Hearing the NPC's question, Datch stretched out his hand, lightly stroked the brim of his detective hat, and displayed a pretentious, mysterious attitude.
"I am Nameless One, the one who reveals the truth."
"My mission is to save humanity and fight evil. You have been deceived by villains and are killing one another. That is truly wrong."
"Please listen to me slowly. Then you will understand the truth and the reasons behind it."
The moment he heard this introduction, Horus involuntarily wanted to dig his toes into the ground.
Help! This self-introduction is too embarrassing!
You are very capable, but please don't do this!!
The others present shared the same thought.
Aximand's lips twitched slightly.
Loken turned his face away, not wanting to look at the mysterious man.
The others also showed some gesture in an attempt to ease the awkwardness.
"Just tell us honestly."
Abaddon, still on one knee, began speaking in an urgent manner.
The First Captain's voice sounded as if he was about to cry.
If he could not clearly explain this matter, he would without doubt lose the position of First Captain.
In order to wage war against the Interex civilization, the Primarch and many of his comrades had been placed in serious danger.
If this charge is proven, it will constitute the extremely serious crime of treason, and immediate execution would not be an exaggeration at all.
Past glory and achievements will not be forgotten — they will be completely erased.
All records concerning him in the Legion's archives will be deleted.
Every trace of his existence will be completely eliminated and will vanish.
"Cough! Cough!"
Datch cleared his throat twice and quickly processed the details of this plot in his mind.
He pieced together fragmentary information to create a story that both the humans and the Space Marines present could understand and that fit within their cognitive frameworks.
"Then let us begin discussing this matter."
Neither Horus nor Abaddon had ordered the attack on the Hall of Instruments.
"He is the culprit who assaulted the Hall of Instruments."
Datch pointed at Erebus and said, "The mastermind behind all of this is this guy."
When Datch spoke, everyone's gazes gathered on Erebus; their expressions mixed surprise and unease.
Horus stared at Erebus, whom he had never once doubted, as if seeing the person before him for the first time.
Erebus had served as his advisor and helped resolve numerous troublesome Imperial political problems.
When Abaddon did not support his decision regarding the Interex, it was Erebus who supported him and made contact with the Interex civilization.
Who would have imagined that such a person was the mastermind behind a series of conspiracies?
The members of the Mournival, including Abaddon, Aximand, Loken, and Torgaddon, all wore puzzled expressions.
They could not understand at all why the other party would do such a thing.
"Erebus, did you really do this??"
Loken, captain of the Tenth Company of the Luna Wolves and also a member of the Mournival, stared at Erebus.
To many of the Luna Wolves, Erebus is extremely capable, kind, and a very good friend.
When they are with him, they can clearly feel his sincerity.
That sincerity was so genuine that no one even thought of doubting it.
"This is defamation. Clear defamation."
Erebus shouted while spitting blood.
"He is slandering me. I have not done such a thing."
"I have been with all of you for a long time — do you no longer believe me?"
Erebus turned toward Datch and stared intently at the mysterious figure who had ruined his plan.
We must never admit it, and we must resolutely deny it no matter what the cost.
The gods' plan must not fail.
"Gentlemen, you may kill me if you wish." Erebus closed his eyes, raised his head, and showed an expression of resignation.
"But please do not damage my reputation or harm the friendly relations between the Luna Wolves and the Word Bearers Legion."
At Erebus's attitude, Horus and the others hesitated once more.
Considering Erebus's special status, they could not understand at all the motive or purpose for the other party doing such a thing.
Erebus is the First Chaplain of the Word Bearers Legion and Lorgar's most trusted ally.
He has a voice within the Sixteenth Legion; Horus takes his advice seriously, and the Mournival highly values his friendship.
He possesses everything an Astartes can have.
Glory, trust, brotherhood, power.
He occupies an important position at the decision-making center of the Great Crusade of the Imperium of Man.
Why would he try to destroy all of this with his own hands?
All of this is completely illogical.
"I saw you with my own eyes."
Ashlot stepped forward and accused Erebus. "You and your accomplices infiltrated through the maintenance passage behind the instrument room."
"You destroyed the defensive force-field devices, murdered the guards on duty, and then killed me."
The testimony of the Kinebrach man made the situation even more complicated.
Seeing the crowd growing restless, Erebus feared that the people of the Sixteenth Legion would completely believe what he said and hurriedly shouted again.
"You cannot trust the words of an alien. Perhaps you have colluded to slander the entire Imperium of Man and thereby obtain a legitimate reason to destroy us?"
"The relationship between the Interex civilization and the xenomorphs is something no one can truly understand. I am your brother. Do you believe me, or do you believe the xenomorph?"
Everyone directed their gazes at Datch and demanded that he present more evidence.
Erebus's acting is truly persuasive. Between an evil alien and their brother, which is more trustworthy?
Without hesitation, Datch immediately used the power of the Time Stone.
Emerald-green light erupted violently, intertwined in the air, and formed a curtain of light.
On the light screen, the events that had just occurred in the Hall of Instruments were instantly replayed.
The images are presented not from the viewpoint of a specific person but from the viewpoint of "time" itself.
