Any Guess what day it is today?
YES!!, It's the BONUS day.
Also I tried the manual editing, asyou all said, so do tell me how was it, allright.
It could be better. I mean, it can always get better.
But do tell me.
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Chapter 69: The Raven's Cutting Truth
Imperial Palace Docking Bay
A sleek gunship emerged from the void, flanked by escort Stormbirds forming a protective formation. It passed through the energy barrier, maintaining atmospheric integrity, and landed precisely on the massive platform.
Hydraulic systems hissed as the forward ramp lowered, revealing ten Custodians clad in auramite armor, their crimson cloaks flowing with each step.
Then appeared a figure of divine nobility.
His features showed the classic perfection shared by all Primarchs, noble demeanor combined with transhuman majesty. Short-cropped golden hair topped his head, while azure robes of fine fabric flowed with graceful fluidity.
"I am Roboute Guilliman," he announced, assessing the assembled gene-sons with sharp focus. "It is an honor beyond measure to meet you."
Recognition immediately set in him; their extraordinary presence could only be the brothers described by the Custodians.
"I am Horus," the Warmaster stepped forward, extending his hand with his usual diplomatic smile. "Welcome to our father's domain, brother."
"My name is Lion El'Jonson," the First Primarch quickly added. "I am the eldest of our father's sons, first among His gene-wrought children."
Horus tensed at the claim. "We came from the same chambers, Lion. Your number means nothing compared to our shared blood."
"Precedence is earned through deeds and respect," the Lion replied with quiet confidence.
Horus felt a familiar sense of frustration, confident that he remained the most accomplished son, regardless of his position in the family.
Guilliman watched their rivalry with sharp intelligence, choosing to wisely stay neutral.
The other Primarchs approached one by one, exchanging formal greetings and affirming brotherhood.
"Your wings?" Guilliman asked with genuine wonder, clasping Sanguinius's hand. "You look like angels from myth made real."
"Your words honor me, brother," Sanguinius responded humbly.
After all introductions, Guilliman raised his main concern. "Where can I find the Master of Mankind, my genetic progenitor?"
Before Sanguinius could describe the Emperor's secluded laboratory, a voice of utter authority echoed across the bay.
"I am here."
All eyes turned toward the approaching figure.
The Emperor of Mankind, flanked by His Custodian Guard, moved among His gene-sons with divine authority. His familiar corvid companion perched on his shoulder.
The Raven immediately called out with playful irreverence. "Smurfs! Astartes! Great to see you both! Care to share some delicious fried potatoes?"
Guilliman stood silent, puzzled. Who was this Raven? And what did that silly name mean?
Alpharius, despite being at the Emperor's side for a long time, also felt bewildered. He had never encountered this creature before. His sense of superiority, born from believing himself uniquely informed, faded into confusion.
The Imperium and his father kept secrets beyond his understanding.
"This is Master Raven," Angron explained quietly. "Another ruler of our Empire. He loves condiments, fried foods, and giving nicknames."
Russ, barely containing amusement, added, "Would you like to know what the Lion and Horus are called?"
"What are they?" Guilliman asked curiously.
"King Meow and Baldy Horus."
Guilliman's eyes widened as he fought to hold back laughter.
"Two-Hawk, Slash-Slash," the Raven took flight, circling once before landing on Guilliman's shoulder, glaring at Russ with theatrical outrage. "Are you two whispering slander again?"
"I'll report your treachery to the Big Guy and exile you both to icy worlds to supervise Dark Eldar captives growing potatoes," Russ joked.
"It's a misunderstanding!" Russ protested. "I just shared existing nicknames with our new brother."
"Nucerian merchants brought new potato varieties," Angron added diplomatically. "When fried into strips, they taste remarkable."
Then exile only Two-Hawk, the Raven declared. "Angron represents Imperial talent beyond measure. His absence would dim the Aquila's very luster."
"Your praise honors me, Master Raven," Angron replied with genuine gratitude.
Russ stared in disbelief. Such blatant bribery and favoritism exceeded all bounds!
While Raven and Two Primarchs were discussing bribery, Guilliman also studied the Raven thoughtfully for a moment and spoke.
"Lord Raven, my home world, Macragge, also breeds numerous varieties of potato. I will order a comprehensive collection and shipment for your sampling pleasure."
Both Primarch looked at Guilliman in awe.
'He just came here and is already bribing one of the highest authorities of Imperium.'
They now looked at Guilliman with newfound respect. His political skill had become immediately apparent.
"Excellent, excellent!" the Raven nodded with obvious satisfaction.
"Tell me, little smurf, does the Macragge seek technological support from the Imperium? This is your home, no need to be shy, ask away."
Guilliman, in all his political acumen, ignored Raven's nickname for him and used this opportunity to his full advantage.
"Macragge is committed to preserving honour and enriching culture, Lord Raven.
