After nearly a week of waiting, the exceptionally brutal Trial of Leman Russ finally drew to a close.
Of the 1,246 candidates, only a mere 84 had ultimately endured the erosion of their bloodlines through sheer force of will, transformed into Half-Dragon Gnoll warriors, and returned safely to Wolf Fang Fortress—nearly one in ten thousand.
The vast majority who failed their ascension would be retrieved from the blizzard-swept wilderness by the selectors who had been shadowing them all along, then sent to the affiliated hospital of the Magic Research Institute on Maladomini, the Seventh Layer of Hell, for emergency treatment and rehabilitation. But this also meant they had forever missed their chance at the legendary fate of standing beside the "Immortal" and the "Lord."
Under the watchful eyes of more than a hundred thousand Cania warriors at Wolf Fang Fortress, Li Wei, Grand Duke of Avernus, personally presided over this Ultramarines ascension ceremony.
Clang!
Li Wei accepted a Chainsword from Huozi, its blade glinting with icy light. He lightly touched its tip to Fenris's right shoulder, acknowledging his identity, before handing the Chainsword—capable of ripping through solid ice and human flesh as easily as rotten cloth—to the mixed-blood Titan, whose eyes brimmed with longing. At the same time, the other eighty-three wolf riders carried over heavy metal cases and placed one before each ascendant, then solemnly slapped a Chainsword into the hands of these newcomers with both hands.
"From this day forth, you are Warriors of Zelandia."
"I will be watching over you!"
Li Wei swept his gaze over the Warriors struggling to contain their excitement.
"For His Majesty Tibilus! I shall fight until death!"
The newly ascended Warriors raised their roaring Chainswords high and answered with molten fervor.
Huozi gripped Fenris's wrist and guided the young man to insert