The great leader of the black Legion, the Warmaster of Chaos.
He was chosen by the Four Gods, he was victorious in a hundred battles, his name spread throughout the galaxy, and he had many well-known nicknames.
For example, some familiar ones include: The Great Raider, The Topknot, Abaddon the Despoiler, The Great Incompetent, The Great Failure, and The Successor of Horus.
He is the great enemy of Chaos in the Imperium of Man, who launched thirteen crusades (the first twelve all ended in failure), the suspected favored son of GW, the great Warmaster Abaddon, who repeatedly failed and repeatedly fought!
Leaving aside his terrible track record, if it were on the internet in his previous life...
Upon hearing the news that the great Warmaster of Chaos, Abaddon, was about to arrive, Emrys would probably burst into laughter.
And he would express his anticipation of what kind of 'fun' this Warmaster of Chaos, seemingly with a curved loyalty, would bring to the black Crusade.
But, if it's a person in Warhammer, then there are 'a lot' of small problems.
Undeniably, the Imperium of Man almost always wins with difficulty, successfully thwarting the black Legion and the Warmaster of Chaos, Abaddon.
But if you analyze it carefully, you can clearly see that the reason why the Imperium of Man falls into difficulties, predicaments, and even drags the war into a quagmire, is entirely because the various complex forces are a bit too inhuman.
Take the Vigilus as an example; the most ridiculous thing is that...
The three forces of Agamemnus, the Ecclesiarchy, and the Adeptus Mechanicus, in order to maintain superficial harmony, formed a temporary tripartite council, which even to this day, has not come up with a unified name.
The three forces are at odds with each other, each watching the other suffer and trying to seize greater interests.
Under such circumstances, the Orks are growing wildly on the surface of the Vigilus, and have even built several shanty towns.
Looking at the Macranth Sector ruled by Hades VIII, for the sake of Blackstone and mineral resources, they recklessly excavated the geothermals, leading to continuous earthquakes and natural disasters, and even the genestealers right under their noses were ignored.
The reason why the Vigilus was almost riddled with holes was precisely because the three forces constrained and consumed each other, wasn't it?
To a large extent, the predicament on the Vigilus is entirely the result of their own actions; they truly added difficulty to themselves.
Emrys often wondered if the person sent by the Guilliman wasn't Chapter master Marneus Calgar, it's highly possible that no one else would have been able to clean up the mess on the Vigilus.
It's just that the Ultramarines generally have their political abilities maxed out.
If it were something like the Space Wolves, every single one of those scumbags would be dragged out and shot; none of them would be wronged!
Waves of chaotic, decadent music echoed over the hive city.
Emrys turned to look at Jackal, who had burst into the room, his face filled with anxiety: "What's the situation outside?"
"It's completely chaotic outside!" Jackal was also affected by Chaos, but fortunately, his will was firm, and he barely suppressed his irritable emotions: "Hades VIII's Ecclesiarchy tried to control order, but it doesn't seem to be very effective."
Konrad Curze's terrorism was truly mastered by Harken!
His legions of Chaos Raptors, Warp Talons, and Heldrakes flew and circled above the Siluria Hive, using loudspeakers and amplification arrays to constantly sow seeds of fear among the civilians and Astra Militarum in the hive.
Besieging a city is inferior; attacking the heart is superior. Harken used this tactic to perfection!
Looking at the completely chaotic scene in the hive, Emrys frowned. What he was most worried about right now was not the black Legion.
With the fortress-level energy shield device in place, even under the siege of Chaos Lords and Orks, Siluria would be difficult to breach in a short time. What he was most worried about was precisely the genestealers that the Adeptus Mechanicus had overlooked!
No one knew better than him that a large number of infected genestealers had already infiltrated the hive city.
With just one command from the 'Venerable Father Ancestral Dragon', a large number of genestealers could surge out like a tide from the dug tunnels in a very short time, instantly paralyzing Siluria' energy shield system. That would be the real 'disaster'!
This is too damn chaotic!
Emrys had a splitting headache; the Siluria Hive was completely a dead end now!
Hades VIII's Adeptus Mechanicus would simply not listen to the opinion of an outsider like him, and he had no evidence whatsoever.
If Chapter master Karlgar were here, he might have a way to turn the tide, but facing the arrogant Hades VIII, even with all his methods, it would be useless!
