Warhammer, about my years with the Wolfpack

Chapter 12 Differences and Reconciliation 1

"Master, Lord Heimdall has arrived." A servant's voice interrupted Balder's work. He put down the scroll in his hand, straightened up and said.

"If I remember correctly, he should be here to pick up the boat. Let him wait in the living room." Balder said as he finished the work at hand.

With the alliance with Russ, full cooperation began between the two. Russ became King of Fenris, and Balder became the Master of the Forge. The Iron Islands provided Russ with various weapons and equipment, while Russ took charge of other matters. Both sides then trained their armies together.

Trazyn's gift was generous. Besides an extraordinary body, he also possessed a vast amount of knowledge, encompassing every aspect of science, administration, history, and military affairs. While it might seem a mere "little bit" to the Endless, it truly was "a billion little bits" to humans. If the Empire were to offer civil service exams, Balder believed he would be more than qualified to become a Fabricator General in the Mechanicum, a high-ranking official on Terra, or a general in the Expeditionary Forces.

Leman Russ is an excellent and inspiring leader, but he is still a rookie in training the army. Although the Primarch is powerful, no one is born with it except for a few exceptions!

Heimdall was Russ's representative stationed in the Iron Islands, responsible for coordinating relations between the two sides and coordinating certain matters. Adhering to the principle of reciprocity, Balder also sent his best apprentices and craftsmen to Russ's kingdom to assist him in completing technical tasks.

"Respected Lord of the Forge, please forgive my intrusion." Heimdall saluted after entering.

"Is there a problem at work?" Balder asked his servant to prepare a glass of mead.

"It's not about work, but rather a conflict of ideologies," Heimdall said somewhat awkwardly. "Under your persuasion, our king has implemented many new policies. For example, babies deemed not strong enough at birth will no longer be discarded, but adopted. Another example is the requirement that all children attend school."

"Many people disagree with this. Regarding the former, many believe it will weaken the tribe. And regarding the latter, they consider it a waste. After all, hunters, miners, and fishermen can help the tribe obtain more resources."

"Heimdall, what do you think?" Balder frowned, really speechless about the barbarians of Fenris.

"I know your suggestion is good. It will increase the population of the tribe. However, it will cause instability in the tribe, and many people disagree with it. My king must consider their opinions..."

"Then let's put it this way. All babies who are judged not strong enough can be raised by the tribe. The Iron Islands will pay for their upbringing. And these children must be sent to the Iron Islands when they reach a certain age."

Although we are allies, the price differentials in industrial products still need to be cut. In terms of living standards and wallets, the Iron Islands are still miles ahead of other places.

"As for the second point? We can do this: for every qualified apprentice the tribe sends to the Iron Islands, we will give additional compensation. I will use practical actions to tell everyone that learning and knowledge can change destiny." Balder said.

Knowledge itself isn't important. After all, once the Emperor arrives, the Mechanicus' various "assisted" learning devices will greatly accelerate progress. What matters is the spirit of Fenris! The future of Fenris lies in the vast sea of ​​stars. Fenris's population must grow, and more people must participate in production and research and development. After all, history has proven that the Mechanicus can sometimes be unreliable, even rebelling against its leaders! Manpower base and production capacity are the foundation of the Legion.

In the background, the Space Wolves were limited by their population size and gene-seed, so their forces were not numerous. Also, without their own industrial system, their equipment was not very good. What Balder wanted to do was to make changes as much as possible.

Balder actually had another reason for doing this. Perhaps, when the Emperor descended upon Fenris, would he be pleased by these events? After all, the Emperor was not only a king and a warrior, but also a wise man! And if the Emperor was even slightly pleased, even a little of his knowledge would be enough to benefit the people of Fenris and the Space Wolves immensely!

"Okay, I will convey your message to my king." Heimdall said with a bow.

A week later, in the royal court of Leman Russ, Russ read Balder's letter in front of all the tribal leaders.

