Things, had somewhat exceeded expectations.
Galarion's face was grim; he hadn't expected that the Astartes, who should have been overwhelmed and directly breached by Chaos, had actually stabilized with the help of alien warships that appeared out of nowhere!
The crucial problem was that the damn fools in orbit still hadn't managed to breach the enemy's cruisers!
Not only that, but the most serious thing was... another Astartes Chapter, from who knows where, had joined the battle!
"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!!!"
Galarion cursed furiously, his eyes cold and fierce: "No... it's fine, calm down, things haven't completely spiraled out of control yet. A mere Astartes Chapter is not a big problem!"
Although the sudden appearance of an Astartes Chapter disrupted his original plans, fortunately, the impact wasn't significant, and he still had many opportunities!
"Rosales, how are things on your end?!"
Galarion felt for the first time that his plan seemed to be veering off in an unpredictable direction, and he was powerless to stop it, so he became somewhat agitated.
But unfortunately.
The message he sent out was like a stone sinking into the sea; the other party didn't reply at all.
Galarion, who had always been the one to toy with others, observing the situation from above, finally couldn't sit still: "Rosales, reply to my message quickly! What about the mission I gave you?"
He could feel that the great 'Lord of Change' was demanding that he complete the mission as soon as possible, kill 'Merlin Emrys,' and then he would be granted daemonhood!
Suddenly, Rosales' voice came through the comms array: "As a collaborator, I don't appreciate your tone and attitude, governor Galarion."
"What do you mean?!"
Galarion's pupils contracted slightly, sensing something ominous in Rosales' tone.
"Hehehehe..."
Rosales sneered coldly, saying: "What I mean is, from this moment on, I refuse to cooperate with you, because... I've found a more suitable collaborator than you."
???
Galarion was stunned.
What did he mean?
He... was abandoned?!
Who was a more suitable collaborator? Who else could understand the mysterious dynasty sleeping underground better than he?
Returning to Rosales' side.
He was sitting deep within the foundry, in a hidden tech-workshop, staring with great interest at the mysterious young man opposite him: "So... now, can you tell me about this Necron Dynasty you speak of?"
"Of course, esteemed Archmagos Rosales."
Emrys bowed deeply, his right hand over his chest, acting very much like a distinguished gentleman, with a slight smile on his lips: "As per our agreement, I will tell you a part of the legend about the 'Necrons', this ancient race."
"Very good, I like your sincerity."
Rosales was very satisfied; the more he looked at him, the more pleasing he found him.
Working with anyone is still working, isn't it?
Why hang himself on Galarion's tree? Besides, since he believed in Tzeentch, how many truths could come out of his mouth?
If it weren't for a complete lack of options, how could Rosales, as an Archmagos of the Dark Mechanicum, possibly cooperate with a planetary governor?
But fortunately, he now had a substitute.
Originally, Rosales was going to fulfill his agreement and assassinate Merlin Emrys, but perhaps the voice of the Omnissiah, in the depths of his mind, prevented him from doing so.
Especially the sudden appearance of the 'alien warship' further solidified Rosales' thoughts.
This kid... was not simple!
Others might not know, but he knew very well that apart from that 'tomb' on Loser, it was impossible for such a strange spaceship to exist!
Moreover, with Rosales' many years of experience, he could tell at a glance that the technology contained in that warship was vastly different from what he knew, almost two completely different branches!
So after deep thought, Rosales decided to go talk to this mysterious young man.
His intuition told him there might be a surprise.
The result, as expected, was that Rosales, hidden deep within the foundry, saw Emrys in stealth mode, including the two layers of armor on him.
In front of an Archmagos of the Mechanicum, the two layers of armor Emrys wore were like not wearing clothes at all; he could strip them clean just by looking!
"How amazing!"
Rosales couldn't stop exclaiming. The power armor on Emrys was completely different in form from the Imperium, Chaos, and even the alien, all the technological forms he knew!