"Calm down, Emrys." Just then, Jackal suddenly patted his shoulder: "No matter how bad the situation is, the only thing we can do is calm down, don't let ourselves be affected, only then can we find the only way to live!"
This veteran, who had experienced countless more desperate situations, gave Emrys a reassurance with his firm gaze.
"Sorry, I was a bit too anxious." Emrys let out a heavy sigh, but his brow remained tightly furrowed.
The situation in the Siluria Hive was deteriorating much faster than he had anticipated, from the Orks besieging the hive, the energy shield device activating, to the sudden appearance of the black Legion vanguard on the battlefield, and the genestealers hidden in the darkness.
This series of events happened in just half a day!
Elsa and Jackal did not disturb him. Although it was already very chaotic outside, they still believed that Emrys, as he did on Roselle, would lead them through the crisis once again!
Wait, it seems there really is one more method that might be worth trying!
Having calmed down again, Emrys suddenly caught a fleeting flash of inspiration amidst his jumbled thoughts.
Yes, that's right, the only way to break the deadlock now!
"Quick, Jackal, go find Iron Father immediately!"
He completely ignored explanations, urging impatiently: "Please tell him that the biggest threat to Siluria' current situation is not Chaos, nor the Orks, but the genestealers hidden in the shadow. Be careful of them destroying the hive city's energy shield system!"
Iron Father Kardan Stronos led the first Chapter to support the Vigilus.
The Iron Hands and Brazen Claws, two Astartes Chapters, are currently stationed in the Siluria Hive, originally to resist the harassment of genestealers and Orks, which gave the Adeptus Mechanicus immense confidence.
The Tech-Priests of Hades VIII, after careful analysis, did not believe that the genestealers and Orks could conquer the hive city, which had a large number of Ecclesiarchy troops, Astra Militarum, and two Space Marine Chapters.
This was indeed the case, but only if the genestealers' strength matched Hades VIII's estimates.
But unfortunately, the Tech-Priests were wrong,
And they were terribly wrong!
They did not know that the Venerable Father Ancestral Dragon had secretly infiltrated the hive city two hundred years ago, and in the lower hive of Siluria, which had been built and filled with steel and pipes for generations, a massive number of cultists had already gathered!
The genestealers were just waiting for an opportunity!
And Harken's appearance, along with the Ork invasion, just happened to create such a perfect opportunity for the genestealers!
The only ones who could stop the genestealers were the Chapters led by the Iron Father!
"But... with my status, it's very difficult to see the Iron Father."
Jackal chose his words carefully; the actual situation might be even worse: "You see, your estimate of my ability is a little high. I'm a Catachan, not an Alpha."
As a mere grunt, even with the Iron Aquila medal, he couldn't possibly get past layers of Space Marine guards to see the Iron Father.
As a bastard Chapter master, his status was no less than that of Marneus Calgar in the hearts of the Ultramarines!
"No matter, go in my name." Emrys pondered for a long time, then turned and entered the room, enclosed the medal hanging around his neck in a box, then came out again and solemnly handed it to Jackal: "If it really doesn't work, and only as a last resort, you must not take out this medal."
Taking out this medal, he was also gambling.
Given the current situation in Siluria, the energy shield device must be held, otherwise, everyone will be finished!
Since the Adeptus Mechanicus route was not viable, he could only place his hope on the Iron Father, who led the Iron Hands and Brazen Claws!
However, to make the Iron Father believe him without any evidence, merely relying on the name of the Rogue Trader Dynasty was clearly not enough. There had to be something more weighty, and after much thought, it seemed he could only take a gamble!
He would gamble... on that medal!
In fact, even now, Emrys didn't know what the medal was for, only that it had given him an early warning when he was previously assassinated.
If it weren't for the fact that there was no other way, he wouldn't have wanted to risk using this medal, but now the situation in Siluria had reached its most dangerous point!
He had to try.
That medal was the only hope!
"This medal is very important; no one other than the Iron Father can see it." Emrys' tone grew heavier, his gaze fixed on Jackal.
Although Jackal did not know what secret was hidden in that small box, he sensed the importance of this item from Emrys' expression!
"Okay, I will definitely convey it truthfully to the Iron Father." He carefully hid the box containing the medal inside his armor and swore to Emrys: "Don't worry, even if I die, I won't lose it!"
"Don't say ominous things." Emrys glared at him, still a little uneasy: "This time, take the others with you."
