Warhammer: Don't Call Me the God of All Machines

Chapter 841 Waldo Returns (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
The transformation that occurred to Mel Ion is enough to be etched in the Legion's annals, and even in the history of human evolution.

The silver flesh that quietly grew on the remains of the Steel Father was not just simple living metal, but real tissues and organs with life force.

It possesses the cold, hard luster and tough texture of metal, yet it exudes the unique warmth and vitality of flesh and blood.

If all that effort is to replace the modified prosthetic body of the Steel Hand with living metal, then it's a completely pointless exercise.

Living metal is a special metallic substance created by space necromancy that can grow and heal itself. Its properties are even very close to those of organic living things.

Even if there is only a small amount of living metal residue, as long as there are sufficient materials and a suitable environment nearby, with the help of the Ghost Beetle, it will continuously transform the surrounding materials into more living metal.

Almost all of the Necromancer's tech trees utilize this incredibly powerful living metal: the Necromancer's body, various weapons, armored vehicles, space warships, and so on.

However, living metal is not truly alive; its essence remains that of a cold tool, an exquisite imitation of life.

It cannot feel, cannot think, and cannot touch the deepest longing of the soul for "existence".

If it truly possessed the characteristics of life, as its name suggests, the space necromancer wouldn't have been so obsessed with restoring its physical body.

However, the living metal cells that Roche edited, cultivated, and refined using Colossus's genetic sample represent a glorious conquest of the material universe by the laws of life.

This cell possesses metallic properties and can be adjusted and altered as needed.

Lothie genetically edited the metal cells to replicate the functions of the Space Marines' modifications during their growth, based on the original Space Marines' body structure and modified organs.

And Losi suddenly discovered that he had unlocked an important breakthrough: these steel hands using metal cells could bypass the tedious and risky traditional Space Marine modification surgery by not needing repeated implantation of bio-modified organs.

If targeted improvements continue, Losi has no doubt that in the future, when Iron Hand recruits new soldiers, it can directly replicate the functions of those enhanced organs during the growth process as if it were "self-programmed," achieving a leap in efficiency.

Whether this breakthrough can be extended to other legions remains to be seen, since most Astartes legions are extremely resistant to such extreme operations as Iron Hand.

Ferus in his cursed form also showed his shock. The cursed flames wrapped around his body rose and fell, as if his soul was experiencing an unprecedented storm.

"This……"

"Your Majesty, there is actually someone who can do this."

"A perfect fusion of flesh and steel, possessing both the plasticity and compatibility of flesh and steel and the toughness and strength of steel."

"This is the Iron Hand I've always dreamed of, the true Son of Gorgon. I have no regrets now that I've witnessed this."

Feralus's words resonated with the other members of the Steel Hand, who were equally stunned and speechless.

Compared to the metal cell organs growing on Mel's body, their previously proud mechanically modified bodies, crudely stitched together with cold rivets and hydraulic pumps, now appeared so clumsy and ugly, like crudely made relics from an era of ignorance, exuding an aura of obsolescence and barbarity.

"Damn it, why didn't I try to seize this opportunity? This is a chance to show off in front of my father!"

"The Avigni clan, it's always the Avigni clan!"

"They've won first place again!"

The Iron Hands screamed in anger within their hearts, their cold, logical circuits churning with turbulent jealousy and regret, yet outwardly they maintained a uniform indifference and apathy.

Mel also truly felt the strange changes happening to his body. He didn't know how long it had been, but he felt a long-lost, almost unfamiliar tingling and itching sensation again.

He no longer uses complex, sophisticated sensors to sense subtle changes in his body, but instead uses his own nerves to perceive everything.

The previously empty chest, abdomen, and lower limbs are regenerating, and the genetically modified organs that were previously removed are being restarted.

Mel had previously removed his pre-existing stomach and replaced it with a mechanically constructed reactor as his energy source.

In a sense, he could be like a Leman Rustank, directly replenishing his energy by drinking promethium fuel.

He tried moving his two new arms and was horrified to find that their strength and precision were in no way inferior to his original, sophisticated mechanical arms.

Even when the Steel Father tried to manipulate the metal cells with his own will, his newly formed silver arm visibly expanded and hardened, and sharp metallic textures and impact surfaces appeared on the surface of his skin, like a warhammer he was born with.

His body seemed to be able to adjust and change according to his will, which instantly turned into a surge of ecstasy that flooded Mel's mind.

If a power backpack is subsequently connected to obtain a sufficient energy supply, wouldn't it be possible to transform oneself into a walking arsenal?

Many people would use the phrase "like an extension of one's arm" to describe the skill and ease with which one wields a weapon, but what if their weapon is their own body?

