Every time, Merlin always managed to surprise him!
But this 'surprise' this time was perhaps a bit too grand, so much so that Rosales was stunned for a full half-minute, his brain's processor nearly smoking out!
Humans, Golden Age, technology?
These words, combined, thrown into any faction, would be enough to cause an uproar, and it's no exaggeration to say they could make the Imperium, Chaos, and Mechanicus fight like dogs, to the point of incinerating star systems!
"You... what did you say?!"
Rosales stammered, desperately wanting to confirm that Merlin wasn't joking: "Respected Merlin, you... you're not trying to fool me, are you?"
Excellent, he immediately became 'Respected Merlin'; he appreciated Rosales' quick change of expression.
"Of course, have I ever fooled you, Lord Rosales?" Merlin understood that this guy was afraid of being deceived, so he smiled and said, "Please rest assured, I can swear to you and Omnissiah that the source of this information is absolutely authentic!"
There was silence for a few seconds, then Rosales' hoarse voice came through: "Can you tell me the source of your information?"
Clearly, he still harbored doubts.
After all, for something so important, logically, the crazy tech-priests from the Mechanicus haven't let out a single whisper of The Message. How did you, a 'country bumpkin' from Roselle, come to know about it?
Merlin wasn't unable to understand Rosales' concerns, but to drag the Dark Mechanicum into it, he went all out: "Then why don't you guess... how did I, a scavenger from the lower hive, come to know about the Necrons Dynasty?"
Yes, how did he know?!
The Necrons Dynasty, Blackstone creations—these were all top-secret Mechanicus information. Besides a limited few, even a Merchant Dynasty wouldn't be this powerful, would they?
Rosales immediately fell into deep silence, his logical matrix of calculations spinning rapidly in his mind, analyzing every possibility. But in the end... an almost impossible, even 'bold' idea, as if uncontrollable, directly occupied his mind!
After eliminating all impossible options, no matter how incredible the remaining possibility seemed... it was the true answer!
"Is it... an 'Emperor's Saint' from 'Him'?"
Rosales chose his words carefully, not daring to offend in the slightest.
Although they were the Dark Mechanicum, that didn't mean they worshipped Chaos. The reason was merely their differing understanding of doctrine and Omnissiah.
But precisely because of this, the Dark Mechanicum's understanding of 'that' Emperor differed from the Mars Mechanicus. They knew very well that 'He' was a genuine... God!
From the perspective of other races, 'He' was essentially no different from the four Gods of the Warp, and perhaps even more terrifying!
After all, if you insulted the four Gods, they would most likely ignore you, but... if you insulted 'Him', it would truly bring disaster.
In Rosales' eyes, Merlin' experiences could only be described as miraculous!
A scavenger from the lower hive, single-handedly breaking into a factory, killing someone blessed by Khorne, surviving a Hellflyer attack, then leading people to confront a Gorechosen, being abducted into the Warp by a Tzeentch Great Daemon, and still returning completely intact—what is that if not a miracle?!
Combined with his knowledge, which clearly didn't match his experiences, Rosales couldn't imagine any other possibility besides him being an 'Emperor's Chosen One' granted revelations.
Regarding Rosales' guess, Merlin, as always, maintained a mysterious smile, a 'you guess' expression.
However, this mysterious expression, in Rosales' eyes, undoubtedly made him even more certain of his guess: this boy definitely received a revelation from the 'Emperor'!
From beginning to end, Merlin said nothing; in fact, he only needed a simple rhetorical question to make Rosales concoct a reasonable 'explanation' for him.
The feeling of borrowing someone's prestige is truly exhilarating!
For the first time, he felt that the Emperor's name was really useful. Merlin decided that he should use it more often in the future, don't you think... Emperor!
Rosales, having completed his 'self-brainstorming', felt even more awe towards the young man before him, unconsciously using a respectful address: "Respected Merlin, what do you wish to trade with us for this information this time?"
Human artifacts from Golden Age—if he found them, would he still have to endure 'Amos'' mood when he returned? That would be like him getting too big for his britches and showing him a thing or two!
"I need a powerful Skitarii force."
Seeing that the other party had finally fallen into the trap, Merlin 'revealed his true intentions', making an exorbitant demand: "At least, it must be capable of annihilating an entire company of Space Marines."
"..."
Rosales had anticipated that this boy had a big appetite, but he never expected it to be this enormous. His eye twitched wildly as he said, "Are you going to betray the Imperium and join Chaos?!"
Elsa was so tired.
She suddenly regretted staying; she shouldn't have insisted on listening to any secrets. Now, her heart nearly jumped out of her throat!
