"Our home is like an island... surrounded by a dark ocean." Horus's voice grew grave. "The Great Rift has split the entire Imperium in two."
"Guilliman, our brother, is trying to rekindle the Imperium's light with his Indomitus Crusade fleet. But his strength is limited."
"We must help him."
"We must open a lifeline between the Imperium's sanctum and Imperium Nihilus!"
His finger finally came to rest on an exceedingly narrow region within the Great Rift.
"Vigilus."
"This is the terminus of the Nachmund Gauntlet, the only known corridor that allows stable passage through the Great Rift."
"It will be our next objective."
"I will personally lead an expeditionary fleet to Vigilus. We will help its defenders establish a secure forward base, then use it as a springboard to open the Gauntlet and make contact with Guilliman."
"I hereby announce our first expedition, codename..."
"...Dawn."
Silence filled the great hall.
In everyone's eyes, a fanatical flame called "crusade" flared to life.
Then Horus dropped another bombshell.
"During my absence, a Lord Regent will assume full authority over all affairs."
Everyone instinctively looked toward Valerian or Alcato.
Horus, however, turned and gently rested his hand on the shoulder of the silver-haired boy behind him.
"He will be..."
"...Fulgrim."
Boom!
Everyone's mind went blank once again.
A fifteen-year-old boy was to rule a vast empire of over a hundred planets and tens of millions of soldiers?!
What kind of farce was this?!
"Warmaster! Please reconsider!" Alcato was the first to rise, shock and incomprehension written across his face. "His Highness Fulgrim... he is still too young! He lacks..."
"What does he lack?" Horus interrupted. "Experience in governing? Or the resolve to kill?"
"Brother..." Fulgrim tugged at Horus's clothing, a trace of unease in his violet eyes. Clearly, he had not expected Horus