Chapter 17

(A few weeks after the conquest of Ceres, Terra)

The Great Crusade has reached its crucial stage as the forces of my children approach the ends to conquer the Solar System, the birthplace of humanity.

But that was not my concern at the moment because I had an important thing to do.

I step into my private armory, a place dedicated to keeping all my weapons created by me or acquired. While I think my flaming sword will be sufficient for what I plan to do, I will still take another weapon just in case.

Before me lay a collection as large as several small countries combined. Various types of weapons were placed before me - spears, maces, bows with arrows, crossbows, swords, futuristic weapons and various firearms with a thousand other types.

The armory was filled with various types of weapons, glittering items, and powerful artifacts. My heart was beating fast as I shared every detail of this space dedicated to the art of war.

After admiring my collection for a bit, I turn my gaze to the possible weapons I will choose.

The spear represents strength and power. It had an impressive presence on the battlefield, but offered limited flexibility in close combat.

Then I look at the maces, weapons that symbolized courage and authority. The mace was effective in combat and had a large advantage in range. No, I need something a little more subtle, something that will allow me speed and precision.

I switch to bows and crossbows and imagine their accuracy and distance that would allow me to engage targets from a distance. However, I need something a little more efficient and which does not need to be constantly charged. I'm not going to use a bow and arrow as cool as it is to imitate Mad Jack.

I slowly concentrate and absorb the knowledge of the hundreds of thousands of different weapons in front of me. I very quickly enjoy each one and review their usefulness and their narrative value.

After carefully considering each option, my gaze falls on the swords. It was a symbol of courage, struggle and military skill. Swords have everything you need - strong, agile, and capable of close combat.

It takes me less than a second to choose which sword I want and safely grab Asi, the ancient Hindu sword was mine and I immediately feel its size and power that corresponds with its splendid appearance. This sword is outstanding, it is balanced by strong cutting and precise stabbing of the opponent. Its sharpness brings incredible power with simple movements. With it, I can defy gravity with my own strength, a strength that comes from within.

I feel every person who ever believed in his existence and their thoughts and feelings.

I put Asi in the sword scabbard next to my main sword.

I close the door of the armory and walk slowly towards the laboratory.

The only sound I can hear throughout my journey is the soothing sound of my footsteps echoing through the palace corridors.

I was here alone, no Custodian was with me. I ordered them not to follow me because I saw no need for them where I was going.

I walk through the huge lab doors and step inside to be greeted once again by an impressive lab, filled with sophisticated devices and advanced technology that would awe first time visitors.

As I walked very quickly through the laboratory, my eyes were looking at everything that was being done at the moment. First I saw the cloning facilities, where the fleshsmiths worked to replicate life forms. Their beauty and precision was truly extraordinary.

The lines of the cloning chambers are impressive. Their potential and the possibility of creating identical copies of living beings was incredible.

After passing the cloning lab, my eyes were drawn to the facility for creating bio-enhanced soldiers.

This technology represented a powerful combination of the best advances in genetics and technological integrations. Entire complexes were dedicated and could create Custodes, Thunder Warriors, Sisters of Silence, Space Marine, and countless other possible super-soldiers given enough resources and time.

Perhaps even more Primarchs could be created with my help, but that was unnecessary at the moment.

My steps are directed towards gene enhancement devices. These devices offered the ability to modify and upgrade human genes, opening the door to countless genetic modifications.

After walking past the gene enhancement devices, my eyes focus on the compartment used to store the literal mountains of pure genetic seed from each legion. This was one of the most guarded parts of the lab as it was crucial to the survival of the Imperium.

My gait quickens and my eyes quickly pass over thousands of different and unique parts of the laboratory, each of which has its own uniqueness and unique purpose.

I finish my walk through the lab and enter my private room where I am greeted by Erda and Amar Astarte, their worried and scared faces speak louder than any words.

They will probably support me in my potentially suicidal mission. Emotions were clearly visible on their faces – expressions of concern and hope merged into one. They were probably ready to support my decision, but at the same time they were aware of the dangers I would face.

I approached them until I was only two meters from the two of she.

With intertwined looks, they expressed their love, concern and fear. Erda, sure she that I won't leave right away without saying goodbye, said softly "Don't you have another way, honey?"

My resolve didn't waver and I just replied, "Isha is in great danger right now. I have to try to save her, regardless of the risk involved in this mission, you have seen what will happen to her in the future. Trust me, I promise you that I will return."

Amar Astarte took a breath with tears in her eyes and said "Your bravery is immeasurable, but we can't stop worrying about you. Please take care and come back, the Imperium needs you".

I wrap my arms around she them, looking at them with love and determination that is comforting. "Your support gives me courage. I promise you that I will fight to the end and come back or the galaxy will disappear."

Erda immediately answered she her harshly with a worried expression, "Darling, you know how much I love you and care for your safety. But this mission is too dangerous and risky. Are you sure it's worth putting yourself in so much danger just to save the Xeno Goddess?"

I just take a deep breath, look them both straight in the eyes and answer with decisive words, "If I don't intervene in time, Isha will succumb to her inner sadness and despair and become The Plague Maiden. SheHer transformation into disgusting creature will symbolize the victory of despair and decay over life and it will become another victory for Chaos" I pause to take a deep breath and then continue "As you know, every advantage and victory, no matter how small, must be denied to Chaos".

Amar just nodded her head before slowly answering, "My lord, all my love and support is with you. I understand your desire to rescue that thing from its prison, but we must carefully consider all possibilities and consequences. Could there be another way to help her, without confronting her soul and body?"

"Unfortunately, I can't believe that the army of angels will do the rescue well. Their needs someone to lead the whole operation. Don't worry, I'm not going alone, I'll bring several legions of Angels with me to protect me" I answer.

Placing a hand over she heart, Amar she said "Your bravery inspires me. I know that goddess is pulling you towards danger, but please, promise me that you will take care of yourself and watch out for all possible dangers. We don't want to lose you."

Erda proudly she declared, "You are my master and my oldest friend, and I believe in you. We have gone through many challenges together and we have always come out victorious. I believe in you."

All three of us fell silent for a moment, aware of the gravity of the situation and the emotional tension. I look back at the two of them and with a sense of determination in my voice I say, "I promise you that I will take care of myself and do whatever it takes to get back. Neither of you will lose me."

All three of us spontaneously hug each other and spend a few minutes like that until we slowly break away from the hug because it's time.

I stand in the middle of the room and nod in greeting and draw my flaming sword and with one swing rip a hole in the fabric of reality and dive into the Warp and see the hole close very quickly at my command.

The easy part is over, now it's time for the hard part, of raiding Nurgle's Garden and rescuing Isha.

Behind me I see several legions of my Angels following me. Each will be very useful in attacking the sickest and most disgusting place in existence.