The Thousand Sons' Secondment for Training

Nimrod had already deduced, by combining the diplomatic report submitted by Apophis, who his adversaries were.

Grimnyr Magos.

They are the only Hearthkyn are closest to Votann and can speak with them, and are responsible for seeking command from their ancestors or interpreting the results of their output.

Most Squats have low Warp sensitivity, but the Grimnyr Magos are different; they were given greater Psionic Energy sensitivity by the Votann Core during the cloning process.

Each Squats's talents and future profession are determined when Votann selects them from the genetic code database.

Based on his program, Votann created soldiers— the Hearthkyn Warriors, the Craftsmen responsible for repairing vehicles and serving as heavy artillerymen, the Miners who acted as Warrior, and the Einhyr responsible for vanguard and infiltration.

Grimnil was no exception; they were not lucky, but rather the result of editing.

Although their innate talents are predetermined, the Squats are not a fixed program. Due to their different life experiences, they develop their talents to different degrees and in different directions, thus becoming completely different individuals.

After they die, most of them return to Votann.

The death of each Squats brings about subtle changes, and the uploaded memories affect the genetic template.

As countless generations die over time, the gene pool within Votann will undergo continuous, minute changes.

Over millions of years, the newly born Squats will be completely different from those before. This is why, even though they all come from Votann, the various alliances and clans exhibit different characteristics.

Nimrod's eyes flashed, and he thought to himself.

It can be confirmed that Squat the Grimnyr Magos and the Ancestor Core through which they communicate with Votann.

But there are more than just Ancestor Shrine.

"The Squat System over 1,140 void warships, and its defenses are densely packed with facilities, far surpassing those of other star systems."

"This shows that the Squat System is of great importance to them."

Votann is of paramount importance, as its location is significantly more heavily defended than other areas.

The alliance we're facing, Votann, might be somewhere in the Squat System.

Nimrod knew that different alliances would place one or more of their Votann in different locations.

It might be hidden deep within a heavily fortified underground vault, or sealed within an impregnable Fortress, protected by layers of shields, or perhaps placed atop the Alliance's most powerful flagship.

"Your judgment is correct. Apophis discovered the Squats, and they seem to be guarding something."

"It could be something, or it could be a secret. We don't know what it is, but it must be of great importance to the Squats."

Magnus made no mention of Psionic Energy, but Nimrod knew that Apophis must have engaged in a mental battle with at least one of the Grimnyr Magos and made some discoveries.

Judging from the situation, Magnus does not yet know for certain that Votann exists.

The possibility that Magnus putting on a show or acting covertly cannot be ruled out.

However, Apophis may not necessarily be able to break through the Squats' mental defenses despite the interference from the Grimnyr Magos; we'll have to wait and see how Magnus proceeds.

Nimrod thought of this and said:

"My plan is based on this. I have ordered the new Ramillies-class Star Fortress to be forged by Cepra Mondy to depart for Carium Gate and then be delivered to Squat."

"My main force will rely on Star Fortress to fight the Squats in the final battle."

"If the Squats truly have a secret they must protect, forces from other star systems will come to their aid, weakening their defenses and creating an opportunity."

"Your plan is feasible," Magnus said, and seeing that Perturabo still showed no intention of speaking, he continued, "What about my and Perturabo's legions?"

"Based on our current intelligence, the D-1519 system is the largest shipbuilding base outside of Squat."

As Nimrod spoke, Arsena Dunn raised the control lever, and the star map unfolded.

The thirty-five galaxies in the known core of the Galaxy are highlighted, while the Primarch's Attendants focuses on one of them, located to the east, which is magnified separately.

"Psionic Energy strikes are the best way to seize territory quickly."

"The Thousand Sons will occupy D-1519, halting their shipbuilding progress."

Nimrod then looked at the still silent Perturabo, "The D-1504 system is a world entirely composed of mountains."

"The Hearth-Fortress above is heavily fortified; I think the Iron Warriors's hammer could smash through the solid Fortress."

Nimrod makes no mention of Squat's Hearth-Fortress, which is larger and more defensively advanced than D-1504.

He wanted Perturabo to feel valued and to offer praise after the "Iron Warriors" made his sacrifice.

I went to great lengths to get Perturabo's design, and even had to provide him with emotional support.

Let's just consider it a "Bribery".

I did it for design, to save architectural art!

Leave it to me.

Nimrod saw Perturabo, a patient suspected of having autism, speak and accepted the task.

"Then let's begin discussing the detailed battle plan."

In the following period, the three Primarch supplemented and enriched the project based on Nimrod's plan.

Nimrod noticed that Perturabo was talking much more, and he was paying attention to every detail of the battle, no matter how small.

From the establishment of each key node to the dispatching of each company.

He needed to ensure that the fleet arrived on time, had sufficient ammunition, adequate rations, and adequate support, and that everything proceeded smoothly.

Like Robert Guilliman, Perturabo is an organizational expert who meticulously develops and executes operational plans.

One cared about the child's life, while the other only knew how to recklessly charge ahead.

Magnus was more flexible, attempting diplomatic solutions through methods such as telepathy and anticipating enemy movements.

Thinking this over, Nimrod glanced at Magnus and Perturabo, and thought to himself.

One is agile, the other rigid but well-organized; "Thousand Sons" and "Iron Warriors" often acted together during the "Great Crusade," proving to be a perfect match.

Moreover, Perturabo only had Magnus as a friend.

The entire plan was finalized within a day.

After taking a sip of the Cradle of the Sea tea, Magnus began to speak:

"Nimrod, Perturabo, I have an idea and I hope to get your support."

"Magnus, speak freely." Nimrod looked at Magnus, secretly wondering: [On temporary assignment for further study?]

"Magnus, you speak."

"Every legion has something to offer. I hope that every company commander, before leading their own legion, can follow another legion to learn combat methods and deepen Thousand Sons's understanding of the Galaxy."

"Yes, Iron Warriors," Perturabo said with a smile, "Welcome to your company commander candidate."

"Welcome to your candidate for company commander." Nimrod spoke first to prevent Magnus from suspecting him if he then suggested a change after Magnus revealed his choice.

"Let's say Hathor Mhat. I met him when I was traveling by ship to Prospero."

"My judgment shouldn't be wrong, right? He should be one of the company commanders you've chosen." He made a perfectly timed joke.

Magnus hesitated for a moment. He had intended to send the most beautiful woman Mhat, to the "Emperor's Children," and Apophis to the "Shadow of Order."

"Of course, Mhat is one of my finest offspring."

Subsequently, just as he remembered, Phosis T'kar, the future Temple Master of the "Pyrae Cult" and Company Commander of the Sixth Fellowship, was assigned to the "Iron Warriors."