Warhammer [428-430] (Patreon)

Chapter 428: Horus Returns, the Only Human Vessel Recognized by Daram

"Doing this will kill Horus, right? And the chances are very high," Guilliman asked.

"Yes. But I can assure you, if Horus's heart is aligned with the light, if he stands with the Imperium of Man, he will survive.

This time, I'm also gambling with my own followers. Unlike cosmic phantom beasts, Dark Giants are a different kind of lifeform, on a much higher plane of existence.

After merging with these Dark Giants, no matter what injuries you suffer, you will heal slowly. And this healing goes both ways: not only can you heal yourself, but you can heal the giant as well.

When their minds are linked, new transformation forms can be developed. For example, Horus and my Dark Giant, Daram—they've developed a Dark Emperor transformation form." Rhodes briefly introduced the power of the giant race.

As the true protagonists of the Ultraman universe, the giants are undeniably overpowered beings.

"What a fascinating species. So, you only have one of these Dark Giants right now?" Lion El'Jonson asked.

He found the Dark Giants intriguing. If he merged with one, what kind of Lion form or something else might develop? However, since he already had a cosmic phantom beast, he wasn't too envious of these giants.

"Yes, just one at the moment," Rhodes replied.

Although there was only one now, soon there would be more. The high-level shop draws can be targeted, so when Rhodes does a hundred draws, he'll get at least fifty Dark Giant fragments—enough to piece together another one or two, considering how rare they are.

"I think this is fine. It was Horus who betrayed us and killed Sanguinius. There were reasons, but now it's time for him to atone for his sins," Vulkan said.

If Horus can't endure it and dies, then Sanguinius may find closure, and everyone can help him move on. If they succeed, it's good for both—maybe the brothers can be reunited.

At one time, Horus was Sanguinius's closest friend among all the Primarchs—no one else came close.

"Let's do it then. Let Horus's heart of light work with my light of humanity and transform him into a Giant of Light," the Emperor said.

He knew Rhodes wouldn't suggest something uncertain. If Rhodes dared speak, it meant his light could indeed transform the Dark Giant.

"I'll bring Horus here now," Rhodes nodded to everyone and contacted Daram through the system space.

"Master! Did you need me?" the Dark Giant Daram responded immediately after receiving Rhodes's call.

"How are things over there with Horus?" Rhodes asked.

"All is well, Master! We've secured several new sectors and protected several Imperial worlds. The common people haven't been forced to convert to Chaos.

Many of the Red Corsairs' Chaos Marines only rebelled out of desperation. As for those truly devoted to the Chaos Gods, Horus has personally dealt with them," Daram reported.

"Are you short on troops?" Rhodes asked.

Among the Red Corsairs, most Chaos Marines do worship the Dark Gods. Eliminating all of them could drastically weaken the force.

"Horus anticipated that. He's extracted his own gene-seed and selected suitable recruits to create new Firstborn Marines.

These Marines are loyal to Horus, but they're made from untainted gene-seed.

They're not Chaos Marines anymore, but proper Firstborn," Daram explained.

Rhodes nodded. Horus would know how to make Firstborn Marines, and there are ways even among Chaos Marines. They just lack pure gene-seed—most Chaos gene-seed is corrupted or mutated, making modification dangerous.

But for Horus, now merged with Daram, his flesh is normal and the dark energy is fully under his control.

So his gene-seed is safe.

Horus is now deliberately purging old Chaos Marines to raise his own loyal Firstborn.

Rhodes nodded in approval—no wonder he was once the Warmaster. Even operating solo in the Imperium's shadow, he could rival Abaddon.

If not for Slaanesh's assassins, Abaddon might have been killed on that planet.

"Understood. Notify Horus that I'll use the system's recall to summon you both to the Imperial Palace. He must now face a sin from his past," Rhodes said.

Horus would be summoned remotely; after it's done, he could return to the Imperium's dark side via Tartarus's power.

"Understood, Master!" Daram disconnected and immediately notified Horus in the mind-space.

Upon receiving the message, Horus paused his work, arranged things with the Red Corsairs, and was summoned with Daram to Holy Terra.

