Chapter 138: Exposed
Regarding defensive combat, a specialty of the Imperial Fists, Dorn displayed keen interest. Though their defensive philosophies stemmed from different origins, both Primarchs were eager to understand each other's strategic concepts.
Upon hearing that Omega harbored concerns about excessive casualties among his warriors, Dorn recalled the Imperial Fists' notably low attrition rates. Drawing from extensive observations of fortresses and strongholds across the Great Crusade, he had refined the art of constructing war bastions.
Facts proved that defensive combat remained highly effective against Ork hordes, and both Dorn and Sigismund felt vindicated by this tactical validation.
Dorn, proficient in siege architecture and fortification engineering, methodically discussed the advantages and shortcomings of circular defensive works. Omega, during their exchange, privately marveled at his brother's expertise. Truly a master of fortresses and strongholds.
Omega's construction approach was derived entirely from a military perspective, combined with his extensive technical knowledge, rather than by formal siege engineering principles.
During construction, certain sections had inevitably been over-engineered, with unnecessary elements added. They might prove tactically redundant in combat, but the original designs had prioritized aesthetic integration with the landscape, and he'd felt functionality mattered more than perfect efficiency.
Omega's pragmatic defensive philosophy emphasized durability and resilience, a straightforward approach that made Dorn grimace slightly.
Rogal Dorn's craftsman's instincts engaged immediately, and he lectured Omega on precision fortress construction, instructing him not to be so crude in his methods.
After their exchange on military defense doctrine, both Primarchs gained valuable insights.
While the two Primarchs discussed fortification theory, Sigismund challenged the Alpha Legion's master swordsmen.
After an hour of technical discussion, the sound of clashing blades in the distance caught Omega's attention.
From the corner of his eye, he observed Sigismund's extraordinarily refined swordsmanship and could not help but remark, "Dorn, this warrior possesses exceptional blade mastery."
Dorn introduced him without hesitation. "Sigismund. My First Captain, The Champion of the Imperial Fists. Since the day he joined the Legion, he has relentlessly honed his sword skills and challenged formidable opponents, ultimately reaching an extraordinary level of proficiency."
Omega and Dorn walked forward together, conversing warmly. "A warrior who pursues the pinnacle of the blade, I did not expect the Imperial Fists to harbor such a dedicated soul."
The two Primarchs approached where the Alpha warriors competed in martial skill. The assembled legionaries made way respectfully. Sigismund had defeated numerous Alpha Company Commanders and was currently engaged with Norton. With the Primarchs' arrival, the two warriors fought with even greater intensity.
Though Norton did not wish to suffer defeat before his Primarch, Sigismund ultimately proved superior and claimed victory.
Among the Alpha Legion warriors present, only the most formidable, Skor, remained. Seeing Sigismund's gaze turn toward him, Skor drew his blade and stated firmly, "My turn. I will face you."
Sigismund glanced at the power sword secured to Omega's waist and said to Skor with measured confidence, "It matters not who comes. I, Sigismund, fear no challenge."
This warrior is truly battle-hungry and wishes to test me as well. Omega found it privately amusing and did not prevent Skor from entering the circle. Sigismund and Skor both ranked among the rarest master swordsmen below the Primarchs.
Blades clashed violently, and the exchange proved exceptionally fierce. The Alpha warriors watched with keen anticipation, hoping Skor could triumph.
Rogal Dorn maintained complete confidence in his subordinate's skill and martial prowess. Omega observed Sigismund's technique and found it remarkably pure, having reached a state of unrestrained mastery.
Omega occasionally offered subtle guidance on Skor's bladework, but more often, Skor had learned through observing Omega's swordsmanship firsthand.
Therefore, Skor's proficiency proved considerable, and his duel with Sigismund could not be decided quickly. The two fought with exceptional ferocity.
More than ten minutes later, the battle between the two warriors remained undecided.
Rogal Dorn studied Skor carefully and remarked, "It is somewhat unexpected that Company Commander Skor's blade skill reaches such heights. His will proves formidable."
Omega reflected that Skor had grown substantially and smiled. "It seems the time has not yet arrived for your subordinate to challenge me, Dorn. Have you heard of any Space Marine defeating a Primarch in single combat?"
"No, but in this universe, provided one perseveres, nothing remains impossible."
Omega nodded thoughtfully. "I also hope that a Space Marine might one day defeat a Primarch, proving there exists an alternative path in this galaxy to reach a Primarch's capabilities through dedication and perseverance alone."
