"I have no interest in this place; this is Guilliman's business," the Harlequin said. "Also, keep this vest for now. Don't destroy it; it might be useful in the future. Lorgar doesn't know what happened here; he only knows that Erebus is dead, that's all." The Harlequin controlled Angertai and pointed at his body.
"It is according to your will." Ramon bowed slightly as a salute.
"Great Sage Taraxin, what are you going to do?" Ramon asked the Figure King beside him.
"Of course I need to update my collection," Trazyn said matter-of-factly. "You know what, these demon engines are really rare and extremely valuable."
"Okay." Ramon said helplessly.
"What are you going to do?" Trazyn asked.
"Save those warriors who shouldn't have died. Lorgar will face Guilliman, and he won't allow anyone to disturb their meeting. I'll go save the others." Ramon said.
Afterwards, the three said goodbye and went about their own business. Meanwhile, in the tunnels of the Abyssal Terror, the Ultramarines and the Word Bearers were engaged in a fierce battle. Unlike the battles between gods, the Legionnaires fought with all their might, using their skills, wisdom, and various weapons.
On this massive warship, over 1 Word Bearers officers and soldiers, along with a large number of demons and countless cultists, were gathered. Fierce battles ensued in every passage and every cabin.
Guilliman seemed to have realized something, and he refused to follow most of his men. He ordered his men to launch attacks in other places, to control or destroy the battleship, and Guilliman was about to face his fallen brother. However, before that, the battle between mortals was still as cruel and bloody as ever, and it was also an indispensable part of this great war.
Chapter 433: Mortals' Battle
"For the gods, slay the false emperor." Led by a Dark Apostle, a Word Bearers force launched another attack. Before them stood the Ever-Victorious Army commanded by Auguston. The battle took place in a large hangar, but it was enormous, harboring not only carrier-based aircraft but also frigates! These warships, hundreds of meters or even over a kilometer long, stretched like miniature mountain ranges. The expanse was so vast that Auguston felt like he was fighting on the ground, not in a boarding battle in the void.
"A Titan squadron and a large demon engine have appeared ahead. We need heavy firepower." Auguston hid behind a destroyed frigate. After the intensive firepower destroyed the battleship, the remaining wreckage could still provide effective cover for the attacking forces.
"This is the 5th Gunship Squadron. Our gunships will be arriving within five minutes. Please indicate our target," Auguston's communicator received the comforting news. In the final five minutes, the frontline technicians and scouts had mapped the location of the swarms of demon engines and the surrounding terrain, then relayed this information to the air support unit.
At 4 minutes and 30 seconds, accompanied by the roar of engines, a group of bombers flew in from the blown-open hangar door. They rushed towards the distant enemy like the Grim Reaper hovering in the air. After all, those slow-moving Titans were a bit outdated, and the swarms of demon engines had limited effect in Titan-level battles.
"Machine Spirit, assign targets. Concentrate firepower to destroy the leading Warlord-class Titan, then attack freely!" A leading Dragon gunship quickly arranged the attack sequence. In three seconds, the Machine Spirit had formulated the entire attack plan. The roar of super-heavy plasma cannons and volcanic cannons echoed in the vast hangar. On this battlefield, nothing could withstand such fierce artillery fire.
The Titans attempted to destroy these Sky Reapers, but the ability to move quickly in three dimensions and easily concentrate fire was inherently advantageous; flying was superior to ground-based units. A salvo from several gunships easily destroyed their targets. Although the opposing Titans also reduced a Muryon and a Bear gunship to wreckage, the air force clearly had the upper hand in terms of exchange ratio.
"If it weren't for such a bad and narrow airspace, we could have achieved zero losses." The commander of the 5th Gunboat Squadron complained softly.
"At three o'clock, a large number of things are coming! Damn, are they mechanical dragons?" The machine soul sounded a warning, and a group of blood-red mechanical two-headed flying dragons rushed out from the scarlet twilight. These guys moved very fast and even had the ability to teleport. The first round of shooting from the gunship's self-defense artillery was easily dodged by the other party. Then, these things, which were only a dozen meters long, which were slightly larger than the War Dog Titan, crashed directly into the gunship.
"Damn it! Our gunship's repulsion field isn't powerful enough!" Feeling the vibrations of the spaceship being hit and hearing the sound of the top armor being torn apart, the commander immediately realized the problem.
