Everyone Has a Centaur Gold Ring
All eyes were on Astartes, the Sons of the Emperor, and not just the Lion El'Jonson's Caliban Knight.
The Phoenix Grand Theater, with nearly 10,000 seats, was instantly packed with curious crowds.
Not only Astartes, but also the mortal forces from the Sons of the Emperor' auxiliary forces, such as the Chemos Guard, were still in disbelief when they heard that the First Legion Primarch, the stern and unsmiling the Lion, would actually perform on stage. They all flocked to him upon hearing the news.
As for the remaining unlucky ones still on duty, they were so anxious about missing the first performance of the Lion that they wished they could fly to the Phoenix Grand Theater right now.
That's not fair!
We want to see the Lion El'Jonson performance too!
—And that depends on the narrators on the ships.
To ensure fairness and impartiality within the legion, and to ensure everyone could observe, Kasgar had no choice but to announce (not really no choice) that he would use the best video and photographic equipment to record everything in 3D projection.
And then provide copies to all members of the Expeditionary Fleet, so that the Lion El'Jonson's first performance can be played on a loop throughout the entire Expeditionary Fleet.
To ensure the perfect quality of the photographs, countless Servitor and recording equipment, along with an artist setting up an easel in the distance, seemed to have been fully prepared for this moment.
Be on high alert.
"Have we gone a little too far?"
Kasgar asked Fulgrim was standing next to him, somewhat awkwardly.
"Haha, let's watch the show first!"
"Anyway, if problems arise, neither of us will be able to escape."
Fulgrim cleverly changed the subject, turning to hug half of Kasgar's body and smiling as she spoke.
Two accomplices.
The fact that they were able to gather so many people was something neither he nor she had ever expected.
There's no way around it, she seems to be a little too good at creating hype.
When the Lion El'Jonson first ascended to the Pride of the Emperor and declared his intentions, they only wanted to arrange a carefully prepared theatrical performance for the Lion.
But!
How could an ordinary and commonplace "Centaur gold ring," which has been performed countless times at the Phoenix Grand Theater, be worthy of the status of the Lion, the Firstborn Son of the Emperor?
Hey!
Fulgrim suddenly had a brilliant idea.
Since the Lion wanted to deepen the bond between himself and his brother, adoptive father, and son, Lorgar.
Why not let the Lion himself take the stage and tell his own story of the thirty years he and Lorgar shared, Caliban; the Order of Knights; the Monastery.
Right!?
Hearing other people's stories may evoke some feelings and create a sense of resonance, but ultimately it cannot fully represent their true feelings.
Only those poems created by himself can truly express the Lion El'Jonson's inner thoughts and feelings.
After a brief discussion, Kasgar and Fulgrim reached an agreement.
"I'll do it myself?"
The Lion found it hard to accept the two men's strange suggestion—how could he, a guy who had never understood theatrical performances and had never seen anyone else perform on stage?
Won't this make me look ridiculous?
"It's precisely because I've never performed before that I'm able to express my most genuine emotions!"
"Yes, yes, there were no acting techniques whatsoever, it was all just overflowing with emotion!"
"Only a performance like this can evoke the most genuine emotions in every audience member!"
Is that so?
The Lion was still somewhat puzzled.
"Yes, that's right!"
That's it!
Kasgar and Fulgrim nodded vigorously.
For a Primarch, memorizing lines is not difficult, especially for a Primarch like Lion El'Jonson, whose mind is meticulous and clear.
Among the Primarch's personality traits and abilities, those with low emotional intelligence are necessarily good at calculation.
This is the initial configuration given by the Emperor.
Of course, this isn't always a good thing—in Curze's words, some memories are a curse.
Just as the Lion, upon reading the narrator's account of the "communication" between Horus and the Emperor in unofficial history, was deeply cursed by this unforgettable memory, even down to the last word.
I can never forget it.
"But I can't evoke the emotions of every viewer like those great performing artists."
The Lion still had some doubts.
"The great the Lion, sometimes, doesn't need to evoke everyone's emotions in his performance."
"You only need to move the person who needs it most and wants to be inspired; that is your goal."
