Warhammer: The Black Emperor
Chapter 188

House Drake and Lucifer Blacks

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At the Primarch's villa, Nimrod's gaze passed over Barton, the head of the House Drake, and fell upon the black-armored Warrior standing on either side of him.

The two black-armored Warrior were robust, with broad, thick shoulders and hard legs as if carved by knives and axes.

Their weathered faces and necks were covered with pale scars.

Nimrod sensed their powerful aura, which was no less than that of the Fenrisian, and recognized their identities from the medals awarded for the "Unification Wars" that adorned their chests.

He looked at Barton: "Barton, are they Lucifer Blacks?"

Commander Barton of the Solar Auxilia respectfully replied, "Yes, sir."

"Please allow me to introduce you."

Barton turned to the side, revealing Warrior standing to his left rear, clad in black Flak Armour, his right eye replaced by a prosthetic.

"Captain Theo, his swordsmanship is highly praised even among the 'Lucifer Blacks'."

Nimrod's dark eyes narrowed as he looked at the Power Sword at his waist.

Theo's swordsmanship must be close to the limits of mortals.

He remembered that Captain Chain of the "Lucifer Blacks" was an excellent Chayne and had exchanged several blows with "Alpharius," leaving him with a sword wound.

Although "Alpharius" was actually First Company Captain from the "XX Legion" in disguise, his combat strength First Company Captain company commander during his time in the legion far exceeded that of ordinary Astartes.

Barton then turned to his right, revealing another Warrior whose arm had been replaced by a machine and who was wearing a bulletproof jacket.

"Laurent the Shield Guard, he once blocked ten of Theo's swords."

Nimrod stared at the ancient medals on the chests of the two black-armored Warrior.

"The immense sacrifices made by the Lucifer Blacks in the 'Unification Wars,' and the achievements you made, are truly admirable."

Both Theo and Laurent felt honored to receive the Primarch's praise, and they bowed slightly.

"Primarch, thank you for your praise."

Barton, nearing forty, sighed, "Sir, because of their great sacrifices, there are now fewer than a hundred left."

"Captain Theo only has Laurent as his sole Warrior."

"The mighty army that once swept across the battlefield now serves as bodyguards for high-ranking officers."

The two Lucifer Blacks wore complex expressions, a mixture of nostalgia for the past and sorrow for their present predicament.

Nimrod slightly; he knew that the "Lucifer Blacks" had not been rebuilt throughout the entire "Great Crusade".

Rebuilt after the Horus Heresy, they served as elite royal guards to protect the Imperial Palace, and also frequently acted as bodyguards for Terra nobles and High Lord.

Knowing the situation and future of "Lucifer Blacks," he had already guessed Theo and Laurent's intentions, but he wanted the two of them to say it voluntarily.

What is the purpose of your visit?

Theo stepped forward and spoke.

"My lord, please grant us your assistance in rebuilding 'Lucifer Blacks'."

Nimrod tapped the back of the chair lightly with his fingers. "Why are you asking me for help?"

"Didn't the Sigillite help you?"

Barton spoke before Theo, explaining to the Primarch.

"My lord, Malcador is extremely busy and has no time to attend to this matter."

He hesitated for a moment, then continued.

"Furthermore, while the Lucifer Blacks do not have high equipment requirements, the training time and resources for each Warrior far exceed the standards of the Solar Auxilia."

Nimrod slightly, already understanding why the "Lucifer Blacks" could not be rebuilt during the "Great Crusade".

Although Lucifer Blacks is stronger than many Auxilia, it takes too long to complete and its combat power is not as good as Astartes'.

It's better to train Astartes than to train "Lucifer Blacks".

The "Great Crusade" was extremely resource-intensive, so Malcador naturally wouldn't waste his time on the inefficient "Lucifer Blacks".

"The world under your rule is prosperous, populous, and rich in resources, which can help the 'Lucifer Blacks' regain its former glory."

After Barton explained his purpose, Theo and Laurent felt a sinking feeling when the Primarch remained silent.

"Without them, who will protect you?"

Upon hearing that the Primarch was actually thinking of him, Barton felt a surge of warmth throughout his body and straightened his chest.

"My lord, I am not so old that I cannot wield a sword. The House Drake also has elite guards, although they are far inferior to Theo."

"Theo and Laurent are my guards, but more importantly, they are my friends, my brothers. We fight side by side."

"I hope they can restore the glory of 'Lucifer Blacks'!"

Theo and Laurent looked at Barton gratefully. Nimrod saw all three of their expressions and said with a smile.

"Barton, your safety is also important. I have a large number of Warrior under my command who haven't undergone complete modification surgery."

More than 15,000 Vostonia Auxilia Warrior have undergone at least one modification surgery.

Nimrod supported the reconstruction of "Lucifer Blacks" precisely for this reason.

He hoped that some of the Auxilia Warrior, after being influenced by Lucifer Blacks culture and undergoing rigorous training, would become even better Warrior.

"I will select elite guards to protect you."

The Tarawa are relatively independent, House Drake is the largest family among the Imperium's forces that has sided with the Primarch.

Currently, most of the Terra forces that have allied with Nimrod are military forces. Drake has served in the military for generations, and his family members all hold positions in the Solar Auxilia.

In his memory, the House Drake had prospered for ten thousand years, with each generation having a family member serve as the Lord Commander of the Astra Militarum.

Even those from the marginalized collateral branches of the family would receive a Trade Warrant and become Rogue Trader.

Sending guards would both protect Barton's safety and exert influence over the House Drake.

Nimrod looked at the two black-armored Warrior and spoke.

"You can select your first batch of soldiers from the Auxilia to quickly replenish your ranks."

"We can also select new recruits from the worlds under my rule. In worlds outside of Vostonia, your priority is second only to the Legion."

"You will receive weapon and equipment replenishment. Each soldier will be equipped with at least Carapace Armor, and captains and above will receive Artificer Power Armor."

Theo and Laurent were surprised that the Primarch was not only willing to help, but also treated them so well, and the two knelt down on one knee.

"My lord," the Lucifer Blacks swear allegiance to you, even to the death.

"I will obey any command."

Nimrod rose from the Throne, went to the two men, and helped them up.

"No need for formalities," he said, turning to the Primarch's Attendants. "Arsena, take them there."

"Barton, you stay."

After the Primarch's Attendants left with two Lucifer Blacks, Nimrod spoke to Barton.

"You should know that my legion has already taken control of six star systems centered around Necromunda."

"My lord, I know, a brilliant blitzkrieg by six Chapter."

Barton's eyes gleamed; his decision to join Nimrod stemmed from his admiration for the Primarch's swift and precise strikes.

The Luna Wolves's attacks were more ferocious and its achievements more remarkable, but the Shadow of Order was more precise and deadly, and it brought a new order to the reclaimed world.

Barton admired Nimrod more than Horus.

"Necromunda has a large population, but it is not being fully utilized. I need the elite of the Solar Auxilia to go there and reform the old-style army."

Nimrod will not leave the Fourth Legion in Necromunda for long; once Adams establishes order, he will transfer the Death Lord away.

"My lord, I will select retired elites from Drake and his affiliated families."

"They will lead their elite soldiers to Necromunda to forge a loyal and elite army for you."

As Nimrod met with numerous families, Black Wolf began experiencing Nightmare cycle within the "Nation of Disorder."

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