Ahriman's words left Axis completely dumbfounded. What nonsense was this kid spouting?
What did he mean by attacking Holy Terra? What did he mean by overthrowing the Emperor's rule? Axis and the Emperor were partners, for crying out loud. Ahriman really needed to stop spreading such wild ideas.
"Lord Axis, isn't it obvious?" Ahriman asked. "You possess the power of a God. You are in no way weaker than the Emperor was in his prime; in fact, you are even more perfect and powerful. Why should he be the Master of Mankind and not you? Why do you sell yourself short?"
To Ahriman, was there any other explanation for Lord Axis's behavior?
Wasn't Guilliman's marriage to an Aeldari woman Lord Axis's handiwork as well?
"Pffft! Hahaha! I can't breathe, that's too funny! Is this guy always so amusing?" Yvraine, standing nearby, laughed until she trembled, unable to stand straight as she leaned her body against Guilliman.
Guilliman felt utterly helpless. If it weren't for the fact that Axis could indeed communicate with his father, the Emperor, and if everything hadn't been ordered by the Emperor himself...
To be honest, Guilliman might have harbored thoughts similar to Ahriman's. Even in the eyes of some within the Imperium, what Axis was doing now looked exactly like an attempt to overthrow the Imperial hierarchy.
The High Lords of Terra believed themselves to be the Emperor's voice and that only they were fit to rule humanity.
That Ahriman had formed such a bizarre idea wasn't actually that strange in Guilliman's view. Any rational person who encountered these fragmented pieces of intelligence would likely come to the same conclusion.
"You are overthinking things, Ahriman. The Emperor and I are collaborators. As for the nature of our cooperation, you do not need to know too much. Right now, I am helping Guilliman return to the Imperium so the Primarch can regain control of the government. Do you understand?" Axis explained.
"Lord Axis, you could completely replace the Emperor. He is trapped on the Golden Throne, like a rotting corpse, while the power you possess..."
Ahriman's attempt to persuade Axis was cut short by an explosion of overwhelming power.
Ahriman's eyes rolled back, and he looked at Axis with pure terror, his body trembling uncontrollably.
At this moment, Axis's pupils had disappeared. His body had expanded, growing a head taller than even Guilliman. Muscles bulged explosively all over his body, and his hair had turned green.
To make Professor Ahriman face reality, Axis had activated his most brutal transformation: the Legendary Super Saiyan.
Although this form was not as powerful as Super Saiyan God, since Axis had already ascended to godhood, this was equivalent to the power of a Super Saiyan in its most primal, raw state.
"What do you know of the Emperor? What do you know of the truth of this universe? Humanity cannot lose the Emperor!"
Axis continued, his voice booming. "I will tell you the truth. Even if you fought your way to Holy Terra, if anyone actually intended to kill the Emperor, the Four Ruinous Powers of Chaos would be the first to stop you."
It was no joke. The Chaos Gods' greatest wish was for the Emperor to sit immobile on the Golden Throne, clinging to life forever.
Ideally, if he were to wake, they hoped he would drag the Dark King down into mutual destruction so they could rest easy for eternity.
If not that, then the Chaos Gods preferred to let the galaxy and the universe remain filled with life so they could harvest negative energy to strengthen themselves until the day they felt confident enough to oppose the Dark King.
Therefore, no one was allowed to disturb the Emperor's slumber. No one could truly conquer the Imperium, not even Warmaster Abaddon.
Abaddon was merely a pawn used to cause a little chaos for humanity. The Four Gods never expected him to actually conquer Holy Terra and slay the Emperor.
"I see. You have your own plans, Lord Axis. I overstepped. I should not have probed into these matters, but please believe me," Ahriman said, immediately realizing his deduction was wrong as he knelt on the ground.
Submitting to Axis was nothing shameful. According to Ahriman's calculations, this being was at least equal to the Emperor. Furthermore, because Axis possessed a physical, material body, he could walk the stars freely. In some respects, he was even more formidable than the Emperor.
"Axis, don't tell him too much," Guilliman interjected quickly from the side.
"Relax, Guilliman, he won't talk. Once my Ki enters his body, I can sense everything about him. If he harbors any thoughts of betrayal or leaks any intelligence, I won't need to explain the consequences," Axis said.
