Warhammer [422-424] (Patreon)

Chapter 422: The Cosmic White Tiger & the Lion King

"This is the power of a cosmic phantom beast… It really is strong, but not enough to defeat me." Lion slowly got up from the ground, gritting his teeth as he spoke.

At this point, his power armor was shattered, his body completely unprotected, with only a power sword left in his hand.

However, the Lion King himself hadn't suffered any serious injuries—Rhodes had controlled his strength perfectly.

That shockwave just now wasn't even a third of its full power. Otherwise, Lion would have been gravely wounded or on the verge of death.

"No! That was less than a tenth of my true strength. That wasn't even a warm-up." Rhodes ruthlessly shattered Lion's last hope.

"This can't be!" If his opponent had beaten him with full strength, Lion could accept it. But to lose to less than a tenth of Rhodes' power was hard to swallow.

Unbeknownst to him, Rhodes had used even less than a tenth of his full power, hadn't gone giant, hadn't used berserk transformation, nor the Steel-Breaking Fist.

"Nothing is impossible," Rhodes said, slowly raising his palm. An invisible force enveloped Lion, instantly binding him in place.

Lion's body trembled as he felt himself gripped by an immense, invisible hand. No matter how he struggled, he couldn't break free.

Was this psychic power? Impossible! Normal psykers couldn't even harm a Primarch, let alone suspend him in midair.

"Let me show you my true power." Rhodes' body rapidly expanded, crimson power armor materializing and covering him.

He grew into a 70-meter-tall giant, towering over the despairing Lion King. Stretching out a hand, he gripped Lion with sheer strength, immobilizing the first Primarch entirely.

"Damn it!" Lion struggled so hard he almost shattered his teeth, but faced with this colossal giant, he felt an indescribable sense of powerlessness.

It was an invincible might—the same as when he first stood before his father, the Emperor.

"Look, Lion, this is the power of the cosmic phantom beast. Once fused with one, not only does your life level increase, but you also gain the ability to grow giant. That's why your brothers can freely change their size," the Emperor explained.

Standing nearby, several Primarchs—Guilliman, Elena, Magnus, and Vulkan, who had just rejoined the Imperium—rapidly grew as well, transforming into giants over 60 meters tall.

Guilliman wore sky-blue armor, Elena's was pink, Vulkan's was fiery red, and Magnus was clad in snow-white.

Seeing his brothers become giants, Lion gaped in disbelief.

Seriously? The others could also become Titan-class units?

Now he was the weakest Primarch—an enormous blow.

Rhodes sighed, placed the dejected Lion back on the ground, and, with the other Primarchs, shrank down to normal human size.

"Don't lose heart, Lion! Before we gained the cosmic phantom beasts, we were about the same as you. Once you gain this power, you'll see how strong it really is," Guilliman quickly comforted his big brother.

His brother had really taken a hit this time.

"I'm not as fragile as you think, Guilliman. I just feel a bit left behind by this new era. But I'll recover," Lion quickly adjusted his mindset and stood up.

No matter who he chose to fight earlier, he would have lost badly. With this giant form, there was simply no way to resist—it was absolute power.

"Rhodes is the strongest among us, so losing to him is nothing to be ashamed of," Vulkan added.

After obtaining his own cosmic phantom beast, Vulkan, Magnus, and Guilliman had once ganged up on Rhodes—but were soundly defeated.

His ability to teleport, ultimate barriers, an array of superpowers, potent psychic force, and terrifying energy attacks… Rhodes' trump cards seemed endless!

They couldn't beat him even in giant form, nor as normal-sized warriors. Rhodes' power was truly beyond imagination.

"So, it's fair that I lost. Rhodes, I acknowledge your position as the Imperial Warmaster. I, Lion, recognize your authority and will obey your orders," Lion declared.

He wasn't a sore loser. Since Rhodes had bested him fair and square, he would accept it.

Unlike with Horus, who had never truly defeated him, Rhodes had completely subdued the proud Lion King and earned his respect.

"Lion, I look forward to fighting alongside you in future wars," Rhodes said, shaking his hand with a smile.

To be honest, taking down the Lion—a Primarch renowned for his combat prowess—was quite satisfying.

"Haha! I serve at your command, new Imperial Warmaster! What kind of cosmic phantom beast will you prepare for me?" Lion asked eagerly.

He couldn't wait to get his own cosmic phantom beast and catch up with the other Primarchs.

