The Creators: From Night City

Page 513

Marius Gage, the chief of the Macurag Council, responded with a timid and submissive manner, much like a chick, completely unlike the shrewd and capable image that Calga had in mind.

Guilliman noticed the arrival of his loyal chapter master immediately, but since he was meeting with a visitor, he simply nodded slightly to Calgar, indicating that he should sit aside and wait, before continuing with his current tasks.

With just a smile, Guilliman displayed a powerful affability that immediately soothed Calga's anxious heart.

Before the chapter leader had even exchanged a single word with his own Primarch, he was captivated by the throbbing in his blood and the 'extraordinary' personal charisma stemming from Guilliman. The seed of recognition had already begun to sprout at that moment and was rapidly growing into a towering tree.

Oblivious to this, Guilliman was still dealing with the thorny political issues at hand.

The Macurag Council is the core administrative body of the Ultramarines homeworld and the entire five hundred worlds of the Alteramar region.

It is not a single institution, but a large, hierarchical bureaucratic and administrative system designed to ensure the absolute stability and efficient operation of Macragge and even Ultramar when the main forces of Guilliman or the Ultramarines are away.

The Chief Executive of the State Council is the highest-ranking executive and nominal head of the State Council. He, along with the heads of major departments, senior bureaucrats, legal representatives, and most importantly, representatives of the Ultramarines Chapter, form the core council of the State Council, governing the vast Five Hundred Worlds.

Of course, the Ultramarines Chapter Master has absolute veto power over matters involving planetary and galactic defense, the interests of the Ultramarines Chapters, and anything that violates the spirit of the Primarch.

The administrative structure of the State Council was ingeniously designed, a masterpiece of Guilliman's art. Its accompanying Code of Macurag served as the cornerstone of the law, and its authority even surpassed that of the empire's state religion.

Therefore, in Macurag, the concept of the rule of law is deeply rooted in people's hearts and far outweighs divine authority. Guilliman, on the other hand, scoffs at the doctrines of the current state religion, so he naturally does not receive a good response to the ideas of his own administrative system leaders that deviate from the values ​​of God.

Chapter 1042 Where there is war, there is no peace

To be honest, Marius Gage was really wronged by this.

During his tenure, he consistently adhered to the rational administration principles established by Guilliman, but the grand 'miracle' that occurred not long ago is hard not to make one wonder.

Fortunately, Guilliman, who had incorporated the law of 'gentleness', had a keen understanding of people's hearts. After the reprimand, he immediately gave a straightforward praise.

“Chief Gage, your past achievements deserve my high praise. At the same time, I understand your concerns.”

Gentle words, like a spring breeze and gentle rain, precisely soothed the CEO's flustered heart.

"Don't let panic and unfounded suspicions cloud your mind."

The words, which sounded like both a warning and a word of comfort, immediately gave this brilliant bureaucrat, one of the best in Macurag, a boost of confidence.

He involuntarily looked up and met the original body's eyes, which seemed to see right through him, revealing all the schemes hidden in his heart.

"You've done a great job. I hope you'll continue to hold fast to your post, just like before."

Gage immediately felt relieved, realizing that his political blunder of trying to take sides prematurely but choosing the wrong side was now behind him.

He immediately bowed respectfully to show his understanding, and his whole demeanor returned to its usual composed and elite style.

“As for you, Bishop Cainas, I fully understand your piety toward the Emperor, but your religious ideas are far too fanatical, and I cannot agree with them.” The Primarch turned his attention to the head of the State Church.

Because Guilliman consistently adhered to a rational style, the entire Macurag followed suit, and the state church institutions were always relegated to an extremely marginal position in Macurag's power structure. This pitiful, sweating bishop, like his dozen or so predecessors, had been neglected day and night.

This 'divine manifestation' will be a once-in-a-millennium political opportunity for him, one that is extremely risky but could yield enormous rewards.

Therefore, Bishop Caius immediately sought an audience with the Son of God, Guilliman, and put forward various religious proposals.

Unfortunately, his flattery backfired spectacularly, and all of his proposals were ruthlessly rejected by this "divine son."

“Build the ‘Imperial Miracle Sanctuary’ and my statue, establish the ‘Ascension Day of Guilliman’, form the ‘Otramah Guardian Army’, and include sections of the ‘Book of Words’ in the State Council’s reference materials and training manuals for junior bureaucrats…”

Robert Guilliman reiterated several of the other party's proposals before giving a firm response.

“Macurag’s administration and social operations have always been based on laws and reason, without needing to repeat the systems of other parts of the Empire, Bishop Kenas, I hope you understand.”

The cardinal looked up at the laurel wreath atop his head, at the genetic prototype whose entire being radiated a kind of spiritual 'glory' at all times. He wanted to refute it, but he had nothing to say.