Everyone learns in war, even Chaos. Honestly, the Loyalist Legion's massive toys perform flawlessly on the battlefield. Void shields protect against ranged fire, while repulsion fields deal with any unsuspecting foes who try to get close. Haven't you seen how many Rebel Terminators attempting melee combat have been flung away by Titan repulsion? How many Nurgle drones have been tossed aside like glass balls by the repulsion fields of dragon gunships?
However, this time Chaos had learned their lesson, bringing out a new generation of demon engines. These demon dragons weighed over 500 tons, heavier than even the Warhound Titans. They also possessed the characteristics of demon engines, imbued with metaphysical power. If long-range artillery failed to intercept them, the impact of a 500-ton mass would far exceed the gunship's defenses! The gunship's close-range firepower was still weak against a Titan-sized foe.
"Prepare for an emergency landing immediately. Let our brothers in the Army help us resolve the situation." Amidst the complex engagement, the Ultramarines' technicians still found a solution. The massive gunship almost crashed directly onto the deck, but thanks to its sturdy structure and anti-gravity equipment, it finally landed. Then, a group of Ultramarines, attempting to "slay the dragon," rushed towards the Khorne dragons.
"These creatures bear a striking resemblance to the winged, four-legged flying lizards described in ancient texts." A group of giant mechs bravely charged forward, attacking the monsters with volcanic spears and super-heavy power spears. The latter's plasma fireballs rivaled the power of a Storm Blade tank's plasma main gun. The massive power claws and sharp blades on their wings signaled their immense melee prowess. Their scarlet-flame-spewing rear nozzles and sturdy limbs gave these monsters exceptional maneuverability. Even a Knight or Giant mech could be instantly destroyed if not handled with care.
If this thing appeared on a regular battlefield, it wouldn't be a big deal. After all, approaching a gunship loaded with various scientific and metaphysical detectors from hundreds of kilometers away is not easy. But here, these guys are indeed troublesome. Those who can defeat it are unable to use their skills, and those who can catch up with it are unable to defeat these two-headed dragons. This is a bit embarrassing.
But it didn't matter. The Ultramarines had one advantage: their numbers! More equipment! And more auxiliary forces! As Qile and her Ecclesiarchy team praised the great Emperor and gave everyone a full morale buff, hordes of mortal legions poured in like a tidal wave. Thousands of Iron Wolf battle mechs, specially modified for mortal use, surged forward like a tide, their gleaming shields linked together, their power weapons blazing like fireflies in the night.
Under the cover of larger war machines, they weaved through the gaps between the Legion's companies, crushing any enemy who dared to stand in their way. Two Khorne Dragons had just destroyed a Bear Gunship, and just as they were about to take off again, the Iron Wolves, armed with jetpacks, descended from the sky, giving them a taste of what it means to be an ant trying to kill an elephant. In a flash, a volley of over 2 melta, laser, and plasma cannons from a dozen battlesuits instantly overloaded a Khorne Dragon's shields. Then, the intense firepower, like rain on banana leaves, crushed one Khorne Dragon to death in a cloud of flames. Another Khorne Dragon folded its wings, ready for close combat.
The dragon's massive tail swept away one Iron Wolf, and its terrifying claws destroyed two others. However, one Iron Wolf landed on the dragon's back, its five-meter-long power weapon leaving a several-meter-long scar on its back. The sharp blades sliced into the demon's engine's guts, sending stinking oil and crimson fuel billowing out. As the demon's engine struggled, two power spears pierced the wings from the side. Then, the two pilots activated the melta cannons embedded in the spears. The intense heat instantly ripped apart the wings, and then a dozen Iron Wolves, armed with massive thunder hammers and power claws, swarmed forward, dismembering their target in a flash.
"We're almost overwhelmed! The Ultramarines have more men than we have ammunition!" a Word Bearers captain reported with difficulty, trying to block the blue torrent before him. With the click of an empty chamber, his bolter fired its last round. He instinctively reached for the magazine at his waist, but it was already empty.
"For the Gods!" The Word Bearer raised the tactical knife in his hand and prepared to rush forward, but then a burst of molten metal hit him in the face, turning him into a pile of ashes. Obviously, this guy did not get the glory of the Chaos Gods, and he couldn't even take the molten metal on his face!
