Chapter 123: The Strongest Spear and the Strongest Shield
The Emperor seemed somewhat surprised by Omega's faintly pleased reaction after receiving the medal personally. He had thought the newest primarch didn't particularly value honor. The Emperor smiled, his voice warming as he spoke.
"The great sage Florensas reported that you possess exceptional knowledge across many fields. You debated with him for seven days and nights without resolution. He expressed the utmost respect for you directly!"
The Emperor's golden eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Let's have a friendly discussion after the banquet!"
"Ah, okay!"
The Emperor's unexpected words startled the primarchs present. Omega saw the battle-readiness burning in his father's eyes and cried out internally in disbelief. He swallowed hard, then replied in a low, polite voice.
The Emperor patted Omega firmly on the shoulder and smiled.
"Discussing matters with me isn't so painful, surely? I see you chatting and laughing with Sanguinius and the others. You get along quite well together!"
Omega thought privately that the Emperor possessed a competitive intellect that could push one's mind to its absolute limits, definitely not something he could say aloud. He replied softly and respectfully instead, "Not painful at all. It's truly an honor!"
Sanguinius found the scene amusing. His newest brother had made the occasion quite entertaining. The other primarchs couldn't help but smile at the sight.
Inside the lavish banquet hall, the Emperor and over a dozen primarchs celebrated together. The table groaned beneath a variety of rich meat dishes and delicacies befitting demigods.
Omega watched as Leman Russ ate and talked without any regard for propriety whatsoever, and thought to himself that the Wolf King truly embodied his barbarous legion. He then used both hands, knife and fork, to cut his meat quickly and elegantly, following proper Western dining etiquette.
Jaghatai Khan, his distinctive topknot swaying, laughed aloud at Omega's formal behavior. Omega rolled his eyes at the Khan as they looked at each other directly.
After the Emperor departed, the atmosphere grew considerably more lively. The Wolf King, disregarding his brothers who were still dining, attacked his food and drink heartily without restraint.
A gaze lingered on Omega. He looked up at the quiet, handsome Corax beside him. The two raised their glasses and clinked them together. Corax said quietly, "Congratulations on the honor."
"Thanks, sincerely."
After exchanging a few brief words, the two finished their drinks, looked at each other, and laughed. Having been unable to find time to speak properly and finally meeting together, Omega struck up a casual conversation with Corax about the food before them.
Since the two were ranked last among the primarchs by number, their achievements and influence were not yet significant. This meant their private conversation remained undisturbed, a small mercy they both appreciated.
Ferrus Manus seemed somewhat surprised that Omega got along quite naturally with many primarchs. Fulgrim and Horus's circle regarded Omega and Corax as younger brothers, glancing at them a few times before returning to their own discussions.
Fulgrim of the Third Legion, Perturabo of the Fourth Legion, and Rogal Dorn of the Seventh Legion sat close together. Their casual conversation often overlooked the sullen Perturabo, who sat rigid and silent between them.
Rogal Dorn spoke as straightforwardly as stone, never mincing words unnecessarily. Perturabo, the Lord of Iron, never showed joy or contentment openly, his face a mask of stern calculation.
Judging from campaign records, Rogal Dorn excelled naturally in defense. Many considered the master of fortifications somewhat unsuited for the offensive nature of the Great Crusade. Surprisingly, he achieved remarkable compliance results with minimal casualties.
Sanguinius remained handsome and graceful, though not particularly talkative at banquets. Horus, however, had a charismatic presence that drew his brothers naturally to him.
Of course, this gathering involved varied personalities. Fulgrim maintained exceptionally high standards for art and aesthetics, with a constant need for expression and attention. His personality allowed him to converse with anyone easily, or so it seemed.
On a whim, the young nobleman Fulgrim noticed Perturabo's sullen expression. He asked casually with a knowing smile, "The Iron Warriors are legendary as invincible, able to crack any fortress decisively. The Imperial Fists are renowned as unbreakable, capable of defending any fortress successfully. You two are the strongest spear and the strongest shield!"
Fulgrim swirled his wine thoughtfully. "I wonder...which is stronger? An unstoppable force, or an immovable object?"
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone present fell silent and looked over attentively. Horus, who had been maintaining the pleasant atmosphere, grew serious upon hearing this deliberate provocation. Mortarion paused, glanced between Perturabo and Rogal Dorn, then laughed darkly.
Everyone present recognized that Fulgrim intended to provoke conflict deliberately. Guilliman felt distinctly displeased with this manner of speaking.
Rogal Dorn spoke first, his characteristic bluntness evident in his words. "My defenses are the strongest. No one can breach them successfully."
