Sanguinius, Underestimated by Others

Iron Blood.

As the flagship of the IV Legion's Iron Warriors, this iron-gray ship, with all its windows sealed shut, seemed even less human than usual—in front of the secret chamber, only a few Iron Circle Automata stood faithfully at their posts like the most loyal bodyguards.

No one is allowed to get close to it.

Meanwhile, the Primarch of the Iron Warriors, Perturabo, sat alone in the secret room as usual, quietly and silently assembling his model.

Since his embarrassing performance, Perturabo seems to have become even more withdrawn than before.

He spent a great deal of time locking himself in his secret room, rarely Perturabo out except to arrange the legion's work using a data cable connected to the back of his head.

I'm too ashamed to face anyone.

During this time, Perturabo's sister also came to visit him, but she was directly turned away.

He simply cannot imagine how he will face his older sister.

Twisted.

If you use this kind of social terrorist approach to suddenly explode on a conflicted person, it will only make them more socially anxious.

Faced with an awkward situation where he didn't know what to say, Perturabo chose the simplest and most effective method.

Escape.

—I have no choice but to keep running away like this.

It was shameful, but it was indeed useful.

Especially considering that the battles the Iron Warriors are currently facing are not particularly intense.

When the Emperor retired and handed over military command to Imperium Warmaster Fulgrim, the Iron Warriors were originally the ones who fought the toughest battles and the toughest dust no longer had to face one heavy combat mission after another.

It was as if the difficulty level had been suddenly lowered to easy – now he was facing enemies that the legion could easily handle even without Perturabo himself intervening.

But this still made the Primarch, who was idly assembling the model in the secret room, feel very unhappy.

Indeed, the legions no longer need to constantly clash head-on with those powerful enemies.

Perturabo, who disliked Rogal Dorn and his Imperial Fists the most, had to withdraw from the Great Crusade early because he had to take on the responsibility of protecting the Solar System as the Adeptus Custodes Guard.

From that moment on, all the honors of the Great Crusade were lost to this guy!

Ha!

This is what Perturabo has always hoped for.

Everything seems to be moving in a positive direction.

But Perturabo was still unhappy.

Why don't you let him confront a powerful enemy head-on?

Why did Fulgrim only assign him such weak and helpless enemies who were powerless against their overwhelming firepower?

Instead of assigning them the toughest challenges after the Great Crusade, as previous Emperor had done, this was not the case.

Does that mean you look down on him?

Is it because they look down on Iron Warriors, or because they look down on him, the Primarch Perturabo?

A strange sense of unease rose within Perturabo, and the tweezers in his hands trembled slightly over the tiny, intricate part, which was as small as a grain of sand.

This caused the part to fall off after wobbling for a while, failing to fit into its intended position as expected.

I know. It must be because of that damn theater that was built on that damn planet the time before last.

And that was not the bizarre performance he had in mind at all. That's right, those things had nothing to do with what Perturabo had in mind. They were all just a forced imitation by Mortarion, Fulgrim, and his subordinate Kasgar!

It has absolutely nothing to do with what he truly thinks.

It's all fake!

Unfortunately, the consequences had already been made.

From then on, Perturabo could sense changes in the way people looked at him and spoke to him, whether within the Legion or among other Legions or Imperium bureaucrats.

—In their eyes, Perturabo's tall and imposing image must have been tarnished (not tarnished) because of this ridiculous performance!

That's definitely it. It must be!

Perturabo felt a surge of anger and nearly slapped the model he had been working on for months away.

Irritable.

In fact, Perturabo was not unaware of his eccentric personality and how he didn't fit in with his Primarch brothers and sisters.

He actually really wanted to change that.

In his secret room, apart from the various images of his older sister that had been placed in different places, were the gifts that Perturabo had prepared to give to the other Primarch.

All of them were handcrafted by Perturabo himself, and some of the intricate instruments took him more than a few months to make.

If these gifts were actually presented to the Primarch, their exquisite and ingenious design and craftsmanship would surely win their admiration and appreciation.

Perturabo firmly believes this.

But will they laugh at him, Perturabo, and think that all the things he makes are meaningless creations?

—Would people think he's a freak? He spends all his time cooped up in his room doing nothing but building and painting models; could he be a severe autistic person?

Surely it will happen, right?

Absolutely!

Because even he himself thought so—it was just a case of having nothing better to do!

Never mind, I'd better not send it.

If you give it to them later, it will only make it harder to ask for a gift, so it's better not to give it at all!