Rhodes nodded, waved his hand, and summoned the cosmic White Tiger—specially prepared for Lion.

The White Tiger was several hundred meters tall and nearly a kilometer in length, its terrifying size making it stand out even in Holy Terra.

"What an enormous creature… What a powerful presence. Is this a cosmic phantom beast?" Lion asked, staring at the massive tiger.

"That's right. This one was prepared just for you—its name is the Cosmic White Tiger," Rhodes introduced.

The White Tiger symbolizes slaughter—very fitting for Lion.

He'd wanted something more lion-like, but there were few lion monsters in the system shop. Even after upgrading, he found only humanoid lion monsters—none impressive enough. The White Tiger, though, was truly imposing.

"It's certainly a magnificent beast!" Lion said, gazing at the huge tiger. Although it wasn't a lion, a tiger was still impressive.

"Greetings, Lion. My name is Cosmic White Tiger. I look forward to fighting by your side. Let's grow stronger together," the White Tiger said, shrinking down to 2 meters tall and 5 meters long.

"Once you fuse with a cosmic phantom beast, your physical and psychic strengths will both increase. You'll grow together," Rhodes explained.

Lion nodded to Rhodes, then approached the tiger.

"Let's work well together, Cosmic White Tiger. What do we do next?"

"Don't resist. I'll merge with you," the White Tiger replied. Its body transformed into pure white energy and entered Lion's body.

The energy infusion filled Lion with a profound sense of comfort, as if every cell was bathed in warm sunlight and spring water.

It was indescribable. Lion's body was being transformed into a super-lifeform, his existence elevated, and as his life level rose, his soul's power was unleashed.

The Primarch's power as a minor god manifested, just as it had for Guilliman. Lion awakened his God-Soul, allowing his spirit to fully match his body.

His latent psychic power awakened—every Primarch possessed strong psychic potential, previously limited only by their bodies.

"Amazing. This is my true power, my true soul! I am a god—a minor god of humanity in the Warp! This is what it means to have divine power," Lion exclaimed, feeling the torrent of power within.

Having obtained a cosmic phantom beast and regained his minor god powers, Lion realized how weak he'd been before, and how strong he was now.

After fusing with the White Tiger, Lion's body swelled into a 65-meter-tall giant.

He wore pure white armor with a massive tiger's head on the chest and tiger claws for limbs.

This was the White Tiger Armor, forged from the White Tiger's power. His power sword transformed into a giant blade.

As the western sacred beast of battle, the Tiger Soul Blade was the ultimate weapon for slaughter—a symbol of the White Tiger's might.

"Hahaha! Rhodes, fight me again! I feel invincible now!" the giant Lion King said, brimming with fighting spirit.

He'd just lost, but now felt ready to challenge Rhodes again.

"I wouldn't recommend it, or you'll taste defeat again. Rhodes' strength is beyond your imagination. If you want a sparring partner, Guilliman and Vulkan are available," the Emperor advised.

Chapter 423: Giantification—The New Imperial Standard; A Favor to the Lion King

The Emperor looked speechlessly at his eldest son. As a Primarch, with a brain far surpassing any human—or even the best computers—why was his judgment so poor at times?

Getting giant, awakening your god-soul, now you're arrogant? Rhodes' power rivals or even surpasses a minor god! And since he can give you the power of a cosmic phantom beast, he can also take it away. Where does your confidence to challenge him again come from?

Lion opened his mouth, but said nothing. Indeed, awakening his god-soul and becoming a super-lifeform had inflated his ego, making him think he could now match Rhodes.

But recalling their earlier fight, even in human form, Rhodes had crushed him. Giant or not, he was still no match.

"If you want to fight, we'll spar with you! My cosmic phantom beast is called Golza, with violent fire powers. It's a very combative beast," Vulkan offered.

"And mine is the Cosmic Black Tortoise, with ultimate defensive power—almost as strong as Rhodes, maybe even stronger," Guilliman added.

Lion's mouth twitched. Looked like he'd have no shortage of fights in the future.

"If they're not enough, I also have a group of Custodians who've undergone giantification surgery. They can fight as giants now," the Emperor said.

"What? Father, even the Custodians can become giants?" Lion asked in shock.

"Yes. Giantification is now the standard for Imperial elites—not just the Custodians. Some Dreadnoughts can also be upgraded into Titan units, able to transform freely and move flexibly. My Custodians have also been enhanced. After all, the new Astartes are benchmarked against them—if my Custodians fall behind, they'll be outclassed!" said the Emperor.

