Warhammer: Saving Humanity Begins with the Resurrection of Horus

Page 76

After the battle that day, Karasto stayed with Starclaw and became a Chapter Servant.

For reasons that cannot be revealed to outsiders, Karasto and Asford have developed a good friendship. The latter even recently planned to recommend Karasto to Bell, allowing him to fully utilize his psychic talents.

This friendship also became his "accomplice" in helping Asford escape from the infirmary.

Karasto sighed helplessly. Only after truly interacting with them did he realize that these angels weren't as cold and inhuman as the legends portrayed them. At least to him now, they were human beings, not those legendary beings or symbols of emperors' death.

If he had done the same thing back in the Mechanical Engineering department, the consequences wouldn't have been as simple as being assigned to clean toilets.

"Karasto?"

Hearing someone call his name, Karasto turned his head in confusion, but after seeing who it was, he immediately stood up straight and became extremely nervous.

"Lord Lynch! What brings you here!"

Lynch looked at the chapter servant in front of him, who was speaking loudly and trying to send a message to Asford, who was just a wall away, and couldn't help but chuckle.

"Alright, don't be nervous. I'm not a pharmacist or a technical sergeant. I'm just here to have a chat with Asford... You should go back to your dorm, otherwise I'll definitely get interrupted in the middle of my conversation."

"Yes! Your lord!"

Karasto replied that although they were both mortals, he was aware of the extraordinary status of Lord Lynch within the Claws of the Stars, and...

For some reason, he felt a faint sense of closeness while communicating with the other person.

Perhaps this is the legendary charisma?

Karasto thought to himself, and after watching Lynch walk into the training field, he took a deep breath and strode toward the dormitory.

Since we don't need to call the pharmacist and the technical sergeant, we can probably spend the rest of the day relaxing in the dormitory.

With this thought in mind, a smile appeared on his face, and his steps became lighter.

------

Chapter 100 Technical Sergeant/Pharmacist: How could you be so selfish!

Lin Qi entered the training room.

"So fast?" Asford asked, washing the blood off himself with a bucket of water. "Karasto, just go find them directly. Trust me, they won't bother you."

Lynch didn't speak, but simply took the towel from the dazed servant. Then he walked over to Asford and handed it to him.

Asford naturally took the towel and was about to express his gratitude when his body gave him a strange "warning".

Turn back quickly, or you'll regret your actions later.

That was roughly the meaning of the "warning," which left Asford somewhat confused. He looked down slightly and realized that the mortal figure beside him was quite different from the Karasto he remembered.

On the contrary, the shadow of another "mortal" whom I haven't seen recently looks quite similar to the one I have now.

Asford's breath caught in his throat for a moment, then he immediately turned around. His expression shifted rapidly as he looked at the mortal behind him, who wore a sly smile, before settling on a look of fear and helplessness.

“Lord Lynch,” Asford began. “When did you arrive?”

“Just now,” Lin Qi said. “I heard you’ve been in a bad mood lately, so I came to see you. After all, you’re a member of my Glory Guard, and you played a crucial role in that gang raid. I naturally don’t hold back my concern for those who have made contributions.”

Asford fell silent, his heart telling him he should say something. But as the words reached his throat, looking at the smiling face before him, he felt a lump in his throat and couldn't utter a sound.

"My lord...I..."

Lynch noticed his embarrassment, shook his head, and then raised a hand to indicate that Asford didn't need to force himself to speak.

“This world is not gentle,” Lynch said calmly. “On the other side of this world, the eyes of the great enemy of chaos are always watching us. Sometimes, we can resist him through faith, and sometimes we cannot.”

Asford took a deep breath, and the complex emotions in his eyes gradually calmed down.

“But I put you in a trap,” he said. “Before I completely lost consciousness, I felt that malicious gaze; it almost discovered your presence. I really can’t imagine what terrible things would have happened if it had actually discovered you.”

"But nothing has happened yet."

Lynch sighed inwardly. Asford was a warrior whom both he and Horus held in high regard, so upon hearing that Asford was experiencing psychological problems, they immediately went to provide him with counseling, but…

When it comes to psychology, the one who tied the knot must untie it. Even if Lynch's psychological counseling is excellent, it's still an external matter. It all depends on whether Asford himself can figure things out and get out of the problem.

