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

Chapter 930 The Burner: I Sell Myself

Loxi wasn't very confident about deceiving the Burner's fragments.

He didn't know the exact state of the fragment now, or how much of its former wisdom remained.

This attempt was purely a matter of taking a shot, whether there was any chance or not; there was no harm in trying.

Loshi removed the shield from the Niadrazasa fragment, allowing it to perceive the outside world through the constraints of the Hypercube Labyrinth.

After sensing its surroundings through the force field, the Burner Fragment asserted directly.

You lied to me.

You are not Magladros at all.

A hint of surprise flashed through Luo Xi's mind at the sudden questioning from the Star God Fragment.

This guy doesn't seem to be as blindly manic and mindless as he appears.

"Oh? Why do you say that?" Luo Xi had a teasing expression on her face, which was tantamount to admitting her guess about the Star God fragment.

He then removed the fog that had enveloped the surface of the Hypercube Maze, allowing the Burner to see directly outside.

Niadrazasa then saw that the Void Dragon he had sensed was actually a human.

It became even more certain of its judgment. No matter how high-sounding the other party's words were, such as collaborators or a better way of managing subordinates, a star god could not abandon its stance and disguise itself as a lowly organic being.

It knew all too well what arrogant and conceited the Star Gods were, just as humans would never pretend to be ants and then play and frolic with them.

Therefore, the creature in front of it is not Magladros.

However, the mutual connection between the Star Gods convinced the Burner that this guy definitely possessed the power of a Star God.

hiss……

This paradoxical contrast makes the already chaotic thoughts of the Burner Fragment even more difficult to unravel.

Why? It has only been in the hypercube labyrinth of the space necromancers for tens of millions of years. Why has the outside world developed to a point that it can no longer understand?
Is the dominant race of this era really this outrageous? They can even perfectly simulate the power of the Star God, and even deceive the real Star God.

Or perhaps that bastard Magladros was even worse off than me, that it encountered some unknown situation, and that its power was even taken away?

Burners instinctively lean more towards the latter, even though it sounds incredibly absurd.

If this is true, then the Burner Fragment might even feel fortunate, since it was only imprisoned after being shattered.

The more the Star God Fragment thought about it, the more confused it became. It even began to show a hint of panic, which caught Rosie somewhat off guard.

"You, you replaced Magladros?"

"What did you do to the Void Dragon?!"

"You want to replace me?!"

He thought these fragments of the Star God were all of the same ilk, arrogant and looking down on humanity.

It seems that they do experience fear, but there is almost nothing that can make them express this emotion.

Loxi gazed at the energy body within the hypercube maze, its light flickering due to extreme emotional fluctuations, and understood.

Fear is one of the most useful tools, especially for these arrogant star gods.

Instead of directly answering the burner's terrified question, he deliberately allowed the silence to linger for a moment, allowing the other person's fear to fester.

Then, he spoke in a calm, almost cold tone, as if recounting a transaction that had nothing to do with him:

“Replace you? That might be an option.” Loshi paused, observing the reaction of the Burner fragments.

Whether we make this choice depends on your attitude.

"We are looking for you primarily to make a deal with the Sotek dynasty."

I need you in exchange for the last fragment of the Void Dragon they possess.

"So you now have two paths to choose from, which one will you choose?"

Loxi’s words instantly froze the panic of the Burner Fragment, replacing it with an extremely complex, twisted emotion that mixed absurdity, anger, and a hint of shameful relief.

[A trade?! I'll be exchanged for fragments of the Void Dragon?!]

The Burner's voice trembled with extreme shock and humiliation.

[You lowly creatures... How dare you?! Treat me like merchandise?! I am Nyadrazasa! The flame that burns the stars! How dare you...!]

Its rage surged so fiercely it almost broke free of the constraints of the Hypercube Maze, but Rosie's icy gaze made it quickly realize its powerlessness.

Venting anger is pointless and will only lead to worse results.

"[Why should I?]"

Its thoughts eventually became somber and filled with resentment.

In your eyes, am I so inferior to Magladros? Deserving only to be a bargaining chip in exchange for its fragments?

