The Pan-Pacific Empire's offensive had been thwarted. They had deployed their forces across a vast distance, so once their attack faltered, they had no choice but to withdraw.
The Imperium's army withdrew from the vicinity of the other empire's capital to the occupied territories. The Achamanids within those territories would inevitably face the cruelest and harshest plundering.
Though the capital was safe, Achamanid Emperor Dur had little time left to make his decision.
After emerging from the emergency of the siege, Dur did not even have time to change out of his tattered ceremonial robes before immediately heading to the command center to continue the meeting as the representative of the Achamanid Empire.
"You can make your decision whenever you wish. We will not force you." Horus sat directly across from Dur. "Based on the support the Achamanid Empire has given us several times before, we will certainly provide assistance in the coming war. But you must understand that the level of help you receive will differ depending on whether you submit or remain partners."
Dur listened to Horus, rubbing the ring on his hand.
Guilliman noticed the small gesture. He sensed that the ring clearly held special significance for Dur.
"Draft the strategy for what comes next." Horus called his brothers over to the tactical table.
Twenty-one Primarchs gathered around the tactical table, thinking together about the same war.
But the efficiency was not simply Primarchs times twenty-one. Primarchs could create internal friction as well.
"Our military strength is no weaker than the enemy's, so I propose that we actively seek an opportunity for a decisive battle," Horus said.
"I disagree." Perturabo directly voiced his opposition. "We should build defensive lines, not actively seek a decisive battle—actively seek losses. The war on the eastern front will end quickly. As