21. Eagle Hunt (VII, One Against Two)

Fulgrim walked alone into the darkness.

By his judgment, this cave could not possibly have formed naturally. Every city on Chemos had undergone detailed surveys and planning before construction began—how could such an enormous underground cavern have been overlooked?

He considered this calmly, his greatsword still hanging low against the ground. Its weight and sharpness destroyed everything along its path. Fungal mats, moss, vines—none were spared. They made the faintest crunching sounds as they were crushed.

Their abundant juices splattered everywhere, only to be swiftly absorbed by the surrounding plants. Their leaves swayed gently, as though thanking Fulgrim for what he had done.

He stopped for this reason, staring silently at these bizarre creations. Time passed, and he seemed to truly sense their thoughts—thank you. The leaves rustled, the fungal mats quivered, whispering thus.

Thanking me?

The Phoenix could barely suppress his smile, but that truly was what they thought.

In the rotten wind, they offered their sincere thanks: Grandfather would not allow us to do this. He loves us all and wishes for us to live in harmony and affection as brothers and sisters, but we want more favor. So thank you for your help.

At last, the Phoenix laughed aloud.

Setting aside what he thought of such absurd words, harmony and affection? What an enormous joke. How could true family harbor murderous intent toward one another?

With mockery in his heart, he continued onward, but did not raise his sword. He even exerted a little force upon it—let these things continue to devour the blood of their brothers and sisters. As for their so-called Grandfather wanting a harmonious family?

Dream on.

Fulgrim did not mind venting a little of his malice in such a trivial matter. He knew that thing could see what he was doing, but so