"It would be wonderful if you helped us in the development of diverse food cuisine across every world we govern."
"SUBARASHI!!, Well said, Little Guilliman, Big Guy, send Tech-Priests immediately, the era of Food wars awaits us."
The Raven's enthusiasm peaked at Guilliman's word.
The Emperor just looked at both of them silently, then nodded gravely.
"My son, your proposal is approved. The Imperium shall provide Macragge with advanced technological support, for your technological growth and… food cuisine."
Horus, Angron, and other brothers watched this exchange with growing amazement and awe at how easily their new brother had just become the most favored son in the Imperium.
Could Master Raven honestly be swayed through such simple offerings?
Providing exceptional condiments and fried dishes earned not only high favor with the Figurehead of Imperium and secret knowledge but also political favor.
They looked at their brother now standing beside them, his face not bearing innocence as if he had just not bribed the Second Ruler of Imperium himself.
'Truly, politicians and bureaucrats are another breed.'
Horus was deeply troubled; one Lion and Alpharius were not enough, and now this Guilliman also appeared, and he was even more shrewd than the others.
He could already imagine the future where Guilliman would be praised as the most proud son by the Emperor and Raven, simply because he had introduced a new cuisine.
'NO, It… It can't be.'
"Brother, does something trouble you?" Guilliman's words brought Horus out of his grave thoughts.
He looked at Guilliman, who was looking at him with genuine worry in his eyes.
"No, no, my brother,"
On the other side, Valdor, who stood a step behind the Emperor, looked at this whole drama from start to end.
Valdor, maybe for the first time since becoming Emperor's Spear, released a heavy sigh as he embraced his total defeat.
'It seems the Thirteenth Legion would become the first to march under banners proclaiming "For Fries and Ketchup!".
He looked at the Emperor's magnificent back and prayed.
'My Emperor, what have we done? At this rate, these Primarchs will be debating the creation of food delicacies instead of war strategies.'
The Emperor was not ignorant of what was happening in his presence; his mind had already calculated how to address this situation.
And so in the end, he wisely decided to ignore his most loyal servant's prayer and deflect the focus elsewhere.
His gaze fixed on Alpharius with displeasure clear on his divine face.
"Your foolishness disappoints me, Alpharius."
"Father, I only wanted to observe my brothers," Alpharius replied, trying to defend himself. "I didn't want to be discovered."
"Your actions today could lead to grave consequences. I have always ordered absolute secrecy about your existence. Now, your exposure without a doubt will attract our greatest enemy's attention."
Divine wrath radiated from the Master of Mankind like crushing gravity, bearing down on Alpharius' body.
Alpharius immediately knelt on both knees, terror overwhelming his transhuman physiology.
Every cell in his body screamed out Mercy at the Emperor's anger, "Please forgive me, Father, I will bear any judgment for my failure."
The assembled Primarchs felt primal dread creep down their spine.
Never before had they seen such anger from their creator.
"Enough already," the Raven said gently as though a mother stopping father from giving belt treatment to his son.
"He learned his lesson, though he acts foolishly; no serious harm has occurred yet."
"Alpharius will find his redemption through his service to the Great Crusade."
The Emperor listened to Raven's counsel, withdrew his oppressive presence, and made Primarch breathe normally again.
"This should never happen twice, make sure of it," the Emperor gave a final warning, his voice promising grave judgment for defying his authority once more.
He then focused his attention on his other sons, who straightened their posture even more than it already was as his gaze settled on them.
"This warning applies to everyone here. Do not transgress the boundaries I have set."
"Father," Horus gathered all his courage to speak, "we, as your son and herald of the Great Crusade, need to understand this great enemy that concerns you so deeply."
"You have no need for such knowledge for now. Follow my commands and respect the boundaries I have established."
The Emperor refused to discuss Chaos. Mere awareness of those entities could lead to corruption.
Even sons who were like divine incarnate among mortals were nowhere close to facing them.
The Lion's expression grew visibly thoughtful.
On Caliban, he had learned some partial truths. Maybe the Emperor's hidden knowledge shares common ground with his homeworld's secrets, possibly the same threats.
He nodded to himself resolutely as he stepped forward, backing Horus's position.
"Ignorance cannot protect us forever. Don't you agree, Master Raven?"
All Primarchs looked toward Raven as they awaited his answer.
Even the Emperor looked at his companion with a furrowed brow, though Raven was always indulging with Primarchs; it didn't mean chaos could be treated the same.
"You speak truth, little cub, ignorance offers no protection forever," the Raven said bluntly, "but revealing truth to beings too weak for even mere knowledge also serves no purpose. Don't you agree?"
They expected many answers, but never imagined they would be considered too weak even to have knowledge of their enemies.
As if they were not Primarchs, the Emperor's creation but mere mortals, who could not even hope to catch a glimpse of their foes.
The corvid's harsh judgment genuinely hurt the Primarchs, as it silenced them.
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