When she was with Arthur, she had witnessed some transactions, mostly the kind that, if discovered by the Inquisition, would result in charges of extremism and heresy, leading to a three-day white phosphorus execution at minimum! But... compared to lord Emrys, Master Arthur seemed too loyal. If this conversation were known to the Inquisition, it would at least be an Exterminatus!
So tired, so very tired!
Elsa listened with bated breath, but Merlin was calm, smiling and shaking his head: "How could that be, respected Lord Rosales? Please don't speak nonsense. My loyalty to His Majesty is known from the Segmentum Obscurus to the Solar System; I can assure you with a clear conscience!"
Conscience... what is that?
Rosales' mouth twitched. He said helplessly, "Merlin, your request is too excessive. It's merely a guess; even if I believe you, how can I convince those above me to believe your story?"
He believed Merlin was an Emperor's Chosen One, but this matter... without any concrete evidence, why should those above believe it?
To dispatch a large number of Skitarii into Vigilus for such an ethereal matter—anyone with eyes could see that this wretched place was a quagmire. Once entangled, it wouldn't be easy to extract oneself.
"I completely understand your concerns, so..."
Merlin suddenly leaned closer, with a certain oppressive aura, and said meaningfully, "To prove my words, Lord Rosales, would you like to make a bet with me?"
"A bet?"
Rosales was a little bewildered. How did it suddenly come to a bet?
"That's right, a bet, Lord Rosales."
Merlin snapped his fingers, a mysterious smile on his face: "If you lose, then besides agreeing to my conditions, you also need to fulfill a small request of mine. If I lose... I will give you fifty kilograms of 'Black water', how about that?"
Fifty kilograms of Black water... Rosales pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly: "Alright, but I want to hear first, what kind of bet do you want to make with me?"
"Prophecy."
Merlin uttered two concise, powerful words.
"Prophecy?!" Rosales looked at him in surprise. Prophecy wasn't rare, but the premise was not being on Vigilus.
Due to the expansion of the Great Rift, Vigilus's firmament was torn by the curse scar, causing Warp turbulence to hinder psyker prophecy. This was why the Ork invasion couldn't be detected in advance.
To prophesy on Vigilus... only 'revelation'!
Only a psyker as great as the 'Emperor' could forcibly ignore the Warp storms and aetheric turbulence, accurately prophesying a certain segment of the future!
Rosales instantly understood the deeper meaning of Merlin' bet: he wanted to prove the authenticity of that information to the Dark Mechanicum through 'prophetic revelation'!
"Alright, what prophecy do you wish to make?"
Rosales didn't mind helping him in this regard.
"The Saim-Hann Craftworld Eldar will publicly assassinate the leader of the Vane-Blunt Son cult, who worships Tzeentch."
Merlin' eyes were deep, and he spoke each word distinctly: "Furthermore, the genestealer, the Beggar Prince cult, who have infiltrated Vigilus, will, under the name of 'Zun', attack and capture a hive district in a pincer movement with the Ork warboss Ghazghkull Thraka."
Rosales' scalp immediately tingled!
He had thought Vigilus was chaotic enough, but he never knew that Tzeentch cults, Craftworld Eldar, and genestealers had all emerged!
Damn it, this was too dangerous!
For a moment, he even considered whether he should forget about the Blackstone mission and just escape as soon as possible!
The strategic value of Vigilus immediately became one of the most important Worlds in the Imperium of Man after the disaster known as the Evernight Catastrophe.
Vigilus, and even the Vigilus Sector, served as the Imperium's bridgehead north of the Great Rift, and was also an outpost specifically established by Primarch Roboute Guilliman for the grand Indomitus Crusade!
Once Vigilus falls, the Imperium will completely lose the only 'bridge' connecting the north and south of the Great Rift, which is crucial to the war layout for reclaiming the Dark Side.
Therefore, almost anyone with discerning eyes could foresee that a brutal war was about to break out on Vigilus.
But unfortunately, Rosales guessed the beginning, but not the end.
In his imagination, even if the Vigilus campaign was large in scale, it would only be limited to the Orks.
But Emrys' 'prophecy' hit him like a hammer!
Not only the Orks, but Vigilus would soon be embroiled in a greater disaster, including the Vannadan's Son, who worship Tzeentch, and the Gene Stealer Cult, which had been lurking for two hundred years.
Anyone who knows a little about genestealer knows that they are like an ancient creature called 'cockroaches' on Holy Terra.
As long as one is found, it means that many more 'cockroaches' are hidden in the shadows.
Rosales dared not imagine how many genestealer were currently hiding in the pipes, abandoned mines, and underground structures stacked with countless generations of steel beneath the Reductus Sector; just thinking about it made his scalp tingle!