A flash of light, and a four-meter-tall, bald man in black armor appeared in the palace.

Seeing his familiar father on the Golden Throne and his brothers around, Horus was overwhelmed.

But before he could react, Lion El'Jonson rushed up and punched him, pinned him to the ground, and beat him up—fist after fist, blood flying.

Horus didn't resist. He knew this was the punishment he deserved. If taking the beating could ease his brothers' pain, even death would be worth it.

"I want to kill you right now. But I'll give you one last chance. Treasure it—this is your final chance," Lion El'Jonson said.

Horus staggered to his feet, wiped the blood from his mouth, and fell silent. He noticed the energy being floating in the air: long blood-red hair, blood-stained wings, and a pale, evil face—his brother, the Archangel Sanguinius.

Once, Sanguinius had great white wings, golden hair, and unmatched beauty; among the Primarchs, only Fulgrim could compare.

They'd been the closest of friends, sharing everything. When Horus first became Warmaster, Sanguinius was the happiest for him.

Before Chaos corrupted him, Sanguinius even entrusted Horus with the Blood Angels' secret, not the Emperor—a mark of deep trust.

Horus had promised to help Sanguinius solve the Blood Angels' curse, but after his corruption, he broke that promise and even tried to corrupt Sanguinius too.

"Long time no see, my brother!"

"Yes, it's been a long time, Horus. I thought you were utterly destroyed. I underestimated father's love for you—you're still his favorite," Sanguinius said, suppressing his rage.

He had sealed the Black Rage within Mephiston, or else he would have lost control and attacked Horus.

"I apologize. If my death will help, then do it.

Your gifts can take over my duties—the Imperium's shadow needs a Primarch to lead," Horus said.

He guessed why Rhodes had summoned him urgently. After all he'd done, it was only a matter of time before his brothers noticed and realized he was alive.

Perhaps only his death could end this.

"Daram, thank you for your companionship these past two and a half years. You're a worthy warrior, but sometimes you must use your power wisely.

A Dark Giant is better suited for ranged attacks before close combat. You're strong. I'm sorry I can't accompany you further," Horus said farewell to Daram in the mind-space. Without Daram, he couldn't have built his power in the Imperium's shadow.

"Don't say that. Things might change, and I recognize you. You're the only human vessel I acknowledge. Unless you die, I won't separate from you," Daram replied.

At first, he'd merged with Horus only on Rhodes's orders. But after two and a half years together, he'd seen Horus's incredible combat talent—his own growth in that time surpassed centuries.

He'd even developed new transformation forms. If he could, he would protect this human vessel at all costs.

"Don't be so sentimental. Here's the deal: Horus, are you willing to accept the Light of Humanity and, with Daram, transform into a Giant of Light?" Rhodes explained everything.

"If it can save Sanguinius, of course I'm willing.

Father, I accept the Light of Humanity. My heart will always remain in the light," Horus said.

He'd thought he would have to die to atone, but now it seemed he was being asked to help Sanguinius heal. He was happy to do it.

"Wait, Master, do you mean I'm to become a Giant of Light?" Daram asked, staring at Rhodes.

He was a Dark Giant! Dark power was supposed to be stronger than light!

"Trust me. Becoming a Giant of Light won't erase your dark power. Light and dark can coexist.

Just look at Tiga, whom you once followed, or the Emperor himself—he holds both dark and light within.

If you can unite both, you'll achieve a true state of power, even surpassing Dark Tiga," Rhodes explained.

It was like gaining a new transformation. Darkness wasn't completely purified away; you just gained a light form.

"Alright, Master. I'm willing. When do we start? Do I need to prepare? Let me be clear: I have no heart of light inside me," Daram said.

This was no small thing. Without a heart of light, he couldn't withstand the baptism of the Light.

"That's where the importance of the human vessel comes in. Horus and you have been merged so long your minds are as one. His heart of light is your heart of light.

Once you become a Giant of Light, use your new power to purify all the darkness from the Archangel," Rhodes said.