The thought of facing the concerned and puzzled looks from the other Primarch made Perturabo feel a deep-seated embarrassment.

We'll see when the time comes!

Despite his struggles today, Perturabo has chosen to escape once again.

[Unidentified personnel have been detected entering the flagship and have reached the bridge. Iron Circle Automated Mecha are now on the highest alert level.]

[Analyzing the identity information of the unidentified intruder]

The data stream from behind his head interrupted Perturabo's internal struggle.

From the camera footage of the Iron Circle Automated Robot, he saw the creature that was capable of breaking through the multiple layers of defense he had designed to reach him.

"Alpha? What are you doing on my flagship?"

The communication between the two sides was conducted through the Iron Circle Automated Mecha.

Compared to his trident, Perturabo trusted these beings who were completely obedient to him more—machines made of steel would not betray him; they would only faithfully transmit every piece of information they came into contact with back to his mind.

Like this.

According to Alpha's message, he seemed to already know that this galaxy would soon experience a massive Warp Storm.

The Emperor is using the power gathered during their Great Crusade to perform his ascension ceremony on the Terra. They must stop their father's madness!

They would not hesitate to ignite an unprecedented civil war in the history of Imperium of Man.

At that time, countless Legiones Astartes will slaughter each other in darkness and storms.

But after this war, the Imperium of Man, having overthrown the Emperor, will usher in a brighter new world.

Even if it meant burning the entire galaxy, it would still be worth it.

"Okay, I got it, I'm not interested."

"Please leave."

"The Iron Lord, we—"

"Not interested."

Perturabo's response was lukewarm.

Perturabo wasn't particularly concerned about these things that sounded alarmist but were actually somewhat predictable.

Or rather, as a marginal figure in the expedition, he felt exceptionally comfortable with his current situation, especially with the easy expedition missions that came after Fugrana became the Imperium Warmaster.

Wow, slacking off can be this fun!

Since being taken in by the tyrant of Olympia, this is one of the few times that Perturabo has been able to freely control his own time, instead of risking everything for the grand and unattainable goal of unification.

Although it's still a bit awkward.

But deep down, he was still quite satisfied.

Treating Perturabo's condition is actually quite simple.

Give this guy a break, and he'll figure things out on his own.

"Wait, the Iron Lord!"

Seeing that the other party remained unmoved, Alpha had no choice but to offer a condition that the other party had no way to refuse.

"Our fleet will break through the storm and besiege Terra with the help of the Warp!"

"There, your Iron Warriors can face off and annihilate those arrogant Imperial Fists head-on!"

"And that misrepresented Adeptus Custodes, Rogal Dorn! He's yours too!"

"."

It must be said that these words did indeed tempt Perturabo.

Although he only wanted to slack off at the moment and didn't want to start any Horus Heresy with those Primarch.

But if it's to cause trouble for Rogal Dorn, he'll definitely be the first to arrive and offer his full support.

Rogal Dorn, go eat your thesis defense!

"I"

Perturabo, the Iron Lord, was somewhat tempted.

"I'm not going."

But he ultimately chose to refuse.

He no longer wants to participate in any event where more than three Primarch gather!

The scene where I was tricked into exposing my relationship with my older sister in front of everyone is still fresh in my mind!

Thinking back to that embarrassing situation, Perturabo wished he could dig a Thaliakron Grand Theatre out of the ground with his toes.

Those guys, talking about bonds, friendship, and the thirty-year-old Centaur gold ring, rushed in and gave him Perturabo, a truly unique unboxing event.

As for his prestige in Perturabo's army from then on...

How can they ever hold their heads up again?

Although he didn't hear anyone else dare to mock him in front of the Iron Lord, Perturabo could sense that they were all secretly laughing at him!

Must!

Thinking of this, Perturabo, who was about to leave the room, once again fell into a state of self-isolation.

"No! No, no, no!"

Even if Alpha raves about it, he won't go!

Although it sounds sensational, Perturabo actually let go of Rogal Dorn's best opportunity in order to avoid participating in the social interactions between Primarch.

Even so, his nature remained unchanged.

He just learned his lesson after being scammed once.

—What rebellion, what Great Crusade, those are all just excuses to treat him like a beast of burden!

Now, no matter what you say, no matter how eloquently you speak, it all boils down to—

No way!

"."

Seeing that persuasion was ineffective, Alpha, who was outside the secret room, seemed to fall silent at this moment as well.

"You don't need to worry," Perturabo continued. "I have no intention of getting involved in your rebellion, nor am I interested in reporting on you."

