Twisted

"Captain."

At that moment, the communications officer's voice rang out:

"Message received from the Main Universe. Support fleets from the Imperial Fists, Raven Guard, and Blood Angels are assembling and are expected to reach Mar Sara orbit within seventy-two hours."

Gao Zan showed no emotion at the news. He merely turned to gaze out through the viewport at the pitch-black depths of space, as though he could already see the martial formations of those three Legion companies tearing through the starry veil.

"Tell the brothers stationed here to prepare to welcome our cousins." There was a trace of ease in his voice. "We can't let Third Company keep all the cake to ourselves. The brothers from the other Legions deserve a share too."

Standing nearby, Ariel Hanson's eyes flickered with confusion.

Though she had gained some understanding of the Imperium of Man's might while on Agria, she still knew nothing about the so-called "Primarchs."

What kind of beings could be addressed as "father" by the giant before her?

Before she could ask, the central console on the bridge suddenly hummed. Countless faint-blue Hardlight particles condensed from the air, rapidly weaving themselves into a towering figure—

It was a giant over five and a half meters tall.

??!!

Hanson's breathing stopped instantly.

The image of Vulkan, lord of the Flame Salamanders, stood at the center of the bridge. He wore heavy, masterfully crafted Power Armor, every plate etched with ancient Chinese runes. The roaring Fire Drake emblem on his shoulder guards seemed almost alive beneath the glow of the Hardlight particles.

"Father."

At the sight, Gao Zan and everyone on the bridge saluted at once, their voices perfectly uniform.

Vulkan raised a hand lightly, signaling them to stand at ease.

His gaze was gentle and profound, like blazing iron settled within