"As for the others, as the Primarch of the First Legion, the most mysterious legion, your very existence is something they strive to acquire!"
"Yes, yes."
It won't work.
Now you can believe it, Lion El'Jonson!
If you still don't believe us, we really can't keep making this up anymore!
"If that's the case, then I'll give it a try."
What should I do?
"The procedure is very simple!" Fulgrim said preemptively, as if afraid the other party would change their mind. "Our team of lyricists is waiting for you in that room over there."
"I assure you, they are all excellent experts in literature and art on Terra. You can talk to them first, and if it's feasible, we will arrange a performance immediately!"
Due to the influence of Horus's influence, and even the combined effect of the Blood Angels' fondness for this drama, there are already more fan creations of the Centaur gold ring than stars in the sky.
With so many different creative content options combined, the Centaur gold ring has long become a "pre-made drama" in the eyes of creators. They only need to arrange the content they want to express to quickly generate the Centaur gold ring they want.
The Lion's demands happened to be almost perfectly aligned with the original content.
Both are in a Death World —one is a desert, the other a jungle.
Both teams worked together to overcome external enemies—one against the Sirius Order of Knights and giant beasts, and the other against nobles and nomads.
Both were guided by the God-Emperor of Mankind to venture into the stars, and both were an excellent duo whose relationship was the talk of the entire planet.
My God, that's the Lion!
It seems that the story of the Lion is exactly the same as that of the Centaur gold ring!
It's even closer to the original than the versions of Horus and the Emperor, the versions of the Blood Angels and Sanguinius, it's almost like they just changed the name!
He himself is the perfect embodiment of the Centaur gold ring!
How could such a coincidence happen in this world?
"Sure enough, I was absolutely right back then."
"I was thrilled to be able to lure the Lion into the Phoenix Grand Theater," said Fulgrim.
She recalled the vow she had made on Chemos.
One day, everyone will be obsessed with the Centaur gold ring!
That's right!
One day everyone will be obsessed with the Centaur gold ring!
This goal is nearing completion thanks to her continuous efforts!
Under the playwright's brilliant pen, who seemed to have a wellspring of inspiration, and under the composer's pen, who was stunned and said he never imagined the Lion El'Jonson would have such a little quirk—which inspired him to compose even more.
A visual and auditory feast that everyone has been eagerly anticipating is about to be unveiled.
As the Lion walked slowly but powerfully and confidently to the center of the stage, the entire Phoenix Grand Theater erupted in thunderous cheers.
It wasn't just the Caliban Knight cheered—in fact, they were so reserved that their cheers were barely loud. The real cheers came from Astartes, the Sons of the Emperor, and his mortal servants in the arena.
Over there were countless Auxilia, as well as crew members from the void ships and trading teams led by the Rogue Trader dynasty.
There were also members of the Adeptus Mechanicus, those Red Robes mechanical boys who, while not interested in entertainment related to human dopamine secretion, wouldn't miss the opportunity to come and watch the Lion show.
Many more people were eagerly awaiting the Lion performance. They were all seated in small rooms outside the Phoenix Grand Theater, looking expectantly at the projection screen in front of them to see what kind of performance the Lion would bring to them.
Those who are able to get inside are all people who have paid a lot of money for tickets.
—Perhaps Fulgrim didn't need the money, but she certainly made a fortune.
It's incredibly popular.
In addition, the accompanying chroniclers all had their most expensive and advanced photographic equipment ready, and were always full of anticipation.
It's hard to imagine that this first-hand video recording of the Lion performing on stage for the first time would be extremely valuable!
How many copies of this video will be sold in the human world, and how much unimaginable wealth will it bring him?
Lion Aljonsen surveyed everything before him.
The expectant, eagerly awaiting crowds struck him as something entirely new.
This was a welcome the Lion had never received before.
Wherever he went, mortals would bow and scrape before him with fear, afraid that they might have offended this seemingly gentle the Beast.
Instead of such a grand and energetic welcome and applause—which previously belonged only to friendly and gentle Primarch like Horus, and seemed to have never been associated with Lion or the Dark Angels.