"Blood sacrifice to the Blood God!" Daemons of Khorne charged into the battlefield, blazing with flames and a tyrannical aura. The aura of Khorne surrounding them collided with the power of the Emperor's faith. The crimson, tyrannical aura and golden light mingled like the collision of ice and fire. The entire battlefield was teeming with supernatural energy. Clearly, many Imperial legions, encountering this situation for the first time, were somewhat unaccustomed. While they didn't shout "Blood sacrifice to the Blood God," they became frantic and furious, their discipline and tactics gradually fading.
"Warriors of the Emperor, keep your sanity!" A Titan with a strange appearance walked among the army formation. It did not have the terrifying volcanic cannons and plasma cannons of ordinary Titans. On the contrary, there was a huge crystal dome on the top of the Titan. A dozen psychics were extracting psychic energy from the warp under the protection of magic circles and related equipment.
As the psychic broadcast spread, Khorne's bloodlust gradually dissipated. The psychic energy also weakened the Khorne Daemons' vulnerability to ranged fire. When guns and cannons could effectively inflict damage on the Daemons, axes and swords seemed powerless. Of course, the swordmasters of each legion would not miss the opportunity to engage the Daemons in close combat.
Sigismund's Mountain Guards and Templars, Auguston's Ever-Victorious Army, and Akurduna's Phoenix Guard and Palace Swordsmen, loyal to the Emperor, formed a human wall to block the waves of Khorne's demons. When the Khorne demons' charge was contained, the rhythm of the battle returned to the Empire's control.
"The melee combat ability and willpower of these demons have declined significantly." Sigismund, who had fought against Khorne demons many times, said with some emotion.
"That's right, now the Khorne demons prefer long-range combat and are more cunning. If they were given blue skins, I would have thought they were Tzeentch's demons." A colleague said half seriously and half jokingly.
"Perhaps this is the price Khorne pays for choosing to expand his power in other areas," the Black Knight sighed.
Nothing comes without a price. Perhaps before, Khorne's so-called duels still held a shred of dignity, but now, Khorne prefers political maneuvering. Khorne's transformation has undoubtedly caused a storm of conflict for all Khorne Daemons. When Khorne abandoned the so-called "glory of dueling," it became more difficult to deal with, but at the same time, the very faith that sustained its Daemons began to falter. The decline in melee combat was only one aspect of the problem.
Swarms of mechas roamed the Abyssal Terror, heavy vehicles shuttled through the corridors, and the Titan Legions, the darlings of the God of Machines, blasted armies of Daemon Engines into smithereens. The Word Bearers' preparations were clearly no match for the fully prepared 500 Worlds. The Legion and auxiliary forces advanced head-on, while demon-dealing specialists followed behind, sealing the enchantment and dealing with the contamination. The entire operation proceeded with impeccable efficiency. The Word Bearers' control over the warship was fading.
Everything seemed to be progressing smoothly. However, at the heart of the battleship's bridge, a crimson barrier separated the inner and outer worlds. No one but Guilliman could cross this barrier. Not even the Titan's volcanic cannons or the psychic Titans of the Order of Doom could stop it.
"Sir, you..." Hill said with some concern as he looked at the barrier in front of him.
"I will fulfill my duty. I must go in. The core of this magic array is inside. Even if we destroy this battleship, this magic array will still function. And I will put an end to it!" Guilliman said with a serious expression. Guilliman adjusted the spear in his hand, hung the dagger on his waist, and then walked in alone.
"You have arrived, Guilliman." Lorgar sat upright on the throne, looking at Guilliman before him. Unlike what outsiders expected, where the two would immediately engage in combat, Lorgar did not resort to force, not even with his warhammer. Instead, he held a book. Written on the surface of the book in Colchic script were the words "The Holy Words."
"Lorgar, you traitor, you will surely be punished for your actions," Guilliman declared. Unlike the story in the background, where the Word Bearers and the Ultramarines became bitter rivals after the Battle of Calth, Guilliman's hatred for Lorgar wasn't particularly intense on this plane. Chaos wasn't powerful enough on this plane, and it didn't hurt Guilliman enough. The Word Bearers' massive attack, in Guilliman's eyes, was nothing more than a gift...
"There is still a chance, Lorgar, surrender. Our father cherishes every one of his children." Guilliman said sincerely.
"Haha, it's the same old excuse again. You don't have any new ideas at all. Turning back? That depends on whether you can do it. Guilliman, let me see what level you are at when the Supremes have no time to take care of you." Lorgar said with a wry smile and shook his head.
