Alvin: My Crew Really Is Full of Talented People

Nothing can surpass this sword if one wants to prove oneself as the Emperor's representative on earth.

This is a blade blessed by the "Yellow Skin," a divine artifact exclusively for the Living Saint of the Imperium. If it weren't for the fact that this sword belongs to Winnie, Alvin would probably have already pocketed it. How could he possibly miss out?

As it turned out, the moment Ilya saw the "sword," she could feel the power flowing within it.

That tangible yet intangible Psychic Power, though untouchable by the "Blank," could still be deeply felt.

The memories passed down by the Sisters of Silence.

I need a reason.

Ilya said in a hoarse voice.

"The Adeptus Custodes Marshal will reconvene you soon."

Alvin pondered for a moment, then decided to reveal what he knew. "As you can see, Great Rift unfolded, the influence of Psychic Power and the Warp has grown increasingly powerful. The Imperium needs your strength; this is the Primarch." Robert...

Guilliman's "judgment."

"Now, let's return to the original question." His smile faded, replaced by seriousness and solemnity. "Lady Ilya Vigilante, are you still willing to uphold the ancient oath, to pledge allegiance to the Emperor on the Golden Throne, and to give your life for him?"

This ancient vow, after all these years, does not seem to have faded.

It even seems to have become increasingly heavy.

Ilya was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Back then, when the Sisters of Silence faced questioning from the Ecclesiarchy and the High Lords of Terra, our only trustworthy comrades, the Adeptus Custodes, simply watched silently as we were expelled..."

Disbanded."

"Please let me finish." A hint of displeasure flickered in Ilya's greyish eyes. "I don't like being interrupted, especially when I'm speaking."

Alvin silently made an "OK" gesture.

Sisters of Silence Ilya seemed lost in memories. "I have never seen Holy Terra with my own eyes, nor have I ever sworn an oath before the Golden Throne."

When I was very young, my mother always described to me the Holy Terra from ten thousand years ago, a mythical age in which great Emperor still walked among the earth, but... I didn't understand.

3

"Even though she had never seen 'Holy Terra' with her own eyes, she upheld a hollow and utterly ridiculous vow until her death."

"Even until her death, she was still shouting 'Emperor!'"

A hint of sorrow flickered in Ilya's eyes as she looked up at Alvin: "You can accuse me of heresy, for I have never taken the vow of serenity, my silence is merely a nuisance, and I cannot forgive the Imperium, the High Lord, and even the Adeptus Custodes for turning a blind eye to the plight of the Sisters of Silence for millennia."

Tell me, what are we fighting for?

Alvin actually understood Ilya's thoughts when faced with her questioning.

The Ecclesiarchy stigmatized them as "the Unclean One," and the world regarded them as an omen of misfortune, causing them to suffer wherever they went.

And what about the Adeptus Custodes?

For a full ten thousand years, they simply watched all of this silently from their palaces within the high walls of Terra.

It's impossible to say that you don't feel resentment.

Moreover, the Sisters of Silence of today are not the same as the original group. They may still believe in the Emperor, but their hearts have become riddled with wounds.

The Sisters of Silence before me was certainly not a heretic; she was simply searching for a reason to dedicate herself and fight for it.

The Sisters of Silence are heretics? That might be the biggest joke in the universe.

"No, the reason you feel confused is simply because you've never seen it before."

After pondering for a long time, Alvin said, "I will not use so-called oaths to force you. The Imperium, and even humanity, owes you too much. Even if you ultimately refuse me, you can still gain your freedom. Consider it my insignificant compensation."

"You mean, I can leave even if I refuse you?"

Ilya raised an eyebrow and said seriously.

"Yes, if you need help, I can help you leave." Alvin's expression was calm, his gaze unwavering. "I would very much like to receive your help, but I will never force you, for I once received help from a Sisters of Silence."

These words came from the bottom of his heart; there was not a trace of hypocrisy in them.

He did indeed covet Sisters of Silence, but only if she was willing. What was the point of forcing her to stay if she didn't want to?

Besides, Guilliman will soon join forces with the Captain-General to rebuild the Sisters of Silence, so there's no need for him to put all his eggs in one basket.

Ilya remained silent for a long time, the candlelight flickering in the living room, seemingly foreshadowing her inner struggle.

Alvin lit a cigar, puffing out smoke and enjoying it quietly, not in a hurry to urge him on, waiting for a reply.

After a long silence, Ilya finally spoke, "I'm sorry, I still can't understand why Mother would uphold her vow."

Hearing this, Alvin couldn't help but sigh softly, stubbing out his finished cigar. "I won't force you. If you want to leave, please tell me."

As he was about to get up and leave, he heard Ilya say, "But... I want to find the answer myself."

"What do you mean?" Alvin's thoughts, which had just been extinguished, were reignited by these words.

"I'm willing to join you." Ilya took a deep breath, as if regaining her strength, and hope returned to her eyes. "I have only one request: in the future, please take me to see the sacred Imperial Palace of Terra, okay?"

"No problem, leave it to me!"

Alvin beamed and immediately patted his chest, assuring everyone, "Even if it's taking you to see the Emperor, it's no problem!"

"Okay, it's settled then."

Ilya nodded, a glimmer of hope appearing in her eyes.

"Oh, right, I almost forgot to ask you something." Alvin looked at the simply dressed Sisters of Silence and asked, "Where is your Oath Armor?"

To everyone's surprise, Ilya, who was full of confidence just a moment ago, suddenly showed a somewhat embarrassed expression.

"Well... it's sold."

"???""

Alvin paused, then asked somewhat stiffly, "Then... what about the Executioner Greatsword?"

"Yes, it was sold too..."

Ilya lowered her head in shame.

"Why didn't you sell yourself out too???"

"Wasn't it sold and then you bought it back?"

Those few words almost caused Alvin's brain to short-circuit.

He felt a throbbing sensation in his temples, and a vague sense of foreboding crept into his mind.

Have I run into another weirdo?

Upon closer reflection, he realized that there seemed to be very few normal people around him.

His mouth seemed to be coated with poison; he was clearly a melee maniac, yet he yearned for the priesthood of the Aeldari Battle Witch; he was obsessed with studying souls all day long, but in reality, he was a Necron who cosplayed as a human in Human Skin every day; and there was also a C'tan who seemed to be too extreme.

And the one in front of us is even more of a heavyweight!

It's no wonder that the Sisters of Silence, who dared to sell even sworn armor and Executioner Greatsword, was captured alive by dozens of noble private soldiers.

Doesn't he deserve it?!

"You dare sell even the Oath Armor and the Executioner Greatsword?!"

Alvin's tone was already tinged with disbelief. This thing could be sold so casually?

What can I do?

Ilya looked aggrieved. "By the time they were passed down to my generation, they were completely broken and unusable. I was also being tracked down by a damned Inquisitor, and to escape, I had no choice but to sell them and buy a ship ticket. I was planning to hide here for a few years, but who knew I would be caught?"

Great, confirmed, another "talented" individual!

Alvin suddenly regretted it; he should have asked first!