Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 469 Empire, I'm Back

But this pride receded as quickly as the tide, swallowed up by the surging darkness deep within memory.

Her gaze lowered slightly, her voice deepening, tinged with a profound, almost suffocating bitterness: "I am also... a traitor who instigated the great rebellion. I betrayed my father and personally destroyed everything we built together..."

Her fingers tightened unconsciously, and the servo of the power claw joint emitted a slight hum.

When the words "I messed everything up" came out, the voice seemed to have exhausted its strength, leaving only a heavy weight hanging in the air.

At that moment, she stood there, as if bearing the guilt of the entire galaxy, those memories belonging to Horus Lupecal like invisible chains, firmly nailing her to the shadows of the past.

"No, you are not him!" Chen Xi's voice was resolute, like a thunderclap piercing the heavy atmosphere of the cabin.

This denial was not a rebuke, but more like a sharp blade trying to cut the chains.

The woman suddenly raised her head, her molten gold eyes instantly flashing with a sharp, knife-like light that pierced straight into the adjutant's eyes.

Deep within those mortal eyes, she clearly caught a glimpse of a majestic yet warm golden light that was not of this world—the manifestation of the Emperor's will, like a lighthouse piercing through the fog.

She opened her mouth slightly, but did not speak immediately.

The initial shock quickly settled in her sharp eyes, transforming into deeper reflection and understanding.

Pride and frustration shifted across her face like light and shadow, eventually settling into an unprecedented clarity.

She nodded slowly, her voice regaining its composure, yet containing a newfound strength: "You're right. I'm not the fallen man he once was."

This time, she was no longer passively bearing the heavy burden of history, but actively taking on everything that the name represented—the good, the bad, and the possibility of change.

“He has committed an irreparable mistake,” she said, her tone becoming firm and resolute, “and as part of Horus Lupecal, I have the opportunity to make amends.”

This time, the opportunity to save the empire is right before my eyes; I cannot let it slip away again.

She raised her head slightly, her gaze intense, as if piercing through the cabin walls: "I must seize it myself!"

“So I’ll ask again,” Chen Xi asked once more, this time with a guiding and confirming tone, “Who exactly are you?”

This time, Hathor did not hesitate for a moment. Her gaze was as steady as the foundation of a star, her voice clear and powerful, each word carrying immense weight: "I am Horus Lupecal! The sixteenth son of the Emperor, Lord of the Sixteenth Legion! Primarch of the Shadowmoon Wolves! The Shepherd of the Empire! Warmaster!"

She recited those illustrious titles again, but this time, she was not indulging in past glories or sins, but clearly recognizing the power and responsibility these identities represented, as well as the future she would bear as the successor.

Then, her tone held a newfound resolve and self-awareness that transcended the past: "But I am also new! I am who I am! Born from the same name, from the same foundation of memories, I will reverse the mistakes of the past."

Her voice was like a vow, each word clear and distinct: "To regain glory for this name, to save this empire."

Looking at the person in front of him who had both inherited a heavy history and was now radiating a new will, Chen Xi finally felt relieved.

He nodded in satisfaction: "The future of the empire is bleak. We know that the thirteenth prince will eventually regroup, but we cannot place all our hopes on him alone."

Now, the value of a being who possesses such a source of power as you is immeasurable.

But your identity is too sensitive—both the source of power and the past that the name 'Horus' carries.

Therefore, you must temporarily conceal yourself as an ordinary human being; I hope you understand the necessity of this. "Don't worry," the woman nodded in agreement, "even the name 'He' has a history of being nameless."

She then patted the ivory-white Terminator armor she was wearing, her gaze sweeping over the dagger at her waist, the warhammer in her left hand, and the power claw in her right: "But my equipment..."

This set of weapons, with its extraordinary craftsmanship and imbued with dark technology and ancient power, would be far too conspicuous no matter where it is placed.

“I’ll store you here for now. Also, can you shrink your size? I remember… some beings were just ordinary humans before they returned to the Empire,” Chen Xi asked, carefully choosing his words.

"The power bestowed upon me by my father allows me to conceal my identity," the woman confirmed.

“That’s good. After that, you will go to the governor’s side as an ordinary person and serve as my administrative secretary. I need someone to help me manage this territory.” Chen Xi showed a relieved expression, as if he had finally found a capable helper. “Although it is only a sub-sector, it is really beyond the capabilities of ordinary people to manage such a vast territory.”

"I think, given the Primarch's capabilities, managing a subsector shouldn't be a problem?"

“Of course,” the woman said, not rejecting the job. “While not everyone is as skilled in management and operations as Guilliman, we can all handle this responsibility that comes from our genes.”

The expression of relief on Chen Xi's face deepened, as if she had finally unloaded a heavy burden.

He casually added, with a hint of barely perceptible teasing in his tone, "Well, I do believe that. Of course, Angron might be an exception."

When the topic of abilities came up, the woman didn't forget to ask Chen Xi, "So, regarding this Astartes force—do you need me to take over their training?"

Her voice was steady, yet carried an undeniable certainty: "Their current performance... is acceptable. But compared to the legions of the Great Expedition era, they are nothing more than large in stature."

Her words were not derogatory, but based on a standard ingrained in her very being.

Although she was only a clone, her military talent and vast memory belonging to Horus Lupecal remained undiminished—the art of command that was most adept at strategizing and revered as the "God of Shepherds" among all the Primarchs.

The Emperor's son, Forgrim, and the Ravenguard's Kolac... these renowned Primarchs all trained and learned under her (or rather, his) command.

Training this Ash Knights was as natural as breathing for her.

Chen Xi did not answer immediately. He pondered for a moment, his gaze lingering on Hathor's calm and confident face.

This foundation, originating from the original entity, is exactly what he urgently needs right now.

“If possible,” he finally nodded, his tone carrying the solemnity of entrustment, “they will be in your hands for training.”

Changing the subject, Chen Xi raised a more practical question: "Also, what name do you plan to use? You can't keep using 'Horus' forever, can you?"

“Hathor Luperca.” The woman, or rather, Hathor, who now officially possessed a new identity, clearly stated this choice.

“Hathor…” Chen Xi chewed on the name, a knowing smile appearing on his lips. “The name of Horus’s wife in Egyptian mythology? Not a bad choice.” He nodded, acknowledging this symbol of identity that was both connected and distinct.

Having settled on the name, Chen Xi's gaze swept over Hathor's magnificent Primarch armor before extending an invitation: "Perhaps you'd like to take a look around? It's always good to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Also, we need to get you some more... well, more befitting of your 'administrative secretary' status."

He deliberately emphasized the last four words, with a hint of tacit teasing.

Hathor nodded readily, a barely perceptible glint of anticipation in his eyes: "That's exactly what I was thinking. I'm also very curious to know what the Empire... and the Astartes, look like now, after ten thousand years."

(End of this chapter)