Warhammer, about my years with the Wolfpack

"Everyone is like this. If I were in Fenris instead of Medusa, perhaps my legion wouldn't place so much emphasis on armored assault."

"But no matter where you and I are, we will be casters, looking at everything around us with science and rationality." Balder flattered him a little.

"You are right. Human nature will not change, and we must be cautious! Within safe limits. Use our power effectively and reasonably." Ferrus felt that he and Balder really got along very well!

Honestly, being a Primarch is truly lonely, as they rarely find equals. The Emperor is a busy father, the Sigillite a busy sage. The legions are their children, and none of them are as good as they are. And the mortal auxiliaries even worship their Primarchs as objects of worship.

Ferrus liked Santo not just because of his abilities, but because he wanted someone to dissuade him at a critical moment. This mission was specific and someone had to do it. Whether it could be accomplished was another question.

Chapter 88 Iron Wolf Battle Armor

As for Balder, Ferrus felt that he had really found someone who was almost his equal. He felt that apart from being the Emperor's offspring, Ferrus did not think that Balder was much worse than himself.

To some extent, Ferrus felt that if his own fierce frontal attack and superior technology were paired with Balder's psychic prowess and flexible tactics, they would be a perfect synergy! They could even surpass the Luna Wolves. But the only pity was that Balder was born on Fenris, not Medusa.

Essentially, both were tech-savvy. And once Balder sparked a discussion, the conversation naturally became richer! The two tech-savvy individuals, one with a creative mind, the other with hands-on skills, collaborated to create the first technological product of the Space Wolves and Iron Hands' exchange: the Space Wolves' exclusive SM battle mech, the Iron Wolf, finally appeared!

What about the hand-to-hand combat-loving wolf cubs at home? It's impossible to prevent them from engaging in hand-to-hand combat, and knife fights are inevitable no matter what. Under these circumstances, Balder can only equip them with the best equipment possible. The Centurion Terminator is just the beginning. After all, the galaxy is vast, with countless monsters, and power armor has its limits. So, Balder plans to get some big guns, like a single-person mech!

"When we were fighting the Orks, we constantly encountered various Ork mechas. They caused great trouble to the Legion in urban fighting and various complex terrains. On the one hand, our heavy vehicles and fleets couldn't effectively attack these mechas hiding behind mountains and buildings. On the other hand, our Terminators were still not enough to deal with these things."

"Although each legion has a certain number of Dreadnoughts, the number is limited, and the performance of some Dreadnoughts cannot meet the needs. What we need is a mecha that can easily cross terrain and even fly for a short time using a jet pack." Balder stated his plan. Simply put, he needed to make a combat suit that could be driven by Space Marines.

"It seems that your positioning conflicts with the Dreadnought. The different Dreadnoughts of the Legion have actually covered a lot of combat missions. Common ones include the Contemptor Dreadnought, which can be used for both melee and ranged combat, while more professional ones include the Dreidu Dreadnought, whose firepower is even stronger than that of a main battle tank. If we have to make a functional distinction, then the only one is probably the installation of a jet pack. But I personally think it is unnecessary." Ferrus frowned and said.

"Isn't it just unnecessary, not technically impossible?" Balder noticed Ferrus.

"The cost might be high, but there's no technical problem," Ferrus said confidently. "Actually, your idea is completely unnecessary. Even without the Dreadnought, we can still secure support from the Knight Titans. Your mech is very similar to the Knight Squire mech. There's absolutely no need for it."

During the Great Crusade, the Legions were the primary force, but this wasn't limited to Space Marines. They also included mortal auxiliaries and Mechanicus Legions, which outnumbered the Astartes by tens or even hundreds of times. Ferrus's philosophy was simple: if you needed something, the other auxiliary forces could provide it; there was no need to build your own.

"I can't tell you that the future leaders of the Mechanicus have all rebelled. Even if others have it, it's not as secure as having it in your own hands." Balder felt bitter, but he couldn't say it.

"This isn't just a mecha issue; it's also a system issue. I've always believed that it's extremely difficult to balance attack, defense, and maneuverability on a limited platform, and that an overly rigid configuration isn't convenient for dealing with a variety of situations. So my idea is to design a mecha and auxiliary drones that can be adapted at any time to handle a variety of situations."

