Terra, the Golden Palace.
After Nareth took his seat, he didn't hear Russ's usual taunting provocations. Instead, Russ's verbal attack was aimed at Magnus.
"Magnus, my Wolves just purged a world that had fallen into barbaric practices through the abuse of sorcery."
"That coven of witches could conjure lightning and ignite flames with their foul incantations."
"No power comes without a price. As the Wolves tore through the enemy, we discovered, at the heart of every tribe, temples of blood, slaughterhouses filled with death and bones."
"The Thousand Sons' achievements are known to all." Mortarion saw Russ targeting Magnus and immediately joined in.
He knew that he and Russ couldn't threaten Nareth, whose achievements were too great and who was trusted by their Father.
But Magnus was different. Rumors against them had never ceased. Many in the Terran court feared their uncontrollable power.
"I fought with Nareth and Horus, cleansing the xenos on Drune."
"They were like the Overlords of Barbarus, evil and terrifying in their power."
"I fear that after defeating sorcerous xenos, we may find new ones among us."
"We benefit from psykers. Their existence enriches our tactical options." Sanguinius's gentle voice carried deep power.
"The Stormseers on Chogoris and within the Legion have proven their immense value." Jaghatai's low voice resonated, startling the others.
Magnus and Sanguinius both looked at Nareth. Seeing him nod slightly, they understood that Jaghatai had joined their faction.
They thought the same thing simultaneously.
'Nareth convinced the independently-minded Jaghatai that quickly.'
Horus and Guilliman looked at Jaghatai Khan in surprise. Since returning to the Imperium, he had been a lone wolf. Now, he was joining Nareth, Magnus, and Sanguinius's faction advocating the use of psychic powers.
In the silence of the Golden Palace, the Emperor, the Fabricator-General of Mars, Malcador, and Constantin Valdor entered together.
After acknowledging the salutes, the Emperor spoke gravely.
"Horus brings word that the Nephilim have enslaved billions of humans across hundreds of worlds."
Horus then naturally continued.
"When first discovered, the Nephilim were assessed by the Expeditionary fleets as, 'technologically unremarkable, relatively docile, a slow-witted, foolish species.' They were allowed to exist."
"They were wrong."
"I have discovered that the Melchior system is already ruled by these xenos. The humans there worship the Nephilim as gods. This is a desecration of the Imperial Truth."
Horus's voice was filled with anger. The existence of the Nephilim was not only an affront to humanity's dominion over the galaxy, but also an offense against his Father, the Lord of Humanity.
"The xenos' evil faith must be purified." The Emperor's voice was heavy.
"Horus and Sanguinius, you will immediately cleanse the Melchior system of the Nephilim."
He looked around at the Primarchs, his gaze finally settling on two.
"Nareth and Jaghatai, you will strike out immediately, liberating the other enslaved worlds."
"By Your will." Nareth acknowledged. He knew the Emperor considered him the main force, but his important goal was to make Jaghatai understand the necessity of the Imperial Truth.
Originally, the main force in this campaign had been the White Scars, a declaration of the newly formed 5th Legion.
After Malcador's conversation with Jaghatai, he found the Khan didn't believe in the Imperial Truth, which was built on lies.
The Nephilim, using faith to enslave humanity, was a perfect opportunity.
Jaghatai was chosen by the Emperor and Malcador because they wanted him to witness the evil of such worship and thus understand the wisdom of the Imperial Truth.
Though Jaghatai would eventually cleanse hundreds of worlds, even the xenos homeworld, he would never accept the Imperial Truth.
In fact, throughout the Great Crusade, he remained skeptical of it. Only during the Siege of Terra, witnessing daemons firsthand, did he understand the Emperor.
As he pondered, Nareth keenly noticed that the Emperor, attending the war council in person had flames flickering in his eyes.
His anger at the xenos was palpable.
'Having lived through the Age of Strife, seeing humanity betrayed and enslaved by xenos, the Emperor 's hatred for them runs even deeper than most in the future Imperium.'
As he thought, the Emperor's gaze fell on Hannibal. He saw his cheekbones almost piercing his faceplate, his forehead and parietal junction also prominently swollen.
His anger flared. He spoke gravely.
"Hannibal, look at yourself."
The unexpected words made everyone turn to Hannibal.
Hannibal was startled. "I..."
"I warned you," the Emperor cut him off. "Remember my admonition."
Then, he rose and left.
Russ stared at Hannibal, at his cheekbones and forehead.
He looked thoughtful, then left.
Nareth guessed the Emperor's admonition was about moderating the consumption of xenos, but it wasn't something to be discussed openly.
He saw Hannibal leave, dazed. He then ended his psychic projection and returned to the Shadow's Sovereignty.
He immediately sent messages to Arsena Dunn and the four Lords, summoning them to the Primarch's Office.
Moments later, in the wide, black office, he addressed them.
"The war council has tasked us with cleansing the Nephilim. We will join the 'White Scars' in liberating hundreds of worlds enslaved by these xenos."
"The Third, Tenth, and Eleventh Chapters will accompany me."
"The Sixth Chapter will leave five thousand men to stabilize the situation and assist in establishing order. The remainder will return to the Coronid New Zone to rest and focus on development."
The four Chapters had suffered minimal losses in this campaign and could be deployed again.
Nareth reasoned that with the Rangdan War over, the Coronid New Zone would face no major threats before the Heresy. It was an opportune time for development.
Though the Coronid New Zone was his largest territory, many of its worlds were still undeveloped.
Previous development had focused on core worlds like Abyss Port, Cyclothrathe, and Moab. Now, comprehensive development was needed.
Bukayo, Ramsey, and Pell's eyes lit up. Continuing to fight alongside the Black Emperor was an honor.
Flamini felt a slight pang of disappointment, but he knew the Coronid New Zone would be the focus of development for the next few decades.
Hundreds of worlds in the Cyclops Cluster urgently needed development. Many important matters awaited his decision.
"Order the Ninth Chapter to depart for Pelasa." Nareth continued.
The entire Nephilim species was a sefiroth of potion materials. Ordinary blue Nephilim were the main ingredient for Sequence 6 "Prometheus" on the Error Pathway.
The green Nephilim, serving as apothecaries and techmarines, were supplementary ingredients for Sequence 5 "Scarlet Scholar" on the Moon Pathway.
The grey Nephilim, serving as commanders, were a supplementary ingredient for his advancement to "Earl of the Fallen."
Therefore, he decided to deploy four Chapters.
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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