Warhammer: Black Emperor

Chapter 306 Gabriel-type Predators

On the Shadow of the Kings, Gabriel looked at the Black Emperor with reverence.

“My lord, following your instructions, I excavated within the ruins of the heretic lord Rat’s fortress and found the standard construction template for armored vehicles.”

"After research, I found that it is similar to the Predator tank that is being deployed in various army groups, and should be a variant of it."

"Their chassis are all based on the Rhino armored vehicle chassis."

Upon hearing this, Ninglu's mind raced as he recalled the information about the Predator Tank Crew.

Predators were put into use during the "Dark Ages" and played a crucial role in establishing human-dominated colonies.

The Rhino armored personnel carrier ensures the human advantage in conflicts with smaller races, but it is ineffective against the tough-skinned orc melee charges.

Predators were thus created, which were heavy and armored versions of the rhinoceros.

Of course, just as the rhinoceros was originally named the RH1-N0 tracked exploration and multi-purpose defense vehicle, the predator's name comes from the revelation given by the Imperial diviner after consulting the Imperial Tarot.

While Ninglu was pondering, Gabriel continued.

"Compared to the regular Predator which focuses on armor protection, this variant focuses more on attack. The main turret can be equipped with a twin assault gun or a flamethrower, and heavy bolters or heavy flamethrowers can be mounted on the sides."

"I used the simulated sanctuary for tactical simulations. This variant offers at least 2.6 times the firepower to support infantry compared to the current Predator model."

Ninglu nodded slightly. In his memory, this STC was named Baal Predator by the "Holy Blood Angels" after their home planet.

The Holy Blood Angels never shared this template with their fellow members, which caused considerable conflict, but since it was a newly formed group, it didn't lead to any serious consequences.

The Baal type is very effective in supporting melee infantry assaults, and has therefore become part of the Blood Angels' preferred tactics.

Ninglu looked at Gabriel and spoke.

"Since you discovered it, and as the master of the armaments, you should possess an armored vehicle that will make you famous in the Cult of Mechanics and the legions. Let's name it after you."

"You will be responsible for overseeing the completion of the construction and equipping the various battle groups."

“Thank you, my Lord, I will do my utmost,” Gabriel said excitedly. Unlike Belik and Ryan Ramirez, who believed in the God of All Machines and regarded naming the standard construction template as the highest honor, he did not.

Before becoming a technical sergeant, he had been taught on Mars and knew that naming a standard building template after himself was the highest honor for any believer of the Omnipotent God and was considered the best embodiment of his own sanctification.

Gabriel had no faith in the past, but now he worshipped the Black Emperor, and Nimrod's recognition and rewards made him feel honored.

Ninglu activated his spiritual vision to observe Gabriel's aura.

"So you're a real 'archaeologist' now?" Gabriel's aura was a solid, dim yellow, devoid of any other blemishes.

“I think so. Discovering ancient ruins has allowed me to fully grasp the power you have bestowed upon me.”

"Wait in the reception area." After Alsena Dunn and Gabriel left, Nimrod went to the private armory and casually tossed down the Spear of Dionysus.

Upon returning to the "Land of Chaos," he had the space apes use materials such as Necromonda's cybernetic eye to concoct a Sequence 7 "Appraiser" potion.

Gabriel was then promoted to "Appraiser," and after he left, the Primarch's attendant reported to Nimrod.

"My lord, news has come from Mars that the second Glory Queen-class battleship they are building for the Legion in order to obtain the standard construction template for the Ramirez-class Starfortress will be completed in the fifth month of 835."

Ning Lu tapped his fingers lightly on the back of the chair, lost in thought.

The first, third, fourth and seventh battle groups had comparable battle records.

The First Warband received the Glory Queen-class battleship, the Third Warband received the recruitment world Mordian, which I personally selected, and the Seventh Warband received the recruitment world and three additional Relic-class battleships.

The Fourth Legion has not yet received its reward, and I will not be using the Prophecy Dice for a while to divine their chosen recruitment world—Posur.
Nimrod first chose Posur as the world for conscription, but he never performed divination because he knew that this world would not be discovered until after the "Great Crusade" was over.

He couldn't determine when Katachán, Modian, and Kassaí were discovered.

Whether it's the world of recruitment or STC, the primary focus of divination is on those things discovered during the "Great Expedition" or at some point in time that I cannot determine.

The discoveries following those "Great Expeditions" that I am certain of can be divined at any time.
Thinking of this, Ning Lu said, "This warship will belong to the Death Lord."

"As you command, my lord."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

835, M30.

The Emperor discovered the Primarch of the Seventh Legion in the icy world of Inwitt in the Storm Starfield.

Rogue Dorn was the eighth Primarch to be recovered according to Imperial records, and Macardo prepared a grand welcoming ceremony for him in Terra. The Marksman returned to his residence after a long day's work.