"For example, we often use skull detectors during operations. We can enhance its function and use it to accompany the mecha in combat. Or we can design a drone that provides shields. In this way, our mechas will not have to install overly heavy armor and shields within limited weight and size." Bader explained.

(Readers might say this is just the same as the XV8 and the Soldier Peak drones. That's not wrong. The Mecha Empire has no shortage of them, and they also have hovering drones. The Mechanicus actually has similar equipment, and each one is a complete combat unit. The stinking, bloating drones that cling to the enemy are the product of the corruption of the Mechanicus's Soldier Bees.)

Fearing his explanation wasn't clear enough, Balder handed Ferrus his already prepared plan. After all, as one of the three most technically adept Primarchs, Ferrus's skills were high enough. Balder felt confident in having him design a basic framework. Actually, Boss Pi was also very skilled, but what could he do? As for Uncle Black? Hadn't he met him yet?

"Interesting idea." Ferrus read it carefully from beginning to end. A single-soldier mecha operated exclusively by Astartes, it would also utilize various plug-ins and drones to achieve different functions. Equipped with a jetpack or teleportation system, it could carry out deep strikes. In terms of maneuverability, this combat mecha was undoubtedly at its peak.

Of course, some of these mechas lack jetpacks, but instead feature larger energy packs and heavier weapons, providing heavy tank-level firepower support for infantry trapped in complex terrain. Ferrus believes that in open areas, these mechas won't have an advantage against a torrent of steel, but they can be very effective in complex terrain, or for mobile or harassing operations.

"This is a product that utilizes existing subsystem technology and then optimizes and reorganizes it. It won't be a big problem to produce it." Ferrus thought for a while and said.

"Then, great Primarch of the Iron Hands, may I ask you to help us design this equipment? How about we name it the Iron Wolf?" Balder said smoothly.

"Iron Wolf? This name is very good, representing the friendship between our two legions." Ferrus said with satisfaction. It was not only because of Balder's compliment, but also like repaying the favor of the Space Wolves.

"I will personally participate in the design and development of this mecha. I will take into account the cost, performance and openness of the system. I believe that this weapon will play an important role in the future campaigns of the Space Wolves Legion." Ferrus agreed.

"Then let me express my sincerest gratitude to you on behalf of the Space Wolves Legion and the Primarch. To commemorate the friendship between our two Legions, I would like this new single-person mecha, designed specifically for Space Marines, to be named Iron Wolf MK1."

"This will be the beginning of our cooperation. May our friendship last as long as Terra." Ferrus agreed with a smile.

"Also, you named this individual mecha MK1. Do you plan to design other models?" Ferrus asked curiously. In his opinion, since the legion already has similar products, it would be redundant to make this mecha, and there is no need to make more other types of mechas.

"Yes, and I believe that this kind of mecha will become an indispensable part of the legion's arsenal in the future." Bader said confidently.

"Well, I hope my invention can make due contribution to improving the combat effectiveness of the Sixth Legion." said Ferrus.

In Bader's view, the Space Marine's exceptional qualities weren't solely physical; they also encompassed reflexes, tactics, and the highly integrated damage from their black shells and equipment. Single-person mechs, on the other hand, were relatively simple in their technology, yet significantly enhanced their user's combat effectiveness. Their flexibility in movement and deployment proved immensely useful in many situations.

Considering the Tau, a nation that employs the most individual mechs or battlesuits, how powerful is an XV8 Battlesuit? The Battle of Talos depicts a detailed battle between Tau Battlesuits and Raptor Terminators. The Battlesuits attack, the Terminators defend, and after a grappling battle, four Battlesuits traded for three Terminators. Considering the offensive and defensive dynamics, it can be assumed that both sides were roughly on par in terms of combat effectiveness.

What about the average Fire Warrior? Relying on a certain level of pilot talent and training, they can, with the help of a mech, achieve comparable combat effectiveness against the more expensive Space Marines and Terminators. This is inherently the advantage of individual mechs, or combat suits. After all, Space Marines are incredibly difficult to obtain, while personnel capable of piloting individual mechs are relatively easy to find.

