Shocking: Alvin Had Become the Biggest Heretic of All? (4,000 Words)

"Colonel, someone outside wants to see you."

Inside the command post, a messenger pushed open the door, stood at attention, saluted, and called out to the commander before him, "It is an order from Sage Drakris, stating that it must be delivered to you personally."

The colonel, who was working on frontline military reports, seemed somewhat reluctant and said without looking up, "Let him in."

"Yes, Colonel!"

The messenger turned and left, returning a moment later with a man.

The furnishings inside the command post were quite simple. Apart from essential communication equipment and a few yellowed maps, there was almost nothing for enjoyment. It was clear that this colonel of the Astra Militarum was quite incorruptible, even in the corrupt Astra Militarum.

Don't assume that corruption doesn't exist within the Astra Militarum; even a great figure like the "Emperor" cannot avoid it.

If you're lucky, you might find a less greedy boss, which is considered very fortunate in the Astra Militarum. But if you're unlucky enough to encounter a corrupt official, there are countless cases of people being forced to rebel, or it's just commonplace.

In the Warhammer Universe, insectoids are the dominant species!

"Hello, Watson, I am Alvin Valshius." Alvin stopped, extended his hand in a friendly manner, and took the opportunity to sized up the other person.

Colonel Watson was probably in his forties or fifties, with a rugged face and a beard.

Wearing a crisp, ironed military uniform and an old military cap, with his left eye and right arm replaced by machinery, he possessed a unique military bearing, standing there like a drawn sword!

"I don't have time to find out who you are, and I'm not interested."

Colonel Watson was clearly displeased, especially upon seeing Alvin's aristocratic attire. His disgust was almost palpable as he said without any hesitation, "Sir, this is my command post. If you need anything, please seek assistance from others. I have no time for idle chatter!"

Clearly, Drakris's series of "outrageous actions" have caused this Astra Militarum commander to have a strong dislike for both nobles and Tech-Priest.

"Colonel Watson, please allow me to introduce myself."

Alvin didn't mind the other party's "rudeness"; rather, he understood Colonel Watson's thoughts. So he slowly said, "I am Alvin Valshius, heir to the Valshius Merchant Dynasty."

"Listen, I don't care who you are."

Watson frowned, but the obvious disgust in his eyes lessened somewhat. "If you can't help me, then please leave. I have a lot of things to deal with and don't have time for your idle chatter!"

Watson has been racking his brains to deal with Celerus's condition during this period.

However, facing harassment from the Chaos, Genestealer, and Orks, the morale of the Astra Militarum has almost plummeted. If they don't find a solution soon, they may even lose the last area of Middle Hive!

They abandoned the Underhive, and most of the Middle Hive, and now... are they going to hand over even the last remaining area to the heretics?!

For Colonel Watson, this was undoubtedly a huge humiliation!

He swore to serve the Emperor with his life and defend every inch of the Imperium's territory.

But... those damned insects, those cowardly Tech-Priest and nobles, have joined forces to put pressure on him, leading to the current situation. Colonel Watson naturally doesn't have a good attitude towards them.

He made numerous suggestions at the very beginning of the war, but without exception, they were all rejected by that damned "Drakris".

It could even be said that if it weren't for Drakris's foolish actions, Celerus wouldn't have ended up in this predicament!

Faced with Watson's attempt to get rid of him, Alvin smiled, plopped down in a chair, and showed no intention of leaving. "What if I said... I came to offer you help?"

The next moment, Watson's extremely rugged face thawed instantly, replaced by a warm smile, "Would you like some tea? Your Excellency Lord Alvin, heir to the Valshius Merchant Dynasty!"

Wow, that's a really fast change of expression!

Seeing Colonel Watson's sudden change of attitude from arrogance to obsequiousness, Alvin was stunned for a few seconds, though he didn't dislike him.

Ultimately, Colonel Watson's change of attitude was simply to better defend the position; his intentions were good, and he was far more agreeable than those real insects.

"Ahem, no need for tea." Alvin quickly regained his composure, coughing lightly twice, looking a little uncomfortable.

"Hey, you should have said so earlier!"