An tech-priest's greatest desire is the exploration of unknown technology, and this was like a fishhook, firmly snagging the Archmagos' mind.
That's when the later events unfolded.
Rosales appeared directly, blocking Emrys' path, his heavily modified appearance truly startling Emrys.
Emrys initially thought he was an enemy, but Rosales got straight to the point, revealing his identity: Archmagos of the Dark Mechanicum, creator of Daemon Engines!
Emrys never expected to encounter an Archmagos of the Dark Mechanicum in this place, and one who was suspected of being the true mastermind behind all the conspiracies on Loser!
But, no matter what, he felt he couldn't defeat the other party. Although the Archmagos of the Mechanicum were mostly research members, the weapons on him were definitely more than enough to purge a few Astartes.
With the idea of stalling for time, Emrys naturally spoke freely and held nothing back, but who would have thought... this tech-priest would show such great goodwill and willingness to cooperate.
At this point... who could refuse?
Thus, the scene described above occurred.
Rosales directly told Galarion that he was quitting, and their cooperation was terminated.
And the other party's demand was simply to understand the 'Necrons'!
This was too coincidental; wasn't it the 'Necron Dynasty'?
Emrys would absolutely bet that the Imperium at this stage might not know as much as he did!
"Esteemed Archmagos Rosales, the history of the Necrons is simply too complex to explain in a few words," Emrys said, choosing his words carefully, but then stopped abruptly at an opportune moment.
It was like a storyteller deliberately pausing at a crucial point.
Well... to put it simply, it was a 'chapter-breaking dog'.
Already piqued with interest, Rosales was suddenly interrupted and couldn't sit still. He suddenly realized that this kid in front of him... was a talent!
Not only did he know a lot about the Necrons, but he even had alien technology on him. Just these two points meant he couldn't die!
At least... he absolutely couldn't die before being thoroughly exploited!
Rosales' eyes darted around. He knew about the situation in orbit, so he knew this kid's true identity was the last descendant of the 'Emrys' Rogue Trader Dynasty.
If nothing unexpected happened, once that old geezer Horn died, this kid... would be his perfect collaborator!
With this kid, would he still have to worry about research results?
Rosales seemed to already see that in the near future, he would use this kid to further elevate his position within the Dark Mechanicum!
Even becoming a Fabricator-General wasn't impossible!
So Rosales' gaze immediately became much more fervent, like he was staring at an 'unparalleled treasure.' He was extremely grateful to Galarion at this moment.
If it weren't for Galarion, could he have encountered such good fortune?
Absolutely not!
Thank you, Galarion, thank you, Omnissiah!
Stared at by Rosales' fervent gaze, Emrys felt a little intimidated, thinking to himself, this tech-priest, he couldn't have gotten angry because of his malicious chapter-breaking, could he?
"Ahem, esteemed Archmagos Rosales, it's not that I don't want to speak, it's mainly that you understand the current situation..." He was still looking for a legitimate excuse for his 'chapter-breaking' behavior.
Who knew, Rosales directly raised his hand, interrupting him, and then on his somewhat terrifying mechanically modified face, he painstakingly squeezed out a 'kind' smile: "It's alright, it's a small matter, it's not too late to talk about it once you're safe."
"Ah?"
Emrys was made even more uneasy by his sudden, 180-degree change, and secretly raised his guard.
However, Rosales was still smiling, seemingly not angry at all, and slowly said: "Don't think too much, I just think you are a very suitable collaborator, and our cooperation might last a very long time."
"Uh..."
Emrys reluctantly nodded: "Yes, you're right, we'll definitely cooperate for a long time. I'm not that bastard Galarion, I definitely won't lie to you!"
When under someone's roof, one must bow one's head; he had a very clear understanding of this. If he truly angered this Archmagos, he would definitely be in deep trouble.
"It's alright, I can understand your thoughts."
