From Magos Galahad's description, Emrys generally understood their past.
Galahad and Jackal both belonged to the Astra Militarum Infantry Regiment, 175th Regiment, and had participated in hundreds of battles, large and small.
Later, they were dispatched to the Cadian world to participate in that horrific battle. The entire 175th Regiment was almost wiped out, with only a handful of survivors who were then discharged under the Astra Militarum' orders and settled in the Losel Hive world, the front outpost of the Nachmund Corridor.
After their discharge, the remaining members of the 175th Regiment were assigned to different jobs, thus staying away from the clamor of war.
They had thought that their lives would continue this way, spending the rest of their days in the peaceful middle-hive.
But as expected, an unexpected event occurred!
One day, a suspected Gene Stealer Cult was discovered outside the hive capital. Galarion Hadley then assembled the PDF to investigate the situation in the wilderness.
Of the seven remaining members of the 175th Regiment, five of their comrades, who generally served as instructors in the PDF, accepted the mission, while Jackal and Galahad declined, finding it too troublesome.
But unexpectedly, the comrades from the 175th Regiment and that PDF unit completely vanished without a trace after that.
Galarion Hadley dispatched two teams of PDF multiple times to search for the five missing squads in the wilderness, but there were no clues.
The five squads disappeared without a sound, as if they had evaporated, leaving no trace.
After learning the news, Jackal and Galahad also formed a team to investigate the wilderness, but found nothing.
This led to later events: Jackal suspected it was a cult, and under Urien's deliberate guidance, assassinated Kalen, the then first-in-line heir of the Hadley family, and was almost shot by Galarion Hadley. After Urien's repeated pleas and evidence that Kalen was possibly involved with the cult, this was changed to exile.
After listening to Magos Galahad's narration, Emrys had only one thought.
It is said that this Urien was a collateral relative, but unfortunately, the direct bloodline of the Hadley family was thin. Galarion Hadley had only two sons. The eldest son, Kalen, was suspected of colluding with a cult and had his head blown open by a bolter when Jackal infiltrated his bedroom. The younger son was still very young.
To protect his young second son, Galarion Hadley then made Urien the first-in-line heir, with the purpose of fending off assassination attempts from other families before his young son came of age.
But now it seems that from Kalen's suspected involvement with a cult, to his assassination, to Urien being established as the heir, it was all orchestrated by Urien!
"I'm going to find Galarion!"
Jackal's veins pulsed on his forehead, and he immediately stood up, ready to rush out.
But he had only taken two steps when Galahad's mechanical arm pulled him back. The Tech-Priest's eyes were dark, and he said coldly, "How can you be sure that Galarion definitely doesn't know all of this?"
One sentence made Jackal's body stiff. His legs felt as heavy as if filled with lead, unable to take another step.
"But he is a hero!"
Jackal argued, as if struggling, but then his throat seemed to be blocked, and he opened his mouth but couldn't speak.
"Even if he was a hero before, you and I have both seen how terrifying Chaos truly is."
Galahad's tone was low, his eyes dim: "Even the firmest will can hardly resist the corruption of Chaos. Moreover, Galarion Hadley being a hero was sixty years ago. Who can guarantee that he is still loyal to His Imperial Majesty now?"
Yes, even if Galarion Hadley was once a Hero of the Empire, who could guarantee that after so many years, he would still maintain that loyalty?
Jackal remained silent, but his face still showed an expression of pain.
It was precisely because he knew too well how powerful Chaos corruption was, having witnessed the roaring power of the Chaos Gods on Cadian with his own eyes, that he understood how difficult loyalty was!
Finally, all emotions transformed into a long sigh.
"How are the people you contacted?"
Jackal, being an old soldier who had experienced many battles, quickly adjusted his emotions and turned to Galahad, asking.
"I contacted an Inquisitor, but it will take at least a month and a half for him to arrive." When Galahad mentioned this, his eyes inexplicably glanced at Emrys, then he continued, "As for the other one... the distance is further, it will take at least two months."
Emrys noticed Galahad's gaze and couldn't help but murmur to himself.
Just say it, why look at him?
