Well Said

Lion's gaze slowly swept over them, over the blood-soaked warriors, over the figures who had lost their brothers but still stood tall, over the faces filled with loyalty.

An indescribable emotion welled up within him.

Ten thousand years.

Ten thousand years of slumber, ten thousand years of absence, ten thousand years of --

Let these children bear everything alone.

"My children."

He spoke, his voice deep and resonant, yet it echoed throughout the entire square:

"I have been asleep for ten thousand years."

Everyone listened quietly.

"For ten thousand years, you have fought alone."

He sacrificed himself alone.

"Alone, I guard our vow."

His gaze deepened.

"You did a great job."

The bodies of countless Dark Angels trembled slightly.

"You have protected Caliban's honor."

You have upheld the dignity of the Dark Angels.

You are protecting--

Lion paused, his voice filled with boundless emotion:

"My pride as a father."

He took a step forward, his imposing figure casting a long shadow in the sunlight:

I acknowledge you.

His voice suddenly rose, like a thunderclap:

"You are true lions!"

At that moment, a deafening cheer erupted in the square.

"For the Lion King!"

"For the Dark Angels!"

"For Caliban!"

The cheers rose in waves, echoing through the forest, reverberating in the valleys, and resonating in the hearts of every Dark Angels.

Some soldiers even shed tears.

Not because they were weak, but because--

They had waited far too long for this day.

a thousand years.

A full ten thousand years.

They guarded that sleeping figure, guarded that father who might never wake up, and guarded that elusive hope.

Now, Father has woken up.

Father is back.

My father said it himself--

They did a great job.

A young Dark Angels couldn't help but whisper to the veteran beside him:

"The Gene-Father... is different from what's recorded."

The veteran turned his head and looked at him:

"How are they different?"

The young angel scratched his head:

The records say that the male lion is proud, indifferent, and aloof.

But this..."

He looked at Lion, who was smiling at the soldiers, his eyes filled with tenderness and affection:

"Isn't this Gene-Father a perfectly good person?"

The veteran remained silent for a moment.

Then, he smiled too.

In that smile, there was relief, contentment, and a hint of—

Feeling emotional.

"Yes."

He said:

"Fine."

Just then--

Applause erupted.

The applause came from the sky, crisp and loud, echoing throughout the entire square.

Everyone looked up at the same time.

What did they see?

They saw a blue figure slowly descending from the sky.

The figure's posture was composed and elegant, like a deity descending to earth from mythology.

He wasn't surrounded by any light, but his very presence inspired a deep sense of awe in everyone.

Robert Guilliman.

Imperial Regent.

Lord of Ultramar.

Thirteenth Prince.

He landed in the center of the square, in front of Lion, and under the watchful eyes of countless Dark Angels.

A bright smile graced his face.

"Well said! Absolutely right!"

He clapped his hands, and the applause was particularly loud in the silent square.

"Lion, I really should record what you just said and let those guys who doubt the loyalty of the Dark Angels hear it later."

Lion looked at him, his gaze filled with complex emotions.

Ten thousand years ago, they were brothers.

Ten thousand years later, they are still brothers.

But everything is different now.

"Robert."

Lion spoke, his voice carrying a rare gentleness:

I've been waiting for you for a long time.

Guilliman's smile froze slightly.

"Wait for me?"

Lion nodded, a hint of a smile appearing in his eyes:

I've been waiting for you for a very, very long time.

He stepped forward, stood before Guilliman, and looked directly into those eyes that burned with the same light:

You absolutely must tell me—

His gaze swept over Guilliman, his eyes filled with curiosity:

How can you fly?

Guilliman paused for a moment, then laughed.

"That's it?"

Lion nodded seriously:

"And this terrifying physical strength."

Those Blood Angels are all like they've been given a cheat code.

Don't tell me that it was Sanguinius's doing."

Guilliman's laughter grew louder.

"Okay, okay, I'll tell you, I'll tell you everything."

He reached out and patted Lion on the shoulder:

"Let's go, let's find a place to sit down and talk."

"It's tiring to talk standing up."

The two walked side by side through the forest of Caliban.

The ancient trees intertwined overhead, forming a green dome, with sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows on the ground.

In the distance, the faint sounds of soldiers training and cheers could be heard.

Lion took a deep breath; the scent of the trees felt incredibly familiar to him.

"Speak."

He looked at Guilliman:

"How exactly did you do that?"

Guilliman smiled, a smile with a profound depth.

"I have attained an essence."

He spoke, his voice calm, yet containing an indescribable power:

"Eternal Essence."

Lion's brow furrowed slightly:

"Eternal Essence?"

"Similar to the mind, yet different."

Guilliman explained, "It is the law of the Material Universe, the most fundamental force of the real world."

After obtaining it, I became part of the Material Universe.

He reached out his hand and gently clenched it; tiny stars appeared in his palm.

"As long as the Material Universe exists, I will exist."

As long as the real world exists, I will not perish.

Lion's pupils contracted slightly.

"Wouldn't that mean..."

"The Perpetual?"

Guilliman said the word for him, "Yes."

But not just the Perpetual.

"The Perpetual are merely those who do not die, but I—"

He paused, his gaze becoming profound:

"I am part of the law."

Lion remained silent for a moment.

Then he asked the most crucial question:

"And what about your children?"

What about those Blood Angels?

Why did they become stronger too?

Guilliman smiled.