His thoughts spread out, touching the blazing torches in the subspace.

Before Makado, a semi-transparent, shimmering image slowly unfolded, bursting forth with dazzling golden light amidst its dim and shabby glow.

“My Lord.” The one who held the seal looked at the psionic projection that served his master.

They were too far apart to communicate in this way.

Of course, the long-distance holographic projection method prepared by the Sages of the Cult of Machines for members of the War Council can also facilitate communication within a certain distance of light-years; they have not yet exceeded the limit of distance.

But the conversation that is about to take place should not be known to others, not even the sages who are loyal to the empire.

"My seal bearer." The emperor smiled as he looked at his seal bearer, his voice authoritative.

"My lord, the Mars Foundry Director has repeatedly requested that I dispatch Imperial troops to assist in quelling the rebellion in Incaladion, the Foundry World."

The Sealholder must not let the Cult of Mechanics know that he is discussing this topic in the War Council; once it is brought up, there is no turning back.

"The Caesar Guard of Calradion suffered devastating blows in the war against the Talerian hordes of war beasts and the carnivorous spore-eating creatures brought by the Abyssal Reef Meteor."

"Subsequently, the Director of Foundry, who had lost his military power, was assassinated, and a civil war broke out starting in 790. Incaladion is now in a state of conflict between the Aliens, the Renegade, and the various factions of the Mechanicus."

“We cannot ignore the demands of Mars,” the Emperor said. “Which legion do you think should be sent to quell the rebellion?”

The one who held the seal was prepared: "The Fourth Legion and the 'Dead Skull Titan' Legion."

“The ‘Dead Skull Titans’ are one of the three Titan legions on Mars, and the legion with the largest number of Titans.”

"The 'Dead Skull Titan' is fighting alongside Horus, and my son will not want to lose his support," the Emperor said with a smile.

"Horus felt the pressure of competition, his ambition was ignited, and he efficiently conquered many worlds for the Empire. I don't want to interrupt his pace."

Macardo sensed the Emperor's pleasure, and a smile appeared on his aged face.

“Horus certainly felt the pressure, and I think that as the first son, he could not tolerate any of his brothers surpassing his achievements.”

"He is my man, my archer, and ambition is his greatest trait," the Emperor said with a smile.

"Because of the suppression of the rebellion in Carradine, I had a better option."

“Ninlu, he is my Pegasus, he will bring destruction to the enemies of the Empire.”

“Ninglu is indeed the best choice,” the seal-bearer said after a moment’s thought, agreeing.
“'Voidwalker,' 'Darkfire,' 'Dawnlight,' and 'War Gryphon' followed him into battle, and the mechanical fortress of Calradion could not stop his advance.”

After discussing important matters, Macardo reported on what he considered important matters worthy of the Emperor's attention.

"The First Legion's faltering progress greatly troubled its commander, Urian Bendreg, who stated more than once that he longed for a major battle to get his legion back on track."

“Tell him to wait patiently for his opportunity,” the Emperor remarked. “The Primarchs’ importance to their Legions is beyond question.”

"The First Army Corps was the first army corps we established, but it has been surpassed by the Sixteenth, Eleventh, Tenth and Sixth Army Corps in succession."

“Ben Dreg is powerless to change the First Legion’s conservative and rigid status quo,” the Emperor thought in an instant, recalling the journey of the twenty legions. “There is only one Storm General.”

“The Primarchs’ influence on their Legions is beyond my expectations,” Macardo agreed. “Even the Storm General’s Legion has undergone a transformation since Manus’ return.”

"The biggest change is in the Eleventh Legion. No one would have thought that the bloodthirsty and warlike Reapers would become the Shadow of Order they are today after Nimrod's return."

"The 'Shadow of Order's' conquest efficiency is satisfactory; their pace is second only to the 'Shadowmoon Wolves'," the Emperor said with satisfaction.

"He has proven that the idea of ​​establishing order, which he proposed when he met me, would be feasible for the expedition."

"His legion is the main force in the 'Wheel of Flames,' yet it suffered fewer losses than Russ's wolf pack, and it is currently the only legion with more than 100,000 members."

As the emperor recalled the moment he handed the Pegasus Ring to Ninglu, he became even more convinced of his judgment.

"He has proven that his legions can withstand the most brutal warfare."

He emphasized to his master: "Pegasus will bring destruction to humanity's enemies!"

　PS: Just to clarify, before the outbreak of the "First Randan War," the official setting was that "Urian Bendreg attempted to get the faltering First Legion back on track," and at that time, its number was approximately 50,000.

　　Incidentally, apart from Du Kane making the Tenth Legion so powerful, the other legions all faced crises to varying degrees before the Primarchs returned.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)