No Merchant Is Too Crooked for Alvin! (4,000 Words)

The "Men of Iron Rebellion" is an indelible scar on the history of Imperium of Man, a technology that was defined as "forbidden" as early as the era of Emperor!

Anyone found researching the "Iron Man" will be sentenced to death, and all their research findings will be burned and destroyed without any effort!

Even the "Adeptus Mechanicus," a major force within the Imperium, did not share a unified opinion on the issue of "Iron Man." However, at least on the surface, their attitude towards "Iron Man" was that it was better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free!

After all, no one wants to repeat the tragedy of the "Men of Iron Rebellion" again. Even within the Adeptus Mechanicus, the most radical and obsessed with the Dark Ages' Styx Eight Forge World only dares to conduct research in secret.

In an effort to destroy relevant evidence, the Tech-Priest of the Styx Eight went so far as to obstruct the Vought and the Space Marine of Deathwatch by hacking into the Department of the Interior's database!

In the ancient Holy Terra, there is a saying that aptly describes the actions of Styx Eight.

Some things, you can't tell the difference between two ounces unless you weigh them.

But once it's on the scale, it can't even hold two thousand pounds!

As long as things aren't brought to the forefront and the various factions break off relations, maintaining a tacit understanding can resolve even the biggest issues privately. But if "evidence" is found, it's tantamount to breaking off relations altogether.

That's why Drakris was stunned for over ten seconds when he saw the "Iron Man," but his expression immediately changed when he turned around.

What's this about heresy?

If it's not discovered, it's as if it doesn't exist!

It makes perfect sense for Rogue Trader to resell "Iron Man" figures, especially since their dynasty was Merchant Dynasty that had lasted for thousands of years and was personally recognized by the Emperor!

He wouldn't be surprised if such an ancient dynasty produced relics from a dark age.

It's perfectly reasonable for Rogue Trader to trade "Iron Man" artifacts, especially since they belonged to a "dynasty." It's not unusual for them to possess such relics from a dark age, is it?

"I finally understand..." Drakris swallowed hard, his fervent emotions subsiding slightly, before he looked at Alvin with a meaningful gaze. "No wonder, even though Valshius has fallen, the Forge Grand Sage on Mars would still step in to protect you."

The Forge Grand Sage of the Martian Mechanicus is one of the High Lord of Holy Terra!

"That's praise, so what's your answer...?"

Alvin lowered his eyelids; although he had guessed it long ago, he was still somewhat shocked when he actually heard it.

It turns out that the big shot behind old man Horn was actually the Forge Grand Sage Mars. No wonder he dared to cause such a big commotion in Losel, and the Ministry of the Interior, the Department of the Munitorum, and even the Ecclesiarchy did not react at all.

"This is a gift from the great Omnissiah..." Drakris stroked the Iron Man, a look of fascination on his face. "It's too perfect. No Tech-Priest could refuse it, could he?"

They've taken the bait.

Sometimes, dealing with Tech-Priest is much simpler than dealing with nobles.

Of course, the prerequisite is that you have a background. Otherwise, given the style of the Tech-Priest, they wouldn't hesitate to use violence directly. After all, they have the power of the Diet Guard. The Tech-Priest are not to be trifled with, and neither are the Diet Guard.

Moreover, the Styx Eight... has the Titan Legion!

What do you want?

Drakris cut to the chase, not wanting to waste any more time; he was eager to study this "Iron Man" android!

He knew very well that this was a huge "deal"!

Regardless of how much can be researched from this "Iron Man" intelligent machine, its value alone is enough to elevate his status in Styx Eight to another level!

This isn't some kind of Iron Man; this is clearly his future! His destiny!

At this thought, Drakris almost lost control of his surging emotions. His eyes were fixed on the "Iron Man" with fervor, and he stroked it carefully, as if it were a cherished lover. "Anything I can give you, no matter what... I'll give you!"

Seeing this, Alvin was not surprised at all.

Tech-Priest, especially those from the Styx Eight, are actually quite similar to "veteran otaku"—they'll do anything for something they like.

Alvin's lips curled slightly upward, a glint of light flashing in his eyes like a beast baring its fangs. "No, no, no... I've already said, Lord Drakris, we are 'friends'."

Under Drakris's surprised gaze, he said nonchalantly, "Since we're friends, we shouldn't be so vulgar. This 'Iron Man' is... a gift from me to my friend. What do you think?"