From the 30K era to the 40K era, the Empire actually had quite a few individual mechas, such as the Sentinel Mecha that was everywhere in IG, the Atonement Mecha and Paragon Mecha of the Sisters of Battle, the various knights of the Knight Family, and the Dread Knight Mecha of the Grey Knights. In other words, the Centurion itself can be considered a mecha. After all, it is a Space Marine wearing armor with a shell on the back.

By the time of the PSM era, Dora Cawl had invented the Indomitable Mech, a suit specifically for Space Marines. It's safe to say that single-person mechs were a trend in the Warhammer universe, destined for imminent adoption. However, in the 30K era, single-person mechs for Space Marines were practically nonexistent, leaving a gap that needed to be filled!

If we must use Bader's words to describe the first-generation Iron Wolf MK1 individual mecha, it can be defined as having the firepower and survivability of a conventional fearless machine, while also having the maneuverability and flexible matching of an XV8.

Overall, the requirements are a bit high, after all, a regular Dreadnought wouldn't have a jetpack. However, Balder trusts Ferrus's technology, as well as the Empire's anti-gravity technology in the 30th Century. After all, unlike later generations, the Empire's various hovercrafts, while not as powerful as those of the Eldar, are vastly superior to those of the 40th Century. That's the general idea: if we can't achieve it right now, we'll just create a usable product first, and then gradually improve it.

After the Iron Wolf MK1 is completed, Balder and Iron Hand will likely develop a larger mecha, such as the Dread Knight mecha, similar in specifications to the later Grey Knights. Of course, unlike the GK version, which is only usable by psychics and requires controlling psychic powers while operating the mecha, the Dread Knight mecha falls somewhere between a regular Dreadnought and a Knight Titan.

Theoretically, this mecha is quite strong and has excellent maneuverability, capable of carrying a transport system and a jetpack. This is essentially the limit of the individual mecha Balder is pursuing, and in principle, he won't be developing any larger mechas. Any larger would completely conflict with the Knight Titan.

It becomes a mecha designed for purely head-on combat, losing the strong mobility that Balder has always emphasized. The Knight Titan is too large to enter the battlefield in many situations. And if you want to equip the Knight Titan with a jet pack, the technology may be possible, but the cost is likely to be a problem.

As for stealth individual mechas like XV15 and XV95, if we can make them, we can certainly give it a try. However, the Empire does not seem to be very strong in terms of stealth, so we will see whether we can make them when the time comes.

In Balder's plan, in addition to the individual mechas equipped by the Space Marines themselves, Balder may also equip some simplified mechas in the mortal auxiliary forces of the Space Wolves in the future. After all, the number of Space Marines is too small.

Mortal troops often have to shoulder the heaviest combat missions. Paragon mechs like the Sisters of Battle from the 40K era or the TAU's XV8 mechs are also very valuable to trained and talented mortals.

Balder thought so, and Ferrus's thinking wasn't entirely wrong. After all, in the magical and eerie land of Medusa, the Iron Hands even possessed technology capable of resurrecting the dead and fighting. Furthermore, the Iron Hands were known for their passion for limb reconstruction. Ferrus believed that his own Dreadnoughts and the various Mechanicus battle robots could already replace the Space Marines' individual mechs. So, while he was preparing to develop them, he had no intention of deploying them himself. He considered it a favor.

Of course, Ferrus had no intention of making this technology public. He believed, as a matter of fact, that if anyone other than his own Legion and the Space Wolves wanted this technology, they should obtain consent from both parties. Otherwise, if he gave it away so easily, how would the Space Wolves, who had provided him with assistance, feel? After all, they had paid a price!

Thus, Balder and Ferrus completed the first round of transactions on behalf of their respective legions. Balder helped Ferrus solve the search problem, while Ferrus designed a battle mecha for the Space Wolves. Both parties got what they needed.

Ferrus believed that the cooperation between the two parties had basically concluded. After he and Balder took part in the symbolic destruction of the navigation station, the cooperation would be over. However, Balder disagreed. He had a vague feeling that the upcoming battle would not be easy either! There seemed to be another presence in the shadows!

