The two Primarchs frowned at the artificial hologram before them. It looked suspiciously like what an AI hologram would look like.
They had heard that the colossal warships built by humanity during the Dark Age of Technology were all equipped with artificial intelligence, for without it, driving such behemoths was simply impossible.
"Axis, this isn't an AI, is it?" Sanguinius asked, "How could you let it stay on the ship?"
After the rebellion of the Men of Iron, humanity had sworn never to use artificial intelligence again.
Any AI discovered would face a single fate: annihilation.
"No. This isn't an artificial life form. It is a machine spirit," Magnus said, shaking his head.
While Sanguinius could not tell the difference, Magnus could discern some of the truth behind this peculiar entity.
He sensed a soul within it, much like the one in his own Gloriana-class battleship and other Imperial war materiel.
These souls were commonly known as machine spirits. However, weaker machine spirits were typically unable to communicate with their masters. Even the spirit of a colossal God-Machine Titan could not easily converse with humans, only establishing a connection with its operators through specific and secret rituals.
The machine spirit before them possessed extremely high levels of intelligence.
"Magnus, you're right. This isn't an AI but a machine spirit I created using special methods," Axis explained promptly, "It possesses extremely powerful computational abilities. If I had to give it a name, I think 'Super Machine Spirit' would be fitting."
Sanguinius said, "I thought for a moment it was a surviving AI from the Dark Age of Technology."
"The truly terrifying aspect of artificial intelligence is its immense production capacity," Magnus commented from the side, "For example, if a Man of Stone or a Man of Iron existed now, with the resources of a single star system, they could instantaneously arm a brand new mechanical army, all fully automated and requiring no mortal crew."
Artificial intelligence and machine spirits were fundamentally different.
While AIs possessed vast computational power and production capabilities, they lacked the same sense of self as a machine spirit. Conversely, a machine spirit did not have the terrifying processing power or the abilities of an AI.
Axis simply smiled without speaking.
His Super Machine Spirit was far more complex than they imagined. The little marvel he created had already established numerous production lines for Imperial equipment. Given enough time and materials, it could even construct a Gloriana-class battleship from scratch.
"Here, for you two," Axis said, producing two Fruits of the Tree of Might he had prepared.
He tossed one to Sanguinius and the other to Magnus. The one for Magnus had been previously agreed upon, while the one for Sanguinius was a gesture of goodwill so that neither felt left out.
"Axis, is this another of those Fruits you gave me before?" Sanguinius asked as he caught it, "That thing was indeed potent for a Primarch, it nearly tripled my strength. But didn't you say a second one would have no effect?"
He noted that this fruit seemed considerably larger and fuller than the last, its color far more vibrant.
The aroma alone was enough to make his mouth water. He could not help but swallow, his very cells seeming to yearn for the fruit.
"Thank you, Axis!" Magnus, however, accepted the fruit without hesitation. This item was of critical importance to him.
"You are welcome," Axis replied with a smile. He turned his attention back to Sanguinius.
"If the fruits come from the same tree, then yes, eating a second one would indeed be useless," Axis explained, "But this one is different. As you have surely noticed, it is a size larger than the ones I gave you before. It contains a much higher concentration of life essence, and consuming it will significantly increase your power."
This fruit was equivalent to the ones that Turles had tried to grow on earth.
It was arguably even more perfect, as it had been allowed to grow to full maturity by absorbing a world's complete energy, unlike the one on earth, which had been destroyed by Goku and the others when it was only half-grown.
"Does that mean, Axis, you have mastered the method for cultivating this…tree?" Sanguinius asked, his curiosity piqued as he examined the fruit in his hand.
Any fruit that could have such a profound effect on a Primarch was no ordinary thing.
It was an artifact of the highest order. The ability to cultivate it made it even more invaluable.
"The conditions for growing this fruit are extremely demanding. Currently, the only ones who know the specific method are myself, the Emperor, and Magnus.