"Such grand ambitions..."

Although Drakris was tempted, he wasn't blinded by profit and shook his head. "Using an 'Iron Man' in exchange for my friendship? Your ambition is too great... I dare not agree."

He understood that there's no such thing as a free lunch, and besides, judging from Alvin's behavior, that kid wasn't exactly a pushover either!

That sounds nice, like a free gift for a friend... Ha! If you actually agree, who knows what price you'll have to pay to be his friend?

The shrewd Drakris had no desire to be associated with "Valshius." He would rather pay a higher price than sell himself out without a clear explanation for the sake of an "Iron Man"!

"That's a real shame..." Alvin sighed, but wasn't discouraged. He smiled and said, "Since you're unwilling to accept my friendship, then I'll have to take this Iron Man back for now. Perhaps 'someone' would be more interested in it and wouldn't mind my friendship?"

His main point is that it's impossible to sell unless we "become friends".

Drakris gritted his teeth in anger. He could easily understand the implication in Alvin's words: if you don't want him, he'll go find Rosales!

What certain people?

This is clearly the Dark Adeptus Mechanicus!

"You cunning brat..." Drakris cursed under his breath, a hint of helplessness on his face. "Alright, I have to admit, I really need this Iron Man... Just tell me straight, what do you want?"

"Titan?"

Alvin said, half-jokingly.

"Are you crazy, or am I?" Drakris sneered, pointing at the door. "No way, I don't want Iron Man anymore. See who dares to agree to your request!"

Are you kidding me? Even the Dark Adeptus Mechanicus next door would never agree to this condition unless they were insane!

"Okay, just kidding."

Alvin shrugged. He knew it was impossible, but he was just trying his luck. "You should be well aware of the current situation in the Celerus Hive, right?"

"I know, what's wrong?" Drakris didn't quite understand why the topic changed so quickly. "If you're worried about safety, I can assure you there's no danger. This is Styx Eight's territory!"

Drakris spoke with utmost confidence.

After all, the core area of Celerus's forging zone contains a Warlord-class "Titan." If the situation truly becomes irreversible, the Styx Eight will show those damned heretics what... the wrath of Omnissiah is all about!

"No, what I mean is... I have a way to resolve the current predicament." Alvin said calmly, "Lord Drakris, this is the area you are responsible for. If those heretics cause too much damage, it will surely affect your reputation, won't it?"

Tell me about it.

Drakris became curious. If it didn't affect the exploration progress or the Titans' defenses, he would be happy to repel those heretics.

Alvin leaned closer and whispered a few words. Drakris's eyes flickered slightly, and he asked doubtfully, "Are you sure this method will really work?"

"Of course, as long as you agree, you can order the Astra Militarum, Space Marine, and Diet Guard not to interfere." Alvin smiled slightly and said, "The situation will be much better then."

Drakris pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly. "Alright, but I can't give the order directly. You should understand... what the Imperium's attitude is towards heretics."

"Oh, right... there's one more thing." Alvin warmly embraced Drakris, looking quite familiar, and said with a smile, "There's one more thing, as a friend... you wouldn't refuse, would you?"

Drakris was starting to get a headache; the price of this "friendship" was far too high. "Speak, what is it this time?"

"An elite Diet Guard, numbering at least a thousand, should be equipped with heavy weaponry. Of course, a few Leman Russ would be even better," Alvin said with a shameless grin.

"..."

Even Drakris was taken aback by Alvin's Lion demand, staring wide-eyed. "Don't even think about it, it's impossible!"

Heavy equipment, Leman Russ, and a thousand-strong elite Diet Guard —he didn't have many of these forces at his disposal. If he gave them to Alvin, how would he protect himself?

"Don't be so quick to refuse, Lord Drakris. Aren't we friends?" Alvin shamelessly, grabbing Drakris who was trying to escape. "Since we're friends, shouldn't we help each other?"

"No way. Becoming your friend comes at too high a price," Drakris sneered. "Why don't you just take Iron Man back?"

"What if I said... I could give you a technology from the Dark Age of Technology of humanity?" Alvin said calmly, pulling out his tried-and-true trick again.

That's right, it's another Men of Gold!

Sure enough, upon hearing that word, Drakris's struggle lessened, and he stared at him suspiciously. "Are you sure it's technology left over from the Dark Age of Technology humanity?"