Chapter 89: Relics and Recklessness

Just when Ferrus and Balder were having a pleasant conversation, a servant came from outside the door to remind them that Santo wanted to see them.

"It seems that we can get more information out of him. Let him in." Ferrus said.

"Father, His Excellency the Supreme Lord Commander," Gabriel Santo bowed to the two men. "We've learned more about the navigation station from the captives. The actual situation is not quite what we expected."

"Tell me about it," said Ferrus.

"There used to be an agricultural world called Curzon. However, during the Long Night, due to an unknown disaster, the entire planet was tormented by the Warp Storm. Various mutations and chaotic Warp energies turned the planet into ruins."

"According to common sense, the human race on this planet would be extinct, but there's an ancient building sheltering the survivors. Within the building's radius, everyone is immune to the effects of the Warp. Furthermore, the probability of those who survive successfully awakening psychic powers is higher than normal. By channeling psychic energy into the ancient building, psychics can detect changes in the Warp in advance and even map Warp routes within a certain range."

"The Mysis people discovered this place by chance. However, the unstable Warp routes and the land baptized by Warp storms were of no value to them. So, they reached an agreement with the remaining humans in the area. The latter provided them with navigators and navigation maps, and the Mysis people provided them with protection and supplies." Santo said.

"So, that ancient ruin, and the psykers that powered it, is the source of the Mysis's superior warp navigation technology?" asked Ferrus.

"That's understandable," Santo replied.

"So, what about the Dark Eldar? Do they know this secret? Or, is there anything else in this ancient ruin that interests the Dark Eldar?" Ferrus was quite concerned about the Dark Eldar who had been against him since the beginning of the battle.

"They know about the existence of this ancient relic, but they don't use it for navigation. It's said that a crop grown within the area covered by this relic can soothe their emotions." Santo's tone was also full of uncertainty.

"Is that so? So can we understand that, because this ancient relic originally from the world named Curzon has special significance to both the Mysis and the Dark Eldar, and both sides can't do anything to each other here, they have reached an alliance, and the basis of this alliance, in addition to the slave trade, is the right to use Curzon's ancient relics?" Ferrus quickly realized the crux of the problem.

As Balder had said, if it were simply a simple slave trade, the Dark Eldar would never have gone to such great lengths to help the Mysis. After all, if they didn't engage in slave trade with the Mysis, they would have others to choose from. It was simply not worth it. If there were this ancient relic, it would make sense. After all, given S's ability to absorb the Dark Eldar's souls, anything that could alleviate their emotions and pain was extremely precious to them.

"By the way, I once saw a report saying that your legion has destroyed at least 4% of the Mesis fleet?" At this time, Balder spoke.

"Yes. This is data verified by multiple parties, and it will only be more, not less." Ferrus nodded.

"That is to say, the terrifying balance between the Dark Eldar and the Methis Fleet may have actually been broken?" Balder said dimly.

"Huh?!" Ferrus's face suddenly changed. At the same time, he was quite surprised by the jumping nature of Balder's thinking.

"Think about it, if those black skins could be snatched up, would they share them with others?"

"So, the situation now is that the Dark Eldar and the Mysis may be on the verge of a war, and the darkskins are targeting the ruins or the secrets within them?" Ferrus exclaimed.

"That's right. I feel that if we want to explore the secrets, then we should act faster."

"But it will take some time for us to wait until the waterway is open enough for a large fleet to pass through," Santo said anxiously.

"As agreed, my flagship will arrive tomorrow. In previous communications, the Endless Journey's Machine Spirit indicated that he could guide a small fleet in and out of this area. If you're willing, I can take part of the Iron Hands fleet and depart tomorrow." Balder could clearly sense that something destined for him was waiting for him in that former agricultural world! He didn't want Black Skin to take it away!

"My lord, I am willing to carry out this advance mission with the Space Wolves Legion." Santo bowed and requested.

"I'll go myself!" Balder's brows twitched slightly at Ferrus's answer.

"That place is too dangerous, My Lord Primarch. If I fail, we will only lose a relic of our ancestors. If you encounter even the slightest accident, it will be irreparable for the Legion and the Empire." Santo stood up and dissuaded him.