He was, of course, referring to the ten first-stage warriors who had undergone 'Spartan' modifications and had come with him, serving as his personal guards.
Upon hearing this, Jackal immediately became anxious, staring at him and saying: "If I take everyone with me, what will happen to you here?"
There were only ten Spartan first-stage warriors, including himself. Each one was a carefully selected elite, having participated in numerous wars, and all were once elites of the Astra Militarum!
It was no exaggeration to say that even if an equal number of Space Marines came, they, with their full equipment, could achieve a two-for-one or even a one-for-one exchange, given the right conditions!
This was Carol's 'honor guard' left for Emrys, an elite force belonging only to him. How could he take them away?
"Stop talking nonsense, I said so!"
But Emrys insisted, saying in a deep voice: "Don't waste time, take the men and go quickly and come back quickly. Don't worry about me here."
He had already contacted Hilda in the outer hive through psychic communication, asking her to infiltrate the main hive city as soon as possible. If nothing unexpected happened, she should arrive very soon, taking advantage of the recent chaos.
In this regard, he had to thank 'Harken'.
If he hadn't been spreading chaos and terror, attracting the attention of the Mechanicus of Hades No. 8, Hilda and Rosales would probably have been stuck in the fringe hive district for a while.
Unable to refuse, Jackal finally had no choice but to agree. Although it was night outside, the Mechanicus' attention was fortunately fully drawn to the Hell Drakes above and the Chaos Raptors. Jackal, leading the remaining nine men, quietly left the mansion under the cover of the chaos and night...
The Iron Hands were one of the twenty Astartes Legions founded by the Emperor, with their Primarch, Ferrus Manus, possessing unwavering faith in the Emperor!
The hallmark of their Legion was that its members would undergo extensive mechanical augmentation to their bodies. Every new recruit, upon joining, had to have their left hand severed and replaced with a android limb to truly become an 'Iron Hand'!
Although the Primarch, while to live, tried to correct the Iron Hands' peculiar habit, it ultimately ended in failure.
The Iron Father, after the Primarch's passing, combined the roles of Techmarine and Chaplain, and was often considered a dual religious representative of the Emperor and the Cult Mechanicus.
What?
You say such actions violate the 'Codex Astartes'?
Don't be ridiculous. The Space Wolves find that thing too stiff to wipe their backsides with, not to mention even the Guilliman's Ultramarines, who only shout the loudest, have long since violated it countless times in secret!
Jackal's contact with the Iron Hands was minimal, limited to the impression that they were a taciturn Astartes. Although they often displayed great combat power in battle, their cold, mechanical advance and frenzied slaughter made him reluctant to interact with them from the bottom of his heart.
If he could, he would prefer them to be Salamanders.
But alas... While contemplating, Jackal, leading ten men, approached the Iron Hands' encampment. He immediately revealed himself and raised his hands, signaling he had no ill intent.
He didn't believe that with Catachan's infiltration skills, he could sneak into the command post right under their noses.
If you don't want to be headshotted from 800 meters, it's best not to try and show off your petty tricks in front of an Astartes. This was what his predecessors had warned him.
Because there really was a Catachan warrior who tried to surprise a certain Astartes, and then... there was no 'then'. His head was blown off with a single shot, without even a chance to explain.
For this, Jackal's company was hung up by the Commissar and whipped with oil-soaked lashes for three whole days!
The Astartes of the Iron Hands Chapter stood like dark towering walls at the forward command post. The surrounding arrangements were very much in the Iron Hands' style, filled with mechanical augmentations everywhere. Automatic turrets were even mounted on the surrounding walls!
"Mortal, halt!"
An Iron Hands Astartes, clad in dark power armor, noticed Jackal in the distance and immediately raised his bolter.
If the other party made any abnormal movement, he guaranteed he could blow their head off with a single shot before anything could happen!
The crimson augury on his helmet scanned Jackal's identity, finally resting on his chest, where a shining Aquila Imperator medal was pinned!
The Aquila Imperator was an emblem awarded by the Departmento Munitorum to combat Heroes, and only the glorious Astra Militarum could possess it!
Even among the Astartes, there were those who admired mortal warriors. The Iron Hands Astartes' cold tone suddenly softened considerably: "State your purpose. This is the command post of Iron Father Kardan Stronos. You should be aware that no mortal should approach here."
"I represent the heir of the Emrys Rogue Trader Dynasty, Merlin Emrys, and have come to pay my respects to the great Iron Father," Jackal said, seeing the medal was effective, and performed the Aquila gesture again.