"If it were any other brother, I would still have a little respect in my heart. But Guilliman, you make me feel superior." Lorgar stood up, picked up his warhammer and walked towards Guilliman. Then, Guilliman raised his spear, and Lorgar also raised his warhammer. With the clash of their weapons, the battle between the two Primarchs began.
Chapter 434 Guilliman, you are useless! (6K)
"Guilliman, you are still as cowardly as before. You refuse to accept your own nature and you are still reluctant to use psychic power." Lorgar shook his head and said after knocking Guilliman away with a psychic power.
"You haven't improved at all, Guilliman!" Lorgar strode forward, hammer in hand, and smashed hard into Guilliman's armor. Guilliman tried to block with his spear, but as expected, the hammer, imbued with Chaos power, shattered the spear. The immense force propelled Guilliman back again.
After receiving Khorne's blessing, Lorgar's combat effectiveness skyrocketed. Even without resorting to divine power, with the blessing of the evil god and his own psychic energy, Lorgar had no trouble defeating Guilliman. After Lorgar sent Guilliman flying for the fifth time, he suddenly felt a sense of boredom. He couldn't kill Guilliman, and the opponent posed no threat or challenge. The current situation seemed no different from before.
Before, Lorgar was sitting on the throne waiting for the outcome of the War of Gods, and then ran away. But now, Lorgar stood up, exercised a little, and then continued to wait for the end of the War of Gods, and then ran away...
"How boring." Lorgar said in his heart, then he looked at Guilliman who was struggling to stand up, drawing his dagger, and preparing to continue fighting.
"What are you still doing, Guilliman?" Lorgar sneered at the dagger in Guilliman's hand. "What do you intend to do with that toothpick? Do you intend to defeat me with it? I, blessed by Khorne, even possess divine power? Don't you understand that your actions, other than demonstrating your so-called resolve and tenacity, are of no use."
This was a rare opportunity, and Lorgar wanted to have a good chat with Guilliman, and at the same time, unravel the mystery in his heart. That is, why, when the Emperor and the Traveler had already paved the way for Guilliman, and even presented him with the means of Ascension, why couldn't he achieve it? He felt that a simple hatred and wariness of the Warp couldn't explain everything.
"I firmly believe that humanity's will, wisdom, and determination can defeat all enemies." Guilliman wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. "You know nothing about the potential of human civilization. Every citizen of humanity is a treasure trove of unlimited potential. We simply haven't properly tapped into it. You simply don't see the power of mortals. You only focus on those who are far superior."
"Perhaps this is why our father and the Traveler like you?" Lorgar smiled. "But you've overlooked one point: the Emperor and the Traveler value civilization as a whole, and mortals as a whole. They firmly believe that the future of human civilization depends on mortals, not gods. At the same time, they acknowledge that individual abilities vary, and they support those who dare to rise, even those willing to embark on a path of transcendence."
"Their emphasis on mortals doesn't conflict with their encouragement for us to embark on a higher path. They think so, and they act accordingly. Some of our brothers have already embarked on the transcendental path, such as Perturabo, and some are about to embark on the transcendent path, such as Sanguinius, the Lord of the Blood Angels, whose personality is nearly perfect and who is loved and respected by all. And then there's Lion's Jonson, the Imperium of Man's chief executioner. His resolve, decisiveness, and methods satisfy both the Emperor and the Traveler."
"As for Rus and the Khan, although they have a closer relationship with the Traveler, they are not the first candidates to embark on this path. Rus was purely lucky. The Traveler was born in Fenris, and His appearance is the glory of that planet. The Primarch is not worth mentioning. As for the Khan, he really surprised me. With the limited support of the Traveler, he realized his own nature and was able to use the power of faith." Lorgar's words were full of admiration.
"You see it clearly." Guilliman fell silent. It was clear that Lorgar was right. The first group of Ascended chosen by the Emperor and the Traveler included, besides himself, those three. Perturabo's ascension was a gift from the Lord of Radiance. Sanguinius's ascension was a title bestowed by the future Emperor. And Jonson was fighting a difficult battle, his ascension a reward for his loyalty and merit. Essentially, all three were proceeding according to plan. The Khan was a pleasant surprise, but he alone seemed to have failed the expectations of the two Supreme Beings.
