First, they had to wound him.
Mortarion stood atop the altar. The ceiling above the indoor platform had long since been slowly opened, and brilliant starlight and frigid cold came howling in together. Yet none of those on the altar feared it, allowing frost to creep over their armor and skin while their magnetic boots held them firmly in place.
The once crystal-clear starry sky resembled muddy rivers pouring into the sea, two torrents of different colors surging against each other. One was black as ink, the other bright as the sun. Not far away, the Black Hole faced off against a white sun even larger than itself.
How cruel.
Mortarion thought of it, feeling sincere anger and sorrow for Hades—but what saddened him more was knowing that even Hades would make this choice. Hades did not want to ascend completely, either.
Those ignorant of the truth yearned to become gods, while those who truly knew the truth stayed far away from the throne of divinity.
+Watch for the opening,+
Lorgar's voice reached Mortarion's ears through Psychic Power communication. Even in the vacuum, Mortarion could hear her words.
+I believe in you,+
said the floating-headed Primarch quietly, though it was unclear whom she was communicating with.
+You are all the main force of the Cult of the Underworld, and you worked beside him for many years—I believe you know him well, and know when the best opportunity will come. But I hope it can be done quickly. Do not worry; I will notify Guilliman and Mortarion.+
Crackle.
Lorgar's voice cut off amid the roar of the construction site. High above, on a temporary scaffold, Jin-306 slowly lowered his head and looked at the silent Kirkland beside him. Kirkland did not look back. Amid the long howl of the wind,