Imagine, imagine, on a rapidly changing battlefield, a steel hand that can transform limbs into blades and shields at will...

Furthermore, metal cells can even transform into superconducting metals, directly becoming human electromagnetic cannons; or they can transform into certain highly heat-resistant metals, allowing the steel hand to adapt to some hellish combat environments.

Even if enemy weapons pierce their bodies or sever their limbs, they can rely on the powerful regenerative and self-healing abilities of their metal cells to pick up the severed limbs and put them back together for super-fast regeneration.

The enemy managed to penetrate the power armor and attack the flesh, but the metal cells that were pierced quickly classified and replicated with the support of nutrients and metal raw materials, healing the damage.

The "rebirth" ceremony of the Steel Father lasted for seven days and nights.

Felus was repeatedly summoned by the Warp to the Burning Battlefield, but after each mission, he would return to Macragge immediately to silently witness the transformation of his offspring.

When the perfectly reborn Mel Ian appeared before everyone, he had transformed into a silver giant with a liquid metallic sheen.

His skin constantly switches between metal and flesh, adapting to the different properties of both.

The Stone Man's assistant dressed him in power armor once again, but this time, the Iron Father no longer needed to use the black carapace ganglia to control his power armor.

The black shell was originally designed as an intermediary organ to directly connect the power armor to the user's nervous system.

The black armor has many neural interfaces; without these interfaces, Space Marines would not be able to control their armor and weapons effectively.

With a slight thought, the metal cells on the surface of Mel's body spread like living water, perfectly blending with the inner lining of the power armor to form an unprecedented "neurosymbiosis" that transcends physical connection.

The power armor is no longer just a piece of equipment, but an extension of his body.

This more direct connection even made his reaction speed a little faster.

Don't underestimate the small amount; in a real life-or-death confrontation, that small amount can be an insurmountable chasm between life and death.

"Thank you for your great creation, Sage Roche."

"The Iron Tenth Legion will forever remember your help. It was you who helped us return from the extreme path to the right one, giving us new life and... infinite possibilities."

"Metal cells, a perfect fusion of metal and flesh, combining the advantages and strengths of both, is indeed a more perfect solution than my method."

Felus, with his reborn offspring, paid the highest tribute to Loxi.

Besides their immense strength, the Primarch of the Steel Hand is best known for its ruthless and stubborn nature, as cold and unforgiving as steel.

But at this moment, Feralus revealed another side, with the residual warmth of the furnace still remaining beneath the cold steel.

Feralus's gentleness is seen by only a few, and his offspring are clearly one of his few weaknesses.

Mel Ian also knelt respectfully on one knee before Roxi. If the Emperor created the Iron Ten Legion, then Roxi is now reshaping it.

He was the first Astartes to receive metal cell implantation, but certainly not the last.

All combat brothers who are passionate about metal modification can use this great creation to repair their own bodies while continuing to pursue the path to becoming stronger.

During these seven days of rebirth, Mel figured out many things.

He realized that Steel Hand's previous pursuit of mechanical modification was a complete misguided approach, as the human body itself is an extremely special and precise machine.

All human genetic information is stored in DNA; the base sequence is the source code of life.

A tiny fertilized egg, through continuous division and replication, can eventually give rise to a human being with complex and complete bodily functions and high intelligence.

This process itself is full of the miracles of life, and its complexity and perfection far exceed any mechanical system forged by iron hands.

The human body's energy metabolism, feedback control system, motor interaction system, and neural thinking system are all interconnected and form a complete whole. If we were to use machinery to replicate this miracle of life, the difficulties would be countless.

And now, metal cells have made this miracle even more incredible.

Each cell can be considered an independent unit, and when they are combined together, they can even form special forms such as high-efficiency engines and high-energy weapon generators.

How metal cells should be combined and evolved depends more on the wisdom and thinking of the user.

Just like with the same material, some people can only forge it into swords, spears, and clubs, while others can forge it into firearms and thermal weapons, and still others can go further and create nuclear weapons and so on...

Furthermore, the fact that metal cells can directly grow modified organs that originally required surgical implantation has allowed the Iron Ten Legion to develop at a rocket-like pace.

And all of this was thanks to Barros.

"No need for thanks. The contributions of the Iron Tenth Legion to the Empire and humanity have never been forgotten, but have always been recorded."

"Only by uniting as one can humanity forge a path to survival in the dark galaxy. Your ability to make good use of this gift and bring it to its fullest potential is the best way to repay me."

"Though that is true, the oath has been made, and the Iron Tenth Legion will forever answer your call." The voice of the Iron Father was resolute, like a heavy hammer striking steel.