"What about you? Lorgar, you turned to the Chaos God for power. You are a complete egoist with no bottom line. You betrayed your father's expectations and human civilization! Everything you do is just for your own selfish interests! You are a despicable guy!" Guilliman cursed.
"I do have faith!" Hearing Guilliman's condemnation, Lorgar was like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "At least I did at first. Because I felt like I had seen the truth of the universe. When our father didn't admit he was a god, when the Traveler took the final step to godhood but wasn't yet a god, can you imagine how shocked I was when I learned that true gods existed?"
"The Chaos Gods are powerful, their power is beyond our imagination. And humans are nothing but toddlers in front of them. Whether they are mortals or Legionaries, whether they are Mechanicus or Primarchs, there is no difference in front of them. Humans are a powerful race with potential psychic powers, so we cannot avoid the Chaos Gods. So what I thought at the time was to let humans believe in Chaos, and the Chaos Gods provide protection. At this time, I have faith." Lorgar said.
"If you knew that the Emperor and the Traveler were the gods you admired, then you would not have betrayed them?" Guilliman sneered.
"Of course, I once worshipped our father as a god, and compiled excerpts of his words and deeds into a book. I believed that our father could lead mankind to glory, and that he would be the core of faith for all of human civilization. But he didn't accept it at the time! He didn't consider himself a god. This disappointed me," Lorgar said with a sigh.
"Why do you have to be obsessed with a god? Why do you think a god is so important to civilization?" Guilliman expressed great confusion.
"The reason is simple. Just look at our brothers and you'll understand. If there were only the Primarchs and no Emperor, do you think humanity could be united? The end result would still be fragmentation and disunity. In the Far East, you would establish the Kingdom of Ultramar, and the Lions of Caliban would establish their own Knightly Kingdom. Ferrus and Perturabo would establish a kingdom based on the Industrial Alliance, while the Adeptus Mechanicus would continue to wait and see. None of us are capable of integrating a civilization, and we can't even convince our other brothers."
"Human civilization was able to rise because of the Emperor's might and decisiveness, not because of the Primarchs. We are indeed important, but not indispensable. For the Emperor and the Traveler, it is not difficult for them to create people whose abilities are comparable to ours. The Emperor's Handmaids are a case in point. I don't know how many there are, but they are certainly more than us. Their abilities may be inferior to ours in some aspects, but they are more numerous and absolutely loyal. They are like the Greater Daemons of the Chaos Gods, essentially no different."
"We are the descendants of the Emperor, Lorgar. You are treating us completely as tools. This is extremely wrong. Whether it is our father or the Traveler, although they are high above us, they still have humanity. They value friendship and family affection." Guilliman retorted.
"Do you truly understand Them? No, you don't. You're simply deceived by superficial appearances." Lorgar shook his head. "The Emperor is our father, but our essence and power come from the Warp. Our potential is immense. Acknowledging our Warp nature is the first step toward transcendence, but it's definitely not the last. Yet, you remain unable to grasp this. Even though our Father and the Traveler have paved the way for you, you remain hesitant. You don't recognize your destiny, Guilliman! You have failed to live up to your potential and the divine plan for you!"
"Ultimately, you are driven by a quest for power. All your excuses are justifications for this," said Guilliman.
"There's nothing wrong with pursuing power! You're building your legion, making it far larger than any other legion. Isn't that pursuing power? Are travelers embarking on the path to godhood pursuing power? If you can pursue it, why can't I?" Lorgar asked in return.
"And you simply don't understand what I just said. A civilization needs a single voice, a single faith, to unite its people. Your approach is completely ineffective. At best, it can only govern a region as vast as Ultramar, spanning 500 worlds, and that's already the limit. Your approach relies too much on a top-down bureaucracy, and you place too much emphasis on reputation and morality."
"No one can remain loyal. So-called loyalty is simply a matter of the price of betrayal not being high enough. Guilliman, look at those Imperial governors and Terran bureaucrats who disgust you. They may not have been like this at the beginning. They also wanted to contribute to the revival and rise of mankind. But later, through repeated compromises and helplessness, they changed. Because they did not have enough power, they needed their men to do the work, so they had to tolerate their men's behavior."
"This kind of management system that relies on the normal administrative system will breed corruption and degeneration. This is a problem that many civilizations will have, and as long as there are people, this cannot be changed. Therefore, there must be faith, and there must be an existence that can suppress everything." Lorgar said excitedly. In front of Guilliman, Lorgar could finally express his own ideas. It can even be said that in the entire galaxy, there are too few people who are willing to listen to what he said.