"Our Lord of the Furnace is using his steel and goods to corrode us again." After listening, Qiao Lin Bloodhowl lowered his voice and said to the person next to him.

Qiao Lin's attitude towards Balder is complicated. On the one hand, he respects Balder as a strong warrior. He can't forget the scene of sparring with Balder. The gap between the two is like that between a strong warrior and a child. Whether in strength, toughness or agility, he is far inferior to the other.

But on the other hand, he expressed great dissatisfaction with Balder's actions. Qiao Lin believed that the Lord of the Furnace was full of contempt for warriors, and all his decisions would make the tribe weak and weaken the rights and interests of warriors.

"So, what is your attitude towards the Lord of the Furnace's proposal?" Rus's voice echoed in the spacious hall.

"King, if I understand correctly, the burden of raising all the children sent to the Iron Islands will be borne by the Iron Islands? And we can get weapons and armor." Qiao Lin said.

"That's right." Ruth nodded.

"So in the future, how many people in our tribe will be willing to pick up axes and muskets to fight? People are lazy, and cowardice is constantly eroding the will of warriors. I am worried about our future," said Qiao Lin.

"Each family must provide a strong warrior. This will already guarantee our troops. We need more craftsmen. Only then can we have enough warships to deal with the Sirens of Fenris and better muskets and armor to equip our warriors."

"King, if we agree to this request, then perhaps in a dozen years, the Iron Islands will be full of people, and there may be no Lemans left." Amledi Skarsson said.

"That's up to you. If you're willing to raise your own children, then they won't be sent to the Iron Islands. My brothers, the ancient tradition is to allow us to survive in harsh environments. Abandoning offspring that are not strong enough is just a helpless means, not an end."

"Now, with the help of the Iron Islands, we can obtain more prey and better weapons. We can already raise all our own children. In this case, why don't we change our traditions?"

"Before me, Fenris had no king. And now, when I can lead everyone to a better life, don't you accept it? Is it harder for you to raise your own children than to kneel before me?" Leman Russ said earnestly.

Chapter 13 Differences and Reconciliation 2

"Holmi, what do you think?" Rus looked at the first person on his left. After Heimdall left, Holmi Longgang became the person he relied on the most.

"I think the first point can be implemented. After all, no parent is willing to abandon their child. As for the second point, I think we need to consider it. Every tribe needs a large number of craftsmen, but if our apprentices stay in the Iron Islands after they finish their studies, it will not be good news for our tribe. We will lose manpower and the cost of raising them in vain." Holmi said.

"So you're saying we need our own craftsmen, lots of them?" Russ looked around the royal court. "No one objects to that, right?"

"This..." Neither Qiao Lin nor Amledi spoke in response to Rus's question. Although they constantly claimed the honor and status of warriors, the reality was that the tribe was still most in need of craftsmen! The guns and armor of the Iron Islands greatly improved the efficiency of the warriors, and conflicts between tribes no longer broke out, so there was really no need for too many warriors.

"We can do this: for every two qualified apprentices we send to the Iron Islands, at least one must return after completion. The remaining sufficiency will be filled by qualified craftsmen from the Iron Islands to the tribes of Asaheim. What do you think?"

"Of course, the tribes are free to choose the second point. But the first point must be implemented," Russ concluded. This time, the opposition within the royal court was much quieter; even Qiao Lin Blood Howl chose to remain silent.

After the meeting, Russ returned to his bedroom and breathed a sigh of relief. He suddenly felt more tired than before, truly exhausted. In the past, he had ruled the tribe with his strength, generosity, and broad-mindedness.

Life in the tribe back then was simple. When he had nothing to do, he would lead a group of Fenrisian men to hunt elk across the icy plains. When things got tough, he'd usually just take up arms and vanquish the enemy tribe. He'd spend his downtime drinking and bragging with everyone.

Now, this bloody yet simple life could no longer be restored. But watching the tribe grow stronger day by day, Russ felt that it was all worth it. He didn't know how long it would take him to jump onto that strange star and question the existence above, but he knew that he was on the right path!