Currently, there's one slot per month for Custodian beastification. That's twelve a year, 1,200 in a century. And as time goes on, Rhodes will unlock more slots. Within 200 years, all Custodians will be upgraded.

Once beastified, a Custodian's close combat power rivals that of a Primarch, plus they get beam weapons and flight.

Cosmic phantom beasts are amazing, but the super-beasts created by Yapool are just as good, maybe even better suited as bioweapons!

"Looks like I have a lot to learn—this new era is unfamiliar to me," Lion sighed.

"There's something else you must handle—about your genetic sons," the Emperor explained the Dark Angels' situation in detail.

"So all this happened while I was unconscious… What a bunch of idiots!" Lion said, clutching his head in pain.

He had nothing to say about the punishment for the Dark Angels: 100 years' service in the Deathwatch, then a chance to return to the Chapter. That was merciful.

"As for the Fallen Angels and Luther, I leave their fate to you. However you judge them, I won't interfere—but I hope you'll be fair, not swayed by emotion," said the Emperor.

This was a test for his eldest son—to see if he could be impartial, not letting personal feelings override justice.

Will you cover for Luther? Or judge him fairly?

"Father! The Fallen were just victims of a misunderstanding. I choose to pardon them, allow them to return to the Dark Angels. As for those who fully joined Chaos, I'll destroy them myself," Lion declared.

As long as they hadn't fully turned to Chaos, the Fallen were forgiven.

Those who had, regardless of reasons, would pay for their choice.

"In the future, any Fallen Angel not aligned with Chaos who wishes to return will be welcomed as a Dark Angel," Lion said.

"I support your decision. But what about the last traitor? Luther—who betrayed you, split your legion, caused your coma, and destroyed Caliban. How will you deal with him?" the Emperor asked.

Lion fell silent, torn between forgiving his old friend and justice. He realized his father was testing him, and understood why he hadn't been made Warmaster.

"Father, according to Imperial law, what is the punishment?" Lion asked through gritted teeth.

"Death is his only fate. He doesn't even deserve to return to the Golden Throne," Guilliman said coldly.

For the one who caused his brother's coma, fractured the Dark Angels, and led them to extremism, there was no mercy.

Rhodes watched the Emperor with amusement. Didn't you ask me to help revive Horus? Was Horus' crime any less? Compared to him, Luther was nothing. But as always, the Emperor did what was useful for the Imperium.

"If you must, send him on a penitent crusade. Better to die fighting Chaos than by our hand," Rhodes suggested.

"Rhodes is right. Sending him on a penitent crusade is a good solution," Lion immediately agreed.

He hadn't expected Rhodes to speak for him. He'd been ready to kill Luther himself.

To die in battle was perhaps the best end for a knight. If he survived and returned, he'd be pardoned and welcomed back.

"Then it's settled. But he lacks an army or ship," the Emperor noted.

Having delegated judgment to Lion, whatever he decided, so be it.

"The Inquisition holds thousands of Astartes under investigation, many imprisoned. Why not select some from them?" Rhodes offered.

Some were truly guilty, but some were like Titus—victims of the Imperium's paranoia. Those proven innocent by psychic probe could be released. The rest, especially those with tainted thoughts or who harmed Imperial citizens, could join the penitent crusade.

"Very well. I'll choose over 200 for Luther's crusade. If they kill a Chaos Champion or reclaim territory, their crimes will be pardoned," Guilliman agreed.

"Then it's settled. Rest up. In a month, we'll head to Mars to slay a shard of the Void Dragon and let Rhodes' cosmic phantom beast devour it," the Emperor concluded.

Now that his eldest had returned, it was time to deal with the Void Dragon's shard.

After finishing their talks, Rhodes and Elena returned to the palace with their son.

"Rhodes, why did you speak for Lion today?" Elena asked.

In her view, Luther was unforgivable and should have been executed.

"I did Lion a favor—now he owes me big time. And don't forget about Horus. If he isn't the greatest traitor, who is?" Rhodes replied.

"You're right. Should we tell Lion and Vulkan about Horus?" Elena asked.

Chapter 424: Horus' Secret—The Lion's Fury

For various reasons, very few knew the truth about Horus. Only the Emperor, Rhodes, Guilliman, Elena, and Magnus were aware. Lion, newly returned, and Vulkan, didn't know.

The plan had been to keep Horus hidden among Chaos forces, but with the Webway open, secrecy was hard to maintain.

