Sanguinius was feeling a little disappointed. To be honest, he felt an impulse to just lie down in the golden coffin. He really shouldn't have acted so impulsively or boarded Guilliman and Lion's pirate ship. Because someone had dug up his shameful past, he ended up dying.
"Your Majesty, as Supreme Commander, I am fully prepared!"
Datch, standing there with the dignity of a lion king, solemnly played his role as Protectorate Governor of the Second Empire. His voice was loud and clear, overflowing with passion and boundless enthusiasm.
"We shall race across the Milky Way, conquer the stars, and consume the warp!"
"Your Majesty, we are aware that starting a total war is a cruel and mentally exhausting act, but the glory of achieving great deeds will last forever."
"This glory will benefit all people, and your name will be sung across the galaxy, and even the entire universe."
Datch then turned to Guilliman.
"Regent of the Imperium, don't you agree?"
Guilliman: "…"
At first, it felt like someone had installed a server on his temple, pounding with intense irritation.
This is slander! Absolute slander!
Someone is slandering me anonymously.
It has nothing to do with me! Not one bit!
My loyalty to Terra and to the Emperor is evident.
In my heart, there is always only my father, the Emperor, and the sun.
I oppose traitors with all my being!
Guilliman screamed inwardly, "Look, he's clearly slandering me."
Sanguinius froze for a moment, but soon, the radiant smile that could overshadow the stars and charm returned to his handsome face. He didn't panic or dodge the question. Rather, he answered gently in a timeless, calm tone, his voice as soothing as a hymn.
"Time rushes by like an arrow—when I look back, everything is just smoke and clouds from ten thousand years ago."
He turned to the gathered crowd and spoke quietly,
"The Second Empire established back then was merely an expedient during a time of crisis."
"My father, King of Humanity, knew this. He only smiled, admitting frankly that the desperate act was just to give us false comfort—defeating Horus was impossible."
The expression on Custodian Khestrin never changed.
In the Library of the Imperial Palace on Terra, there are records of the Primarchs' actions during the Horus Heresy.
A certain classical source records that Roboute Guilliman, Sanguinius, and the long-missing Lion King, Lion El'Jonson,
Were trapped in the Ultramar Sector by a warp storm, and temporarily united their armies under the name of the Second Empire.
Only after receiving confirmation from Terra did they disband and hastened to the rescue.
Khestrin already knew about this long-buried past, so he acted as if it didn't matter at all.
The tribunes were much more interested in Sanguinius's resurrection.
According to the diary left by the first Captain-General of the Custodes, Constantin Valdor:
After Horus killed Sanguinius, his soul was devoured by the four chaos gods.
Today, a nameless individual forcibly retrieved and remade that soul—a power far beyond imagination.
If all else failed, the three of you could rebel.
If you could persuade the Nameless One to occupy the Golden Throne as our lord's substitute…
Today, I shall bring you back to Terra to fight for and defend your king.
"Regarding today's matter discussed among the Nameless Ones," Sanguinius said, his tone calm but dignified, as he glanced over Dante, Mephiston, and other key successors,
"All of these are old matters and shouldn't be spread carelessly. Otherwise, those with ulterior motives could distort context, stir up unnecessary trouble, and waste the empire's energy."
Though Dante and the others were bewildered, their genetic loyalty to their father outweighed all else, so they nodded in agreement. Thus, the awkwardness from the Second Empire incident faded away.
After a brief hesitation, Guilliman took a deep breath and stepped forward.
Thousands of words stuck in his throat, tumbling, until they finally spilled out as a complex and gentle voice.
"Brother."
Sanguinius returned the same sincere smile. That smile could sweep away all gloom.
"Brother."
"I'm truly glad to see you again…"
Guilliman struggled to suppress the trembling in his voice, which was tinged with a deep guilt buried over millennia.
"During the Battle of Terra…I'm sorry, I simply wasn't enough."
"I'd already reached the edge of the solar system, but couldn't find your exact position. The whole system's space-time was in chaos…"
He hesitated, then revealed something astounding.
"I also…encountered 6,000 wraiths."
6,000 Vengeful Spirit ships—it sounded absurd.
But that's what happened.
6,000 Vengeful Spirit ships appeared in the solar system. If he'd taken a single step further, he would've had to report to the Emperor along with Ferrus Manus, the Iron-Handed Primarch.
"Roboute, I really am glad to see you again."
Sanguinius walked up, and with the heavy clatter of his armor, unexpectedly opened his arms and embraced Guilliman tightly.
Guilliman was plainly startled for a moment, but then grinned.
