Within the corridors of Holy Terra, the heavy atmosphere reached its peak with Luke's final words: "The ultimate trial has arrived."
Both Sanguinius and Horus could sense the resolve in Luke's words, as well as the crushing weight of destiny behind them.
The surrounding Adeptus Custodes guards raised their vigilance to its utmost, as though the dark Sith Lord might step out of the shadows at any moment.
Yet at that tense moment, Luke took a deep breath.
He straightened his back, and that gentle yet resolute expression returned to his face. His azure eyes became clear and bright once more.
He turned to Sanguinius and Horus, even offering a reassuring smile. "There's no need to be so tense. My lapse just now came from that sudden stirring of bloodline and the impact of ancient memories. Besides..." His voice returned to its usual gentleness, yet carried an unquestionable strength. "I am no longer that helpless boy from the Tatooine Empire, standing before darkness with no idea what to do."
Luke's gaze swept over the two Primarchs, then the loyal Adeptus Custodes around them. "I am Luke Skywalker, Jedi Saint of the Hilling Empire, a warrior granted boundless grace and personally guided by Emperor Hua Wei. Vader is my destiny, my trial, the whetstone that sharpens my blade of light." He extended one hand, and the gentle radiance of the Force flowed through his palm, pure and powerful. "His Majesty granted me rebirth, gave me strength, and set before me this final test. I will never betray His Majesty's expectations, nor will I allow this darkness to threaten the Imperium in the slightest."
He looked at everyone. "Thank you for your concern. This is a destiny I must settle with my own hands. I will face him myself and deal with