Only those deemed trustworthy and capable of keeping secrets were allowed entry. Because hidden here was the darkest secret the Dark Angels most wanted to conceal—the existence of the Fallen Angels.
The air here was cold and turbid, carrying the stench of blood and despair. The corridors were extremely dim, lit only by lumen lights spaced along the walls.
Flickering light and shadow illuminated the straight, deep corridor lined with heavy blast doors. Long, eerie shadows stretched from the alternating bright and dark sections.
"This world has gone mad."
The leader of the think tank standing at the corridor intersection, Mordachi, spoke in a despairing tone.
Nearby, including Naris, the Dark Angels also felt their future was bleak.
Afterward, they had no choice but to cling to an unknown existence.
The Nameless One had received the mission from the Lion King to locate the Fallen Angels. He found several easily within an hour. That efficiency was truly terrifying to Mordachi and his subordinates. They might have spent years or even decades without finding them.
However, the Nameless One seemed to feel that such efficiency was still too low. So he turned his attention to the Stone Fortress.
Mordachi could not understand the Nameless One's thought process at all.
They had planned to rescue the prisoners from the Stone Fortress—that was fine—but afterward, they made the prisoners open the gate keys and release themselves! Even if they destroyed the dungeon's defenses and nearly killed the Imperial guards, they should not have committed such a grave crime! This completely severed any path for them to return to the front lines!
The current High Master of the Dark Angels, Azrael, was a warrior who upheld tradition and considered hunting the Fallen his greatest mission. If he learned of this, he would undoubtedly be furious.
The existence of the Fallen was a secret that the first Chapter Master and Azrael had desperately tried to hide at all costs.
Yet they wanted to help the Nameless Ones free the Fallen. This was something the other side could never tolerate.
"Hurry," Datch urged the dazed Dark Angels as he took out a hypnotic panpipe and began to play.
Upon hearing the flute, the guards' eyes immediately lost focus. Their bodies swayed as if drunk, and they collapsed one by one.
"Quickly open the doors and let the Fallen out," Datch ordered.
Mordachi and the others twitched at the corners of their mouths but had no choice but to obey. Trembling, they entered the access passwords and opened all the cell doors.
With the release of air pressure, the heavy blast doors opened with a loud clang.
The people huddled together or sitting motionless were momentarily stunned by the sight, then cautiously stepped outside.
Most of these Fallen wore rags. Their bodies bore old and new scars, and their eyes were either vacant or filled with wariness.
Mordachi watched the Fallen walk away in a daze with a complicated expression. In the past, to capture these Fallen, they had not hesitated to betray their Imperial comrades and even take action against the Imperial Palace. Now, having to release them themselves was truly ironic.
Seeing that the Fallen were all injured, Datch took out his golden hammer and tapped them one by one to restore their stamina.
The Fallen were wrapped in surprise and shock. They tried to ask Datch's name, but he ignored them and simply continued calling out.
After treating all the wounded, Datch led them all to the Hall of Necessity in preparation for completing the mission and bringing them back.
Honestly, Datch thought he was a gaming genius. Where was the easiest place to find Fallen Angels? Of course, right here in the monastery of the Lion's sons—the Stone Fortress.
Thud, thud, thud—
Like thunder before a storm, hurried heavy footsteps rapidly approached from the depths of the corridor, accompanied by the hiss of servo systems and the metallic sound of weapons being loaded.
Following the sound, they found it at the corner at the end of the corridor.
A group of Dark Angels in deep green power armor appeared, led by Azrael wielding a sharp sword.
The moment he saw the Nameless One and the empty prisons, Azrael instantly understood what had happened. He let out a terrifying roar like thunder.
"Nameless One, how dare you?!"
"Bring them all back immediately, right now!"
"If you bring them back now, there may still be room for negotiation. Otherwise…"
He did not finish his sentence, but the great sword in his hand already emitted a dangerous, tearing light.
The Dark Angels behind him simultaneously raised bolters and power weapons.
