Leman Russ: Magnus, I'm Here to Walk on Your Back!

During the previous recess, the Emperor had given much thought before discussing with Kasgar how to deal with Magnus.

Although the Emperor knew that Magnus would ignore all advice and go down a dangerous path, he was still a very dangerous individual.

Although it's not the right time yet, it seems quite possible that the prophecy in the Kasgar prophecy, which states that Magnus broke the Webway under Tzeentch's inducement, could actually come true.

This is what the Emperor is most worried about—if Magnus is allowed to return to Prospero without any restrictions, it will surely lead to disaster in the future.

However, during the Council of Nicaea, he couldn't very well directly whip Magnus with Golden Halberd, making him spin like a top.

—While it was certainly hateful, Magnus himself did not do anything outrageous.

Even during the Battle of Interes, it was he who discovered the Nemesis Blade forged by the Interes Xenos, and it was he who pointed out that the Cainblach's faith Chaos and not trustworthy.

According to the current "Imperial Truth", he did nothing wrong.

The problem is that the Emperor himself knew that the actual situation was not much different from what the Imperial Truth described; in fact, it was completely worthless.

It is a fact that Magnus turned to worship Weaver of Fates Carlos.

But you can't say it out loud.

Apart from this unspeakable charge, Magnus's actions were not sufficient to warrant severe punishment.

(In the end, it's just that he believed a few words from Tzeentch Daemon, what's the big deal?)

(During the Plague Wars, Regent Ki was able to believe that the Lord of Change was telling the truth when he asked him nine questions. That's really something.)

Although Space Wolves also criticized Magnus for abusing witchcraft, he was, as he claimed, simply exploring the boundaries of the world with truth and wisdom before causing any major harm.

There is no way to prove Magnus wrong.

Unless he messes up the Webway.

Before that, it would be too difficult to formally convict him.

Even though the Imperium currently appears to be a one-man show by the Emperor, it still needs to maintain appearances.

—Just like now, even before the Council of Nicaea officially convened, he had already informed Mortarion of the final meeting results.

What kind of debate was this? It involved Magnus and various Chief Librarian taking turns speaking out to plead for the Psyker.

Both the Emperor himself and Malcador abstained from voting.

It's all just for show, just to fool you.

Only a fool like Magnus would believe that this was truly allowing them to freely debate.

In fact, just as Sanguinius and Fulgrim knew, and even Ahriman knew but refused to believe that his Primarch was unaware of it—it was no secret.

Ultimately, however, appearances still need to be maintained.

Even though Magnus's actions seemed extremely dangerous in the Emperor's eyes, he still couldn't convict Magnus.

"So, I'd like to know your opinion."

Magnus is far too dangerous. Even if we cannot convict him, we must not let him go free.

After much deliberation, the Emperor decided to listen to the advice of this man who had prior knowledge of some of the information.

"My advice is not to attack Magnus directly on this Nikaea."

Now that the Great Crusade is nearing its end, the various legions have considerable grievances. If Magnus is forcibly suppressed at this point, the rifts among the Primarch will only deepen.

In particular, the Emperor himself had a criminal record.

After unifying Terra, all Thunder Warrior were abolished, and the original Terra War Council was replaced by the High Lords of Terra, which has no Astartes or Primarch involved.

The Great Crusade hasn't even ended yet and they've already started purging the Thousand Sons. I don't even want to think about what will happen after it's over and how they'll purge the Astartes.

Doing this will only cause the legions that were originally on the side of the Loyalist to defect prematurely.

"But as you said, I feel more and more that Magnus's folly will become a reality."

The Emperor's expression. Well, from Kasgar's perspective, the Emperor in front of him had no expression.

"It's not that I don't trust you and Fulgrim, the Warmaster, but I will never gamble the future of humanity on such a tiny chance."

Kasgar could serve as his extension and help keep a close eye on Magnus.

However, it's impossible for him to monitor all the movements of these twelve legion Librarian at every moment.

If, in the event that the other Chief Librarian besides Magnus are also seduced by the Tzeentch Daemon, it is only a matter of time before the Webway is breached under the intense impact of the demonic ritual imbued with Tzeentch's divine power.

"The use of large-scale Psychic Power rituals must be prohibited, especially within the Legion. I know that a blanket ban may not be the right choice, but it is the best judgment I can make at the moment."