But it feels pretty good, doesn't it?
With that thought, Lion opened his arms, and his voice, accompanied by the Sound Array Broadcast System, resounded throughout the massive Phoenix Grand Theater.
"As a child who grew up in a jungle full of death, my childhood memories are nothing but endless nightmares."
"That was the beginning of the story for me and my adoptive father, Lorgar— "
The lights were dim. At this moment, all focus was on the central the Lion, thanks to the lighting technician's adjustments.
The music then began its gentle and soothing performance, gradually drawing the audience into the mysterious, deadly jungle of Caliban.
The Lion seems to be a natural orator.
Although he had not previously demonstrated this talent, and his diplomacy with others was often handled by Lorgar —this almost indulgent help left the Lion in a situation where he was completely unable to interact with people.
While experiencing social anxiety, they are also prone to overthinking and have many thoughts, making it difficult to make accurate judgments. They often rely on the guidance of those around them.
Fortunately, as a Primarch, he still knew how to influence the thoughts and emotions of others through his own power.
In other words, despite not understanding human nature, the powerful charisma of the Primarch still exists.
—Just like Emperor.
As the Firstborn Son of the Emperor, Lion is undoubtedly the rightful heir and there is absolutely no way he could have been switched at birth.
Soon, with the Lion's captivating words, everyone's thoughts were quickly drawn into the story.
After all, the Centaur gold ring is a staple of the Phoenix Grand Theater. Anyone who is a crew member on the Pride of the Emperor is very familiar with the Centaur gold ring; they've heard of it countless times.
But with the Lion's speech and vivid performance—even though the Lion wasn't particularly good at it—this minor issue quickly became insignificant during the performance, thanks to the assistance of the top-notch artistic team stationed on the Pride of the Emperor.
With the stage lights, music, and atmosphere, it was as if the Lion had really led everyone into the dark forest filled with countless bizarre beasts, just as he had described, and they barely survived while being tormented by endless nightmares and fighting against the beasts.
Tension, fear, and helplessness.
That tension that made you forget to breathe filled the entire Phoenix Grand Theater.
Until—the plot takes a turn when Lorgar, a genius knight from the human world, arrives in the jungle after hearing that a child will appear there, and encounters the Lion.
Then, he began to teach the young the Lion from its ignorant state, gradually growing and becoming familiar with it step by step.
Order of Knights fought side by side to form the Order of Order, carving out a niche for themselves in the perilous land of Caliban, surrounded by behemoths.
The tension transforms into a sense of exhilaration, thanks to the story, refined and adapted countless times by the best playwrights on Terra, making it naturally captivating.
Almost everyone was captivated by the Lion's compelling narrative style.
—Except for one person.
Lorgar.
He was restless.
Or rather, when he entered the venue and saw Lion Aljonsen on stage, he should have fled the place as quickly as possible, for whatever excuse he had!
This is not a place where humans should exist!
Run!
But he can't escape.
As Caliban Knight and the deputy commander of the Dark Angels (in many ways even more like a legion commander than Lion), his duties prevented him from leaving so easily.
Lorgar, you have to persevere.
There's even a beastly light-up artist who, at a crucial moment in the story, recounts Lorgar's encounter with a young the Lion in the jungle.
That bright white beam of light shone directly on Lorgar, who was standing in front of the audience!
Lorgar: "?"
Did you type it wrong?
He switched places with the Dark Angels beside him, puzzled.
That way there's no—
It's not that nothing's wrong.
The light followed him swiftly, even faster than he changed positions, without missing a beat!
Yes, it's you.
Surprised, aren't you, Lorgar?
This is also part of our Play!
Soon, under the spotlight, Lorgar also became the focus of everyone's attention.
Unexpectedly, this great hero who rescued the Primarch from the jungle also joined the Legiones Astartes!
They are still alive and fighting alongside Lion El-Jonson's First Legion, battling in the north and south until now!
Moreover, he himself was in the audience of the Phoenix Grand Theater, feeling the respect and love from the Lion for him!
A legendary Order of Knights, and also the adoptive father, brother, and son of a legendary Primarch!
