Thunder Warriors' Destiny

The Emperor, returned from the Super God Universe, held a small meeting with the Warp-Tattooed Chancellor, Malcador, and the Adeptus Custodes commander, Waldo.

He shared the technology related to the Gene Engine with the two of them.

He wanted them to understand just how much he had gained from this journey through worlds.

Both Malcador and Waldo were highly learned individuals possessed of extraordinary intellect.

They easily judged that the Gene Engine represented an entirely new technological path.

It was completely different from the technological tree of the Golden Age.

It even differed from the technologies possessed by every civilization in this universe.

It influenced the physical universe by programming genetic sequences and dark matter.

Thus granting those implanted with it powerful physiques and combat abilities.

The concept was nothing short of genius.

"Implanting the Gene Engine into the Empire's warriors will greatly increase the speed at which we conquer the stars."

Malcador's voice was charged with excitement.

"We need to create Gene Engines exclusive to the Empire," the Emperor said. "They must be adapted to this universe's laws of physics. Only then can the Gene Engine's full potential be unleashed."

"I request permission to establish a research institute guarded by the Adeptus Custodes," Waldo said. "We must also allocate resources and recruit a group of specialists for the research."

Such precious technology could never be allowed to be stolen by the gods again.

He truly could not trust anyone else to guard this research institute.

Only the Adeptus Custodes could guarantee absolute security.

Once the Gene Engine technology entered practical application, the Adeptus Custodes had to be the first to receive it.

He had to ensure that no one could threaten the Emperor's rule or personal safety.

The Emperor did not reply immediately. Instead, he looked toward Raven, who was eating fries at the table beside them.

"Mr. Raven."

Hearing this, Waldo and Malcador both turned to look at Raven.

After returning, the Emperor had granted Malcador authorization to see Raven as well.

Raven looked up and discovered that the Empire's three great figures were staring fixedly at him.

Looking a little embarrassed, he used his slender bird claws to push several fries toward them.

"What is it? Do you guys want some fries too?"

"No. I merely wish to ask your opinion on whether we should establish a research institute guarded by the Adeptus Custodes and supported by the Empire's resources."

Raven wore a bewildered expression.

Shouldn't you three great figures of the Empire decide something like this yourselves? Why ask me?

"Wouldn't it be a little inappropriate for me to give my opinion on something like this?"

"It's all right. Without your help, I would not have obtained the Gene Engine technology. You are qualified to speak at this meeting."

Seeing that the Emperor was sincerely asking, Raven's chatty nature surfaced.

"The current Gene Engine technology is only the basic version. Once enough Destiny Nodes are changed, we'll be able to obtain all kinds of improved and advanced versions."

"I suggest that you modify the Gene Engine as needed to let it operate in this universe. There's no need to invest excessive resources."

"Of course, the technology must be kept secret. If it leaks, the consequences will be endless."

The Emperor nodded. "If there are more versions of the Gene Engine to come, then we truly do not need to devote too many resources to research."

"Taking the research results from the Super God Universe and adapting them locally would not only save research resources, but also make secrecy easier to maintain."

"The plan to establish a research institute is feasible, but the Empire will not invest too many resources. It only needs to conduct localized adaptation and specialized customization."

After discussing Waldo's proposal, the Emperor activated a holographic projector.

Static-like pulses of light leaped and danced through the air.

They outlined a faintly glowing holographic star map.

"Terra has been unified. What remains are merely minor issues. We need to set our sights farther ahead."

The Emperor extended a finger and tapped the moon on the holographic map.

"According to the intelligence we have gathered, many terrifying things still roam Luna's surface."

"Those people who toyed with genetic technology drove even themselves mad."

"Yet they still possess genetic knowledge and creations left behind by the Golden Age.

If we can obtain those things, we will be able to create Legion warriors more quickly and launch an expedition into the galaxy."

The Emperor's words made Malcador frown as he moistened his dry lips.

"Legions? Your Majesty, have you truly decided to abandon the Thunder Warriors?"

"The Thunder Warriors' mental state is not stable enough. They are no longer suited to the plans ahead."

There was not a trace of hesitation in the Emperor's words.

His attitude was cold.

As though he were discarding a tool that had lost its value.

"They won the entire world for you, yet you intend to abandon them."

"Ushotan, leader of the Thunder Warriors, will never accept such a fate. He will lead them in rebellion against you."

A trace of sorrow entered Malcador's voice.

"No sacrifice is unacceptable. If necessary, Waldo will lead the Adeptus Custodes into action."

Malcador said, "Perhaps new technology could save them."

"They are immersed in slaughter and unable to free themselves. If they gain even greater power, they will inevitably become a destabilizing factor for the newborn Imperium."

The Emperor was not swayed by Malcador's words. He remained resolute.

The Thunder Warriors were losing control with increasing frequency.

Not long ago, two out-of-control Thunder Warriors had slaughtered more than three hundred ordinary people who served them.

By the time the Adeptus Custodes arrived, mutilated corpses covered the ground. The sight resembled a hell of slaughter.

Such incidents were merely the tip of the iceberg when it came to the Thunder Warriors losing control.

When they went mad, they even killed their allies.

Such an army could not be deployed in the Great Crusade.

"What a cold-blooded decision. Do you truly intend to abandon those loyal men like that, even going so far as to kill them?"

After eating a French fry dipped in ketchup, Raven spoke while shaking his head.

The Emperor turned to look at Raven. After hesitating for a moment, he finally asked.

"Mr. Raven, do you have another idea?"

"Big Guy, your decision is highly rational, but sometimes absolute rationality is precisely the root of disaster."

"Since you need to take Luna and also wish to eliminate the Thunder Warriors, why not grant them an honorable death?"

"Let the Thunder Warriors be worn down in the war to conquer Luna, and send them off with honor and flowers."

After speaking, Raven began shaking his head again.

"Politics truly is a cruel thing. It decides others' fates so easily. Let's have some French fries instead; at least that would make us a little happier."

"A glorious death. Not a bad suggestion." The Emperor nodded. "Then that is what we shall do."

The Emperor turned to Malcador and Waldo.

"Besides taking Luna and making the Gene Cult serve us, there is other work that must proceed at the same time."

"Malcador, during this period, intensify reconstruction efforts in every region. The old vested interests must be purged, and all their property confiscated."

"Mobilize those technical talents. No matter what methods you use, I want the orbital factories restarted as soon as possible. The Imperium needs a massive fleet to launch the Great Crusade."

"Anyone who attempts to stop us, regardless of their identity or background, must be eliminated without hesitation. I will not allow anyone to hold us back."

To save humanity, the Emperor had never minded staining his hands with blood.

The meeting ended.

The Emperor took Raven into the laboratory to put into practice the various forms of knowledge and technology obtained from the Super God Universe.

Malcador and Waldo, meanwhile, went to carry out the Emperor's various orders.

"He trusts that Raven greatly."

There was a trace of jealousy in Waldo's voice.

Malcador tilted his head to look at Waldo. A moment later, he smiled.

"I thought you would never experience emotional fluctuations, Constantine."

He turned to look at the towering mountains. "By allowing Raven to participate in decisions of power, His Majesty is giving him a sense of belonging and responsibility toward the Imperium.

"The Imperium needs Raven, just as it needs you and me. Raven has already become an indispensable part of the Emperor's plans."

"You must learn to get used to it, Constantine. In the future, the Imperium will no longer be decided by the three of us alone. Mr. Raven must be included as well."