"These NPCs' reactions are so realistic," Datch chuckled, completely ignoring the enraged Dark Angel.
Seeing the other side show no sign of remorse, Azrael's patience reached its limit and he was about to issue the order to fire.
At that moment, several Dark Watchers in hooded robes appeared and stood in front of the Nameless One.
Azrael was shocked and furious but not arrogant enough to attack the Dark Watchers.
Datch ignored it, used his teleportation gun to open a teleportation portal, stepped inside, and the light cave suddenly shrank and disappeared.
Azrael looked at the Dark Watchers and asked, "Why are you stopping us?"
"To prevent you from doing something foolish." The Dark Watcher's voice echoed in the hearts of many Dark Angels.
He offered no further explanation and simply departed.
Meanwhile, after emerging from the teleportation portal, Datch arrived at the heliport of the Terra Glory.
At that very moment, a grand scene worthy of being recorded in Imperial history was unfolding on the heliport.
The Lion King, Lion El'Jonson, wore deep green power armor and had white hair, yet still exuded dignity. He had met the Archangel Sanguinius, who wore golden armor, bore wings on his back, and was godlike in beauty.
"Wow, rare CG, limited-time story!" Datch was overwhelmed with excitement, like a gamer discovering a hidden cutscene.
"Luckily I came back in time and didn't miss it."
...
Heliport of the Terra Glory.
"Brother…"
Lion's voice was filled with indescribable excitement and emotion.
He quickly pushed through the crowd and embraced Sanguinius tightly. A dull, impact-like sound rang out from their heavy armored suits.
"It truly brings me joy to see you walking in this world once again."
"And… I want to apologize to you."
Lion's voice was filled with dejection, guilt, and self-reproach.
"I'm sorry. I promised I would definitely return to Terra and stay by your side."
"But it didn't work out. When I arrived at Terra, all I heard was the painful news of your death."
Pure surprise and deeper gentleness appeared on Sanguinius' handsome face. He had never seen Lion express emotions so openly or show such vulnerability.
He gently stroked Lion's arm in return. His voice was warm, like a heavenly melody, healing the wounds carved by the passage of time.
"Why are you saying the same thing as Roboute Guilliman?"
The Archangel shook his head lightly, his golden hair brushing against his shoulder armor.
"The outcome of the battle on Terra was a tragedy born from complex intertwined factors. No one can be held solely responsible. You all fought with everything you had against the traitors and darkness on the opposite side of the galaxy."
Having received forgiveness from Sanguinius, Lion smiled.
The two Primarchs gazed at each other. From that moment, the blood-bound brotherhood between them became incredibly strong.
However, in this grand moment filled with deep brotherly love and touching atmosphere—even the coldest Astartes were moved.
An inappropriately cheerful voice rang out.
"Glory to the great general of the Second Imperium and the supreme emperor of the Second Imperium! When brothers unite, their power can shatter metal!"
Everyone on the deck shifted their gaze from the two Primarchs to the source of the sound.
Suddenly, Datch appeared on the deck, raising both arms to express joy and beginning to sway his body to a rhythm.
Sanguinius: ...
Lion: …
The two Primarchs stood helplessly in the wind.
It applied to everyone else as well.
Brother, at least read the atmosphere!
After the cheer, Datch felt it wasn't enough and took out shape-up powder. In the blink of an eye, he transformed into Roboute Guilliman.
Then, this fake Guilliman dashed between Lion and Sanguinius at lightning speed. He grabbed Lion's wrist with one hand and Sanguinius' with the other, then raised them high without a word.
It was like a referee in a gladiatorial arena declaring victory.
"Rejoice, suffering people of the Imperium! Witness the beginning of a great history!"
"The three great leaders of the Second Imperium have gathered here. The future of the galaxy will be shaped by our power."
"For a brighter tomorrow… uh, for a brighter tomorrow!"
A deathly silence fell over the deck. Everyone's mouths twitched.
