Warhammer [431-433] (Patreon)

Chapter 431: The Golden Archangel, the Emperor's Physical Recovery

The blood-red angel that had just appeared in the sky vanished, replaced by a radiant golden figure, a handsome man with flowing blond hair and enormous golden wings.

"This—this! How is this possible? Sanguinius, you—you've been purified. You've recovered!" Guilliman spoke in disbelief.

Although saving Sanguinius was their ultimate goal this time, achieving it so easily was hard to accept—almost unbelievable!

"It's a wonderful feeling. Just now, I seemed to forget all my pain and remembered every beautiful memory. In that instant, my entire soul was purified, and all the hatred in my heart was completely cleansed," Sanguinius said, flexing his golden wings.

It was an indescribable feeling. When the dark giant Horus evolved into the Giant of Light, the holy aura he exuded directly purified Sanguinius as well!

Standing nearby, Rhodes was also moved. Tartarus's calculations had been perfect as always!

No wonder—he specialized in studying the Land of Light and Ultraman. He knew more about Ultramen, or Giants of Light, than even the Ultramen themselves.

However, Daram's current form was definitely more than just a light form!

Now, Daram's combat power far exceeded Tiga's multi-type, or even his power and sky types.

Daram's form now was one of perfect synergy—human and giant, fully trusting each other without reservation.

In TV series terms, this was like unlocking the ultimate form in the late stages of the storyline!

So, Daram's current power was certainly at a planet-destroying level. He could even go one-on-one with Gatanothor.

But Daram now was definitely in his ultimate transformation, carrying the hope of all mankind in the galaxy. Even though in this dark galaxy, humanity lived in misery and despair, faith was often the only thing supporting mankind through darkness and pain.

Thus, humanity's hope was the one bright thing in the entire Warhammer universe. This light of hope had turned the Emperor from the Dark King into the Emperor!

One can imagine how powerful it was. After causing a miracle with the giant, it would bring even greater blessings.

"Congratulations, Sanguinius! Now, as long as we clone a suitable body for you, you can be resurrected," Rhodes said.

"And not just that. My white wings will become golden," Sanguinius replied, looking at his two enormous golden wings with pride. "To be honest, white wings looked nice, but golden wings are even cooler. They suit me better."

Golden wings were far more convincing than white ones. Gold symbolizes divinity; in the Imperium, gold always represents nobility and the Emperor.

The other Primarchs came forward to offer their heartfelt congratulations.

"Congratulations on your return, brother. Soon, the Imperium will announce the return of another Primarch—the great Archangel Sanguinius has rejoined the Empire," said Lion El'Jonson.

What a beautiful day! Truly worthy of celebration.

"Congratulations, brother!" Vulkan stepped forward to embrace Sanguinius as well.

"Thank you! I can't wait to return—to your side, to Father's side, to my gene-sons, and all the people of the Imperium," Sanguinius said.

"Sanguinius! Although there was a bit of a mishap, things have turned out well after all. Looks like I won't have to part from my partner for now," said Horus, relinquishing his giant form and returning to a human state, stepping forward.

Horus was now about two meters tall. After fusing with Daram and unlocking the ultimate light form, he could fully control his size.

"You saved me, and I will save you. I'll find a way to help the Imperial people accept you again. The Heresy was ten thousand years ago," Sanguinius nodded.

He'd seen it clearly: Horus's transformation into a Giant of Light was extremely difficult—he almost died, his soul nearly shattering.

If Horus died, it would be different from Sanguinius's own death: Sanguinius could be reborn in the Warp, but Horus would be utterly annihilated.

"It was all worth it. I've gained unimaginable power and can better help Father and humanity. And you've found redemption," Horus said.

"Perhaps in the future, you won't be the only Primarch we rescue from Chaos. Other brothers deserve to be saved too," Sanguinius replied.

If Horus could be saved, and Magnus, then why not the others?

"Let's talk about that later," Horus said, looking at Sanguinius's phantom.

Some things aren't that simple, brother. Among the traitor Primarchs now, none can be saved.

Rhodes nodded in agreement with Horus.

"Horus is right. Aside from him and Magnus, the other Primarchs all joined Chaos willingly."