"Understood, Master. If it's Horus, I'll try. I can temporarily separate from him for the evolution, but afterwards, I'll return to his body—he's the only warrior I acknowledge," Daram said.

"I agree. Horus is indeed a powerful warrior. Since you get along, I won't force you apart," Rhodes replied.

He hadn't expected them to form such a genuine bond, but that was right. With that bond, the human vessel's true power was revealed, and the giant grew stronger.

Daram's current power was due in large part to Horus.

Chapter 429: The Transformation of Dark and Light

While Rhodes was conversing with Daram, Horus was apologizing to Sanguinius and his other brothers.

The other Primarchs were emotional seeing Horus—this was the real Horus of the Sixteenth Legion, the Luna Wolves.

He was their brother. When Horus rebelled, none of them could believe it. Of all the Primarchs, Horus was the least likely to betray the Emperor.

Yet it was him who dealt the Imperium a wound that would never heal.

They all wanted to forgive Horus, but who had that right? Not even the Emperor could forgive him.

His betrayal had killed untold billions and shattered countless worlds.

If not for Horus, the Great Crusade could have continued, humanity might have ruled the galaxy.

Without the Heresy, the Emperor would have developed the Webway, and humanity would be more advanced than during the Golden Age.

But now, if not for Rhodes, the Imperium's military would be even weaker than ten thousand years ago.

"Horus, if you can help Sanguinius evolve, I'll forgive you.

But I can't speak for all the Imperium's people. You can't appear in public," Lion El'Jonson said.

"I know. That's why I keep my whereabouts secret. Ordinary people in my territory don't know of my existence—just that nameless angels protect them.

Of the Chaos Marines who follow me, those who are too far gone I've dealt with, but the rest—many were falsely accused. Deep down, they still yearn to serve the Emperor," Horus explained.

Having taken over the Red Corsairs, Horus had learned the tragic stories of his subordinates. Many were once loyal servants who became traitors through no fault of their own.

"The High Lords were indeed deeply corrupted. They became exactly what we didn't want to be when we founded the Imperium.

Since becoming Regent, I've worked to change this. The High Lords have basically been wiped out by Rhodes!

Once our armies reach the Imperium's shadow, I can pardon those still loyal Marines," Guilliman said.

"Thank you!" Horus nodded.

"No need to thank me. Loyal Marines deserve redemption, even if it comes late," Guilliman replied.

Now was a time of need, and the Red Corsairs were worth recruiting. Rhodes had already recruited some, and Guilliman had some intelligence on Rhodes's territory near Ultramar.

"These Chaos Marines can be purified with the cosmic phantom beast's power and become true Firstborn. After this, I'll send someone with cosmic phantom beasts to help," Rhodes said.

He planned to send Blackheart Huron to purify these former subordinates and bring them back. Anyway, Blackheart would soon join the campaign against the Void Dragon.

"Cosmic phantom beast power can purify Chaos?" Horus asked.

"It's a power of order—it can cleanse Chaos energy, as long as the corruption isn't too deep.

Blackheart Huron, former Red Corsair leader, is now my subordinate. His Chaos Marines have been purified by cosmic phantom beasts. I'll send him to help," Rhodes said.

"Thank you so much," Horus said.

At last, there was hope for those loyal Chaos Marines—they deserved saving.

"You're welcome. For now, convert them into Firstborn, and when the main army enters the Imperium's shadow, upgrade them to Primaris," Rhodes said.

They discussed the details and prepared to begin Horus's transformation.

"So, Rhodes, what exactly do we do? Should Horus rest for a few days?" the Emperor asked.

He'd never done this, so Rhodes needed to set the steps.

"No problem. Horus must first become the Dark Giant form, and have Daram rest in the mind-space, letting Horus take control.

Emperor, inject your holy power into his chest timer—but don't use too much power at once, let Horus try to absorb it," Rhodes explained.

He'd never done this either, but according to Tartarus, the success rate was high.

"Understood. Let's begin. I'll control the output," the Emperor agreed.

The palace was cleared; only the Primarchs remained, the Custodes standing guard outside.