Such an action might earn him some favor.
"Refused."
However, the Iron Hands Astartes directly refused him: "The Father is currently commanding the battle and does not permit anyone to disturb him."
This is a bit troublesome now... Jackal frowned deeply and said in a low voice: "I came precisely for the war. Please, I implore you to inform the great Iron Father that the heir of the Emrys Rogue Trader Dynasty has very important intelligence concerning the survival of Hive District Siluria!"
"Refused."
The Iron Hand stood unmoving like a mountain, coldly refusing Jackal again, and issued a warning: "Mortal, leave here immediately, or I will forcibly expel you!"
Jackal gritted his teeth, knowing that without some drastic action, he wouldn't get in today. So, he mustered his courage, glared at the Astartes, and let out a roar from his soul: "Are you going to betray the Emperor's trust once again?!"
The air suddenly turned cold!
But Jackal knew it wasn't the temperature actually dropping, but rather... the killing intent emanating from the Astartes.
He gathered his courage and met the other's gaze: "I am a warrior of the Emperor, willing to give my to live for the Imperium. Now... this hive city is about to fall, and yet you remain indifferent. Is this not a betrayal of the Imperium and the Emperor's trust?!"
These words almost pierced the Iron Hand's heart!
The Astartes glared at the audacious Jackal. The last heretic who dared to provoke them like this had already been cut into pieces and buried!
His index finger slowly rested on the trigger, as if the next second he would shoot this provocative mortal.
"Are you going to kill me?" Jackal showed no fear, his gaze unwavering: "Fine. Rather than watching you betray the Emperor's trust and this hive city fall into the hands of the alien, I would rather return to the Golden Throne!"
The atmosphere became extremely tense, as if it could erupt at any moment!
But, after a long silence, the Iron Hands Astartes slowly released his index finger from the trigger and said coldly: "Mortal, I admire your courage. I will report to the Father for you. If you dare to deceive us... I will let you and those behind you know the wrath of Iron!"
Watching the Astartes leave, Jackal felt cold sweat all over his body. His tense nerves finally relaxed, and he couldn't help but let out a long breath: "You scared me to to live"
He had truly gambled just now.
But fortunately, he won. The Iron Hands deeply detest weakness and corruption, so the more assertive he appeared, the greater their goodwill he would earn.
Of course, this trick could only be used once, and its success rate was extremely low. If it weren't for Emrys and that Aquila Imperator medal, he estimated that his head would have been blasted into fragments by a bolter round the moment he uttered the first sentence.
Except for the Salamanders and a very few Chapters, while the personalities of the Astartes vary, they almost all bother little with mortals, which is why they are given the name 'Angel of Death'!
Soon, the Iron Hand returned, his cold gaze piercing through the augury and landing on Jackal: "The Father permits your audience, but only you alone."
"No problem, esteemed Angel!"
Jackal again performed the Aquila gesture and turned to instruct the remaining men to stay away and observe the situation. Then, he followed the Iron Hand alone into the command camp.
In the innermost room of the camp, Jackal finally met the legendary Iron Father, Kardan Stronos.
He sat before the command console, in the dimly lit room, like a dark mountain, casting an oppressive shadow that enveloped Jackal!
The Iron Father's right eye, nose, mouth, and jaw were all replaced with machinery. Clad in heavy dark armor, just sitting there, he exerted immense pressure on Jackal, as if all the air in the room had been sucked out!
Jackal took a deep breath and lowered his head: "Esteemed Iron Father, I represent the Emrys heir, Mr. Merlin Emrys, and express my respect to you."
"State your intelligence!"
The Iron Father's voice was clearly mechanically synthesized, and his android eye glowed with a faint madness: "I am currently commanding the army, resisting those damned xenos. I have no time for your nonsense!"
"Yes, esteemed Iron Father." Jackal no longer delayed and relayed the information about the genestealers potentially attacking the hive district's energy shield system.
"Is that all?"
The Iron Father's voice suddenly dropped several degrees. The oppressive atmosphere in the room, mixed with cold killing intent, enveloped Jackal like a tidal wave. He said grimly: "Your so-called news is a waste of my time."
"I don't understand what you mean, Iron Father." Jackal's heart rate almost reached its peak, but he still maintained his outward composure.
"The energy shield system you speak of is garrisoned by two regiments of the Mechanicus."
