Chapter 64: Beneath the Surface

*The Endurance.*

Three months after the duel cage incident.

In the training hall of the 7th Squad, a temporary duel cage stood.

Ever since the duel fiasco, Blanca had completely revised Hades's training regimen.

Every morning, Hades trained with the veterans, focusing on specialized training and instruction. By the afternoon, it was time for real combat.

Not only did the veterans of the 7th Squad line up to challenge Hades one-on-one, but veterans from other squads also came to participate in the duels.

The 7th Squad's apothecary stood vigilantly by the duel cage. Whenever Hades fell, they would rush over to check on him.

Usually, a fallen Hades only needed a concentrated nutrient injection to get back on his feet and continue the fight. If one dose wasn't enough, then two would suffice.

Thanks to the enhanced nutrients of the Death Guard, Hades no longer needed to eat. His leisurely meal times were constantly interrupted by eager veterans challenging him.

Unlike the usual one-on-one duels, the Terran veterans found that sparring with Hades allowed them to quickly adapt their strategies based on their strengths and weaknesses.

For these veterans, it was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity to enhance their combat skills.

Hades's previous laid-back life in the forge hall had come to an end, especially with the Mechanicum from Mars making the forge busier than ever.

The seemingly redundant Hades was naturally plucked from the forge hall by Blanca.

Before leaving, Blanca shot a disgruntled glare at Tech-Sergeant Alberto.

For Hades, this was also a great opportunity to improve his combat skills. But he felt like a non-playable character, expected to respawn at set times and locations.

But he had no choice. He was constantly challenged by a horde of veterans and had to accept his fate with a mix of pain and joy.

It's like when you want to slack off, but your good teammates pull you up for a beating.

During this time, Hades's proficiency in Low Gothic, both in listening and speaking, skyrocketed.

He could now argue with Blanca in Low Gothic!

Although it usually involved Hades muttering a few complaints under his breath, followed by Blanca putting him through rigorous training, all under the guise of "for his own good."

Thank you very much.

Another recruit of the 7th Squad, Vox, had a completely different training path.

Every day, Vox was sent by Blanca to different squads to train with them.

Hades was puzzled and displeased. Why was he the only one getting beaten up every day?

He approached Blanca to ask why Vox's training was different. The usually rough veteran simply rolled his eyes and replied, "How should I know? I just do what I'm told. If you're so curious, ask Captain Gallo."

Hades remained silent.

Although he had physically bonded with the veterans, he didn't know any of the higher-ranking officers, except for Blanca.

In theory, he could approach Mortarion directly.

But Hades felt that Mortarion probably wasn't as informed about the Terran side's actions as he was. Asking him would be pointless.

Besides, Mortarion wouldn't concern himself with such trivial matters.

So, Hades decided to ask Vox directly.

Vox looked at the curious and innocent-faced Hades.

After some thought, he cautiously said, "Perhaps Blanca and the others want me to interact more with the Barbarus recruits?"

Hades was taken aback. So that was their intention?

It seemed that Captain Gallo of the 7th Squad wasn't trying to phase out the squad, contrary to Hades's assumptions.

What they didn't know was that Gallo was indeed that kind of person. The real instigator behind this strategy was the 1st Squad's Captain, Barasin.

*The Endurance*, in a secluded corner of the Librarium.

At the same time.

Chief Librarian Fernando stood in place, lost in thought.

After Ugo's reckless actions, the Primarch immediately ordered an investigation into Ugo and Calas's past actions and movements.

Unsurprisingly, all their secrets were laid bare for all to see.

Fernando remembered the day he was summoned to the meeting room to await the Primarch's final decision.

The Death Guard did have a military tribunal, but due to the unique nature of this incident, Primarch Mortarion personally led the investigation and judgment.

As a representative of the Librarium, Fernando stood in the jury area.

The cold aura emanating from the Primarch made the room's atmosphere heavy and oppressive.

Fernando discreetly swallowed hard.

The Librarium's unauthorized teaching of psychic abilities to legionnaires was a clear violation of regulations. Even if Mortarion decided to execute them, it wouldn't be considered an unjust punishment.

Given Mortarion's previous stance on the Librarium and psychic powers, Fernando didn't believe Calas and Ugo could escape this trial.

However, Mortarion spared them.

This couldn't possibly be a normal judgment!

The Librarium hadn't made any moves, and Captain Barasin of the 1st Squad had no strong reasons to protect them.

There was only one possibility. The recruit named Calas had privately approached the Primarch!

In the end, Ugo was demoted to the lowest rank in the Librarium, never to be promoted again, while Calas was barred from joining the Librarium.

The already overlooked Librarium's status within the Death Guard was further diminished.

This incident shocked the Terran management.

Mortarion's leniency towards the Barbarus recruits was far more excessive than they had imagined.

This forced them to re-evaluate some of their plans.

Sigh.

Although Fernando was concerned about the future of the legion, ever since Mortarion's return, he, as a member of the Librarium, had given up on the concept of a future.

It didn't matter.

Fernando knew Mortarion's stance on psychic powers was correct.

When he was sure no one was in the Librarium, Fernando stood in a corner, murmuring incantations.

In front of him, a bookshelf slowly opened in response to his chant—

Inside the secret chamber, the white light of psychic energy clashed with an ominous green glow.

Fernando darted into the chamber. Behind him, the bookshelf slowly returned to its original position. With a soft thud, the Librarium was restored to its usual state, as if no one had ever been there.

On the Martian transport ship, in the Sage's private lounge.

At some unknown time.

"The signals previously received from the Storm Sector have been confirmed. They originate from here, my lord."

Binary code swiftly spread through the air, received by the Sage on the other side.

In mere milliseconds, the message, filled with coordinates, data, and a plethora of scientific terms, was deciphered.

The metal-covered face had a small light on the side that flickered.

"This is good news. The lords of Mars will commend our discovery."

"Praise the Omnissiah."

"Praise the Omnissiah."