Ch. 381Honor the Emperor, Punish the Traitors!
Key Plot Points and Events
- A massive riot erupts on Terra, led by a fallen priest, with civilians mutating and turning violent under the influence of the Blood God.
- The rioters demand food, blame the nobility for their suffering, and call for the heads of the High Lords and the Imperial Chancellor.
- Captain Valerian of the Shield Host monitors the situation from the Eternal Wall, assessing the risk to the Emperor.
- The rioters' mutations make them resistant to ranged attacks, and they continue to surge towards the Imperial Palace walls.
Character Developments
- Captain Valerian shows concern for the Custodes' sluggishness due to the Edict of Nikaea and worries about his brothers' suspicions towards Zhou Yun.
- The fallen priest preaches blasphemy and incites the crowd, gaining power from the Blood God.
- The rioters, driven by hunger and desperation, mutate and become violent, turning against the Imperial Palace.
Significant Themes
- The suffering of the common people on Terra, contrasting with the luxury and corruption of the nobility.
- The power of the Blood God and the dangers of mutation.
- The Custodes' duty, loyalty, and the impact of the Edict of Nikaea on their actions.
- The tension between the Custodes and the Primarchs, as well as Zhou Yun, due to suspicions and doubts.
Character Interactions
- Captain Valerian and Lena, the commander of the 184th Regiment of Cadia, discuss the situation and the Custodes' concerns.
- Zhou Yun confronts the Custodes at the Gate of the Lion, accusing them of lacking trust and vigilance towards him and the Primarchs.
- The Custodes, led by Trajan, question Zhou Yun and the Primarchs about their intentions and appearance.