this is for you."

"Oh, oh, oh! Thank you, Uncle Hays!"

The boys swarmed forward, dividing the candy in Hays' hand. As Hays walked towards the brigade headquarters with his son in his arms, they cheered and shouted beside him.

"Uncle Hays is back! Uncle Hays is back!"

The children's shouts quickly attracted the attention of many people, who ran over in surprise when they saw Hays in his military coat.

"Brigade Commander, you're back!"

"Fedon and the others said you got promoted, so it's true."

"Looks like we're going to have a regimental commander here."

At this time, Little Fedon and the others also came over and started preparing a celebration banquet for Hays. Although Hays kept declining, he couldn't refuse everyone's enthusiasm.

When he arrived in front of his house, his wife and daughters were already waiting there. Although their appearances were the same as years ago, they seemed to have a hint of unfamiliarity.

Hays put down Little Rongge and picked up his daughter Heatherin. The girl was almost ten years old and had changed so much that he almost didn't recognize her.

Heatherin kissed Hays on the cheek and said sweetly:

"Dad, welcome home!"

Tomorrow there will be double monthly tickets for more updates!