"Let's go, for the sake of our past as brothers."

"Don't bother me."

Perturabo refocused on his own world, watching the tiny miniature model parts he gently picked up with tweezers.

Something's not right.

Alpha never leaves empty-handed.

Especially now that nothing has happened, and the outside world is completely silent, as if dead.

Something's not right!

The Primarch's premonition sensed a strange aura.

[Check the data stream!]

[Warning! A large number of fleet ships have deviated from their course and are moving in the opposite direction!]

The instant the Alpha disappeared from its spot, the Iron Warriors, with nearly a third of their ships, sped away from Perturabo at top speed!

"My ship!!!"

Run!

In a desperate roar, Perturabo, guided by the Iron Warriors of the Warriors' Society who had long been dissatisfied with the Primarch, piloted the ship and followed Alpha's guidance to complete the Warp jump.

I've long since stopped wanting to work under this (expletive) Primarch!

As the legion with the most loyalty during the rebellion, the Iron Warriors' feelings toward Perturabo are as conflicted as Perturabo himself.

He was a very bad Primarch, but also a strict father to the Legion.

But it was still a very, very bad Primarch.

When Perturabo was unhappy with the Emperor, Iron Brave sometimes felt the same conflicted and rebellious feelings towards him.

As Space Marine inherited some of the characteristics of his Gene-father, the Iron Warriors will not only become short and stocky, but will also inherit his twisted personality in a certain sense.

Therefore, when Perturabo defected, a large portion of the Iron Warriors would remain loyal;

When Perturabo is loyal, a large portion of the Iron Warriors will defect;

Now, when Perturabo has learned his lesson and finally realizes that he's only being treated as a useful contractor by both sides, he decides to start his own business.

Tie Yong was both loyal and a traitor.

It blooms everywhere.

Perturabo, the Primarch the IV Legion 'Iron Warriors, has withdrawn from the Great Crusade and declared independence.

Some of the Iron Warriors under its command joined Chaos, while others (mainly within the Imperium) remained loyal to the Imperium, and the majority followed Perturabo to continue fighting the Ashes.

Prosperity is bitter, ashes are cast; ruin is bitter, ashes are cast.

However, according to the history of the Wilderness, the ill-fated relationship between Perturabo and Rogal Dorn has not yet ended.

After a series of actions, the two finally had a child named Hongsuo.

The Cygnus System.

"Die!"

Sanguinius' spear showed no mercy to Kabanhah.

As the Primarch who once fought this bloodthirsty demon, the Angel knew the evil lurking behind this creature and how it would lure people step by step into the abyss.

In battle, her spear attacks were fierce and swift—even the Khorne Bloodthirsters, a master of close combat, could only parry and dodge in the face of the Angel's power and wrath.

With another sharp, angled thrust of the spear, it pierced directly into the demon's filthy flesh.

Snap!

The demon was struck down to the ground by the flying Angel.

Click.

Then, Kabanhah felt Sanguinius, who was rapidly descending, mercilessly stepping on him with his Auramite boots.

"Oh oh oh"

It let out a piercing scream.

We can't beat them.

We simply can't beat them.

Angel are among the most powerful Primarch, and even without any additional power such as ascension, their base stats alone are enough to overwhelm a top-tier Bloodthirsters like Kabanhah.

The Angel's expression was calm yet contained anger and contempt. With this strike, she was about to shoot her spear toward the head of the demon Kabanhah.

Hiss.

Blessed

"Uh oh."

With that spear shot, Kabanhah's head exploded instantly, turning into a large patch of scarlet blood.

It's clear that it left this world with complete satisfaction.

Wrong.

The bursting crimson bloodstains seemed to continue extending endlessly—until they covered everything that existed.

"This is--"

Among the Chaos Gods, to be precise, the simultaneous appearance of the Magnus the Red and the Bloodthirsters on Signus, before the two immediately clashed, was enough to show that this place was not a trap set by a single Chaos God.

The Dark Gods were all waiting for her, for the arrival of Sanguinius.

The Horus Heresy has progressed to the point where the situation is extremely unfavorable for Chaos —the human side has successfully defended the Miracle City and continues to advance outwards, War of the Webway many Primarch who should have rebelled have chosen to stand on their own, making them highly likely to join the Imperium in the future.

At the same time, due to the inability to achieve effective results on various fronts, the maintenance of the Warp Storm could not be sustained for too long, let alone for several years across the entire galaxy as in the original work.

