Even after repeated bloody battles, with his strength severely depleted and several wounds on his body, Sigismund was still no match for Little Horus. They had not even exchanged three rounds before the latter was forced to retreat in defeat.
"When you come to face me with an escape plan already prepared, you will never be able to defeat me."
"You did not merely lose an arm. Your fighting spirit and convictions were shattered here as well."
"Aximand, you have disappointed me too greatly."
The Black Knight silently crossed Aximand's name from his mind.
If this Son of Horus had truly dared to cast everything aside and stake it all on a fight to the death, then in Sigismund's eyes, he would have been worthy of standing alongside Sevatar, Arkduana, and the like.
His skill and strength might have reached an exceptionally high level. As the Wolf Lord's favored son, he had never lacked the Primarch's careful instruction and cultivation.
But unfortunately, Aximand was not a qualified warrior.
Yet the Sons of Horus on the battlefield did not retreat. They still carried out their superiors' orders, fearlessly surrounding and attacking Sigismund.
Sigismund was strong, but he could not withstand hundreds or thousands attacking him at once. Fortunately, he was not alone.
His second-in-command, Perius, had already arrived with the surviving Imperial Fists. The Sons of Dorn held enormous bright-yellow boarding shields, forming a disciplined formation to block the tide of traitors surging toward them.
"For Dorn!"
"The Imperial Fists stand unbroken!"
Perius raised his greatsword and roared.
The blazing battle cry stirred powerful morale. Sigismund casually cut down several enemies attempting to ambush him, retreating toward his battle brothers' formation at the same time.
The Imperial Fists' shield wall had never been mere defense. It was also an exceptionally sophisticated