Warhammer, about my years with the Wolfpack

"I am also looking forward to the outcome of this battle, Dorne. In the future, for a long time, you and your legion will follow me to fight. As for Russ, he is loyal and reliable, generous and magnanimous. In the future, he and his legion will become vassals of the Empire. You should communicate well with each other, learn from each other, respect each other, and help each other. There are differences between different people, and there are also differences between legions. I hope you can realize this." The Emperor said in a tone as tactful as possible.

"I am very willing to communicate and discuss with my brother and share each other's opinions." Dorn nodded.

Chapter 171 The Wolf King and the Rock

"Emperor, this time, you still intend not to interfere with the meeting between the two Primarchs?" Constantine Waldo, the commander of the Imperial Guards, said to the Emperor.

"Yes, I plan to let them handle their relationship themselves." The emperor nodded.

"The last time, the meeting between the Wolf God and the Wolf King was not harmonious, and it left some troubles." Waldo said after a moment of hesitation.

"They are the Primarchs, my sons. In the future, they will shoulder very important responsibilities. They need to learn to handle many things, especially the relationships with each other. We cannot take care of everything." said the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, although it may sound unpleasant, these beings who are born powerful, because they gain power so easily, are inevitably arrogant and irritable in their character. This is a very serious problem." Waldo said.

"And what about the Custodes?" The Emperor looked at Valdor.

"We are different from the Primarch. We are His Majesty's tools and extensions of his will. We are loyal and absolutely reliable," Constantine said. "And we know we are not the best."

"You mean the Knights-Errant?" the Emperor said after a moment's hesitation. The Knights-Errant had already begun carrying out various missions, fighting alongside the Custodians and the Sisters of Silence, sometimes concealing their identities and working alongside certain legions. When so many outstanding individuals are together, there's always competition. Then, the Custodians suddenly discovered a problem: the Custodians, who once considered themselves the descendants of the Emperor and the ultimate product and direction of human evolution, unexpectedly discovered that the Knights-Errant were even better and more powerful than they were. They also possessed psychic powers not found in the Custodians. This was somewhat disappointing, despite the fact that many Knights-Errant themselves had "ascended" from the Custodians.

"They are your brothers, the cornerstone of the Empire." The Emperor hesitated, not saying too much to his captain of the guard. In fact, even the Sigillite was unaware of the existence of the Traveler! "Well, let's see the meeting between the two Primarchs. If something really happens, then we will need to take action."

"Tell Knight-Errant Ramon to enter the venue as well. I want to make the atmosphere of the entire venue more harmonious. By the way, I also want to do a test." The emperor ordered.

"As you command." Waldo bowed and saluted.

------------

At this time, the Space Wolves' fleet had also arrived near the Phalanx. As the Empire's largest space station, the Phalanx had enough space to accommodate the visiting fleet. The meeting between them was quite formal. After the Space Wolves' fleet jumped out of the void, the Seventh Legion fleet responsible for welcoming them merged with the former. After the two sides had friendly exchanges and communication, the Space Wolves' fleet entered the berth of the Phalanx.

"My brothers, each one of them is truly talented. I'm truly the more mediocre one." Russ sighed, looking at the massive interstellar fortress in the distance. He had done his homework before coming here; he knew Dorn had repaired the fortress himself. Even a Primarch would be impressed by such a massive and complex space station.

It was a mark ingrained deep within his soul: Bigger is better. More is more beautiful! He looked at the massive fortress, its countless weapons and silos, and the berths that could accommodate a Queen of Glory-class battleship. Russ was impressed by the might of the fortress and the technical prowess of his brothers. Though his own skills were limited, he now truly respected the technical prowess of the great!

"I wonder when the Sixth Legion will have such a figure," Russ thought to himself. "Looks like I'll have to trouble my ally again when the time is right." Russ knew he didn't have the talent. He was well aware that his own talents were limited, and he couldn't compare to top-notch brothers like Horus and Ferrus. As for Fulgrim and Clarks? They had just returned and hadn't made any impressive achievements yet. So, let's leave them aside for now. But Russ felt fortunate, because he had a brother who was even more capable than himself to assist him.