(The Four Gods: We couldn't even do what Horus did, yet you three loyalists managed it? Who are the real traitors??)
The wonderful and touching reunion of the brothers had, within just a dozen seconds of the Nameless One's appearance, completely changed artistic direction. It turned into a historical comedy full of black humor and awkwardness.
If the Custodes had been here, they would have rushed out screaming long ago.
"I knew you were ambitious!"
...
Lion instructed Zabriel to evacuate the group, then looked toward Datch.
"Nameless One, have you made any progress in the search for my scattered descendants across the galaxy that I entrusted to you?"
Seeing that all the NPCs had left, Datch was tired of his own imitation show. His disguise vanished, and he returned to wearing the Lich King's armor.
"No problem at all." Datch waved his hand, and the entrance to the Hall of Necessity appeared right nearby.
The first to emerge were Mordachi and several Dark Angels, leading dozens of Fallen Angels.
Five of them wore worn but relatively intact power armor. Their bodies bore traces of travel, and their eyes were sharp and wary. These were the ones Datch had discovered on other planets—each a master of concealment. Without the minimap, he would never have found them.
The rest were the Fallen rescued from the Stone Fortress prisons. Most wore thin prisoner uniforms or tattered undergarments. Their health had been restored, but their eyes still held extreme wariness, deep suspicion, and a cold, sharp hatred long suppressed.
This hatred was like a tangible blade, with its first target being Lion El'Jonson standing before them. If glares could kill, the Lion King would already be riddled with holes.
When they looked at Sanguinius, they revealed unconcealable surprise and awe. The resurrection of the Archangel was a powerful miracle that shook the very foundations of galactic understanding.
Lion calmly received their hateful gazes and approached them.
"What happened on Kaliban was an enormously tragic mistake."
"Both you and I were victims, blinded by lies and conspiracies and manipulated by dark forces."
"Just as Horus deceived the Imperium and countless loyal warriors with sweet words, Luther exploited our divisions and suspicions, making deals with dark forces."
"Most of you probably didn't know this. You were simply following orders."
He paused, his tone growing heavier.
"And as the Legion's Primarch, I failed to detect the malignant tumor growing on our homeworld in time, failed to establish effective communication, and failed to clear up misunderstandings."
"Furthermore, at the time of the tragedy, I lost my reason in anger."
"I bear inescapable responsibility for Kaliban's destruction and the tragedy of brother killing brother."
Sanguinius listened quietly, but his heart was deeply shaken. This was completely different from the proud and stubborn Lion he remembered. Once Lion made a decision, he never looked back and showed no mercy to traitors.
The Lion King before him openly admitted his own mistakes and even hinted at regret. Even the Archangel wondered if this was the Nameless One in disguise.
"Go to the Rock Fortress and say these words—let everyone hear your repentance," a Dark Angel said indignantly. "You were too cruel. You destroyed our entire homeworld just to kill us all."
He was Sergeant Kay. When the battle on Kaliban broke out, he had been completely stunned. Upon learning that the Lion King had returned with the fleet, he had been filled with anticipation, looking forward to fighting alongside his Primarch again.
When the fighting started, some said the Lion King had betrayed them and was seeking revenge against the warriors loyal to the Emperor. Especially after hearing that Horus had betrayed them, such statements easily led to the misunderstanding that the Lion King was trying to become a second Horus.
Kay had been slightly skeptical at first, but when he saw the Lion King descending by drop pod with his escort and the fury on his face, he became certain of one thing: the Lion King wanted to kill them.
Lion listened silently to Kay's accusations without interrupting. His face was etched with fatigue and sorrow.
When the other finished, he slowly sighed. His voice was low and deep.
"I will not force you to believe what I say. The truth of the matter is far more complex and darker than you imagine."
"It is true that I ordered the orbital defense network to be bombed and suppressive fire to be laid down, but I never intended to completely destroy our homeworld of Kaliban. Moreover, I was on the surface at the time."
"One day, I will definitely uncover the root cause of Kaliban's destruction."