"In fact, when the internal strife breaks out between Black Bean Sprouts and the Mysis people, this navigation station will no longer affect the progress of the war. Therefore, investigating the ancient ruins is just a bonus question, not a must-do question. There is no need for you to put yourself in danger." Bader also dissuaded.

It wasn't that he was afraid Ferrus would take what belonged to him. If it were Magnus, Baldur might have been wary. But Ferrus, whose psychic power was similar to Guilliman's, was like a rolling pin trying to blow fire before awakening his essence. Baldur truly didn't care. Not only did he not care, but he was also confident that he could protect Ferrus if anything happened to him. Therefore, persuasion was more of a formality. Heeding was best, but not listening was irrelevant.

"As the leader of a legion, how can you let your own offspring charge into the front lines in the face of a crisis? Balder, my friend, I'm sure my brothers wouldn't shy away from such a situation, right?" Ferrus said, looking at Balder. It was clear that Ferrus didn't care about Balder and Santo's advice.

"Hmm... That's a difficult question to answer." Balder found himself in an awkward position. Basically, if things went wrong for Rus, he could save the day. But if things went wrong for Ferrus, honestly, even Santo and Dukain combined might not be enough.

"Ferus, calm down. There is no need for us to take additional risks for a war that is destined to be won. That is an area where the influence of the warp is serious. The rules of the physical universe may not apply there..." Balder tried his best to explain the problem in a way that the other party could accept.

"I am the leader of the Legion, and in the future, I will face many unimaginable enemies and incredible situations. Therefore, I must face them bravely. I cannot let my descendants bear the risks alone." After saying this, Ferrus waved his hand, making a stop gesture. "This time, I must go. So, prepare to go."

"Hiss..." Bader gasped, finally understanding why Ferrus had ultimately fallen to Fulgrim. In truth, before he and Fulgrim had fought, Fulgrim had already revealed the truth to Ferrus—that the Word Bearers and their legions were traitors. Ferrus was already surrounded by enemies on all sides.

At this point, if Ferrus had been more rational, he could have considered retreating. After all, although he was on the front lines, he was surrounded by nearly 1 Terminators from the Avini, the Iron Hand's strongest clan. There was no equipment nearby that could block the teleportation.

Think about it, Sevatar was able to snatch Corvus back from Jonson and the Abomination AI. Alpharius was able to teleport out of the battlefield after boarding the Russ flagship and being attacked by the DA. And Old Mo, who was boarding the White Scars flagship, was also able to teleport out before the reactor self-destructed.

It's impossible for all three to survive, while Ferrus can't escape even if he wants to? Therefore, if Ferrus wanted to leave, he could do so before the battle with Fulgrim. However, the anger and pride in his heart made him give up this opportunity! Balder could only sigh at this. He felt that he had to use this opportunity to teach Ferrus a lesson.

Some might ask, didn't Vulkan escape in the beginning? Actually, is it possible that Vulkan was hit by a nuclear bomb before he escaped? However, Ferrus definitely wasn't hit by a nuclear bomb before he escaped!

With a wave of his hand, today's meeting ended. Ferrus went to the command room, while Santo sent Bader to his lounge.

"The Primarch can be a bit stubborn sometimes," Balder said to Santo beside him.

"This..." Santo suddenly didn't know how to respond to Balder. He wanted to protect his Primarch, but it was obvious that what Balder said was correct and full of kindness, which made Santo unable to refute.

"You need someone in your legion who can persuade him. At least in some unknown and dangerous situations, the Primarch should not be put in danger. After all, he is the only indispensable person in the legion." Balder stopped and continued.

"If the Space Wolves Legion encountered this situation, how would you deal with it?" Santo asked.

"First, I can persuade Rus." Honestly, Balder felt a bit guilty when he said this. Thinking back to when Rus had slaughtered Prospero, despite misunderstandings and mistakes on both sides, the commander of the Custodians hadn't been able to persuade him, which showed that Rus wasn't someone who could be easily persuaded. Balder hoped that this scene wouldn't happen again in this plane, or else he would have to consider some special measures.