On the Phalanx, Russ finally met Dorn, who had come out to greet him. The descendants of both parties closely followed their Primarch, parading through the vast hangar, which covered over ten square kilometers. When Russ first laid eyes on Dorn, he couldn't help but frown, for he knew that Dorn, with his rock-hard demeanor, gave him the impression that he wasn't someone he could drink with or brag about.

Across from Russ, the soldiers and vehicles of the Seventh Legion formed a neat formation, their formations impeccable and silent. Beyond simple yet precise commands, the only sound within the Seventh Legion's ranks was the unanimous, resounding sound of their movements. Each and every one of them was as precise as a machine. Standing at the forefront, Dorn was a prime example of this, his every movement seemingly calculated and measured.

Dorn, in turn, observed his brother. Just as Russ had a negative impression of Dorn, so too had Dorn's impression of Russ. Compared to the perfectly aligned phalanx formations of the Seventh Legion, the Space Wolves' force was significantly inferior, a disorganized mess. Furthermore, Russ's heirs seemed to be carrying too many items irrelevant to combat, such as furs, pendants, various bones, or items emitting certain peculiar auras. All of this made Dorn feel that the opposing force was extremely disorganized!

To Dorn, Russ was taller, but with his braided hair and the wolfskin adorning his body, Dorn felt his brother wasn't a Primarch of the Empire or a legion commander, but rather a barbarian from some remote corner of the galaxy. He knew it was just an appearance, but he genuinely felt uneasy.

Dorn then turned his gaze to the army formation behind Russ. He suddenly felt torn. On the one hand, his descendants looked more like a group of barbarians than their original master. On the other hand, their equipment looked really impressive! Whether it was the Centurion Terminator, which was a circle larger than the average Terminator, or the Iron Wolf battle mech, which was about the same size as the Dreadnought, Dorn was very impressed. These two styles that Dorn found tangled at the same time, unexpectedly appeared together. And you know what, this combination looks quite harmonious!

"Welcome, my brother." After both parties stood still, Dorn spoke first. His words were very formal, without any emotion. If Horus' words made Rus feel like spring breeze when they met, then Dorn's words made Rus feel that the other party had a completely official attitude.

"He treated this ceremony as a mission, not a meeting between brothers," Russ thought to himself. Although he felt a little uncomfortable, he couldn't say Dorne was wrong. After all, both sides had put on such a big show, and they were still going to conduct exercises, so it wasn't an exaggeration to say that they were just doing business.

"Me too." The Wolf King strode towards Dorn and then opened his arms. Dorn was about to extend his hand to shake hands with him, but after a moment's hesitation, Dorn chose to hug his brother.

"Dorn, relax a little. We are brothers. We have the same father. We fight together for humanity and the great cause of the Empire. There should be more than just business between us." Russ whispered in Dorn's ear.

"However, we must always take care of business first," Dorn responded.

"I agree with that," Russ said, patting Dawn on the back.

The two Primarchs met and then entered the banquet hall. Next came the officers and soldiers of the legions who were qualified to enter, and the first round of exchanges between the two legions began. The Primarchs of both legions sat on their thrones, occasionally speaking quietly. In the audience, the descendants of both sides had already begun a conversation, and this conversation was not particularly harmonious.

------------

"What are you looking at, my brother?" Dorn looked at Leman Russ.

"I'm looking at our descendants. To be honest, they seem a little out of tune with each other." Russ said, looking at the legion soldiers gathered in the distance.

"You are very honest." Dorn was stunned at first, then expressed his agreement with Ruth's words.

"You are such an interesting person, Dorn." Then, Rus waved his hand and dismissed the guards following him, and Dorn did the same. The guards of both sides moved away from the Primarch and stood on both sides at the bottom of the throne steps, leaving enough space for the Primarchs to communicate with each other.

"No one ever says I'm funny. Everyone who meets me says I'm a piece of stone," Dorn said.

"Your words and behavior are very rude, but I don't hate you. Because, in our position, it is not easy to hear two sincere words. Even if the person talking to us is our offspring." Rus said meaningfully.

"That makes sense." Dawn nodded.

"Alright, let's take a look down there first. We'll talk about this later," Russ said. "The relationship between the officers and soldiers of the Legion needs to be more harmonious, and to achieve that, we need to divert the conflict."