"Two months. Based on the current progress in the lower hive, I predict that something big will happen in at most a month and a half."
Jackal's expression was serious, and he frowned in thought for half an hour, smoking one roll-up cigarette after another until the ground was covered with cigarette butts. Only then did he slowly say, "I'll figure out a solution for this. You contact a few more officers in the middle-hive and try to prepare in advance."
"I will try to contact the nearby Astra Militarum legions."
Galahad sighed deeply. The current complex situation had completely exceeded their expectations.
Involving planetary governor Galarion Hadley, unless an Inquisitor or the Astra Militarum intervened, it would be difficult for them alone to stop the rise of the cult!
"Wait, Sir Jackal." Seeing Jackal about to leave, Emrys quickly spoke, "I'd like to go back to the lower hive with you, if that's okay?"
Hearing this, Jackal showed a surprised expression: "Did an Ogryn chew on your brain? The lower hive is almost in chaos now. Why aren't you staying in the middle-hive, what are you going to do in the lower hive?"
"Sir Jackal, I certainly know the lower hive is dangerous, but I have a reason I must go."
Emrys knew that a simple lie wouldn't fool Jackal, let alone the tech-priest next to him, so he bit the bullet and said.
This kid is hiding a lot of secrets. Jackal gave Emrys a meaningful look, then nodded: "Alright, I'll take you back."
"Wait, Jackal, he can't go with you!"
Just then, Magos Galahad, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke, interrupting Jackal, and showed a rare serious expression: "Emrys must stay in the middle-hive. I will be responsible for protecting his life, and he absolutely cannot go to the lower hive with you!"
What's going on?!
Emrys was shocked by Galahad's tone.
Oh no, could he be possessed by the priest and really have his eye on his body?
As he was lost in thought, Jackal, however, detected something unusual in Galahad's expression: "You at least have to give me a reason, Galahad."
"No, just no." Galahad shook his head, his face calm and indifferent: "In short, he cannot go to the lower hive with you, it's too dangerous there."
Jackal was speechless, then looked at Emrys, as if to say: I can't do anything about it either.
"Magos Galahad, I must go to the lower hive." Emrys took a deep breath, looking at the Tech-Priest in the rusty red robe, and said sincerely, "Thank you very much for your care, but this matter is very important to me. Even if you don't agree, I will sneak out."
Magos Galahad's face was expressionless as he slowly walked in front of Emrys. His height, almost 1.9 meters, cast a shadow that enveloped the young man.
An invisible sense of oppression spread. Under the tech-priest's crimson electronic eye scan, Emrys remained calm and composed, without the slightest hint of timidity, looking directly into Galahad's eyes.
Jackal, on the other hand, showed no intention of pulling them apart. He watched them with interest, even sarcastically complaining, "At this distance, it's either kissing or fighting."
The originally serious atmosphere was suddenly completely destroyed.
Magos Galahad glared at the unreliable Jackal, then snorted coldly, "Fine, if you insist on going, I can't stop you, but I want to give you a word of advice."
Although Emrys was a bit baffled by the Tech-Priest's inexplicable concern, he still nodded respectfully: "Please speak, Magos Galahad."
"Protect yourself. If it really doesn't work out, go find Jackal."
Saying this, Magos Galahad hesitated for half a second, took out a gear pendant from his Pregnant, his face full of pain: "Take this with you, it can save your life at a critical moment."
Jackal, upon seeing the gear pendant, immediately widened his eyes: "Emperor above, you're giving him that? This kid isn't your illegitimate son, is he?!"
"Item detected: Deflection Field Defense Device (Excellent)."
"A product manufactured by Tech-Priest Galahad of the Mechanicus, capable of autonomously defending against lethal damage, and blessed by a Ecclesiarchy Priest, with a certain probability of resisting Warp corruption."
"Energy provided: 1000 units."
Holy crap?
A fully charged deflection field device!
Before Emrys could finish his shock, Galahad slowly pulled out an exaggerated caliber firearm from his rusty red robe and handed it directly over: "Trust me, one shot is enough to solve most problems. If you encounter something you can't solve, don't hesitate, run immediately!"
