Warhammer [398-400] (Patreon)

Chapter 398: The Lord of the Salamanders Is Shocked

"The Imperium of Man has actually declined to this extent! This isn't the empire I wanted to see! This isn't the empire I woke to after 8,000 years," Vulkan shook his head and said.

During the 32nd millennium, he lived in seclusion on a human world, but the Beast Wars broke out.

He couldn't stay out of it—he was a Primarch, and when humanity faced catastrophe, he had to step forward, no matter the cost.

On that planet, he led Imperial forces against the ancient warlord Beasts. In the end, he perished together with the warlord Beast. According to his Perpetual nature, he was destined to resurrect soon after—reborn once again.

But his tremendous power attracted the attention of the two Ork gods. The Ork gods used some method to snatch his soul from the material universe and imprison him in the Warp.

During those days of captivity, the two Ork gods' favorite pastime was to fight each other, venting their boundless energy.

Apart from the initial period, the Ork gods lost interest in him, and over time, it was as if the two gods completely forgot about him.

He remained in the corner, until one day, a Harlequin snuck into the Ork gods' abode and spirited him away.

After several months, he finally rebuilt his body on an unknown planet, thanks to the clone body the Harlequin had brought.

Without that clone shell, his resurrection could have taken centuries.

He'd thought his father, the Emperor, had struck a deal with the Harlequin god to bring him back, and that the Emperor's situation should now be much improved. But after ten thousand years, the news he received was that the Imperium was in even worse shape than in the 32nd millennium!

Especially in the past millennium—the challenges humanity faced surpassed even the calamities of the Golden Age.

If he hadn't been captured by the Ork gods and locked in the Warp, he would have stood up immediately, leading the Imperium back on track. No matter how much he disliked it, that was his responsibility as a Primarch.

But it didn't seem too late—his father needed him now more than ever.

"But! Everything started to improve a little over two years ago—a most unexpected human appeared.

He brought new hope to this decaying Imperium, and gave us Eldar new hope as well. The last two years have been more eventful than the previous tens of thousands combined.

We've recorded many dramas about him. If you're interested, we can show you a performance when we arrive.

The Eye of Terror, the Fall of Cadia, the great battle between the purple daemon and the golden giant, the Battle of Baal against the Tyranid swarm, and the Holy Terra War! Each a dazzling spectacle. We've documented every battle we could."

The Eldar Harlequin in front of him piloted a small craft, chattering away to Vulkan, who had just been resurrected.

He recounted the Battle of Cadia at the end of the 41st millennium, half the human worlds falling into the Imperium's dark side, the Primarch Roboute Guilliman's awakening, and subsequently, the return of two more Primarchs.

The Imperium then underwent sweeping reforms, with legions restored. Later, another Primarch—Magnus—returned.

Guilliman was the key. Without his return, the Imperium would have faced utter disaster. In these cruel times, only Guilliman's awakening could truly benefit humanity.

But what surprised Vulkan most was the existence of a new brother and sister—new Primarchs. It seemed their father had been busy!

Yet, compared to new siblings, he was more concerned about Magnus's return. How could Magnus come back? Over ten thousand years ago, he'd defected to the Chaos gods.

"You said Magnus returned to the Imperium, and was even accepted by all the people. How's that possible?" Vulkan asked.

"We were surprised too when we heard. But the Emperor's explanation was that Magnus had been sent as an undercover agent among the Chaos gods to gather intelligence.

Magnus sacrificed for all mankind! He accepted infamy, allowed himself to be corrupted by Chaos, and even gave up his original body.

And since his return, the Imperium has been much more adept at fighting daemons.

Now, the Imperium has developed a new type of psyker—Warlocks—who can fight Chaos with Warp power.

At present, Warlocks are only a small part of the military, mainly among the aristocratic orders and some Chapter librarians. They wield mysterious spells that not only destroy daemons but can even enslave them through certain contracts," the Harlequin explained.