"And throughout the entire galaxy, I am the only one who can actually plant its seed. Others would fail even if they possessed it," Axis revealed.
"My apologies. If this is an Imperial secret, then I should not have pried," Sanguinius said, offering a slight bow. It seemed his father was aware of this matter. His main concern was that Axis was creating something so formidable without the Emperor's knowledge.
"All you need to know is that it is precious. Don't be polite, this is a gift," Axis said, gesturing for them to sit, "Now, let's talk about you, about the problem with your gene-sons."
"Yes, it is time we discussed it," Sanguinius said, "I assume Magnus has already told you the details. My Legioneries are suffering from a significant flaw. I had little hope of ever resolving it, but Magnus told me you successfully helped him solve his Legion's Flesh-Change mutation and cultivated a perfect gene-seed. So I began to think that perhaps you are the only one who can help me with this problem."
The issue of his Legion's genetic mutation had troubled him for a very long time. It was a bitter irony that he, the Great Angel, possessed the purest of powers, yet his sons, while outwardly normal, were bloodthirsty monsters on the inside.
His Legion had even developed a culture of drinking Karash(blood mixed with wine) and maintaining mortal serfs as blood-thralls.
Out of desperation, Sanguinius had been forced to create the Death Company, a unit where he placed those of his sons who had completely succumbed to the flaw, sending them to die in the most dangerous battles.
Originally, Horus was the only one who knew the truth, and he had promised to help find a solution to save his gene-sons.
Sanguinius had once placed his hope in Horus, but not long ago, he had met Magnus.
The two of them had launched a joint attack against a xenos power, and during the battle, Magnus had witnessed one of his sons mutate and attack a mortal.
At that moment, Sanguinius feared that Magnus would report the incident directly to the Emperor. But Magnus had done no such thing. Instead, he had taken him aside and confided that his own Legion had once suffered from a gene-seed mutation as well.
They instantly felt a bond of shared affliction. They spoke for a long time, sharing the secrets of their respective Legions.
In the end, it was Magnus who suggested that Sanguinius see if Axis could solve his warriors' thirst for blood.
"I am aware of your situation," Axis said, "I have given it considerable thought and have come up with two possible methods, though I cannot guarantee they will be one hundred percent successful in solving your gene-sons' problem."
"I am sure you can, Axis, just as you helped my sons overcome the Flesh-Change," Magnus said with a nod.
Simultaneously, he used his powerful psychic abilities to send a message to Axis, letting him know that Sanguinius was unaware of the existence of the Saibamen.
Though he had shared much with his brother, Magnus had kept that particular secret.
Axis nodded slightly, sending a psionic acknowledgment in return.
"Tell me the methods, Axis," Sanguinius urged, "I desperately want to resolve this issue. As the fighting intensifies, my sons are becoming more and more unstable."
"Very well. First, I can use the power of Ki to evolve your gene-seed and produce a batch of perfect specimens for you," Axis began, "Theoretically, when this perfect gene-seed is implanted into new recruits, it should prevent this particular Warp mutation."
"That sounds very feasible," Sanguinius agreed, "I have seen the supernatural organs produce from perfect gene-seeds. It seem to be completely free of any taint from the Warp. It is remarkable." But he wondered if this method could truly solve his sons' problem. Their mutation did not seem to be caused by Warp infection.
"Patience, I have a second method," Axis said.
"Go on."
"The second method also involves Ki. During the Astartes implantation surgery for your sons, I can use my Ki to stabilize them and ensure the success of the procedure. In conjunction with the perfect gene-seed, this should resolve the issue," Axis concluded, laying out what he believed were the two most viable options.
"Let us try the first method for now, and create a batch of the perfect gene-seed," Sanguinius decided. "As for the second method, you cannot remain with my Legion forever. That seems highly impractical." For now, the perfect gene-seed was his only hope.
"That might not be so certain."
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I'mma need some powerstones!