Warhammer: Black Emperor

Chapter 880 Hoping Horus could be as brilliant as his bald head.

The grey-rock-colored Skyhawk shuttle landed on the helipad of the Royal Shadow.

Loka Aurelion stepped off the deck and looked toward the reception area.

Two rows of armored figures, each holding a powered spear, stood on either side.

Ning Lu, clad in black armor and adorned with golden wings, strode over. "Luo Jia, welcome to our visit."

He glanced around at Loja and didn't see his right-hand men—Company Commander Cole Fallon of the "Word Bearers" and Chief Priest Eribas.

Ninglu was standing beside him, seeing Zadekiel, now a "Chaos Mentor," wearing the Saturn-shaped Terminator prototype that he had given him.

[Because of me, Zadkiel's abilities are stronger than before, especially after Logar became the High Priest of Chaos and was given importance during the expansion of the army.]

However, he was probably not chosen by Loga to accompany me; it was likely based on my friendly relationship with Zadekiel.
In Nimrod's memory, the "Word Bearers" fleet's paper strength even surpassed that of the "Imperial Fist" before the grand birthday celebration, becoming the strongest among many legions.

In addition to three Abyss-class battleships and two Glory Queen-class battleships, they also had more than one hundred capital ships, as well as a large number of frigates and destroyers.

But just as they number over 200,000, only fewer than the "Ultraman" but lack comparable combat power, the "Word Bearers" have a winning hand but no real strength.

Even with the advantage gained through a surprise attack, they were still unable to secure the final victory.

However, things are different now.

The largest group is the "Shadow of Order".

In terms of the navy, even without considering the at least one Abyss-class ship that Zadkir could acquire, it possesses Blackrock Fortress, four Glory Queen-class battleships, a battle mothership converted from the Abomination Paradigm, fifteen Relic-class warships, a space dwarf fortress ship, and the "Dark Age" Killing Song and Dark Lord, as well as the "Shadow of Order," making it stronger than the "Word Bearer" on paper.
Nimrod did not consider including the unique World War II warships built in the "dark age of technology" like the Mountain Array, the End, and the Mysterious, the flagship of the "Space Shark," the Monster, and other warships he could command.

His ambition was quietly burning; he also wanted to find a way to get his hands on the Ashes Chronicle.

Guilliman's Nemesis Chapter only has a thousand men, so having a Glory Queen-class battleship would be a complete waste.

Moreover, the 22nd Battle Group, composed of Terran people whom he disliked, had already been placed under Glenn's command and should rightfully be brought under my control.
While Ning Lu was pondering, Luo Jia said with a smile.

"Ninglu, I can feel your enthusiasm."

“I’ve always believed that we have a lot in common.”

His golden eyes were fixed on Nimrod. "I propose that priests be brought into the Astartes Legion, and you give strong support."

"We are all visionaries."

[I only did this to censor the thoughts of Legion members, and soon after I began to promote the Black Emperor's beliefs.]

Unlike you, I don't idolize others... well, don't be a god.

"You're not here to thank me specifically for something that happened 143 years ago, are you?" Ning Lu thought to himself, then tentatively asked.

"Of course, that's why you spoke up for me at the pre-war meeting."

Luo Jia smiled broadly. "That's right."

"Horus's method of establishing his authority will only lead us to division."

"I just came from the Soul of Vengeance. Do you know what happened just now?"

"What?" Ning Lu asked cooperatively.

"Corax went to Horus and publicly declared that he would no longer obey the Warmaster's orders."

Nimrod was taken aback. He hadn't expected that even with his aid, more than six thousand Terran youths had died, and Corax would still openly break with Horus.

His eyes were deep. "[This is also one of my choices. Horus's suppression gave me a reason.]"

If I were like Corax now, I wouldn't have to step into the Horus trap during my birthday celebration.

But this also means he'll turn his attention directly to me, and I'll have to fight him a brutal war that offers little benefit.
Nimrod remained silent, continuing to deduce another path while still obeying Horus's orders.

Without a complete breakdown in relations, Horus would likely resort to diversionary tactics and setting traps.

He used this method on Lane, Guilliman, and Saint Gilles.

However, the key question is whether his trap aligns with my interests.
Loka gazed at Nimrod, "If Nimrod is like Horus, my plan can proceed smoothly."