Sanguinius's personality was back to how it was ten thousand years ago. Of all the traitor Primarchs, only Magnus was worth saving. The rest had truly given themselves to Chaos.

Unlike Horus, who was seduced and corrupted by evil powers, the others joined Chaos of their own volition.

Although some of their stories are tragic, they're not the same as being forced or corrupted into rebellion.

"We should at least try. I think everyone deserves a chance at redemption!" Sanguinius said.

That warm light had illuminated his heart, making him even more certain that there was still hope in this cold, dark universe.

At that moment, the dazzling radiance filling the Imperial Palace of Holy Terra faded completely. The Emperor, gaunt and seated upon the Golden Throne, was finally revealed.

"Father! Your body—are you recovered?" Vulkan was the first to notice the Emperor's change.

Then came Guilliman, the Lion, Horus, Sanguinius, Rhodes, and Elena.

"I can barely speak now, thanks to the combined light powers of Horus and Daram, which have permanently healed my body. As long as the Golden Throne doesn't keep torturing my soul, extracting my power and life force, I can stay like this," the Emperor said.

He never imagined he'd recover to this state!

Although his body was still emaciated, he was alive again—a living man, not a corpse.

With Magnus able to take turns on the Golden Throne, the Emperor's condition would keep improving. Even if the Throne tried to torture him, it would likely fail.

With proper rest, perhaps in a few centuries, he could stand again!

The Emperor was now hopeful for the future!

But standing up completely wasn't so simple. The problem of the Dark King had to be solved. If the Emperor left the Throne now, it wasn't just a matter of losing the Astronomican—humanity would face extinction.

Without a way to deal with or seal away the Dark King, he could never leave the Throne!

"It's unimaginable—a Giant of Light possessing such power. Even the Goddess of Life was helpless to heal you, yet the Giant's power restored you," said Guilliman, excited.

It was a perfect day. Not only had their brother been saved, but the barriers between them were gone. Their father, the Emperor, might one day walk among them again—maybe even fight beside his sons!

"Father, if—just if—Daram and I separated temporarily, and you fused with him, could your combined powers of light completely heal you?" Horus asked excitedly.

Others might not know the Dark Giant's special abilities, but he did. After fusing, as long as there's a spark of life, the Giant's power could heal any wound, body or soul—so the Emperor could recover.

Although he'd just evolved with his partner, if it could fully restore the Emperor, he'd ask Daram to separate.

Besides, the Emperor's holy light would be a great boon for Daram as well.

"No. You and Daram should stay fused. My problem isn't something a single Giant of Light can fix," the Emperor shook his head firmly.

If it were that simple, the problem would be solved. The Dark King is the real obstacle—if not for him, the Goddess of Life could heal me, or I could recover naturally once off the Throne.

"If it's just one Giant of Light, it really can't heal the Emperor. But if there are more in the future, it's possible," Rhodes said.

The Dark King was formidable, but if Giants of Light of multiversal scale—like those at the level of the mysterious Ultra Four—appeared, perhaps Ultraman Noa could use his incredible powers to heal the Emperor. Noa's power was peerless even among the Ultra Brothers.

"All right, you don't need to worry about me. This is already a huge improvement.

Now that Sanguinius has evolved, let's clone a body for him and bring him back," the Emperor said.

"Leave it to me!" Rhodes nodded.

Previously, Horus's resurrection required not just a cloned body but also the Dark Giant's power. The Lion, Vulkan, and Guilliman were already in a state where resurrection was possible.

True resurrection still needed the Goddess of Life's power.

This time, the cloned Primarch body would use Rhodes's enhanced super-beast technology—strong enough to carry Sanguinius's soul, and the Goddess of Life's power could revive him fully.

"Once the resurrection is complete, I'll also prepare a cosmic phantom beast for you. With its power, the Imperium will rise again—a new Great Crusade will begin!" the Emperor said.

Sigismund, the Emperor's former champion and the first swordsman beneath the Primarchs, once said: barring accidents, the Great Crusade would never truly end.

Ten thousand years ago, the Crusade was only halfway when the Imperium was built. The new Crusade would conquer the entire galaxy.

"Rhodes, if possible, I'd like the power of a Giant of Light," Sanguinius said, flying to Rhodes.

After feeling that warm light, he couldn't forget it. Compared to a cosmic phantom beast, he wanted the Giant's power more.

