Guilliman collapsed to the floor. The bone-deep pain and weakness brought on by overusing his magic left him unable to stay on his feet. The Adeptus Custodes immediately helped him up, and several minutes later, the Magic Array Hub's voice sounded with difficulty. "It has left."
"Checking underlying logic—no alterations detected. Protocols normal. Checking hull damage. External armor has sustained excessive damage. Repairs underway. Mana Furnace reigniting. Power being restored. Communications being restored. Retrieving city status."
Reports sounded one after another, but Guilliman no longer had the strength to speak. He braced both hands on the iron table as it lit up again and gasped for breath in great heaving gulps.
The Mage's words echoed in his heart once more. "No matter when, unless you have truly made up your mind—never overuse magic. Your constitution allows you to overuse it, but magic will not be gentle with you. However you use it, that is how it will repay you."
Roboute Guilliman gave a bitter smile. Yes, teacher, I know that now. Its repayment is truly astonishing.
Not even that time Fulgrim had wounded him with a blade had he ever felt so weak. Using the essence of a Primarch to squeeze his soul and spirit for magic, betting everything to light the Magic Array Hub—this had been far too risky. Before today, he had never imagined he would do such a thing.
Was I influenced by you, teacher?
Guilliman shook his head with a bitter smile. "Hub, conceal my current condition, but tell all of them exactly what just happened. Send identification codes separately to Sanguinius, Corax, and Jaghatai, and demand their responses. Investigate their armor terminals and display the data beside the Star Map. I want to observe it at all times."
"Understood. Proceeding. Thank you for your energy