(Thanks to the generous readers Slacking Stand-In and Lorgar (Bearer of the Golden Word) for their donations of "Divine Certification." Today's bonus updates are complete; more tomorrow.)
"For the Blood God! Seize Lorgar!"
Bloodthirster Ang'grath's voice thundered through the ship compartment. He burst out of the tides of the warp, smashed through the warship's armored hull, and charged inside amid a shower of sparks and debris.
His immense body nearly filled the entire passage. His batlike wings spread through the cramped space, scraping the walls and ceiling with an ear-piercing screech of metal.
He held a massive battle axe high in his hands. Dark red flames burned along its edge, leaving searing trails through the air.
His gaze swept swiftly across the compartment, then locked onto the figure lying in the hospital bed.
His mouth spread into a grin, revealing jagged fangs. Drool dripped from its corners, evaporating into white steam in the heat.
He could almost see the rewards he would receive after offering Lorgar's corpse to the Blood God, could almost see himself ascending to an even mightier existence within Khorne's realm.
A moment later, he ran into Hercules, who was already seething with anger.
The Primarch Bodyguard stood before Lorgar's hospital bed like an insurmountable mountain.
His greatsword pointed diagonally toward the floor, Pius's blood still dripping from its edge.
His gaze stabbed like two icy blades at the charging Bloodthirster.
"Out of my way!"
Ang'grath let out a deafening roar. Muscles knotted and veins bulged in his arms as he raised his battle axe and brought it down with all his strength.
The axe traced a dark red arc through the air, bearing immense force as it cleaved straight toward Hercules's head.
Hercules raised his greatsword to meet it head-on.
Clang!
Battle axe and greatsword collided