Watson looked regretful and hurriedly poured him a cup of tea, handing it to him with a look of eager anticipation, rubbing his hands together. "Ahem, to be honest, we urgently need support right now, including supplies, weapons, and personnel. So... where do you plan to start?"

There's nothing there.

Alvin shrugged and shook his head.

This is true. His so-called help doesn't include providing supplies, weapons, or personnel. After all, he doesn't even have enough manpower right now. Even if some were transferred out, how much of a role could they play on the front lines?

"You fucking mess with me, huh?!"

Upon hearing there was no support, Watson's expression changed instantly. His eyes, as big as saucers, glared at him angrily. "If you don't have any, then get lost and stop wasting my time!"

"Don't be in such a hurry, Colonel Watson." Alvin chuckled, glancing at the furious Watson, and said calmly, "While I can't provide you with support, I can help... alleviate some of the pressure on the front lines."

Upon hearing this, Watson was stunned. "Share the burden?"

This method of helping was something he hadn't considered, and he looked at Alvin with suspicion.

"Colonel Watson, the reason you need reinforcements is simply because the pressure at the front is too great, am I right?" Alvin said methodically, "Then, if I said I had a way to reduce the pressure on the Astra Militarum and divert the enemy's attacks, wouldn't that be helping you?"

"I'll listen to your nonsense a few more times, since you're Rogue Trader." Watson suppressed his anger, turned around and sat back down in his chair, staring at him darkly. "Tell me, how do you plan to relieve the pressure on the front lines? And let me warn you, you'd better not joke with me again!"

"No rush, I have something else I need to ask you."

Alvin leaned forward slightly, his gaze carrying a scrutinizing quality, and slowly asked, "Colonel Watson, are you loyal?"

You doubt me?!

Watson's pupils constricted, his anger blazing, veins bulging on his forehead. If the person sitting opposite him hadn't been a "Rogue Trader," he probably would have already drawn his gun. "I fought for the Emperor across the galaxy, shedding blood and sweat. When did it become the place for a worm like you to question me!"

For a loyal soldier, Alvin's question was undoubtedly a humiliation!

"Please don't get agitated, Colonel Watson." Alvin remained seated, seemingly unconcerned by the palpable anger emanating from the man opposite him, and said lightly, "I'm not questioning your loyalty to the Emperor, but there's one thing I must assure you. If you feel I'm being insulting, then I apologize!"

"..." Watson's forehead veins throbbed, but after hearing his apology, he barely suppressed his anger and said in a hoarse voice, "What exactly are you trying to say?"

"It's very simple... If you were forced to abandon your so-called 'loyalty' in order to protect the Emperor's territory and people, what would you choose, Colonel Watson?"

Alvin's lips curled slightly, a faint glint in his eyes, and he said softly, "You are willing to give your life for the Emperor, that's beyond doubt, but... are you willing to bear the stigma of heresy for the Emperor?"

"What's the meaning?"

Watson was utterly shocked; the other party would say something like that, it was practically... heresy. He stared at Alvin in disbelief. "You want me to betray the Emperor?!"

If the person opposite him hadn't been a Rogue Trader, and hadn't been recommended by Drakris and the Iron Father, he would have even thought that some scum of Chaos had infiltrated!

"Don't be so tense, Colonel."

Alvin, with his legs crossed, said casually, "Now that things have come to this, I won't hide it from you anymore. I have a Xenomorph Legion, but its numbers are small and insufficient to change the situation on the front lines. Therefore, I need your cooperation. Only in this way... can we protect Celerus from the onslaught of Chaos and Heretics."

"Aren't you afraid I'll tell the Inquisitor?!"

Watson was shocked by his audacity; he actually dared to say he had connections with the Xenos in front of the Astra Militarum commander!

"Colonel, don't forget... I'm a Rogue Trader." Alvin looked at him with a half-smile, slowly pulling a "Rose Knot" badge from his pocket. "Inquisitor... is this what you mean?"

Sorry, buddy, I have connections!

Staring at the Rose Knot badge, Watson's lips twitched. At this moment, he seemed to finally realize just how much power the words "top-tier nobility" truly contained!