How foolish were the rulers on Vigilus to allow genestealers to develop for two hundred years right under their noses?!
"By the way, as a partner, I think it's necessary to show some concern for you."
Emrys asked meaningfully, "You are currently in the Reductus Sector, right?"
Hearing this, Rosales couldn't help but shiver. Logically speaking, with his high degree of modification, he shouldn't have such biological reactions.
But, perhaps it was the malice from the unseen that made him shrink his neck: "Yes, that's right, I'm in the Siluria hive capital of the Reductus Sector. What's wrong?"
"Uh..."
Emrys was silent for half a second, a hint of pity on his face.
"Spit it out!" Rosales grew anxious. Regardless of whether his superiors believed Emrys' prophetic ability, he truly did.
After all, this matter concerned his own life. No fool would gamble their life on whether someone else's prophecy would come true, right?
"My suggestion is that you had best leave the Siluria hive capital immediately, right now." Emrys was quite sincere, truly heartfelt.
"Is there a need to be so urgent?"
Rosales hesitated again, tentatively asking, "Can't we wait a few more days? With a fortress-level energy shield, even against a large number of Orks, it shouldn't be breached so quickly, right?"
He had painstakingly infiltrated the Siluria hive capital and had a chance to access 'Blackstone'.
If he gave up so quickly, wouldn't all the effort he put in earlier be wasted?
Moreover, as a member of the tech-priests, he had some confidence in fortress-level energy shields.
For those brainless Orks to break through the hive capital's defenses anytime soon would be a pipe dream. Besides, the Mechanicus' warehouses were well-stocked with various armaments, and a large number of Skitarii troops were stationed there, so even the Orks could be held off for a while.
"Mr. Rosales, I am merely offering a suggestion."
Emrys sighed regretfully, looking at him with eyes that seemed to see a dead man: "As for the fortress-level energy shield you mentioned, can it stop the genestealers?"
The Orks certainly couldn't breach the Siluria hive capital from the outside, but that didn't mean their defenses were impregnable.
The genestealer had already secretly infiltrated the Siluria hive capital, just waiting for Zun's command to open the eyes of these arrogant tech-priests.
It truly echoed the saying, the strongest defenses are often breached from within.
Rosales' heart pounded with fear, and he suddenly felt unsafe even where he stood, immediately saying without hesitation: "Go, I'll leave immediately. I'll leave Siluria tonight!" "Then, I wish you good luck, Mr. Rosales."
Emrys bowed respectfully, looking at the greatly frightened Rosales: "I hope you can convey my goodwill to Forge-Master Amos as soon as possible. I very much look forward to this cooperation, and I hope it will be a good start for us both."
"Praise the Omnissiah, I will faithfully convey your prophecy and goodwill to Archmagos Amos."
The still-shaken Rosales immediately assured him, not forgetting to mention their previous transaction: "By the way, there's something I need to tell you. Mr. Amos is very satisfied with your 'black water'. Through my strong arguments, I managed to secure fifty more Gene-Seeds for you!"
What a 'strong argument'. It was clearly embezzlement, currying favor with both sides!
But Emrys saw through it without exposing it. There was no need to reveal such a thing; it was better to accept his 'goodwill' and use it to strengthen their relationship.
"Thank you very much for your generosity, Mr. Rosales." He smiled in gratitude and once again threw out a small bait: "I believe that this cooperation will solidify our friendship, and perhaps allow us to… try a deeper exchange."
"I very much look forward to a deeper exchange with you, Merlin."
Hadn't Rosales put in all that effort just for this sentence?
Deepening their cooperative relationship was the most important thing for him. As for the Gene-Seeds, he had no use for them, and besides, Amos was paying anyway!
After their brief conversation ended, Rosales took a deep breath, forced to seriously consider where to seek refuge next.
Although many places on Vigilus were unsafe, there were a very few areas that were relatively safe. However, the first to be excluded was the capital, the Hyperia Sector.
The reason was simple: the main forces of the Agamemnus family were concentrated in the Hyperia Sector, and as an Oil Goblin, he was not very welcome there.
So, after much deliberation, Rosales set his sights on the most densely populated Oteck Sector hive capital, located next to the Reductus Sector!
"The most densely populated hive capital generally has very high defensive capabilities." So, after a brief few seconds of consideration, he gladly confirmed his next direction for refuge: "Coincidentally, the starport in the Oteck Sector hive capital can be used to transmit messages, and if operated properly, it can even allow transport ships to infiltrate legitimately."
Considering that the cult was highly likely to take large-scale action next, Rosales planned to get a step ahead and make some preparations for the cult's forces to infiltrate Vigilus.
