Before the Titan Gate, on the vast military plaza, the troops that had just undergone the primarch's inspection were spread out in orderly formations.
They represented the military strength of the Five Hundred Worlds, and even more so, their protection of the people under their rule.
Everyone here, including the gene-primarch, was willing to die generously for the great mission of humanity's continuation.
Guilliman had made thorough preparations for Lion's arrival. Ultramarines, mortal auxilia, dense armored formations, Knight walkers, and Titan god-machines all stood arrayed across the plaza.
People held fluttering banners in their hands, while millions of civilians waited from every suitable vantage point for the Lion King's arrival.
Lox was also deeply interested in the Lion King he had heard so much about, especially Guilliman's unusual attitude toward Lion, which only made his curiosity grow.
Guilliman's attitude toward Lion could be described as deeply conflicted. Put simply, it was love and hate.
He welcomed the Lion King's arrival and felt immensely fortunate to meet a brother in this dark galaxy. Yet he also worried about Lion's arrival. He knew this brother's temperament very well, and Lion was often not as dependable as he appeared.
"Are you jealous, or are you afraid of Lion?" Lox teased. "Your people are all cheering for the Lion King's arrival. They expect him to save them even further."
"I am not!" Guilliman replied at once, his tone resolute.
Lox seemed to have confirmed something and immediately wore an expression of barely restrained amusement.
"What are you laughing at?" Roboute pretended to be angry.
"Nothing." Lox relied on formidable self-control to suppress his smile.
The primarch closed his eyes and adjusted his state of mind once more. Lox always liked making strange jokes about him, and he had no idea what was supposed to