"The Iron Tenth Legion will forever be an extension of your will!"

The Iron Hands of the other clans all tacitly accepted Mel Ian's promise. They had seen the situation clearly: the Iron Ten Legion's predicament of division was over.

The five fingers that were once scattered have finally clenched together again into an indestructible iron fist! The future of the Legion has never been clearer.

……

Having resolved the Iron Hand Legion's troubles and fulfilled his promise to Feralas, Lothie also had a weight lifted off his shoulders.

Even from a long-term perspective, the emergence of metal cells may very well prevent future turmoil within the Iron Ten Legion.

After all, given the pace of development of these already obsessed Iron Hands, it won't be long before their self-destructive tendencies become increasingly out of control.

Completely devoid of humanity, the Iron Hand, fueled by the endless guilt brought on by the Primarch's death, will unleash all its fury, transforming into a bomb that indiscriminately attacks friend and foe.

The train hasn't completely spiraled out of control yet; it can still be corrected.

After witnessing the miracle of the metal cells, Felus left instructions for the Iron Hands, led by Mel Ion, before hastily returning to the warp.

The burden of the Cursed Legion is as heavy as a mountain; since his departure, countless summons across timelines have piled up like a mountain.

Because of the spacetime disorder of the warp, the trouble that Feralas and the Cursed Legion face is not only the current timeline, but also summoning at other points in time.

The Emperor treated the Cursed Legion as a universal tool, sending it out to help solve problems wherever they arose.

Compared to Ferrus, even Guilliman, who was burdened with countless political affairs, at least had a brief respite, relying on half an hour to an hour of deep sleep to recover his energy.

Rosie was deeply aware of the Emperor's inhumanity; not only him, but even a hardworking old ox like Macardo suffered greatly.

The emperor oppresses everyone equally, including himself.

In some ways, emperors exploit themselves even more than they exploit others. After all, even the closest comrades will feel tired and disgusted after endless exploitation.

But the emperor himself, even if he continues to hold on to the golden throne for another ten thousand years, his true form will not utter a single complaint.

……

Time flies, and a month later in Terra.

The legions gathered on Macurag had largely completed their rest and resupply, and they set off again from Altramor to return to their homeworld.

However, unlike when they came, these Astartes Legion left using the nascent space bridge network of Alteramar.

This war to wipe out the ghoul orc empire lasted for about five years. While humans were fighting on the front lines, construction in the rear did not slow down at all.

An unimaginable tithe was being transported to the nodes of the Spacebridge network. Resources, energy, and human resources from countless human worlds were being poured into the construction of the Spacebridge almost without limit. Every minute and every second, the Spacebridge network was draining countless resources and wealth, but the Empire was willing to pay this price.

Some human star systems, upon learning that the Space Bridge did not pass directly through their star system, even sent representatives to Terra to protest vehemently that the Space Bridge should be slightly off-center from their own.

“We can pay more taxes. We will give as much as the empire needs. If that’s not enough, we will bear the extra costs ourselves.”

This was a nearly unified statement made by representatives from various human galaxies when they traveled to Terra to protest.

Previously, the Imperial Ministry of Justice racked its brains to collect taxes from these planets, but now these planets are voluntarily paying taxes, and Terra can't even refuse to collect them.

Any planetary governor or head of a merchant ronin family with even a modicum of foresight knows how important a space bridge that allows faster-than-light travel without the need for warp space is.

This is a new era, and all those who fail to seize the opportunity to catch up with this wave, no matter how prosperous and powerful they were before, will rapidly decline after the widespread adoption of space bridges.

Even though space bridge travel is more expensive, its safety is far superior to that of subspace travel.

For that reason alone, those who are unwilling to enter the dangerous subspace again will willingly take out the last penny from their pockets.

The representatives of each galaxy were unwilling to yield, and even the slightest concession on the diplomatic stage would become a humiliation they could never shake off for the rest of their lives.

Countless people from their hometown would point their fingers at them and curse them, and even their families would be disgraced.

Ultimately, the most common solution to these conflicts is to add nodes to the space bridge, or to build a space bridge at the junction of two star systems.

The space bridge within the Altera region is nearing completion. Once the space bridge from Terra completes its docking, the human world of Throne World will be conveniently connected to the frontier of the Far East.

"These Astartes fleets are our best test subjects; few civilian fleets can reach such a massive scale."

They have tested the space bridge in the Altramer 600 worldwide, and the results show that the actual application effect of the space bridge is within the acceptable range.

Rose held up a data panel and shared the exciting news with Guilliman.