Rosales thought his idea was simply brilliant!
Oteck Sector was close to the Central Sector, was within the Ecclesiarchy's sphere of influence, and bordered the Reductus Sector, so he wouldn't completely miss the chance to access Blackstone. It was truly killing two birds with one stone!
Rosales packed his belongings overnight and then took a small airship to leave the Siluria hive capital.
Under the hazy moonlight, he moved to the most densely populated Oteck Sector hive capital, next to the Reductus Sector, and began plotting how to control the starport.
Of course, Rosales didn't forget to inform Emrys of this news.
By the time Emrys saw the message, it was already the next morning.
Looking at the message, he fell into a long silence. Elsa beside him mistakenly thought he had a poor appetite and considerately asked, "Lord, would you like me to change your breakfast?"
"No, it's not needed."
Emrys thought for a long time, and in the end, racking his brains, he could only send one message: 'Good luck to you.'
He truly couldn't understand how someone could be so unlucky?
Out of the tiger's mouth and into the wolf's den!
Going to the Oteck Sector hive capital was worse than staying in Siluria. At least Siluria still had a 'Warlord-class Titan' as a fallback, didn't it?
The Oteck Sector hive capital, however, was in for a miserable time. The next force to appear in that desolate place would be the Plague Legions from Grandfather Nurgle!
You wouldn't think that was the unluckiest part, would you?
No, no, no, the unluckier part was yet to come. At the very starport Rosales mentioned, a spaceship loaded with surprises would soon fall from the sky and crash into the hive capital's starport.
That's right, that unknown spaceship was filled with plague zombies carrying deadly diseases, and Chaos Space Mariness of the Death Guard!
At this point... he's probably really going to become 'Prisoner Rosales'.
Nergals, the Captain of the killing squad, brought him good news.
In the Hyperia Sector's hive capital, in the industrial zone of the middle-hive bordering the lower hive, they successfully found information about Vannadan's Son.
"Were they detected?" Merlin was more concerned about this question.
Cults that worship Tzeentch are often very cautious, and he was a little worried about alerting them.
"Don't worry, lord," Nergals patted his chest and said confidently, "Don't forget, we were all trained by Instructor 'Jackal', so we definitely weren't discovered."
Merlin had some trust in Jackal's abilities, but due to the special nature of this mission, he didn't let Jackal come along.
"Good, absolutely no exposure. Once the cult leader is located and plans to give a speech, report to me immediately." After instructing Nergals on the next steps, Merlin finished his breakfast. Today, he was going to visit an important person who could influence the future.
Stopping the Imperium of Man and the Craftworld Eldar was not something that could be done with mere words.
He had a two-pronged approach for this. It would be best if he could persuade that important person, but if not, then he would only have to consider using force.
Elsa had sent an invitation a day in advance.
Riding in the hovercar, Merlin only brought Elsa, and the two of them set off for the mansion they were to visit today.
The Astra Militarum Commander of the Hyperia Sector, Vannock!
Unlike the Agamemnus family's cold attitude towards him, Vannock was clearly very welcoming of this great Merchant Dynasty heir.
As soon as he got out of the car, Merlin saw his target for this trip, Vannock.
He wore a rather worn hat, his military uniform looked very old, and his square face showed a hint of determination, but one could still see an undisguised weariness in his eyes.
"A very warm welcome to you, esteemed Merlin."
Vannock's attitude was very respectful, with a hint of admiration in his eyes: "I heard about your heroic deeds in Roselle Hive, praise the great Majesty!"
This heir of the Emrys Dynasty was almost being hailed as a walking 'Miracle Man'!
He single-handedly defeated Khorne's 'Chosen One', stopped the advance of Chaos, and saved imperial territories on the verge of falling. What else could this be but a miracle?
"Compared to your contributions, I was merely fortunate." Merlin humbly extended his hand and shook Vannock's.
His rough palm was covered in calluses, showing that Vannock was not one of those parasites, but a soldier who truly dedicated everything to the Imperium.
Merlin' humility immediately increased Vannock's goodwill, and seeing the badge of honor on his chest, a look of respect emerged in his eyes: "Thank you for everything you have done for the Imperium!"
For today's meeting, Merlin even specifically wore the 'Badge of Honor' awarded to him by the Imperium.
Yes, after saving Roselle Hive, and with Arthur's multi-faceted efforts, the Imperium and even the Ecclesiarchy's Cardinal specially awarded him a badge!
Any badge of honor has hidden benefits.
See? Isn't it showing now?
Even the Astra Militarum on Vigilus couldn't help but show expressions of longing and admiration after seeing the badge on his chest.
