The Bizarre Adventure of the Warhammer Guard

The Power Grip and six other escort ships escaped the encirclement of the Sons of the Emperor's fleet. The navigators on board immediately initiated warp travel, and in the next instant, they disappeared into the Thesala system.

Elpis stood in the lounge, holding a parchment scroll in his hand. He gently opened it, revealing a transparent glass container containing a drop of blood.

The blood crystals are crystal clear, like perfect diamonds that shine in the world. Even when placed in a container, they do not scatter into a puddle, but still maintain a perfect teardrop shape.

The parchment scroll also bears the inscription: "Any chapter that sees this letter is exempt from the Astartes Codex — Robert Guilliman"

This was exactly what Elpis needed. He demanded a promise from Guilliman, a promise that he could disobey the holy book he had written at any time.

When Guilliman heard Elpis's request, he knew Elpis's intention. His time was running out; the chaotic poison was still in his body, and only he knew how terrifying this horrific toxin truly was.

He would either die or vanish, just like his own brothers. If he disappeared from the empire, who would shoulder the responsibility of protecting it? Would it be the mortal high lords? Could these mortals truly lead people out of darkness?

Is it Ruth? The ruthless wolf king is not good at politics; he only knows how to cut down any obstacle in his path. Is it Volkan? The benevolent dragon lord has no interest in interfering in political games.

The Holy Scriptures are currently the most efficient and rational policy, capable of guiding Space Marines in combat while also preventing potential large-scale rebellions.

Guilliman didn't know what the future held, so he wrote these words on a parchment scroll and left a drop of his blood inside as a keepsake.

Elpis once again examined the power of the moon within him; his battle with Forgrim had revealed the peculiar nature of this wondrous force. Unlike the abilities of the Untouchables, which weaken or shield warp energy, or psionic powers, which utilize warp energy for attacks, it could counteract warp energy.

The best proof is the wound on Forgrim's waist. The damage he inflicted on the Primarch was like a scar left by the flames of the Emperor's Sword, making it difficult for the Primarch to heal quickly.

It seems I have a special ability to attack demons, Elpis thought to himself. I'll have to find an opportunity to capture a few demons to test them out.

-

Several months later, the Power Grip finally sailed out of the warp and returned to Macragge. The fleet was docking in turn at the space docks surrounding the planet for repairs.

"How is it, Elpis?" Guilliman asked, looking at Macragge through the one-way tempered glass of the command room. "Is there anything different since your last visit to Macragge?"

"It's still the same as before." Elpis looked out the window at the rotating planet. "It's more prosperous than before, and there are many more docks and defensive arrays in the planet's orbit."

"Come, come to my palace," the King of Otramar, having temporarily set aside his troubles, invited Elpis to his home. "You were in a hurry last time, so this time you should savor the food and wine of Macurag."

Elpis accepted the invitation and accompanied Guilliman on a transport ship to the palace in Macragge. Andros and Hill followed, while the other warriors went to the Ultramarines' camp to rest.

As soon as they disembarked from the transport plane, two groups of ordinary people and ten Astartes approached.

"Primarch, we have heard of your injuries," the leader said to Guilliman. "Please come with us to the infirmary so we can examine you again."

"Don't worry too much, Sergeant." Guilliman recognized that these were the guards stationed at his palace. "I know my body. There's no good way to get rid of the toxins in Macurag. Going for a checkup now would be a waste of time."

"How could this be, sir?" The sergeant looked worried, his tone somewhat pleading. "The news of your injury has sent us into a panic. Please allow us to examine you again."

"Alright." Guilliman couldn't refuse the children who were worried about his injuries. He nodded, then looked to the side. "Elpis, you go to the banquet hall first, I'll be there shortly."

"Dorent," the sergeant called out to one of the Astartes in his ranks, "you will take the Imperial Guard and the two company commanders to the banquet hall."

Andros and Hill instinctively looked at Guilliman, hoping to accompany the Primarch.

"It's alright, you two go first." Guilliman declined their request to follow.

"Yes, sir." Andros and Hill had no choice but to follow the Astartes named Dorrent to the banquet hall.

Soon they arrived at the banquet hall, where long tables were laden with food and drinks.

"My lords," said Dorent, "you may unload your weapons and armor and store them in the storeroom over there. Enjoy some of Macrag's famous wines first; Lord Guilliman will be back soon."

"Dorent?" Elpis raised an eyebrow, took a step forward, blocking the light, and a huge shadow fell over Dorent. "Guilliman said he would treat me to his treasured cider. You didn't forget to bring it, did you? That's a dereliction of duty on your part."

"I'm sorry, sir." Dorrant was flustered and involuntarily took a step back, stammering, "I forgot, I'll go get it right away."

Elpis didn't speak; he just snorted and thought to himself, "Guilliman doesn't have any cider."

He grabbed the armor of the man in front of him and slammed him to the ground. Then, he ripped off the helmet, revealing Dorrent's face.

"What happened?" Andros and Hill, who hadn't even had time to remove their armor, rushed out of the storage room upon hearing the noise. Seeing Dorrent's helmet roll off, they asked, "Sir, is there some misunderstanding?"

"Misunderstanding?" Elpis didn't explain. He mobilized the power of the moon god within him, covering the tip of the spear, and gently pierced Dorrent's chest.

"No..." Hill rushed to Elpis's side, trying to stop him, with Andros following closely behind. They still maintained their rationality, believing that the Custodian who was protecting the Primarch alongside them must have some special reason for doing this.

Then, a bizarre scene unfolded. Dorrent, lying on the ground, contorted his face and transformed into a bald man with bronze skin. This was exactly what the Alpha Legion looked like; they were all master spies, adept at infiltrating various Space Marine legions, and their appearances were almost identical to their Primarchs.

The power of the moon goddess successfully exposed Dorrent's disguise. The genetic seeds of these Alpha Legion warriors granted them the ability to alter their appearance, voice, and memories at will; while not psionic abilities, they were powerful and imbued with warp energy.

"Long live Hydra!" Seeing that escape was impossible, Dorrant bit his lip slightly and shouted. The words had barely left his lips when he lost his life.

"It's the Alpha Legion," Andros, experienced as he was, immediately realized something was wrong. "Oh no, the Primarch!"

"Quick, to the infirmary!" Elpis shouted to Andros and Hill as soon as he saw that Dorent had already passed away. "Lead the way."