The Iron Father said coldly: "I do not believe that those damned bugs can breach two regiments of the Skitarii Legions!"
"I regret to inform you, Iron Father." Jackal shook his head and slowly said: "The genestealers' power far exceeds your expectations. They have already infiltrated the hive city's underground, digging tunnels to various locations. Your Skitarii Legions, I fear, will soon be overwhelmed by them. You must surely know that once the energy shield system is destroyed, Hive District Siluria will be completely lost!"
"I need proof."
The Iron Father neither denied nor unilaterally believed: "You say the genestealers have infiltrated the underground, but neither the Mechanicus' searches nor our inspections have found any trace of them. Where is the proof?"
"Here!"
Jackal took a deep breath and carefully handed over a box from his embrace.
The Iron Father frowned slightly but still took the box. However, upon opening the box and seeing the medal inside, the usually composed Iron Father's pupils flashed with a rare hint of shock!
He suddenly turned his gaze to the bewildered Jackal, his tone extremely serious: "Mortal, who gave you this thing?!"
"It was, it was my master, Mr. Emrys."
Jackal didn't understand what the Iron Father had seen to elicit such a strong reaction.
"Wait!"
Just as Jackal was about to leave, he was suddenly called out by the Iron Father. His voice was as loud as thunder, making his heart pound violently. He wondered if the Iron Father had changed his mind.
Jackal swallowed hard, stiffly turned his head, and looked at the Chapter master: "Respected Iron Father, may I ask… is there anything else?"
The Iron Father hesitated, his gaze never leaving the box. His eyes held a complex, inscrutable emotion. After a moment, he said, "Please inform Mr. Emrys for me that after the Siluria campaign concludes, I will personally go to meet him."
Good gracious… Jackal was extremely surprised, and couldn't help but widen his eyes.
For a Space Marine Chapter master to say he would personally go to meet him, what exactly was in that box?!
"Alright, I will definitely inform Mr. Emrys." Jackal quickly responded, then hid the box inside his clothes, fearing he might lose it.
Even after leaving the command room, Jackal felt light-headed, as if the scene that had just occurred was all a dream, full of the bizarre!
Originally, the Iron Father's attitude had made him feel hopeless, but when he took out that rusty iron box and saw what was inside, his attitude underwent an earth-shattering change!
Jackal found it unbelievable, even miraculous!
"Hello, Mr. Jackal."
Suddenly, just as he was about to leave the camp, his path was blocked by a towering presence. Looking up, what greeted his eyes were three Primaris Space Marines.
However, the armor decorations on them were exceptionally ornate, clearly different from the standard patterns of power armor. Their shoulder pads bore purity seals and honor badges!
"We are the Honor Guard of the Iron Hands, dispatched by order of the Iron Father to escort you back." The leading Primaris Space Marine said in a deep voice.
Wait a minute, Honor Guard?!
Jackal was dumbfounded. These were the Company Champions who guarded the Chapter master and were victorious in a hundred battles. The Iron Father had actually sent three of them specifically to escort them back!
What did the Honor Guard do?
They were elites specifically selected from various companies, dedicated to protecting the Chapter master. They not only wore ancient and advanced artificer power armor, used the finest equipment, but their martial prowess in the Space Marines often allowed them to fight ten opponents at once!
Let's use the most direct comparison to understand.
Jackal and his team were warriors who had undergone the initial Spartan Project and had bio-armor implanted. He himself was confident that he could, in a one-on-one situation, take down a Space Marine.
However, a Primaris Space Marine of the Honor Guard could snap his neck in less than a second, and could also decimate an entire combat squad within tens of seconds!
This was the difference!
Their reaction speed, strength, martial arts, and techniques had all approached the pinnacle of biological capability. They were virtually the most formidable elites within a Space Marine Chapter!
Even around the Iron Father, the number of Honor Guard members was not large. Now, three were suddenly assigned just to escort him back?
Jackal didn't think he had that much influence.
They were clearly there to protect whatever was inside that rusty iron box!
What exactly was inside this seemingly ordinary rusty iron box? It couldn't be some relic of the Emperor, could it?
At this moment, Jackal felt a burning sensation in his arms, as if he was carrying a red-hot branding iron. His intuition told him that if anything in this box were to be lost, then… the entire Vigilus would probably suffer!