This is the benefit of fame, and it's all thanks to Elsa.
Ever since he had Elsa, he found that many things didn't require him to worry about them at all; it was simply too thoughtful.
After a few casual chats with Vannock, Merlin and the Astra Militarum Commander walked hand in hand into the mansion's banquet hall. The hosts and guests alike were delighted, and the atmosphere was lively.
But when the banquet ended, Vannock dismissed his guards, and then seriously scrutinized the heir of this Merchant Dynasty: "Merlin, forgive my bluntness, but you came to see me for something, didn't you?"
In the chaotic situation on Vigilus, to be able to rise to the position of Astra Militarum Commander of the Hyperia Sector was enough to prove that he was not foolish, at least politically astute.
Otherwise, how could he have become the Astra Militarum Commander right under Agamemnus' nose?
Before Merlin could speak, Vannock rubbed his palm, which was covered in calluses, and slowly said with a hint of meaning: "Given your status, it would actually be more appropriate for you to seek out governor Lucianne."
In fact, this was tantamount to subtly reminding Merlin that, as the Astra Militarum Commander, his actual power was not as great as he imagined.
Looking at Vannock, Merlin calmly put down his teacup: "You've misunderstood my intentions. I didn't come to ask you for a favor, but to give you a great gift, Commander."
"A great gift?" This time, it was Vannock's turn to be a little shocked. He suddenly found himself unable to gauge the other party's approach.
To talk about 'bribes' right away, was it necessary to be so blatant?
Vannock was a bit hesitant. Although he was nominally a soldier of the Emperor, he ultimately had to defer to Agamemnus on Vigilus.
"Rest assured, Commander." Merlin understood his concerns, so he dipped his index finger in the tea and drew a line of numbers on the table: "I am well aware that the most scarce resource on Vigilus is 'water'. Therefore, I would like to ask you to convey to governor Lucianne that I am willing to provide you with cleaner water resources."
On Vigilus, what was the most expensive thing?
It was water, especially clean water. Even Agamemnus, who held the highest position, only enjoyed water from the polar glaciers.
But the glacial water transported thousands of miles by Rogue Trader forces would still inevitably have a small amount of pollution.
What is the essence of a merchant?
Merlin' answer was to provide goods and services to those in need through transactions and conversions!
Water resources?
Coincidentally, this stuff was completely worthless to him.
But with just a slight change of location, he could make pure water resources as valuable as 'gold'!
Monopoly is the transaction that maximizes profit and value.
"Of course, in addition to water resources—" Looking at Vannock, who was too shocked to speak by this news, Merlin relentlessly continued to throw out a second bait: "I have participated in wars. At that time, I was assigned to a stormtrooper unit, fighting cults every day, so I understand you and the hard-fighting Astra Militarum soldiers even better."
"So I have decided to voluntarily and unconditionally donate a batch of basic living supplies, as well as firearms and ammunition, to your Astra Militarum unit."
This completely froze Vannock; he was utterly 'stunned' by the sudden happiness that fell from the sky.
"Are you... are you serious?!"
"I swear by Merlin, everything I have said is true."
Merlin swore by his family name, forcing Vannock to seriously consider whether to 'side' with the other party.
Following Agamemnus meant starving three times in nine days, but following the Merlin, it was a big gift package right from the start. Who could resist that?
However, out of caution, Vannock remained very conservative: "Regarding your proposal, I will report it truthfully to governor Lucianne, and I ask for your patience for two days, Merlin."
"Good, I await your reply, Commander Vannock."
Merlin was not in a hurry; he believed that very soon, the one who couldn't sit still would be Agamemnus.
water resources, the most precious commodity on Vigilus. Such a huge 'profit'—he didn't believe that greedy bunch of parasites could resist it.
As for Vannock, that was even simpler.
How does one 'bribe' an Astra Militarum Commander?
It's simple: just make it impossible for him to refuse the benefits you offer.
Vannock was a qualified soldier and willing to sacrifice his life for the Emperor. This was evident from his later realization that he only needed to give his life to reverse the war's decline for the Imperium, and he unhesitatingly handed over his remaining duties and calmly accepted death. This showed his character.
To move such a principled soldier, one only needed to appeal to his army and the greater cause.
Merlin was not afraid of him refusing, because Vannock would not refuse at all. From the very beginning, he had offered Vannock and Lucianne an irresistible temptation!
Back in the hovercar, Elsa expressed her incomprehension, asking in confusion: "Lord, your sincerity clearly moved him, but why did he still refuse you?"
Looking out the window at the magnificent mansions with towering spires on the top of the hive capital district, Merlin smiled meaningfully: "No rush, let us wait for a while."