"Now I'm really starting to wonder if you're Galahad's illegitimate son."
Jackal stared at him with an envious expression, almost drooling: "I've asked him for that thing hundreds of times, and he wouldn't even lend it to me. He just gave it to you like that, it's unscientific!"
Now, let alone Jackal's suspicion, Emrys himself was starting to wonder if he was Galahad's illegitimate son.
The deflection field device was one thing, but the gun Galahad gave him... If he hadn't seen it wrong, that thing should be the legendary plasma pistol, whose loyalty never overheated!
"[Item Detected: Spiral-Subatomic Plasma Pistol (Excellent)]"
"[Effective range 100 meters, lethal range 200 meters, 25.73 seconds recharge time between each shot, but becomes extremely unstable and prone to overheating and explosion after five shots]"
"[Energy Provided: 1000 units]"
Indeed, it really was a plasma pistol!
Emrys couldn't help but gasp, his eyes filled with shock.
No, what was Galahad's relationship with his previous self?
Otherwise, why would he give him a 'deflection field device' and a 'plasma pistol'?
This isn't right!
Emrys fell into deep self-doubt.
Beside him, Jackal's eyes were practically glued to the 'plasma pistol.' If not for Galahad's threatening gaze, he probably would have snatched it already.
"Don't think too much; we have no physiological relationship," Galahad felt inexplicably weary, explaining with a hint of helplessness, "This matter is very complex, and I can't explain it to you two right now."
However, the more Galahad hid, the more he piqued Jackal's curiosity.
He leaned over and hooked his arm around the Tech-Priest's neck, glanced at the bewildered Emrys, and whispered into Galahad's ear, "Hey, what's going on? Tell me."
"Protect this kid, Jackal."
However, Galahad simply dropped that sentence, shook off Jackal's hand, and turned to walk into the workshop through the side door of the sanctuary.
Emrys and Jackal, left standing there, briefly exchanged glances for half a second, their heads full of question marks.
"Kid, it seems you're not as simple as I imagined."
Jackal narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the young man from head to toe as if to re-evaluate Emrys: "I swear by the name of the God-Emperor, the last time I saw Galahad so worried about someone's safety was for the senior sister he had a crush on."
It seemed he had inadvertently stumbled upon some incredible gossip. Emrys suddenly had a bad premonition.
Boom!
Without warning, a bolt round whizzed past Jackal's forehead, leaving a shattered crater on the wall.
Immediately after, Galahad's angry roar drifted out from the workshop: "If you dare to say another word, I'll blow your head off, Jackal!"
Clearly, his old comrade's act of exposing his past had thoroughly enraged the Tech-Priest.
Jackal touched his scalp, pulling Emrys towards the exit of the sanctuary, grumbling, "If I'm not supposed to say it, then I won't. Why get so worked up?"
How could he not get worked up? Who told him to be so talkative?
Emrys was dragged out of the sanctuary, his mouth twitching slightly, secretly thinking that if Jackal ever died, it would definitely be related to his mouth.
Next was a familiar routine.
He swaggered back to the lower hive from the middle-hive gate, right in front of the Arbites.
As soon as he stepped into the lower hive, the air, which had been recycled countless millions of times, and the environment filled with exhaust fumes and radiation, gave him a familiar feeling of coming home.
"There are so many fewer scavengers," Emrys murmured, looking at the somewhat empty streets.
"Because the Iron Crows gang is recruiting members in large numbers."
Jackal pulled out a cheap rolled cigarette from his pocket, lit it, took a slow drag, and said expressionlessly, "Anyone who is chosen can become a member of the Iron Crows gang. Not only do they get regular food, but they also receive standard weapons. What do you think they're planning to do?"
"What else could they be doing? It's nothing more than expanding their influence and then conquering the hive capital," Emrys could guess the Iron Crows gang's next plan after unifying the lower hive with his toes.
Using free food as bait to recruit a large number of members was an overt scheme!
Even if they knew the Iron Crows gang's plan, there was no way to stop them.
The reason was simple: the people of the lower hive hovered on the brink of starvation every day. At such a time, a gang suddenly appeared, claiming that anyone chosen could receive free food daily.