First it gives an overhead view of the entire Hall of Instruments, then quickly zooms in.
In the scene appear figures wearing unmarked power armor; their leader is none other than Erebus.
He led the disguised Word Bearers in assaulting the Hall of Instruments, murdering the guards and staff, and stealing various weapons forged by the Kinebrach.
Guardian Ashlot tried to stop them but was immediately killed.
The footage finally freezes on the fallen body of Ashlot.
Afterwards, Datch arrived and resurrected the murdered people.
Then they captured Erebus and brought him here, which led to the scene we are witnessing now.
"Fake, forgery."
Erebus challenges the final battle.
"Considering his astonishing abilities, is it really that difficult to forge these things?"
"I am not a person who supports war, so why would I do such a thing?"
Once again, everyone's gazes focused on Datch.
Datch needs to provide the final answer that connects all the pieces of the puzzle.
They have seen Erebus's actions, yet they still do not know why he did such a thing.
Why would the First Chaplain of the Word Bearers Legion, Lorgar's most trusted aide, and a strategist at the core of the Sixteenth Legion try to destroy all of this with his own hands?
Datch: ...
Are you performing a short play here?!
With such clear evidence, you still refuse to believe and intend to continue the discussion?
Datch took a deep breath, organized his thoughts, and slowly said, "Because you are a servant of Chaos and serve the gods."
"On the surface, you came to the Sixteenth Legion to request the support of the chief of staff, but in reality you came for a secret mission."
"Your Primarch, Lorgar, has already reached an agreement with the gods, right?"
"What mission is Erebus carrying out here?" Loken asked.
"To make Horus betray the Emperor."
Datch's statement immediately stirred up a great controversy.
Abaddon, Loken, and the others stared with eyes wide open and expressions filled with anger.
Horus felt shock and anger. He stared at Erebus and sharply interrogated him, "Is what he said true?"
"Slander! This is complete slander, Warmaster."
Erebus was seized by extreme terror.
He could not understand why the other party knew all of this so well.
Datch ignored the other party and continued, "You stole… The Anathame was made to fight Horus."
"Horus is a Primarch and possesses not only terrifying life force and regenerative ability but also the protection of the Emperor's power, so he is invincible against ordinary Warp power."
"Only a weapon like the Anathame that exerts extraordinary power when it locks onto a target can inflict a serious wound on a Primarch."
"If I am not mistaken, next you intend to send Horus to a place that holds the faith of Chaos, right?"
Datch approached Erebus, crouched down, and looked at him while asking, "Shall I guess where it is?"
"Perhaps the planet Davin?"
The moment he heard this, Erebus's pupils instantly contracted.
"I heard that the governor stationed there, Eugan Temba, has defected."
"Send Horus there and have him duel the traitor. Then the traitor can wound Horus with the Anathame."
"A target seriously wounded by the Anathame cannot be healed by ordinary treatment. In that case, dispatch Horus to the Temple of Davin."
"He will be guided to unravel the Emperor's secrets and accept the gifts of the gods, thereby healing his wound and beginning to walk the path of rebellion."
"Even if Horus holds fast to his own beliefs, by letting him die the Emperor will lose a powerful ally and the galaxy will once again fall into chaos."
"Without doubt this is an extremely valuable transaction."
Every time Datch spoke a word, Erebus's expression grew more and more severe.
The covenant between the Word Bearers and the gods, the purpose of the Anathame, the arrangement on Davin, Eugan Temba's betrayal, and the gift hidden deep within the temple.
These were things known only to him, Lorgar, and a few apostles chosen by the gods.
No one else could possibly know.
Who on earth is the man before me, and why does he know all of this so well?
Because Erebus had indeed invited him to Davin, Horus's expression grew even more uneasy.
"So it was you who started all of this."
"This is filth…"
Erebus wanted to defend himself, but in the end he could not bring himself to speak the words.
The evidence is clear. Any resistance is meaningless.
"I only want you to know the truth."
Erebus's tone completely changed; he discarded his disguise and took on a fanatical attitude.
"Your father is a fraud."
"Horus, you are not part of the Emperor's future."
"You must rely on the power of the gods in order to confront your father."
Hearing Erebus's words, Horus let out a roar of anger.
"Whatever future my father decides for me, you have no right to judge it."
"I have been by his side for thirty years!"
"I am his eldest son, his commander, and his most powerful adjutant!"
"It is all a lie." Erebus tilted his head back and stared straight at Horus.
Do you know why you were born into this world?
"The Emperor has told you nothing. He will never tell you in the future either. Because in his plan you are nothing more than a tool."
A faint color of sympathy could be felt in Erebus's voice.
"For the great cause of the Emperors, for the glorious destiny of humanity."
Horus's anger vanished; in its place, conviction welled up.
"If my death becomes the final cornerstone in this great undertaking, I will gladly accept this cruel fate."
Horus stared at Erebus and delivered the final judgment.
"Erebus, you betrayed us and plotted to cause a civil war among humanity. Your crime is unforgivable."
"Report to Terra, thoroughly investigate the Seventeenth Legion, examine every member, and make Lorgar pay the price for his actions."