Ahriman said nothing, merely kneeling respectfully with his head bowed low.
Guilliman nodded. Axis knew where to draw the line; he hadn't revealed critical secrets, only giving a vague answer that the Emperor was important to humanity.
"Accept this gift! Come, Ahriman, let me see if you can withstand the power of this fruit," Axis said.
Ahriman nodded, took the fruit, and swallowed it whole. Instantly, he felt a massive surge of life energy flood his body, frantically assaulting his system.
It felt as if his body were being torn apart. Every cell, every muscle fiber, every piece of tissue, and every blood vessel was enduring a savage enhancement from the violent life energy.
"Hold on, Ahriman! This fruit possesses powerful life energy that forces your body to evolve. It can make you several times stronger than you are now! It could even increase your strength tenfold, but only if you can accept its power. If you cannot, it proves you are nothing more than this, and you are useless to me," Axis stated.
The first generation of the Fruit of the Tree of Might could only be perfectly absorbed by a Primarch. As for the second generation, although weakened, an average Space Marine definitely could not absorb it.
Even his son, Khârn, currently only had a physique that could barely manage it.
However, Axis wanted to see if Professor Ahriman could bring him a surprise.
Ahriman grit his teeth, mobilizing all his psychic power to wrap around his body, forcibly preventing his form from collapsing while using his sorcery to help assimilate the terrifying life energy.
Yet, even so, the violent energy rampaged wildly. Ahriman felt his body was on the verge of total failure.
Damn it! How can I fall here? I haven't saved my brothers who were turned into hollow automata yet! I haven't achieved my great goals! How can I die here?
Ahriman found his resolve, clenched his jaw, and desperately held his body together, drawing upon the absolute limit of his psychic might.
Axis was very satisfied with Ahriman's performance, but some things could not be achieved by sheer willpower alone.
Axis placed his palm on Ahriman's shoulder and infused his divine power, reinforcing Ahriman's soul and flesh.
More than ten minutes later, Ahriman finally managed to absorb all the life energy of the second-generation fruit.
By now, Ahriman's height had grown from two and a half meters to over three meters. His stature far exceeded that of an ordinary Space Marine, and his frame was packed with power.
Even his gene-seed had been enhanced by a mysterious force. Ahriman could clearly feel that his physical body was at least ten times stronger than before.
With a stronger vessel, the psychic power he could wield was also amplified. Although his soul had only grown slightly, he sensed that Lord Axis's power actually had the ability to strengthen the soul itself.
It was simply incredible. No wonder Axis was the only god with a physical body. With such magnificent power, if he didn't succeed, who could?
"Lord Axis, your power is terrifying. This strength is a supreme gift. I will serve you with all my heart," Ahriman declared.
"Very good. As long as you and your subordinates complete the tasks I give you, I will not be stingy with rewards. If you succeed in this mission, I promise to grant you another fruit. You can juice that one, dilute it with water, and create a serum for all members of your warband. Their physical capabilities will be enhanced," Axis promised the warband members.
These men were not like the standard Space Marines of the Imperium; they had no bottom line. As long as Axis gave the order, they would do any dirty or exhausting work required.
"In service to Lord Axis!" All members of the Prodigal Sons warband, including some of the Rubric Marines, knelt collectively on the ground.
"Now, pilot your ship and follow behind us. Once we reach Holy Terra, you will split off and operate independently," Axis ordered.
"Understood. Please leave it to me, Lord Axis," Ahriman replied.
Following such a powerful deity, perhaps the problem of his brothers could be solved in the future. As long as he earned enough merit, Lord Axis would surely look upon his request favorably.
Axis nodded and boarded the transport shuttle with Guilliman to return to the fleet. The existence of the Chaos Space Marine ship naturally could not be known by certain people.
Consequently, Axis had Kasha wipe some memories, including those of Chapter Master Calgar and Tigurius. Ahriman's ship was concealed by Kasha using psychic sorcery, quietly trailing behind the main fleet.
The rest of the journey passed without incident. More than ten days later, the group finally reached the Sol System, entering realspace from a massive stargate in Jupiter's orbit.
"We have finally arrived. Holy Terra!" Axis sighed in contentment.