The Emperor himself was Psyker, so he knew that Psychic Power was not evil; it was all the user's fault.

However, the current Webway is still too fragile, and the Emperor does not have the resources to gamble on matters that determine the future of humanity in the name of what is considered right.

The safest approach is to disable Psychic Power first, and then make new plans once the Webway is stable.

"Since that's the case," Kasgar said, seeing that the Emperor had made up his mind, "But if it's just a simple prohibition, I don't think Magnus will give up so easily."

The Emperor's plan is not problematic.

Even he couldn't have imagined that Magnus would be so audacious as to completely disregard his words.

No sooner had he announced the Nikaea ban than he went back to Prospero and had a great time, as if nothing had happened.

"His thinking has fallen into a confrontational mindset—your disagreement with my use of Psychic Power doesn't mean that using Psychic Power is wrong, it just means that my use of Psychic Power isn't good enough."

"Kasgar said helplessly."

Magnus's solution to this was: I will continue to use and develop Psychic Power until you acknowledge my Psychic Power.

"So," Kasgar looked around and saw that Malcador, who was standing in the middle of the room with his staff, and Valdor, who was beside the Emperor, were both staring at him warily. He then used his Psychic Power to communicate. "Why don't we take advantage of Magnus's impending descent into Psychic Power research and launch a sting operation?"

"Entrapment?"

"That's right. We'll do it in advance, and then pretend to use a dream to deceive Magnus about the Warmaster's Rebellion. In his desperation, he will definitely prepare a large Psychic Power altar for ultra-long-distance Psychic Power communication."

"At that time, we will go and stop them, catching them red-handed. Then, we can arrest them on the grounds of the Nikaea ban, and there will be no objections."

"Therefore, the Emperor did not leave on his flagship, but secretly concealed himself and boarded the Pride of the Emperor."

As he spoke, Kasgar gestured behind him to introduce the others.

It was a fully armed Astartes, the Sons of the Emperor. He stood ramrod straight, and judging from his armor, he was a member of the Honor Guard, also known as the Phoenix Guard. Under the heavy helmet, if Primarch Fulgrim hadn't sensed something was amiss, he would have easily overlooked this person.

"Is he the Emperor?"

Faced with Fulgrim's completely incredulous expression, the Space Marine gave a silent and subtle nod.

The Emperor's Psychic Power disguise could easily fool him—what? You're asking about the Nikaea ban, which states that no one in the entire Imperium, except the Astropaths and the Navigator, can use Psychic Power?

Indeed, but what does that have to do with the Emperor?

Even Nemiel wouldn't use such a foolish thing to stop the Emperor.

"Our destination is in the star system surrounding Prospero. In fact, at this time, Space Wolves had already received a secret order from the Emperor to prepare to go to Prospero to dismantle the Wizard equipment there, in accordance with the requirements of the Nikaea Prohibition," Kasgar continued.

Of course, that's just what they say on the surface.

But the method is actually very simple—give you seven days to move, or burn everything that doesn't move.

Unbeknownst to Magnus, the Emperor had already followed along, heading towards Prospero.

Of course, at Kasgar's request, more than one ship headed toward Prospero.

[The Law of Faith], the flagship of those Word Bearers.

Lorgar lay comfortably in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window at the bow of the flagship, happily popping a bright red fruit into her mouth.

The Great Crusade was so much fun!

Unlike other legions that fought to the death, the progress of Lorgar and Word Bearers in the Great Crusade can not be said to be building Perfect City, but they have certainly made thorough progress.

For the entire legion, expanding territory was only the second most important task compared to promoting and inspiring people to believe in the Emperor's greatness.

As for Lorgar himself, since there were not many battles, he and the Word Bearers did not need to do much on a daily basis. Their task Word Bearers was to visit their Primarch brothers and sisters, negotiate with the human forces they came into contact with, and promote the greatness of the Emperor on the planet.

War?

How could such methods be used to force these people to believe in the Emperor? Moreover, such barbaric methods would not help them understand the Emperor's greatness.

If you encounter forces that are unwilling to believe in the Emperor, then proceed with your missionary work as originally planned—well, under the "Imperial Truth," you can't say that yet.

It should be "tour", that's right, a tour!

That army of performers, as magnificent as the Emperor, would display the Emperor's greatness through drama, song, and any performance imaginable by humankind after the enemy had provoked them and been utterly defeated by the Word Bearers!

