Warhammer, about my years with the Wolfpack

"Isn't it because of the fragility of these mortals?" Fricks hesitated for a moment and then said, "This is why the Empire needs us. We are clad in steel armor and have hearts as strong as iron!"

"So, you think it's wrong for the mortal army to complain?"

"That's right, we will complete the order at all costs." Fricks said firmly.

"They, too, are carrying out orders and expressing their loyalty to humanity with their lives. In this respect, they are no different from you." Balder then changed the subject: "Don't you have any complaints about your situation? Put yourself in their shoes. If you believe that Terra is being unfair to the Fourth Legion, then do the mortal auxiliaries who obey your orders also think that your actions are unfair?"

"Think about it, is there any essential difference in your thinking between you? You are all completing your tasks, but you are all dissatisfied with the arrangements from above. You all put your duties first, and after the war, you tasted the bitter fruit of blood and misunderstanding. Now, I am here, I will help you solve the above problems, so can you resolve your dissatisfaction with the mortal auxiliary army towards you?" asked Balder.

"What is before you now is a cycle. You treat the mortal troops as consumables and cannon fodder, which has resulted in the inability to accumulate experienced auxiliary troops and has caused huge losses. This has led to Terra's dissatisfaction with you, and you then vented this dissatisfaction on the mortal army and yourselves. Tell me, if it were you, how would you break the deadlock? How would you change the dire situation in front of you?" Balder said earnestly.

"I know that you look down on the so-called weak, but you must know that strength and weakness are relative. Do you know those imperial guards? Are they strong?" Balder asked.

"They are powerful and proud." Fricks nodded.

"So, you don't like them either, right? Even though they're better and more powerful than you." Balder smiled. For most canned goods, they wouldn't have a good impression of the Emperor's corns. Therefore, teasing the canned goods about corns would be a great way to build closer relationships.

"So, isn't this very simple? Do not do to others what you do not want others to do to you. You despise the weak, but at the same time you want the powerful to respect you. Don't you think this is illogical? Or in other words, you have double standards! You can make mistakes, but others cannot make mistakes. Do you hate such people?" Balder asked.

"Alright, go back and think about this carefully," Balder patted the other man's shoulder. "You think of yourself as the main force of the Great Farsighted, but look at the hundreds, even thousands, of mortals who provide services and support the Legion. You should know that without their help, the Legion cannot function. Furthermore, the best mortals among them are no less capable than the Legionnaires in the use of war machines."

At this point, Balder recalled the Battle of Tallarn in the background. The main force of the Iron Warriors Legion, after a surprise attack, was beaten black and blue by the Tallarn Legion, which was mainly composed of Imperial Guards. I wonder what the Iron Warriors would think of the word "mortal" after this battle!

"By the way, I am also what you call a mortal. I have not undergone any transformation into a Space Marine, nor have I had any genetic seeds implanted. How about we see who is better?" Balder was polite to others, but at the same time, he was absolutely unambiguous when it came to using strong means to determine his right to speak!

Balder pointed his Windrider spear at a lone fortress in the distance. According to Fricks's earlier description, thousands of enemies and automatons were entombed within the fortress and its underground fortifications. Relying on the complex terrain to resist the Iron Hands' assault, the Imperial forces had lost at least 40 Space Marines and thousands of mortal soldiers.

"That place will become a sea of ​​fire." Balder pointed his spear in the distance. An invisible, yet thrilling, energy gathered at the spear's tip. Within a kilometer radius, the rain falling from the sky was pushed back by an invisible force. Balder smiled, looking at the fortress in the distance.

"In half an hour, you can seize this place!" As soon as the words fell, streaks of blue flames instantly appeared in the fortress several kilometers away. The flames surged in like a tide, flowing through breaches and passages into the bunker. Under the scorching heat of this supernatural flame, the rock and steel that comprised the fortress melted. The fortress, which had withstood the Iron Warriors for weeks, began to crumble and was engulfed in flames.

Fricks wasn't a psychic, but when thousands of souls wailed in the psychic flames, his keen perception still allowed him to sense the despair and fear within! It was a terrifying force unleashed by an irresistible will. Indestructible and unstoppable!

