Chapter 24: Meeting You, My Joy (Part 1)

Barbarus.

In the aftermath of the attack by the Poxhound beasts, the newly formed Death Guard managed to save most of the villagers.

Their most formidable and towering leader delivered a speech in the village's grain field. Herella, her face streaked with tears, watched him intently.

"We've been oppressed for too long, so much so that we've forgotten the dignity we once held," he declared.

"Let us unite, stand against this injustice, against these atrocities, against all this filth!"

"Join us! Take up your scythes and strike against this oppression!"

"Rebel!!!"

He proclaimed.

Rebellion.

Rebel!!!

Without hesitation, Herella, clutching her sister, departed with the Death Guard, leaving their past behind.

She wanted to grow stronger, to rebel, to protect her family, to shield the people of Barbarus! She aspired to be someone who could wield a scythe and defend others—

—just like Hades.

A warmth spread across Herella's face, making her feel slightly embarrassed by the thought.

She was but a frail woman, while that towering man was a true warrior.

She felt she could never match such a dazzling presence.

Shaking off her doubts, Herella thought, even if she couldn't catch up, she would strive to. She was tired of feeling weak, the taste of vulnerability gnawing at her very soul.

She wanted to be like Hades, a beacon of hope and protection for others.

You can do it, Herella. Keep pushing!

Following the surviving villagers, Herella and her sister arrived at the Death Guard's new base. They registered their identities, were given a small house, and rations for two.

When asked which division of the Death Guard she wished to join, Herella immediately chose the combat division.

The registrar, an old man named Had, looked at her skeptically. Most women of Herella's petite stature chose logistics or medical.

"You're too frail, lass," he advised. "The combat division is intense. You won't last."

But Herella's determined gaze never wavered. "I can grow stronger."

Sighing, Had marked "combat division" on her registration.

Thus, Herella began her training as a Death Guard initiate.

The training was brutal. After three months of physical conditioning, the selection trials began. Only those who survived these trials would officially join the Death Guard.

She scaled a conquered mountain, unprotected against the toxic air that tore at her lungs. Many fell, succumbing to exhaustion or the poison, their grip loosening as they plummeted into the abyss.

But Herella persisted, driven by her desire to protect.

In the end, she was the third to reach the summit.

At the peak, Mortarion himself, leader of the Death Guard, presented her with a finely crafted rifle. From that day, she was a Death Guard, sworn to defend the people of Barbarus.

She vowed to resist to the very end.

Herella participated in numerous battles, her agility and sharpshooting earning her respect and admiration. She became a beacon of hope, just as Hades was to her.

Yet, in the quiet moments after battle, looking up at the sky, she'd wonder if the sky on the day they met looked the same.

Under the guise of seeking war updates, Herella discreetly gathered information about Hades. She learned he was only two years her senior and one of the original three Death Guard. Despite his prowess, he was often ostracized.

Why? Such a talented individual, yet so underappreciated?

During one team assignment, Herella deliberately arrived late, ensuring she'd be paired with the often-avoided Hades.

He waited for her, scythe in hand, in a quiet corner of the battlefield.

She approached, her heart racing. She couldn't appear weak in front of her idol.

As they fought side by side, Hades, impressed by her skills, remarked, "Good shooting, girl. I remember you, the one who drew the hounds' attention. I knew then you had potential."

Herella's face flushed, grateful for her gas mask that hid her embarrassment.

Over time, Herella consistently chose to team up with Hades. They shared stories, and he taught her combat techniques. In return, she often cooked for him, taking joy in his hearty appetite.

Despite the constant battles and occasional dizziness, Herella's life was filled with happiness and purpose.

She grew stronger, protected the weak, and became friends with Hades.

Under Mortarion's leadership, the Death Guard thrived, toppling one lord after another.

The future looked promising.

As long as they resisted, the future would be brighter.

Even if it meant sacrifice, she would protect it all.

Herella believed this deeply.

Author's Note: Aside from the protagonist Hades, other characters are portrayed seriously. Hades, with his carefree nature, occasionally brings light-hearted moments to this grim world. The Barbarus arc won't be long. I know everyone loves the Space Marines (I do too), so I won't drag it out. Soon, our protagonist will become one.