Jonson and Perturabo only wanted to destroy themselves. Russ and the Khan might understand, but their interest was limited. Sanguinius, on the other hand, was so idealistic he might not even understand his own words. As for Ferrus? He probably had no particular interest in governing a civilization; he was only concerned with technology, industry, and production capacity. Sure, Horus might have had an interest, but he was the beneficiary of this system.
Does what Lorgar says make sense? There's some truth to it. As the saying goes, when a population exceeds ten thousand, its IQ halves. When the number of intelligent beings increases, management actually falls into a state of chaos. Often, inefficiency and inconvenience have little to do with the managers' own intentions.
Like the Empire in 40K, it's a highly organized society. Planetary governors essentially pay taxes, with little to no control over how they govern their planets. The Empire's control over various worlds relies primarily on tithes, state religion, and fleets. One could even argue that faith in the Emperor, whether genuine or not, brainwashed or simply docile, ultimately unites humanity. When trouble arises, everyone takes some degree of responsibility.
Some might cite the example of Tau, saying how well they govern. But come on, how big is Tau? How many sectors does it have? Small places are usually well governed, like Guilliman's 500 worlds. Furthermore, Tau's Aetherial Hierarchy itself is shrouded in mystery, like the famous Battle of Arthas Moloch (the planet where Farsight received the Blade of Dawn). When a Tau commander was terrified by daemons pouring out of a portal, the Aether-Timun was able to restore their morale with a single word. This is clearly unnatural.
(The novel "Foresight: Empire of Lies" mentions Farsight's visions, one of which depicts a giant 6 meters tall controlling the Tau people with chains. When a Tau baby is born, a beam of light strikes its brain, and the newborn Tau people wear the collar around their necks. Farsight saw six visions in total, four of which depicted the Chaos Gods, and the last foreshadowed the Great Rebellion, the death of the universe, and the Burning God.)
As for why the Eldar Empire wasn't so chaotic, the reason is simple: before the Eldar's fall, their gods were in charge. And while the Orks may fight constantly, they can unite and even revert to their roots when ordered to do so by their lord, the Orcs, as seen in the Battle of Ullanor during the Great Crusade and the later Beast Wars. Overall, in the Warhammer universe, whether a civilization has its own gods is crucial.
If they do, they can attempt to climb to galactic dominance, while those who are less powerful will have a decent bottom line. If all the gods perish, they will essentially be gone from the galactic stage. As for the Tau? Sorry, they are still too young. Recognizing the vastness of the human empire is only the first step in understanding the galaxy; ignoring the existence of the demons of the Warp is the most fatal.
Lorgar had already realized the difficulty of governing a vast Galactic Empire and was actually considering what to do in the future. His ultimate conclusion was that humanity must have a faith, a firm belief that could be proven through facts. The Emperor, as a god, was undoubtedly the best choice; faith would constrain and guide people. Another conclusion was that the Imperial leadership must be able to transcend the complexities of the Imperial system and resolve problems when necessary. He even considered this to be one of the roles of the Space Marine Legions.
Generally speaking, Lorgar's understanding mirrored the Traveler's in some respects. In the Warhammer universe, relying on a group of mortals to govern a galactic empire through mundane means was bound to cause problems. These mortals included both Space Marines and ordinary humans. Mortals were practically powerless against the invasions descending from higher dimensions. Even if a few were resilient enough to resist the temptations of the evil gods, the vast majority of humanity was unable to resist. It was useless.
Therefore, there must be a faith. Initially, the Emperor used the Imperial Truth, but there was no way around it; this truth was false and could be debunked. Now, the Emperor has tacitly approved the creation of the Ecclesiarchy and the establishment of the Traveler Cult. With the blessing of faith, the Imperium of Man will be more stable. As for Lorgar's second point, the Emperor and the Traveler actually do the same.
Because the Emperor and the Traveler are gods themselves, it can be understood that when something goes too far, a divine intervention can basically solve the problem. This is much more efficient than the Imperial Inquisition's fleet and extermination orders.
When a planet is in trouble, how long does it take for the news to reach Imperial Central, for them to make a decision, mobilize supplies and fleets, and then for the fleets to set off? And yet, you have to do this. After all, even if you're a Primarch, how can you take on a few Titans alone? Doesn't it still require fleets and legions?