Guilliman, who was busy with his work, put down his work. His tired eyes were instantly lit up by hope as he happily digested the significant information on the data board.

"Our space bridge construction is progressing well, but Terra's progress is behind schedule."

"This is unreasonable. Putting aside whether the Sun Star Region was directly attacked by the Orks like we were, in terms of manpower and resources alone, the Sun Star Region, which the human empire has been operating for the longest time, far exceeds the Limit Star Region."

Guilliman held the data tablet, a worried expression on his face, and his smile gradually disappeared.

He paced back and forth in his office, a habit most likely to surface when he was deep in thought.

Despite being the largest of the five major star regions in the Milky Way, the Limitless Star Region actually has a large undeveloped area compared to the central Solar Star Region.

Especially in areas near the periphery, the region has faced the ever-present threat of numerous enemies throughout history.

In contrast, the Solar Region, although severely damaged in the Horus Rebellion, has a rich history of colonization and development dating back to the Golden Age of mankind, which is unmatched by the Far East.

"The reason is simple: the State Religion of Terra is still interfering." Loshi shook his head helplessly. Although Qile had formed the Alliance of Light against Terra, it had only curbed the influence of the State Religion of Terra.

"The two religious forces are in a stalemate. The State Religion of Terra is levying religious taxes on a large scale within its sphere of influence and is desperately expanding its own Crusader, which was created solely for the purpose of civil war."

"They have realized that only through force can they completely eliminate the Light Alliance led by Qi Le, which is why they are so eager to expand their military strength."

"The joint statement of support issued by all the Astartes Legions has clearly caused the Cult of Terra to feel extremely insecure."

Roche's answer made Guilliman clench his fists instinctively.

"How short-sighted they are! They would rather levy more taxes to expand those useless civil war armies than spend resources on the Space Bridge program, which could completely change the fate of mankind."

"I always overestimate human nature with optimism, but reality always gives me a resounding slap in the face."

Guilliman sighed, then slumped back in his chair, looking somewhat weak.

Being in his position, he could see everything clearly.

The human empire, having just finished a war of conquest, is about to be plunged into a civil war of faith due to a conflict over beliefs.

This war can only end completely if Euphrates Kira is killed by the State Church of Terra, or if Alfreda is overthrown from the position of Pope.

Although the scope and intensity of this war were far less than the Horus Rebellion, Guilliman believed it was a war that could have been avoided.

Whichever side falls, it is a loss for humanity as a whole; it is the blood of humanity that flows.

Just as the two were worried about the progress of the space bridge, Rosie suddenly received a psionic communication from Makado.

The message contained only five words: Waldo returns.

Rose's spirits immediately lifted, and he could even hear his heart pounding in his chest.

Waldo's return signifies that the commander of the Imperial Guard has completed his unknown mission and victoriously reunited with Macardo.

His meeting with Makado was like two keys being inserted into a lock—the Emperor's long-buried final plan had finally come to fruition!

"Never mind that for now, let's go see Waldo together."

Guilliman immediately put down his work and handed over some details to the Stone Man's assistant and the governor, who was an Ultramarines.

At this moment, nothing is more important than meeting the Marshal of the Imperial Guards.

Since his return, Makado has been living a near-secluded "retirement" life in Makurag.

He spent most of his time fishing, and although he usually ended up empty-handed, Makado still enjoyed it.

When the weather is nice, Makado and Ms. Euton would gather in the lakeside pavilion to enjoy tea and chat, just like any ordinary old man would do.

Loshi once asked Macardo to help with some government affairs, but the seal-holder brushed it off with various excuses.

In his own words, "I've worked so hard for so many years, what's wrong with enjoying myself? I just want to waste my time now, and at least every minute and second of the time I waste belongs to me."

Makado was very impressed with Macurag, claiming that its unique temperate climate was particularly suitable for an elderly person like him to retire in.

It's unclear whether Guilliman truly lacked emotional intelligence, but he simply failed to grasp the underlying meaning in Makado's words.

Only when Rosie stared at him with a meaningful expression did Macurag belatedly realize that he had a strange feeling.

It's like... I've been tricked again.

When Roche, Guilliman, and Dorn arrived at Macado's private residence, the Grand Marshal of the Imperial Guard had been waiting in the main hall for a long time.

Constantine Waldo remains exactly the same as he did a century ago; time has left no trace on him.

Waldo's face was expressionless, as cold as a weapon stripped of all emotion.

Indeed, this is true. Before his death, Usotta, the Primarch of the Thunder Warriors, said that Waldor had no human emotions whatsoever.

Constantine Waldo's purpose is to be an extension of the Emperor's will, to accomplish the mission for the Lord of Humanity at all costs.