Russ remembered what Balder had said: "Fighting is a tool, not an end." "Only development is the solution to all conflicts." This sentiment resonated deeply with Russ. While he disliked the intrigues and attempts to persuade his subordinates, he knew it was necessary. He also knew that such persuasion was more effective than coercion.

Rus's tribe had long been allied with the Iron Islands, and cooperation had generally been good. However, the gaps and differences between them could not be bridged by a single oath. Rus knew that many of Balder's actions were correct. Fenris could no longer blindly pursue his actions. However, many of his own people were still lost in the past. Rus felt that both sides were equally vulnerable, forcing him to patiently manage the relationship.

"Actually, I envy you. The Iron Islands are simpler than the Asaheim continent. The islands are all forgers, and you have similar professions, thinking and traditions. But it's different here. The tribes are different, and the different classes within each tribe are different. Because of these differences, the people under my command are divided into small groups, and I must be cautious with each group." Rus wrote on the tanned fur paper.

Beyond the normal correspondence, Russ would also share his innermost thoughts with Balder. Beneath the rugged and imposing exterior of this barbarian king, Russ was a perceptive individual, able to see many things clearly, though he rarely showed them. Russ knew his strengths, but before, he often had to do things he wasn't good at. But now, Russ could delegate some tasks to his allies.

Of course, in the letter, Russ primarily explained his own decision. After all, having persuaded his subordinates to accept Balder's advice, he also had to convince the Iron Islands to make concessions. This wasn't a simple exchange of interests, but a balance to alleviate internal discontent. The next day, the sealed letter was carried away by a special courier. This backward method of communication between the two sides maintained their alliance.

"Russ has had it tough." Balder sighed inwardly after reading the letter. The barbarians of Fenris were already difficult enough to manage, and the Sixth Legion, after taking over, was the worst legion in the entire early stages of the Great Crusade, even the worst. After all, other legions, including the Night Lords, later known for their brutality, hadn't established military police units to deal with the massacres.

Balder's feelings towards Russ are complex. Before his time traveling, he felt his legions were underperforming, but now he understands his difficulties and personal charm. Balder's opinion of Russ has also changed. He respects him, but he wouldn't call him a complete adoration. After all, after experiencing the buffs of the God of Laughter and the Infinite, Balder has become a completely different person!

If the Infinite Ones had gifted him with a powerful physique and vast knowledge, then the Laughing God had gifted him with powerful psychic energy. The moment he met Russ, his psychic energy seemed to have flipped on, rapidly increasing. Perhaps, for the Eldar, who loved prophecy and toying with fate, this was a crucial moment, or perhaps part of a ritual.

As his psychic powers increased, some knowledge about psychic powers began to appear in his mind out of thin air.

"What a shame, there's nothing about the Webway." After searching his mind at a speed faster than a computer, Balder muttered to himself with some regret. But it made sense when he thought about it. The Webway was the lifeblood of the Eldar, so how could he let outsiders easily learn about it?

"I just wonder who the upcoming Eldar guest will be? A clown from the troupe? A prophet from Ulthwe? Or perhaps a pirate prince?" Balder thought with a glimmer of anticipation. He couldn't possibly be nervous; after all, he'd seen the World Engine before. Unlike the Figure King, who would take you away at the drop of a hat, the Eldar wouldn't do the same. After all, the God of Laughter had invested so much, he had to give something back. Even if he was just a pawn, he couldn't just take it away now!

Of course, Balder had no intention of defaulting on his debt. The God of Laughter was still a god after all, and if a mortal dared to default on his debt to a god, he would not just die!

Chapter 14: The Double-Faced Messenger

"Here we are." Balder, working at his desk at night, suddenly raised his head and gazed into the distance. Thousands of kilometers away, a long-forgotten Webway opened. With a brilliant flash, an Eldar ship swiftly passed through the Webway gate and sped towards the Iron Islands. The ship was hidden by the clouds of Fenris, but it had announced its arrival to Balder. It would arrive in less than an hour.