Horus took out Daram's transformation device and raised it high.

"Daram!" A flash of black light, and the 80-meter-tall Dark Giant Daram appeared.

His massive form, exaggerated muscles, and dark red armor radiated an oppressive darkness that chilled the air.

"What terrifying dark power! I can barely keep myself from attacking him," Lion El'Jonson said warily.

Vulkan nodded. The aura from this Dark Giant was deeply unsettling—an evil different from Chaos, somewhat similar to their father's darkness.

"Daram absorbed some of the Dark Emperor's power, suppressing it and allowing the Emperor to communicate with us. Otherwise, the Emperor would not appear as he does now," Rhodes explained.

If he hadn't fixed the Golden Throne and absorbed the Dark Emperor's power, the Emperor would have been speaking with hundreds of voices—each a negative personality, a side effect of ten thousand years on the Throne.

Since returning, the Dark Emperor had barely emerged—a sign of the weakened darkness.

"Let's begin. Horus, if you feel unwell, tell me immediately," the Emperor said.

Horus, controlling Daram's body, nodded and approached the Golden Throne, exposing his green chest timer.

The Emperor began to radiate golden light, slowly injecting his purest psychic power—the Light of Humanity—into the Dark Giant's timer.

This golden power, born from humanity's faith, was the ultimate light.

As soon as it entered, it clashed violently with the dark energy. Horus grunted but gritted his teeth and endured.

"Continue, Father. I can bear it. This power can be absorbed!" Horus said.

The Emperor didn't hesitate and kept pouring golden power into Horus.

"Argh! This is unbearable, Horus, stop!" Daram screamed in the mind-space.

Even though Horus was in control, Daram felt the pain. The light was poison to him.

His body was starting to crack with golden fissures.

Rhodes frowned—Tartarus said Horus and Daram should be able to absorb the Emperor's power!

The golden energy kept coming, Daram's body was now half black, half gold, and he screamed in the mind-space.

"Master, please, stop! I can't handle the light. I'm not like Tiga. My body can't take it," Daram pleaded through the system.

Without Horus, the golden power would destroy him instantly. But even together, they couldn't take it—their transformation wasn't even a third done, and their body was already collapsing.

If this continued, they'd be atomized—both would die!

Chapter 430: A Miracle Born from Light! The First Giant of Light in the Warhammer World

Rhodes was stunned.

Tartarus, didn't you say there'd be no problem?

By now, most of Daram's body was gold, his screams echoing. To others, it looked like success, but Rhodes knew how bad things truly were.

"Master! Horus's soul can barely hold on. Without him as a buffer, if my soul touches the Emperor's light directly, I'm finished," Daram said.

Rhodes sighed.

Fine, have the Emperor stop! If needed, he'd do a hundred draws for a miracle to save them.

Just as Rhodes was about to speak, Tartarus appeared.

"Master! Trust Horus and Daram. Since merging, they've never faced a life-or-death crisis.

But only in such a crisis, when both souls trust each other completely and act as one, can they unleash their true power."

"You—" Rhodes was speechless. Was this the time for a pep talk?

But it was true—Ultramen and giants often grew strongest when their bonds were tested.

"Master, giants' power is beyond your imagination. Their souls already trust each other. Right now, Horus bears it all; Daram does not.

Daram must step up and help Horus—only then can their souls truly unite," Tartarus said.

"Are you sure? Daram's body is falling apart; Horus's soul is on the verge of shattering," Rhodes said.

"Trust me, Master! I've watched countless Ultramen, studied their battles and relationships.

In desperate times, when host and giant are united in heart, their power explodes," Tartarus insisted.

"Master, what now?" Daram asked anxiously. His body was riddled with holes, Horus's soul at its limit.

"Daram! Do you trust Horus—the comrade who's fought with you all along? If you do, don't fear. Release your soul and face the light together," Rhodes said.

Daram was silent for three seconds, then his soul resolutely left the mind-space and joined Horus, together facing the power of light.

Of course, Master! I trust you and Horus unconditionally. Let's do this!