...Harken the Starstealer's Chaos Raptors and Hell Drakes completely disrupted the defenses of the Siluria hive city. The seductive sounds of Chaos, combined with the Great Rift in the sky, caused immense trouble for Styx Eight.
Taking advantage of the chaos in the hive city, Hilda, with a reluctant Rosales, successfully infiltrated the core of the main city in a somewhat violent manner.
As for the specific method, don't ask.
In short, it was a perfect infiltration, except for a few disassembled Tech-Priests, this infiltration was flawless!
"I say, my Lady of the Aeldari… couldn't you have just, bypassed them?" Rosales, beside her, was on tenterhooks the entire time, fearing that she wouldn't have enough fun disassembling, and might just disassemble him too.
"No, Emrys said we couldn't leave any traces." Hilda frowned, saying righteously, "Besides, you mechanical Transformation people, who knows if you have other ways to discover me?"
"...But you didn't have to smash them into so many pieces, did you?"
Rosales wiped away non-existent cold sweat, looking at the scattered bits and pieces on the ground, feeling a chill in his heart: "Besides, aren't you afraid the Adeptus Mechanicus will come looking for you?"
"No fear!"
Unexpectedly, Hilda raised her head proudly, her face full of arrogance: "I specifically made it look like the Drukhari did it. Even if they want to find trouble, they'll only go look for the Drukhari. Why would they look for me?"
This skill, even her father highly praised!
Looking across the entire Aeldari Craftworld, her disguise skill was the most like the Drukhari's. Often, even the 'victims' couldn't tell if it was their own kind who did it!
No wonder she's a professional… Rosales was silent for a few seconds, then pulled something out of his robe: "You should put some of this on, a special poison from the Drukhari. That way, it'll look even more authentic."
"Good idea!"
Hilda's eyes lit up as she began to 'fake the crime scene', saying without looking back: "I knew it, none of you Adeptus Mechanicus are good for anything, you even have Drukhari poison."
""
For the first time in his life, Rosales was speechless, choked by an Aeldari.
Big sister, weren't you the one who framed them first? He was just doing this purely for self-preservation!
Forget it, none of them were good people.
With the burden lifted from his mind, Rosales simply gave up, helping to fake the crime scene and, from the perspective of the Adeptus Mechanicus, providing practical and feasible misleading clues. Hilda benefited greatly, gaining a deeper understanding of how to pin the blame on the Drukhari.
With Rosales' help, the journey was unimpeded, and Hilda soon returned to the mansion. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Lord Rosales." This wasn't Emrys being insincere; he was genuinely happy, for if Rosales had died, he would have lost a loyal customer!
Looking at the smiling Emrys, although Rosales might not have been so happy inside, he still had to maintain appearances, so he forced a smile: "Thank you for your help, Lord Emrys!"
The two exchanged a few 'insincere' compliments with their respective 'fake' smiles. Rosales then sat in a chair, finally able to relax for a moment, and said from the bottom of his heart: "Lord Emrys, I never thought… that in my most dangerous moment, it would be you who saved me. It seems my investment in Roselle was not wrong; you truly are a blessed man of miracles."
From Roselle to Vigilus, from the perspective of a Tech-Priest, it was just a very brief moment in the long years. Yet, in such a short time, that former scavenger from the underhive had grown step by step to where he was today.
It must be said, it truly filled Rosales with emotion.
At the same time, he was also very grateful. If it weren't for his foresight back then, if he hadn't forged a good relationship with Emrys, he might have truly been killed by Drekelis this time!
"Lord Rosales, there's something I don't know if I should say." Emrys' expression hesitated repeatedly, seemingly struggling with whether to speak: "Of course, this is merely a small thought from me, as your collaborator."
Elsa pushed up her glasses beside him, her lips curving into an almost imperceptible smile. She knew her lord too well; when he spoke like this, he was either digging a pit for someone, or on his way to digging a pit for someone.
"Mr. Emrys, I believe our relationship has surpassed that of ordinary friends." Rosales looked at him directly, sighing: "Moreover, if it weren't for you saving me this time, I would probably be dead. So, please speak your mind!"
Oh, in that case, it's easy!
Emrys calculated in his mind, his face showing a hint of suspicion, and he lowered his voice, saying, "I'm very curious, since Drekelis and Lord Amos have a collaboration, why were you still betrayed by Drekelis?"