Furthermore, due to the authority and faith of the gods, when gods participate, a major conflict can be reduced to a smaller one, or even eliminated altogether. Imagine, in the 40th century, the Emperor still walked the galaxy, and the Huron of the Maelstrom wanted to establish a legion. Would the Huron dare disobey the Emperor? Even if they dared to look the Emperor in the eye, they'd be considered courageous!
Therefore, there's a reason Lorgar despised Guilliman. He saw many issues more deeply and broadly than Guilliman, and was more materialistic. He acknowledged the existence of gods, acknowledged the Emperor and the Traveler as gods, and acknowledged that faith was a terrifying force. It was only a pity that fate had twisted his course, and he ultimately chose Chaos. By the time he realized his mistake, it was already too late. Everything Lorgar did now was, in fact, for his own survival, nothing more.
"Haha, the pursuit of power, does the pursuit of power mean betrayal? Is there no bottom line?" Guilliman retorted.
"It's just a necessary price to pay. Our father can tolerate the brutality of the Legion to a certain extent. After all, look at the Ultramarines' record of using extermination weapons. Can you say that your hands are not stained with the blood of innocent people?" Lorgar didn't care about it.
"No, it's different. Whether it's our father or the Traveler, they're all working for human civilization; that's their primary goal, and your pursuit of power is just a means to an end! We need hunting rifles to face wild beasts. But we can't abandon our original goal for the sake of hunting rifles. Our hunting rifles are for external use. You're not using them to deal with external enemies. You're obsessed with the power of the hunting rifle, and you're using it against your own people, even sacrificing them to obtain it!"
"Whether it's the Emperor, the Traveler, or my other loyal brothers, we are all willing to die for human civilization. Our entire purpose is for humanity! But you are different. Whether you are now or in the past, you only care about your own rights and power. Whether it's the welfare of humanity, your brothers, or the descendants of the Legion, they are all disposable and exchangeable in your eyes. You are a complete villain. Stop confusing our differences. And stop using these excuses to insult those who fight for the cause of humanity!" Guilliman's words pierced Lorgar's heart like a knife, destroying all his arguments and sophistry.
It seems that both the Traveler and Lorgar are pursuing power, but the Traveler's pursuit of power is to deal with Chaos, while Lorgar's pursuit of power is for his own selfish gain. Perhaps at times, this guy really feels that making a deal with the evil god is the future of humanity, but this idea is not Lorgar's fundamental purpose.
This is also the fundamental reason why, despite his psychic powers, his willingness to confront his Warp nature, and his religious commitment, Lorgar is unable to transcend it. Because he is a cancer on civilization. And how could such a cancer possibly possess the destiny and support of a civilization? Are those fanatical believers who fight to the death under Lorgar's instigation support? Yes, but it is a distorted form of support.
Take vitality, for example. Normal vitality allows one to recover from weakness. But twisted vitality is Nurgle. Lorgar chose the dark side of power, so he joined the Chaos Gods and naturally had no chance of becoming a racial god.
"Shut up! Guilliman! You are as naive as a baby. Your so-called ideals only exist under the protection of the higher powers. Everything you cherish is but a passing cloud! Only gods and power are eternal. When you complete your sublimation, you can better realize your plan, instead of falling before me like you are now!"
"I may be a selfish person, but I understand the fundamental logic of the galaxy. Our father created us, and within us flows the power of the highest heavens. We were meant to embark on the path of ascension. This is our destiny, and it is also our responsibility."
In this war of words, Lorgar had the upper hand over Guilliman, for on certain matters, Lorgar's understanding was indeed deeper than Guilliman's. For example, regarding power, the gods, and the fundamental operating model of the Imperium of Man. The Imperium of Man was essentially a pact between the Emperor, a powerful figure sent from heaven, and a traveler returning home, who then proceeded to crush all who refused to obey.
The Emperor and the Traveler wanted Guilliman to transcend, not become a god, but a demigod, so that he could rule the Empire from a higher dimension. However, Guilliman did not want this.
"Guilliman, you are still too naive. You have not suffered much. Let me make up for this lack of experience. You and your descendants will be punished for your naiveté." Lorgar extended his hand and gently wiped it. Outside the barrier, on the battleship Abyssal Terror, an attacking Ultramarines force was instantly reduced to a bloody mist! Over a thousand officers and soldiers were easily wiped out by Lorgar! And all of this unfolded before Guilliman.
