A Medal Like No Other

The next day.

After a night's rest, Alvin boarded a hovercar and headed to the Celerus Hive City, suppressing his restless heart as he went to meet the Lord of Macragge, the Ultramarines Chapter, the legendary ICU God of War—Marius Calgar!

Escape?

He had considered this idea, but after seeing the entire Hive City surrounded by countless "toilet seats," he immediately abandoned it.

Running away is out of the question. Besides... if he goes, even if Calgar holds him accountable, he'll have a reason to deny it, and at least he'll have a way out.

But if you try to run away, you're really going to die!

Sitting in the hovercar, while there was still time, Alvin organized his thoughts in his mind, checked for any omissions or errors.

The matter of the Holy Terra Auxiliary Army is neither a big deal nor a small one, but it can be easily dismissed as a family private army. Given Calgar's status, he probably won't hold onto this point.

What really gave him a headache was the matter of the "Honor Guard" and the "Punisher Legion".

The Gene Seed of the Iron Warriors and the Night Lords are involved in a deal with the Dark Mechanicum, although on the surface he had previously instructed the family's Grand Sage to forge the origins of these two Chapter.

But... he wasn't entirely confident that he could keep it from this Chapter Master, who had sharp eyes and inherited the Primarch's political acumen.

The most important point, and what Alvin is most worried about, lies with the Transformers: Chapter!

This is a true "Iron Man"!

Originally, he assumed that Calgar must have run into trouble on the way and couldn't have arrived at the Alert Star so quickly, which is why he felt comfortable revealing his trump card.

At most, he would face questioning from Inquisitor Marshall, which he didn't need to worry about too much. At worst, after finishing the last matter, he could immediately lead his men to the Black Zone before Calgar arrived.

Unfortunately, man proposes, God disposes!

Calgar 'Alert Star arrival at this exact moment, neither earlier nor later, rendered his prepared excuse useless.

After all, the background of the Merchant Dynasty might be able to suppress an Inquisitor, but it could never suppress Calgar, the lord of Macragge, the Chapter Master of the Ultramarines, and the Regent's right-hand man!

Ten minutes later, the hovercar came to a stop.

Alvin's thoughts were interrupted. Looking out the car window at the long steps covered with a red carpet, with Ultramarines in blue power armor standing on either side, he took a deep breath.

It's something we'll have to face eventually; it's just a matter of time!

Thinking this, he stepped out of the car. "I am Alvin Valshius, First Viscount of the Imperium, heir to the Valshius Imperium, invited to meet with His Excellency Marius Calgar, Commander of the Macragge Ultramarines Chapter and Lord of Macragge."

"Identity confirmed."

The Ultramarines at the bottom of the long staircase, their helmet Auspex flashing red, stepped aside. "Lord Alvin, the Calgar are inside, they've been waiting for you for a long time."

Ascending the steps, Alvin soon arrived at a magnificent temple, clearly a place for enshrining the statue of the Emperor, with the Ultramarines' Honor Guard guarding the entrance.

The meticulously crafted Power Armor, each piece almost like a work of art, is adorned with patterns and medals, silently telling the ancient history of the Chapter!

As expected of the most extravagant Chapter, the elite Power Armor by the Honor Guard at the gate alone is worth enough to buy the entire Hive City, not to mention everyone's weapons, which made Alvin extremely envious.

Unfortunately, just as no one would rob a vault, reason made Alvin withdraw his gaze, and under the silent watchful eyes of the Honor Guard, he slowly walked into the temple.

Flags fluttered in the temple.

Stepping onto the soft red carpet, Alvin immediately spotted Marius Calgar, the Ultramarines Chapter, standing silently beneath the "Emperor" statue, like a towering mountain!

Even though his back was turned, Alvin could still feel the profound and heavy aura that had weathered many storms. The silent, immense pressure emanating from Calgar enveloped every corner of the temple!

Calgar remained facing the Emperor's statue, silent, seemingly unaware that Alvin had entered the temple.

But Alvin knew very well that with the Space Marine's senses, they could detect even a fly flying in, let alone a living person.

Intentional?

Alvin frowned slightly, but since he was still unclear about Calgar's purpose, he did not speak rashly.

He had already made up his mind. No matter how much Calgar threatened or tempted him, he would insist that there was no such thing as the "Iron Man Legion."

Since there's no evidence, we can't just drag him out and shoot him, can we?

