Every Expedition Was a Victory!

That was in the early days of the Great Crusade. Kasgar and Fulgrim were trapped on Terra due to the insufficient number of the Emperor's Children Legion, waiting for the Gene-seed to be cultivated.

During this time, besides visiting the Jupiter Shipyards to discuss the construction of the Legion's future flagship Pride of the Emperor, if she has free time, Fulgrim will also take the shuttle back to Terra to meet with Kasgar.

"It just so happens that Philus has gone on Great Crusade, so this foundry is now ours!"

Previously, the steel foundry at the foot of the Mount Ugar had been a collaboration between the Iron Hands Philus, but this time, the two of them could truly use this large foundry at their own discretion.

"Fulgrim, you're back!"

"I've been studying with the Tech-Priest at the foundry lately. What are you here to have made?"

The Ugal Foundry boasts the most complete and abundant mineral reserves in all of Terra, as well as forging equipment remnants from the Dark Age of Technology.

The [Zhanli] and [Forgebreaker] crafted by Fulgrim and the [Flameblade] crafted by Philus were both forged in the forge of this Ugal Foundry.

Fulgrim's arrival at the Ugal Foundry must be to forge some parts or large devices for the Legion's flagship.

Especially now that she is considering making the legion's flagship a rare, fully-crafted masterpiece.

"Building new equipment?"

Fulgrim answered Kasgar with a smile.

"No rush, no rush."

The Jupiter Forge also has suitable anvils and ore, so Fulgrim wouldn't go to Ugal specifically for that if he needed it.

Her purpose in coming here was simply to come down and keep Kasgar.

Kasgar sensed that the other person had approached him at an incredibly fast speed, so fast that he couldn't even see it.

"Perfect, let me teach you how to forge."

"According to records within the Imperium of Man regarding the Great Crusade, as the Legion Primarch, I will likely need to handle all affairs of the Legion in the future. If we do indeed embark on the Great Crusade, we may not have much time left to be together like this."

"So, we shouldn't be thinking about expeditionary machinery or drudgery like studying right now, but rather we should have a good game."

Play games?

Is this something only a child would do?

Since neither Fulgrim nor Kasgar's appearance and body would change over time, Kasgar had no idea how old he was.

"Our mission is simple—to hide in this foundry as long as possible before those Tech-Priest discover we're missing!"

Fulgrim took Kasgar's hand and led him toward the numerous forks in the road and the entrance behind the forge.

Amidst the tireless clanging and banging of the steel forging furnace,

"Actually, you yourself are feeling a bit frustrated, aren't you?"

Following behind Fulgrim, Kasgar said with a hint of helplessness.

Others might not know what Fulgrim was thinking, but how could Kasgar not know?

"Alright, whatever you say."

But in the end, looking at the enthusiastic Fulgrim, he could only smile helplessly.

The graceful figure moving back and forth among these heavy, enormous machines made him momentarily forget the passage of time.

Let's slow things down a bit during this period.

"Oh oh oh oh oh!"

"Waaaaah, I think I'm stuck here! Kasgar, hurry up and come save me!"

Now, at the end of the fortieth millennium.

Inside Perturabo's Iron Citadel.

As the Forge World of the Adeptus Mechanicus, this place is constructed using the STC standard template. Although it has undergone some modifications due to Perturabo's involvement, its essence is roughly the same as the Ugal Foundry from ten thousand years ago.

The equally cold machinery inside the Iron Citadel continues to work tirelessly.

The lively and charming Fulgrim was no longer by his side; in its place was this nonsensical fellow who called himself Fulgrim.

As she spoke, she wiggled her enormous, fat snake tail, as if extending some strange invitation to Kasgar.

Kasgar: "."

I'll just kick him when I add Kasgar!

"Aww!"

"What are you calling me? You don't even have a physical form, you're just a virtual projection from Warp!"

"If they continue to do these nonsensical things that tarnish Fulgrim's image..."

Tsk.

