Axis vs. Emperor (Part 1)

Axis's heart sank the moment he heard Leman Russ's words, and he couldn't help but curse inwardly:

Are you kidding me? You want me to fight the strongest human in history—Emperor?

Although the current Emperor had not yet ascended the Golden Throne, nor had he become that supreme God-Emperor capable of severely wounding Nurgle.

He remained the most powerful individual in human history, bar none.

Looking back at all of Emperor's feats, one could only describe them as extravagant and defying logic; his rise to fame began with the sealing of the C'tan shard—the Void Dragon.

This event occurred around the 5th or 6th century AD. According to records, a knight clad in golden armor and wielding a precious sword defeated the evil dragon and sealed it upon Mars.

Later, during the Rangdan Xenocides, Emperor brought the Void Dragon out from the Labyrinth of Night, utterly defeating the Rangdan xenos and turning the tide of the war between the Imperium of Man and the Rangdan.

Although these events had yet to transpire, and even the first Rangdan Xenocide had not yet begun, Axis could infer just how terrifying Emperor's combat prowess was from these legends.

What level of existence was the Void Dragon? After being released, it destroyed the tomb worlds of several Necron dynasties; easily obliterating a planet was mere child's play for it, and it could even extinguish entire stars.

The fact that Emperor could defeat the Void Dragon in a head-on confrontation was enough to prove that his combat power had reached an unimaginable height.

Emperor's true combat strength likely did not lose to Lord Frieza from the Dragon Ball World, and might even be stronger than Frieza.

If he could transform into a Super Saiyan, perhaps he would have a fighting chance, but right now he was just a little brat—how could he possibly beat him?

Just as Axis felt restless and uneasy, Emperor smiled slightly, his tone carrying a hint of playfulness: "Oh? You want your adopted son to challenge me to a third bout? Are you certain you want to stake your fate on this child?"

Even against an adult Primarch, he could handle himself with ease, even going so far as to toy with them using only one hand.

Yet, Leman Russ laughed heartily without a care: "Hahaha! Stranger, don't you underestimate Axis, or you'll be in for a rude awakening.

When I was his age, I didn't have his strength. My little Wolf Cub is a formidable fighter; in the entire tribe, besides me, he is the strongest."

Leman Russ's words caused Emperor's expression to shift instantly. He narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing Axis, a flicker of doubt rising in his heart.

Leman Russ says this kid's current combat power is stronger than a Primarch of the same age! How is that possible?

Emperor knew well the power of the Primarchs. They were the perfect human demigods he had cultivated only after pouring in countless efforts, even striking bargains with the Chaos Gods in the Warp to obtain unimaginable knowledge of Psykic Power and the soul fragments of lesser Warp deities.

Even in their infancy, Primarchs could easily defeat Eldar warriors, and the combat power of an Eldar warrior far exceeded that of a baseline Space Marine.

A seven-year-old Primarch stood over two meters tall, and their physical strength already completely surpassed that of a baseline Space Marine, making them fully capable of rivaling the Adeptus Custodes.

As they grew older, even the Adeptus Custodes would be no match for them.

And the Adeptus Custodes were the most perfect human warriors Emperor had ever created; every modification surgery for an Adeptus Custode was custom-tailored.

Utilizing bio-alchemy and technology from the Dark Age of Technology, they were brought infinitely close to Emperor himself on a genetic level. The Adeptus Custodes were the most powerful warriors in the Imperium of Man.

Yet Leman Russ claimed Axis's combat power was greater than a Primarch of the same age, which Emperor found unbelievable.

A hint of interest flickered in his gaze as he looked at Axis: "If that is what you say, then I am somewhat interested in this child. I agree to this bout."

"Hahaha! Did you hear that? My little Wolf Cub, he's agreed to fight you!

Let's go, to the place where we usually spar." Leman Russ said with a boisterous laugh.

Axis looked at his cheap adoptive father, speechless, and sighed inwardly.

You've already said as much, what else can I say? Besides, Emperor has already noticed me. Fine, if we're going to fight, let's fight!

He nodded and feigned composure: "Since you've said so, Russ, then I'll give it a try."

Leman Russ patted Axis on the shoulder with satisfaction: "That's the spirit, little Wolf Cub!"

Soon, the three arrived at the spot where Axis and Leman Russ usually sparred. It was a vast frozen wasteland, and Emperor noted that it was covered in the marks of intense combat.

Some nearby mountain peaks had even been shattered, and the ground was uneven; countless fierce battles had taken place here, and not just minor scuffles—the destructive power was astonishing!

Emperor frowned as he looked over the battlefield, a trace of surprise rising in his heart: "Interesting. Has such a powerful child truly been born naturally among humans?"

Leman Russ stood to the side, arms crossed, smiling: "I'll state this first: letting you fight my little Wolf Cub is only to grant you the qualification to fight me. Even if you win, you still have to have a round with me."

Emperor nodded upon hearing this: "Heh, no problem. I am quite interested in this child anyway. Child, show me your power."

Axis took a deep breath, walked before Emperor, and assumed a fighting stance.

"Just attack with all your might. If you can make me take a single step back, you win.

And I promise you, I will not let you suffer any injuries in this fight." Emperor stood where he was, hands behind his back.

Axis nodded, the Saiyan blood within him instantly boiling. He erupted with his full Ki, leaned his body forward, and transformed into a blur as he charged toward Emperor.

His speed was extreme, reaching Emperor in an instant before throwing a punch straight at his chest.

However, the moment his fist was about to touch Emperor, an invisible force suddenly repelled him.

Axis felt as if his fist had struck an invisible wall, the massive recoil sending him flying backward. Just as he was about to hit the ground, another invisible force cushioned him, ensuring he suffered no harm.

"This... what is this power?"

"This is called Psykic Power. It has many uses; it can control frost, fire, lightning, and the like. It can also form telekinetic force—for instance, grabbing objects from a distance or crushing something into nothingness with a thought.

It can also form an invisible wall around oneself for protection, or catch you." Emperor said, looking at Axis.