Perturabo sensed the words were aimed at him specifically. For the first time at the banquet, he retorted sharply, "There's no fortress the Iron Warriors cannot conquer completely. Not even the fortresses of the Imperial Fists!"
"You cannot take them successfully," Rogal Dorn replied sternly and clearly.
Perturabo, completely oblivious to the tense atmosphere around him, retorted confidently, "Hmph! I will conquer anything you build. There is no fortress in this galaxy I cannot breach eventually!"
Rogal Dorn and Perturabo exchanged hostile glares. Mortarion and Konrad Curze, observing this exchange, found it secretly amusing and sipped their wine, seemingly unafraid of worsening matters.
Horus grew annoyed with Fulgrim's inflammatory remarks, knowing both Perturabo and Rogal Dorn were straightforward warriors who might damage their brotherhood over mere words.
Fulgrim swirled his red wine slowly, savoring the moment, and glanced at Omega from the corner of his eye with a mysterious smile.
"Perturabo, our brother Alpharius, expressed full admiration for your design of war machines capable of penetrating underground fortifications. He praised you as a genius!"
Fulgrim's voice carried false warmth. "To receive such praise from a primarch is truly a rare honor!"
Perturabo looked at Omega, seated at the end of the table, with some surprise. The others also turned their meaningful gazes toward him. Omega felt irritation flare. Fulgrim was deliberately stirring up trouble and dragging him directly into it.
Omega coughed lightly. Corax remained speechless beside him. Omega spoke carefully, "I've only returned for a few years. My knowledge and experience remain limited. Please don't take offense at my humble perspective."
He continued diplomatically, "I learned immensely from working alongside Perturabo, just as I did when I met Horus. During the month I spent with the Luna Wolves, I gained tremendous wisdom. Their talents truly amazed me completely!"
Everyone fell silent as the words left his mouth. Lorgar seemed speechless; this newest brother certainly knew how to navigate dangerous conversations. Sanguinius smiled and looked over. Horus, his spirits lifting considerably after this praise, laughed heartily.
"HA-HA-HA, Brother, this honor proves you possess exceptional legion command abilities yourself!"
Omega smiled and continued the praise. "I cannot compare to you, Horus, with your long and distinguished military record. I still have much to learn from your example!"
"Not at all, brother! You're far too modest! Ha-Ha-Ha." Horus laughed warmly, raising his glass to toast Omega. The two finished their drinks as soon as the toast concluded.
The gathered primarchs seemed dumbfounded by this exchange. Ferrus Manus laughed loudly, "Hahaha! Do you two ever stop flattering each other? Everyone, raise your glasses and drink! Do you think we brothers don't exist?"
"Exactly!" Guilliman, amused by their diplomatic exchange, raised his glass with a laugh, attempting to smooth over the earlier awkward atmosphere.
Rogal Dorn moved to join his brothers for a drink, paying little attention to the duel between spear and shield now. But Perturabo stared intently at Omega and asked resolutely, "Then tell me...which is stronger? The Iron Warriors or the Imperial Fists?"
The question rebounded to Omega in an instant. Fulgrim smiled knowingly. Horus, however, hoped desperately that Omega would diffuse the situation quickly.
Seeing Omega's somewhat stunned expression, Mortarion joined the provocation. "Hey, brother, which one's stronger...the spear or the shield? Want me to tell you instead?"
Omega glanced at the primarchs watching this spectacle, speechless for a moment. He said slowly, "Perturabo's question reminds me of an old Terran fable. I don't know whether the spear or the shield proves more powerful, but perhaps you can use it as a reference."
"OH! We are about to hear A wonderful story about selling spears and shields!" Fulgrim exclaimed, clapping and laughing first, as his brothers grew excited at the prospect.
Vulkan, the Lord of the Salamanders and master of the forge, finally spoke up. He glanced at everyone gathered, then looked at Omega and smiled warmly, "I haven't heard this tale. Brother, you may tell it slowly. We're not in any hurry!"
"I'm not in a hurry either!" Leman Russ of the Space Wolves shouted in agreement. Jaghatai Khan also laughed in approval. "Yes, HA-HA-HA"
For a moment, every primarch present declared they weren't rushed. Fulgrim, looking slightly displeased at losing control of the moment, listened quietly. Horus also voiced his loud support, he genuinely didn't want Fulgrim and Perturabo to ruin the atmosphere further.
Omega coughed and began slowly, "A long, long time ago..."
"Hahahaha!" Leman Russ burst into laughter at the opening, and his brothers joined him. Omega maintained his serious expression while telling the story. After laughing for a while, the primarchs settled down to listen attentively.
[End of Chapter]
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