Compared to the other members of the Imperial Guard who still possessed emotions, Waldo was more pure and more powerful.

“I have completed the task my Lord gave me, Seal Bearer.”

Waldo and Macado were both close allies of the Emperor and participants who knew most of the Lord of Mankind's grand plans.

However, there was no sense of intimacy between the two of them, like that of two colleagues who were together because of work.

"I have also completed my lord's mission, Marshal of the Imperial Guard."

“In that case, let’s begin our next step.” Makado nodded slightly.

Lothie knew Macardo's mission: the Marksman must venture into the Warp to find Draconion, who had been taken away by Ra Endymion.

They need to use this warp demon, which is specifically designed to subdue humans, as a ritual tool to kill the Emperor, so that the Emperor can truly descend to earth and thus create a balanced triad.

What is Waldo's mission?
“Your mission is complete; there is no need to maintain secrecy now,” Macado said to the marshal.

They were indeed carrying out a secret known only to themselves, in order to prevent failure due to unexpected factors such as leaks before the mission was completed.

But now that the mission has been completed, it is natural for the two sides to reveal each other's secrets, like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle to reveal the true nature of the Emperor's Plan.

Waldor stroked the Apollo Spear in his hand; the sharp tip seemed to capture the light, flowing with an indescribable glimmer that seemed to contain the mysteries of the universe.

"My task is actually not that complicated—I am collecting all the Emperor's true names."

When he heard the emperor's real name, Luo Xi's heart skipped a beat, and an indescribable sense of blasphemy and chill instantly gripped him.

He was familiar with the concept of true names. Loyal Word-Holders and Hermits summoned warp demons and then forced them to reveal their true names in order to control them.

Knowing the demon's true name means knowing its essence, and can even be used as a medium to completely kill or banish the demon.

However, the combination of a real name and an emperor always carries an indescribable sense of blasphemy.

Could it be...

Rosie shuddered and banished those blasphemous thoughts from her mind.

“The Emperor has many real names, and these real names symbolize certain milestones in his life,” Waldo continued.

“A real name is not an unchanging inanimate object; it changes and evolves with the owner’s experiences and transformations.”

"From the primitive man of the Stone Age to the current ruler of mankind, the emperor has naturally experienced life milestones far beyond what ordinary people can imagine."

Loxi nodded knowingly. For example, the "Nios" he used to address the Emperor was actually just one of the Emperor's real names, a fragment of his real name at a certain stage.

Neos is the Emperor, but the Emperor is not Neos.

"This is a solitary quest that spans the galaxy. I have visited the dark sanctuaries of wizarding planets, infiltrated the forbidden library of Sicaros, the holy land of the Word Bearers, and even ventured into the nodes of the Webpath to search for the Emperor's true name in the sinful city of Comoros."

Comoros... What exactly did the Emperor do in Comoros, and why did it become a crucial turning point in his life?

Loxi was utterly speechless at the Emperor. This seemingly majestic and inviolable ruler of humanity had, in some past instances, probably been more cunning than anyone else.

He could even imagine the earth-shattering things that the Lord of Man had done in the Dark Eldar's lair.

"I have two purposes in searching for the Emperor's true name."

"If the Emperor cannot continue to suppress the Dark Lord, then we cannot allow the Dark Lord to awaken either. The True Name is a weapon specifically prepared for this purpose."

"I will use it to completely end the Emperor's existence and severely damage the Dark Lord, dragging him back to the abyss of eternal slumber."

"Another purpose is that, if the plan goes smoothly, I will use these collected true names... as a spark to ignite the various selves of the Emperor scattered throughout the river of time, and awaken the fragments of humanity that have been submerged by divinity and darkness."

"I am the bullet that the Emperor left for himself. I must ensure that the being who descends from the Golden Throne will never pose a threat to humanity."

Loshi felt a chill run down his spine and up to the top of his head.

Macardo's goal in seeking Draconion was to severely injure and kill the Emperor, while Waldo's goal in seeking the True Name was also to kill the Emperor and thereby reshape the Emperor.

To ensure he was "completely dead" and to ensure that those who "returned" would not be enemies of humanity, the emperor prepared double, triple, or even more deadly attacks aimed at him.

This ruthless calculation and decisiveness regarding one's own fate far exceeds the imagination of any ordinary person.

The true greatness of the Lord of Mankind lies not only in his ability to wrestle with the gods using his incredible power.

The more crucial reason is that, when the Emperor observes his own unpredictable future, he is willing to make the greatest...selfless sacrifice for humanity as a whole.

(End of this chapter)