"You're right." Dorn nodded slightly and glanced at a corner of the banquet hall.

-------------

"Hey, brother, have a glass of Fenris's honey wine. I guarantee that you will like it. The alcohol content is high enough and the taste is strong enough. It is what a real man should drink." Heimdall walked towards Anaxus opposite with a pot of wine.

"Sorry, Terra's wine is more suitable." Anaxus said.

"Boring! I thought we had a lot in common." Heimdall could see that the Seventh Legion was somewhat dissatisfied with him, with a slight disdain and a look of barbarism. Heimdall decided to teach them a lesson.

"We are both legionnaires, and besides that, I feel..." Anaxus hesitated.

"You feel that we are incompatible with each other, is that right?" Heimdall walked forward and said with a smile.

"Are you looking for trouble?" Anaxus felt even more dissatisfied.

"How about playing a game?" Heimdall said.

"I don't like doing boring things." Anaxus picked up the wine glass, took a sip and said.

"A little game about war and ability. You know, intuition? It can help us avoid crises and seize fleeting opportunities. How about we compete to see whose intuition is the best?" Heimdall said, scanning the entire venue. "Everyone can participate. I, alone, will do! Do you dare?"

"Arrogant!" Anaxus put down his glass with a slam. "Tell me, how do you play this game?"

"Brothers of the Seventh Legion, who is the most powerful person in this banquet hall besides the two Primarchs?" Heimdall's voice was neither loud nor soft. His words clearly caused a commotion in a corner of the venue. To the officers and soldiers of the Seventh Legion, this was simply a provocation.

"That must be someone from our Seventh Legion. If you're not convinced, we can go somewhere else and have a good discussion." Anaxus raised his head, his tone very arrogant.

"No, definitely not from the Seventh Legion. Compared to that guy, you and I are nothing." Heimdall walked over and shook his head. "Have you really not noticed? The truly powerful guy in this banquet hall is so conspicuously positioned. Can't you see?"

"What do you mean?" If the situation had not allowed it, Anaxus might have punched this guy.

"Sir, look over there." At that moment, a newcomer named Sigismund stepped forward, took Anaxus's arm, and pointed toward a nearby bar where alcohol was stored. A man in a slim-fitting gold and blue robe was diligently pouring drinks for the soldiers of the Seventh Legion. Everyone instinctively assumed he was a waiter. Although he was incredibly tall, towering over the legionnaires by a head, most people didn't notice anything unusual.

At a slightly further distance, two Space Wolves Rune Priests stared intently at the man, their muscles tense and their spirits tense. They seemed to be looking at something terrifying. It was only after Sigismund's warning that Anaxus realized something was amiss.

"This guy is not one of yours, right?" Heimdall said to Anaxus.

"No..." Anaxus didn't remember the existence of such a person in the legion. He subconsciously looked at the Primarch, but the two Primarchs picked up the wine glasses tacitly. Obviously, their meaning was very clear: you should solve this problem yourselves.

"Damn it!" Anaxus knew full well that the Seventh Legion had already lost in this silent battle. The opposing wolves' sense of smell was clearly too sharp, having immediately detected something amiss at the banquet. However, the Seventh Legion, as the host, hadn't noticed such a terrifying presence right under their noses. That's right, terrifying. Although the other party had no ill intentions, his mind told him this was a terrifying being.

Instantly, a group of people from the two legions, led by the two high-ranking officials, surrounded them. Meanwhile, the man in front of him was still slowly wiping his wine glass.

"Who are you? I don't remember there being someone like you in my legion." Anaxus drew his stance sword.

"The Emperor's Chamber of Retinues, Ramon." Knight-Errant Ramon stood up, set down his glass, and said with a smile. The Knight-Errants were so few in number that they didn't form a legion. Instead, they served as the Emperor's Retinues, and their organization was called the Emperor's Chamber of Retinues.

"So, you're here as a bartender now?" Anaxus thought of these mysterious people who once followed the Emperor.

"Two Primarchs." Ramon first expressed his respect to the Primarchs sitting on the throne, and then said: "I am currently a bartender. I have nothing to do with the Chamber of Attendants or the Emperor."