"A powerful being, very powerful."

"The whole body is filled with the aura of death, yet within death there is a hint of life." Balder frowned as he sensed the unique spiritual energy fluctuations of the visitor. While pondering the identity of the visitor, he tidied up the room. He didn't need to worry about what was happening outside; the clowns would arrange everything so that this meeting would not be interrupted. However, as a minimum of respect for the God of Laughter who had once protected him, he still had to tidy up the meeting place.

Over half an hour later, as the spaceship passed outside his residence, the air rippled, and a figure appeared before Balder. Looking at the tall Eldar before him, Balder felt a cold sweat break out! The shock he felt was even greater than when the Infinite One revealed their identity, after all, Balder had some understanding of the latter. But facing the Eldar before him, Balder knew nothing, not even knowing how to describe him.

"The breath of death, and a hint of life?! Who are you?" Balder looked at the existence in front of him with a hint of horror on his face. Yes, it was an existence. The powerful strength and weird style on his body even made Balder subconsciously think that he was not a simple elf.

Her costume was split down the middle, one half embodying theatrical troupe style, imbued with a sense of absurdity and exaggeration. Looking solely at the left side, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were standing before a subordinate of the God of Laughter. But the right side exuded a deadly stillness and a hint of demonic energy! Her entire body was adorned with deathly runes and spikes, and a single purple-black horn protruded from her right head. Two completely different spiritual energies entwined it. Even the power belonging to the God of Laughter was subtly suppressed.

"Returning traveler, guess who I am?" A voice blending two voices rang out in Balder's ears. This Eldar guest, who had come from afar, spoke the first words of this meeting.

"The end of the Eldar…?" A drop of cold sweat fell from Balder's head. Judging from his appearance, Balder was not at a loss as to the origin of the right half of this visitor. In fact, it could even be said that knowing this origin made Balder feel terrified! Because she was too similar to the incarnation of Aeneid, the Eldar God of Death in the 40th Century!

A glance flashed across the other person's face, and in an instant, a flood of information flooded into Balder's mind. Then, Balder realized that this person's presence seemed to be related to his own arrival. At the same time, Balder's vigilance against the gods increased to a new level!

The Eldar had a prophecy of a Death-ending enemy emerging from their midst. It's unclear when this would occur, perhaps in the 30th millennium, perhaps later. But that's unimportant. The Eldar only knew of this being in their prophecies.

But because of my arrival, the description of the God of Death in my mind entered this timeline, even being understood by the God of Laughter! And under the interference of this information and the influence of the meme, with the help of the God of Laughter, or perhaps some other being, some of the God of Death's power was manifested in advance! And the person before me might be such a product!

"What's your name?" Balder asked with a frown.

"Nyadra. The Double-Faced Messenger. I come on behalf of my Lord and for the future of the galaxy." The voice of the visitor sounded again. While she was speaking, she communicated with Balder again on the psychic level. The words may be more of a ritual for both parties.

"You should go to the Emperor." Balder's face trembled unnaturally. His small body couldn't bear such a heavy responsibility.

"My meeting with Him was in the Lord's plan, but the time has not come yet."

"Everyone, please be direct. What do you want me to do? What can you provide? Also, I want to ask, with your birth, has the debt between me and your master been paid?" Balder asked. Actually, Balder didn't like communicating with a being that only spoke half a sentence and then played cryptic games with you. It was really tiring! And if you weren't careful, you'd be sold out.

"Returning traveler, your current vision is too narrow. The threads of fate are intertwined and difficult to separate."

"I'm human, you're an Eldar," Balder said in a low voice. Never underestimate the Eldar's ability to stir up trouble. And they always do it behind the scenes. Even after they've done something, you still don't know what they've done...

"In the near future, your chapter will encounter a falling moon," Nyadra said. "Accept our help and destroy them!"