"Second, if I encounter this kind of thing, I can handle it." Bader was very confident when he said the second point.

"I'm sorry, but my abilities are far inferior to yours, and I am, after all, the descendant of the Primarch." Santo lowered his head in shame, blaming himself for not being able to help Ferrus.

Santo decisively admitted he wasn't as good as Balder. This surprised Balder somewhat. Back on Blue Star, he'd read so many novels, fascinated by the various plots of pretending to be a pig and then eating the tiger, and pretending to be powerful and then getting slapped in the face. After coming here, Balder had originally wanted to learn from his predecessors. However, aside from Blood Howl, no one gave him a chance!

Do you understand the loneliness of a master? Honestly, whether it was the battle-hardened veterans of the Dark Angels, Santo standing before him, or even the Emperor's Guards, their relationship with him might be good or bad. But no matter who it was, no one wanted to challenge him! So Balder truly wondered if his aura of kingship was too strong.

Balder felt like he couldn't keep going this way. After all, he still wanted to spar with the three heroes of the expedition. He wanted to see Akurduna, the tough guy who dominated the entire Iron Hands, and Sharokin, the "ordinary Raven Guard" who had killed Lucius twice and headshot Fulgrim. It seemed like he couldn't keep going this way! They wouldn't give him a chance!

"I don't know if Kahn has the courage to pick up the axe in front of me now." Balder suddenly felt that Qiao Lin Bloodhowl was not so annoying after all.

Santo and Balder stood there, the latter's mind wandering to some unknown destination, while Santo bowed his head, lamenting his inability to assist the Primarch. Of course, this wasn't just a matter of incompetence; it also involved the Primarch's perception of his subordinates. Russ truly considered Balder a brother, an equal. Meanwhile, the current relationship between Ferrus and Santo was, at best, a superior-subordinate relationship; at best, a father-son relationship. Santo was truly in a dilemma.

"You must complete this mission. If you can't, bring someone else with you," Balder said, patting Santo on the shoulder. "Also, bring more people this time, including some psykers. It doesn't matter where they come from, just bring them along. They might be useful," Balder said with a straight face.

"Okay, Lord Balder, I'll arrange it right away." Santo felt a little panicked when he saw Balder with a serious expression. After all, the situation that could make this lord feel uneasy must be unusual, and isn't it said that some psychics have the ability to predict the future?

"Please take good care of the Primarch. The entire Iron Hands Legion will remember your kindness." Santo said seriously, then turned and left.

"Shouldn't this be your business?" Bader suddenly felt unwell. "What the hell is this?"

More than ten hours later, the Endless Journey finally reunited with the Iron Hands fleet, and he brought the latest news.

"I have a feeling that our former companions are there." Balder, who returned to his flagship, immediately communicated with the Endless Journey.

"Yes, our former companions are there. I have already explored the route, and with the navigation map and psychic resonance crystals I seized earlier, I can definitely lead a fleet there quickly. When are you planning to set off?" asked the Endless Journey.

Chapter 90: Ferrus's Little Thoughts (Reward and Blade Addition Combination)

"Right now! Once Ferrus and the Iron Hands arrive, we'll set off immediately." Looking at the astonished expression on the face of the Endless Journey's humanoid projection beside him, Balder continued, "I saw the flames of war and slaughter. The Dark Eldar may have already taken action, these corrupted creatures!

"By the way, what is Ferrus doing?" Balder remembered that he and he came here together.

"Lord Ferrus is in the hangar inspecting his troops for battle preparations. He insisted on being the first to set foot on Curzon soil."

"This guy is so twisted." Balder sighed and said, "Call Marius."

"Okay, my lord." With Endless Journey's good response, more than ten minutes later, Marius, the first fighter under Balder, came to him.

"Keep an eye on Ferrus, things might be a little troublesome this time," said Balder.

"Is the trouble so serious that I need to protect a Primarch?" Marius snorted.

"Neither of you has psychic powers," Balder said unhappily.

"How can such filthy power become a source of pride?" Marius muttered inwardly, enduring extreme patience. But he dared not speak it out loud, because if he did, Balder would beat him!