Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 399 Erasmus Tycho
Chen Xi knew the weaknesses of these Space Marine chapters.

When dealing with ordinary warbands, his strategy is always simple and effective—a brief meeting, a few seemingly casual words, plus the gift of that precious Saturn Terminator power armor, is enough to make these battle-hardened warriors serve him.

This ancient power armor is priceless to any non-starter chapter.

Its exquisite craftsmanship and superior performance are enough to make the entire battle group willing to carry out even the most dangerous and fatal missions for Chen Xi.

Chen Xi often lamented that Astartes and the entire empire were ruined by the so-called "honor" and "brotherhood".

So many things in the Milky Way are ruined because of these two ethereal things.

Ironically, it was precisely this almost obsessive sense of honor that became his most exploitable weakness.

These Space Marines would go through fire and water without hesitation for a simple promise.

This almost obsessive spirit, however, presented Chen Xi with an excellent opportunity to bestow favors.

He understood the Astartes' way of thinking all too well—every gift was not given away for free, but rather a carefully planned conspiracy.

Those precious Saturn Terminator armors, ancient relics, and even the supplies the chapter desperately needed were all bait he threw out.

The chapters could, of course, refuse, but who could resist such a temptation? And once they accepted, they would have to bear a heavy debt of honor.

For Astartes, the debt of honor is no child's play; it is a vow heavier than life itself.

To repay such a debt, they might even defy imperial laws and turn against their former allies.

The Battle of Badab is a prime example—some chapters, simply because they owed Huron a debt of honor, were forced to side with the rebels, ultimately paying a heavy price and fighting almost to their last man.

For this reason, in the eyes of the Astartes Chapter, the debt of honor is a sacred oath that must be fulfilled, even at the cost of the Chapter's survival.

They would rather be wiped out than break this weighty promise.

Even the nine renowned founding battle groups were not immune to these rules.

However, these ancient warbands with a history spanning thousands of years have their own more dignified way of repaying their debts—they do not readily sacrifice themselves for others like ordinary warbands, but rather fulfill their promises in more equitable ways, such as political asylum, strategic support, or technology sharing.

These colossal entities, with their millennia-long history and control over the resources of the entire star sector, make decisions that resonate deeply with the Empire.

They are well aware of the weight of honorary debts, and therefore never make promises lightly.

Even proud warriors like the Holy Blood Angels, or stubborn fortress guardians like the Imperial Fists, would find their gazes involuntarily drawn to the Saturn Terminator armor when it was placed before them.

Especially when they realized that Chen Xi's sub-sector could continuously produce these precious equipment that should have been lost long ago, that restraint became even more difficult.

The Blood Angels dispatched a company commander to discuss the Blood Knights and the Flesh-Tearer Chapter with Chen Xi. This Astartes, clad in crimson armor, strode heavily into the reception room. His power armor gleamed a dark red under the lights, and the Blood Angels insignia on his shoulder armor shone brightly.

Chen Xi couldn't help but take a few more glances at this company commander, because he was very different from ordinary Astartes.

He was several sizes taller than the average Space Marine, and his every move exuded a unique elegance, the noble demeanor characteristic of the offspring of the Blood Angels.

But what is most striking is his face—a golden mask covering the right half of his face, intricately engraved with the emblem of the Holy Blood Angel.

His expression seemed to be fixed in a twisted, terrifying grin, a smile that was both an eternal mockery and a silent wail.

This characteristic was so obvious that Chen Xi already knew his name before he even spoke: Erasmus Tycho, commander of the Third Company of the Holy Blood Angels, and a hero of the Second Battle of Amigidoton.

Legend has it that he fought a bloody battle against the orcs in the Battle of Amegiddon, and that his face was also disfigured by a deadly psionic attack from the orc Weirdboy during that battle.

The terrifying psionic flames not only burned his face, but also forever froze his expression in the painful smile of the moment he was injured, forcing him to wear a mask to cover his disfigured face.

"Chief Dante has ordered me to come." Tycho's voice came from behind the mask, deep and hoarse, with a metallic echo.

His face, a blend of metal and flesh, cast a fragmented shadow under the living room lights, the cold light reflected from the mask contrasting sharply with his bare left cheek.

"The matter concerning the Blood Knights and the Flesh-Tearers requires your judgment." Tycho Brahe said, bowing slightly. This elegant gesture contrasted sharply with his狰狞 (zhengning, meaning ferocious or hideous) face covered by a golden mask, as if an angel and a demon coexisted in one body.

He stated his purpose directly, his voice echoing metallically through the mask: "These two battle groups proved their loyalty in the Rostov Expedition, washing away some of their stigma with blood and sacrifice."

Commander Dante hopes that you, in your capacity as Lord Inquisitor, can issue an official certificate acknowledging their achievements.

He paused here, his left eye, not covered by the mask, narrowed slightly, and revealed the arrangements made by Chapter Master Dante: "Until the High Overlord Council of the Empire rescinds its verdict against these two chapters as 'traitors,' Chapter Master Dante has indicated that they can temporarily take refuge under your command and be stationed in the Rostov Subsector."

Chen Xi immediately understood Dante's plan—this would allow him to gain temporary command of two warbands while giving the Blood Angels a chance to clear the names of these two sub-bands.

“Your credentials will help the Blood Angels negotiate clemency for them at the High Lords Council of Terra,” Tycho added, his voice noticeably emphasizing the “High Lords Council” and a strange glint in his eyes. “Originally, Captain Mephisto was supposed to come in person, but due to an unforeseen situation within the chapter, I will deliver the message on his behalf.”

There was a hint of regret in his tone.

However, before Tycho Brahe could fully explain his purpose, he saw the Saturn Terminator Armor that Chen Xi was preparing to give to the Holy Blood Angels.

The battle-hardened soldier was stunned. His eyes widened, and the pupil of his left eye, which was not covered by the mask, dilated rapidly. He froze on the spot, even his breathing stopped.

He had no idea that this legendary equipment would suddenly appear before him, leaving him momentarily at a loss for what to do. His lips trembled slightly beneath the mask, but he couldn't utter a sound.

(End of this chapter)