Mortarion's Discontent

The third sidereal month of 858, Primarch Office.

Arkan Land Land spoke eloquently, offering frank suggestions for improving the Hive City in response to the rise of the Primarch.

"Lord Nimrod, as I just mentioned, after the production line at this Lasgun manufacturing plant is adjusted, its production efficiency will increase by five percent."

"Over the past twenty-three Work Cycle, I have identified every area for improvement in Tezwork."

Arkan Land remained puzzled by the Primarch's requirement for him to report every Work Cycle.

Without the time spent traveling back and forth, he was able to complete the Tezwork Hive expedition at least four Work Cycle ahead of schedule.

The "Baron of Corruption" leaned back on the Throne, scrutinizing Arkan Land's words and his physical posture.

Arkan Land's faith in the Old Man in Yellow is very strong; it's not so easy to "Corrosion" him after all.

Once I've finished "Corrosion" him, my digestion will be at least halfway complete.

Nimrod examined the past instances of "Corrosion," his mind racing as he analyzed the situation.

Hathor Mhat was "Corrosion" by the "Nation of Disorder," which did little to improve his digestion.

His previous targets for "Corrosion" were only Rian Ramirez, Gios Veroni, and Malevolus.

Because of his discovery and contact with the STC, Rian and Malevolus already had a certain degree of loyalty to him, and he saved the Veroni Family.

"Corrosion" played a limited role in compelling the three men to become completely loyal to him.

Based on past experience with digestion, he is currently about one-third of the way through digestion.

[Successfully "Corrosion" Arkan Land will significantly accelerate the digestion process of the "Baron of Corruption," conservatively estimated to be over halfway complete.]

The key question is how to "Corrosion" the steadfast Arkan Land.

Nimrod's eyes were deep, and after a moment of thought, he thought to himself.

Simply accumulating time won't work; we still need to show Arkan Land a miracle.

The Void Claws is that miracle.

However, the Volian Sandstorm Vortex is a significant problem.

Nimrod knew that the Volian Sandstorm Vortex was essentially Warp Storm was almost impossible to penetrate.

His mind raced as he considered how to secure success.

There are about six months left before the Dice of Prophecy finishes charging. At that time, a route to the research station where the Void Claws is located will be found.

Yes, let's set off early and try other methods, while also letting Arkan Land give it a shot.

If he finds it, it will be with my guidance; if he doesn't find it, my final intervention will allow him to truly understand the meaning of miracles.

Thinking of this, Nimrod spoke up.

"Arkan Land, continue your investigation of each Hive City."

Report once per Work Cycle.

"The fleet will set sail within a stellar month to search for Doomsday Weapon from the 'Dark Mechanicum Era'."

Arkan Land's eyes lit up upon hearing this.

"As you wish."

As Arkan Land left, he brushed past the silver- Primarch's Attendants who was walking into the office.

The two nodded to each other, and although they didn't interact much, they still respected each other's knowledge.

After the door closed, Arsena Dunn spoke.

"My lord, the Emperor has decided to convene a new War Council, scheduled to begin at the time of Bainiban's arrival."

Nimrod nodded slightly. "What is the topic?"

Arsena's mind raced through the intelligence he had gathered, and he began to speak.

"According to Terra's Shadow Guard, Lorgar delivered a speech at his return celebration, praising the Emperor."

He believed that positions should be created within the Astartes Legion to honor the Emperor's leadership of the Great Crusade and to inspire the Astartes.

The "Knowledge Keeper" finally stated his conclusion, "Lord Lorgar intends to promote faith in the Emperor within the Legion."

"I see."

As the bells rang to signal the end of the Nightfall Troupe and the beginning of the Bainiban, Nimrod's consciousness traversed the sea of stars and descended upon Terra's Golden Palace.

Nimrod's gaze swept across the palace; besides Malcador, there were already fifteen Primarch, including himself.

The most significant seating arrangement was the First Legion's return after Lion El'Jonson's return, their departure from the humiliating Karkason victory criticized by Robert Guilliman, and their subsequent bloody and ruthless demonstration of their power.

Lion moved past Rogal Dorn Dorn and sat to Robert Guilliman's right.

To Lion's right are, in order, Leman Russ, Sanguinius, Fulgrim, Vulkan, and the recently returned Lorgar.

Lorgar's bald head was branded with the language of Colchis, and his golden skin made his gray eyes look like snow in winter. The black charcoal smeared around his eyes made his gaze shine even brighter.

Nimrod's gaze swept over Lorgar's pale skin, where thousands of runes written in gold ink were clearly visible.