Let alone the scavengers of the lower hive, if Emrys didn't have the system, he would most likely choose to join too.
Yes, the people of the lower hive never cared who was righteous; they only cared who could let them to live.
What Arbites? What God-Emperor?
Such ideals and beliefs were too distant for them; the dregs of the lower hive only wanted to to live, nothing more.
Whoever could let them to live, they would follow!
"The Iron Crows gang has already annexed the eastern and southern districts," Jackal finished an entire rolled cigarette in a few puffs, flicked it away, and said darkly, "The remaining two districts will be completely swallowed by the Iron Crows gang in at most a month, at slowest two months, so we don't have much time left."
"I am very clear about the current situation, Sir Jackal."
Emrys pondered for half a second, roughly estimating the time of his crossing, and continued, "I think it will take about a month. When I return, things might take a turn."
"A month, huh."
Jackal frowned, staring at Emrys in silence for half a minute, then beckoned, "Come with me, kid."
Emrys didn't understand why, but he still followed Jackal.
The two traversed the industrial wasteland of the lower hive, following the labyrinthine, crisscrossing sewer pipes, until they reached Jackal's secret base.
It was called a secret base, but it was actually very rudimentary. However, when Jackal pushed open the water valve, what was inside truly shocked Emrys.
Carapace armor, frag grenades, combat knives, lasguns, plasma guns, grenade launchers, etc.—a dazzling array of weapons and equipment. But if it were just that, it wouldn't be enough to shock Emrys. What truly made his eyes nearly pop out was that there was a chainsword in the corner!
And next to the chainsword, there was even a heavy bolter!
What did this mean?
The heavy bolter, as its name suggested, was generally equipped for Astartes or mounted on tanks to provide fire support for teammates.
It was no exaggeration to say that the recoil of this thing could kill an ordinary Astra Militarum soldier!
A one-inch caliber and a modified, extra-large magazine capacity were sufficient for fire suppression in small-scale trench warfare.
As for its power, how should he describe it? It was probably: You and your cover are equally ridiculous!
Was this the kind of tough guy who could survive and return from the Cadian campaign, that living hell?
Emrys swallowed, forced to reconsider how he could possibly get this tough guy to join his side!
"Kid, although I don't know why you want to come to the lower hive, since Galahad told me to protect you, I have to do something."
As he spoke, Jackal handed his personal combat knife directly to Emrys.
The knife's shape was similar to a Bowie knife, a standard combat knife type, with serrations on the belly of the blade and grooves on both sides of the blade for weight reduction. It was about 20 inches long, its edge glinting coldly, clearly well-maintained. It felt heavy in his hand, giving him an inexplicable chill.
"[Item Detected: Jackal's Catachan Combat Knife (Excellent)]"
"[Exclusive to the Catachan Jungle Fighters Regiment, a combat knife handcrafted by Jackal before he left Catachan, having accompanied him through hundreds of bloody battles]"
"[Energy Provided: 0 units]"
"Uh, Sir Jackal, what does this mean?" Emrys was a bit confused. Was he going to give it to him?
"Don't misunderstand, this knife isn't for you."
Jackal lit a rolled cigarette and slowly said, "To ensure your safety, I will train you here for three days, teaching you some survival skills, so you don't die at the hands of some scum."
"Uh, Sir Jackal, actually..."
Emrys' heart sank. It wasn't that he looked down on Jackal; he just thought it was too dangerous.
If it were any normal Astra Militarum soldier, he wouldn't be so resistant.
Who was Jackal?
A Catachan Jungle Fighter, known to be a ruthless individual who had rolled out of the living hell of Cadian. Training with him would surely mean he was tired of to live!
"Kid, I'm going to teach you your first lesson now."
As his voice fell, Jackal, with the cigarette still in his mouth, appeared behind Emrys like a ghost.
A cold, gleaming small knife rested on his neck, the icy chill crawling up Emrys' spine into his mind, his expression instantly stiffening.
"Kid, in the Astra Militarum, during training, you should address by rank."
