The Official Return!

Guilliman looked at him, his azure eyes gleaming with gentle understanding.

He stepped forward, his footsteps steady, and walked up to Titus.

"Arise, my brave son."

Guilliman's voice was calm yet powerful, carrying a warmth that soothes all wounds.

"I know all the injustices you have suffered, I know the bitterness of your century of unjust persecution, and I have witnessed your heroic sacrifice in vindicating yourself with blood and loyalty."

Titus shuddered, slowly raised his head, and tears glistened in his eyes.

The approval of the Gene-Father was everything he had ever dreamed of.

Guilliman continued, "Your innocence has been declared before the entire legion."

Your achievements and sacrifices will be recorded in the annals of Ultramar.

And your brother, who once landed you in jail because of excessive vigilance and reporting to higher authorities without authorization..."

He turned slightly to the side, his gaze fixed on the distance.

Titus followed Guilliman's gaze and saw a figure walking briskly from his side and behind.

The man was also wearing Ultramarines ' Power Armour, with the insignia of Chaplain on his armor; it was Landros.

The subordinate who believed that Titus had been corrupted by Chaos and insisted on reporting it to the Inquisition back then is now a trusted Chaplain.

There was none of his usual stubbornness or coldness on Landros's face, only deep guilt and grief.

He strode up to Titus and, without the slightest hesitation, knelt down straight down—not on one knee, but on both!

He slammed his forehead heavily against the cold, hard, gravelly ground, the Power Armour making a dull thud as it struck the earth.

Large, scalding tears streamed uncontrollably from his tightly closed eyes, mingling with the dust and blood on his face, and dripped to the ground.

He spoke, his voice hoarse and broken, filled with endless regret:

"I'm sorry... Captain! I'm so sorry...! It's all my fault...!"

It was all my foolish suspicion and my stubborn 'loyalty' that caused you to suffer a century of wrongful imprisonment, and to endure undeserved humiliation and torment!

I... I deserve to die!

As he spoke, his hand trembled as he reached for the hilt of the sword at his waist, as if he wanted to draw it and offer it to Titus, leaving it to the latter to do with as atonement for his sins.

However, before his sword was fully drawn—

A firm and powerful fist, encased in blue and gold gauntlets, slammed into Landros's cheek with a whistling sound!

"Bang!!!"

A heavy, muffled thud was accompanied by a faint creaking sound of metal deforming.

Landros had no time to react; the punch sent him flying through the air, rolling several times on the ground before coming to a stop.

He felt as if bells and drums were ringing in his head, and stars were flashing before his eyes. Half of his cheek instantly lost sensation, leaving only a burning pain and numbness.

But he felt no resentment; instead, a sense of relief and comfort mixed with pain welled up within him.

It hurts... it really hurts... it hurts so much that my whole face feels like it doesn't belong to me anymore...

He thought dazedly, "But... that's good... at least... the captain is still willing to hit me with his own hands... he's still willing to respond to me in this way..."

He struggled to get up again, wanting to continue kneeling and repenting.

Just then, a broad, steady hand pressed down on his shoulder, stopping him from kneeling.

Titus had somehow appeared beside him.

This warrior has just been resurrected and gained new strength.

Looking down at his former subordinates, the anger on his face had subsided, replaced by a calm and dignified air that came with experience.

"Great Father Witness,"

Titus's voice rang out, clear and powerful, echoing between the two men and reaching the ears of the Ultramarines brothers who were silently watching nearby. "My brother, Landros, has realized his mistake."

Although his actions stemmed from an excessive concern for the purity of the Imperium and the Legion, they caused damage that could not be ignored.

However, over the course of a century, through self-exile to repentance and even more demanding duties, he has, in his own way, atoned for his sins.

He pressed down hard on Landros's shoulder, his tone shifting to an unquestionable command:

"For the rest of our lives, we dedicate everything—loyalty, courage, life—to the great Father, and to the survival and revival of the Imperium of Man!"

This is the vow we, you, and all the Sons of Ultramar share!

So stand up, brother!

Titus's voice suddenly rose, carrying an inspiring power, "We need not kneel before anyone except our supreme father!"

Our knees bend only to protect, not to humble ourselves in repentance!

Pick your head up and stand tall!

You are an Ultramarines, a former subordinate of mine, Titus, and will be my brother who shares drinks and fights alongside me in the future!

Landros was awestruck by the power in his words and supported by the strength in his hands.

He stopped struggling and, slowly and somewhat unsteadily, relied on the strength of Titus's arm to stand up again.

He still kept his head down, not daring to look Titus in the eye, but he was no longer kneeling.

He raised his trembling hand and, with the most standard and respectful posture, straightened his disheveled armor and crooked helmet.

Then, facing Titus, he bent his body deeply, almost at a ninety-degree angle, and gave the highest salute a subordinate could give to his superior!

"Welcome back..."

His voice was still choked with emotion, but the despair of collapse was gone, replaced by a relieved resolve and heartfelt joy.

"My... captain!"

As Titus looked at Landros, who had straightened his back again, a truly relieved, slightly melancholic yet incredibly warm smile finally appeared on his face.

He reached out and patted Landros's shoulder armor heavily.

"Um.

I'm back, brother.

At this moment, the loyalty forged in blood and fire, and the brotherhood tested by time and hardship, were mended and reborn under the watchful eye of the Gene-Father.

It was at this very moment, witnessed by the crimson sky and scorching earth of Baal.

Ultramarines possesses 90% magic resistance!

A warrior tempered by Death Company, hardened by a century of wrongful imprisonment, proving his loyalty by slaying a tyrant amidst a swarm of insects, reborn by drinking the blood of the Primarch, a warrior with both Dreadnought and forgiveness in his heart—

Titus, the "The Fearless," has officially announced his return!