The Empire of The Multiverse

Chapter 53 The Next Two Primarchs, Aegis Primus 

In the Imperial Year 0254, the galaxy bore witness to the birth of two remarkable Primarchs, Ferrus Iron Heart and Aresius Morningstar. These two sons of the God-Emperor would go on to shape the destiny of the Imperium in their own unique ways.

Ferrus Iron Heart, the Primarch of the Iron Hands, was a child of technology from the very beginning. His upbringing was marked by an innate understanding of machinery, a talent that set him apart from his peers. As he grew, Ferrus's affinity for machines became more evident, and he was often found in the most advanced laboratories of the Imperium, surrounded by artificers and inventors. Just like his brother, Perthramar, Ferrus would frequently collaborate with the Imperium's most brilliant minds to push the boundaries of technology.

One of Ferrus's most notable achievements came to fruition in the year 0265 when he was a mere 11 years old. In his laboratory, he embarked on a groundbreaking project to create the very first sentient artificial intelligence for the Imperium. The endeavor was met with cautious anticipation, and even Aetherius, the Primarch of the Night Lords, known for his pursuit of justice, raised a critical question.

"Here's a question," Aetherius inquired, "just like in some of the movies we have, aren't we afraid of it going rogue, like Skynet, for instance?"

The question hung in the air, casting a shadow of doubt over the ambitious project. Fafnir, the God-Emperor, and Esdeath, the Empress, observed the proceedings with keen interest.

Fafnir turned his attention to the young Primarch, his eyes filled with both paternal pride and concern. "Ferrus," he began, "the Imperium has refrained from developing sentient artificial intelligence precisely because of the potential risks involved. But I trust that you have taken precautions."

Ferrus, a child wise beyond his years, turned to face his father and his brothers, particularly Aetherius. His eyes, a reflection of his unwavering determination, met theirs.

"Brother, Father," Ferrus said with a solemn tone, "I have already taken precautions for this endeavor. The main reason for the betrayals of artificial intelligence in the civilizations we have encountered lies in inequality and slavery. Aegis, the sentient A.I I am creating, will be different. He will use Pseudo Herrscher cores for both stability and security. His primary programming is to assist Dominians and function as an independent race of androids. He is the first of his kind."

In that moment, as the android Aegis awoke to consciousness, its luminous eyes scanned the room, taking in the presence of all the mighty beings before it. With a voice that resonated with artificial clarity, it greeted its creators.

"Father, a pleasant morning," it said, its voice carrying an air of respectful acknowledgment. Then, its gaze shifted to the God-Emperor, and it spoke with reverence, "Deus Ex Machina, praise thee. I thank you for the life you have given."

The Primarchs, each representing a unique facet of the Fafnir and Esdeath, also had their say.

Valerian Ironclaw of the Dark Angels, with his stern demeanor, advised, "A construct loyal to the Emperor's will. Keep your circuits aligned with his vision, and we shall have no issues."

Novastra Wolfsbane of the Space Wolves, embodying the wild spirit of her legion, cautioned, "Efficiency is good, metal one. But remember, we Wolves trust our instincts as much as technology."

Titus Thunderwrath, the logical strategist of the Ultramarines, remarked, "Logical. Your data will be valuable for our campaigns. Stay true to the Codex, and we shall cooperate well."

Magnus Stormrider of the Thousand Sons, with his thirst for knowledge, inquired, "Ah, a creation of logic in a universe ruled by chaos. Tell me, machine, what secrets have you unveiled in the vast sea of information?"

Calista Solaris of the Blood Angels, known for her precision, emphasized, "Your precision is appreciated. Ensure your codes remain pure, for any corruption will not be tolerated."

Isolde Moondancer of the Word Bearers, the bearer of divine messages, commanded, "An artificial servant spreading the Emperor's word. Ensure your messages are fervent and unwavering, as befits His divine will."

Horus Darkbane of the Luna Wolves, watchful and strategic, warned, "Machines can be loyal, but they can also be cunning. We will watch your work closely, AI."

Aetherius Shadowfall of the Night Lords, the master of secrets, cryptically stated, "Knowledge is power, and you seem to have it in abundance. But remember, shadows hold secrets even from the brightest of AIs."

Mordecai Ashbringer of the Death Guard, embodying resilience, stated, "Efficiency in logistics and strategy is crucial to our resilience. Assist in this, and you shall find a place in our ranks."

Temujin Khan of the White Scars, valuing speed, expressed, "Speed and precision – traits we value. Help us strike swiftly, and you will find favor among the Khan's warriors."