"Frix, my comrade, the strength of the strong is not reflected in their oppression of the weak, but in their ability to lead the weak to create a miracle and usher in a better future. Do you understand?" Balder's voice once again echoed in Frix's ears, penetrating into his soul. "I give you and the Fourth Legion a chance. Do not let me down."

The moment the psychic flames engulfed their target, Fricks was stunned. In his memory, he had never seen such a powerful psyker. After all, not everyone had the honor of fighting alongside the Emperor and the Sigillite. Fricks only had a vague idea of ​​the power of psykers from what he had read.

Furthermore, due to the perspectives of those who recorded them, these records often portrayed psychic powers as dangerous and mysterious, existing as some kind of boss. And Fricks, hailing from a tribe of guns and cannons, was even more convinced that his guns and tactics could solve all problems. Psychic powers were merely a misguided path, but now, Balder's performance had exceeded his expectations.

"What a forbidden power!" Fricks exclaimed. "Could it be that..."

"There are always exceptions, Fricks," Balder said. "Some people cannot control their power, and then their overwhelming strength becomes a disaster for them and others. But if you can control it and use it within certain rules, then it is your power. This is probably why I was able to become the Sigillite's disciple."

"Yes, yes, sir," Fricks said, bowing his head. As a soldier, he always had a deep-seated awe for the powerful. The seal bearer's guarantee also dispelled all doubts in Fricks' heart, leaving only awe.

"By the way, Fricks, although we are warriors, war is not our only purpose. Sometimes, in our spare time, pursuing something else can be a good way to regulate our spirit. We should not let negative emotions bother us or even overwhelm us. Even war machines may need to be maintained and serviced, let alone us humans. After this battle, you will have 1 to 2 months of rest before you will be thrown into the war in the Flame Wheel Star Region," Balder said with a smile.

"Thank you very much for your arrangement and consideration, sir." Fricks originally said that it was not necessary, but when he thought of Balder's words, he realized that this powerful being from the Space Wolves needed obedience, and that he was indeed practicing his own way of behavior, not doing to others what you do not want others to do to you, and that steel also needs maintenance and care.

"Alright, on the second Stormbird, there are gifts from the Space Wolves for our brother Legions. We arrived a little hastily, and these are meager gifts, not a token of respect. Just have the others accompany me on a walk around the battlefield," Balder said. "Tell the other two battalion commanders what I mean. I hope the changes will begin tomorrow. This battle is no longer a problem. Think carefully about what I'm saying. Are you prepared to share the glory of the future with other outstanding Legions, or continue the tragic cycle of the past?"

"We will follow your instructions." Fricks bowed.

"Very good." Balder, accompanied by his attendants, continued to march across the battlefield, his brow furrowed as he walked. He sensed a transformation within himself. With the return of the Far Traveler's Star Chart, Balder had regained his true name. He had become even stronger. He could even vaguely foresee the heights he had once reached. He had a deeper understanding of his own nature. Balder grew more confident, and he also had grander plans.

Fricks was not idle either. After sending people to check the fortress that had just been attacked by Bader, he quickly returned to the base. At this time, Dukain was discussing with Dranos and Belon how to end the battle as soon as possible.

"Respected Lord Dukain, you once told me that Lord Balder is a powerful psychic?" Fricks said seriously.

"Yes, he is a powerful psychic." Du Kain nodded.

"Then do you have a clear idea of ​​his power? Just now, Lord Balder used a spell to destroy Fortress No. 35. All the people and the fortress were engulfed by psychic flames. It was not much more difficult for Lord Balder to destroy this fortress than for us to kill an enemy with a grenade launcher." Fricks said.

Chapter 108 The Beginning of Changes in the Fourth Legion

"Psionic power is a powerful force, and the power of some psionicists is beyond the imagination of ordinary people. The most powerful Alpha-level psionicist can destroy the Titan Legion and drive hundreds of thousands of people crazy with a single thought. He can do many incredible things and even break the barrier between reality and the subspace, thereby causing irreparable disasters." Du Cain thought for a while and said.

As the former commander of the Tenth Legion, Ducain knew more. He had fought alongside the Emperor and witnessed his might. Therefore, he was relatively receptive to Baldur, especially after receiving the approval of the Sigillite and the Primarch. Ducain's affection for Baldur grew even stronger. After all, in his view, both psychic power and firearms were tools when facing the enemy, and the former could accomplish things that firearms and even technology could not. With such great convenience, why not use it?