The Word Bearers have professional artists and performers, learned from and introduced from the Sons of the Emperor, who constantly sing praises to the Emperor's great achievements throughout the universe.

"Ah! I can't take it anymore!!!"

"Spare us! We are willing to believe in the Emperor! We are willing to submit!!!"

Until the other party is inspired by the Emperor's Radiance and becomes a faithful follower of the Emperor himself.

Although doing so would make his progress in the Great Crusade than his other Primarch brothers and sisters, the advantage was that he would be more relaxed and comfortable, and the conquered star systems would not suffer from reduced production due to war.

For Lorgar Jia, the Great Crusade was such an easy task.

Although the brother named Perturabo was always very angry about the progress of the Word Bearers' expedition, who cares?

Anyway, this guy doesn't give anyone a friendly look, so nobody cares what he thinks.

What?

You asked how to handle all matters, big and small, within the Word Bearers?

Everything was left to the company commander of that Company Commander, Angell Tai, to handle.

Moreover, I heard that he also has a Warp elf who can help him.

How amazing!

One Astartes can handle the legion affairs of two people at the same time!

Raum, who is working endless overtime. "."

Is this the price of joining the Imperium of Man and the ranks of the Accursed?

A huge lesson: Chaos Undivided can choose to cooperate with the Accursed, but never join their ranks.

Joining means endless overtime.

"Sir, are you still here?"

But it seems his leisurely days are numbered.

The hatch opened, and the Space Marine, exuding an aura of profound weariness, spoke from behind it.

"Angell Tai, I have warned you many times not to barge in when I am meditating."

Lorgar answered somewhat displeased.

Although it didn't look like meditation, Lorgar was still somewhat embarrassed and angry.

"Sir, I'm so sorry."

"But this time we are acting on the Emperor's orders, who commanded us to go to Prospero to bear witness."

"Witness? What is there to witness? And didn't Father announce his withdrawal from the Great Crusade? Why do I still have to go to Prospero?"

Lorgar was unwilling to go.

Previously, some of the Emperor's tasks were assigned to the Word Bearers.

Sometimes, she could even act alongside the Emperor, which gave Lorgar some motivation to participate in the Great Crusade.

But now that the Emperor has announced his formal withdrawal from the Great Crusade and handed over the remaining affairs to Imperium Warmaster Fulgrim, Kasgar has no courage to entrust important matters to the Word Bearers, and their mission objectives are naturally relatively remote.

Kasgar doesn't really have many requirements for these guys—just preach well and don't cause trouble.

This suited Lorgar's wishes perfectly.

As a Primarch, Lorgar has always seen himself as a missionary rather than a warrior.

He just wanted to live comfortably in his own territory, and when he got bored, he would sing praises of the Emperor's great achievements and then continue to slack off.

What intention is there to conquer the world?

The only thing that could still get him involved in the Great Crusade was spreading the faith in the Emperor himself, but this was also a long-term task, and believers couldn't be rushed.

Lorgar didn't understand why his other brothers and sisters were all in such a hurry to embark on their expedition, as if something was really chasing them.

In pursuit of efficiency, the world conquered often ends up as nothing more than a desolate ruin—which, in Lorgar's view, is meaningless!

What do you barbarians want with ashes?

Why can't we be like those Word Bearers and sound reasoning, steadily and step by step influencing others through culture and faith?

Angell Tai: "."

There were things he wanted to say, but Angell Tai didn't say them.

After all, the relationship between Primarch and Legions varies, from the deeply respected Legion of Sanguinius to the tense relationship of the Legion of Perturabo.

But only those Word Bearers " can reach the level of "not familiar".

"Well, since it's Father's request, we'll just have to comply."

"Notify everyone in the legion to proceed to Prospero."

"I'm curious too, what exactly does Father want me to do on that evil Planet of the Sorcerers?"

"Yes."

Angell Tai left the room, leaving Lorgar alone to continue "meditation".

Prospero.

This once-protected sanctuary for Psyker, an oasis in the endless desert, a haven for Wizard and scholars, is now in chaos.

The Heraklfen, a ship from the Space Wolves, is currently hovering above Prospero in near-Earth orbit, bringing a message of destruction to the world.

Seven days.

Seven days later, Prospero, the former Wizard star, will be burned to ashes.