"Good taste, Sanguinius. Giants are indeed more advanced lifeforms than cosmic phantom beasts. But unfortunately, I only have one Giant.

You can only choose a cosmic phantom beast. If you don't want its power, and wish to grow in size, you'll have to undergo super-beast modification," Rhodes said.

Whether a second Dark Giant could be turned into a Giant of Light was unknown—not everyone could find a suitable human partner like Daram.

And if personalities weren't compatible, it wouldn't work. Sanguinius's personality was extreme—a bloodthirsty berserker in battle, a saint in peace.

Such contrast made it hard to find a good match, so Giants weren't well-suited for Sanguinius.

Chapter 432: The Cosmic Phantom Beast Suited for Sanguinius

"Sanguinius, the power of a cosmic phantom beast is still very strong. The ability to grow giant and manipulate energy is very useful for us Primarchs.

Super-beast modification is more for the Custodes and some Astartes Dreadnoughts—it's not for you," Guilliman said.

"That's right! Super-beast upgrades are best for Astartes and Custodes. We Primarchs should use cosmic phantom beasts," said Lion El'Jonson.

Rhodes shook his head. These guys took it for granted that cosmic phantom beasts were above super-beasts, but that wasn't the case at all!

Super-beasts weren't inferior—sometimes their combat prowess was perfect.

A Custodes modified with super-beast tech could beat a regular person fused with a low-level cosmic phantom beast.

Fusing with a cosmic phantom beast only elevated your body to the super lifeform level, but you still needed to absorb cosmic energy to reach true super-lifeform strength.

Super-beasts, on the other hand, were true monstrous bioweapons. Their combat power surpassed ordinary monsters. Even lesser cosmic monsters were nothing before a super-beast.

Some powerful super-beasts could even fight ultimate lifeforms.

When Elena fused with a cosmic phantom beast, her power was only a bit above an ordinary monster—she'd be trounced by a super-beast.

The Custodes and Dreadnoughts that Rhodes modified seemed weak only because he gave them nothing but size—instead of light beam skills or special abilities, just humanoid upgrades.

This minimized resource consumption. Giving super-beasts more abilities required lots of extra-dimensional energy.

If Rhodes went all out, he could have Yapool make a super-beast rivaling the Lion.

For example, Rhodes's strongest super-beast was Gromm, the Ork super-beast.

His power was only second to Tartarus—even Mefilas might not beat him.

If a Primarch fought him, Rhodes figured even they might not win.

"Sanguinius, you should still pick a cosmic phantom beast!

A phantom beast can grow with you, bond with you, and its order energy helps resist the Warp's chaos.

All you Primarchs come from the Warp, your souls are demi-gods in human history. Fusing with a phantom beast lets you maximize your power," said the Emperor from the Golden Throne.

He no longer needed psychic power to speak. Now that he was just skin and bones, he could finally talk with his own voice.

"All right, Father, brothers. I was just a bit envious of Horus's power. If so, I'll fuse with the power of a cosmic phantom beast," Sanguinius said.

"That's right. I'll pick a suitable one for you," Rhodes said.

Rhodes considered giving Sanguinius the Cosmic Vermilion Bird or the Cosmic Phoenix. Both had immense power, and the Vermilion Bird had the fire of rebirth.

But compared to the Phoenix, the Vermilion Bird's fire was more ferocious—better for attack.

"Master! Actually, you could swap your own Cosmic Baton for the Vermilion Bird and give Baton to Sanguinius," Tartarus suggested.

The volcano monster Baton, after transformation, had some Phoenix power, but its rebirth fire wasn't as strong as the real Phoenix.

The Cosmic Phoenix had absorbed C'tan fragments and devoured massive stellar energy, making it far stronger than before.

Most of the C'tan fragment's power, and most of the energy from huge stars, had been absorbed by a few high-level phantom beasts. Lower-level ones got only a bit.

The master had already picked the Cosmic Buffalo. Besides it, he could still fuse with another cosmic phantom beast—this choice needed care!

The Vermilion Bird was clearly stronger than the volcano monster Baton's form.

"But my ability to grow giant also comes from my cosmic phantom beast! If I separate from Baton, I'll lose that ability immediately," Rhodes said.