He also raised his hand to reciprocate the hug born of millennia.
"The Battle for Terra is no one's fault. It's theirs,"
Sanguinius said with a smile.
"Horus at that time was unimaginably powerful."
"He warped time, isolating the entire solar system in a separate time bubble. Until his duel with our father ended, no one could interfere."
"Your presence was already enough."
Datch's eyes sparkled witnessing this emotional reunion between the brothers.
Would this historical scene be complete without the Lion King's presence? He immediately rushed forward, arms open, and shouted as he moved to hug the two Primarchs.
"How could I have missed such a touching moment, brothers! Fear not—big bro's here!"
Guilliman: "…"
Sanguinius: "…"
Dante, Khestrin, and the other nearby onlookers could scarcely keep their mouths from twitching.
Even the Emperor was left speechless.
The two Primarchs broke their embrace. Datch's arms were too short to hug both, so he could only regrettably let go. Sanguinius exhaled softly in relief and turned to the crowd.
"Could I have some private time to talk with my younger brother alone?"
"And until I make a new decision, please keep everything that happened here a secret."
As one, the crowd complied—though with complicated feelings, they bowed their heads and quietly exited the vast tomb.
Sanguinius nodded slightly, and his body dissolved into particles of golden light.
In an instant, only Datch, Guilliman, and Sanguinius remained in the tomb.
At that moment, a golden question mark appeared above Sanguinius's head.
"Honored Nameless One," Sanguinius sincerely said, turning to Datch,
"I have one more request. Will you continue to keep the 'Second Empire' a secret?"
"At the very least, please do not publicize it openly. The empire currently faces both internal and external woes; some ill-intentioned individuals might use this twisted history to mislead the uninformed, causing division and disaster."
As soon as he finished, a screen of light appeared before Datch's eyes.
[Mission: Keep the Second Empire Secret]
The current Human Empire is on the brink of collapse and can't survive more internal strife. Sanguinius wishes your cooperation in guarding this ancient secret and blocking malicious actors from sowing new chaos.
[Task Reward: 1,000 XP, 1,000 Points, Reputation +150]
Hmm—this quest was repeated.
Datch received the same mission from Guilliman—and now, unexpectedly, Sanguinius gave it again.
If they found Lion El'Jonson, the Lion King, would he trigger it a third time?
Three rewards for the same thing—what a treat!
"As the most loyal commander, I swear on my life to protect Your Majesty's order and the Empire's stability!"
Datch thumped his chest and solemnly pledged.
Sanguinius's lips, which had been still for a moment, moved again internally:
How obsessed with the Second Empire are you!
[Congratulations, mission 'Keep the Second Empire Secret' completed successfully!]
[Quest Reward: 1,000 XP, 1,000 Points, Reputation +150]
[Mission completed, and congratulations on Sanguinius's resurrection!]
[Quest Reward: 1,500 XP, 1,500 Points, Reputation +600, Super Voice Changer x1]
Task completion notifications flooded in. As soon as he thought of it, the Super Voice Changer—just obtained—appeared in Datch's hand.
It was an exquisite little device with recording and modulation abilities.
He promptly experimented with it, recording snippets of conversation from Guilliman and Sanguinius, and then reproduced it with the Super Voice Changer.
The voice was incredibly realistic, truly identical—perfectly mimicking even unique charisma and emotion, indistinguishable from the original.
Both Primarchs at first couldn't tell who was speaking.
"Nice gadget."
Datch stowed his gadget with satisfaction, combining it with the modeling clay powder he'd just acquired.
Now he could play with anyone—and those NPCs surely wouldn't recognize it.
Seeing neither Primarch with any quests above their heads, Datch hummed tunelessly as he skipped out of the Great Tomb.
The mausoleum fell silent again, only the eternal radiance flowing quietly.
After a brief greeting over past events, the two Primarchs quickly turned to harsher realities.
"The gods have torn the galaxy apart again,"
Guilliman's voice was low, tinged with an indescribable fatigue.
"And Terra…still operates by the same rules I set ten thousand years ago. The empire has become bloated, rigid, inefficient—a lot has become entrenched beyond repair."
"A capable ruler needn't be so harsh on himself," Sanguinius shrugged casually.
"Your intentions were good, at least. Just…those under you didn't execute them well."
Guilliman was at a loss for words, "Your personality is still as exasperating as ten thousand years ago. You haven't changed a bit. Still love mocking others in that offhand way."
"So…do you blame me for leading the Legions' breakup back then?"
"No." Sanguinius shook his head, growing serious.