"Rhodes, Horus's soul is at its limit. Should I stop?" the Emperor asked from the Throne, noticing something was wrong.

"Emperor, don't stop. Right now only Horus's soul is enduring. Trust me, and them," Rhodes said, taking a deep breath.

At that moment, Horus's soul, on the brink of collapse, touched Daram's. The light damage was now shared.

The pain Daram felt was indescribable—a soul-deep agony! But instead of destroying him, it began to transform him. Horus's battered soul stabilized with Daram's help.

"You're crazy, Daram! Go back to the mind-space—you're dark, you can't bear this light!" Horus cried.

"My friend, if I don't, you'll be torn apart, and so will I.

So, for both our sakes, let me bear this light with you! Trust me, as I trust you," Daram replied, gritting his teeth.

"Daram! You're right—I must trust you completely!

Let's embrace the light together! If we fail, we die as heroes!

Let's open our souls completely," Horus shouted.

"Let's do it, partner!"

Their souls finally united and faced the baptism of light together. They established a mystical connection, an energy even the Emperor couldn't understand.

A force strong enough to destroy two souls was blocked; a light that could tear apart the Dark Giant's body was absorbed; the impossible was happening!

Their roars were no longer screams of pain, but calls of mutual trust.

Their hearts became one—the true power of the giants was unleashed.

"I must save my brother! I must atone for my sins!" Horus's soul, together with Daram's, burst into dazzling light.

This was the power of belief—the power to turn the impossible possible, the miracle triggered by the Light of Humanity!

A light different from the Emperor's gold radiated from Horus and Daram, filling the entire palace, then spreading out.

A gentle warmth illuminated Terra, lighting a spark of hope in this dark universe.

It was a warmth that melted the soul!

At that moment, countless human prayers flowed into the minds of the Emperor, Daram, and Horus.

"Great Emperor, protect your people."

"Praise you, Emperor! Please keep my family safe."

"We only want to live!"

"Praise the Emperor. I am dying; I return my soul to the Golden Throne."

All across Terra, Astartes, Custodians, and ordinary citizens alike felt an indescribable hope.

The entire palace was bathed in gold, so bright even the Primarchs couldn't open their eyes.

Even Sanguinius, wrapped in bloody darkness, felt a warmth he hadn't known for ten thousand years.

All the best memories flooded back—his brotherhood with Horus, their unreserved trust.

What a warm light! How could power be so gentle?

"We pray—" Endless prayers became pure light.

"What is this? Damn you, what are you doing, my other self?" The Dark Emperor, dormant within the Emperor, suddenly emerged.

He couldn't comprehend this radiant light—brighter and warmer than his hated counterpart.

It was devastating to his darkness, evaporating much of his power.

Having just regained some strength, he was about to cause trouble, but this ruined everything.

The Emperor's body had regained some flesh—no longer a desiccated corpse, but still thin, now more alive than dead.

"Who'd have thought Rhodes's light could be so powerful? Other me, why not embrace it?" the Emperor said playfully to his dark side.

This healing was deeper than that of the goddess of life, restoring him to something like a living man.

"You damned fool! You can't win. The Dark King's power is beyond your imagination—the ultimate darkness of the universe!" the Dark Emperor raged.

"Maybe. But before, I tried to bear everything myself. Now I choose to put hope in the younger generation," the Emperor replied.

For the first time, he truly felt hope.

In the palace, the ritual was complete. Everyone heard a hymn.

As the light faded, a new figure appeared, about sixty meters tall. The terrifying mask was gone, the dark red armor vanished.

His body was a perfect streamlined form, with a golden crystal on his forehead, a diamond timer on his chest, and skin of red, silver, and gold, radiating dazzling light.

Though smaller, his power was incomparable.

The system now showed Daram's profile as:

[Born from the Light of Humanity, a miracle sparked by two powerful souls clashing.]

[Ultimate Radiant Form, Giant of Light Daram.]

"This— this is impossible. Sanguinius!" Lion El'Jonson exclaimed in shock.

The blood-red angel in the sky was gone, replaced by immense golden wings shining brilliantly.