How could Rosales not see through his little schemes, but he didn't care, instead smiling mysteriously: "Soon, you will understand what I mean, as for now... you need help, and I can just happen to provide you with help, can't I?"
"You're right, Archmagos."
Adhering to the principle of 'it's a fool not to take advantage of a good deal,' Emrys naturally wouldn't refuse help.
As for accusations of heresy?
What a joke, there's no Inquisitor here, so what heresy could they accuse him of?!
Besides, accusations of heresy would have to wait until they survived!
A Dark tech-priest is still an tech-priest, isn't he?
Coming from the help of a Dark Mechanicus Archmagos, why would Emrys refuse it unless he had water in his brain?
Furthermore, with the current strength of the defenders, even if he crashed a universe spaceship and caused immense damage to Chaos, it still wouldn't reverse the overall disadvantage of the situation!
The two great daemon armies of Khorne and Tzeentch were still pouring out continuously from the Warp rift!
Until that true bastard, 'Galarion', was killed, who knew what other tricks he would pull?
In conclusion, Emrys believed that from the perspective of the Imperium, appropriate cooperation with 'heretics' was a legitimate act given the current circumstances!
Even an Inquisitor wouldn't be able to say anything, unless it was a greenhorn fresh out of school!
"To show my sincerity, I can give you a few little trinkets."
As he spoke, the Archmagos of the Dark Mechanicus crooked his finger, and a servo-skull, appearing from nowhere, floated over. He looked at the bewildered Emrys and said calmly, "Before destroying this forge factory, I deliberately left some things in a secret room deep inside. Consider them a Meeting gift from me, lord Merlin."
Looking at such a 'generous' Archmagos, Emrys couldn't help but feel a sudden respect: "Rest assured, Archmagos, when I overcome this difficulty, I will surely fulfill your request!"
Wasn't it just about the knowledge of the 'Necron Dynasty'?
Anyway, the Imperium would encounter these fanatical people soon enough, so his mentioning it in advance wouldn't have much impact!
Moreover, if this Archmagos was truly reckless enough to dig up their dynasty tombs, he would probably be wiped out by the Necrons, which would actually be helping him.
"Very good, I like people who keep their word."
After meeting a bastard like Galarion, Rosales liked Emrys even more.
Look at him, then look at Galarion; there's no harm in comparison!
"Go, my identity makes it inconvenient for me to contact you."
Rosales, uncharacteristically, considered him and handed him a miniature communicator: "When you get through this difficulty, use this to contact me. Believe me, lord Merlin, what I can offer you is far more than what those stubborn people of the 'Mechanicus' can!"
Before leaving, he still didn't forget to mock the Mechanicus a few times, showing how deep the conflict between them was.
Emrys carefully took the communicator, pretending to put it in his clothes, but actually throwing it into his private space.
If the Mechanicus saw this thing, they would turn him into a servo-skull in minutes!
Those oil-guzzlers, when they went mad, were far more terrifying than Inquisitors.
Rosales disappeared from the forge factory in a flash, using some unknown method, undetectable even by the biosuit.
Emrys turned to the servo-skull, trying to ask, "Take me to that secret room."
"Command accepted. Identity detected. Confirmed as: Merlin Emrys!"
The servo-skull flashed a red light, scanning Emrys. After confirming his identity and authorization, the bare skull floated towards the depths of the factory.
Emrys immediately followed, soon arriving in front of a dust-covered iron door.
The dust on the iron door showed that it hadn't been opened for a long time, and it was covered with many new bullet holes. He guessed that PDF or Arbites personnel had tried to open this iron door but ultimately failed, having to return empty-handed.
But this time, he had Rosales' servo-skull, which directly passed the verification.
Rumble.
With a roaring sound, the huge iron door's gears turned, pulling it open to both sides.
When he saw what was inside, Emrys immediately exclaimed, "God Damn!" He was almost blinded by the sheer amount of heavy weapons, vehicles, and other equipment inside!
