Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 673 Lion King Leon El-Jonson
He stared intently at Chen Xi, his gaze filled with scrutiny and questions.

“Now, tell me, what else do you know? Where do your so-called ‘ancient records’ and ‘intuition’ come from?” His tone grew increasingly forceful. “I don’t believe that mere scattered testimonies and fragmented databases are enough for an Inquisitor to know so much about the First Legion’s ancient secrets, let alone to connect them so confidently to current events. Your sources must be convincing enough.”

This is the most crucial question, which Daryl needs to use to assess Chen Xi's credibility and the potential threats hidden behind him.

The moment of truth has arrived.

Chen Xi knew he had to give an explanation that was both convincing and wouldn't reveal his biggest secret.

He paused for a moment, a complex expression gradually appearing on his face—a mixture of the solemnity of reminiscence, a serious understanding of the situation, and a profound comprehension of the intricate power and secrets within the courtroom.

“Company Commander Daryl, are you aware that within the Inquisition—especially deep within the top-secret archives of the Inquisition—there are some ‘Origin Files’ that even most Inquisitors are not authorized to access?” He slowly constructed a plausible framework. “These files record some of the most secretive versions of events from the Great Crusade and even the Horus Rebellion, versions that even contradict official history.”

He paused briefly, letting his words settle.

“My mentor… a highly experienced and long-deceased Grand Master of the Inquisition, before his death believed I possessed the potential to handle certain sensitive truths and granted me some special privileges. While sorting through his belongings, I came across some fragmented accounts of… the night of Caliban’s destruction. These accounts differed slightly from the publicly available versions, hinting at the… complexity of the situation at the time.”

He cleverly borrowed the vague concept of secret files that must exist within the courtroom and linked them to a deceased, unverifiable "mentor," thereby enhancing credibility.

At the same time, he used extremely subtle wording such as "slightly different" and "complex" to both imply that he knew the inside story and avoid directly revealing the core secret of the dark angel's ten-thousand-year pursuit of the fallen angel, leaving the other party a way out and room for continued dialogue.

“Furthermore,” Chen Xi continued, reinforcing his argument by introducing supernatural elements to enhance its persuasiveness, “my psychic perception… is somewhat unique, not simply a matter of precognition or combat psychic power. I can occasionally catch strong echoes from the depths of the warp—reverberations of 'grudges,' 'unfulfilled vows,' and 'profound obsessions.'”

He made his gaze ethereal, as if sensing the fluctuations of an invisible realm. “Recently, these echoes have become exceptionally clear, especially resonating strongly with themes related to ‘loyalty,’ ‘betrayal,’ and ‘redemption,’ and intertwining with the scattered information I’ve come into contact with—including heretical confessions, ancient records, and this discovery in the lair. This makes me suspect that some ancient causal chain is being reactivated, its focus likely pointing to the Stone Fortress, and… the ancient beings associated with it.”

He combined the judge's special authority, secret files, and unique psychic perception to construct a seemingly reasonable and difficult-to-falsify argument.

The mystery surrounding the Inquisition and the various unusual abilities possessed by the Inquisitors are no secret in the Empire, and the logic behind the actions of many Inquisitors is difficult to fathom.

Therefore, while Chen Xi's explanation was surprising, it was not entirely unacceptable—especially to the Astartes who were accustomed to dealing with supernatural phenomena.

Company Commander Daryl listened in silence, the suspicion in his eyes not completely gone, but the intense hostility he had felt earlier had significantly diminished.

He was weighing his options, making a judgment. Chen Xi's explanation at least provides a logically acceptable framework for explaining why he knew these secrets and was so fixated on the current event.

"So, based on these... fragmented files and your unique 'psychic echoes,' you concluded that there might be remnants of 'fallen angels' active near the monolith, posing a potential threat?" Daryl asked slowly, his tone more inquisitive than rebuttal.

“Yes.” Chen Xi nodded firmly, his expression grave. “Moreover, I believe there may be a larger conspiracy behind this. Those attackers may just be pawns scouting ahead, or a prelude to a larger-scale infiltration operation.”

He leaned forward again, lowering his voice to create an atmosphere of intimacy, "Company Commander Daryl, have you heard of an older, almost legendary prophecy that may circulate within your chapter? About... the prophecy that Lion King Leon Eljonsson is not in eternal slumber and will one day return?"

This time, Company Commander Daryl could no longer remain completely calm.

His breath hitched noticeably, and a complex light flashed in his eyes—shock, disbelief, deep longing, and a hint of strictly suppressed, almost religious expectation.

Prophecies about the Primarch's return circulate among the various founding Chapters, but for the Dark Angels, the return of the Lion King holds a particularly special significance: it is directly linked to the Chapter's deepest historical grievances, hopes for redemption, and even its future destiny.

“Inquisitor…this prophecy…” Daryl’s voice was slightly hoarse. He was clearly deeply moved by the topic, yet also extremely cautious due to its sensitivity, “…it’s all vague and ethereal, merely a private spiritual crutch for warriors…it’s hardly a basis for strategic decision-making…”

His denial seemed weak and feeble.

“Perhaps it’s not entirely unfounded.” Chen Xi seized the moment when the other party wavered and pushed his conjecture to the extreme. “I suspect that the recent unusual movements—whether it’s the mysterious attacks or the unusual fluctuations in the warp—are related to some kind of change in the Primarch’s slumber? Perhaps, some forces—maybe Chaos, or maybe other beings that are eyeing the Empire—have noticed something and are trying to interfere, prevent, or even take advantage of the secret of the Lion King’s slumber or possible return.”

His gaze was intense, and his tone firm. "I believe it is necessary to conduct a thorough investigation at the highest level. This may no longer be limited to the internal affairs of your single warband, but could concern the future destiny of the Empire."

Company Commander Daryl fell into a deeper silence.

Chen Xi's questions became increasingly pointed, each one more closely revealing the Dark Angels' core secrets.

As a combat company commander, he has no authority to make any conclusions regarding matters involving Primarchs, the ultimate decisions and secrets of the inner circle of the chapter, and even discussions must be conducted with extreme caution.

(End of this chapter)