As Lion explained the situation, everyone turned to look at Lorgar, who had a blank expression on his face, and couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
—He must be very pleased and happy to see the Primarch now, right?
Click, click.
The reporters, as if they had struck gold, pointed their other cameras at Lorgar and captured his restless face in its entirety.
This is precious information and must be preserved carefully.
Lorgar's expression remained one of utter despair.
Despite his outward appearance, he seems no different from before, still sitting there in silence.
But in his heart, he had been gone for quite some time.
Why am I still here?
Is it just for suffering?
Why didn't he run away on the spot when he had a bad feeling before the play even started?
Now he's the center of attention, and there's nowhere left to run.
Lorgar thought painfully.
Relief, happiness?
He just felt something was off!
Lion, who used to be like the Beast in human form, never once considering whether others would accept his proposals.
That was the Lion he knew.
As the second-in-command from the Order of Order of Knights to the Dark Angels, Lorgar has always been cleaning up after Lion's immature behavior until now.
Suddenly, this guy, perhaps corrupted by some unknown Chaos, did a complete 180-degree turn in his mind and started expressing his care and love for you in the cheesy way Horus.
That giant, nearly four meters tall, with a full head of blond hair and a muscular body.
Ha!
That's terrifying!
Just thinking about it made Lorgar feel the hairs on his entire body stand on end.
It was like listening to Rogal Dorn tell a collection of his own lame jokes, or like a Chaos Beast from Caliban performing a stunt dance in front of him!
It's enough to inspire awe!
But no matter how much he hesitated, it was no use; Lorgar had to stay here and watch the other side perform the entire show!
Lion is such an awkward guy!
He wouldn't understand other people's feelings, and naturally, he wouldn't understand the meaning of embarrassment.
Lorgar thought with deep sorrow.
He was really going to have to endure Lion's terrifying overtures for the rest of the time.
Ah!!!
Lorgar was so startled that he almost stood up from his seat.
This is truly terrifying!
Lorgar chose to surrender.
Please spare me. I'll never hesitate again if I encounter a nuclear bomb.
They would have dismantled the nuclear bomb on the spot with Zahariel. Please stop acting.
"No, I must live. Lorgar, you must live!"
"It's not impossible, Lorgar, you have to believe in yourself."
Even those who have undergone prisoner training within the Dark Angels, even when subjected to torture, will absolutely not utter a sound.
How terrifying! How horrifying the punishment!
The Lion's voice and his words were more terrifying and dreadful than the interrogation of a Dark Angels!
This fate was so terrifying that he could no longer believe in himself.
But what else could he do besides continue to endure torture?
Persisting despite difficulties
Hagi Lion, is this my punishment?
You won, Lu Brutalist District.
Having lost all means and strength to resist, Lorgar slumped in his seat, motionless.
But this is not the end of the story.
The atmosphere inside the room intensified as the plot unfolded.
Soon, the title of the strongest Order of Knights in the entire Caliban was bestowed upon the Order of Knights of Order, founded by the Lion El'Jonson and Lorgar.
Lion, with his formidable combat abilities, was responsible for the Order of Knights' mission to hunt down behemoths and reclaim lost territory, while Lorgar, as Lion's assistant, helped him coordinate relations with other Order of Knights, adjust the Order of Knights' organizational structure, select and train new recruits, and manage the Order of Knights' logistical support and logistical arrangements.
In short, he managed the political aspects that even a battle maniac like Lion could never have imagined with remarkable efficiency.
Soon, as Lion wiped out the giant beasts in the jungles of Caliban, only the Order of Knights of Order and the Sirius Order of Knights remained on the entire continent.
At the height of his power, Lion believed it was time to wipe out all the jungle behemoths and eliminate all threats on Caliban in one fell swoop.
But at this point, the Sirius Order of Knights had already been somewhat infiltrated by the power of Chaos —a point that was not mentioned in the play, of course.
As the Primarch and Legion with the most secrets, the Lion naturally knows how to keep secrets.
In the play, the Sirius Order of Knights, driven by their greed for power, hoped to forever maintain their Order of Knights by relying on the giant beasts and opposed Lion's plan to exterminate them.