The reason why the Warp Storm could continue to be stirred up was because countless fallen Eldar provided a continuous energy source for the Empyrean. Now that the Eldar have perished, the entire Warp has fallen into a state of emotional exhaustion.

Since there is no concept of time in the Warp, the storms they are currently unleashing can be seen as the power gained by overdrawing on the future.

This cannot be sustained; we must act swiftly and decisively!

The target for a swift victory was clearly Sanguinius.

As a vessel for the power of the Four Gods, which was better and more powerful than Philus and Horus, she walked into the trap of the Dark Gods under their watchful eyes.

Sanguinius found himself in a huge hall.

A colossal, mountain-like entity stood before him. Ripples spread across the fleshy side of the mountain, as if maggots were crawling beneath its skin. Countless eyes blinked incessantly within it.

The illusory delusions emanate from the depths of the abyss, where countless thirty-foot-long tongues are licking the eyes.

From a more distant vantage point, they were surrounded by dozens of long corridors, each over a thousand feet high.

The railings, made of brass, were covered with red and black parasites—tumors made of metal. Banners made of polished human skin hung from the railings, each bearing runes smeared with dried blood.

Four different runes.

The dome is an Eight-Pointed Star, a circle of spikes extending from all eight directions. Its radiant lines illuminate everything, as if gathering the universe in its broken embrace.

"Through anger and change, revelry and plague, you will serve."

"Who? What are you?"

The sounds coming from the sky or right in front of her were like demonic chants, weakening her ability to resist.

Sanguinius tried with difficulty to turn his body, but seemed to be frozen in time, completely motionless.

Everything here is too strange; she must escape immediately!

"The Eightfold Path, the Command of the Four Gods; I am the guide, I am the One."

'You choose death? You will embrace the emptiness of defeat.'

The voice emitted a hoarse, shrill laugh, and in a dizzying moment, Sanguinius felt everything change anew.

It was a pitch-black warship, and she was about to face a powerful being who had received the blessing of all the evil in the Warp, just like the power of the four runes she had seen before.

That was a formidable adversary, an opponent she had to face.

The figure appeared, it was—

Philus?

Yes, it was her. Although her body was covered with ever-expanding mechanical creations, it was clear that her silver hands wielding the giant hammer were the symbol of Philus.

Sanguinius raised his spear and charged forward.

As his opponent swung his giant hammer, Sanguinius tried to awaken or defeat him.

Snap!

But it was still smashed to pieces.

The figure changed again.

This time it's Horus, clad in black armor, speaking strange Horus.

He still held the Worldbreaker's Hammer high in his hand—although Sanguinius wanted to complain about why it was always the hammer that flattened her, it seemed that this part of the prophecy would never change.

Splat

The Angel was once again smashed to pieces by the Four Gods chosen gods.

I've really been looked down upon.

Even if the Four Gods' Choice changes, she seems destined to remain flat forever.

Unless she is willing to become the chosen one of the Four Gods.

The visions grew more intense. She saw that her loyal brothers were still alive after she made her choice. She saw the Emperor, still alive. She saw her Blood Angel, all radiant and flawless. Without any imperfection.

—To be honest, even the Dark Gods are wavering and have differing opinions at this moment.

These two Primarch will be vessels for their Chaos power, but not the best vessels.

The best option was right in front of them; all four agreed that it was the most suitable choice of the Four Gods.

Sanguinius – They all love Angel.

Unfortunately, Sanguinius never liked them.

"No, give up!"

Like a thunderous bang as an iron gate was struck, the sound reverberated throughout the world.

The illusions trembled, the images blurred, and the roaring sound was reduced to a constant repetition.

Sanguinius was so resolute, so genuine. She shattered the illusion without hesitation. She saw through the lies and rejected them.

"I will fight you with my own strength. I will not accept the lies you have shown me. I am willing to give my life a thousand times over for my father, my children, and those I love!!!"

"They're here!"

"The Cygnus System is just ahead!!!"

The Pharos Beacon has deployed the Sons of the Emperor's fleet here, just as Sanguinius was attacked by demons and entered the bizarre space of the Four Gods.

Fulgrim and Kasgar finally completed the warp jump in a great hurry.

"Quick! Contact the Blood Angels communications! Their ship is still there, they should be fine!"

Communication was established amidst the chaos.

"Company Commander Raldoron? Where is the Angel now? Why isn't she on the communications system?"

"What! The strange creature vanished right before your eyes?"

Oh no, we've been pulled into the space of the Four Gods!

The situation was worse than Kasgar had imagined.