The Emperor stood before the gateway, with Leman Russ behind him. The Adeptus Custodes and Space Wolves stood farther away in two square formations.
The ground around the gateway had been vitrified by lance strikes, endlessly refracting the light emitted by the Emperor's golden armor. It eventually blended with the gateway's faint glow, creating the strange sensation of being inside a dream.
The Emperor had been staring at the thing for a long time. He had not moved at all, an extremely rare sight in Leman Russ's experience.
As far as he knew, his father was an exceedingly busy man. He had never seen his father take part in any leisurely activities to relieve stress, nor had he ever seen him close his eyes to sleep. As for offering words of comfort to his children, that was even less likely.
Leman Russ believed that his father was not standing there in a daze, but considering what value this gateway could bring to the Imperium with his vast knowledge.
After a long while, the Emperor spoke.
"Leman Russ, how long has this gateway existed?"
"From the time I sent in a pack of wolf pups whose teeth had not even fully grown to scout it out, it has been about half a year."
"Half a year... half a year... How fortunate..." The Emperor tilted his head back and closed his eyes as he murmured softly. Leman Russ could not help frowning. From the Emperor's tone, he could tell that his invincible father was worried about the consequences of something.
The Emperor did not explain, and Leman Russ did not ask. He believed that one day, the Emperor would take the initiative to explain everything to him.
"Father! I brought everything you asked me to prepare!"
A voice with an unmistakably scholarly