The heavy alloy doors of the Comprehensive Training Room slid open with a hiss, and Lorgar Aurelian stepped into the vast, brightly lit space, where the hum of energy weapons mingled with the clash of metal.
The air carried the faint heat of metal grinding against metal.
Across the training grounds, Word Bearers warriors honed their skills in squads or alone within a variety of simulated environments.
There were holographic Xenos enemies, rapidly moving targets, combat platforms with shifting gravity, and virtual battlefields recreating famous historical engagements.
His gaze quickly settled on the most conspicuous figure in the center of the grounds: Hercules.
The giant warrior had just finished a round of high-intensity heavy-armour assault training and was straightening up beside the wreckage of a "destroyed" simulated Leman Russ Tank.
Steam curled from his gray Power Armour. He rested his enormous Power Sword effortlessly on his shoulder as the simulated energy glow along its blade slowly faded.
Even from a distance, one could sense the steady presence he had forged through countless battles, like a moving fortress, along with the heat still radiating from him after an exhilarating training session.
"Father."
Seeing Lorgar approach, Hercules immediately planted his Power Sword on the ground with a clang, producing a dull metallic impact. He straightened and struck his right fist hard against his left breastplate in a textbook Legion salute.
Lorgar stopped before him. Even as a Primarch, he had to tilt his head slightly upward to meet Hercules's helmeted gaze.
He studied the magnificent physique before him, a veritable symbol of the Legion's strength, as Hercules's assessment data flashed through his mind.
In sheer physical strength, endurance, armour compatibility, and the handling of large weapons, he was unquestionably second only to Lorgar within the Legion.
His execution of tactical orders was