"Your philosophies prove truly unconventional," Dorn commented after a moment's consideration.
Dorn contemplated briefly and suddenly recalled Malcador the Sigillite. He was neither Space Marine nor gene-forged Primarch. He had reached and surpassed Primarch-level capabilities through mastery of the psychic arts.
Regarding psykers and psychic powers, the Emperor maintained strict investigation protocols and prohibited their casual use, not advocating reliance upon warp-craft. Dorn did not wish Omega to contemplate psychic development, so he refrained from mentioning it.
The duel between Skor and Sigismund ultimately concluded in a draw. Continuing would no longer be a friendly competition.
The war on Celestian remained incomplete.
The rest and resupply within the circular defensive works proved only temporary. The three Primarchs, each commanding their respective Legions, began systematically eliminating the remaining greenskin presence across the planet.
Two months later, the Celestian campaign concluded. The Ork corpses were burned to prevent spore dispersal and potential re-infestation. The Emperor, accompanied by the three Primarchs, returned to His thirty-kilometer flagship.
The four convened to review and organize battle reports and strategic data, including dispatches returned from other Segmentum theaters.
Within the magnificent bridge, the three Primarchs extensively organized battle documentation and intelligence archives to assist the Emperor in processing accumulated records.
This marked Omega's first experience performing such administrative duties, and he found it quite novel. The Alpha Legion specialized in espionage and intelligence operations, so such work came naturally to him, and he achieved proficiency rapidly.
When Horus reviewed a report stating that Alpharius Omegon, leading the Alpha Legion, had completed extermination operations against parasitic xenos in the Solar Segmentum with exceptional efficiency and flawless execution...
Horus held the battle report and studied his brother Omega, who worked nearby. He smiled knowingly and passed the document to Dorn.
Dorn accepted it and regarded Omega with evident surprise.
Omega noticed both brothers staring at him as though something were amiss and asked innocently, "What troubles you?"
Horus spoke with exasperation, "What troubles us? Brother Omega, you must explain to us precisely who this Alpharius Omegon referenced in this file actually is."
"Do not attempt to convince me that Alpharius Omegon in the Solar Segmentum is merely one of your subordinates in disguise. You have fought alongside us for the past year and have had no opportunity to travel to the Solar Segmentum."
Rogal Dorn, comprehending the implications, regarded the composed Omega with grave intensity and pressed the matter. "Omega, it is hardly surprising the Emperor addressed you as Alpharius previously."
"I found it somewhat peculiar at the time, but did not pursue the matter. Where is my brother Alpharius? Where has he gone?"
The Emperor also ceased His administrative work and smiled enigmatically, observing the exchange with clear interest in how Omega would explain the situation.
Omega perceived this and smiled faintly. "I am present here. My true designation is Alpharius Omegon. As Primarchs, how could you possibly mistake my identity?"
Horus raised his Talon of Horus and clenched it meaningfully. His younger brother lacks candor. "You understand very well, I am not asking that. I inquire who this 'Alpharius Omegon' conducting operations in the Solar Segmentum truly is."
"Honesty constitutes virtue, brother," Dorn added, his expression stern as he pressed the question.
Omega hesitated and could not help but glance toward the Emperor, who maintained an innocent expression of feigned ignorance and continued processing archives, then quietly observed how Omega would navigate this predicament.
'This entire situation stems from You. Had You not proclaimed my true designation then, I would not face such awkward circumstances now, my Emperor!'
"My brothers, compose yourselves. Let me communicate with my subordinates and inquire. Then you shall understand the situation." Omega's expression remained calm, disregarding Horus's look of patent disbelief.
Just as he prepared to contact his subordinates in Celestian's orbital fleet, he observed Horus and Dorn adopting serious, skeptical expressions, staring intently at Omega as though prepared to take action.
Particularly Horus, who stood speechless, assuming Omega intended to contact Alpharius Omegon in the Solar Segmentum, but had not anticipated him actually contacting local subordinates instead.
Omega, who inherently disliked such evasive tactics, stated directly, "Horus, you may personally contact the Alpha Legion fleet in the Solar Segmentum and ascertain what you seek to know."
"I shall do precisely that," Horus responded with measured calm. The moment he finished speaking, he rose and departed toward the Navigator's Sanctum aboard the Emperor's flagship.
[End of Chapter]
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T/N:- For those who are unaware, Alpharius Omegon is the body of a twin primarch, in which Omega Mc was born.
Alpharius is the other Twin brother.
Omega calls himself as such instead of full Alpharius Omegon.