Truth be told, the Eldar were very interested in these new human psykers! In terms of psychic might, no race in the galaxy could rival the Eldar. Every Eldar was born a master of psychic energy.

Especially now, with the Warp and reality so entwined, Eldar psykers were stronger than ever.

Sadly, the Warlock profession was just starting. It was only spreading among the upper echelons, not yet mainstream. Some Eldar even suggested capturing trained Warlocks to extract their secrets by force, but the proposal was rejected by the High Farseer of the Seers, the Death Jester Grand Farseer, and the Harlequin Troupe leader.

The Eldar used to disregard human feelings—if a single Eldar could be saved by destroying a human world, so be it.

But now the two races were allied, and the cooperation was going extremely well.

Thanks to humanity, the Eldar were living much better. Human merchants no longer feared Corsairs.

So, to turn on an ally over a few psychic techniques would be irrational.

"I never imagined things would turn out this way! But, knowing Magnus, he's the most likely to develop Chaos sorcery," Vulkan nodded.

There must be hidden secrets—those brothers who turned to Chaos lost their human bodies, transformed into daemon princes by the gods, their souls and demi-god powers devoured.

To bring them back, it wasn't enough for them to want it—they'd have to be freed from the Chaos gods' control, given new bodies, and have their souls restored.

Creating a new body wasn't hard—cloning a Primarch wasn't a problem.

The real challenge was freeing a Chaos Primarch from the gods' grasp.

Undivided Chaos was easier, but the four who served the four gods were the hardest to recover.

Magnus, the servant of Tzeentch—the most cunning of all—was the most difficult.

And restoring a Primarch's demi-god soul was even harder! Father, how did you do it?

If Magnus could return, what about the other fallen brothers?

"You're asking the wrong person! When we arrive in the Imperium, ask your father or your brother Magnus yourself," the Harlequin said.

"I will. Your ships seem to have advanced greatly in ten thousand years. This ship can travel between stars without entering the Webway—a remarkable technology," Vulkan observed.

He'd expected them to use the Webway to reach Holy Terra, but this ship traveled FTL through real space! The Imperium would kill for this tech, yet here the Xenos had mastered it.

"This ship? Hahaha! Don't envy us. It was your humans who developed this. You've recovered FTL engines from the Golden Age, and they're being installed everywhere.

They only work for short-range jumps—500 to 1,000 lightyears—otherwise the Warp is faster.

You're mass-producing some engines, refitting your battle barges, but it'll take time," the Harlequin explained.

No wonder the Death Jester Grand Farseer considered the trade worthwhile—trading away some dignity for a mothership and a dozen small ships was a bargain!

The Lord of the Salamanders was reeling. What had happened in these two years? Humanity achieved FTL travel? The times had changed too fast!

He felt out of place. After ten days of travel, they rendezvoused a few lightyears from Holy Terra.

For the first time, Vulkan was led onto a medium-sized Pedan ship, heavily modified by the Eldar—twice as large, filled with wraithbone tech, and an exotic Eldar style.

Following the Harlequins, Vulkan saw Craftworld Eldar, Exodites, Corsairs, and even Dark Eldar all gathered together.

Soon, he was led before a tall, stunningly beautiful Eldar woman.

"Grand Prophet, as you ordered, I've brought him,"

"Thank you. Go rest," Yvraine smiled, then turned to the newly resurrected Vulkan.

Faced with this Eldar woman, Vulkan was instantly on guard, breaking into a cold sweat. He sensed an overwhelming, indescribable pressure.

It was monstrous, as if this was not a delicate Eldar maiden but a humanoid beast!

A single misstep and she could unleash unimaginable power and tear him apart.

No wonder his father, who once viewed Xenos as insects, had allied with the Eldar—this Death Prophet's power far surpassed ordinary Primarchs! Even several Primarchs together might not beat her.