The final battle broke out between the two sides.
This final battle on the Caliban is portrayed with great detail and a sense of destiny.
Lorgar wants to go to the front lines and fight alongside the Lion El'Jonson.
"If today is the day you die, then I will live and die with you."
But the Lion El'Jonson refused.
As the most powerful, invincible, and terrifying knight in Caliban, he should fight that final battle alone against the treacherous and unpredictable Sirius Order of Knights!
As Lion's words roared like a furious shout, their background music seemed to grow even more intense and passionate.
As the music grew increasingly agitated, the pent-up fighting spirit within countless viewers seemed poised to erupt.
It feels like it makes every listener who hears this song feel emotionally excited and their hearts are burning with passion.
"Something seems amiss."
Kasgar sensed the restlessness brought on by the unknown music, and he seemed to smell something that shouldn't be there in the Phoenix Grand Theater.
Before he could react, half of his body was immediately climbed up by Fulgrim.
"Kasgar, I can't take it anymore."
Her face was flushed, and her eyes were alluring. And judging from the direction of her hands, it seemed...
"Wake up!"
Kasgar anxiously extended his right hand to her.
A tiny, almost invisible spark flew from Kasgar's hand toward his opponent in that instant.
In that instant, Fulgrim's eyes cleared up a little.
What just happened to me?
Her face turned extremely flushed, as if she herself hadn't expected that she would just rush up and [do something].
This is the Phoenix Grand Theater!
Countless eyes are still watching!
"I'd like to ask too. Something's off about this music, what's going on?"
"Who? Who is in charge of the music performance and composition for this play? I've never heard this piece before!"
"It's Ginska."
Fulgrim said in a low voice, somewhat embarrassed.
The composer in charge of the stage performance was Becca Kinska, a famous composer from the Terra.
What?
Who? Jinska?!
Just now.
The moment the composer Kinska received the script for The Lion El'Jonson.
An inspiration, an unparalleled realm, and an ineffable aesthetic filled Becca Kinska's heart at that moment.
It was a thrill that was hard to describe in words, as if all the compositions she had made before, all the talent and wealth she had acquired, were merely paving the way for this moment.
In that indescribable flow state, she poured out the music that would be performed on stage with her purple fountain pen.
Jinska.
Kasgar's expression changed instantly.
This girl... if Kasgar remembers correctly, she will fall into Slaanesh's trap because of her pursuit of musical perfection, and eventually cause a great disturbance at the Phoenix Grand Theater.
This ultimately triggered Warp Rift, transporting six Slaanesh Daemon Prince to the Phoenix Grand Theater, which was gradually descending into madness!
Her music will infect everyone present with the desire for Slaanesh and create the first Noise Marine of the Sons of the Emperor.
—But all of this should be much later, after Fulgrim has picked up the Laerda!
How could this have happened so soon?!
Damn it!
Kasgar was caught off guard.
The accelerated speed of the Chaos Gods interrupted his original plan.
Horus hasn't even become Warmaster yet, let alone the Laerda, he hasn't even seen the people of Xenos!
How could it be possible to trigger large-scale Warp fluctuations right now?
Kasgar felt a wave of fear wash over him.
Fortunately, I had just restrained Fulgrim was in a dazed state.
If I had been pinned down by Fulgrim just now, the consequences would have been dire.
It's unthinkable!
"Quick! We have to stop him from playing! There's something wrong with this music!"
As Kasgar spoke, the Flame Star in his hand ignited, and he was about to rush forward to stop them.
They are now dressed in their usual casual clothes in the theater, without their weapons or armor.
All we can rely on is the flame in our own hands!
Quick!
Stop Jinska's performance!
If this is not handled properly, the entire Emperor's Children Legion will suffer greatly!
"Damn demon, you can't defeat our friendship, you can't defeat our bond!"
Just as he was about to climb over the fence and onto the stage, a roar from the Lion struck everyone present like a blow to the head.
The Lion, facing an enemy that seemed to have no existence, brandished a sword that had no existence in its hand.
Click.
A golden light flashed by.