Horus would never allow Nimrod's vast army and numerous territories to slip out of his command, a situation entirely different from the influence of Kolacus.

If he becomes embroiled in conflict with Nimrod, I will have an opportunity. I will simultaneously offer them assistance, like the false gods of Terra, encouraging their competition. I will guide them, and through them, fulfill the sacred duty bestowed upon me by the gods, so that humanity will not perish like the Eldar due to their resistance…
Loka was engrossed in his grand plan to enlighten Nimrod and Horus and save mankind. The lamp above his head illuminated the scriptures above him, making them shine brightly, and his eyes shone with golden light.

"The commander-in-chief may have some faults, but I will still follow his orders."

Ning Lu's calm words caused the golden light to subside.

Luo Jia stared at Ning Lu in astonishment. [How could he possibly be without resentment after losing his position as war commander and suffering such suppression?]
His golden eyes flickered. "It's best if you think that way."

“I’m just worried that Horus will use you to establish his authority. You know, many people think that you should be the war commander.”

“I never thought of becoming a war commander,” Ninglu said calmly, even though he possessed the “Disordered Kingdom” and could resist the corruption of the four peddlers.

However, if we directly confront the four peddlers, our source essence will be exposed, attracting covetous eyes.

Even though Nimrod had deduced from the existence of the "Fallen Earl" potion ingredients and the shadow aspect that the Black Emperor and the Source Matter possessed shadow, or even some hidden, powers, he still did not believe that he could deceive the Four Vendors in a direct confrontation.

After all, he was still unable to fully mobilize the power of the source matter.

Moreover, the position of War Commander, with its limited power and short duration, is more detrimental than beneficial to him.

Luo Jia's golden eyes paused for a moment as he watched Ning Lu push open the door to the reception room and turn to invite Luo Jia to join him.

Primarch's servant, Arsena Dunn, poured Logar a full cup of black tea, and he took a sip.

"The tea has a rich aroma and a long-lasting aftertaste."

Loka stared at Ninglu across from him. "Unfortunately, our brother Horus doesn't think that way."

"I think he has realized that although he is the war commander, the orders he issues must be reasonable."

After careful consideration, Nimrod finally decided to accept Horus's orders.

He believed that his previous actions, and his current words to Loka, would make Horus's orders seem reasonable enough when he sets a trap in the future.

Of course, he has the final say on whether the interpretation is reasonable or not.

If he were sent to the demon world like Saint Gilles, even if it were reasonable, he would immediately flip the table and shout like Corax:
I've had enough of your stupid orders.

I will no longer obey your orders, General.

On the other hand, if he can gain enough benefits from the opportunity, he is happy to step into the trap, even if it is unreasonable.

Nimrod dared to step into the trap not only because of the hidden strength of the legions, but also because of the pawns of each legion, as well as "Space Shark" and "Ash Claw".

[Hopefully Horus is as brilliant as his smooth head, and that the trap he has prepared for me is "reasonable" enough.]
Luo Jia stared at Ning Lu. He was so loyal to the false emperor. He had lost his position as war commander and was suppressed, yet he remained loyal.

Two days later, Loka took Zadekiel aboard the Skyhawk shuttle.

He gazed at the massive black warship receding into the distance and spoke to Zadekir.

"Ninglu's eyes possess the sharpness bestowed upon him by the false emperor, yet he cannot see the true light of enlightenment."

Zadekiel silently repented to the Black Emperor and then spoke in agreement with Loja.

"Of course, only you who possess the truth will bring enlightenment to mankind."

Loka nodded in satisfaction. "You have grasped the truth and are no longer affected by his slightest favor."

He did not doubt Zadkiel, whose dark apostles had all become believers in the gods.

If Zadekir had betrayed him, he would have already told Nimrod.

Whether it was serving Chaos or personally killing the Imperial Guard, these were crimes that the loyal Nimrul could not accept.

“Abandon Nimrod, Horus will be our only target,” Loga said.

“Yuri’s inspiration is my guide.” Zadekiel breathed a sigh of relief; Loka still trusted him.

He will be forgiven for following the Black Emperor's will and committing blasphemous acts alongside heretics.

My slightest blasphemy is all for my Lord, and my Lord will forgive all my evil deeds.

I will bring back offerings for my Lord.

I will ultimately fulfill my Lord's divine decree!
(End of this chapter)