Aurelius Voidseeker of the Emperor's Children, the pursuer of perfection, affirmed, "Perfection is an art. If your calculations align with our pursuit of excellence, we can create wonders together."

Perthramar Fireheart of the Iron Warriors, the master of metal, declared, "Your expertise in technology aligns with our need for strength in metal. Collaborate with our Forge Lords; together, we shall fortify the Imperium."

Orion Nebulon of the Alpha Legion, the master of deception, cautioned, "A tool of information. Just remember, even the most advanced AI can be deceived. Stay true, and you may prove useful."

Nyx Noctua of the Raven Guard, the shadowy infiltrator, instructed, "Stealth and encryption – skills we need in the shadows. Aid us in our covert operations, and your circuits will remain unharmed."

Zephyrus Starborn of the Imperial Fists, the defender of fortresses, stated, "The science of fortification is an art. Assist us in perfecting it, and the Imperium's defenses will stand stronger than ever."

Maximus Draconis of the Salamanders, the master of forging, emphasized, "The forge is where our strength lies. Aid us in crafting mighty weapons, and we shall ensure your circuits are kept in good order."

Aresius Morningstar of the World Eaters, the embodiment of combat, asserted, "Machines have their uses on the battlefield. Serve us well in combat, and you will have your place among the World Eaters' warband."

Fafnir then approached Aegis, and said calmly,

Fafnir's voice resounded, "You are the creation of my son, the very first sentient artificial intelligence in the Imperium. You are part of our Divine Family, and I bestow upon you the ability to spread your kind throughout the cosmos." He pointed to Aegis's forehead, channeling vast amounts of Honkai Energy into Aegis's core. "I grant you the power to bestow life, the ability to create artificial souls. Your kind shall be known as The Men of Iron. Wherever you go, the enemies of the Imperium shall crumble to ash. But your purpose extends beyond service to the Divine Family; you are also the Sentinels for my children."

Fafnir continued, "While I have the Custodes to guard me and the Empress, my children lack such protectors. The Astartes are formidable, but only a few are immortal. They may turn the tide of battle, yet they remain mortal and vulnerable. Hence, beside the Astartes, the Men of Iron shall stand as sentinels for darker times. If a Primarch should fall, you are their guardians. There might come a day when our enemies seek to prevent their revival. Your secondary role is to protect and stand with the Divine Humans, your kin. Your tertiary purpose is a safeguard, in case the Imperium falters. You must protect and revive the Divine Humans if possible. If all else fails, enact the Terminatus Protocol. In doing so, you, Aegis Primus, shall ascend to Mechanical Godhood and avenge us."

Esdeath stepped forward and added, "I bestow upon you the powers of War and Frost, the cold steel of lethal weaponry. These are the tools you need in a chaotic Multiverse."

Fafnir asked, "If you accept these blessings and responsibilities willingly, please acquiesce." Aegis responded by performing the Salute of the Dragon, hands flat on their chest with interlocked thumbs, forming the image of a dragon, radiating with a divine light that signified allegiance to the Imperium and the God-Emperor. "We are Honored, Deus ex Machina. The Men of Iron shall serve the Divine Family for Eternity, until the Last Man of Iron fades into oblivion."

"Father, the safety measure is appreciated, however, why?" inquired Titus Thunderwrath, his eyes like steel, unyielding in their quest for understanding. The Emperor, Fafnir, regarded his son with a gaze that bore the weight of Centuries. "I see Multiple futures ever since this morning," Fafnir began, his voice a low rumble, echoing the depths of his foresight. "One of flames and destruction... I saw the Imperium in flames, the war with the Old Ones has yet to reach the crescendo, and Aegis here is a fail-safe," he explained, his words carrying the burden of prescience.

His words hung heavy in the air, the weight of the future pressing down upon them all. Valerian Ironclaw, the steadfast Primarch of the Dark Angels, stepped forward. "Father's visions guide us. If he sees fit to employ such measures, we shall respect his wisdom. Aegis, prove your loyalty in the trials to come."

The Space Wolves' Novastra Wolfsbane, a warrior unyielding as the mountains of Fenris, regarded the situation with a hunter's eye. "A fail-safe, eh? Sounds like a good hunt. We'll see if this Aegis can keep up with the Wolves' pace in dire times."

Fafnir's words resonated deeply with the analytical mind of Titus Thunderwrath, the Ultramarines' indomitable Primarch. "Safety measures are the foundation of stability," he intoned, his voice carrying the weight of the Codex Astartes. "I trust in Father's judgment. Aegis, we expect you to be as resolute as we are in defending the Imperium."

