Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 398 Making a Move for the Future (Third Update)
Seeing the awe on the face of the battle-hardened Astartes, Chen Xi gently explained, "Thanks to the victory of this expedition, my technology advisor found an extremely valuable STC fragment in the ancient ruins excavated by Kherson III, which contains complete blueprints for the production of the Saturn-type Terminator armor."

This suit of armor was specially commissioned by me to be meticulously crafted by the Great Sage Caul of Mars, based on that blueprint.

I believe it is most fitting to use this to recognize the Silver Blade's irreplaceable contribution to this expedition.

“Your generosity… I am humbled! The Silver Blade’s achievements are far from deserving of such a glorious reward!” Salken replied humbly, trying to calm his emotions.

He truly felt that no achievement of this expedition could compare to a Saturn Terminator set, especially since it was a personal gift from the governor.

Under Chen Xi's sincere and firm persuasion, Salken finally accepted this incredibly generous gift.

He took a deep breath and solemnly promised, "It will become one of the most precious treasures in the Silver Blade Chapter's relic treasury, guarded for generations!"

“No, Company Commander Salken,” Chen Xi immediately shook his head in rebuttal, his tone becoming serious, even tinged with worry, “I gave it to you not hoping it would be enshrined in a static field and gather dust.”

I hope you will wear it and use it to vanquish more enemies for the Empire and achieve even greater feats.

He leaned forward slightly, his voice low and filled with the solemnity of a prophet, "I... glimpsed fragments of the future, Company Commander Salken! It was a vision filled with darkness and despair!"

I don't know exactly what it is or when it will come, but I must prepare for its arrival.

The Silver Blades are a loyal chapter, and you have proven that with your blood in Rostov.

Therefore, I offer you assistance.

In the future, when that darkest hour truly arrives, I will need the power of the Silver Blade in return.

But before that, I implore you to gather your strength and make thorough preparations for the Empire and for the Emperor.”

Company Commander Salken stood solemnly upright, all the shock and humility on his face replaced by a heavy sense of mission.

Chen Xi's words were etched into his soul like a brand.

Seeing Salken's reaction, Chen Xi's tone softened slightly, and he continued, "As for the Saturn-type Terminator A itself, since Rostov has mastered its STC blueprint, it will have the capability to produce it in the future."

If you need more Silver Blades to arm your warriors, you can purchase them from us.

Of course, the price might not be cheap. I might need to ask for a debt of honor as part of the consideration; please understand.

Company Commander Salken clenched his right fist and slammed it heavily onto his left breastplate, producing a clanging metallic sound.

His voice was loud and firm, filled with the indomitable vow of Astartes: "The Silver Blade Chapter will answer your call at any time! We will serve you wholeheartedly and be loyal to the Emperor until death!"
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After seeing Company Commander Salken off, Chen Xi rubbed his stiff face and let out a long breath.

He turned to Rachel, who was entering from the side of the reception room, his expression weary and tinged with helplessness: "How many more are there?"

“As per your arrangement, three more chapters need to receive your personal gifts.” Miss Gong Xiang quickly checked the data panel in her hand, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes as she looked up. “They are representatives from Steelwing, Night Hunter, and Thunderfist. The chapter leader of Thunderfist will be visiting in person.”

Chen Xi rubbed the bridge of her nose hard, feeling a dull ache in her temples.

Meeting with representatives from eight different warbands in a single morning, conveying the same message with different rhetoric, and ensuring that every gift was given in just the right weight—this was more exhausting than commanding a galactic war. The most frustrating part was that no one could replace him in this job.

On the Rostov II, only his triple identity—Planet Governor, Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force, and Lord Inquisitor—allowed him to speak with these Astartes representatives on equal terms.

Especially when the visitors include not only company commanders but also battle group commanders, there is no one else on the entire planet who can control the situation except him.

Rachel's talent was certainly sufficient for the job, but her identity meant she was destined to be disregarded by the Astartes.

As for Chen Xi's other companions... he shook his head with a wry smile, this issue had already been addressed before.

As a sage of the Mechanicocracy, Number 32, despite his noble status, was clearly unsuitable to represent Rostov.

The Astartes Chapter has always maintained a distant attitude towards the Mechanicus, and no chapter is willing to get too close to the Martian forces.

Moreover, the Mechanicus itself is cautious about deep cooperation with Astartes, and the relationship between the two is more like that of partners who are wary of each other.

Olivia's situation was similar; she was also a member of the Cult of Mechanics.

Mai Mai was an ideal candidate—his identity as a wandering merchant was both prestigious and neutral, maintaining a just-right distance from all sides.

Unfortunately, he and Twilight had already been arranged by Chen Xi to return to the star sector capital to deal with the troubles caused by the Invisible Brotherhood and the various follow-up matters of the expedition.

Needless to say, Guterres, who was traveling with them, couldn't have been of much help even if he had been there.

Chen Xi rubbed his temples; these considerations had been weighed repeatedly when the plan was being formulated.

This favor must be clearly and unambiguously attributed to Rostov, without any involvement from any other organization.

After all, in the darkest times to come, what he needs is a direct commitment from the chapter to Rostov, not a vague agreement relayed through a third party.

Thinking of this, he took a deep breath and straightened his uniform collar.

Despite complaining about the heavy workload of the reception, he rallied his spirits and greeted the next representative of the battle group with the most perfect demeanor.

After all, all this hard work is worth it for that dark future that is about to come.

Interestingly, no matter what attitude these Astartes initially brought—arrogant, wary, or indifferent—their eyes would subtly change the moment they saw the Saturn Terminator armor.

Some battle leaders would even unconsciously lean forward, as if they had seen a long-lost sacred object.

Chen Xi understood this reaction all too well; for Astartes, nothing was more exciting than lost technology.

Although there is still a long way to go before a solid alliance is formed, Chen Xi is certain of one thing for now: when he needs support someday in the future, these chapters will seriously consider his call.

And that is the whole point of him enduring facial muscle pain and reciting repetitive lines today.

(End of this chapter)