After all, Guilliman has the final say on all forms of interpretation.

“However, not all of your advice is unfounded. Your proposal to establish a ‘pilgrim reception and guidance system’ is quite valuable.” Guilliman sighed, but ultimately made some compromises based on the reality of the situation.

Having been given this "miracle" by the Emperor and that self-proclaimed 'Om Messiah', he has no choice but to acknowledge many things.

For example, the state religion, his faith, and his status as a "divine son".

Fortunately, he seems to hold the ultimate power of interpretation over religion at this moment, and can gradually transform the entire state religion according to his own ideas.

Originally disheartened and prepared to exile himself and spend the rest of his life in seclusion, Bishop Kenas never expected things to take such a dramatic turn, and he suddenly raised his head.

Hope immediately shone in those previously lifeless eyes.

Despite being annoyed by his two fathers' mistreatment, Guilliman still greatly appreciated Ohm Messiah's "blessing".

With just a glance, he could clearly 'sense' the other person's true inner emotions at that moment.

Anxiety, ecstasy, and pragmatism.

The "miracle" had already occurred, and the subsequent impact of the faith-sharing effects was inevitable. Guilliman naturally had no choice but to accept it and maximize the use of the power of this wave to achieve his goals.

Therefore, the sector bishop in front of us, who has been 'recycled' all along, is a good starting point.

“I will send people to assist you in your work and establish a system for receiving pilgrims, but there are other more important things waiting for you.”

"Through the inspiration of the Emperor and the Messiah, I have been able to glimpse their earnest teachings. I think the relevant scriptures of the state church may need some minor updates. What do you say, Bishop Cainas?"

Having been exiled to Makurag for over thirty years, the cardinal finally glimpsed the dawn of progress for the first time, and how could he not seize it tightly?

In addition, it was difficult to refuse the orders of the person in front of him.

So he looked up and bowed, with great piety.

Guilliman was used to dealing with all sorts of corrupt officials and didn't care about their behavior. As long as he achieved his goal, he could tolerate their mercenary nature for the time being.

The heads of the administrative and religious authorities of Makulag withdrew, while the head of the military authorities, Karga, came forward for an audience.

The throbbing sensation originating from his blood made his heart pound like a drum, and inexplicable excitement surged within his chest.

Although he was reluctant, Guilliman's 'new talent' still allowed him to see through the most active thoughts in his offspring's mind at a glance.

“Maneus Augustus Calga, my fine son, I have perused all the books in the ‘Fortress of Hera’ that record your deeds.”

In fact, the moment Guilliman returned, he browsed through all the important records of Hera Fortress, thus grasping the detailed development of the Ultramarines over ten thousand years.

In this way, all his subsequent decisions can be made with a clear purpose.

The Primarch left the unusually large desk and stood before the Chapter Commander.

"Twenty-eight volumes of scriptures, twice the average number of other Ultra Warriors. Your leadership, bravery, honor, and loyalty have earned my recognition."

Guilliman was like a devil who understood human nature, and every word he said struck a chord with Calgar's most important feelings.

"I am proud of you, my battle leader. Your actions have earned you the honor you deserve."

These words made Karl's blood boil, and he wished he could smash Chaos Warmaster Abaddon on the spot to prove his loyalty.

“It is my honor, Father.” Karl solemnly knelt on one knee to show his loyalty.

With just three sentences, Guilliman completely captivated Calgary, who immediately bowed down in worship.

The four-meter-tall Guilliman effortlessly lifted Calgar, who was wearing Terminator armor, off the ground.

"Alright, my loyal Chapter Commander, it was not my intention to summon you from the front lines, but I hope you can understand that this necessary procedure serves to calm the unrest caused by my return."

"Of course, Your Excellency Primarch." After the brief window of emotional expression closed, Calgar quickly reverted to his usual image as a resolute, capable, and decisive commander.

Guilliman pulled out a piece of parchment that had already been written on, signed it, and distributed it.

"Regarding your appointment as the battle group leader, I mean the letter of appointment from me. I have already given the order to pass it on. Now, please tell me what news you have brought from the front."

Calga's expression immediately turned serious.

"I'm afraid I'll disappoint you, but this time I've only brought the war horn."

"A massive plague fleet, led by the corrupted Deathguard Primarch, has approached the core fortress world of Alarius. Our war against Chaos has begun, my lord."

Chapter 1043 The True State of the Empire's Cornerstone

War is often not an end in itself, but a means to an end.

But it is very clear that both sides in the war will spare no effort to pursue the only victory.

Planet Alarius is not among the richest planets in the Extreme Starfield, but it is the most crucial fortress world protecting the core region of Macrag.

