Macragge's dawn broke under the shadow of Shawn's fleet — thousands of ships, each one bristling with warriors who could wield Haki as naturally as breathing.
The plaza outside the Fortress of Hera was a sea of ceramite and banners. The blue of Ultramarines mixed with the gold of Custodes, the silver of Grey Knights, and the emerald of Salamanders.
At the center stood Shawn Newman, The Flamebringer, his towering frame over five meters — almost eye to eye with Guilliman himself.
The Ceremony
Guilliman, now whole, stepped forward in his armour. The black corruption that once marred him was gone, replaced by the unyielding presence of a Primarch reborn.
"You took from Fulgrim what he believed could never be undone," Guilliman said, his voice carrying across the parade ground. "You have done for me what none in the Imperium could. For that, my sons — the Ultramarines — are yours to command."
A roar of vox-amplified voices shook the sky.
Valdor leaned slightly to Shawn. "Another blade in your arsenal."
Shawn's eyes stayed forward. "Another shield for mankind."
Integration of Forces
The following days were a storm of motion.
Valen worked with Ultramarine Chaplains, teaching them to awaken Haki in their brethren — under Shawn's direct supervision. Observation Haki scouts were paired with Grey Knight Librarians for maximum reach into both physical and psychic battlefields. Armament masters from the Salamanders drilled alongside Custodes spear companies, forging combined armament barriers that could turn aside even orbital bombardment.
In the simulation domes, the Ultramarines quickly learned what "Haki master" meant when they sparred against Salamanders veterans. The losses were humbling — but the lessons stuck.
The War Council
Inside the grand strategium, a hololithic map of the galaxy flickered. Red-marked systems burned like wounds: Chaos warzones, Necron tomb worlds, Tyranid infestations, and pirate strongholds.
Guilliman pointed to the Eastern Fringe. "If we strike here and here, we cut supply to the Maelstrom region."
Shawn's hand swept to the Segmentum Obscurus. "And here — Abaddon's forces massing for another Black Crusade. We stop that before it starts."
Valdor folded his arms. "You're dividing your forces."
"I'm multiplying them," Shawn replied. "Every front we clear, more warriors join us. This isn't about holding ground — it's about ending threats."
The Oath
Before the campaign began, all forces gathered on the parade ground once more. Guilliman, Valdor, Calgar, Valen, and the chapter masters of the Ultramarines knelt before Shawn.
Valen's voice carried the words: "We swear by our blood and by our will to follow the Supreme Commander until the galaxy is purged of every last foe of mankind."
Shawn looked over the kneeling warriors — and the millions standing beyond them in perfect formation.
"Then rise. The crusade begins anew."
The roar that followed seemed to shake the void itself.