The Emperor has given the order; haven't you received the notification?

The Nikaea ban has been issued, meaning that millions of people will no longer be able to practice witchcraft.

Panic is brewing across the planet at this moment.

Most people found the Emperor's verdict unacceptable, but in order to save their lives, they had no choice but to board transport ships and head to nearby star systems under the protection of Space Wolves, ensuring they were not carrying any magical devices.

Their remaining books and artifacts will be burned to ashes along with Prospero in the future.

Not only books and Psychic Power artifacts—if any Wizard are truly stubborn and unwilling to succumb to depravity along with these blasphemous magical creations, the Space Wolves will also burn them to ashes in seven days.

This practice is truly unacceptable!

Many residents of Prospero went to the Pyramid where the Primarch resided, which was controlled by the Thousand Sons, and begged the Crimson Magnus to come forward and resolve the matter.

Prospero should not have accepted this fate!

Isn't it just that he likes to conduct Psychic Power experiments, distorts and manipulates the lives of mortals in pursuit of truth, performs Psychic Power rituals to sacrifice living people, trades with creatures in the Ocean of Souls, and even summons some magical Pokémon?

It's no big deal!

Is it really necessary to impose such severe punishment on them, burning down this giant library that once housed countless rare books?

The interior of the massive Pyramid.

"No, this can't be true. Father would never do such a thing!"

Magnus had just returned to Prospero, ready to put aside the unpleasant experience he had on Nikaea and ignore the risks to continue his research, when he received a warning from his brother.

Seven days.

He only has seven days, and apart from himself, all the precious books he has collected from countless worlds in the galaxy, containing information about humans and the Xenos that once existed, will turn to ashes after seven days.

What he found even harder to accept was that this was his father's order.

This... this is impossible!

Magnus and the Emperor had a long period of contact, and through Psychic Power, their two powerful souls were able to communicate in the Ocean of Souls. Magnus could be considered an old Psychic Power friend to the Emperor.

He couldn't understand why this friend, with whom he had once shared insights and experiences on the use of Psychic Power, would choose to burn all that precious knowledge and truth to ashes today, just like the most foolish religious inquisitors.

"There must be some problem here!"

The Emperor merely prohibited the use of Psychic Power on Nikaea; he absolutely did not say that any books on Psychic Power should be burned, nor did he order the Thousand Sons Legion to be reduced to ashes!

Burning the homeworld of an entire legion is absolutely impossible!

There is absolutely, absolutely something wrong with Leman Russ!

That's right!

Magnus suddenly realized.

Even if the Emperor wanted to ban Psychic Power, it was because there were too many idiots within the Imperium, like Mortarion!

And then there's Leman Russ, that shameless idiot who says Wizard are all bad things, while still keeping Runepriest in his legion, even though they've been disbanded, they're still there, and he even says that the power of nature isn't Psychic Power, it's infuriating to look at!

Of course, Magnus, enraged, didn't know that even if Leman Russ used the Runepriest in front of the Emperor himself, the Emperor wouldn't say anything.

At most, we can tell him to tone it down and not make things difficult for the Emperor.

As the Emperor's two most trusted Primarch, Lion Aljonsen and Leman Russ possessed something of paramount importance.

Self-awareness.

It wasn't because they did anything for the Emperor that made them trustworthy, but because they had self-awareness—something many Primarch never possessed.

He used it, and it's not like the Emperor hadn't used it before.

As long as one doesn't get stuck on trivial details like Magnus, the Emperor is truly very tolerant.

Of course, Magnus wouldn't think that way.

He would only feel that he couldn't continue his research on Psychic Power, and that was all the fault of these treacherous villains.

They forced the Emperor to ban Psychic Power, and this Emperor edict must be a forgery, a pretext deliberately made by Leman Russ to suppress their Thousand Sons Legion!

How could Leman Russ be so wicked!

"Sir, what should we do next?" Ahriman asked.

"You all try to calm the residents of the city down first. I'll go explore the Warp first."

"But the Emperor's Nikaea decree."

"He will understand me." Magnus's face was resolute, filled with the tragic air of a martyr. "If this is an enemy plot, my persistence will save us all."

In a previous Psychic Power vision, Magnus saw an endless sea of fire burning beneath the sky.

A civil war between Primarch is inevitable in the future.

