[Lion King: Heh… did the Wolf Pups' Chapter Master suffer a setback?]
[I didn't expect that after all these years, Leman Russ's pups would become more and more incompetent!]
[To actually be defeated by a Mutant—what an embarrassing level of combat strength!]
In the War Council… the Lion King chuckled inwardly. Since he had delegated most of the work to his subordinates, he was currently quite free.
With his Knight Commander representing the Dark Angels, his true identity would not be exposed.
Looking at the chessboard in his hands, that "Father" was still tirelessly transmitting battlefield information to him.
To be honest, the feeling of having an all-seeing perspective was incredible.
He had never imagined that war could be fought in such a satisfying way!
At the council, when he saw Logan Grimnar's dejected expression, the corners of the Lion's lips curled upward.
Strictly speaking, the Space Wolves were currently his allies,
but for some reason, seeing the Wolf Pups sulking after a defeat felt strangely satisfying.
"The combat strength of these little nephews isn't up to standard. Maybe I should find a chance to train them someday?"
At this moment, Richard couldn't stand it anymore. This Lion King was truly petty.
[Richard: That's nothing. The Mutant I released is a creation from the Dark Age of Technology.]
[Or rather, even the pioneers of that era couldn't fully understand what that thing actually was!]
[Its power is connected to the essence of the Warp… and in a state of extreme rage, even you wouldn't be able to defeat it!]
[Lion King: Is that so?]
[Father, you think too highly of these barbarians!]
[By the way, do you actually like savages? Leman Russ is one, and now this green Mutant is another.]
[Sigh… I truly don't understand your preferences. Only a reliable Legion like ours can keep your secrets. Savage creatures like them should just be kept as dogs!]
Richard hadn't expected that when the Lion spoke through his thoughts, he would be such a chatterbox.
Since he could communicate mentally without opening his mouth, the current Lion was like a tsundere—constantly complaining and nagging.
Still, overall, things were fine… at least the "father-son" dynamic had been firmly established.
Fortunately, Richard knew many secrets of the Dark Angels. Otherwise, the Lion might have already seen through him.
Suddenly… the door to the council hall opened.
Beyond the automatic door was the meeting chamber, while this place served as a private lounge.
At this moment, the Lion was not attending the meeting but was hiding in the lounge, waiting for his subordinates to report to him.
No one knew his true identity. To the Dark Angels, he was merely a noble lady from a mysterious family.
"Miss Lylei!"
"I've already presented that proposal to the War Council. After thorough discussion… the Black Templars only partially accepted our strategy!"
"Partially accepted?"
The Lion frowned deeply. This was not the outcome he wanted.
Many factions were involved in the council: Adeptus Mechanicus defenders, Titan Legions, and Knight Houses.
If a unified strategy couldn't be agreed upon, it would seriously affect future battlefield coordination.
"Yes, Miss Lylei… they only agreed to evacuate most of the population to Hell Hive City."
"And they believe our plan to protect over half the population is far too merciful!"
"The Adeptus Mechanicus even stated that the god-machines in the Hive City are more valuable than human lives!"
"I argued strongly and promised to assist in relocating the machines, which finally made them compromise!"
"However, the Black Templars strongly oppose our plan. They believe we are surrendering too much territory to the Daemons!"
"Those idiots!"
The Lion already understood—if too many civilians died, it would empower Khorne.
Although the First Legion had destroyed countless planets before, and had little emotional attachment to mortals…
Since the "Old Man on the Throne" wanted this done, he would follow through.
"Do they not realize that slaughtered humans strengthen the Daemons?"
"I can already foresee corrupted obelisks rising near the Hive City!"
"Once activated, those people will become our enemies!"
"Do they really need to wait until Chaos Cultists flood the land before they wake up?"
"If it comes to that, our mission will fail!"
The Knight Commander pondered briefly.
"If the Black Templars refuse to yield, the strategy won't pass."
"There is one more way."
"If we can persuade the Space Wolves to support us, the War Council will be forced to approve the plan."
"In that case, we can proceed as intended. The Steel Legion generals are also willing to relocate civilians."
The Lion nodded.
"Then we'll use Hell Hive City as the central hub."
"First, establish an outer defensive line."
"That line must buy us enough time to evacuate civilians and relocate the god-machines."
"Then, using the Hive City as a transit point, we'll gradually move the population to the main continent."
"Only then can we focus on destroying the Gate of the Red Angel."
"That is the only path to victory."
Compared to the other factions, the Dark Angels knew far more secrets.
They not only knew how to deal with the Gate… but also knew that mysterious reinforcements would descend from the sky.
Though their identity was unknown, since it was the Emperor's will, they would undoubtedly be powerful.
In fact, Richard had already begun preparing those reinforcements.
He had even "purchased" Adeptus Custodes banners.
Among them were terrifying warriors capable of defeating entire Astartes companies alone.
Custodes and Sisters of Silence formed a perfect combination:
One nullified psychic power, while the other possessed overwhelming combat strength—second only to Primarchs.
Moreover, the Custodes symbolized the Emperor's authority.
Where they stood, His will was absolute.
However… the Lion's next move was shocking.
Using The Wanderer, he arrived at Logan Grimnar's quarters…
And knocked him unconscious with a club.
The already weakened Grimnar was taken to the Dark Angels' base—
Where he received "intimate brainwashing."
"Bastards! What are you doing?!"
"Why have you captured me?! Are you betraying the Emperor?!"
"What do you mean you don't talk to trash who lost to a Mutant?!"
Grimnar's mind was on the verge of collapse.
Being captured was humiliating enough…
But the enemy knowing his secret was even worse.
"Ohohoho~"
The Lion, dressed in elegant Gothic attire, calmly sipped coffee.
"Chapter Master Grimnar… you wouldn't want others to know about your defeat, would you?"
"As long as you cooperate, the Dark Angels will keep your secret."
"Damn brat! Who do you think you are?!"
"I am the Chapter Master of the Space Wolves! The son of Leman Russ!"
"Make me submit? I'd rather die!"
"Then fight me."
The Lion declared calmly.
"I challenge you—in the name of the Skadi family."
"I, Lylei, challenge you to a duel."
Silence fell.
Grimnar burst into laughter.
"A little girl… challenging me?"
"Are the Dark Angels that desperate?"
"Talk after you win," the Knight Commander said coldly.
"If you defeat her… our entire Deathwing will become Space Wolves!"
Richard nearly burst out laughing.
This had turned into pure chaos.
"Fine! It's a deal!"
Grimnar accepted immediately.
"She must be a Psyker… trying to cheat."
"I don't need psychic powers," the Lion replied calmly.
"One hand is enough."
"If I cheat, I'll declare myself a coward!"
Grimnar froze.
What kind of insane oath was that?
Meanwhile, the Dark Angels thought quietly:
Well… technically, the Primarch doesn't even have balls right now…
[Richard: Are you starting to enjoy being a woman?]
[Lion King: Impossible! This is just a disguise! If the Wolf Pups ever find out, I'd rather die!]
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