How confident are you?

After a moment of silence, Watson asked with difficulty, "Can you guarantee... if I cooperate as you say, we can protect Celerus?"

"I can't guarantee you anything, but..." Alvin paused for half a second, looking directly at him, "It will at least buy us some time, allowing Celerus to hold out until the Imperium reinforcements arrive."

Upon hearing this, Watson fell silent again, seemingly pondering whether or not to agree.

"Colonel, please think this through carefully. If you agree, it means... even if you manage to protect Celerus, you could very well be deemed a heretic by the Inquisitor because of the Xenos."

Alvin remained calm and did not urge Colonel Watson, because he knew very well what a great sacrifice it would be for a loyal officer to make such a decision!

There is no such thing as having it all in this world.

So, is it better to fight to the last moment for the Emperor, only to watch helplessly as heretics invade the Imperium's territory and slaughter the Emperor's people... or to choose to bear the sin of heresy for the Emperor, and protect the Imperium's territory and the Emperor's people!

"... Has anyone ever told you that you're practically a Daemon?" Watson sighed bitterly, a hint of helplessness on his face. "I promised you, as long as we can hold Celerus, even if it's just for as long as possible... buying off a little more time for the Imperium."

Even if they are considered heretics?

Alvin also reaffirmed his decision.

After all, Watson's importance in this plan is self-evident; he needs the cooperation of this Astra Militarum Commander to execute it!

"I have a clear conscience." Watson grinned, looking up at Alvin with unwavering determination. "I am a warrior of the Emperor. As long as I can defend Celerus, even if I am executed by the Inquisitor, I will do it willingly. Defending the land and protecting the country... is a soldier's duty!"

Alvin's smile faded, and he rose to his feet, bowing deeply to Watson: "On behalf of Valshius, I offer my deepest respects, Colonel Watson."

Watson straightened his military cap, his face expressionless, and sat down in his chair, looking at Alvin: "Now, can you tell me your plan?"

"I will have that Xenomorph Legion deliberately lure the Greenskin Orc into an encounter with the Genestealer and Chaos," Alvin said, his eyes darkening slightly. "With the cooperation of the Astra Militarum, we'll make them fight amongst themselves, completely disrupting this mess and buying us time!"

Upon hearing this, Watson frowned. "Is this... feasible?"

How will you know it won't work if you don't try?

Alvin gave a mysterious smile, "If it were any other faction, it might not go so smoothly, but with the Greenskin Orc... the success rate is very high!"

In fact, this was originally a battle plan implemented by Chapter Master Calgar after arriving on Alert Star and joining forces with the Samhan Ark Eldar during the Nachmund Campaign.

Let the Greenskin Orc fight the Genestealer and Chaos dogs, thus buying time for the Imperium!

The only challenge lies in how to precisely control the intensity and scope of the enticement, so as to avoid being surrounded by both sides!

But he was prepared for this!

With just a few hidden "Space Bridge," Aeldari warriors, who are already incredibly fast, can instantly disappear and relocate to another location.

After a moment's careful consideration, Watson gritted his teeth and agreed, "Alright, I'll get the Astra Militarum to cooperate with you!"

"First, you need to get your soldiers... to retreat." Alvin pointed to the map and said in a deep voice, "We must use space to buy time, annihilate the enemy in motion, and continuously attack their weak points with superior force!"

Looking at the location Alvin was pointing to on the map, even Watson couldn't help but be shocked. "This is the last area of Middle Hive. If we give up even this place..."

"Colonel, how long do you think we can hold out with our current strength?" Alvin asked.

"Less than a month..."

Watson frowned and gave his estimated time, which was under the best-case scenario; if anything unexpected happened, it could be shorter!

"In that case, let's abandon this place completely." Alvin said in a deep voice, "In ancient Terra, there's a saying: If you save the land but lose the people, you lose both; if you save the people but lose the land... then you save both!"

"We need to leave enough space so we can concentrate our forces and better lure them into our ambush." He looked up at Watson and said, "This is the only way."

At the same time, he silently apologized to the "Calgar" Chapter Master, hoping he wouldn't mind that he had plagiarized his plan!