Jackal, with the cigarette still in his mouth and not even a speck of ash falling, whispered into Emrys' ear like a demon, "Don't worry, I will make you learn how to become a qualified Catachan six-year-old in the shortest possible time!"
*A few days later*
Three days!
A full three days!
Emrys didn't even know how he managed to get through it!
Seventy-two hours, four thousand three hundred twenty minutes, two hundred fifty-nine thousand two hundred seconds—he practically counted every one of them as he endured.
Jackal's training was insane, giving him no time to rest at all.
Mornings were for learning how to infiltrate, disguise, and conceal his presence; afternoons were for close-quarters combat, unarmed fighting, enduring blows, and escaping.
If not for the astonishing improvement in his physique and recovery speed after injecting Compound V, Jackal's high-intensity training would have likely broken Emrys long ago!
Finally, after Emrys painstakingly endured three days, he received a dismissive evaluation from Jackal.
"Very good, congratulations, kid." He flicked his cigarette ash and sneered, "Now, you're about as good as a six-year-old from Catachan."
Emrys didn't care about this assessment; in fact, he was a little secretly pleased.
To be comparable in combat effectiveness to a six-year-old from Catachan was already a very high compliment. One must know that in Catachan, if a six-year-old couldn't beat a cultists to death with a dry bread, it meant he wouldn't live to adulthood. So, wasn't this evaluation high enough?
"Sir Jackal, thank you very much for these three days of training."
Emrys knew that Jackal didn't have to train him, and he wasn't doing it entirely because of Galahad.
So, no matter what, these three days were a kindness he needed to remember.
"Don't thank me. Just come back alive."
Jackal sat lazily on the sofa, lighting a cheap cigarette. "What I taught you should be enough. It's a pity time was too short. You're a talented kid. If you could give me another half a year, I'd definitely be confident in training you into a qualified Catachan Jungle Warrior!"
Don't tell me, he was actually looking forward to it. Emrys fantasized about becoming a Catachan Jungle Warrior.
At that time, his psionic powers, as his ultimate trump card, would erupt at a critical moment, surely taking everyone by surprise!
But thoughts were just thoughts; one had to be a bit more realistic. Emrys smiled bitterly and shook his head, reluctantly handing over the Catachan combat knife that had been with him for three days. "Sir Jackal, this combat knife is for you."
For every Catachan Warrior, nothing was more important than their 'combat knife,' and throughout the entire Imperium, Catachan combat knives were considered among the finest of the fine!
Many Political Commissars, Astra Militarum soldiers, and nobles considered owning a Catachan combat knife a symbol of honor.
However, Jackal merely glanced at the offered combat knife, not reaching out to take it, remaining seated and motionless. "This knife is on loan to you for now. When you return, give it back to me."
Emrys hesitated for a few seconds, then solemnly sheathed the combat knife and sincerely said, "Thank you, Sir Jackal. I won't forget this kindness."
"Get lost. Come find me here in a month."
Jackal still looked disdainful, impatiently waving his hand.
Emrys said no more, gathered his equipment, and returned the way he came.
Leaving the sewers, Emrys wasn't in a hurry to cross over. He still had one thing to do.
The three days of Catachan training greatly benefited Emrys; his disguise skills improved by leaps and bounds. He easily slipped past the Iron Crows gang's checks and returned to the South District.
In just over half a month, the South District had undergone earth-shattering changes.
Firstly, the Bone gang, which originally ruled the South District, was directly eliminated and absorbed by the Iron Crows gang. There were far fewer scavengers on the streets, replaced by gang members.
These gang members all wore Iron Crows badges, and far from their usual bullying and arrogant demeanor, they were even actively maintaining order.
It was truly unbelievable; the gang wasn't acting like a gang; they were doing poverty relief!
Looking at the 'thriving' scene, Emrys' eyes drooped, and deep inside, he felt an indescribable complexity.
Because he knew very well that the Iron Crows gang was doing this not because they had a change of heart.
But to recruit more people, and then wait for the right moment to all surge into the middle-hive and even the upper hive, spreading Chaos throughout the entire hive capital!
Emrys knew this clearly, but he was powerless to stop it.
Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly saw a familiar figure at the Iron Crows gang's daily free food stall, enthusiastically distributing energy bars to the arriving scavengers.
Was that Gawain?!
Although it was just a fleeting glimpse, Emrys was absolutely certain he hadn't seen wrong!
Gawain had actually joined the Iron Crows gang!
He had come to the lower hive's South District specifically this time, partly to avoid the Tech-Priest, and partly to find Gawain and his sister, to introduce them to Jackal and get them away from this troubled place.
But who would have thought that in just over ten days, Gawain would have joined the Iron Crows gang?
Wasn't this just jumping into a fire pit!
Emrys prided himself on not being a good person, but the tragic experiences of this brother and sister inevitably stirred a hint of sympathy in him.
At least, within his capabilities, he could help this pair of siblings.
The line of scavengers collecting food was very long, and to avoid attracting attention, Emrys had to stand at the very end.
He waited for a full two hours before it was finally his turn.
Gawain skillfully handed over two energy bars and casually said, "As long as you join the Iron Crows gang, you can receive a bowl of nutritious porridge every day~"
But as soon as he finished speaking, the boy heard the other person lower his voice and say, "Gawain, do you remember me?"
One sentence made Gawain's movements pause. He looked up in disbelief, as if shocked by electricity.
Upon seeing Emrys' dirty attire, disheveled hair, looking as if he had changed into a different person, he quickly reacted, and a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes.
But he was very cautious and didn't call out his name immediately. Instead, he handed his work over to other members and gestured with his eyes for Emrys to follow.
The two arrived at the backyard of a bar. After confirming that no one had followed them, Gawain excitedly whispered, "It's really you, Merlin. I didn't expect to see you again!"
"I came specifically to find you, Gawain."
Emrys got straight to the point, saying, "I'll give you a name and an address. Take your sister to find him, tell him I sent you, and he will take you out of the lower hive."
Faced with the sudden surprise, Gawain's mouth dropped open. He was stunned for a full half-minute before stammering, "Merlin, you—"
"Don't ask so many questions. Go quickly, the sooner the better."
Emrys interrupted the boy, his voice unconsciously carrying a hint of sternness. "Gawain, the Iron Crows gang is very dangerous!"
However, under Emrys' persuasion, Gawain remained silent for a long time.
"You don't believe me?"
Emrys raised an eyebrow, his gaze gradually turning cold.
"No, Merlin, I believe you would never harm us."
Gawain lowered his head, like a child who had done something wrong, biting his lip and firmly stating, "But I cannot leave. Please forgive me for disappointing your kindness, Merlin."
"Give me a reason."
Emrys' eyes were indifferent as he looked at Gawain, as if he were looking at a stranger.
"Merlin, not long after you left, Barry was going to sell my sister." Gawain's face was bitter, his fists clenched, his whole body trembling. "I—I couldn't beat Barry at all. It was Sir Kolchi from the Iron Crows gang who saved us!"
"Sir Kolchi has been very good to us. He let me join the Iron Crows gang and even gave me a weapon, allowing me to get my revenge—"
"I—I cannot betray Sir Kolchi."
Gawain didn't dare to look into Emrys' eyes, saying, "And the Iron Crows gang isn't as terrifying as you imagine, Merlin. Sir Kolchi said that everyone gathered together to survive, and the Iron Crows gang will make the lower hive a better place, so... please forgive me, Merlin."
Emrys looked at Gawain, sighed deeply, said not another word, and turned to leave.
He had no way to change the boy's thinking, nor could he possibly tell Gawain that the gang he claimed was helping everyone survive was actually a cult organization worshipping Khorne!
This path was Gawain's own choice; he had already given him a chance.
More cruel than a lie is the truth.
"I'm sorry, Merlin!"
Behind him, Gawain's apologetic voice came.
But Emrys didn't look back. His one act of kindness couldn't change the fate of that brother and sister.
Damn you Tzeentch!
He vented his frustration helplessly in his heart.
Moments later, in the depths of an empty alley, Emrys looked down at the watch on his wrist: "Traveler System, head to the New world."
A black hole directly swallowed him, and he quietly disappeared!