"This…"
Rosales fell silent. Deep within his mechanical eye, data flickered frantically, revealing a hint of cold light. But after a moment, he said with some hesitation: "Perhaps Drekelis suddenly had a change of heart, or perhaps he unilaterally went back on his word."
"Perhaps…"
Emrys' lips held a mysterious smile. He picked up the teacup beside him, took a sip, and said thoughtfully, "But when I went to see Drekelis yesterday, he asked me if I had any other purpose besides buying energy shields… This made me wonder if he knew the reason I came here?"
Rosales' expression instantly changed. He seemed to have thought of something, turned to look at Emrys, his tone noticeably deeper: "Are you suggesting?"
"Don't overthink it, Lord Rosales." Emrys waved his hand, revealing a profound and cryptic expression, as if to say, 'I've said all I can': "I'm just reminding you, from a collaborator's perspective, that sometimes… danger may not always come from outsiders."
Seeing this, Rosales, who was already suspicious, couldn't help but start overthinking, meticulously dissecting the situation, and gradually, his suspicions… pointed towards Amos!
"Yes, that's right…"
Rosales' emotions seemed a little agitated. He spoke with lingering fear but also full of resentment: "He must have thought that if I were promoted to Archmagos, I would threaten his interests!"
"Lord Rosales, I think perhaps it could also be an accident?" Emrys now jumped in again, pretending to persuade him: "Of course, from the perspective of a collaborator and friend, I hope you are absolutely safe, as that benefits both of us."
"An accident? It couldn't be an accident!"
Rosales' anger seemed to ignite, and he said sinisterly, "He has always coveted my assets and research, and my promotion speed is too fast. It must have been him!"
This was the outcome Emrys wanted. Once the seed of doubt was planted, it wouldn't be so easy to explain away. Besides, with Amos' status and position, would he need to explain himself to him?
No need!
Therefore, Rosales had no way to verify. He would only let the seed of doubt grow vigorously in his heart until, at some point, it completely subverted his previous understanding!
Every word he said was true.
However, sometimes the truth can be misleading!
Whether or not Amos truly coveted Rosales and secretly had Drekelis eliminate him, at this moment, the truth no longer mattered!
As long as Rosales believed it was, that was enough!
"Lord Rosales, even if you knew the truth, what could you do?" Emrys seized the opportunity to win him over, lowering his voice: "There's an old saying on Terra: 'A person under another's eaves cannot but bow their head.' It means that when your strength is inferior to the other party's, necessary humility and submission are the best ways to preserve yourself."
"You're right… my current strength is not enough to openly contend with Amos." Rosales took a deep breath, then turned to Emrys, his eyes suddenly filled with trust and excitement: "Lord Emrys, if it weren't for you, I would probably still be deceived by Amos, never knowing the truth even until death. Thank you so much!"
See?
He still had to thank us!
Looking at Rosales, Emrys' face was full of sincerity: "Lord Rosales, Merlin will always be your strong backing, and I will always be your friend!"
Rosales was deeply moved. He had suspected Emrys of trying to extort him, when Emrys treated him as a friend. It was utterly inappropriate!
Damn Amos!
He secretly vowed in his heart that next time, he would definitely extort a sum from Amos to compensate Emrys for his losses!
Looking at Rosales' reaction, Emrys chuckled inwardly.
With Rosales, he could now plant his own nail in the Dark Mechanicum. Instead of painstakingly searching for an Archmagos, why not… cultivate one himself!
Moreover, Rosales was a talent, precisely the kind of Tech-Priest he lacked, capable of manufacturing Daemon Engines. Such talent was hard to find even with a lantern!
"Lord Emrys, hiring that Aeldari must have been very expensive, right?" Rosales had always thought that the Aeldari was hired by the other party, and combining that with all the previous events, he was even more moved!
"Oh, we're all friends, no need to mention such a small matter." Emrys feigned generosity, but a hint of pain 'coincidentally' appeared on his face. He waved his hand and said, "Don't worry about it. Didn't you also give me a few dozen extra power armor suits? This small loss, I'll bear it myself!"
Seeing this, Rosales felt even more guilty.
The gene-seed was given by Amos, and the implant organs… their value was actually just so-so. If converted, he had only paid fifty suits of Aquila Power Armor.
But the other party had hired an Aeldari Farseer, risking discovery by the Adeptus Mechanicus, specifically to save him!
No, he had to compensate!
Otherwise, he would feel uneasy; he couldn't let his friend suffer a loss!