"The Fallen Moon Cabal? You want us to destroy this group of Dark Eldar?" Balder's eyes gleamed with a faint light. His mind was thinking rapidly. "Do you want their souls? Or perhaps, using the Empire's sharp blade, you can make some of the Dark Eldar bow before you?"

One of the Eldar Death's special qualities is the ability to reclaim the souls of his followers. Even Dark Eldar, a group destined to be devoured by S, possess the souls of their followers upon death. Balder is unsure whether the Death can reclaim the souls of non-followers of the Dark Eldar using some magical tool. However, he is certain that the Death God desires more followers and souls.

"This will benefit us all. The followers of the Death God will not attack your chapter. It can even help you solve some minor problems."

"We can solve it ourselves, even if it costs a little more."

Nyadra's face flickered with a hint of sarcasm on the left, and a hint of ferocity on the right. She approached gracefully and extended a hand. The oval gem shone with psychic energy.

"Returning Traveler, you don't want the souls of the fallen heroes to be devoured by the Warp, do you?" Then, Nyadra retracted the gem, gracefully turned around, and said, "Or do you think the current Emperor can protect these heroes? Powerful souls are coveted by many in this world."

"You..." Balder's expression changed. He felt lost and didn't know what to do.

Chapter 15 The deal is concluded

After death, the souls of ordinary humans quickly dissipate, but powerful psychics and those with strong wills can continue to exist for a while, and they are undoubtedly one of the targets of the demons. Balder had not felt much about this before, because there was nothing he could do! Things were terrible, but there was nothing he could do! But now, after the Double Envoy offered a price, Balder really hesitated...

"Only when you lose something do you realize its value." Niyadra put a small bag on the table.

"Don't expect the Emperor to give you too much help, or that the secrets you reveal at the risk of your life can secure victory. Fate is fickle, and any ripple can lead to drastically different results. There is more than one way for the enemy to win." Niadra spoke again.

"Returning traveler, do not place your fate in the hands of one person."

"Hehe..." Balder laughed wryly. Facing the messengers of the God of Laughter and Death, Balder felt even greater pressure than facing Karasin. The Infinite's power lies in their ability to manipulate you at will. The Eldar's messengers, however, are different. Their power lies in their near-absence of choice.

Nyadra is absolutely right. The Emperor of today is still far behind the future of the 40 era. While not noticing Magnus's deal with T is understandable, the Emperor's complete inability to detect Fulgrim's corruption by the Blade and his presence is truly demeaning. Compared to the 40 era, the Emperor's direct devastation is a far cry from the Emperor's prestige.

Furthermore, judging by Nyadra's behavior, she addresses the Emperor's name without hesitation, yet is very cautious with the Chaos Gods, which indirectly illustrates this problem. The Emperor is powerful, but not too powerful, which is rather awkward.

Balder stood up and picked up the small bag of soul stones, or rather the special version for humans.

"Very good, our cooperation has been reached. We will have more cooperation in the future. Countless years later, you will be glad for your choice today." Niyadra smiled with satisfaction.

"I've seen the Endless, and..." Balder made an expression that said you know what I'm talking about.

"Now, there are three of us on a boat. We appear to be heading in the same direction, but we lack trust. We each have our own agenda," Balder said. "I believe humans and the Eldar should be able to cooperate. So, can you show a bit of sincerity?"

"Returning Traveler, your last sentence surprised me, but your acting is terrible. Before you can convince others, you must first convince yourself of this statement. The great and self-sacrificing unicorns sold their souls to play the role of S. You are far from it."

Nyadra's eyes gleamed with psychic energy as she studied Baldur. After a moment, she spoke again, "I cannot know the thoughts of the Endless One. He conceals his fate and whereabouts. However, his gifts are harmless, so be assured."