"Hehe..." This completely stumped Anaxus. Clearly, this was a test. A test of the Legionnaires by the Emperor. However, the results were disastrous. Ninety-eight percent of the Space Wolves hadn't spotted this dangerous creature. And on his side, save for one newcomer, the entire force had been wiped out...

"Very good, give me a glass of Terra Celebration." Anaxus strode forward angrily and said.

"Please wait a moment." Under Anaxus's surprised gaze, Ramon actually mixed a glass of wine for Anaxus. And just as he handed the glass of wine to him, Ramon spoke: "Don't be fooled by appearances. Your past has made you biased."

"Thank you," Anaxus said solemnly, accepting Ramon's wine. Ramon's point was clear: the 7th Legion had underestimated the Space Wolves. Anyone who could be chosen by the Emperor to play opposite him was definitely no ordinary person!

At this time, the Space Wolves also shifted their attention. They began to ask the soldiers of the Seventh Legion what this so-called Chamber of Attendants was all about. After all, this was the first time that this organization appeared in the open in Dorne. As a result, the relationship between the two sides immediately became active, and the previous estrangement disappeared...

"Come here, little brother," Ramon said, waving to Sigismund. "Come, I'll make you a drink."

"Sir," Sigismund approached cautiously, bowing. The man in front of him was the Emperor's personal attendant, even holding a higher rank than the common Guards. Meanwhile, Sigismund was still only a new recruit. To say the difference in status between them was worlds apart was an understatement.

"You're excellent. You have a keen sense of perception and are alert. You will achieve great things in the future." Ramon mixed a glass of wine for Sigismund and continued, "This drink is called Vigilance. I hope you will be able to detect hidden dangers in the future."

"Thank you, sir," Sigismund thanked him hastily. "You are truly quite different from some people."

"Haha, it's normal for everyone to have some differences in personality because of their different tasks," Ramon said.

"I hope that in the future we will have the opportunity to fight side by side." Sigismund said excitedly.

"Yes, we will also go to the battlefield. The emperor's servants are proficient in both civil and military affairs." Ramon still had a smile on his face.

"I'm looking forward to that day." Sigismund nodded heavily and said.

"Over there, that Captain of the Space Wolves, would you mind having a drink?" Ramon said after seeing Sigismund off.

"Hey, I smell something familiar on you." Heimdall walked over and stared at Ramon opposite him, without a trace of fear in his eyes.

"Really? Is that why you sought me out?" Ramon smiled. This was a test, a way to gauge the Knight Errant's ability to conceal himself and assess his surroundings. Ramon observed everyone entering. The two Primarchs didn't say much, and the only ones who made Ramon feel he might be exposed were the two Space Wolves' Rune Priests. This time, four people appeared. Sigismund was an exception, but Heimdall, by common sense, shouldn't have been able to detect him.

"Can you tell me about that so-called familiar smell?" Ramon said casually.

"Sorry, not interested." Heimdall said, standing up and preparing to leave.

"Friends of Space Wolves, here is a glass of wine called Agility. Would you like to try it?" Ramon prepared a special gift for everyone who could find himself.

"Hmph." Heimdall picked up his glass and turned away. Just a moment ago, he had faintly sensed a very faint aura from this guy, similar to Balder. Now, he wasn't sure. It was a fleeting inspiration. Maybe even an illusion. And it was precisely because of this aura that he subconsciously felt that this guy was extremely powerful!

After finishing the work in his hands, Ramon walked towards the two primarchs sitting on the throne.

"Respected Primarch," Ramon said, bowing. "My work is complete. The officers and soldiers of the Legion now have a new topic to discuss and a new way to divert their conflict. Next, I will await the arrival of those interested in the arena next door."

"A swordfight or combat?" Dorn glanced at the being before him. Honestly, aside from the leader of the Imperial Guard, this was the only one among his father's men who even remotely threatened him.

"As long as they're willing, they can compete in anything." Ramon's face was still full of smiles. But Dorn knew that was a sign of extreme self-confidence. However, he also admitted that if it were a one-on-one duel, no one in the entire hall, at least for now, except the two Primarchs, could match Ramon. That was Dorn's intuition.