"No…" Erebus let out a cry of agony.
At present, the Seventeenth Legion contains many sorcerer-warriors, and they have even murdered the Imperial Guards supervising them. They will not be able to withstand a thorough investigation by the Imperial Guard.
The Seventeenth Legion will perish, and the gods' plan will also end.
Horus looked at the governor of Xenobia and said, "I am sorry. Everything is our responsibility. The Imperium will provide compensation. Special personnel will be assigned to the future peace negotiations. The Legion will withdraw from this planet."
The governor nodded and agreed that such corrective measures were very appropriate and acceptable.
What kind of agreement the two sides reach will depend on future negotiations.
Horus looked at Datch and said, "Mystic, thank you for saving us from a terrible civil war."
The moment Horus uttered these words, everything around him slowly began to collapse and vanish.
Just when Datch thought everything had been resolved,
Horus, who had been filled with gratitude toward Datch, suddenly changed his expression.
It transformed into something evil and profound, like an ancient Chaos god.
"Why… why must you do such a thing?"
The one who gazed at Datch's existence using the eyes of the Wolf God Horus posed a single question.
Datch was a little surprised. Looking at Horus, he noticed that the other party's information panel had changed.
The Wolf God Horus Lupercal is being controlled by Chaos Horus.
Chaos Horus should be the existence that fought the Emperor aboard the Vengeful Spirit and completely fused with the power of the Chaos Gods.
He should not be here at this time.
The Interex civilization must have been such an important turning point that it indirectly influenced subsequent events. That is why the other side appeared.
"Of course he is a person comparable to the Emperor."
Datch muttered to himself but ignored the other party's existence.
As the historical fragment collapsed, the body of the Wolf God Horus also vanished in the blink of an eye.
Everything around disappeared, and Datch realized he had been drawn into a temporal distortion.
Countless streaks of light continuously raced past him.
Each streak of light carried countless image fragments.
Beside Datch, a TARDIS-type telephone box was suspended.
The light emitted from the telephone box stabilizes the surrounding turbulence, allowing Datch to stand firmly.
Even after the historical fragment was shattered, a radiant essence remained.
[Historical Essence: The residual echo of fragmented history, containing terrifying power that can be used to strengthen Warp creatures.]
Datch glanced over the description and immediately understood what this device could do.
It can raise Warp creatures like Pugh.
Thinking this, Datch took a Monster Ball from his game inventory.
Pressing the round button on the front of the Monster Ball causes the ball to split along the central line; soft milky-white light overflows from the crack and falls onto the ground in front of him.
The moment Pugh appears, it begins chirping "Pugh-Pugh," runs toward Datch, and clings to his leg.
Datch throws the historical essence he is holding at the other party.
The moment it is taken, it instinctively begins to gnaw on it.
The moment he swallowed a mouthful of the historical essence, the radiance emitted from his body grew even stronger.
Datch opened the door of the telephone box and entered.
Inside the TARDIS, the time rotor continued to produce a regular sound.
The numerous indicator lights on the control panel continued to flash according to a fixed pattern.
Datch stood in front of the control panel and lightly moved his fingers over the countless buttons and levers.
Let us carefully examine the numerous historical fragments and find the next destination.
Before long, he succeeded in discovering a fragment.
However, this historical fragment belongs to the timeline of the Shadow Crusade.
Is this the Lost Hope?
Datch muttered to himself while stroking his chin.
Before starting the game, he already knew about this from the enormous amount of background lore concerning the Warhammer worldview.
The Lost Hope.
The title of the story says everything.
This historical fragment is one of the most tragic stories within the original Warhammer storyline.
In the middle of the Battle of Calth, the Ultramarines, who knew nothing, were suddenly betrayed by the Word Bearers and massacred.
Receiving the order of the Wolf God Horus, the Ultramarines gathered at Calth and prepared to fight alongside the Word Bearers.
As a result, the Word Bearers launched a surprise attack on the Ultramarines; the Ultramarines were caught off guard and suffered enormous damage.
After the Battle of Calth, the Five Hundred Worlds were further devastated by the Shadow Crusade dispatched by the joint forces of Lorgar and Angron.
It brought enormous damage to the five hundred planets of Ultramar that Guilliman had painstakingly built on the foundation of reason and order.
Libraries were burned; the collections were covered with twisted runes stained by the blood of the massacred people.
The hospitals were transformed into breeding grounds of plague. In those breeding grounds, ordinary citizens who came seeking treatment were treated like culture dishes, and the blessings of necromancers were cultivated inside their bodies.
Schools were turned into terrifying arenas; children were forced to take up weapons and fight one another.
In the midst of blood, they offered the first sacrifice to the Blood God.
Countless people met tragic deaths.
The story of the Lost Hope symbolizes the numerous tragedies of that era.
The company captains of the Ultramarines were captured and could only helplessly watch as their subordinates were killed one after another in the gladiatorial arenas.
Civilians who barely managed to escape were imprisoned by the power of Chaos, corrupted, and transformed into terrifying monsters.
Datch hesitated for a long time before deciding to intervene in this fragment.
It is simply for the purpose of collecting historical valuables.