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

Chapter 969 The Mission of the Primarch

"Great Brother Gao, wise Brother Mao!"

Vulcan's voice boomed like thunder, clearly audible amidst the chaos.

"The war in Cardia has ended, and our alliance with humanity has won the final victory."

Currently, the various races are discussing the post-war territories and the distribution of spoils. The Adarin have reclaimed their ancestral lands in the former Eye of Terror region and gained the right to free movement within the Webpaths rebuilt by humanity.

The Lord of Fire Dragons paused for a moment, then steered the conversation toward the green-skinned orcs.

"As an important member of the Alliance, the Greenskin Orcs also have the right to make demands. We can demand the return of the territory of the Ulanor Orc Empire, which was destroyed by the Emperor during the Great Crusade, especially the Ulanor homeworld itself. Alternatively, we can propose other conditions that are conducive to the development of our race."

However, when faced with these major issues concerning the territory and resources of the real universe, it seems that Brother Gao is more concerned with how to better bury Kane's head in the earth of Asgard.

"What territory? What rights? Vulcan, why have you become so long-winded!" Gao Ge's voice shook the surrounding energy turbulence.

"We are gods! Those lousy planets in the real universe, if those kids conquer them, they're ours. If we can't conquer them, we'll conquer them again! If we lose them, we lose them! Ulano? If we lose them, we lose them! That big golden guy was able to conquer it back then because he was capable! We can afford to lose!"

Mao Ge chimed in shrilly, "Exactly! We don't care which hill the kids occupy today or which nest they lose tomorrow. All we care about is whether there's a fight and whether it's enough Waaagh!"

"Vulcan, you are our handpicked orc emperor! You decide these trivial matters yourself. Do whatever you think will make the boys more Waaagh, and stop asking us for everything!"

"Remember, the Greenskins live for Waaagh, and Waaagh is about winning and losing. We're not cowards who can't accept defeat. You, Vulcan, are our mouth and fist in the real universe. You call the shots!"

Knowing Mao's statement, Vulcan felt reassured, and this unconditional trust made him feel a great sense of responsibility.

He initially accepted Lothie's plan to become the emperor of the green-skinned orcs in order to completely control this ancient weapon of war. Therefore, deep down, Vulcan did not completely consider himself an orc.

But now, with Brother Mao's complete trust, even the Fire Dragon Lord, who is already the most honest and kind-hearted, has developed a greater sense of identification with him.

“I understand. Next, I will plan the future for the green-skinned orc race. Humanity will use its dimensional technology to cut out several small spaces with different time flows from the real universe.”

"These special worlds will be allocated massive resources specifically for the greenskin race to reproduce, fight, and evolve, thus giving birth to a waaagh greater than any green tide in the history of the galaxy! And launch an expedition to the dark realm beyond the galaxy."

"According to the Emperor's observations, a massive threat called the Tyranids is approaching from beyond the river, and Lothie believes that the best option to deal with the Tyranids is the Greenskin Orcs."

"The hive will of the Tyranids is eager to devour all life. Its scale and hostility far exceed any of our previous opponents, and it will be the best opponent I can bring to the Greenskin Orcs."

Upon hearing Vulcan's description of the Tyranids, Gao Ge and Mao Ge's eyes instantly lit up like green stars, and even their movements as they beat Kane slowed down slightly.

"An expedition against the Tyranids? That's great! That's Waaagh!" Gao Ge excitedly slammed his fist into his chest, making a loud, drum-like sound.

Mao Ge was even more excited, gesturing wildly: "Terranids? Sounds like they can reproduce and fight! Good, good, good! Vulcan, you did the right thing! Let them have lots of offspring, then we'll see for ourselves whether our Green Tide is stronger, or those insects have tougher teeth!"

"Tell those humans and pointy-eared creatures that the orcs don't care how much territory they take, they only care about having the most exciting fights!"

"Fight demons, fight bugs, even fight those Iron Skeletons! As long as there's a fight, we're the best allies. When we go to war with the bugs, don't forget to call us. We want to personally crush that egg of the Bug's Will!"

……

Vulcan's consciousness returned from the Orcish realm in the warp.

After the Battle of Cadia, the Emperor, Lothie, and a host of Primarchs mostly returned to Holy Terra, leaving only Ryan Johnson to clean up the battlefield in the former Eye of Terror area.

The Lord of Fire Dragons shook his massive, knight-like body, completely shaking off the lingering, violent aura of his second brother, Gao Mao, from his mind.

The power of the warp is inherently infectious, not only for the four Chaos Gods but also for the second brother of the Chaos. If one stays there for too long, one's consciousness may be subtly assimilated.