This is a kind of instinctive comparison and jealousy unique to the star god. Even in this state, it still cannot tolerate being directly evaluated as "inferior" to its old rival.

Seeing this, Luo Xi smiled inwardly. The Star God Fragment was already getting to him; this was a good start.

"It's not for these reasons, but because of demand."

“We need to gather the fragments of the Void Dragon to deal with an even greater threat. And the Sothek Dynasty happens to be more interested in you.”

However, the Burner Fragment did not completely lose its mind. After the extreme anger subsided, a trace of doubt immediately emerged.

If it's just a transaction, why are you telling me?

You could have kept me in this state of deception and confinement indefinitely until the deal was done. I'd be stuck in this damned cage, completely powerless to fight back.

What do you want, human?

Become!

Rose thought to herself, "The fish has taken the bait."

"Perhaps you have been imprisoned in Midgardia for too long and are not well aware of the situation outside. What I can tell you is that humans and the Sotek Dynasty are enemies."

The Sotek dynasty was inherently aggressive, and their emperor Imhotep was a tyrannical warmonger who viewed other races as ants and resources.

Although this dynasty's power has not yet fully awakened and it will not clash with humanity for the time being, handing you over to them would be tantamount to aiding their enemy and strengthening their power, which is not in humanity's interest.

The Burner's orange-yellow energy body swayed incessantly, as it listened intently, trying to discern whether this was yet another lie.

However, according to its analysis, Roche's words do have some credibility.

Often, we shouldn't focus on what others say, but rather on their stance and actual interests.

Roche is a member of humanity, and humanity is the galactic overlord of this era. There is an irreconcilable conflict between them and the sleeping former overlords, the Necromancers of space.

If the space undead are willing to back down, then humanity might still be able to maintain restraint.

However, Emperor Imhotep of the Sotek dynasty was a war-loving man, and it was almost impossible for humans to coexist peacefully with them.

Nyadrazasa remembered Imotek's name, but in its memory, the person was merely a crowned general of the Sotek dynasty.

Logically speaking, beings below the level of the Emperor should not be qualified to have their names remembered by the Star God, but Imotek managed to make the Burning Ones hear the name of this insect by relying on his battle achievements and command skills.

“So, I want to make another deal with you: humanity will still trade you to the Sotek Dynasty in exchange for the fragments we need, but after that…” Lothie gradually began to reveal his true intentions.

"We need you to work with us inside the Sotek Dynasty's crypt world, creating chaos from within and disrupting their systems to inflict as much damage as possible on this arrogant dynasty."

In this respect, humanity shares your goal; after all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, isn't he?

"Let me...be your inside man?"

The Burner's mind was filled with the incredible, but this time, the anger subsided, replaced by more consideration.

As star gods with infinite power, they rarely resort to "schemes and tricks," which is quite novel to it.

“In return,” Losi offered a bait, “humanity can not only guarantee not to erase your independent consciousness, but may even assist you in finding and retrieving other fragments in the future, making you more complete.”

“I know that a huge fragment of you is now being used by the Silent King Szalak as the power source for his rule over the throne. He has even peeled off your metallic outer skin and made it into his cloak…”

These words were like the sharpest dagger, instantly piercing through all the hesitation and calculations of the Burner Fragment.

[Szalak!!! That traitor! That thief! That leader of the ants!]

The Burner's will erupted with overwhelming hatred, a hatred that even surpassed its complex emotions toward the Void Dragon.

Being imprisoned is a disgrace, but it's nothing compared to having your core fragments used as batteries for your throne by your enemies, or your skin being displayed as trophies.

The Silent King's actions ignited the Burner's destructive desires more powerfully than any words.

The energy within the hypercube maze was churning violently.

The extreme hatred for the Silent King and the Necromancer of Space, the fear of his own situation, the desire for integrity, and the distrust of Rosie are intensely intertwined and can no longer be distinguished.

The Star God Fragment remained silent for a very long time.

It knew that once it agreed to the other party's request, it would be tantamount to selling itself out.