Numerous brand-new, standard-issue laser rifles were hung on one wall. He roughly counted them, and there were probably hundreds!
Next, there were various heavy weapons, such as heavy bolters, melta bombs, krak grenades, frag grenades, and other equipment specifically for the Astra Militarum!
Besides these, he even saw armored scout cars, a dozen Earthshaker cannons, and several Basilisk (self-propelled artillery)!
"My goodness!"
Emrys was a bit startled. These things were enough to equip a small Astra Militarum force!
Where did governor Galarion get so many Astra Militarum items?
Wait, could this be... lord 'governor's' secret stash?
With a shocked heart, Emrys continued to follow the servo-skull deeper inside, and then saw Centaur assault carriers. These were like large tanks, with heavy stubbers mounted on top. A single burst from them could even take down an Astartes!
When he reached the innermost part of lord 'governor's' secret stash, Emrys was completely stunned.
He actually saw 'Sentinel mechs' here!
"The Emperor protect us!" Emrys' eyes were almost glowing. This thing could almost be called the 'IG Special Edition Knight'.
Although it was relatively small and its bipedal legs seemed slender, far less powerful than those true Knight My Lords, it didn't prevent this thing from melting an Astartes with a single plasma shot!
However, after sensing that Emrys had stopped, the servo-skull specifically turned back and said, "Respected lord Merlin Emrys, please follow me. There is a special gift prepared specifically for you by lord Rosales here!"
"There's more?"
Emrys was stunned.
He thought these weapons and equipment were the limit, but he didn't expect Rosales to be so extravagant?
He followed the servo-skull somewhat blankly, bypassing those few 'Sentinel mechs'. There was also a hidden small door at the very back of the warehouse, which would be very difficult for others to discover without the servo-skull.
"Beep beep. Verification passed! Access granted!"
The servo-skull finished verification, and the hidden small door opened.
Emrys stepped into the hidden secret room and was immediately captivated by the 'objects' displayed inside!
It was a meticulously carved, entirely paint black 'power armor', resembling a medieval European knight. Its pauldrons were lion-head armor, and on the chest and some vital areas, 'Adamantium' material was clearly visible.
However, the overall scale of the power armor did not seem as exaggerated as Astartes power armor.
Instead, it was closer to a 'mortal' physique. Aside from lacking a power pack, it achieved the advantages of being lighter, smaller, and having stronger protection compared to Astartes power armor!
More importantly, many areas were inscribed with Purity Seals, used to prevent invasion from the Warp or evil forces!
Next to the paint black power armor, there was also an ancient knight's sword.
Its hilt was carved with a skull symbolizing human purity and the Imperial Aquila emblem. The blade emitted a chilling gleam, and even from a distance, one could feel its coldness!
"Isn't this the 'Vow-plate' worn by the Sisters of Silence?!"
Emrys stared dumbfounded at the armor, trying to touch it with his palm, and then saw the system prompt.
[Item detected: Vow-plate (Artificer - Excellent)]
[Forged during the Great Crusade, utilizing Void Armor technology, it can greatly enhance the wearer's strength and speed, and offers superior protective performance, capable of resisting almost any infantry-level kinetic and energy weapons. Its only drawback is its inability to adapt to extreme environments]
[Energy provided: 0 units]
[Item detected: Execution Greatsword (Artificer - Excellent)]
[Forged during the Great Crusade, its form resembles ancient court dueling swords. Its strength is made of a special silicon crystal that surpasses diamond, possessing an extremely exaggerated sharpness that can easily cut through Astartes power armor, offering performance far superior to a power sword]
[Energy provided: 0 units]
Emrys looked at the 'Vow-plate' and the 'Execution Greatsword' and suddenly fell into deep silence.
Should he 'cross-dress' or not?
Logically speaking, this kind of thing is basically worn by Sisters of Silence. Is it a bit inappropriate for him, a man?