Kasgar was about to say something harsh to this guy, but it seemed that ever since her Psychic Flame became ineffective against him, she had become somewhat lawless.

"Don't be like that, Kasgar."

"So rough~ hehe, but I still like it."

"."

Kasgar was truly helpless against the Laerda that posed as a form of Slaanesh -Slaanesh Fulgrim.

The Psychic Flame couldn't reach it, and the opponent didn't have a true physical form.

The key point is that Kasgar still needs the clues she provides to find Fulgrim —in any case, Kasgar has no way to threaten the sword in the slightest.

"Okay, okay, don't be angry."

"Even when she's angry, she's still so cute~ Hehehehehehehe."

Kasgar: "."

This must be a dream, right?

How could Fulgrim possibly have become such a monstrous creature!

Despite the fact that the Laerda has always insisted that it is the Fulgrim, Kasgar certainly won't admit it.

How could anyone possibly admit that this guy has anything to do with Fulgrim?

"Let's calm down, it's time for us to head back."

"Yay!!!"

Kasgar sighed helplessly, and then, as the serpentine body coiled around him again, he turned to face Perturabo and his two men, who had been waiting beside him with furrowed brows.

"It's time. The Sons of the Phoenix is in dire need of rebuilding; we need to hurry to our next destination."

"Perturabo, thank you for your help. I hope we can have the opportunity to cooperate again in the future."

"Um."

Perturabo remained noncommittal in the face of Kasgar's invitation.

Although he did have some negative prejudices against the Emperor, the Imperium of Man, and the Kasgar, his hostility towards them lessened considerably after Kasgar helped him quell the Iron Citadel rebellion and retrieve the Codex Mechanicus.

"He who eats another's food is bound to him; he who takes another's money is bound to him." Having received so much help from Kasgar...

Although there might still be some awkwardness, he would still be willing to step forward and repay the favor if Perturabo really needed help.

As for now, rather than helping this messy Imperium of Man escape its predicament, it's better to continue living a carefree and leisurely life in the Iron Empire.

Slacking off is the best!

He had also witnessed Kasgar's sudden outburst—to the many others without Psychic Power, it seemed as if Kasgar was talking to his sword.

He's been acting a bit strange ever since he obtained the Codex of Codex Mechanicus from the Blood Ravens's Relic Treasury.

Perturabo was already used to it.

"I have already produced three thousand sets of the Primaris Power Armour you requested for your Chapter, as per your requirements. The remaining seven thousand sets, which I promised you, may have to wait until later due to the destruction of nearly half of the Iron Citadel's production lines during the rebellion."

"I'll contact Belisarius to arrange delivery of the remaining armor. I've also sent the improved Primaris Power Armour blueprints to Kardan's data array."

"The deal is done. The storm in the Warp is intensifying. Unless there's nothing else, I suggest you leave as soon as possible."

This deal not only gave Kasgar the Primaris Power Armour enough to arm an entire Sons of the Phoenix Chapter, but also...

As for Perturabo, Belisarius and Melusine's Primaris designs also gave Perturabo some inspiration for his Power Armour designs.

Right now, all he wanted was to leave this Iron Citadel immediately and return to his secluded room in Olympia to comfortably conduct his research alone.

Unfortunately, he couldn't get away and could only see the guests off as soon as possible.

--If these guys don't leave soon, the little bit of inspiration he's finally formed in his mind will slip away!

Fortunately, Kasgar could also sense the other party's urgency.

"Prepare to set sail—first, Belisarius to rendezvous with the Sons of the Phoenix Chapter."

Piloting the Adeptus Mechanicus transport ship that had arrived earlier, loaded with a full cargo of new Primaris Power Armour, they departed from the spaceport of the Iron Citadel.

After this journey, the Sons of the Phoenix finally possesses the strength to fight.

Although the entire Chapter currently only has a standard force of a little over a thousand men, Kasgar believes that as long as he has time to develop, things will improve.

