Ever since that incident that had nearly led to the destruction of the world, Magnus seemed like a man whose spine had been pulled out. He was no longer the knowledge-prince who looked down on everyone and spoke constantly of universal truths. Instead, he had become taciturn and almost pathologically cautious about any research.
Any new project, even if it was merely a blueprint for improving a farming tool, had to be repeatedly deduced and reviewed by him, for fear that it concealed even the slightest trap that might lead to Chaos.
Not only that, but he had also acted entirely out of character by taking the initiative to shoulder a great deal of Earthly Heaven's administrative work and technical guidance. From optimizing work-point algorithms to reviewing basic education textbooks, from overseeing safety standards in new mines to guiding the agricultural department in soil improvement... he practically drowned himself in endless trivial matters with the air of someone seeking atonement, as if only this could slightly ease the bone-deep, searing guilt in his heart.
Zhou Beichen saw all of this clearly. That red-skinned, one-eyed fellow had been thoroughly scared out of his wits by the experience, and overwhelming guilt drove him to work himself to the bone for psychological comfort. Still, that was fine. At least there was no need to worry about him pulling off anything earth-shattering again.
Lorgar's attitude toward Magnus had also become subtle.
It was not exactly cold. They still nodded when they met and could cooperate normally on official matters, but the brotherly warmth and unconditional trust they had once shared had vanished completely.
The scenes from that "nightmare" had been too deeply etched into his mind. Zhou Beichen's "death" and Magnus's collapse were like an invisible thorn lodged in Lorgar's heart.
He could forgive