Without pausing, he immediately went deep into the palace to report to the emperor the results of his communication with the orc deity.

As Vulcan's massive figure drew near, the Imperial Guards standing on either side of the passage retreated in unison, clearing the way.

Their gleaming gold armor shimmered with a cold luster under the refracted sunlight, and the gazes hidden beneath their ornate helmets held a complex mix of emotions toward the Primarch who had fused with the power of the Greenskins: a mixture of awe and wariness.

Any power beyond their absolute control falls within the scope of their duties, even if the target is a Primarch.

Passing through the heavy gates adorned with reliefs and murals depicting imperial victories, Vulcan entered the most sacred hall in the heart of humanity—the throne room of the imperial palace.

A solemn and majestic atmosphere, as if time had stood still, enveloped the space. The vast area was illuminated by a soft psychic glow, and the towering dome seemed to connect to the sun itself.

The empire's most key figures gathered here.

Imperial Regent Robert Guilliman was not wearing armor, but instead donned an elegant cobalt blue robe, and the Primarch's usual seriousness and contemplation were replaced by an unusual ease.

He was enthusiastically talking to his brother Corax, his arm casually resting on the Raven King's rather thin shoulder armor.

Of all his brothers, Guilliman had the closest and most natural relationship with this taciturn brother. At this moment, their interaction was almost no different from that of close brothers in a mortal family.

Not far away, the wolf king Lemanrus stood with his muscular arms crossed, leaning against a cold pillar, a lingering scent of strong Fenris lingering on his lips, a satisfied, slightly tipsy expression on his face.

Chagatai Khan stood a little further away, the white-scarred lord with a helpless yet amused expression on his face, gently shaking his head, clearly having just been forced to drink cup after cup by the overly enthusiastic Wolf King.

In one corner of the hall, Roger Dorn and Peturabo stood like two silent steel peaks.

Dorn stood tall and straight, his resolute face as impenetrable as the fortress he had built, his gaze sweeping steadily across the entire area.

Perturabo appeared even more tense, his iron-gray power armor reflecting a cold, hard luster under the psionic light.

When they saw Vulcan's enormous figure appear at the doorway, the two Primarchs simultaneously revealed a knowing smile.

"Vulcan, we are all waiting for you."

Because the Dark Lord was still sealed on the Golden Throne, the Emperor did not sit on the throne that symbolized the supreme power and status of the human empire, but stood with his sons.

A surge of scalding warmth coursed through the heart of Vulcan, a heart as scorching as a furnace.

Seeing his brothers gathered around their father, planning for their shared future, such a harmonious and hopeful scene seemed so precious after endless war and betrayal, as if from another world.

He couldn't help but think of the lion Ryan Johnson, who was still overseeing the aftermath in the Cardia space system, and of Saint Gilles and Conrad, who had disappeared without a trace and were tasked with exploring other universes.

Longing was like molten lava, scorching his generous heart.

When will all the Primarch brothers be able to reunite under their father's wings and truly enjoy the warmth and affection of a mortal family? This thought, though faint, is incredibly strong at this moment.

“Father, brothers,” Vulcan’s deep, resonant voice broke the discussion in the hall, like the roar of a forge on Nocturne, “I have returned. I have conveyed the Empire’s will and future plans to Brother Gao and Brother Mao.”

All eyes instantly focused on the Fire Dragon Lord who had just returned from the Green God Realm.

The emperor nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.

Vulcan recounted Mao's response in detail and stated that he had been given full authority to handle matters of the real universe.

When Vulcan mentioned Goggin's "deep interest" in the Hive Will and his boast of "crushing the eggs," even Dorn, known for his seriousness, twitched his lips almost imperceptibly.

Guilliman's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly, while Lemanrus grinned silently, revealing his gleaming white teeth.

They all silently prayed that Vulcan could maintain the "decency" of the imperial offspring and not be completely assimilated by those two vulgar gods.

The Emperor listened patiently to Vulcan's account, and in his heart, he also began to consider the two variables that needed to be taken seriously: dealing with Mao Zedong.

“Very good, Vulcan, you have done a good job.”

With you here, we can completely control this unstable factor, the green-skinned orcs, which is of paramount importance to our plan.

“If humans are the Emperor’s currency,” Loshi’s gentle voice rang out, with a hint of mischievous amusement that only the Emperor could fully understand, “then the green-skinned orcs are probably the ‘Zimbabwean dollar’.”

"Their near-exponential reproductive capacity is absolutely the ultimate nightmare for any enemy."

