Chapter 109: You Can Be the Chapter Master
WHOOSH—
With a thunderous roar, one holy vehicle after another slowly rolled out, instantly capturing the attention of everyone present. Their armor glinted coldly in the sunlight, like a procession of mobile shrines, solemn and majestic. The powerful growl of their engines was like a proclamation of a sacred arrival.
In the sky, pre-approved gunships screamed past, their wings tearing through the air, scattering bright golden foil and flower petals. The golden fragments shone brilliantly in the sun, and the petals danced in the wind, falling as lightly as an angel's feathers.
The cheers of the populace reached a crescendo at this spectacular sight, their voices converging into a torrent that shook the entire ceremonial plaza.
At the same instant, as the last passenger disembarked, the Stormbird gunships adjusted their parked positions, their massive tail fins slowly moving aside to reveal the once-obscured sun. The golden light, like the blessing of Sanguinius himself, fell upon the earth, illuminating every inch of the plaza.
Under the excited gazes of all, the brilliant golden light passed over the stopped vehicles, over the honor guards of the various Chapters, and finally came to rest steadily upon a company of gold and red.
They were the most dazzling company in the entire plaza: the Crimson Paladins, led by Karna in his gold and red armor. Their armor shone in the sun, like a burning flame, like flowing blood, both solemn and incandescent.
"Sanguinius Primus!"
At that moment, the cheers of the populace reached a new height. Their voices were like thunder, shaking the heavens and the earth. Although they did not know the name of this company, nor the "Tri-Celestial Sphere" structure that had once existed within the Blood Angels, nor the honor that was carried on that magnificent armor, they still went wild for it.
They only knew that they should cheer.
To cheer for this nobility and glory!
To cheer for the faith and power represented by that gold and red armor!
To cheer for the supreme glory displayed by the sons of Sanguinius!
Karna walked at the very front of the company, his steps steady and powerful, his gold and red armor shining with a dazzling light. His face was freely exposed to the sunlight, projecting an aura of affability and vigor to every person.
Behind him, the Crimson Paladins marched in neat ranks, their steps in unison, their armor magnificent, like an army that had stepped out of a myth. The cheers of the populace, like a tidal wave, washed over the plaza. Their faces were filled with excitement and reverence, their eyes shining with a fanatical light. In that moment, it was as if they were seeing the incarnation of Sanguinius, the glory and power of legend.
'As expected of the Ultramarines. They understood my hint. A son of Guilliman never loses when it comes to self-presentation,' Helbrecht thought, looking at Dante, who was in a similar state of astonishment beside him. He couldn't help but admire them. If he had brought his own block-headed brethren, they probably couldn't have pulled this off even if he had coached them by hand.
'The Black Templars really know how to handle things,' Romulus thought, walking with his companions at the front of their own column. His steps were steady and composed, his gaze filled with a hint of admiration. This was not the first time he had marveled at the Black Templars' methods. The fact that the Black Templars could get along so well throughout the galaxy was clearly due to more than just their fighting prowess.
This visit was originally supposed to be an ordinary trip, but when the Black Templars' gunships had deliberately adjusted their positions before landing to let the sun shine through, Romulus had understood their intention. They wanted the "Ultramarines" to make a high-profile display, to sear their image into the minds of as many Imperial citizens as possible. These "ancient" relics they possessed, these ancient members they had... they were an unimaginable treasure for any Chapter.
Helbrecht had only brought them to Baal to pull this stunt after he had understood that the four of them intended to form their own independent force. After they had aided Ultramar, and with the support of the Black Templars, they would have the backing of three Founding Chapters. The pressure of establishing a new Chapter would be significantly reduced.
The Black Templars were like a junior who had made it in the new era, pulling along his seniors who knew nothing of the present, introducing them around, hoping to make their path in this age a little smoother.
This level of emotional intelligence... you see? An ordinary Chapter could never learn that.
And we have more than just this.
Looking at Karna, who was like a brilliant light, firmly holding the attention of everyone around him, Romulus couldn't help but smile to himself. His partner's natural vigor, combined with his ability to absorb the Black Rage, made him a natural counter to these sons of the Angel. And the transmigrators genuinely wished the best for these Angels; they had no dark, hidden motives for anyone to uncover.
Perfect!
The company of Crimson Paladins arrived before Dante.
"Lord Dan—"
"Just Dante is fine!" Dante quickly interrupted, not caring about the breach of etiquette. He felt that if this noble Angel were to call him "Lord," it would be an even greater breach.
"My name is Karna," Karna said with a laugh, holding out his hand. He then said with the utmost respect, "Greetings, Chapter Master Dante."
People like Dante, who had stood a lonely watch from one age to the next, still holding onto their principles and responsibilities, always earned the respect of the transmigrators.
"Greetings, Lord Karna." Dante also extended his own hand. The moment he made contact with this noble Angel, he felt the Red Thirst and the Black Rage that he had endured for so long dissipate considerably.
The eyes behind his mask blinked hard. Dante carefully observed the world, which now seemed to have changed, wanting to confirm that what he was feeling was not an illusion.
It was not an illusion.
Sepatus stepped forward, the sound of his armor striking the ground bringing Dante back from his state of tranquility.
Karna carefully withdrew his hand. He felt Romulus might have overdone it a bit. The way Dante was acting... he was afraid that the man was about to cede his position in front of everyone and force him to become the Chapter Master of Baal.
"Sepatus. Sanguinary Guard, First Captain of the Crimson Paladins," Sepatus stated.
"You—"
Dante, who was well-versed in the history of the Blood Angels, of course remembered that name. In an instant, he recalled the history that the name carried. During the Siege of Terra, he had defended Terra alongside Sanguinius. In the assault on the Saturnine Gate, Sepatus, along with the War-hound Endryd Haar and the Dusk Raider Garro, had fought Abaddon, but had unfortunately been slain by the hand of the First Captain of the Sons of Horus.
With the Red Thirst and the Black Rage suppressed, his own mind had become much clearer.
"By the grace of a miracle," Sepatus explained. Thanks to the fact that the Emperor was still on the Golden Throne at that time, Sepatus and his comrades had been able to preserve their souls.
"I, on behalf of the thirteen Crimson Paladins, including myself, sincerely hope to return to the wings of the Blood Angels. We are prepared to undergo any trial of our loyalty and identity by the Chapter."
"The Blood Angels welcome the return of their ancient sons, elders!" Dante said, giving a solemn salute. He looked at these holy, ancient warriors, his own back straightening to its absolute limit, as if a pillar taller than the heavens had been erected at his side.
He then grabbed Karna's hand with both of his own, as fervent as if he had found his anchor.
"My Lord!" he cried out solemnly. His posture made Karna feel helpless, left Arthur speechless, made Ramesses snicker, and caused Romulus's expression to change.
Oh no!
(End of Chapter)