"Greetings, honored Vulkan. On behalf of the Emperor and Primarch Rhodes, I am here to bring you back to Holy Terra," Yvraine radiated terrifying, beast-like energy.

"Greetings, honored Death Prophet. Thank you all for your trouble," Vulkan replied politely.

Their first meeting was formal and polite, satisfying Yvraine's vanity.

Since merging with the cosmic phoenix and receiving the goddess's blessing, she was undoubtedly the Eldar's strongest.

But this meant nothing before Rhodes—if he wished, he could destroy her.

Now, at least, she could regain her pride before an old-model Primarch.

Chapter 399: Vulkan—Am I Outdated, or Has the World Changed Too Fast?

Vulkan looked around at the Eldar warriors, noting their impressive physiques and sensing a violent energy within some of them.

What was going on? Why did some Eldar seem to have a different power within them? Some seemed the same as before, strong but not beyond Astartes.

But most Dark Eldar, and some Craftworlders and Corsairs, had an unusual aura.

"Vulkan, these years the galaxy has changed a lot. Relations between our peoples are at their best in millennia.

Even among the Eldar, Corsairs, Craftworlders, Exodites—we've all agreed: we will never attack human merchant ships," Yvraine explained.

Most Corsairs were under her indirect control. Only some Dark Eldar refused to ally with humanity.

"What are those?" Vulkan squinted at an arena.

Two beasts fought inside, each about four meters tall—one looked like a dinosaur, the other a white-furred gorilla, hurling icy breath.

The battle was fierce and visceral, and after a few minutes, they stopped—transforming back into Dark Eldar forms.

What was happening?! When did Eldar become so strong?

In Mortarion's youth, he could rip apart a dozen Eldar assassins! But these beast-form Eldar were vastly superior to Primaris Astartes—when transformed, they could crush them.

And the fire and ice powers? After reverting, they seemed normal but could all transform!

"Don't be too shocked, Vulkan. This is the Monster Warrior Serum.

With a special injection, our warriors retain their Eldar form, but can become monsters in battle, gaining special powers. The two sparring just now were Golza and Guigass," Yvraine explained.

These Monster Warriors were Rhodes' masterpiece—far stronger than Primaris Astartes, with nearly 100% success rate for Guigass. Craftworlders and Exodites chose other variants, with high success as well.

They were now the backbone of the Eldar military—nearly all new Dark Eldar received the serum, with only shortages limiting its use.

"Seems your technology has advanced! Can this serum be used on humans?" Vulkan asked.

Such mass-produced warriors would threaten Astartes—the Eldar, with a little training, could nearly match Primaris.

Some top Harlequins could easily defeat Primaris, and even challenge Custodes.

The only good news was that Eldar reproduction was slow—otherwise this serum would be too dangerous.

"We didn't develop it—it's thanks to humanity. This serum was your research, not our own," Yvraine said.

"What? Humans developed this? How is that possible?" Vulkan was stunned.

If this was true, his father would never have let it spread.

Using this serum would change the genome—would they still be human? So, maybe it's only a byproduct.

In that moment, Vulkan realized he'd seen thousands of such warriors since boarding.

Counting those he hadn't seen, the numbers were terrifying.

"It's perfectly possible. Your Imperial Guard—now called the Imperial Army—are using it too.

Their version can't transform, but they gain Primaris-level physical strength, though lacking the advanced senses and organs of Astartes. Just the strength," Yvraine said.

The human version was less potent but had fewer side effects, allowing users to remain human in form.

Many Craftworlders and Exodites refused it. It was mostly used by Dark Eldar and pirate types, who craved power.

"So, humanity can use it too! And mass-produce warriors to match Primaris? Are Astartes obsolete? What about my gene-sons?" Vulkan asked in alarm.

Could they have been purged, like the Thunder Warriors of old? If a new, mass-producible force rose, the old Astartes might be wiped out.

He couldn't be blamed for thinking this—the Emperor had done it before, and during the Great Crusade had even hinted at removing the Astartes after victory.