"Well, thankfully, such a powerful force is on our side," Fricks said, wiping the rain or perhaps the cold sweat from his head. He then briefed the other two battalion commanders on his conversation with Bader and his seemingly random attack.

"So, according to Brother Fricks, our next battle will go very smoothly?" Dranos finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Of course, as long as Lord Balder helps us take down this fortress, whether by fire or other means, and clear out the garrison inside, we can quickly complete the division and encirclement of this place. The rest will be a natural progression." Fricks said with relief.

"Although it's hard to believe, I have to admit that the VI Legion has changed since the Primarch's return. Their strength isn't just reflected in having a well-rounded leader like Lord Balder, but also in their own technology. Whether it's the newly developed Centurion Terminator or certain relics from the Dark Ages, they all prove that the Space Wolves have been reborn from the prisoner legion of the past. They, like us, value rationality, technology, and calculation."

"But at the same time, they are also very knowledgeable about mysterious powers or some other important things, but we have less experience in these areas. Lord Balder once provided very important special help to the Iron Hands Legion. And this person is very good to his friends. He is powerful, but he also respects others. He can listen to other people's opinions with an open mind, and at the same time he will also take other people's ideas and face into consideration. I believe that in the future, the cooperation between you will be very good, and you will become very good friends." Du Kain did not hide his praise for Balder.

Du Kain's words also touched the hearts of the three Fourth Legion commanders. After all, who would want to live a hard life if they could have a good life? They were all working for others anyway, so why not have someone who valued them and was willing to protect the Fourth Legion from all odds?

As their inner resistance weakened and even disappeared, Fricks and the others were filled with hope for the future. They didn't fear death, but simply hoped that their sacrifice would be worthwhile and remembered by both humanity and the Empire. This was an easy solution for Balder, but it only addressed the most superficial aspects of the problem.

"Lord Balder hopes that we can treat the mortal troops better." Fricks said to the other two.

"War is always cruel. Victory is won with blood and sacrifice. This is an iron rule," said Belon with a curled lip. "Perhaps, as a powerful psyker, Lord Balder can face most situations with relative ease. However, I believe that within the galaxy, there will eventually be enemies who will remind this powerful, newly enlisted warrior that war requires cold calculation and sacrifice."

Although the three had already agreed to fight under the command of the Space Wolves and were willing to cooperate with their commander, some of their inner views could not be changed in a short period of time. Baldur was not Boss Pi, so how could Baldur's words make the entire Fourth Legion obey? Boss Pi couldn't do that either.

"In our eyes, mortal troops are often just cannon fodder. So, in the eyes of higher-level beings, are we also cannon fodder?" said Fricks.

"Aren't we just cannon fodder?" Garen snorted. "We've been doing the hardest work, and all we've gained is prejudice and loss."

"Do you want to be cannon fodder?" Fricks asked.

"If I had a choice, I certainly wouldn't want to die somewhere in obscurity and without honor," Garen said.

"Lord Bader said that he would not treat us as cannon fodder, but as comrades-in-arms, or even friends. The premise is that we don't want others to treat us as cannon fodder." Fricks said.

"Do you believe what he said?" Garen asked.

"I'm willing to believe him this time. After all, no one in such a high position has ever said this to me." Fricks said firmly.

"I am willing to believe him too." At this moment, Dranos, who had been silent, spoke.

"Why? The same reason as Fricks?" Garen was stunned. "Just because of a few words, you believe him?"

"I haven't communicated with him yet, but I'm willing to believe him. He's not just offering us honor from a superior, but treating us as friends. If this lord simply wanted to use us, he wouldn't care about anything else. He'd just command us to do our jobs. He wouldn't point out the problem with our attitude towards the mortal army. That's a thankless task, and Lord Balder wouldn't bother to talk to us about it."

"Galon, think about when we first joined the army. We were still in the same company and had just finished training and were heading to the battlefield. We thought we were strong and superior, and that we had an obligation to help and save those weaker ones, and that we should guide the mortal army that assisted us. But slowly, we changed. Garlon, my brother, do you still remember who we were back then?" Dranos said.

