The Faceless One No One Suspected

Deep in the lush oak forest, the Harvest Giant "Roevs," his body missing a ruined chunk and his scythe arms covered in thick, filthy blood, swayed as he walked toward the camp.

"Roevs" saw a Harvest Giant who had been leaning comfortably against an oak trunk sway to his feet. His tongueless mouth opened and closed, and amid the creaking was a faint rasping sound.

Shadow of Order keenly picked out the subtle difference, and relying on the Harvest Giant memories he had obtained, understood that the other party was asking him how the battle had gone.

The Faceless One's "transformation" was only an outward change. Though he could instantly observe, precisely recall a target's appearance and temperament, and grasp their unique scent, it was still limited to the surface.

If it had been an ordinary person, or even an Astartes from another legion, most would have been unable to catch the tiny differences within the creaking.

But as Shadow of Order, William Wood could grasp them.

His brain spun rapidly, and in Roevs's memories, he found the name of the Harvest Giant before him, the one with a triangular pattern on his chest.

"Talebi," "Roevs" said, slowing his tone and mimicking that subtle creak as he produced a sound like swaying branches. "We have defeated the enemy and pursued the black-armored men to Shattered Ridge."

"The black-armored men are still resisting. The guardian lord sent me back to report."

The generals among the Harvest Giant race were also guardians of the Oak Temple.

In ordinary times, they served the tree god. In wartime, they became generals and led the Harvest Giant warriors.

"Excellent," Talebi said, swaying happily. "Go see Lord Regis at once."

The Faceless One followed Talebi forward, while also feeling something inside his body, as if he