But the Harlequin had said the legion system was restored.

"Don't worry, the Astartes numbers have increased—from just over a million to over three million.

The legion system is back, and old-model Astartes are being phased out.

Now, the new-generation Adeptus Astartes are being mass-produced, and their power far exceeds my Monster Warriors," Yvraine said a bit sourly.

The new Astartes were terrifying—each one Custodes-level!

For the Eldar, it was like having millions of Harlequin-level warriors—insane! The entire Harlequin Troupe had never exceeded twenty thousand.

She had to squeeze more from Rhodes—after all, even the Eldar goddess had been given to him!

"Looks like the new Astartes are strong!"

"As for their surgical process, you'll have to ask your own people—that's Imperial classified.

But I can tell you, all the new Astartes are comparable to the Custodes," Yvraine said.

She didn't know much more, but knowing Rhodes, if the Astartes were improved, so were the Custodes.

She'd even seen a giant Custodes—who knew if the others were being upgraded too?

Rhodes had multiple ways to create giants—the cosmic beast she used was a high-grade version; there was also a lower-grade version for regular troops.

"And the Imperium has changed a lot. Let's go, Grand Prophet—I can't wait to return," Vulkan said.

All his questions would be answered on Holy Terra.

"Of course! And this time, Vulkan, you'll witness the resurrection of our Eldar War God," Yvraine said.

The Eldar had been suppressed for too long. They all hoped the War God would return and strike at Chaos—even though he'd once tried to annihilate the Eldar.

"Your War God will return?"

"Yes! Let's witness it together!" Yvraine said.

After picking up Vulkan, the Eldar fleet set off for the Solar System, entering the Webway and reaching Holy Terra within a month.

Chapter 400: The Emperor Welcomes Vulkan Home!

Upon arrival in the Solar System, the Eldar fleet was greeted by the Imperial fleet.

The Eldar's telepaths had already contacted the Imperium, so the fleet was not attacked, but escorted to Holy Terra.

They were received by the Custodian Guard. Returning to the Solar System, about to step onto Holy Terra, Vulkan felt like a stranger in a familiar land.

After ten thousand years, he was back where he'd been created. Father! What has happened to you, Guilliman, Magnus? And my new brother and sister—were you created after we disappeared?

Vulkan had endless questions—he couldn't wait to ask them all!

Back on an Imperial ship, he reunited with familiar Custodians—so comforting.

"Lord Vulkan! I never thought you'd be the next returning Primarch. Your return is a blessing for the whole Imperium," Custodian Ultraman bowed.

Of all the Primarchs, none had a better reputation than the Lord of the Salamanders. Even Sanguinius's reputation didn't quite match his.

He truly cared for every Imperial citizen—even ordinary people. Other Primarchs might abandon a rescue, but Vulkan never would.

"I remember you. I think I saw you on Terra, but Custodians don't live ten thousand years. How did you survive?" Vulkan asked.

This Custodian was no weakling—though not as strong as the Death Prophet, he was close, with a violent energy within!

"I survived because, on a secret mission from the Emperor, I was captured by a shameful Necron Overlord and imprisoned for ten thousand years.

Two years ago, Lord Rhodes rescued me and kept me by his side. I only just returned to Terra, and I felt just as out of place as you," Ultraman said.

"I see! The Necron Overlord—must be the collector of human relics!" Vulkan replied.

That Necron had a terrible reputation, even among his own kind—a notorious thief.

"Yes! That despicable Necron Trazyn. If not for a last-minute betrayal, we wouldn't have lost the Battle of Cadia," Ultraman said, furious.

He'd been released for that war, before meeting Rhodes. In that battle, two Emperor Avatars appeared and the Imperium was turning the tide.

With their lead, the Black Legion was being crushed—there would have been no Dark Imperium, Cadia wouldn't have fallen, so many brave warriors wouldn't have died.