Finally, the surging stellar energy gradually calmed down, and a cold thought was transmitted.

Humanity...you've won.

I accept this trade.

I will cooperate with you to enter the heart of the Sotek dynasty, and I will do everything in my power to burn everything there!

But remember your promise! Help me retrieve the fragments, help me exact revenge on Szalak! If you deceive me… even if I burn to my last breath, I will make you pay!

“A very fair deal.” Loshi nodded calmly, not at all intimidated by the harsh words in the Burner fragment.

Even if the Burner were to recover its full power, it would not be an invincible opponent for him now that it has almost mastered most of the Void Dragon's power.

"Well then, it's a pleasure doing business with you, Nyadrazasa. In the meantime, I hope you can remain quiet and allow this deal to proceed smoothly."

【as you wish. 】

The Burner's will returned to silence, but beneath that silence lay a vengeful volcano about to erupt.

Loshi severed communication with the Burner Shards and reinforced the shielding of the Hypercube Maze.

He slowly exhaled a breath of stale air. This negotiation and game with the Star God fragments was far more mentally taxing than a military conflict.

But the result was undoubtedly worthwhile.

He not only gained the Burners' promise of cooperation, but also planted the seeds of extreme hatred for the Sotek dynasty in their hearts, which was far more valuable than a mere traded, hostile fragment.

The next step was to consider how to contact the Sotek dynasty and plan this dangerous deal.

The good news is that Losi doesn't need to handle the specific execution of this matter personally.

Humanity's good friend, Tarasin the Endless, will travel with Orikan to the Sothek Dynasty to exchange Star God Fragments.

In order to maintain peace between the two races and to ensure their own interests are realized, these two space necromancers will do everything in their power to persuade Storm King Imotek.

It feels so good to have things done without having to worry about anything myself!
Loshi immediately turned and walked out of the secret chamber, the heavy gate slowly closing behind him. When he returned to the top deck, Lemanrus, Tarasin, Eurican, and others were already eagerly waiting.

They saw the calm and composed look on Rose's face and immediately felt reassured.

Steady!

“I have convinced the Burner that it will cooperate with us to turn the Sotek dynasty upside down.”

"What to do next is up to the two of you."

Feeling the weight in Rosie's eyes, both Tarasin and Orikan felt the pressure.

They could only keep telling themselves: we are doing this for the overall benefit of the race, the Imotek are bound to start a war, and the only result of going to war with humans is mutual destruction.

The fact that the Sotek dynasty was severely damaged by the escaped Star God fragments, while harming some of their interests, was a better outcome than the consequences of starting a war.

……

With the Burner Shards in place, Tal Rasin and Orikan officially embarked on their journey to the Sothek Dynasty.

Instead of returning to Holy Terra, they boarded a Talasian-class light cruiser and, using its advanced inertia-free engine, sailed towards the core territory of the Sotek Dynasty in the far east of the galaxy.

The flat warship, shaped like a crescent moon, was not filled with many people, except for two high-ranking space necromancers, Tarasin and Orikan.

Meanwhile, the other tomb engineers and crew members silently performed their duties, maintaining the normal operation of the spaceship.

Both of them knew very well that these space undead were not of the same kind; in many ways, they were more like machines than living beings.

“So,” Orikan’s cold voice broke the silence, “I will lead the negotiations with Imotek this time, and you, Talathin, will simply play the role of a silent lich guard?”

The astrologer's tone was full of undisguised sarcasm.

Taracin shrugged, his gesture noticeably more lively than Orikan's.

“My dear Eurykan, this is a last resort. As you know, my reputation in the Sotek dynasty is… somewhat complicated.”

"If that warmonger Imotek saw me, before we could even explain our purpose, his Destroyer's Staff and Flame Gauntlets would be aimed at me and burn me to ashes."

"My body contains a spark, so I can no longer freely abandon my body and transfer between different bodies as I used to."

"With you in charge, the success rate of this mission will be much higher. After all, your reputation as an astrologer is highly regarded in the Sotek Dynasty."

"Even that Storm King guy will give you face."

