It would take a long time to fully understand the FTL Engine and put it into mass production, but humanity's bright future was already right before his eyes.
Over the next few days, Leman Russ was made to study all sorts of things about the Imperium. As a future high-ranking commander of the Imperium, Russ absolutely couldn't be illiterate, so his schedule was packed with lessons.
Though he was a barbarian, the Primarch's terrifying intellect meant Russ learned quickly. He also took the opportunity to teach Axis some literary knowledge of the Imperium.
As for Axis's learning ability, though, it could only be described as hopeless. Did anyone really expect a Saiyan to study?
What a joke! He could learn about fighting, sure, but everything else? Forget it! They were only good at brawling.
Compared with Russ, Axis felt like the real barbarian—and the kind who could turn into a Great Ape, at that.
A few days later, the Emperor met with Leman Russ and Axis alone in a small room. Only the Emperor's Adeptus Custodes were present; no one else was there—not even Horus.
"You're here. Sit down!" The Emperor was in an excellent mood. Smiling, he greeted Leman Russ and Axis and gestured for them to take a seat.
"Father, it looks like you're about to make good on your reward," Leman Russ asked with a grin.
"Hahaha! What you gave me was indeed very useful. Now, in my capacity as the Master of Mankind and Emperor, I'm placing both of you under an oath of secrecy.
Yesterday, you didn't present me with any ship equipped with an FTL Engine. You only presented me with a Combat Suit, an Energy Gun, a Scouter, and a Medical Tank. This matter must remain strictly confidential.
Once you leave this room today, you must forget it ever happened," the Emperor said.
First, he had to ensure the secret stayed safe. The FTL Engine was of the utmost importance. If one of these two hadn't been his own Primarch and the other a future Captain-General he had his eye on, the Emperor might even have had their memories erased.
"I understand, great Master of Mankind. We saw nothing yesterday, and we know nothing," Axis said.
The Emperor must have been extremely pleased with the FTL Engine. He couldn't hide the joy on his face.
"The Wolf Cub is right. We only brought you a Scouter, a Combat Suit, an Energy Gun, and a Medical Tank," Leman Russ added tactfully.
"Good! Now tell me what reward you want. What you've given me will be of tremendous help to the Imperium of Man and the future of humanity.
Russ, whatever you ask for today, I'll grant it," the Emperor said.
"Then I won't hold back, Father. Once Axis has completed all his Custodes enhancement procedures, I want him to return to me and join me on the Great Crusade. That's my only request," Leman Russ said.
At those words, the Custodian guards standing nearby immediately turned their eyes toward him. Leman Russ's request was disrespectful to the Emperor.
It was also an insult to the Adeptus Custodes. The Custodes didn't even belong to the Imperium; they belonged to the Emperor alone. They were his most loyal guardians.
Every Custodian's Power Armor and Power Weapon had been personally bestowed by the Emperor, and he had even personally given each of them their first name.
They would follow only the Master of Mankind, and could follow no one else. It was improper for one of the Emperor's Custodes to follow a Primarch.
It would give people the wrong impression. Why were there no Custodes accompanying the other Primarchs, while one followed Russ?
Would they think the Emperor was grooming Russ as his heir? But the Emperor was a Perpetual and had no need for an heir. Still, people would think that way.
The Emperor looked at Leman Russ with grave seriousness and asked slowly, "Have you made up your mind, Russ? You want Axis to follow you?"
He couldn't let Russ take away the future Captain-General he had his eye on so easily. He would have to think of a way.
"Yes, Father. That's what I want," Leman Russ said firmly, looking at his father.
"I understand, Russ. If you truly want to keep your Wolf Cub by your side, I can grant your request.
I said that as long as it doesn't harm humanity or the Imperium, I'll grant whatever you ask of me," the Emperor said.
The Emperor agreed so readily that even the Custodes standing guard looked surprised. They had thought he would refuse without hesitation.
After all, if he allowed one, there might be a second and a third. Other Primarchs might make the same request.
The great Master of Mankind surely knew that. What could his decision mean?
"Thank you, Father. Axis and I are very close. I hope that during the Great Crusade, this child can stay by my side.
He can fight alongside me and serve the Imperium and you," Leman Russ said.
"You don't need to thank me. I gave you my word; I'm merely keeping my promise.
But there's one condition. I'll let Axis follow you during the Great Crusade, but after it ends, he will return to serve among the Custodes," the Emperor said.
"Father, it seems you think highly of my Wolf Cub, too," Leman Russ said.
"I do. This child has limitless potential! I have very high hopes for his future," the Emperor said without reservation.
Even without undergoing any enhancements, Axis should be able to match one of his own Primarchs in combat once he reached adulthood. The Emperor wasn't about to give up on him easily.
"Hahaha! I agree!" Russ said.
By the end of the Great Crusade, the Wolf Cub would be all grown up. It would be time for him to leave the pack and live on his own!
"Good! Axis will return with me to Holy Terra to undergo the Custodes' surgical enhancements. The process will take at least twenty-five years. Once he completes it, I'll send him back to you," the Emperor said.
Unlike the quickly produced, mass-produced Astartes, the Emperor's Custodes underwent a specialized, individually tailored genetic enhancement process. They had to go to the Imperial Palace on Holy Terra to complete it.
The Bio-Alchemists in the Imperial Palace, along with the Emperor himself, would design the enhancements and oversee the process. That was why it would take at least twenty-five years, perhaps even longer.
"No problem," Leman Russ replied.
"Go say goodbye to your father, child.
Tomorrow, you'll return with me to Holy Terra," the Emperor said, looking at Axis.
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