"Master, your strength has quietly increased a lot already. I believe you can switch to the Vermilion Bird as your partner. Baton suits Sanguinius better," Tartarus said.

To fuse with a cosmic phantom beast, you should pick the two strongest possible. High-level phantom beasts are rare—ordinary ones can be leveled up, but high-levels are hard to come by!

"Baton's fire of rebirth has another special power: it's especially effective against Tyranids. That's one reason I chose it as my partner," Rhodes said.

After being maxed out, its anti-Tyranid become more powerful.

After phantom transformation, that power increased greatly—combined with Rhodes's psychic powers, it was incredibly strong.

He'd tested it in the Ork-controlled Octarius sector: all Tyranids in a star system were affected.

Unless the Tyranids ceased being bugs, they'd be suppressed by Baton's special call.

"Master! That ability isn't important for you. You don't need to fight on the front lines—that's what others are for.

Give that power to Sanguinius and let the Archangel fight at the front—it's better for everyone!

You could even summon another Baton, transform it, and let Yapool use its body to develop a new super-beast.

All the Tyranids they kill will be converted to your system points. Your own strength is what matters most," Tartarus said.

Rhodes nodded. Tartarus was right—this anti-Tyranid power wasn't unique, and activating it in the middle of a Tyranid swarm was dangerous. The Archangel was far more brutal in battle than himself.

Letting Sanguinius turn giant and attack the Tyranids was much more cost-effective than doing it himself.

"Then we'll do as you say!" Rhodes agreed. When they returned, he'd find a safe time to switch his cosmic phantom beast.

He would replace Baton with the high-level Cosmic Vermillion Bird.

"Rhodes, which cosmic phantom beast will you prepare for Sanguinius?" Guilliman asked.

He'd learned from the Cosmic Tortoise that phantom beasts varied in strength; for example, his Cosmic Tortoise and the Lion's White Tiger—one electric, one earth, both powerful.

"I've decided: it will be one with the fire of rebirth and special anti-Tyranid powers," Rhodes said.

"Anti-Tyranid power? Rhodes, isn't that your own phantom beast?" Guilliman asked.

Rhodes had fought them many times in giant form, so they knew his phantom beast well.

It was powerful, with mighty flames, healing abilities, anti-Tyranid effect, and could fly in space or on planets—a true all-rounder.

"Yes, it's my phantom beast. I plan to give it to Sanguinius and get a new one for myself," Rhodes said.

"You're too generous, Rhodes. Just get me any one—you don't have to give me yours," Sanguinius said.

"Trust me, Baton is perfect for you. Your home, Baal, may have pushed back one Tyranid wave, but they haven't given up—they could return any time.

Baton's powers are crucial for you, and with your personality and fighting style, it suits you.

You can spread your wings anytime, turn giant, and charge into the Tyranids to slaughter them," Rhodes said.

"Hahaha! You really know me."

Chapter 433: The Clone Body and Mass Production of Living Metal

This new brother really understood him. Rhodes was right: Sanguinius usually acted gentle and kind, but in battle he was ruthless.

His favorite thing in war was to charge ahead, sword in hand, using his agility to take on Emperor Titans.

If he could grow giant and fly freely, Sanguinius imagined he'd do crazy things—like flying into Tyranid territory to wreak havoc, seeking out Orks to slaughter, hunting Chaos forces, or even challenging a dozen corrupted Chaos Titans at once.

Training would require giant opponents, too. In terms of fighting ability, Sanguinius was proud.

He considered himself the best among the Primarchs; even though he usually played the good guy, his inner nature was much like the Lion's.

Sanguinius, Lion El'Jonson, and Horus all believed themselves the top fighters among the Primarchs.

He wanted the power of a Giant because it promised greater potential than a phantom beast. With it, he could compete with Horus for the title of strongest.

With a phantom beast, he'd be just like his other brothers—always a step behind Horus.

But circumstances left him no choice. Only Rhodes had a Giant; he had no better option.

He had to settle for a cosmic phantom beast. The good news: phantom beasts could absorb C'tan power and grow, so he still had a chance to rival Horus one day.

Though the two had reconciled, deep down Sanguinius still wanted to compete with his brother.