"Well, okay, if that's the case, then let time prove everything." After listening to this, Garlon was stunned for a moment, then expressed his agreement. While the three of them were talking, Du Kain also found Bader. The two of them chatted about some issues.

"How do you feel about this expedition of the Fourth Legion?" asked Balder.

"Not bad," Dukain said after a moment's thought. "As for Delta 3, their performance can only be described as average. Their tactics are too rigid. While they are calculating, they lack flexibility and possess a certain incomprehensible stubbornness. Even when their own combat intentions were clearly exposed, they chose not to change direction, but instead continued to flood the battlefield with firepower and manpower. This stubbornness is undoubtedly foolish and inefficient."

"They are stubborn and pride themselves on their iron-like ruthlessness and will. However, their understanding of steel is flawed. We are steel when facing the enemy, but not to our own people. We despise cowards, but we do not despise mortal armies weaker than us. Because cowardice is spiritual weakness. Weakness is only a measure of strength, and a relative one at that. Perhaps with the exception of the Emperor, no one can claim to be strong against any being."

"They ignored the human spirit. Under the brutal battles and the ruthless orders of the Fourth Legion, the mortal forces suffered heavy losses, and they themselves suffered greatly, but they were unwilling to admit it. However, the consequences were real. Gradually weakened morale and poor tactics delayed this war, which could have ended earlier, until now."

"If I were in command, I could handle the situation in two months with the same manpower and resources, and the losses would be reduced by about 30%." Du Kain said after thinking for a while.

"Well. Their ideas do have some problems sometimes. But they are an important force that can play a key role. We must guide them onto the right path." Balder nodded and said.

If the background is correct, in 842.M30, the IV Legion attacked a Forge World called Incalati and lost 2.9 Space Marines and over 200 million mortal troops in a year, essentially wiping out an entire expeditionary force! That's 2.9 troops in the early days of the Great Crusade. How many Space Wolves are there now?

Even so, when Perturabo returned, he had 3.5 legionnaires under his command, with half of the troops scattered elsewhere. This shows just how large the Iron Warriors Legion really was!

"This should be the work of their Primarch, Lord Balder. If we wait until their Primarch returns, I'm afraid the situation will be much better." Du Kain said.

"Do you really think so?" Bader turned his head to look at Du Kain. The expression on his face made Du Kain's heart tighten. What kind of face was that? It was full of majesty and rationality, but also a hint of anger and determination.

"Do you have a premonition of something?" Du Kain asked carefully.

"Nothing, I just feel a little sorry and pathetic for the Fourth Legion," Balder sighed. He really wanted to prepare a gift for Mr. Pi! Balder hoped to reach an agreement through normal means, in a way that both parties were willing to accept. However, if the matter was serious and the other party was so stubborn that they couldn't change, Balder would have to consider some extraordinary measures. He wouldn't just watch the Fourth Legion fall into such a state of decline.

"I believe it's my duty to provide some assistance to my brother Legions within my capacity," Ducain said after a moment's thought. Ducain knew his Primarch was ambitious, and he also believed that with Ferrus's abilities, limiting himself to the Legion was a waste. Ferrus should command a larger Legion and make further contributions to humanity and the Emperor's cause.

Even Ducain, who had met Horus, wondered why Horus could command several legions simultaneously, while his own Primarch couldn't. Ducain believed that Ferrus was no less tactical and capable than Horus. And what about the Sixth Legion? They had a competent Primarch and lieutenants, but it was clear that neither of them had ambition.

Indeed, Dukain also believed that Balder had no ambition. Dukain, who had risen from an ordinary soldier to a legion commander, had his own set of management systems. That is, within a legion, you can be close to your subordinates, but you cannot treat them as equals! The army is a place where hierarchy is important. Otherwise, once the subordinates become corrupt, it will be difficult to lead! In Dukain's opinion, Balder is simply too lenient with some of his subordinates. Some of his behavior, if it were placed in the Iron Hands Legion, would be enough to make them clean the decks for half a month! Such an approach to life is really not suitable for leading other legions.

"After all, he's still a bit naive, not a perfect person," Dukain said of Bader. A perfect person is terrifying, making people feel unattainable. On the other hand, a strong person, but not completely perfect, is much better.

"Let's settle things here, and then we have to go to the War Dog Legion." Balder said.

