The Wolf Cub Returns, Father and Son

Axis did not remove his helmet immediately upon entering the great hall, so Russ did not recognize him.

"Welcome, envoys of the Custodes!" Russ nodded to the group of Custodes before his gaze settled on Axis.

This Custodian was a bit strange. Why was he so short?

Although a height of 2.1 meters was considered normal among Space Marines, it was tiny compared to the Custodes, who stood over 3 meters tall.

However, the individual wore golden power armor, wielded a pair of massive power fists, and was leading the group; it was clear he was their leader.

Suddenly, Leman Russ noticed the furry, long tail wrapped around the waist of this two-meter-tall Custodian.

In an instant, Russ remembered the young boy whose tail he had cut off—it had been exactly 24 years!

"My little Wolf Cub, is that you?" Russ asked.

"Hahaha! If I didn't show my tail, you wouldn't have recognized me, right?" Axis smiled at Leman Russ and removed his helmet.

Despite not having seen each other for over 20 years, Axis still looked like an 18-year-old youth; after undergoing genetic modification, his appearance would essentially never age.

Furthermore, the innate racial talent of the Saiyans ensured that after reaching adulthood, his appearance would remain unchanged, forever frozen in his prime.

Leman Russ laughed heartily as he walked forward, opened his arms, and hoisted Axis up once again. At over two meters tall, Axis was still just a half-grown little one in front of the 3.8-meter-tall Wolf King.

"Come on, I'm all grown up now. Can you put me down?" Axis said, feeling somewhat speechless.

Being held in the arms of a giant like this made him feel a bit embarrassed. Axis snuck a glance at the Custodes following him, but he saw no change in their expressions.

Though the scene was comical, the Custodes were capable of controlling their expressions; they would not tease their own leader over such a matter.

"Hahaha! My little Wolf Cub, the All-Father really gave me a surprise. I was planning to return to Holy Terra next year to pick you up, but I never expected you to run here yourself! Have you become a Custodian? Or is the surgery only half-finished? Why are you so small?" Russ set Axis down and patted his shoulder, asking happily.

This was not what he had expected. Why was this kid Axis so short? He was the same height as an ordinary Space Marine! Could it be that his Custodes surgery hadn't been completed?

"My transformation is complete! As for the height, just consider it my racial advantage. After all, at this height, it's easier to find a wife, isn't it?" Axis felt no shame regarding his 2.1-meter stature.

This height was perfect; among mortals, he was the picture of a rugged man. Besides, if Axis used his Legendary Super Saiyan transformation, his height, build, and weight would all increase. If necessary, he could also shift to the standard height of a Custodian.

"So you're thinking about finding a wife? Do you want me to find you a strong Fenrisian warrior woman? I guarantee she'll give you some very healthy little Wolf Cubs," Russ said with a loud laugh.

"Cut it out! Are there even beauties on Fenris?" Axis rolled his eyes.

In that harsh, frozen environment, the women looked just like the men—all broad-shouldered and thick-limbed. Since he had arrived in the Warhammer Universe and possessed such immense power and high status, he naturally wanted to find someone beautiful.

"Why wouldn't there be? Besides, women from other regions aren't strong enough! They look so scrawny that I feel like a gust of wind could knock them over, and their strength is so pathetic they can't even lift a bucket of water," Russ replied.

"Is that so? I think that sounds just fine," Axis said.

Who the hell wants a wife who is more muscular than they are?

"Hahaha!" Russ laughed, clapping Axis on the shoulder.

Truth be told, he had never had any interest in women since he was young; it was as if the ignorance and restlessness of puberty simply did not exist for him. This was how the Primarchs created by the Emperor were; their minds were cold to the extreme, never troubled by base instincts. Even the returned Third Primarch, Fulgrim, had only entered into political marriages with human women, but there was never any love between them. Everything was for the sake of political necessity.

That his little Wolf Cub could be interested in women was a good thing—a wonderful thing! At least this child was not like the other Primarchs or Space Marines, who were cold, unfeeling war machines; he possessed humanity.

"Ahem! Lord Axis, you should read the Emperor's decree," Kaisa, standing to the side, said with a cold face.

Are you kidding me? The two of you are actually discussing such things, and in front of so many people!

"Alright, let's talk business, Father. My Custodes surgery is fully complete. I am here under the Emperor's orders to help you kill the Second Primarch. After this mission is over, I will lead my 16 Custodes to stay by your side," Axis said.

This was the Emperor's reward to Russ for presenting the FTL spaceship and energy weapons; these Custodes would represent the Emperor's authority. At times, they could also help Leman Russ better complete the special missions assigned by the Emperor.

"Is that so? It seems your strength has already surpassed mine," Russ asked.

Axis nodded. If his combat power weren't sufficient, the Emperor wouldn't have sent him.

"I understand. With you and the 16 Custodes helping, I have absolute confidence in taking down this brother," Russ said with a sigh.

If given the choice, who would want to be an executioner? Who would want to be the one to kill their own brother!

But someone had to do it. In front of all his brothers, he had disguised himself as a beast, a barbarian; he was the most suitable person for this task.

Russ could already foresee the attitude his brother Primarchs would hold toward him once he had finished such a deed.

Axis seemed to perceive what was contained within Russ's sighs. His father, though appearing crude, was actually a man of hidden depth and great wisdom.

"Father! I will deal with the Second Primarch this time; you handle the rest," Axis said.