Two seconds after the tremors subsided.
Lion, who had set down his data slate and was standing behind the defensive fortifications with Perturabo and Guilliman, saw Mortarion and Angron returning.
Mortarion was supporting the injured Angron.
Lion had not expected them to return so quickly, but he said nothing.
No praise, no rebuke.
Lion El'Jonson picked up the longsword Perturabo had printed for him. Wearing armor with no function beyond stopping bullets, he slowly walked out of the fortifications and into the center of the corridor.
Mortarion raised an eyebrow.
Then Perturabo and Guilliman hoisted the unconscious Magnus onto their shoulders. They waved at Mortarion and Angron, then turned to leave.
"What have you decided?" Mortarion followed without hesitation, but he still asked.
Perturabo said, "Lion will find a chance to talk to the enemy, then detonate all the melta bombs beneath his feet."
"We're just leaving him here to die?" Angron pulled himself free of Mortarion's support and limped back with both axes in hand.
"It was Lion's own idea," Perturabo said. "He even drew his sword on Guilliman, all so he could make one last grand gesture before he died."
Angron showed no reaction. He limped over to Lion's side.
Perturabo and Guilliman exchanged glances.
Then they looked at Mortarion.
"Guys." Mortarion thought carefully before saying, "If the enemy can unleash lightning capable of instantly wiping out an army, then where we hide and how much time Lion buys us are meaningless."
As he spoke, Mortarion looked at Lion.
Then Mortarion, Guilliman, and Perturabo all walked back.
They brought Magnus along with them.
"For Father-Emperor." Guilliman walked to Lion's side and raised his sword.
"..." Perturabo tossed Magnus to the ground and said nothing.
"For my brothers and sisters." Angron raised his axes, forcing his body to endure