The smooth skull and jawline were adorned with neat lines of text, containing reverent prayers, words of a bright future, and invocations for divine assistance.

Nimrod withdrew his gaze. Beside him, in order, were Ferrus Manus, Dorn, Perturabo, Hannibal, Magnus, and Mortarion.

"Nimrod." Horus's tone was relaxed. "Shadow of Order" hadn't closed the gap with "Luna Wolves" recently, which made him feel much more at ease.

"Our new brother, the Primarch of the Seventeenth Legion, Lorgar Aurelian."

He then spoke to Lorgar.

"The Primarch of the Eleventh Legion, Nimrod."

Lorgar's grey eyes shone. "Nimrod, during my time in Terra, the stories I heard most often were about you."

"The people of Terra call you the Conqueror of the Xenos."

"Welcome to the team, Lorgar." Nimrod greeted Lorgar and was about to say something modest when he heard an annoying, gruff voice.

"Lorgar, that's all in the past."

"The 'Shadow of Order' suffered heavy casualties at the Galaxy center, and after that, they had no further notable achievements."

"That's normal. Relying on the wizard kid is just opportunistic and a short-lived victory. Only true Warrior can achieve lasting glory."

No sooner had Russ finished speaking than Magnus was the first to retort.

"Falsehoods are not only vile and despicable, but they also pollute the minds of listeners."

"Imagine what kind of knowledge we will possess a thousand years from now, based on the knowledge recorded by Librarian."

Sanguinius saw that Russ's eyes had become sharp and fierce, and before the other could speak, he slowly said.

"Past wars have proven that the use of Librarian provides legions with entirely new tactical options."

"In the battle of the Tegha System..."

Even when refuting Russ's views, Sanguinius maintained a smile, speaking in a calm yet forceful tone.

Just when Nimrod thought the debate would end with Sanguinius's charismatic speech, the silent Mortarion spoke up.

"I have serious doubts about establishing Librarian tank in Astartes, and I am worried about what kind of schemes the Thousand Sons are planning to plant in the various legions."

"Unlike Blood Angels, Death Guard will not be corrupted by Librarian tanks."

"Doing evil is like walking on a road; the human heart will accumulate small evils and become corrupt."

Nimrod's eyes flashed. Mortarion's words were aimed directly at Magnus and Sanguinius, but he didn't mention himself.

Is this because of the help I provided to him in Barbarus to complete his mission?

It's strange that he targeted Sanguinius more than Magnus.

Nimrod's eyes were deep, his mind racing. Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him, and the name Galaspar flashed through his mind.

He remembered that not long ago, the Old Man in Yellow had sent Horus and Sanguinius to Galaspar to investigate.

Galaspar was Mortarion's first battle after returning to the Imperium, and it was the battlefield he chose.

Galaspar's Psionic Energy and policies of enslavement reminded Mortarion of Barbarus and the Overlord, and he slaughtered the Knights like a scythe.

In Galaspar, Mortarion freed the enslaved Cinis, who subsequently became Apostle of the Death Guard.

Mortarion was quite dissatisfied with Sanguinius's questioning, and he also scorned Vulkan's concerns, believing that the path the Old Man in Yellow wanted Horus to teach him was not his.

Even after successfully killing Necare, he still picked up a scythe and embarked on his own path to death.

Cinis was less Apostle of Mortarion than a messenger, for from the very beginning she had set him on the path to death.

A moment of silence fell over the Golden Palace. Sanguinius' smile vanished, but his expression remained calm. He exchanged a glance with Horus, knowing that Mortarion's actions were a retaliation against Galaspar's questioning.

After a few seconds of silence, Horus decided to speak to calm Mortarion down, but Lorgar spoke first.

"Our father permitted the establishment of the Librarian, and we should comply."

"The judgment of our Lord is the truth!"

Nimrod looked at Lorgar. Unlike some of the Primarch who had returned before and had been observing cautiously after joining the War Council, Lorgar was like a fanatical believer who had broken in, eager to show his devout faith in the Old Man in Yellow.

Horus echoed Lorgar's words, "That's right, Father has made his decision."

As the Mars Fabricator-General entered the Golden Palace, Mortarion remained silent.

He did not believe that his father's path was correct; on the contrary, he hesitated too much when wielding the scythe, and the policies he implemented in the worlds of the Imperium were too cruel.

Mortarion knew he couldn't mention it publicly.

His hood and respirator grew increasingly gray, as if he were isolated from his surroundings.

A golden light shone brightly, and the Emperor and Constantin Valdor appeared within it.