This bizarre analogy left the Primarchs present looking bewildered, with Guilliman even subconsciously wondering if the Imperium had a system called "Zimbabwe," which he had never heard of.

The Emperor's lips curved upwards almost imperceptibly. This was a joke from the distant past that only he and Rosie understood, and even the erudite Macardo looked slightly bewildered.

His gaze then turned to everyone present, and he continued speaking.

"The shadow of fear has been dispelled, and the foundation of chaos in the real universe has been shaken by us."

This is the closest humanity has come to peace and order since the Great Expedition.

"But this is not the end. We must not be complacent about what we have achieved so far. The shadow of chaos has not completely dissipated, and the malevolent forces in the warp have never given up their spying on us."

"The grand blueprint for humanity's future will be divided into two aspects: internal and external."

When the emperor began to mention macro strategy, everyone present immediately perked up and dared not be distracted for even a moment.

The Emperor's gaze swept over the Primarchs, then landed on Peturabo first.

The Iron Lord immediately straightened his back, like a soldier being inspected, but the complex emotions in his eyes, mixed with expectation, guilt and a trace of unease, were even more obvious.

The throne room fell silent instantly; everyone knew this was a crucial moment for Peturabo.

“Petulabo.” The Emperor’s voice wasn’t particularly harsh, but it sent a tremor through Peturabo’s very soul.

"Your past betrayal was the bitter fruit of jealousy of your brothers and arrogance of yourself deep in your soul. You were lost in the abyss of self-destruction, using your talents to fight against your blood brothers."

Every word from the Lord of Mankind was like a barbed whip, lashing viciously at Peturabo's heart.

The Iron Lord's body tensed slightly, and pain and deep regret flashed across his steel-like face.

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but under the emperor's gaze, he simply pursed his lips even tighter, awaiting the final verdict.

However, the emperor's tone then subtly changed, taking on a deeper, more gentle emotion that was closer to what mortals could understand.

“But in the forge of Kadia, on the battlefield against the enemies of chaos, I saw that your steel had not rusted, and your will had not succumbed to the darkness.”

His gaze seemed to pierce through Peturabo's armor, looking directly into his soul. "You fortified humanity's defenses with unparalleled engineering wisdom, your creations became the cornerstone against the raging tide of chaos, and you proved that the shadow of Olympia did not extinguish your essence as my son—that instinct to create, protect, and build."

Peturabo suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with disbelief.

It was a complex emotion that mixed immense shock, relief, and overwhelming filial piety.

The emperor not only saw his sins, but also every step he took on the path to redemption, and he acknowledged it.

The emperor's gaze held a hint of paternal warmth: "The value of steel lies not in its unyielding nature, but in its ability to be reshaped in the furnace and become even stronger, even after a heavy blow."

“Petulabo, you have endured heavy blows and undergone tempering. Now, it is time to let your reforged power forge a more solid foundation for the human empire.”

He paused for a moment, then announced the crucial appointment: "The Infinite Web, a miracle left behind by the ancient sages, is also the lifeline connecting the Milky Way and governing the starry sea."

"Completely repair it, expand it, and ultimately control it. This is the foundation for the long-term stability of human civilization and its journey towards the stars. This project can only be completed by someone who possesses exceptional wisdom, endless patience, and unparalleled creativity, Peturabo." The Emperor's voice was filled with an unquestionable entrustment.

He looked directly into the eyes of the Iron Lord: "I appoint you as the chief engineer for the reconstruction of the network tunnels, with full authority over the deployment of the network tunnel tunnel boring machines, the repair of the existing network tunnel trunk lines, and the planning and development of new branch lines."

"Your mission is to completely transform the legacy of the ancient sages into the nerves and bloodline that extend the human empire into the future."

"Father!"

For the first time, Peturabo's voice trembled noticeably and uncontrollably.

It wasn't fear, but a massive torrent of emotions that finally shattered the steel shell he had carefully constructed.

This proud and sensitive original, who had once gone astray, now had hot liquid welling up in its eyes.

He knelt heavily on one knee, his massive body casting a pious shadow before the throne, the sound of his metal knee striking the ground echoing through the hall.

Peturabo lowered his head, his voice choked with emotion yet incredibly clear and resolute: "I...I...have failed your trust, have failed our brotherhood. I swear on my life, my soul, and everything I have, that I will fulfill the mission you entrusted to me!"

"I will protect the future of humanity, and I will never let you, never let the Empire, down again!"

The scalding tears finally broke free of their restraints and dripped onto the cold palace floor, instantly vaporizing as if symbolizing the forgiveness of his past sins and the rising determination for a new life.

