Chapter 14: A New Battle

Chapter 14: A New Battle

“They move swiftly.” Kiliman straightened up again.

“They were already on their way to support us. Your awakening made them temporarily abandon the pursuit of the Chaos forces and instead redirect toward Macragge,” came Sicarius’s deep, commanding voice through the communicator.

“They said they can wait, but I thought it best to inform you nonetheless.”

“There are many urgent matters in this world, but receiving a group of loyalists who have traveled such a long way is undoubtedly a pressing priority. Let them come—I will be waiting for them here in the reception hall.”

“As you wish, my lord.”

The crackle of electricity sounded as the communicator was switched off, and the thinker processing the information fell back into silence.

Kiliman sat in his seat, contemplating the future.

New technologies had already empowered the Primarch, and the Council of Reform was ready.

The remaining task was to purge the Chaos forces on Macragge bit by bit, pushing forward his plans gradually.

When the time came, he would journey to Terra and reclaim the full rights of the Imperium from those decayed, greedy High Lords, continuing to advance his agenda.

The opening of the Great Rift was not only a boon to the Chaos Gods; it also provided an opportunity for the Emperor to awaken.

He needed to amass enough power before the Emperor’s revival to protect himself from betrayal and destruction once the Emperor returned.

A millennium of faith—no one could guarantee that the Emperor was still the same as he was a thousand years ago.

The Emperor’s awakening might not necessarily be a blessing.

The broad corridors of the Hera Fortress.

More than fifty representatives from various Chapters, who had traveled far, were led by two warriors of the Ultramarines toward the reception hall.

The corridor was magnificent, adorned with lavish gold and silver carvings.

Every few meters, marble columns supported the soaring vaulted ceiling.

The floor was paved with an intricate pattern of black and white tiles.

“This is somewhat incredible,” said one Chapter representative, holding a staff topped with a golden skull and a ring of bone spikes, crackling with psychic energy that marked him as part of the Chapter’s Librarius.

Librarians were Space Marines gifted with psychic powers; many wielded prophecy and elemental control, aiding their Chapters in battling demons and other psychic aliens.

“Nothing is incredible. Everything unfolds according to the Emperor’s design,” replied a Space Marine clad in black and white armor.

His scarred head was adorned with two golden and one silver purity seals, making him stand out.

This veteran, with over a century of service and a golden double-headed eagle embossed on his chest plate, held a high rank.

“Enough talk of such matters. We stand now on Macragge’s surface—do not casually discuss a Primarch.”

Virano, walking ahead, turned to the two speaking comrades, signaling them to cease.

To speak of Robert Kiliman’s awakening on Macragge was a sign of disrespect among Ultramarines.

He did not want such talk to cause discord between Chapters.

The two fell silent, and Virano turned forward again, surveying all within sight.

Outside the corridor hung cobalt-blue banners, embroidered with silver threads forming the symbol of Ultramarines—a crowned imperial aquila.

Along the path to the hall stood the Invictus Iron Guard Terminators, clad in fierce ironclad armor.

They stood like statues, solemn and silent, their power weapons active and shimmering with blue or white force fields ready to strike.

The entire area was under strict martial law.

Virano had seen these armored terminators during several Imperial army expeditions led by Calgar.

These honor guards surrounded the legendary Primarch, parading through grand triumphal ceremonies.

The first massive door opened with a sharp pneumatic hiss, revealing more honor guard members inside.

The atmosphere was oppressive; these veterans had fought countless battles against Chaos, xenos, and traitors.

A Space Marine captain in armor approached.

“Welcome to Macragge.”

“Sicarius, it is good to see you again,” Virano greeted, saluting the Ultramarine.

“Likewise, Virano. It has been twenty years since we last met. If you wish to reminisce, please wait a moment—my master awaits you. Please proceed to meet him promptly,” Sicarius said, gesturing them inside.

Virano and the others walked down the corridor to the final door.

Honor guard members stamped their feet and stood at attention, their voices solemn and dignified.

The marble doors, intricately carved and inlaid with a golden imperial aquila, slid open with mechanical whirs.

Representatives from the various Chapters felt a surge of tension, removing their helmets and striving to remain calm as they stepped inside.

At first sight, they were stunned.

Upon a throne of pure adamantium adorned with hundreds of decorations sat a living miracle.

A giant warrior clad in blue and gold armor, his broad face handsome and dignified, one hand equipped with a massive gauntlet, a colossal sheathed power sword resting beside his throne.

Virano thought he was prepared, yet upon seeing that face, he realized he was not.

Overcome with emotion, tears streamed down his face.

He had seen this Primarch before—Macragge had once faced a threat from the Tyranids.

His Chapter was ordered to support the defense and repel the menace from beyond the galaxy.

Because of that, he had been permitted to see Kiliman in the sanctuary of the Hera Fortress.

Kiliman had been held within a stasis field.

A battle a thousand years ago had brought him to the brink of death, just one second from passing, but the stasis field’s unique properties prolonged that moment indefinitely.

Now, he was free from the stasis, alive and sitting there before them.

Vigorous life pulsed through his robust frame, his gaze filled with wisdom and authority.

Virano and the other Space Marines instinctively dropped to one knee.

“It is true—they say you have returned, my lord,” Virano’s voice trembled.

It was not fear but intense excitement and exhilaration.

In this moment, every member of the Imperium would tremble with joy—a living legend had returned to their world.

Kiliman looked upon them, descending the steps.

“Rise. You have defended humanity and the Imperium—you are heroes. There is no need for such formalities.”

He approached the nearest Space Marine, grasping his shoulders and helping him to his feet.

“What is your name?” Kiliman asked.

“Virano, of the Raven Guard, captain of the Silent Company.”

“Glad to meet you, Captain,” Kiliman said.

“An honor to see you as well, my lord.”

“I hope so. I thought you might not recognize me, which would have been quite troublesome,” Kiliman joked.

“Impossible. We will fight for your will,” Virano replied.

“Haha,” Kiliman patted Virano’s shoulder. “Soon, there will be a chance to prove it. I hope you will not disappoint me then.”

Kiliman greeted the representatives from the front row—Space Marines from the Raven Guard, Space Wolves, White Scars, and some of the newer Chapters.

They had all come for the Primarch’s revival.

He asked their names and fostered a lighthearted, humorous atmosphere, bridging the distance with laughter.

He praised each visitor highly, lauding their contributions to the Imperium.

After the introductions, Kiliman prepared to address the matter at hand.

“You have traveled far. I should allow you rest, but the Imperium’s situation is dire—Chaos and xenos grant us no respite. I urgently need to stabilize Macragge to advance my plans. The fleet is assembling, the armies gathering here. I ask—will you honor your oaths and join my forces?”

Kiliman’s gaze swept across the many Chapter representatives as he posed the question.

(End of chapter)