They knew that their interactions with Chaos would only increase in the future, and Lynch and Horus certainly wouldn't stand idly by while their warriors were dragged away by Chaos. Only by saving one person first could they provide guidance and assistance to others should similar psychological problems arise later.

Relying solely on pastors is insufficient; individuals with direct experience are even more crucial.

“Asford.” After thinking for a moment, an idea suddenly popped into Lynch’s head. “I recently received news that among the people Terra is sending in a few days, there is an Astartes Legion known as Firehawk.”

Asford frowned, wondering why Lynch had suddenly brought up this warband.

He was not unfamiliar with the Firehawk Chapter, because according to the chapter's records, a long time ago, an expedition into the Maelstrom was carried out by the Starclaws, the Firehawks, and several other Astartes Chapters.

Asford hadn't joined the warband at that time, but he had heard accounts from some veterans. According to them, the relationship between Starclaw and Firehawk didn't seem to be good, and the conflict arose during that expedition for some unknown reason.

Terra probably brought this chapter along for this reason as well. After all, while others may not know, the Firehawks, who have their own conflicts, were not only fair and impartial in their review of Star Claws, but also ruthless.

"I want to mend the relationship between our Star Claw Chapter and the Firehawk Chapter."

Lynch voiced his thoughts. This idea had surfaced recently after he learned about the composition of the team Terra had sent. Now, it was even more firmly established, and he told Asford directly before the formal meeting to finalize it.

"This is a difficult matter, because as far as I know, the current Astartes Chapter Commander of the Firehawk Chapter is a stubborn fellow."

Lynch smiled at Asford and continued speaking.

"However, the God Emperor protects every devout believer. I consulted many ancient texts and finally found a way. If possible, perhaps I can build a good relationship with that Firehawk."

"Sir, what method is that?"

Asford's words were clearly tinged with urgency. He had a rough idea that this might be the opportunity Lynch wanted to give him, a chance for him to pick up that small piece of something he had lost in his heart.

"Don't say it here. Put on your robe and come with me to the infirmary. We'll talk on the way."

"grown ups........"

"What? You really don't want to explain your situation to the pharmacist? Asford... never mind, I'll just call you Asford from now on, it'll be easier to pronounce. Asford, you're quite bold to mess with the pharmacist and the technical sergeant. Although I believe they won't really do anything to you, your life won't be easy from now on."

Asford remained silent, though he was unwilling to admit it, he clearly knew that what Lynch said was true.

He disobeyed the pharmacist's instructions and went out to train before his injuries had fully healed. During training, he injured eight fighter servants so badly that they were unable to take care of themselves and needed to be taken to the armory for repairs.

Being ridiculed from now on is already a good thing. What I worry about is that these people will use some harsh methods on me within the bounds of propriety, like using less anesthesia when I'm seriously injured, or skipping emergency treatment and just stuffing me into the Fearless...

I should apologize to them properly in the future.

Asford took a deep breath and thought to himself.

"Alright." Lynch led Asford to the door of the infirmary. "Now I'll get to the important matter."

His expression turned serious, and his tone became very solemn.

"Asford, I have a task for you. As far as I know, the Firehawk Chapter has a tradition of dueling, and many conflicts, big and small, can be resolved through a duel. Now, I need you to recover well from your injuries, and after some time, represent our Star Claws to duel with the warriors of the Firehawk."

Asford's breath hitched for a moment, and the next instant, he immediately asked his question.

"Why me? My lord, there should be warriors within the battle group stronger than me..."

“Because I trust you.” Lynch looked at Asford and smiled slightly. “Besides, you’re not the only one chosen for this duel. Take good care of your injuries. I’m looking forward to seeing how you are then. If I do choose you, don’t let me down.”

At this point, Lin Qi looked up and glanced at the clock hanging on the wall.

"Hmm... It's almost time. I have other guests. Go and explain your actions to the pharmacist. Goodbye, Afu."

After saying this, Lynch turned and left. Asford watched his retreating figure until it disappeared around a corner, then, as if having made up his mind, he walked into the infirmary behind him.