"This result isn't bad either. At least we don't have to worry about our offspring causing any trouble during our conversation," Russ said, looking at Dorn. Russ was very satisfied with the outcome. In truth, Russ knew Dorn had many complaints against him, and he himself didn't particularly care. But if given the chance, it was nice to let one's brother suffer a small loss. For example, this time, the Emperor's harmless diversion of conflict had resulted in a small victory for the Sixth Legion, which had brought him great satisfaction. After all, a win was a win, no explanation needed.

Chapter 172 Dorne speaks up

Meanwhile, Dorn was lost in thought. The Seventh Legion had clearly lost this duel. They hadn't spotted Ramon, who had used psychic powers to conceal himself. This reality-distorting power had somehow altered perception, leading to the belief that this man, over 2.5 meters tall, with a rugged yet elegant appearance, was a mere bartender! Dorn realized this was a reminder from his father. The spread of psychic power was dangerous, but not using it, or even ignoring it, was equally dangerous. If this was an enemy, suddenly attacking in his absence, it would undoubtedly be a disaster. While the Wolf Pack still had limited visibility, they were significantly better than the Seventh Legion.

At the same time, Dorn also put aside his contempt for the VI Legion. Victory comes in many forms, and strength manifests itself in different ways. While the Space Wolves fell far short of Dorn's vision of a powerful army, it was clear that the Legion was well-deserved. Leman Russ was, after all, his brother, and the Legion he commanded was unique. Under such circumstances, he should at least maintain a healthy respect for him. However, precisely because of this respect and brotherly bond, Dorn had something to say to Russ.

(Some of Clarks' descendants have an Akarin aura that makes them invisible to the enemy, but detection equipment can still detect them.)

"Your legion is indeed quite unique," Dorn said. "Although it's completely different from what I imagined, I admit that in some ways, you and your legion are indeed quite good."

"I've read your information, a lot of it, from your return to the Legion all the way to the just-concluded Battle of Charon. This was provided to me by our father. He said that the Space Wolves are a very good Legion and hopes that we can learn from each other." Dorn finished speaking and paused slightly. It was obvious that he was hesitant.

"Don't you think that as the Primarch of the Sixth Legion, you rely too much on your brother? Many things, many things that should be handled by the Primarch personally, are handed over to others. You disperse your power and let one legion have two voices. This is very dangerous and inappropriate. Especially since your brother is very powerful. Unreasonably powerful." Dorn said sincerely.

Dorn saw it as his brother's best interest. After all, from his perspective, he would never allow a psyker, unknown to him, to have the right to approach him. This wasn't about good or evil; it was simply because he firmly believed that the Legion could only have one core. The rest of the Legion, whether his own descendants or mortal auxiliaries, could only work around that core. This meant his brother was losing power.

"I've also read your information, Dorn." Russ said after hesitating for a moment. After hearing this, he began to be furious, because no matter what Dorn's intentions were, he was meddling too much! And it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it was a provocation. He wanted to punch the other side twice, but looking at the officers and soldiers of both legions who were gradually getting harmonious off the field, Russ gave up. He suppressed his emotions, and then drank while thinking about Dorn's intentions. One glass after another, after 10 minutes had passed, when he finished the third pot of wine, Russ smiled. Because he didn't feel any malice from Dorn. It was an intuition, he could feel that Dorn was really thinking about him. This made him a little overwhelmed.

"I've discussed this with many brothers, but you're the first to speak so directly to me about this issue," Russ sighed. "My ally is reliable. He's recognized by the Emperor and the Sigillite."

"Then you should do it yourself! A legion can only have one voice! You are the Primarch, you are the father of all Space Wolves. You hand over the responsibilities that you should have borne to others, even if he is very powerful, but it is still irresponsible! You must learn to face your responsibilities." Dorn did not show any weakness.

"Shit!" Russ was a bit amused. He believed Dorn meant no harm, because Dorn had no motive. If Horus harbored ill will towards Balder, it was because his ally had manipulated and recruited a group of friendly forces from other legions to aid him. Furthermore, Balder had played a role in bringing Russ and Ferrus together, affecting Horus's interests and status. Therefore, Horus had reason to harbor ill will towards Balder.