A cold glint flashed in Eurican's eyes.

“Your theft has tarnished the reputation of the Nihirak dynasty, Tarasin. If this matter were not of great importance, I would never have accompanied you, much less taken responsibility for you.”

"It's all for the future of the race." Taraxin smiled nonchalantly, as if he were just attending a casual tea party.

"Think about it, how noble it is that we traveled halfway across the galaxy to avoid a war that we could not win and that would result in mutual destruction."

Orikan snorted and ignored Tarasin's sophistry, turning his attention to the route planning and the details of the contact with Imotek.

He knew Imotek the Storm King's temperament well—irritable, sensitive, suspicious, extremely fond of force, and with a strong desire to control the throne.

Any transaction that bypasses him and is conducted directly is seen as a challenge to his authority.

Therefore, presenting a formal invitation and outlining the advantages and disadvantages is the safest approach, even though it means a difficult head-on confrontation.

The Necromancer Ark was incredibly fast; they quickly traversed the vast star field and arrived at the territory of the Sotek Dynasty.

At this time, most of the tomb worlds of the Sotek dynasty were still in deep hibernation, and they still followed the ancient awakening protocol.

However, the core area of ​​the dynasty had already become active.

Due to the mysterious death of the former emperor of the Sotek dynasty while in hibernation, a necromancer overlord who covets the supreme throne awakens the crowned general Imotek and hopes that he will help him ascend to the throne.

However, Imotek did not become a puppet as the Awakener had hoped. Instead, he consolidated his power with swift and decisive measures, quickly quelled the internal strife, and made himself the new Emperor.

After becoming the Archphan, Imotek began to launch continuous attacks to wipe out the Ork, Eldar, and humans active in the territory of the Sothek Dynasty.

"Supreme Storm King, there is an access request that requires your personal attention."

In the Golden Mandela Palace of the Crown World, Zorhan, the most trusted technologist of the Storm King, presented a letter of invitation to his monarch.

Imotek was surrounded by a highly corrosive black energy storm, which was the origin of his name, Storm King.

The scientists remained outside the storm's reach, awaiting the Storm King's next command.

Imotek suddenly stopped processing the battle reports from the front lines; his metallic face remained expressionless.

He vehemently disliked being disturbed while working, but since the technician he trusted was doing this, it must be because he felt it was necessary.

"The one who sends the message is the astrologer Orikan," the sorcerer added.

“Eurican?” Imotek’s expression changed instantly, and he immediately put down his work.

“Connect him. We still have to give the astrologer face, even though he’s foolishly serving Szalak.”

The technician immediately carried out Imotek's orders.

The clear holographic image of Orikan immediately appeared before Storm King.

"Greetings, Storm King Imotek."

Orikan began with standard necromancer etiquette, his tone neither humble nor arrogant, yet showing no lack of due respect.

"I won't waste your precious time with pleasantries. I apologize for bothering you today, but there is a matter of great importance to the interests of the Sotek Dynasty that I hope to discuss with you in person."

Imotek's massive metallic body leaned slightly forward on the throne, exuding a strong sense of oppression and a playful air.

“Orikan, I’m really surprised that you’ve returned to Sotek… I thought you’d completely abandoned Sotek and blindly followed that bastard Szalak.”

Storm King's tone clearly carried a hint of reproach, but more than that, it was filled with joy.

Eurycan's talent deserves his attention, and if he can repent and correct his mistakes, Imotec will be magnanimous enough to forgive his previous foolish actions.

An astrologer who can accurately predict the future is extremely important to a dynasty.

He aims to be more than just the emperor of the Sotek dynasty; he seeks to overthrow Szalak and become the supreme ruler of all space necromancers.

His sharp gaze swept over the figure behind Orikan, who was bowing his head and wearing standard lich guard armor, and he immediately frowned.

"...Why does it feel so familiar to me?"

Tara Singh, playing the lich guard, lowered his head even further, not daring to react in the slightest.

Orikan remained unfazed: "Your Majesty, my guards are nothing special; it's not important."

"I have come here on behalf of humanity to propose an exchange that would be extremely beneficial to the Sotek Dynasty."

