The Emperor’s Angel of Death

"Reliable isn't a professional term, old chap, so we need to verify it, but we also need to be prepared for it to actually happen."

Even as a staunch pro-xenos, Scarmen was unnerved by such an absurd possibility.

"Old friend, you're not really imagining a... united empire of humans and Eldar, are you?"

"We have no reason to distrust our plans. They were devised by devout servants of the Emperor for the glory of the Imperium. We must not doubt ourselves, especially during such trying times."

Arcturus replied, a defensive edge in his voice, before rising from his chair and striding to the main screen in the cabin. He activated the star chart.

Millions of stars twinkled in his bright eyes, filling his mind with vastness and icy nothingness. He then triggered the zoom mechanism, bringing the designated quadrant into closer focus, homing in on a scar in the galaxy. A layer of deep red mist was faintly visible around a ring-shaped constellation. The red on the screen was deliberately toned down and weakened, but the mist was real, a crimson hue barely distinguishable from the surrounding dark space.

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As he gazed at the dizzying vortex of twisted energy that defined the Eye of Terror on the screen, the fanatical pro-xenos Inquisitor slowly nodded.

"The cataclysm is coming soon. Even the vast Imperium is no stronger than a twig in such a storm. If sufficient strength cannot be found internally, then we must borrow strength from external sources. Otherwise, the Imperium is in danger."

Arcturus keenly realized that this regime, claiming to continue the ancient Eldar empire, would trigger shocks throughout the galaxy in the future. If it truly grew strong and even reunified the fragmented Eldar society, then humanity would have to re-evaluate the galactic situation. In this case, the pro-xenos ideology seemed to have a chance of realization—Arcturus's most unique point compared to other pro-xenos Inquisitors was his vision. He knew very well that to get the Imperium to the negotiating table, ideology was not enough. The core was strength.

"Perhaps."

As Scarmen turned back to look at the screen, his expression also became somewhat complex. Arcturus had been expounding on the threat from the Eye of Terror, but the Eye of Terror was also an area heavily defended by the Imperium, with powerful fleets, the indomitable Cadians, and countless elite soldiers. How could anything go wrong?

"But I'm not sure if we can trust them. I'm not even sure if they will trust us then. For so many years, we are actually no different from most Inquisitors, just with different ideas. We haven't changed the Eldar's views, nor have the Eldar changed their views of the Imperium. Distrust still runs through both races. We are weak and isolated. Is all our effort really useful?"

"Old friend, do not doubt yourself. Our souls are pure."

"I hope you're right, old friend. I truly hope you're right."

At this moment, the transport jolted, indicating that they were about to enter the world.

This was the location chosen by the other party, a world not marked by the Imperium, possibly ignored due to its low value.

Soon, accompanied by a slight tremor, the voice of the pilot servitor came.

"Beginning descent."

A dozen seconds later, the cabin shook violently, and all four Inquisitors stood up.

After a moment, the hatch slowly opened, illuminating their bodies, which had been covered in darkness for too long. Arcturus was the first to walk out, followed closely by Scarmen.

They soon found themselves on a flat mountaintop, towering over a huge archway. Obviously, this belonged to an Aeldari world. Standing on the cliff edge, they could overlook a vast expanse of unique terrain: clusters of squat, round hills like bubbles growing out of the ground, deep caves, and sudden cracks in the ground, all covered by a morbid forest, separated by large patches of bare rock and shrubs.

Mountains were scattered on both sides of the peak, forming a shallow, undulating valley. Although the air was a bit hot, after all, this system was a binary star system, with two suns hanging in the sky, it was generally suitable. It could be seen that this planet was very beautiful.

Looking east, the valley led to a plain, the terrain sloping downwards, extending to a vast grassland. Thick, columnar structures jutted out of the plain, like some kind of ruins or wreckage. The sun shone through the clouds onto the plain, emitting a dazzling white light. To the south, they could see the glittering sea, with long coastlines, distributed with shallow-sea forests and beaches.

The Inquisitor named Kunsa suddenly squatted down, tapped the ground, and then looked up and said:

"This used to be an Eldar world... but it has been abandoned for a long time."

The others also noticed that although the ground under their feet looked like naturally formed stone, it was actually paved with a large number of stone fragments. Looking carefully around at the moss-covered boulders and rocks, they were actually made up of lifelike statues.

And that archway also looked weathered.

Just as everyone was looking around, a peaceful voice sounded.

"Welcome, everyone, to Ninggu Tal Star."

The words were not transmitted through sound, but flowed directly into his mind, gentle and unfathomable.

Then, the archway began to glow, and finally a water-like mirror appeared. A Seer wearing a helmet, a long silver robe, and holding a long staff strode out in a very elegant posture. Behind him followed several Aeldari warriors wearing golden feather cloaks.

After standing still, he looked at Scarmen.

"A long time no see. I am very pleased to see you are still so healthy, Mr. Scarmen."

"It's also a pleasure to see you again, Starbane Farseer."

Meeting the other party in person for the first time, Scarmen was unusually flustered when speaking for some reason, feeling like an excited child.

Starbane then looked at Arcturus.

"Greetings to you, Inquisitor Arcturus."

Arcturus gently shook his robe, revealing his seemingly old armor, as well as several runes on his waist, and a spiritbone short sword. Then he bowed slightly, answering very humbly:

"You honor me... because of your arrival, Eldrad Ulthran, I have heard of your name and deeds. I regret not meeting you sooner."

Starbane chuckled, took off his helmet, revealing a smiling face.

"Hopefully not a bad reputation."

Arcturus couldn't help but smile, because he felt that the other party's action of taking off his helmet to reveal his true face and humorous language were all to bring the two closer. This was a good start.