But Dorn had no excuse. This time, Balder hadn't come, and in the future, the Space Wolves would be on the battlefield, while the Imperial Fists would follow the Emperor. The two sides were completely unrelated, and their interactions were unlikely. Dorn had no reason to upset him. Russ was certain that Dorn was genuinely uneasy about his position within the Legion, and perhaps also suspected him of being lazy and deliberately shirking responsibility. However, Russ knew he wasn't shirking responsibility, but rather that there were many things he simply couldn't handle.

"I'm more pragmatic," Russ said. "My principle is that since my ally has proven to be reliable and capable, why shouldn't I share command of the Legion with him? The Sixth Legion is mine, but at the same time, he's also a human, a member of the Imperium, a sword in the hands of the Emperor. To make that sword sharper, why shouldn't I share power with my brother?"

"Don, you haven't truly taken charge of the Legion yet. You don't have any particularly outstanding subordinates around you yet. You also don't realize how much trouble awaits you if you truly want to stand on your own and control a legion and a fiefdom. In the future, you will surely meet a heir you admire. When that time comes, you will not simply view him as a subordinate, but as a family member, or even a friend. Then, you will understand me."

"Moreover, the Sixth Legion and the Seventh Legion have different positioning. I have a fiefdom. Among my fiefdoms are my home planet, the forging world, the industrial world, the agricultural world and the beautiful garden world. My legion needs to govern them and maintain these worlds. At this time, I need more helpers. If you are unwilling to share power, no matter how outstanding they are, they will be powerless. Do you understand what I mean?" Russ said.

Russ knew full well that, thanks to his ally's abilities and skill, the Space Wolves had been elevated to a level unsuitable for him. Russ knew that without Balder, there would be no Centurion Terminators, let alone Bear Gunships. By then, he would be lucky to be able to care for his Legion, let alone establish fiefdoms, construct planets, or conduct research and development. Even fighting would likely be a struggle. Without the good relationship between Balder and Ferrus, he and Ferrus would likely be little more than acquaintances. After all, he knew Ferrus's temper well. If Horus hadn't been able to conceal it, Ferrus truly despised Russ without Balder.

Ruth's philosophy is just as he said: "The more capable, the more work!" If you can do a good job and guarantee reliability, then I'll delegate power to you. After all, everyone is striving to become bigger and stronger...

"Russ, you disappoint me a little. I feel like you are shirking your responsibilities. Moreover, you condone the psykers in the Legion to have a transcendent status, which is wrong! Even if Balder is reliable, can you guarantee that all rune priests are reliable?" Dorn insisted.

"Well, it seems I'm having a hard time convincing you with words," Russ said, setting his glass down abruptly. His good mood had essentially run its course. "I will prove that my choices and decisions are correct. Aren't you a member of the Emperor's Guard? And proud of it, isn't that right?"

"Yes, I am proud of it!" said Dawn.

"Very good, do you know the location of my legion?" Rus asked.

"Vassal of the Emperor, as you said before."

"That's just one of my identities. My other identity and that of my legion is the coach of the Empire, the coach of the Imperial Legion. I am specifically here to teach you newcomers a lesson, to make you realize your own shortcomings, and to hone you! I want you to realize the dangers of the galaxy. That's it!" Russ said.

"You are challenging me and my legion." Dorn leaned forward, his tone emitting a cold air.

"I'm just stating a fact. See you at the training ground, my brother. I hope I'm wrong, but you have to be strong. I've seen so many things, even things that human technology can't resist. Believe me, they're beyond your imagination. The feeling of powerlessness in the face of these things has taught me a lot." Russ felt that his new brother was too naive. As the eldest brother, he needed to teach him a lesson and open the eyes of the Seventh Legion.

"You choose the venue. If I remember correctly, we'll start with a battalion-to-regimental confrontation, right? I've heard the Seventh Legion excels in street fighting. I'm eager to see if it lives up to its reputation." Russ smiled, his sharp canines gleaming coldly under the light. Russ was truly furious at this moment, determined to teach his brother a lesson. Although Balder wasn't here, Russ was confident he wouldn't be any weaker than his recently returned brother.