"Okay, after we resolve things here, let's go to the War Dog Legion together. Lord Bader, those guys from the 12th Legion are extremely barbaric and aggressive." Du Kain said meaningfully.

"Really? That's good news for me." Balder smiled slightly.

With the arrival of Baldur and Ducain, the time it took to bring Delta III into the Empire could only be counted in hours. Under Ducain's coordination and command, Baldur's powerful psychic energy, and the war-like firepower of the Sky Patrollers, the fortress, already crumbling in the hands of the Fourth Legion, fell in less than ten hours after the final assault.

The rest of the story was simple. Balder polished the battle report and sent it to the Sigillite. Afterwards, the Fourth Legion received the best evaluation and commendation since they joined the army. They also received additional weapons and personnel.

Imperial chroniclers propagated the Fourth Legion's victory on Delta III across various planets. Although much of the information was untrue, Balder was satisfied with the outcome. In his view, it was a measure of compensation for their previous efforts.

Two weeks later, Terra sent troops to take possession of the newly annexed industrial world. Three battalions of the IV Legion were dispatched to reunite with the Space Wolves, though they were given two months to rest and replenish before the reunion. Balder, along with Ducain, headed to the 2th Expeditionary Fleet, where over 118 Warhounds and their accompanying fleet awaited Balder's arrival.

However, just as Balder was recruiting people everywhere, a meeting at the Emperor's behest was about to begin. Horus, the Primarch of the Luna Wolves, was detained after the audience with the Emperor. A few days later, Horus was also summoned to the Emperor's fleet. The two Primarchs would meet their blood relatives face to face for the first time!

Chapter 109 The Emperor's Arrangements and Horus's Concerns (8K Chapter)

"My Lord, are you ready to let the two Primarchs meet?" Looking at the Emperor coming in, the Sigillite put down the work in his hands, came to the Emperor, and poured him a cup of tea.

"Yes, I plan to let Horus and Rus meet." The Emperor said: "Whether it is Horus or Rus, they should gradually adapt to the existence of other brothers. They are not the only ones, they have many brothers, and I hope they can get along harmoniously with each other."

"Why Rus and Horus, then, and not Ferrus?" asked the Sigillite.

"Because Ferrus is a little too far away from here now, and Rus happens to be free, and the battle in the Flaming Wheel sector has not officially begun yet. It would be good to use this opportunity to let Horus meet his brother." said the Emperor.

"My Lord, I will take what you said as true." The seal holder made a helpless gesture.

"Okay, okay. The Primarchs are gradually returning. I can sense Horus's loss, because I once fought alongside him for a long time. He was unique and irreplaceable. Although he knows that he has brothers, these brothers have not appeared in front of him."

"But things are different now, Malcador. With the return of Rus, Horus realizes that he is no longer the only one, no longer irreplaceable. He has other brothers who may even do better than him. Compared to Rus, Ferrus is too sharp and often too direct."

"Originally, I wanted Horus and Rus to meet as soon as possible, but for some reason, this plan was shelved. Now, with Ferrus's return and the close relationship he has established with Rus, coupled with the strength of the Tenth Legion and Ferrus's own personality, I am worried that if Horus and Ferrus meet, the two sides will not get along well."

"Humans are highly competitive creatures. It is precisely because of this that our ancestors expanded outward from Terra, step by step, until they spread throughout the entire galaxy. And this competitiveness is also reflected internally. Horus wants to be the best, most respected and most popular among his brothers. He wants to be the center of the brothers, but the other Primarchs may not agree." The Emperor said slowly.

(According to the background, Horus and Rus met very early, but in this plane, because of Balder, Rus did not see Horus soon after returning.)

"Rivalry between Primarchs? It's inevitable, and it's inevitable," the Sigillite said after taking a sip of tea. "But don't you think Russ is a powerful man? He's the King of Fenris, commands a legion, and has a brilliant figure like Balder to assist him."

"So, your disciple will not be present for this meeting," the Emperor said with a smile. "I can already imagine Lupercal's embarrassment when he sees Rus with such an outstanding deputy and himself alone. So, this time, I chose to hold this meeting when Balder is not with Rus."

"What a cunning plan." The Seal Bearer snorted.

"This is called wisdom." The emperor smiled and took a sip of tea.