"Splitting the Legions to avoid a Horus-scale rebellion was the right strategic choice."
"The problem is you only established the framework and didn't set up adequate oversight, balancing, or adaptive adjustment mechanisms."
"You planted a sapling that needed watering and left the garden halfway through. Frankly, that is your responsibility."
"This time…I won't repeat the same mistake."
Guilliman clenched his fists, eyes full of resolve.
Sanguinius's lips curled with a faint, teasing smile:
"Brother, it's not that I don't believe in your resolve—but judging by your history, your words have little credibility."
"…Forget it, I can't talk to you." Guilliman turned to leave.
Sanguinius quickly reached out, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"See? You're acting impulsively again."
"If you let your emotions sway you on the battlefield, the empire can't afford a second price for your recklessness."
Guilliman was about to argue, but knowing the angel was right, he could only turn back silently.
"…Let's discuss what comes next."
"Baal has been saved, and you are awakened. After securing some key strongholds in the empire's dark side, I'll have to return to the far side of the galaxy."
"Then, the empire's secret side…may have to rely on you. My original plan was to appoint your son as Regent of the shadow government, but now there's a better choice."
"Oh? Tell me." Sanguinius raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear what good plans your Council of Regents has devised."
Guilliman: ...
Aside from the Nameless One mentioning the Second Empire…now you're doing it too?
"I'm serious. I intend to appoint you as the empire's shadow regent." Guilliman spoke with suppressed exasperation.
"In that case, shouldn't I still be Emperor?" Sanguinius asked.
"Go to hell!" Guilliman finally lost his composure. He rushed forward, grasping Sanguinius's neck and shaking him. "Screw the Second Empire—never mention it again!"
"Okay, okay, I won't say another word about it!" Sanguinius shouted. "No more Second Empire talk!"
Guilliman let go, drew a deep breath, and continued,
"Until the Great Rift is closed, the empire must retain the dual-regent system. Only by uniting our power can we defend all worlds."
Sanguinius's eyes took on a thoughtful look.
"How about seeking help from the Nameless One with the mysterious power? His abilities are quite extraordinary. Maybe he could repair the Great Rift."
Guilliman cracked a wry smile at the mention of the Nameless One.
"The abilities of the Nameless Ones are truly mysterious and incredible, beyond mortal understanding."
"But his logic is utterly unpredictable, and cannot be controlled or manipulated by anyone or anything."
"Before receiving divine help, humanity must do its utmost to save itself."
…
As soon as Datch exited the tomb, he saw Dante, Mephiston, Corbulo, and other high-ranking Blood Angels, all waiting anxiously in the hallway outside the door—caught between excitement and concern.
Upon seeing the Nameless One, they greeted him with respectful nods.
Looking at the angelic "red babies," Datch immediately remembered how, when saving Baal, he couldn't even enter the tomb, relying only on gadgets.
An urge for mischief struck—to play a prank on these men.
Datch knew these NPCs' emotional simulation systems were incredibly advanced, indistinguishable from real people. A little stimulus would bring very interesting reactions.
He first sighed for effect, then turned and hid around the corner by the tomb.
Using the Super Voice Changer, he imitated Sanguinius and Guilliman, recording a fake conversation.
Once ready, he reappeared before Dante and the others, face now mingling regret and official aloofness.
Seeing the Nameless One's odd expression, Dante and all the Blood Angels stared at him, spine-tingling with apprehension.
Datch walked up to Dante, sweeping a glance across the increasingly solemn Blood Angels, and spoke with a heavy, dignified tone.
"Earlier, I had a deep conversation with the Great Angel and the Regent."
Datch deliberately paused, heightening tension.
"To be completely frank, today's Blood Angels are no longer as pure and strong as ten thousand years ago. Many issues have developed."
The Blood Angels paled, frowning in dissatisfaction at his words.
Datch went on, his words growing ever more imposing.
"So, after careful consideration, the Archangel has made a difficult but necessary decision—to reorganize the Blood Angels, fully adopting and relying on Primaris Space Marine technology to create a new, more powerful generation."
"The old-timers from the previous era should pack their belongings and leave Baal. The new age is for the new angels."
"What?!" Corbulo reacted first, his face flushing red.
Dante staggered as if struck by lightning, barely managing to hold his ground.
"No…this can't be!"
"Nameless One, you—are lying! The Archangel would never do such a thing!"
Mephiston's psychic energy flared uncontrollably, crackling softly around him as he stared intently at Datch, as if to see through him.
"You still don't believe? The Archangel simply didn't want to tell you this in public, and asked me to pass on the message."