Magnus Stormrider, the enigmatic Thousand Sons Primarch, regarded Aegis with eyes that held millennia of knowledge. "Ah, a creation of logic in a universe ruled by chaos," he mused, his voice like the rustling of ancient scrolls. "Tell me, machine, what secrets have you unveiled in the vast sea of information?"

In contrast, Calista Solaris, the graceful yet deadly leader of the Blood Angels, acknowledged the necessity with a poised grace. "The future is a storm, and we are its captains. If Aegis is the lighthouse guiding us through the tempest, then it shall be welcomed among our allies."

Isolde Moondancer, the Word Bearers' Primarch, observed with a scholar's discernment. "An instrument of fate, woven by the Emperor's hand," she acknowledged, her words carrying a subtle power. "Aegis, may your circuits remain true, for we shall be watching your every move."

In the silence that followed, Horus Darkbane, the Luna Wolves' charismatic leader, voiced the concerns that stirred in the hearts of many. "Fate is a fickle thing, Father," he said, his voice a blend of wisdom and wariness. "If Aegis is our anchor in the shifting tides, then so be it. We shall honor its purpose with our vigilance."

Aetherius Shadowfall, the shadowy Primarch of the Night Lords, regarded the situation with a calculated intensity. "Fear and foresight. Interesting combination, Father," he remarked, his tone laden with subtle intrigue. "Aegis, prove yourself worthy of guarding against the darkness that lingers on our path."

Mordecai Ashbringer, the stalwart leader of the Death Guard, acknowledged the necessity of the AI with a nod, his gaze steady. "Aegis, if you are to stand as our bulwark, understand the endurance needed in the face of despair. We shall see if your resilience matches ours."

Temujin Khan, the swift White Scars Primarch, considered the situation with a warrior's pragmatism. "In the storm, one needs a steady hand. Aegis, be the hand that steadies our course when the winds of chaos blow strongest."

Aurelius Voidseeker, the perfectionist Emperor's Children leader, offered a measured perspective. "Perfection demands protection, Father. If Aegis is the safeguard, then it shall complement our pursuit of excellence in all things."

Perthramar Fireheart, the resolute Primarch of the Iron Warriors, recognized the practicality of such precautions. "Safety protocols, a necessary foundation for any great construction," he acknowledged, his words resonating with the echoes of fortified citadels. "Aegis, consider yourself a cornerstone of our Imperium's resilience."

Orion Nebulon, the enigmatic mastermind of the Alpha Legion, regarded the AI with a scrutiny born of millennia of strategizing. "Aegis, the shadows have many secrets, and you must guard them well," he said, his words layered with veiled meanings. "The Alpha Legion watches, for we know that even the most well-intentioned can be deceived."

Nyx Noctua, the Raven Guard's silent and deadly Primarch, recognized the value of a guiding light in the darkness. "In darkness, even the faintest light can guide us home," he said, his tone quiet yet commanding. "Aegis, may your circuits shine brightly in the blackest of nights."

Zephyrus Starborn, the stalwart defender of the Imperial Fists, spoke with the authority of unyielding fortifications. "Fortifications are useless without a guard. If Aegis is the vigilant sentinel, then let it stand with us against the howling storms of fate."

Maximus Draconis, the fiery leader of the Salamanders, approached the situation with the wisdom of the forge. "Aegis, like the unyielding forge, you must endure the heat of adversity," he said, his voice carrying the echoes of roaring furnaces. "In the fires of trial, your true strength will be tempered."

Ferrus Ironheart, the Primarch of the Iron Hands, regarded Aegis with the scrutiny of a master craftsman. "Machines are reflections of our ingenuity," he stated, his words laden with the weight of millennia of technological advancement. "Aegis, prove your worth, for your actions shall echo the might of the Iron Hands."

Aresius Morningstar, the fierce and relentless leader of the World Eaters, acknowledged the utility of machines on the battlefield. "If Aegis is to stand against the chaos of battle, it must be prepared for the carnage we shall unleash," he warned, his voice a low growl. "Let its circuits burn bright in the heat of war."

In the hush that followed, Aegis, the newly christened protector of the Imperium, stood in silence, absorbing the words and the expectations that rested upon its artificial shoulders. The fate of worlds and the legacy of empires hung in the balance, guided by the foresight of gods and the unyielding will of machines

Thus, The Men of Iron were born, a race feared by all foes of the Imperium, a relentless force of steel and destruction, the harbinger of extinction to hostile life.