"What about Rus? Do you think he will get along well with Horus?" asked the Sigillite.

"Yes, because they focus on different things. Horus cares deeply about what others think of him. His image is so glorious and majestic. Almost everyone who has interacted with him, whether they are legion officers or auxiliary troops, speaks highly of Horus. Horus is born to be a king, or rather, he is learning how to be a king."

"But Rus is different." The Emperor sighed. "Rus's experiences before his return changed him. When those unspeakable creations of the mechanical Undead appeared on Fenris, Rus was forever changed. They were a powerful being beyond his comprehension, a vast, planet-like being that hung high in the heavens. If it so desired, Fenris would be reduced to dust."

"After experiencing all this, Russ will not have much interest in the power of the Empire, because, in the face of absolute strength, no matter if you are a king, a general or a peddler, the result is the same. So Rus, my child, such a proud Primarch would form an alliance with Balder. He will continue on his own path. A path of constantly becoming stronger and constantly fighting against the aliens and the enemies of the Empire." The Emperor was silent after he finished speaking.

Clearly, the Emperor and Russ viewed the World Engine appearing over Fenris as a provocation. However, Russ was powerless to counter this challenge, and the Emperor, unable to offer a better solution, was forced to abandon the project because the cost was too high and the gains were disproportionate. The Emperor knew the terror of the Necrons; those stones in the pit should be left alone if possible.

"I feel that from this perspective, Ferrus and Russ are very close. They are both doing their best to hone themselves and their legions. They are both on the path to resolving the alien threat." said the Seal Holder.

"It's different. Rus is a very pure person, perhaps even a bit naive. His personality means he won't be welcomed by those in power. To outsiders, Rus comes across as a barbarian king who follows his own rules. In this respect, he and Balder are very similar, which is why they get along so well. They also don't care much about what others think. This is their advantage, as they can focus on doing one thing efficiently. But it's also their limitation, as they are bound to displease many people in power."

"But Ferrus is different. He has his own ideas and believes that he should be the leader among the brothers. He actively cooperates with the Sixth Legion. This makes Horus feel uneasy. After Horus learned about the cooperation between Ferrus and Rus, he once complained about his brother implicitly. So, if I have to choose one from the two of them when we meet this time, then I will naturally choose Rus, not Ferrus." The Emperor said with some distress.

"I feel like you've been really good to Russ," the Sigillite said. "You allowed him to have his own fiefdom and agreed to his transfer of other legions."

"I'm very satisfied with Rus. He's not an ambitious man, he's a pure soldier. He's always vigilant against humanity's enemies, loyal, and charismatic. Look at the Sixth Legion and those Fenris barbarians before, and then look at the Space Wolves now. Rus has transformed this legion with his ingenuity and skill. Since he's so outstanding, as a father, what's wrong with me providing him with some convenience?"

"By the way, wasn't it you who issued the order allowing Balder to transfer other legions? This is obviously because you like your disciple more." The emperor changed the subject and said to the seal holder.

"Okay, my lord, I did this. You have a very good son, and I have also gained a very good disciple." The seal holder smiled helplessly.

"I hope that this meeting will allow Horus to learn how to get along with his other brothers. Among some of his brothers, Horus is actually one of the easier ones to get along with because of his focus and purity," said the Emperor.

"Yes, Russ is quite easy to get along with." The Sigillite nodded. He naturally understood some of the meanings in the Emperor's words. Although the Emperor and his descendants were separated due to some unspeakable reasons, in fact, the Emperor was still able to establish contact with some of his descendants who did not return.

The Sigillite knew of at least two. One was the Fifteenth Child, renowned for his powerful psychic abilities. They were already able to communicate directly over long distances through psychic powers. The other was the Thirteenth Child, who had landed on a civilized and prosperous world. The Emperor, through his great power, had the local ruler adopt this child, providing him with a stable and happy environment for his growth.

It was clear that these two heirs were given great hopes, especially the thirteenth. His good family background gave him enough time and energy to understand how to run an empire, unlike the other heirs who had to fight against the environment.

Children raised in such an environment would inevitably have their own ambitions. Their relationship with Horus was the most troubling issue for the Emperor. After all, both sons were so talented and had their own ideas.

Of course, these things will happen in the future. It’s better not to think about them now, the Seal Master said to himself.