He already knew this through Psychic Power prophecy, and with the help of the "Spirit of the Imperial Aquila," he saw even more.

Although it was later proven that the Imperial Two-Headed Eagle was an evil Warp Entity and not trustworthy, the information it provided was indeed accurate.

Soon, a protracted civil war will break out among the Primarch.

With that thought in mind, Magnus disregarded Ahriman's advice and no longer hesitated. He closed his eyes and entered a meditative state.

The Ocean of Souls, also known as Warp.

He tried his best to navigate through it, searching for any suspicious clues.

He was completely confused and had no clue what to do.

The Ocean of Souls is boundless, and it's highly unlikely that he'll run into anyone he knows while wandering aimlessly like this.

Etc!

It seems that before leaving, Kasgar revealed to Magnus that their next operation would take place in the system near Prospero!

Magnus was overjoyed.

What a coincidence!

It's nearby!

In this vast and boundless Warp, Magnus saw that familiar golden-red presence.

Kasgar!

You were here after all!

He appeared in the Warp even after the Nikaea ban. What does that mean?

This shows that Kasgar, like him, considers the Nikaea ban a piece of waste paper!

Haha, great minds think alike!

He excitedly went to greet them.

Magnus! What are you doing here?

Haha, friend, that's what I wanted to ask you!

[Quick! You need to go back right now, this is no joke! After the Nikaea ban, none of us can use our Psychic Power for our own selfish reasons!]

The Emperor will punish you! Hurry up!

Kasgar's message was urgent; if Magnus hadn't also been traversing this Warp, he might have actually believed what the other said.

Stop joking, Kasgar. What are you doing here?

[It's Fulgrim! Something's wrong with Fulgrim; she seems to be plotting a rebellion!]

[It's highly likely that Leman Russ's secret order was modified by the Warmaster!]

"What?!" Magnus exclaimed in shock. "We must inform the Emperor! Now!"

[I've already informed him through the Astropath, and we're currently keeping him occupied. Please, don't do anything foolish, Magnus!]

Kasgar warned him not to do anything foolish.

That's what we're going to do!

[The Astropath's communications are unstable, friend! In this emergency, I will immediately arrange a more penetrating ritual to transmit directly to Terra!]

[No! Magnus! You absolutely mustn't initiate the Psychic Power ritual, you absolutely mustn't!]

Kasgar warned him not to initiate a Psychic Power ritual.

That means it's time to launch!

Magnus emerged from his meditative state with a smile.

This is

The time to prove yourself has come!

"Azeck (Ahriman), Amon! Prepare the ceremony; I must personally report this to the Emperor!!!"

"With your help, I will project myself outwards, passing through the void and heading directly to Terra."

Magnus said.

"My lord," Amon protested. "That spell requires an unimaginable amount of energy. I'm not even sure if it's feasible. We haven't found any information that can assess the exact effects of this ritual."

"It must be feasible, Amon. Prepare to gather your servants," Magnus commanded. "Concentrate their power upon me, and propel my ascension."

"But my lord, many servants did not survive the ritual," Ahriman said, Magnus's indifference to life horrifying him. "The cost of so many servants would be very high."

"If we do nothing and watch Prospero burn in flames and the Milky Way ignite, how many more innocent people will perish, Azeck?" Magnus said firmly.

No one could stop him.

The resolute Magnus seemed to already see himself performing meritorious service and silencing all those who looked down on Psychic Powers, only to have the Emperor, out of remorse, lift the ban on Nikaea.

The ceremony began quickly.

With Thousand Sons's reluctant help, one after another ordinary Psyker was offered as a sacrifice to the Warp.

With the support of immense power, he was able to lock onto the Emperor in the Warp at a faster and more penetrating speed—

Huh?

That doesn't seem right.

Magnus, who was stepping into the Warp at the center of the ritual array, was somewhat bewildered.

It was a vast, golden figure that Magnus knew all too well.

How come the Emperor is right at his own doorstep?

What happened?

In the Ocean of Souls, the golden figure waiting for Magnus at the entrance did not respond.

"Father?"

The golden light and shadow remained silent.

He was charging toward Magnus with an indescribable murderous aura.

Even with Magnus's intelligence, he knew that things were in grave danger.

"Father! Spare me! Spare me!"

"I didn't mean to! Please forgive me!"

However, the only response he received was a huge golden palm.

Snap!