Chapter 69: Negotiations (Part 2)

The room's clock continued its relentless ticking, its sound echoing in the dimly lit space. The faint yellow glow of the room seemed to sigh softly.

Hades surveyed the seven captains seated around the long table. Their faces were stern, their expressions unreadable, all eyes fixed on him.

They awaited his response.

Hades remained silent.

He understood their concerns.

The rise of the Barbarus-born over the Terra-born was an inevitable outcome for this legion. Instead of resisting, it was better to find a spokesperson in advance to minimize the losses.

They had chosen Hades.

But did they really believe that just a preliminary observation would grant him a portion of their authority? There must be more to this offer than met the eye.

It was both a bargaining chip and a shackle.

If Hades agreed, he'd likely be tied to the Terra-born faction, gradually ascending to a managerial position.

But even without the Terra-born's offer, with Hades's abilities and Mortarion's favor, he could reach such heights.

More importantly—

Hades had no such ambitions.

Being a manager wasn't just about giving orders on the battlefield.

It involved communicating with superiors, coordinating with peers, allocating resources internally, and overseeing subordinates. And these weren't just any subordinates; they were warriors who fought on the front lines.

Entering management would mean a significant investment of time and energy, and he'd likely be trapped in a role of endless responsibilities.

Before he could prove himself, these veteran soldiers would probably challenge him.

They'd respect him, give him face, and work. But they wouldn't grant him real power.

It wasn't worth it.

Moreover, during the Great Crusade, internal management wasn't that crucial. Most managers simply executed orders from the Imperium and the Primarchs.

They were managers, not decision-makers.

The decision-making would be done by the new system established by the Primarchs.

If Hades truly wanted to lead his own army, his best option would be to request Mortarion to oversee the construction and recruitment in Barbarus.

Mortarion would likely be more than happy to let Hades handle the recruitment in Barbarus.

So there was no need to entangle himself with the old soldiers.

For these veterans, Hades's approach was one of respect and support. He would collaborate with them, earn their trust, and guide them through transitions.

Considering his own future and his appreciation for the old soldiers, Hades would definitely approach Mortarion, trying to convince him to retain most of the Terra-born.

Hades only needed to be the observer, the one who foresaw potential issues and set up safeguards.

Unlike Barasin, who played the "interest" card, Hades played the "emotion" card!

Back on Barbarus, even though Hades held no troops, people were willing to follow or assist him just by catching a glimpse of him from afar.

He showcased his abilities and beliefs, and they offered their trust.

Hades always played the "emotion" card!

So, mere benefits, especially those with strings attached, wouldn't sway him.

He looked at Barasin across the table and offered a modest smile.

"[Thank you, but I'm not particularly interested in controlling the Terra forces.]" he began. "[However, out of my personal respect and admiration for the Terra-born troops, I'm willing to approach Mortarion and try to persuade him.]"

Barasin sighed softly.

It wasn't an act.

If Hades was acting, he would've diverted the topic or subtly mentioned his lack of capability.

If he was truly greedy, he would've inquired about the details of the managerial rights.

But Hades did neither. To dispel their doubts, he even added an extra line.

Perhaps they had truly found a gem in Hades.

Barasin wondered how Galo had spotted Hades's potential first.

Could someone genuinely set aside their native planet's biases and embrace an unfamiliar, even hostile, culture?

Especially considering the tasks Galo had assigned to Blanca for a newcomer to the legion, it wasn't a pleasant experience.

Could someone truly be so forgiving?

Yet, looking at Hades, Barasin realized such individuals did exist.

What Barasin didn't know was that, as an outsider, Hades was relatively indifferent to the concept of "territory."

Moreover, Hades was aware of the future heroic tales of these loyalist old soldiers.

However, Barasin was unaware of all this. He only knew that Hades was playing the "emotion" card, so he had to reciprocate.

They had to offer a favor.

And to win over Hades, they needed to maintain a relationship with him.

Barasin spoke gravely, "[Your perspective has indeed exceeded our expectations.]"

"[We also appreciate your willingness to understand and respect our culture.]"

"[But we can't let you approach the Primarch without showing our sincerity.]"

Barasin paused, seemingly deep in thought.

"[If you ever need assistance or discover something of importance, you can come to us.]"

"[As long as it's within reason, we'll help.]"

He glanced at the other captains around the table.

"[We trust that you'll help us. So, if you feel there's something we need to be warned or reminded of, just come to us.]"

Hades was taken aback. Was this the insight of a wise man? The offer was almost exactly what he had hoped for.

He responded gratefully, "[Thank you.]"

Then, with a hint of hesitation, he added, "[For our future endeavors, may I know your plans?]"

Once Hades made his stance clear, the tension in the room eased.

Barasin seemed relieved, his previously rigid posture relaxing as he crossed his arms.

"[The moderates and the rationalists will stay. The radicals will be grouped together. In the next battle, Captain Tesus and I will lead them.]"

Casualties were inevitable.

Hades knew this, but hearing it spoken so matter-of-factly still shocked him.

Noticing Hades's reaction, Barasin gave a weary smile, his face aging in that moment.

"[You're close to the Primarch. Don't tell me you didn't see this coming.]"

"[But you're the leader of the moderates.]"

Barasin looked at Hades again, as if commending him for discerning the intricacies within the Terra forces.

"[I just happen to be in this position.]"

"[And]"

A glint appeared in Barasin's eyes, "[Who can easily abandon their old comrades? I believe no one can.]"

Silence.

A heavy silence descended once more.

But this time, no one spoke.

Mourn for them.