If it is breached, the plague army of the Death Guard will advance unimpeded, heading straight for the heart of Guilliman's homeland.

But Chaos understood the importance of this strategic stronghold, and so did the Ultramarines.

Before this battle even began, the surface of the planet Alarius was already covered with giant fortresses.

Numerous self-sufficient 'fortress cities' are interconnected through underground tunnels and aerial corridors, forming a powerful, deep defense network on the planet's surface.

The defense was carried out by the 3rd Company of the Ultramarines, along with several subordinate regiments. In addition, after the battle began, many of the Imperial Fist Regiment, the Holy Blood Angel Regiment, and the Salamander Regiment's "cousins" arrived in advance to participate in the defense.

Thousands of Space Marines are active throughout the planet, serving as “force multipliers” and strategic firefighters.

Millions of planetary defense forces and local troops constitute the main force in this war, and the Mechanicus also dispatched a Titan Order detachment to garrison the area in advance.

The orbital platform, defense satellites, and ground-based laser cannon arrays are also fully armed and ready to go.

But even with such comprehensive preparations, the armed orbital platform and orbital station quickly fell to the overwhelming plague fleet.

Under the enemy's fierce offensive, the remaining navy had no choice but to destroy all defensive weapons and retreat to the surface.

The war has entered its most brutal and intense ground meat grinder phase.

Satellite City No. 7, Defense Position No. 59, 6th Regiment, 11th Company of the Otlama Auxiliary Army.

Their entire company of 300 men has been defending this position for nearly three weeks.

Thanks to the deep location of their positions, not many enemies penetrated into their defensive zone. So after dozens of defensive battles, the regiment still had a little over 100 men left.

Nelson knelt before a small statue of an emperor, praying fervently.

He was originally the platoon leader of the 2nd Platoon, a position he held for 8 years, but less than 20 days after the start of the war, he was promoted to deputy company commander of the 11th Company.

Promotions are that fast during wartime.

"We've run out of ammunition and food, Deputy Company Commander," Logistics Supervisor Hakara reported to the Deputy Company Commander, outlining the latest supply situation.

This quartermaster, with his large head and thick neck, was originally the loader of a "Crescent" heavy mortar. Unfortunately, in the previous battle, the gunner, gunner, ammunition handler, and guard company, along with the massive heavy mortar, were melted into a paste of flesh and steel by a pool of acidic bile. Only this loader survived.

With all the weapons gone, the loader had no choice but to fill the gap on the spot and become the company's quartermaster.

"May the Emperor protect our souls, and may our bravery earn us the right to return to the throne."

After a brief prayer, Nelson continued to immerse himself in the immense pressure of the war.

How much battery power does the laser gun have left?

"It's only enough for the brothers to hug for a few dozen rounds."

"What about the purification valve on the gas mask?"

"There's still plenty left over. The purification valves from our fallen brothers have all been recycled and can be reused," the quartermaster replied without hesitation.

"However, live ammunition is being used up rapidly. That heavy explosive sniper rifle is out of ammunition and is now just a pile of scrap metal. Defensive grenades are also in short supply."

"Most importantly, food and fresh water are also scarce."

The quartermaster licked his dry lips and reiterated, "The terrible mold plague that fell a few days ago contaminated most of the food and water in the area. Except for some that were sealed tightly, all the other food was infected."

The 11th Company faced a severe shortage of water, food, ammunition, and even manpower. This was not an isolated case, but rather a common occurrence throughout the entire Seventh War Zone.

Nelson rubbed the metal flask in his arms a few times, but barely managed to resist the urge to take it out. There wasn't much wine left in the flask, but it was his hope for the days to come.

The deputy company commander knew that many more difficult days were yet to come.

He rubbed the breast pocket containing the wine jug and quickly came up with an idea.

"Call a few quick-handed brothers and go through the crack that was blown up on the right rear of the position. Turn two corners and the 17th Company's camp is over there."

"Didn't the 17th Company already..." the quartermaster hesitated.

"So they don't need those supplies."

Nelson brushed the dirt off his knees, tucked the laser pistol back into his belt, rubbed his face, and instantly transformed back into the confident deputy company commander.

"Remember to equip these brothers with the best gas masks, and also give them a few sets of the best-sealed armor. That damned plague cloud over there may not have completely dissipated yet."

"Understood!" the quartermaster replied excitedly, as this was one of the few pieces of good news he had received in recent days.

It seems to be the Emperor's blessing, with good news coming one after another.

Soon, the sentry ran to report that the company commander had returned with newly recruited soldiers.

When Nelson arrived at the scene excitedly, he discovered that among the group of green recruits were three very tall figures.

These are three Ultra Warriors, Astartes.