Please let me be your friend, Cassius-senpai!!!"
The sentence didn't just resonate within the psychic consciousness interface; it faintly echoed off the cold, corrugated metal walls of the real warehouse.
"Fre... Fre... Frien..."
Stuttering data-circles appeared in Cassius' HUD. A literal wisp of white smoke rose from the cooling vents at the base of his skull, and his consciousness suffered a catastrophic logical "crash."
Whether on a physical or cognitive level, the concepts of "liking" and "dating" were utterly incompatible with everything he had practiced over three centuries of war. Battle, efficiency, and the Imperial mission created a fundamental, irreconcilable conflict with the words Raynor had just screamed. It was absurd. It was blasphemous. It was the frantic raving of a madman.
Every judgment flashed through his supercomputer-like brain at high speed, but none could explain the reality before him. Even more terrifying was that, amidst this absurd torrent, the System began prying open gaps in his ironclad willpower.
His thinking began to drift in directions he couldn't control.
This mortal's efficiency is indeed high. If we could weaponize that anomalous node α, by what percentage would our clearance rate increase?
Cooperating with aliens is taboo, but what about 'exploiting' or 'controlling' them?
For the sake of the Greater Purification, is a temporary, controllable collaboration not the height of pragmatism?
The teachings of Ferrus Manus seemed to echo in his mind: results speak louder than form; efficiency is superior to dogma. These were cold, rational ideas—but the System was twisting them, using them as a bridge for its own pink, suffocating "ambiguous atmosphere."
The System captured his slight hesitation and amplified it. Amidst the chaos of his own mind, Cassius' character portrait responded under the System's overwhelming influence.
[Cassius] (A faint, almost invisible flush of indignation appeared on his scarred cheeks; the cold rage in his eyes was momentarily replaced by a flicker of shame and confusion):
"No... you cannot!" his voice carried an awkward, almost shy tremor. "I am the Emperor's weapon. Death is my only destination. Friendship? Impossible!"
The instant the words left his lips, Cassius' consciousness snapped back to reality as if struck by lightning.
What did I just say?! What was that tone?! The sense of humiliation erupted like a volcano. Kill him! Now! Immediately! But as the murderous intent surged, the System's tyrannical force acted as a heavy shackle, ruthlessly suppressing his motor functions.
Seeing Cassius pinned by the System's "protection," Raynor let out a long breath of relief. This thing was incredibly "protective" of its host. He didn't miss the opportunity. He adjusted his expression to one of dejection, looking up with pleading eyes.
[Raynor] (Looking down dejectedly before looking up again, eyes brimming with forced sincerity):
"I see... so it still won't work? Then, Senior Cassius, what must I do to save myself and Sarah-chan?"
A list of dialogue options popped up. Raynor selected the cheesiest, most potentially effective line the System offered.
"Because Sarah and I... we are truly in love!"
The moment the words were spoken, even Raynor felt a jolt of psychic numbness at his own audacity. But the result was undeniable. Data streamed wildly across Cassius' eyes as his pragmatic sub-routines, guided by the System, fought for dominance.
Colluding with heretics was a capital offense. But what if this "heretic" could provide efficiency far beyond the norm? What if they could help him purify the Hive City before the Hive Fleet arrived, saving billions of lives for the Imperium? If he monitored them closely—and executed them the moment the mission was over—was it not the most logical path?
Reinforced by the System's "ambiguous atmosphere," these utilitarian thoughts were hardened into a decision.
[Cassius] (Eyes regaining focus, but retaining a blank, dazed quality):
"I... I can give you, and that anomalous node α, a single chance. Help my squad pinpoint and clear every remaining Tyranid nest. Until the infiltration is resolved and my mission is complete, I shall... postpone your termination."
He leaned in, the blue glow of his eyes pinning Raynor to the floor. "But when the mission ends, I will personally purify you both. This is a tactical adjustment based solely on efficiency. Do not misunderstand."
It was a cold, Imperial deal. Betraying the xenos race would only buy a brief respite before certain death. But for Raynor, it was exactly what he needed—time.
[Raynor] (Portrait: Bowing deeply):
"I am deeply grateful to senpai for this opportunity! We will cooperate fully for the sake of efficiency!"
[System Notification: Cassius expressed initial approval of the host's "cooperative attitude."]
[Favorability +1][Current Favorability Rating: -14]
The terrifying pressure of the forced binding suddenly eased. The psychic chains faded from Cassius' body and vanished into the void. The pale yellow filter and the illusion of cherry blossoms in the warehouse dissipated, replaced by the cold, dim reality of the Hive.
Cassius swayed, taking a heavy step back to regain his balance. He shook his head violently, his eyes filled with lingering rage and profound confusion. A wave of nausea and humiliation hit him, as if he had swallowed something foul.
He stared at Raynor—who was still kneeling on the floor, disheveled but alive. Cassius' grip on his power axe tightened and loosened repeatedly. Finally, he said nothing. He gave Raynor one last warning look, turned on his heel, and walked into the shadows of the warehouse without looking back.
__________________________
BRUHH