"Humans?" Imotek's voice suddenly filled with disgust. "Those short-lived, noisy organic dregs? What's there to talk about with them! If it weren't for the need to clean out the bugs inside, my fleet would already be..."

“Storm King, please calm down,” Orikan said hastily.

"Honest advice is hard to hear, but I am standing here because I am acting in the best interests of the dynasty."

"Although we are reluctant to admit it, humanity is now the dominant force in the galaxy, and its size and war potential should not be underestimated."

Even if we win a direct confrontation, the Sotek dynasty will pay an unbearable price, giving other covetous powers an opportunity to exploit the situation.

Imotek was silent for a moment; Eurican's words struck a nerve with his inner anxieties.

He was warlike, but not foolish; the Sotek dynasty had indeed not yet recovered to its former glory.

"What exchange?" he finally asked coldly.

"Humanity has unexpectedly acquired a powerful fragment of a star god—a fragment of the Burner Nyadrazasa," Orikan said slowly.

"They are willing to use this fragment to exchange for the fragment of the Void Dragon Magladros currently held by the Sothek Dynasty."

"Fragments of the Star God?!" Imotek's eyes flashed with a cold light, he was quite annoyed that humans dared to covet such a treasure.

But at the same time, he showed great interest, after all, he had heard the name Burner.

"In my personal opinion, the Burner fragment that humans possess is far more powerful than the Void Dragon fragment that our Sothek Dynasty has."

Orikan spoke slowly, now he needed to present enough reasons to persuade the cunning Imotek before him.

“We all know that the power of the Star God fragments increases dramatically as their completeness increases, and the abilities of the Star God fragments are also closely related to the rules they mastered when they were complete.”

"If it is used in the field of war, a larger Burner fragment will definitely be superior to a smaller Void Dragon fragment."

But Imotek immediately became suspicious: "Would humans be so kind as to give us something so precious? This must be a trap!"

“It’s not a gift, it’s an exchange,” Eurican corrected.

"Moreover, this is not out of good intentions, but out of self-interest."

Humans believe that the fragments of the Void Dragon are more helpful for their technological development, while the fragments of the Burner, according to their assessment, better suit their actual needs.

"So this is a deal where everyone gets what they need."

The astrologer paused for a moment, then offered an even more enticing point.

“Moreover, Your Majesty,” Euricane said in a low voice, with a suggestive undertone.

"Have you ever wondered why the Silent King Szalak would place the largest fragment of the Burner beneath his throne of domination?"

Because it is not just a powerful energy source, but also a symbol—a symbol of supreme power.

He wielded the power of the star gods to demonstrate the legitimacy and invincibility of his rule.

Imotek's eyes flashed intensely, and the metal fingers on the throne armrest tightened unconsciously.

Euricen's words struck precisely at the deepest desires in his heart.

“Just imagine it.” Eurican pressed his advantage, his words like the finest chisels, prying open Imotek’s defenses.

"When you, the Storm King of the Sothek Dynasty, also possessed a powerful Burner fragment..."

You can not only use its power to strengthen your army, but also forge it into a new symbol of your monarchy—a 'Burning Throne' of your own.

"When you meet the Silent King who has been absent for so long, leaving the galaxy in chaos..." Eurican deliberately avoided directly belittling Szalak, but the implication in his tone was self-evident.

"You will not feel inferior in any way. You wield power equal to his, and perhaps your majesty will even be superior because this fragment is more active."

"This message to all the undead dynasties will be far more powerful than a thousand armies."

Imotek remained silent.

The scene that Eurycan described was exactly the picture he had been dreaming of.

He, Imotek, is the one with the ability and determination to lead the undead race back to its former glory, not Szalak, who hides on the edge of the galaxy, claiming to be exiled but actually escaping responsibility, and turning a blind eye to internal strife!

What Szalak has, he wants too.

What Szalak doesn't have, he needs even more!

This fragment of the Burner is a crucial step in realizing this ambition and an excellent aid in challenging and even replacing the authority of the Silent King.

(End of this chapter)