"Rise, my son." The emperor's voice softened slightly, conveying a genuine sense of forgiveness and acceptance.

Peturabo stood up as instructed, his chest heaving violently, but his eyes had become incredibly bright, filled with the determination and strength of a reborn person.

“Congratulations, Brother Perturabo.” Dorn stepped forward steadily, extended his hand covered by power armor, and solemnly and forcefully patted Perturabo’s shoulder armor, producing a clanging sound of metal clashing.

His voice was as steady and powerful as ever, but the genuine emotions it contained were clearly visible.

"Your talent has finally returned to its rightful place. Faith is more enduring than perfect talent."

This recognition from Dorn carries immense weight.

Guilliman stepped forward, a genuine, relieved smile on his face.

"This will be an immense undertaking, worthy of being etched in the annals of galactic history, Peturabo. All the resources of the Empire will be prioritized to ensure your needs are met. May your blueprint become a thoroughfare connecting humanity's galactic sphere and leading to the future."

Peturabo looked at Dorn and Guilliman, nodded vigorously, his Adam's apple bobbing, and all the words he wanted to say were finally expressed in the light of gratitude and determination in his eyes.

The Emperor's gaze swept over the crowd once more as he continued his instructions: "The Empire also needs stability and prosperity. Guilliman, you will continue to serve as Regent of the Empire, overseeing internal affairs, integrating the Empire's resources, restoring production, and letting the light of human civilization illuminate every reclaimed corner."

“Yes, Father!” Although Guilliman already knew about the Emperor’s arrangements, he still felt a strong sense of responsibility burning in his heart when the order was officially issued.

“Lyan Johnson.” The Emperor’s voice seemed to pierce through the veil between reality and the warp.

The moment he spoke, an invisible psionic bond traversed the vast distance, connecting him to the lion in the distant Cadia star system.

The next moment, Ryan's warp-like ability to freely traverse time and space was further enhanced. The Caliban Lion, dressed in armor, opened a passage filled with dense forest and thick fog and appeared in the throne room.

Although Ryan had a heavy responsibility to remain in the Eye of Fear area to continue clearing away traces of chaotic corruption, it was acceptable for him to slightly deviate from his post during such a crucial moment as the appointment ceremony.

"You will continue to serve as the Supreme Commander of the Empire, in charge of all the Empire's military forces—the Astral Army, the Imperial Navy, the Mechanicus, and coordinating the various Astartes Legions."

"Your duty is to purge all remaining stubborn alien and heretical forces in the galaxy that threaten human safety, and to build an indestructible military barrier for the peaceful development of the Empire."

Ryan felt the immense weight and absolute trust that came with this appointment.

He knelt heavily on one knee in the ancient Caliban knightly salute, his black and gold shoulder armor reflecting a cold, hard luster under the psionic glow, offering the Emperor his utmost loyalty and respect.

After the ceremony, he didn't even exchange pleasantries with his brothers. He simply swept his resolute gaze over everyone, nodded slightly, and stepped back into the misty passage, his figure disappearing instantly.

For him, any verbal promise is meaningless; only actions can truly demonstrate loyalty.

“Vulcan, you also bear a crucial mission.” The Emperor’s gaze turned to the Lord of Fire Dragons, and then seemed to pierce through the star-painted dome of the throne room, through the dark void of countless light-years, to see the enormous shadow surging and devouring everything deep in the extragalactic galaxy.

"The Tyranid Hive Fleet, from the endless darkness beyond the galaxy, is the ultimate sword hanging over the heads of all intelligent races, known as the 'Great Devourer'." The Emperor's voice was solemn like never before.

"With the current strength of the human empire, it is not impossible to repel the Tyranid onslaught head-on, but that would mean we would be forced to give up this hard-won and invaluable time for peaceful development, and once again stake the fate of the entire civilization on an endless war."

“And the green-skinned orcs…” The Emperor’s gaze refocused on Vulcan, his eyes sharpening with the cunning of a top strategist, “Their power is our optimal solution against the Tyranids. Using them, we can ensure humanity’s continued development and build-up of strength while launching the most effective counterattack against the Tyranids, and even…”

The Emperor's tone took on a hint of aggression: "We can actively extend the war beyond the Milky Way! After all, the entire Milky Way is humanity's sacred territory, and any war that breaks out here will only harm ourselves!"

"Yes, Father!" Vulcan replied just as passionately. Now that Mao's wild will and the Emperor's grand strategy had converged at this moment, pointing to the same goal, he had no more doubts.

Leading an endless green tide, launching an unprecedented Waaagh against that great devourer would be enough.