"When I learned of Luther's betrayal, I was consumed by unimaginable rage—far greater than when I learned of Horus' betrayal."
"He and I were father and son, brothers who had fought together. His betrayal filled me with great anger, but at the time I refused to acknowledge it."
"If you are willing to continue fighting alongside me, I will be overjoyed. If you are tired of all this, you may choose freedom."
"I will acknowledge my mistakes before all of humanity and accept the punishment I deserve. The responsibility for Kaliban lies with me, not with you."
The Fallen exchanged glances. Their wariness and hatred remained clear, but confusion, hesitation, and a faint sense of disbelief crept in.
A Primarch's apology and acceptance of responsibility was a sight they had never imagined during their millennia of flight and imprisonment.
The silence lasted more than ten seconds.
Finally, an elderly-looking Fallen discovered on another planet stepped forward. His armor was old but well-maintained.
He looked at Lion. His voice was hoarse but clear.
"Lord Lion, I do not swear loyalty to you personally. What I swear loyalty to is humanity itself—the innocent people struggling to survive in Chaos and darkness."
"As long as your sword is pointed at the enemies of the Imperium, as long as your goal is to end this hellish era, I am willing to take up arms again and fight alongside you."
"Until we achieve victory… or until today, when you betray your original intentions."
"The outcome can only be one: victory," Lion answered resolutely, his eyes burning brightly.
With one taking the lead, the other Fallen lowered their guard and swore loyalty to Lion.
The Fallen rescued from the Stone Fortress prisons also hesitated briefly before temporarily choosing to trust Lion.
However, if they ever realized the Lion King had only been deceiving them, they would not hesitate to flee or rebel again.
The Lion King knew what his children were thinking but did not mind. He had made mistakes in the past.
According to Lion's declaration, the Fallen were forgiven and became Forgiven Angels. They would fight for the Imperium once more.
Meanwhile, Datch also received the mission completion notification.
[Mission Completed! Congratulations on assisting Lion El'Jonson in locating more than 10 Fallen Angels.]
[Quest Rewards: 1200 EXP, 1200 Points, Reputation +80, Barrier Beasts ×2]
[Task requirements exceeded. Additional rewards: 1000 EXP and 1000 Points obtained.]
Wow, bonus rewards! Datch felt even better upon seeing this.
He then checked the Barrier Beasts, part of the item rewards. They were bronze-colored, four-limbed creatures with exaggerated thick eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, round noses, and other adorable features.
At present, the Barrier Beasts were in a dormant state. Datch thought for a moment and realized there was no need to confine or protect these two lively brothers at this stage, so he did not wake them.
...
On the opposite side of the galaxy, in the deepest part of the Stone Fortress, Supreme Leader Azrael stood alone in a dimly lit strategy room filled with ancient scrolls, star charts, and monitoring screens.
He held a vague information report that had just been delivered via secret channels.
The article stated that Luther's whereabouts had once again become unknown and the tracking had failed. Meanwhile, more ambiguous information indicated that Primarch Lion El'Jonson had returned. Hostile forces were active in border star systems, declaring amnesty for the Fallen and transforming them into Forgiven Angels who would once again fight for the Emperor.
"What should we do?" asked Ezekiel, the chief member of the think tank and guardian of the Book of Redemption.
"We must bring the Fallen back, even if it is the Nameless One. Their secret must never be exposed," Azrael said. "No matter the cost, we will protect the honor of the Dark Angels."
"What about Lion El'Jonson's return?" Ezekiel asked again.
"This must be a conspiracy by the Fallen. They have already colluded with Chaos and are using such clumsy lies to shake the Imperium."
Asmodai, who led the interrogator-chaplains, stated, "What we should do is completely erase their existence."
Azrael remained silent, but his attitude clearly approved of Asmodai.
The true Lion King, Lion, could never have forgiven the Fallen. That meant the man claiming to be the Lion King was not the real one—he was a fraud, a shameless Fallen.
…
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