"Returning traveler, your mentality has not yet adapted to this world. What this world needs most are outstanding commanders and warriors, while a knowledgeable scholar and master blacksmith are things that come after peace. You are intelligent enough, but lack the iron and fire hand and determination. You must learn to hold the sword tightly."

"You mean I'm too cowardly? Perhaps." Balder shook his head. In fact, deep down, he had always avoided fighting, not only because of the influence of his past life, but also because he was worried that the use of psychic energy in battle would cause unexpected consequences.

"You should be a powerful commander and warrior. Retreating or hiding will not solve the problem. Only by facing the challenge head-on can you fight for a glimmer of hope. Use your existence to shield the clues of your life, avoiding the direct gaze of the destructive power."

"Psionic power is indeed a double-edged sword, but it is still a sword after all," explained Nyadra.

"Faced with the fate that is finally coming, do we have a chance to change it?" Thinking of the fateful battle between the Emperor and Horus in the background, and the altar of ascension that could not be affected by any external objects or technology, Balder felt powerless.

"When the ceremony is completed, the promised person will naturally appear. However, before that, we can try our best to guide the direction of fate." Niyadra glanced at Balder, with an inexplicable light shining in his eyes.

In Balder's psychic vision, a strange thread connected her to a being in the High Heavens. Like a puppet, she spoke word by word, "The moment you stepped into this world, history changed. Past memories are both your aid and your shackles. Remember this."

"I understand." Balder nodded. After the ritual was completed, it naturally couldn't be altered. However, before the ritual was completed, there was a chance for change. As for the double-faced messenger's final words, there were many interpretations. It might even be related to Balder's primary concern—the choices of the Primarchs!

As for whether he could use his psychic powers? Of course he could, but he also had to avoid overdoing it and avoid the gaze of the Mighty One of Destruction. Perhaps this was a hint for him not to eliminate certain key figures beforehand? According to his original thinking, if he knew Abaddon was on a certain ship... Balder carefully savored Nyadra, or rather, the being that had just possessed her.

During their conversation, Balder was puzzled by Nyadra's address to herself. It was understandable that the Figure King called herself a Traveler, but what did Nyadra mean by calling herself the Returned Traveler from the beginning? Furthermore, she displayed none of the Eldar's characteristic arrogance during their conversation. Balder didn't believe that the Eldar, such arrogant creatures who were always talking nonsense, could be so considerate.

Names hold special significance in the Warhammer universe. Clearly, Nyadra may have some knowledge of her true name. And this knowledge makes her hesitant to act rashly? And finally, when she addresses herself as "Rulai," it clearly suggests she's possessed. The arrival of the Double Envoy answered many questions, but also raised even more!

At that moment, Nyadra extended his right hand, and a curved blade engraved with runes appeared in his hand. As Balder stared in astonishment, the two-faced messenger approached with graceful steps, then swung the blade down. For a moment, Balder felt something shift within his soul, something almost illusory and real. Then, Balder collapsed to the ground, lost in a coma.

"Good night, returning traveler." Nyadra gracefully spun on one leg and jumped into a portal that suddenly appeared. The Eldar plane roared out of the Iron Islands and flew towards the Webway Gate.

Chapter 16 The Emperor is Coming

"Damn it! They've done it again." When Balder awoke several hours later, darkness still enveloped the land. The Eldar messenger had already departed. Compared to the Infinite's overbearing presence, the Eldar were undoubtedly much more low-key. However, this time, he and Nyadra didn't discuss anything particularly taboo. It was nothing like the last time he exposed the Great Rift. And with the dual buffs of the Eldar God of Death and the God of Laughter, it was natural that Nyadra could avoid the spread of information.

"The gods are generous." Balder searched his soul and mind, feeling quite satisfied with his findings. The Double Envoy had given him knowledge primarily related to psychic powers, prophecy, counterprophecy, and concealment. He had to admit that the Eldar truly lived up to their reputation as a powerful psychic race created by the Old Ones. Within his own soul, Balder could detect the intertwined marks of the God of Laughter and the God of Death.