Besides, if things really come to a desperate situation, he can still bring out the "Yellow Skin," and I don't believe that this signboard can't intimidate you!

After letting go of his mental burden, Alvin felt much more relaxed. He focused his mind and began to drift off into his own thoughts.

Commonly known as... daydreaming.

"Alvin Valshius, is that right?"

Just as Alvin was lost in thought, Calgar suddenly turned around. He had a full head of silver hair and looked to be around fifty or sixty years old, but he was still full of energy. His eyes held a scrutinizing gaze as he observed him.

"Yes, Your Excellency Commander of the Calgar Chapter Master."

Alvin immediately regained his composure, respectfully expressing his gratitude with aristocratic etiquette. "Thank you very much for your support of Celerus. If it weren't for you, I'm afraid... this Hive City would already be in the hands of the Xenos."

"No need to be so polite, it's just serving the Imperium."

Calgar's tone suddenly shifted, becoming somewhat somber and serious. "But there are a few things I need to verify with you. Please answer me truthfully."

It's finally here! The true colors are about to be revealed!

Alvin's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained expressionless as he smiled and said, "Of course, I will do my best to answer the Calgar Chapter's questions."

"Regarding Drakris's report that you suddenly summoned a large number of legions when Celerus was about to fall..." Calgar's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone carrying a palpable sense of authority. "What about those Imperialis Militia?"

"Family private soldier."

Alvin was not surprised at all and gave the answer he had already prepared, "As a great Merchant Dynasty, it is only reasonable for it to have an Imperialis Militia, isn't it, Commander of the Calgar Chapter Master?"

"Reasonable."

Calgar didn't press the matter further, instead asking a second question, "So, regarding your 'Heavenly Punisher' Chapter and that Honor Guard... you should know that their Gene Seed originated from those founding legions, right?"

"The Iron Warriors and the Night Lords." Alvin had no intention of hiding this matter, and besides, it would be difficult to keep it from Calgar, so he might as well just say it directly:

"Chapter Master Calgar, their Gene Seed are not contaminated and have legitimate origins. They are warriors hired by me, Valshius. This should comply with Imperium law, right?"

"I guess... you're going to say that the suddenly appearing Iron Man Legion has nothing to do with you either?" Calgar said with a hint of amusement, scrutinizing Alvin beforehand and revealing his "excuse."

"As expected of the Calgar Chapter Master, you saw through the truth at a glance. I admire you immensely!" Alvin's face was full of smiles, as if he was sincerely praising him.

"..."

Calgar was stunned for a few seconds, seemingly not expecting Alvin to be so shameless as to climb up the pole so readily; it surprised him.

"Do you think you can fool the Vought with such an excuse?" He looked at Alvin meaningfully and said slowly, "Whether I believe it or not is not important. I didn't see you... for this matter."

Clearly, Calgar's words were a subtle reminder that the way he resolved the matter was too crude and could easily leave a handle for the Vought to use against him!

Alvin was slightly taken aback, but quickly recovered and thanked Calgar, "Thank you for reminding me, Lord Calgar. I will handle the follow-up."

He had initially thought that Calgar was there to demand an explanation, but now it seemed... that wasn't the case; the Chapter Master clearly had other reasons!

"Do you still wear that medal?"

Suddenly, Calgar spoke up, mentioning the medal, and, as if afraid Alvin didn't know, repeated, "It's the medal you gave to prove something to 'Iron Father'."

"Uh... yes."

Alvin, puzzled, immediately removed the medal he wore close to his body. "You mean... this medal? May I ask what it is? I don't think I've ever seen this medal before in the Imperium."

However, upon seeing the medal Alvin offered, Calgar did not take it. Instead, he gazed at it quietly for a long time, a complex emotion welling up in his eyes.

"I cannot tell you the origin of this medal for the time being." Calgar sighed, then took a half step back, his expression extremely respectful and serious. "But I can tell you that this medal... has only been awarded once in the history of the Imperium of Man!"

"It belongs to a great human being, the last vestige of the Imperium's ambition, and... a unique existence." He seemed to be recalling, and also lamenting, before finally shaking his head and saying with a complex expression, "I don't know where you got this medal, but... please make sure you protect it."

Such a powerful background?!

Alvin was taken aback, lowered his head, stared at the medal, and fell into deep thought.

Could it be a medal worn by the Emperor?