He managed to transform a group of less than two hundred Emperor's Children into an Imperium Warmaster, let alone now that he possesses strength comparable to the Primarch-level?

As for what's next, the place where he could make a name for himself is right in front of him!

The main force of the Leviathan Hive Fleet is now relentlessly advancing towards Baal's location under the shadow of the Great Devourer.

Realizing that the enemy's strength far exceeds what humanity can currently withstand, the Blood Angels are using scorched earth tactics to destroy planets in the Tyranid Fleet's path to prevent the Tyranid Fleet obtaining biomass supplies and thus hindering its advance.

But this was merely a delaying tactic— the Tyranid Fleet continued its unimpeded advance towards Baal, the homeworld of all the Blood Angels.

Commander of the Blood Angels and Chapter Master, [Dante], has sent communications to all the sub-companies with the blood of Sanguinius, requesting their return to their homeworld in this time of crisis to fight alongside all the children of Sanguinius against the evil Tyranid Fleet.

"Although we are not the offspring of the Blood Angels, who can truly know?"

Kasgar shrugged and said, "Only through this camouflage can we get close to the interior of Baal II and have a chance to see the remains of Sanguinius."

Of course, the main purpose is to collect the fragments of Fulgrim scattered throughout the world. Also, if there is a chance to resurrect Sanguinius, Kasgar, with its powerful combat strength and Imperium symbol, will not need to fight against Terra in the future.

Instead, the High Lord invited them to return to Terra to establish the Third Imperium.

Sanguinius was Empress of the Third Imperium, Kasgar was appointed Warmaster.

"A subgroup disguised as the Blood Angels?" Kardan, who was piloting and commanding the ship, turned his head. "Can we really maintain our disguise without being detected?"

The Blood Angels are quite mysterious among the many First Founding. Apart from the even more mysterious Dark Angels, whose purpose is unknown, the Blood Angels always seem to gather together to perform some kind of "ritual".

Isn't this a little off?

Kasgar had already helped the Angel completely cure Black Rage during the middle of the Great Crusade —making it impossible for such a genetic defect to exist in subsequent Gene-seed.

How could it be that the Blood Angels would eventually reveal some unknown little secrets?

Never mind.

In any case, very few people in the Imperium of Man today remember the existence of the Sons of the Phoenix.

When the time comes, Kasgar can claim that his Sons of the Phoenix is actually a descendant of the Blood Angels, and then obtain some Gene-seed from Belisarius's Primogenitor Vault to submit to the other party, and he can still fool them.

Besides, with the battle situation critical, Dante couldn't very well turn away a thousand towering, muscular Primaris Space Marine who had delivered themselves to his doorstep, and refuse even emergency reinforcements, could he?

If the Sons of the Phoenix can carve a gap in the battle lines using their Primaris bodies, then even if they are not the offspring of Angel, everyone will have to acknowledge them as Angel.

"However," Melusine said, seemingly hesitantly, "If I remember correctly, the Blood Angels and their subgroups participating in the ceremony hold some of their own unique rituals and ceremonies. Hopefully, we won't give ourselves away."

"That's easy—I'll just disguise myself and not give myself away."

It's just singing hymns to Sanguinius at a ceremony!

He had already experienced Kasgar back in the 30K era, so it's nothing special.

As long as they can make an appearance on the battlefield of Baal and lead his Sons of the Phoenix' Primaris Army to fight with great momentum and style, they will be able to win the favor of the Blood Angel by virtue of their merit in saving their home planet.

Currently, in the Imperium of Man, apart from the largest Blue Smurfs, the Blood Angels and their sub-groups can be considered another powerful First Founding force. Dante, in particular, has gained the support of countless people due to his prestige in the army, and it is necessary to win them over as soon as possible.

Since Sanguinius sacrificed himself to break Horus's fate for the Emperor ten thousand years ago, the Blood Angel today, filled with awe and love for their Angel Mother, are consumed by a thirst for revenge. They will use their boundless rage to burn away any human enemies that stand in their way.