"I swear in the name of Valshius!"

Alvin immediately raised a finger, looking completely confident. "It's definitely Men of Gold technology, and it's research on the 'space-time' level!"

Valshius's reputation clearly still holds some credibility... well, for now, at least for the time being; as for the future, that's hard to say.

Drakris, still somewhat skeptical, hesitated. On one hand, the price to pay was too high; on the other hand, he found it hard to resist the allure of the Men of Gold.

"The relics... are on Alert Star?" Drakris wasn't stupid. Since Alvin dared to say that, it meant that the relics of the Men of Gold must be on this planet.

"That's right, it's inside the largest Valian Sandstorm Vortex on Alert Star." Alvin didn't mind at all and directly stated the exact location. "This was found by my ancestors of the Valshius Family a long time ago, but unfortunately, they were unable to take it away for certain reasons."

"Aren't you afraid I'll reject you and then go find it yourself?" Drakris sensed something was off. Something was strange. Given the kid's shrewdness, he shouldn't have revealed the exact location so directly, unless... there was something wrong!

"Alright, I can't hide it from you after all." Alvin feigned a slight embarrassment and said, "In fact, there are Dark Age of Technology defenses inside. Although my ancestors had maps to indicate them, nowadays... as you know, we lack the strength, which is why we've come to you for cooperation!"

No wonder... Drakris suddenly realized, a sense of pride rising within him, but he remained hesitant, reluctant to pay such a high price. "But isn't the risk too great?"

"Lord Drakris, think about it... that's technology from Men of Gold!" Alvin once again used his most proficient "bewitching" technique, whispering in the hesitant Tech-Priest's ear, "You should know better than I how much value it contains!"

"Are you... content to spend your entire life on Alert Star, as an unknown Grand Sage?"

"Don't you want to become a true forging sage and rule your own Forge World?"

"Think about it, Lord Drakris."

"With your current qualifications, how many years would it take you to have a chance of owning your own Forge World? But now, you only need to pay a small price to save decades or even centuries!"

"Next time, there won't be another chance like this... Lord Drakris."

After a few minutes of silence, Drakris was tempted. He had to admit that Alvin made a lot of sense. Without taking a gamble, he would never have any hope of becoming a Forging Sage in his lifetime!

If you're going to gamble, gamble big!

With the evidence of "Iron Man," Drakris was convinced of Alvin. So... he suddenly looked up, a hint of madness in his eyes. "Fine, I agree. I'll allocate five thousand Diet Guard, along with fifty Leman Russ equipped with heavy firepower. I hope you won't disappoint me, my friend!"

Goodness gracious, this is... going all in?!

Alvin was stunned by Drakris's audacity.

It's important to understand that the entire Diet Guard of the Celerus Hive only numbers around 50,000. To mobilize one-tenth of them at once is already the limit Drakris can manage without compromising Titan defenses!

If anything goes wrong, Drakris will be held responsible and will be turned into Servitor, no matter his rank!

It is clear how alluring a Forge World would be to Tech-Priest!

Unfortunately... Alvin smiled, but a thought lingered in his heart: the Men of Gold relic that Drakris longed for would most likely be slightly different from what he imagined.

In exchange for ten "Space Bridge" transfer devices, "Void Claw," thousands of Diet Guards, dozens of Leman Russ, heavy equipment... what a bargain!

What? A swindler?

Stop joking! No merchant is without guile, and besides, he's Rogue Trader; how could he not cheat people!

After making the pleasant decision, Alvin was in high spirits. Just as he left Drakris's Temple of Forging, he suddenly felt the earth shake!

Immediately afterwards, he saw a huge mushroom cloud rise into the sky, hovering in the southeast of the nest area. The terrifying Psychic Power contained within it swept and raged like Stormfront, staining the sky with... an eerie purple!

"What... damn?!"

Alvin's eyes widened instantly, his pupils seemingly trembling, and he felt as if something was stuck in his throat. "Psychic Power... exploded?!"

The first two chapters were intended to depict some of the protagonist's transformation and lay the groundwork, but unfortunately, my writing skills are limited, and the overall impression wasn't great... I'll work on it some more. The protagonist isn't a coward; with Tzeentch personally taking action, a few seconds of hesitation is normal. I'll correct this in the future. There should be another chapter tonight, but it will be a bit late. I'm really sorry...