Sooner or later, Lion and Vulkan would learn that Horus was alive.

Vulkan, stable as always, would handle it. But Lion's notorious temper was another matter.

"You usually don't care about this stuff. Why now?" Rhodes asked, putting his arm around Elena.

"I'm a Primarch now too, and want to share your burdens. Also, I have the most gene-daughters," Elena replied.

She was no longer a mere figurehead—her Sisters of Battle force was now a power to be reckoned with, outnumbering even the Space Marines. Their strength, after surgery and upgrades, rivaled the Primaris Marines.

"Honestly, when we first came to Terra and repaired the Golden Throne, I discussed this with the Emperor. I was against reviving Horus, but the Emperor insisted—he said the Dark Giant's power was best for Horus. So I agreed, but we both knew Horus could never rejoin the Imperium openly. The plan was for him to lead part of the Chaos forces as a distraction. That's worked out," Rhodes said.

Blame the Emperor for this mess—he was the one who insisted on reviving his good son.

Anyone with sense would want Horus dead. Even calm Guilliman nearly killed him on sight.

Unlike Magnus, Horus' story was a tragedy, but not one that could be forgiven—not by the Imperium or the countless dead.

"We can't just ignore this. Lion will find out eventually. Once he knows the Emperor brought Horus back, he'll go berserk," Elena said.

"That's for the Emperor and Guilliman to handle," Rhodes replied.

"Come on, think of something, or talk to the Emperor?" Elena pressed.

"Let's rest for now. Lion needs time to learn about this new era and the power of cosmic phantom beasts. The Emperor will have a plan. If he needs me, he'll ask," Rhodes said.

No point worrying—he was sure the Emperor had it covered.

…

In the following days, Lion spent his time mastering his new power and meeting his Fallen sons, forgiving them and allowing them to return to the First Legion.

The Dark Angels, after meeting with their Primarch, were energized and went off to serve their penance in the Deathwatch.

Before leaving, their father's forgiveness and the chance for redemption inspired them to fight the Imperium's enemies with renewed zeal.

Lion also met his old friend Luther in private. No one knew what was said, but after their talk, Luther knelt in his room for an entire day and night.

On the second day, he led over 500 penitent original Space Marines on a penitent crusade against Chaos.

After Luther's departure, several successor Chapters of the Dark Angels arrived via the Webway to rejoin the First Legion.

A psychic broadcast announced to the galaxy that all Fallen Angels not aligned with Chaos could return.

Everything seemed to be going well—until Lion learned the truth.

The secret couldn't be kept forever. News that Horus was alive came to Lion via returning Dark Angels.

Upon hearing this, Lion went into a frenzy. That day, a colossal White Tiger—over a kilometer tall and two kilometers long—appeared above Holy Terra, roaring thunderously.

Bang!

The gates of the Imperial Palace were violently flung open as Lion strode in, knelt before the Emperor, and said:

"Father, I've received confirmed news from the Imperium's shadow—the traitor Horus is alive, leading over a hundred thousand Chaos Marines. I request permission to personally hunt him down, destroy him utterly, and return his head to you!"

Lion was fervent, eager to end the traitor himself.

"I've known for a while. When my Custodians brought you back, I already knew about the shadow. I just kept it from you, but it seems your sons told you anyway," the Emperor replied.

"Why didn't you tell me? I should have been the one to judge that traitor," Lion said.

"You wish to judge Horus, but is your Dark Angels Legion fully rebuilt? Horus commands over 100,000 Chaos Marines, and his influence is growing. To succeed, you'd need two or three full Legions, and yours is barely at 10,000," the Emperor said.

"Primaris Marines are far superior to the originals. Even Chaos-enhanced traitors can't stand up to them. I believe I can lead my sons to defeat the traitor," Lion replied.

In the past, he couldn't match Horus, who, empowered by the Chaos Gods, rivaled the Emperor. But now, with the White Tiger and his god-soul awakened, Lion felt confident.

He even considered taking on Horus' entire army alone.

"I thought you'd matured, Lion! As a true commander, you shouldn't act rashly. To attack Horus, you'd have to use the Webway, which is controlled by the Eldar. Defeating Horus isn't a one-man job. This must wait until the new crusade's first phase is complete," the Emperor explained.

Horus was a headache, but the Emperor planned to stall for time—perhaps a century or two—while other priorities were handled.

But things rarely go according to plan, and surprises always come unexpectedly.