"Lorgar, I will kill you!" Guilliman rushed towards Lorgar angrily. However, his anger was nothing compared to Lorgar's. Guilliman was knocked away again.
Chapter 435 Khorne and Nurgle: Damn, I was tricked! (8K)
Lorgar's blow was quite fierce. Guilliman's breastplate was completely shattered and his chest collapsed. Lorgar thought this was far from enough. He walked forward and hit Guilliman's sword-holding hand hard with the hammer in his hand, breaking it. Then he lifted it up and punched Guilliman on the head again.
"You are a coward, a guy who is blindfolded and unwilling to see the truth! I am better than you in all aspects, but fate has led me astray. Our father favored you and pointed out the way for you, but you refused. And this is the path I have been unable to find! This is unfair!" Lorgar roared to vent his dissatisfaction.
After a barrage of attacks, Guilliman was nearly dead. The most he could do was hurl a few sporadic insults at Lorgar, and that was all. However, criticism of a weapon is not the same as criticism of the weapon itself. His words had no killing power in front of Lorgar! Instead, they made Lorgar feel somewhat complacent.
"Guilliman, I can feel the anger in your heart. You are angry at my behavior. But you don't think you are a coward. You are venting your anger in the wrong direction." Lorgar saw through Guilliman. No matter how much he killed his offspring or tortured him, this guy really could not awaken the essence of the warp, let alone embark on the path of transcendence.
"Even the Traveler has given up on you. Humanity is in such a precarious situation, there's no time to wait for you to realize your mistake." At this point, Lorgar felt a sense of relief. He could still feel the Traveler's gaze on him. If he tried to kill Guilliman once and for all, the Traveler's thundering blow might be what awaited him. And Lorgar was certain that Khorne wouldn't be able to protect him. Neither would the other Unholy Gods. But it seemed that beating Guilliman up, even humiliating him, was within the Traveler's tolerance.
"Boring." After venting his anger, Lorgar tossed Guilliman aside. He looked up at the battleground between Khorne and the Emperor. He sensed something was about to happen. It wasn't that he truly understood it, but rather that, at this moment, Khorne's power surged! The outcome of this high-dimensional battle was about to be decided!
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"War, my power! In the galaxy and the Warp, only war and slaughter are eternal!" In an instant, the carnage and flames of war across the entire galaxy were reflected in the eyes of Khorne's avatar. The two sides fighting fiercely in the Heresy, the war between humans and aliens, and the war between aliens themselves, the chaotic and brutal galaxy greatly increased Khorne's power! He concentrated all his strength on the blood-red sword in his hand. Then, a scarlet streak cleaved through the Warp and the physical universe, slashing towards the Emperor with unparalleled power!
At this moment, the entire war zone felt the same, with Khorne's followers and rebels praising the Blood God's power, while the loyalists prayed to the Emperor!
A golden blade streaked across the Crimson Sword. As the two divine swords clashed, the power of faith and divine might encased within the golden blade's sheath shattered instantly, and the raging crimson divine energy began to shake the Emperor's Sword. The resulting tremors reverberated like a tsunami throughout the Warp and the physical universe. The Chaos fleet caught in the impact was toppled and reduced to ash in an instant, while the Traveler calmed the waves that were bearing down on the Loyalists.
"You will accomplish nothing, Emperor." A sneer crossed Khorne's lips as he observed the Traveler's actions. "You place too much importance on the lives of those ants. Their survival has nothing to do with this war. They could even be a burden to your victory!"
Khorne carefully calculated his opponent's strength. Watching the Traveler battle his demon planet for so long, Khorne's first reaction was disbelief! He couldn't believe the Traveler was so weak, unable to defeat his demon planet for so long. After all, Khorne and the Traveler had clashed on the first day of the Heresy. The latter's combat power, while not as strong as his, was still very high, so he suspected the Traveler was deliberately holding back. This was consistent with the Traveler's usual approach. There's never too few backup plans.
Now, after Khorne saw the Traveler calm the aftermath of the clash, he breathed a sigh of relief. He believed that after the Traveler had managed to hold the demon planet hostage and calm the aftermath of the divine power, he would no longer have the energy to interfere with his battle with the Emperor. The outcome of the battle between the two sides would soon be decided!
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