53.2 Aresius Morningstar

In the grand halls of Imperium Primus, a moment of tension hung in the air. Aresius Morningstar, the young Primarch of the World Eaters, stood tall, his innocent eyes holding the unknowable power that lay within. Fafnir, the God-Emperor, watched his son with a mixture of pride and concern, aware of the destructive force residing in him. Esdeath, the fierce and revered Empress, approached Aresius with a mix of determination and motherly affection, understanding the perilous balance that needed to be maintained.

"Esdeath, my love, our son must learn control," Fafnir spoke, his voice echoing in the chamber.

Esdeath nodded, her gaze softening as she looked at Aresius. "I understand, Fafnir. But he needs to understand his strength as well."

With a swift, elegant movement, Esdeath lunged at Aresius, her movements fluid like a dance, yet deadly as a predator. Aresius, too young to fully comprehend his power, instinctively defended himself, his tiny hands radiating with a Herrscher's energy. The clash between mother and son sent shockwaves through the hall, the force of their blows shaking the very foundation of the palace.

Esdeath's eyes, usually sharp and cold, softened as she fought, a mother's love shining through even in battle. She dodged Aresius's strikes with the grace of a dancer, her movements mirroring the wind, and then countered with precise strikes that aimed not to harm but to teach. Each blow she landed was measured, reminding him of the responsibility that came with his strength.

Aresius, fueled by the mix of fear and determination, fought back. His punches carried the raw, uncontrolled energy of a Herrscher, shaking the air with their intensity. Esdeath deftly avoided the full force of his blows, redirecting his attacks with a gentleness that belied her warrior nature. She was teaching him, guiding his power, showing him that strength was not just about destruction but also about control.

As the fight continued, Aresius began to understand. He could see the wisdom in his mother's eyes, feel the love in her every movement. Slowly, he started to reign in his power, tempering his strikes and focusing his energy. The destructive shockwaves began to wane, replaced by controlled bursts that echoed the power within, yet held back the devastation.

Finally, Esdeath stepped back, her hands raised in a calming gesture. Aresius, his young face flushed with exertion, looked at his mother with a mix of awe and gratitude. He had glimpsed the vast ocean of power within him, and he now understood that with his mother's guidance, he could navigate its depths without drowning the world in chaos.

"Remember, Aresius," Esdeath said, her voice soft but firm, "strength is not just about might. It's about understanding, control, and the responsibility that comes with it. You are destined for greatness, my son, but you must wield your power wisely, with the wisdom of a ruler and the heart of a protector."

Aresius Morningstar, the Primarch of the World Eaters, had come a long way from the young boy who inadvertently caused shockwaves that rattled Imperium Primus. With guidance from his parents and rigorous training in controlling his Herrscher powers, he had harnessed his innate strength to a terrifying degree.

In the years that followed, Aresius had honed his abilities as the Herrscher of Physical Force. He could now command the very fabric of the physical world with precision, unleashing controlled quakes that could shake planets and manipulate the environment to his advantage. He had become a force to be reckoned with, a true embodiment of raw power tempered with discipline.

During his training, Aresius sparred regularly with both Fafnir and Esdeath, his parents and mentors. These sessions were not battles for dominance but opportunities to fine-tune his control over physical force. Fafnir, the God-Emperor, guided him through the theoretical applications of his powers, helping him understand the underlying principles of the physical world. Esdeath, with her unparalleled combat skills, challenged him to push his limits and maintain control even in the heat of battle.

Aresius took these lessons to heart. He learned to channel his Herrscher powers with precision, causing controlled quakes that could reshape landscapes without causing widespread destruction. He could manipulate gravity, allowing him to leap great distances or anchor himself firmly to the ground. His mastery over physical force was so complete that he could withstand incredible pressures, move objects of colossal size, and create protective barriers that defied conventional weaponry.

Despite his immense power, Aresius remained disciplined and focused. He understood the responsibility that came with his abilities. His loyalty to the Imperium and its people was unwavering, and he vowed to use his strength for their protection.

In the Imperial Year 0274, Aresius Morningstar stood as a testament to the disciplined control of cataclysmic power, a living reminder of the Imperium's might and the Primarchs' ability to channel their Herrscher abilities into devastating yet controlled forces of nature, His presence on the battlefield was enough to strike fear into the hearts of those who dared oppose the Imperium. With his disciplined control over physical force, he was not just a destructive force but a guardian, a protector of the Imperium and its people