The Emperor's gaze, filled with undisguised pride, swept over each Primarch standing tall in the throne room, like a pillar supporting the sky.

"Rogal Dorn."

"I am here, Father." The Primarch of the Imperial Fist, his figure as resolute as a fortress, stepped forward, his voice as steady as a rock.

"You will continue to guard the heart of the Empire, the sacred Terra, and the solar system that gave birth to Terra. You must ensure that the core of the Empire is impregnable, and that no matter where humanity's territory expands, Terra's importance will never change."

“Yes, Father.” Dorn’s reply was brief and powerful. “Terra will be the ultimate fortress that no blasphemy can cross, and the light of the starlight will forever illuminate the path of mankind.”

"As for the Primarchs whose names have not been mentioned," the Emperor said, glancing at Ruth, Corax, and Chagatai, "your future is not confined to the cradle of this galaxy."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lemanrus's eyes instantly shone like the aurora borealis. He straightened his back abruptly, his chest heaving violently, and his uncontrollable excitement made him almost roar.

He looked around smugly, especially glancing at the spot where Ryan had just disappeared, as if he were a victor.

"See that, Ryan! See that!"

"The father has taken away the most loyal, the bravest, and the most trustworthy offspring. We will go and explore that unknown new world!" Russ seemed to already see the figure galloping and hunting freely beyond the stars.

Chagatai Khan elegantly stroked his meticulously trimmed beard, a knowing yet longing smile playing on his lips.

"How can a free eagle be confined to a familiar nest forever?" His voice was like the wind sweeping across the grassland. "I have seen too much of this Milky Way, traveled too long. The vast multiverse, the endless unknown battlefields, the strange lands yet to be trodden, the starry seas waiting to be conquered... that is the eternal hunting ground of the White Scar!"

He glanced at the smug Russ and said slowly with a mocking tone, "However, Leman, you'd better pray that Ryan didn't hear what you just said, otherwise when he comes back, the dome of Terra Palace will probably be torn down by the two of you again."

"What are you talking about? Do you think I'm afraid of him? Can he beat me?" Ruth retorted, though her voice was slightly lower.

Corax's gaze slowly shifted to Guilliman.

The Crow King's face, always shrouded in melancholy, clearly revealed a deep reluctance.

“Lobout…” His voice was softer than usual, “You stay, bearing the weight of the entire galaxy, and I…” He paused, as if choosing his words carefully, “I will watch over you from beyond the stars, and may the glory of the Empire never be extinguished in your hands.”

Guilliman sensed the weight of his brother's words. He strode forward and pressed his hands firmly against Corax's rather thin shoulder armor.

“Corax, my brother,” Guilliman’s voice was slightly hoarse and full of emotion, “do not worry about me. It is my responsibility and my honor to manage this empire and lead it to prosperity and strength.”

He took a deep breath, his gaze hardening as he stared directly into Corax's eyes in the shadows.

"And I envy you, Corax, I envy that you can follow in your father's footsteps and step into that completely unknown realm, full of infinite possibilities!"

"Promise me that when you spread your wings of shadow and soar through the skies of another world, when you expand the territory for humanity and spread the seeds of civilization in those bizarre and wonderful worlds, remember to carry my belief with you, so that the name of humanity will resound in every corner of the multiverse!"

“I will, I definitely will.” Corax gripped Guilliman’s arm tightly.

As the emperor watched his sons encourage each other and interact, a faint warmth swept through his heart, but it was quickly replaced by the sense of urgency of the heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

He spoke again, his voice drawing everyone's attention back.

"The outside universe contains infinite possibilities, but also harbors unpredictable dangers."

Saint Gilles and Koz have already ventured into that unknown territory, and we haven't been able to re-establish contact with them yet. The Emperor's voice carried a hint of solemnity.

"In the Battle of Kadia, we severely damaged Chaos, but we were far from eradicating it. During our retreat, those four evil gazes were cast into the depths of the void, and they had already sensed the location of our expeditionary force."

They will inevitably turn their attention to hindering humanity's rise on the battlefield of the multiverse, a war far more brutal and insidious than the Galactic Civil War.

"Father!" Lemanrus roared impatiently, his wild blood boiling. "When shall we depart? The fangs of the space wolves are thirsty for food! We are ready to tear apart any enemy in our path!"

The emperor's gaze fell on the eager wolf king, and he slightly raised his hand, signaling him to calm down.

“The time is approaching, Riemann, but before that, there is one crucial thing that Roche and I need to accomplish.”

“Something that has been in the works since the victory of Kadia.”

"It's time to unlock the treasures left behind by the ancient sages."

(End of this chapter)