Three minutes later, the pharmacist's angry shouts rang out.

Chapter 101 Judge Elena (She's sick, meow; thankfully, CC knocked her out, meow)

Alene's head was bowed, and she wore a thin white nightgown, which, in the candlelight of the room, clearly outlined her petite and exquisite figure.

She had long, greyish-white hair, the same color as her eyes. On the coat rack in the room, a trench coat representing an inquisitor sat alongside a longsword that looked like a ceremonial weapon. On the bedside table was a loaded mortal explosive gun and a few scattered bullets. Apart from that, the room had no other decorations, giving it a very simple feel at first glance.

"On the third day of the investigation, we found nothing. No relics or items containing the Adaling script have been found so far. We are now planning to enter the bottom nest for further investigation at a later date."

Her quill flew across the paper, writing these words on the parchment. After finishing, Elena put the quill away. Then she folded the parchment, pulled out the small box she kept under her bed, opened it, and placed the parchment in one of the compartments.

I closed the box, kicked it back under the bed, and the room returned to its previous state.

After doing all that, the judge untied the hair tie that bound her long hair by the bed where she was temporarily staying. Her gray hair fell loose and trembled slightly, making her look like a nimble little bird.

Then, she lay flat on her back on the bed. The soft mattress and pillows enveloped her body, instantly relaxing her previously exhausted state. However, physical comfort could not alleviate mental fatigue; as soon as she closed her eyes, she immediately thought of what the Imperial Guard had said to her three days ago.

It was in a closed room. The guards were wearing golden armor. A small chair was placed next to a large chair. The blinding white light made the judge squint, and it took him two seconds to adjust.

The guards didn't even look up, relentlessly reviewing the official documents in their hands. Their posture reminded Elena of the Interior Ministry officials she'd seen when she accompanied her teacher to Terra. However, the guards' efficiency and attitude were clearly far superior to those officials who were constantly brooding and suicidal.

She stood there until the Imperial Guard finished reviewing the last document in his hand, and only then did the two exchange their first words upon meeting.

"Your Excellency, I am Judge Elena. My purpose in coming here is not to visit Lynch..."

"Net Way".

"...You know?"

“We noticed your actions many years ago. It must have been your teacher’s teacher’s teacher who first discovered some of the secrets of the Web Dao and then devoted his life to this alien creation.”

That's what the guard said; it was something even Eleanor's teacher hadn't told her. After all, regarding the group of judges she was currently in, she knew nothing except about the Net Path and that most of them passed down their mission through a master-apprentice system.

Then the imperial guard revealed even more astonishing news.

“I have no aversion to your research on this creation, because I can tell you that ten thousand years ago, our Lord also studied this creation called the Web.”

"This is information passed down through generations within our Imperial Guard, and in principle, we shouldn't be telling you. Because in the past, your research and exploration were seen by me and my colleagues as a futile effort, without much significance or importance."

"But now, perhaps everything is different, so I am willing to tell you this information, but again, this information is not free, Inquisitor. If you really want to explore the truth of the Web and use it to help humanity, then come back here after you finish your research and seek someone's cooperation."

Whose collaboration?

Elena remembered asking that question, and the guard didn't hesitate to answer, giving a name.

Lynch.

Elena pondered the name in her heart. She was naturally familiar with it, or rather, anyone in the empire with a little status or identity would know the name and the person it represented.

A mortal, yet as the chosen one of the Emperors, he eliminated the former Chapter Master of the Star Claws, preventing what might have been the greatest Astartes rebellion since ten thousand years ago, and subsequently firmly grasped control of the entire Star Claws.

There was definitely something wrong with Lin Qi – this was the consensus in the court. Some people originally planned to arrest him and interrogate him to see what the problem was, but not long after, these people either changed their attitude or mysteriously disappeared during a subspace voyage.

When Eleanor heard her teacher talk about these things, she couldn't help but think of a faction that had somewhat disappeared within the Inquisition—the Order of Origins.

This religious order once attempted to uncover the myths and legends that had disappeared or remained unclear during the empire's ten thousand years of existence, and it never did anything outrageous, but the faction slowly declined.