"Baton's power is still great—especially against Tyranids, with unimaginable killing power. Its fire can attack and heal itself and allies—a real all-rounder. I hope you and Baton get along," Rhodes said.

Baton had absorbed C'tan fragments and stellar energy, making it much stronger than an ordinary phantom beast—almost as strong as a high-level one.

"I will get along with it," Sanguinius said.

After chatting a while, Rhodes returned to his palace. He needed his two scientists to clone a new body.

He also had to swap out his own phantom beast.

Sanguinius and the other Primarchs stayed with the Emperor—they'd been apart from their father too long.

In the following days, Rhodes had his scientists make a suitable body for Sanguinius.

The new body used full Primarch tech, with modifications by Yapool, Balt, and even Zett.

"Master! We upgraded this body with advanced super-beast technology. Its physical strength is at least double other Primarchs—already at the limits of mortal life," Balt said.

"Very good. I trust your work—I'll take this body.

That Necron female scientist—how is she? Has she behaved lately?" Rhodes asked, storing the clone.

AsanethAyu had been allied for a year. In that time, she'd perfected living metal extraction and provided Rhodes with living metal.

Large amounts of living metal had replaced regenerative metal for Rhodes's super Astartes, allowing them to install special tendon coils.

With these, the Astartes' physical strength—especially explosive power—was massively improved.

Rhodes's gene-sons were now being re-equipped. Once they were all upgraded, other legions would receive allocations.

Living metal was scarce; only main companies of other legions could get it for now.

"Master! She's been well-behaved, researching continuously and even starting new projects.

For example, adding tendon coil upgrades to super-beast Custodes, and fusing regenerative and living metals—she's helped mass-produce special regenerative metal," Balt said.

This species was timid but had exceptional brains—their research skills were top-tier.

But their own flaws limited their development. After becoming Necrons, they lost much of their research ability.

As Necrontyr, their civilization was brilliant—second only to the Old Ones.

They could control stars, manipulate black holes, suppress the Warp. Even among their own universe, they were a powerful species, at least as strong as Balt.

But, after becoming metallic skeletons, their emotions were erased—they became cold, programmed war machines.

"Seems you're interested in this species?" Rhodes asked.

"Master! As living Necrontyr, they're the most worthwhile to recruit.

But as Necrons, they're total lunatics. You should destroy the Necrons and preserve the Necrontyr," Balt said.

He'd learned a lot talking to his female subordinate, learning much about Necrons.

Only some high-level soldiers and researchers kept their minds—the rest lost all emotion when converted, becoming cold war machines.

All Necron warriors were like that.

"So, you're saying I can recruit other Necron techs?" Rhodes stroked his chin.

"Master, let AsanethAyu report this to you herself," Balt said.

Rhodes nodded, and with him, visited the secret lab to see the now-reverted Necrontyr, AsanethAyu.

She looked much better—her complexion restored, no longer the cold, lifeless Necron.

"Lord Rhodes! I'm honored by your visit," AsanethAyu bowed, performing a Necrontyr gesture.

"No need for courtesy. You finished the living metal project in a year—I'm pleased," Rhodes said.

"You flatter me, Lord Rhodes! You are the key to our race's salvation, our hope to escape the Necron curse. I hope you can save my people," AsanethAyu said.

The Necrontyr were simple—they just wanted to escape their short lifespan. If that was solved, they'd do anything.

They'd once asked the Old Ones for help, whose lifespans stretched tens of thousands of years.

But the Old Ones looked down on them, leading to the War in Heaven, where the Necrontyr were outmatched.

Until the C'tan found them, persuaded them, and turned them into sly, vicious Necrons.

Now, as a Necrontyr again, AsanethAyu had a new outlook on life. Her cold, cruel personality was gone.

Those traits, to some extent, were imposed by the C'tan—they suited war against the Old Ones.

Originally, the Necrontyr were famous for trade, skilled at negotiation.

Only as Necrons did they start exterminating other galactic species—looking back, she realized how terrible that was.

"So, you want me to bring over other Necron techs for conversion?" Rhodes asked.

"Yes, Lord Rhodes. Balt and Yapool have helped greatly, working to fix our genetic flaws.

I hope my entire race can serve you," AsanethAyu said.

After following Rhodes for a year, she knew his potential.

"You already have a plan, I see," Rhodes smiled.