Datch was inwardly delighted at their panic, but tried to maintain a serious expression.
He played the fake, doctored recording.
["The old-style Blood Angels, created by our godlike father…do indeed have far too many problems. Their structure is complicated, the Black Rage and Bloodthirst are impossible to erase, and they are inefficient…"]
["…It's time for change. For the legion's future and the empire's future…we must embrace new possibilities. Let the old ones…leave with dignity. Depart at once."]
"…"
["I do not wish to say any more. Please convey my message, Nameless One."]
["Understood. I shall tell them."]
The recording cut off suddenly, freezing the atmosphere.
Every Blood Angel, Dante included, was paralyzed on the spot.
They would never misidentify that voice. It was their genetic father, Sanguinius—
That unique, caring, powerful voice was imprinted deep in their souls.
And Guilliman's level-headed, analytical tone…there was no room to argue with such evidence!
Despair, like a wave of ice, instantly swept over the veteran warriors. Minds grayed out, all thoughts vanished.
Father really no longer wants us? Because we're not enough? Because the Primaris are superior?
They'd be cast out like discarded weapons.
Khestrin, standing slightly apart, frowned as he analyzed the voice record.
He realized the Nameless One disliked dialogue, let alone political intrigue, and usually only intervened for special events, returning to his own world after.
"This recording is fake," Khestrin immediately judged in his heart.
Listening closely, the tone and phrasing were weird, inconsistent with the regent's usual habits.
To someone with the Nameless One's powers, faking a recording was easy—
Just like when he once kicked over supply crates to laugh at the workers scrambling to pack them, a pure, perverse sense of humor.
Khestrin saw right through it, but did not expose the trick.
He had no right to interfere with the mysterious figure—but he did wish to teach the angelic descendants a lesson.
If Sanguino hadn't shown up, fists might soon have flown.
…
"Don't stay here any longer. The Archangels no longer want you."
"Don't bother him. Take this as the last thing you can do for him—just leave quietly."
Datch, with a straight face, defeated Dante and the others.
The descendants were full of grief and bitterness; some even wept.
Who could have imagined, after devoting a lifetime to the angels' glory, they'd be kicked out of their own home?
"We won't leave." Dante knelt down on one knee. "We'll seek an explanation from the Archangel. Why—why did he do this so mercilessly?"
Other Blood Angels did the same, refusing to budge, kneeling for an explanation.
Datch shrugged and delivered another blow,
"Do as you wish. In any case, the Archangel no longer needs you."
He skipped away.
…
Thirty minutes later, after a brief discussion of future plans, Sanguinius and Guilliman returned, walking together.
Sanguinius's expression still carried traces of deep contemplation as he prepared to announce his return and plans to his loyal descendants.
But as soon as they stepped outside, they saw Dante and all the waiting Blood Angels—all kneeling.
Many had shrugged shoulders and tears in their eyes.
The air was thick with sadness, indignation, and despair.
When Sanguinius appeared, Dante lifted his face sharply, voice choked with excitement and pain,
"Archangel—why?! Why did you abandon us?!"
Hearing the question, Sanguinius's perfect, handsome face froze.
"…Wait, what?"
"What do you mean, you no longer need us? Where did you get such an idea?"
His voice was gentle, but there was obvious confusion.
Dante fell silent a moment, then, suppressing his sorrow, continued,
"This came directly from the Nameless One. After discussion with the Regent, you decided to accept only Primaris Blood Angels, and asked us to leave Baal."
"He even provided audio evidence—your conversation with the Regent was recorded."
Seeing his children in tears, Sanguinius immediately realized it was the Nameless One's prank.
Instead of refuting, he knelt before his descendants, putting a hand on Dante's shoulder—a gesture that stunned everyone.
"You're all hopeless! Can't even spot a simple lie from me. Didn't you trust me?"
"You are all truly remarkable. Many times, you've sacrificed yourselves to protect the innocent from darkness and evil."
"Even tormented by the Black Rage and thirst for blood, you never abandoned your noble virtue. For that, even I'm ashamed."
"I will never abandon you. In fact, I'm far more afraid you'll abandon me."
"It seems my fears were justified. You didn't trust me enough. A few words, one little recording—and your trust shattered."
"No—" Dante babbled desperately. "No, it's not that, it's just—"
Sanguinius gently shook his head. "No need to explain, my child. Prove it with your actions and oath."
"I, Sanguinius, swear allegiance to you, and will never abandon you, no matter what crisis we face."
"Now, it's your turn. Swear to me—will you stay loyal, and never abandon me?"
...