"I look forward to meeting the Blood Angels."

Iron Citadel.

"Why is the repair progress still so slow!"

"Notify all laborers, Iron Warriors, and Tech-Priest in Sector U-143: if you don't want to be wiped out by the Eleventh Purge, get serious and stop dawdling!!!"

"Hiss."

While Perturabo was still directing his men to complete the reconstruction of the Iron Citadel,

"Sir, the message we received this time did not come from Kasgar and his men."

"It is Abaddon Chaos Warmaster leader from the Black Legion."

"Your Excellency the Iron Lord— "

Click.

The communication equipment was crushed to pieces by Perturabo's giant metal hand in the next second.

"Notify all anti-aircraft fire on the Iron Citadel to issue a warning: once the Black Legion's ships enter attack range, open fire immediately without warning."

"And all nearby Iron Empire warships, prepare for Level One combat readiness, ready to fire at any moment!"

"Notify all channel Sound Array administrators to reject all communications from the Black Legion."

"Tell them one thing: if they dare to advance even half a step, open fire."

"Warmaster."

Perturabo refused our communications.

The words of the communications Sound Array master brought Abaddon's recounting of their past expedition and their mutual respect to an abrupt end.

The council leaders of the Four Gods War Gang, under Abaddon's command, exchanged bewildered glances.

Rejected?

You just rejected me like that?

But didn't Abaddon always say that he and Perturabo were close friends during the expedition, even sharing a life-or-death bond?

"Wait a minute, it's very likely that the Iron Lord's personality is somewhat obsessive. I know him."

Tsundere, huh!

It must be that Fourth Uncle, seeing that I've delivered the entire Blackstone Fortress to him, has relapsed into his old, arrogant habit!

Continue trying to get Perturabo's communication back.

"Rest assured, gentlemen, under my leadership, Abaddon, even if the False Emperor— "

A sky full of light and fire shone brightly before them.

The Void Shield outside the Vengeful Spirit rippled continuously.

The only response he received was a barrage of artillery fire from a distance.

"Quickly, hard to right! Stop! Stop!!!"

But clearly, it was too late.

Although the flagship Vengeful Spirit can indeed defend against Perturabo's fire with its powerful Void Shield array.

Unfortunately, the cruisers and destroyers in his fleet were not so lucky.

Under the bombardment of artillery fire, the Expeditionary Fleet that the Black Legion had painstakingly assembled was suddenly reduced to nearly one-fifth of its original size without any defenses.

What to do?

He died before he could even begin!

Abaddon always boasted that his Black Crusade was invincible, with every expedition a victory. But this!

Before they could inflict any damage on the False Emperor's Imperium, their fleet suffered heavy losses!

What happened to the promise that every expedition would be a victory?

Abaddon fell silent in the face of the astonished and uncertain looks on everyone's faces.

He had an urge to fight Perturabo to the death—but his reason told him that fighting a Primarch on his home turf would only lead to certain death.

But if he retreats like this, what will happen to his prestige as the Chaos Warmaster?

What happened to the promise of invincibility, the boast that every expedition would be a victory?

Abaddon: "."

Hey!

Got it!

If that's the case, then if I don't consider this defeat as an expedition, then wouldn't every expedition still be a victory?!

As long as it's not counted, that's fine!

The clever Abaddon discovered the blind spot.

"Remember this! All my colleagues who yearn to overthrow the corrupt rule of this False Emperor!"

"Our operation is merely a diplomatic effort by Iron Warriors to communicate and coordinate, not an expedition!"

"Our decision not to retaliate is simply because we don't want the False Emperor to reap the benefits of our conflict, not because we're afraid of him!"

"All of this is for a bigger plan! A plan that will destroy the False Emperor of the False Emperor!"

"Therefore! I hope you all remember one thing—I, Abaddon the Despoiler the Chaos Warmaster, will not fail!"

"Every expedition--!"

"It's all once--!"

"Victory!"