But that despicable Necron snatched the Emperor's Avatar!

He even kept clone Primarchs in his laboratory!

Now, everyone in the Imperium hates Trazyn and wants him dead.

"So despicable! If there's a war, I'll join and make him pay," Vulkan vowed.

Recently, the biggest event in the galaxy was the Warp rift spanning the galaxy, bringing untold disaster to the Imperium.

"Lord Vulkan, the Emperor is awake—he can communicate directly with Primarchs.

With strong souls and bodies, he can speak directly; with others, he needs an Avatar," Ultraman explained.

"I understand. Take me to my father and brothers—I can't wait."

Ultraman nodded, bowed to Yvraine, and the Eldar delegation.

"Honored Eldar allies, please follow me. The Emperor will meet you, and Lord Rhodes is waiting."

"Thank you! Let's go!"

Yvraine, her followers, and others followed to the Imperial Palace, escorted by golden-armored Custodians, to the presence of the Master of Mankind.

Every time he saw his father, Vulkan felt deep emotion. Back when he went into seclusion, the Emperor was still human—but now, after ten thousand years, he was a dried corpse.

Beside the Emperor stood Guilliman, Magnus, Rhodes, Elena with a baby, Lelith, and Captain-General Trajan.

"Long time no see, Father, brothers, and my new sister." Vulkan sighed, stepping forward, and realized he was now the tallest of them all.

He'd always been tall, but now Guilliman, Magnus, and the new siblings had all shrunk!

They were all around two meters tall—barely matching a Primaris Astartes.

But the psychic and physical power they radiated was staggering—these two were far stronger than even Yvraine.

"Vulkan, my child! Your return gladdens me and all humanity," the Emperor's voice echoed in Vulkan's mind.

"Father! Clearly much has changed—Guilliman and Magnus are stronger, and can control their size."

"Our forms have changed, but don't worry—since you're back, you'll soon be upgraded as well," Guilliman laughed.

"Seems I've missed a lot! I never thought, Father, you'd become like this. Or that Magnus would truly return," Vulkan said.

"The Emperor's condition has improved a lot. Two years ago, before the Golden Throne's upgrade, Magnus couldn't help; back then, the Emperor was just a skeleton," Guilliman explained.

"If only, a thousand years ago, you could have replaced Father, maybe things would have been different. Maybe he'd still be leading us on the Crusade, saving humanity!" Vulkan said.

Now, Magnus sat on the Throne, but it was too late—ten thousand years too late.

Even knowing Magnus had returned, Vulkan's resentment wasn't gone. If it were Russ or Lion El'Jonson, they'd have punched Magnus by now.

Rhodes stifled a laugh—every Primarch still resented the traitors.

If Lion hit Magnus, he'd take it. If Russ tried, Magnus would hit back!

Magnus opened his mouth, then gave a bitter smile, saying nothing.

"Magnus has completely escaped the Chaos gods' control and fully returned to the Imperium. You can be assured—the Grey Knights are his gene-sons," Guilliman signaled to Vulkan.

Family matters weren't for outsiders—let's discuss them after greeting our guests.

"So, these are my new brother and sister?" Vulkan greeted Rhodes and Elena, warmly embracing them.

Rhodes also felt deep affection—Vulkan was the most caring of all Primarchs.

After the hug, the three exchanged names, then Vulkan looked at the baby in Elena's arms.

"This child is my kin too—I can sense great power. A young Primarch?"

Such a powerful baby reminded him of his own youth—this one was even stronger. Could it be a second-generation Primarch?

"The baby in Elena's arms is indeed a Primarch—the Imperium's newest. But he's not your brother—he's your nephew," Rhodes said.

"You two? He's your child? But—can Primarchs have children?" Vulkan was stunned. Could Primarchs reproduce?

"Rhodes and Sister Elena aren't blood relatives, nor do they carry Father's gene.

Their life level was raised to Primarch by a cosmic beast," Guilliman explained.