pdf-ebookys Chapter 33: I misjudged you, Sun Qian
Chapter 33: I misjudged you, Sun Qian
As Taric Torgarden and the last of the loyalist Astartes warriors boarded the Stormbird transport, he was suddenly struck by a sense of déjà vu.
Just a day earlier, he was a member of Horus's Council of Four Kings, serving as the second company commander of the Sixteenth Legion, and was eager to serve his most beloved warlord father, Horus.
An hour earlier, he, along with Loken and Taviz, led the surviving loyalist warriors into the Demon's Lair, vowing to make the traitors led by Horus pay the price, even if it meant shedding their last drop of blood.
But in reality, at that time, Torgarten already knew in his heart that Istvan III would be their burial ground, and that it was a war that could not be won.
His last hope was to force the rebel's senior commanders—ideally Abaddon and Asimand—to personally land and fight, so that he and Loken could question their betrayal, execute these shameful traitors themselves, or be...
However, the situation has now changed further.
As the Stormbird transport plane climbed higher, Torgadon could see the traitor legion regrouping in the distance. Although they had the advantage in both manpower and equipment, not a single unit dared to advance further.
the reason is simple.
"No matter how many times I've seen it, I'm still awestruck. It truly deserves the title of a divine machine."
The pilot beside him exclaimed in surprise, just as their Stormbird flew over Judgment Day.
Torgardon deeply agrees with this sentiment, for it was this transformation of the Imperial Titan from "destroyer" to "guardian" that brought about a dramatic change in the situation of the loyalists.
Originally, the Judgment Day was positioned in a position extremely dangerous for the loyalists, with its range perfectly covering the crucial road from Demon's Cry Fortress to the Great Tyrant. However, after her allegiance shifted, this area of firepower became a safe zone for the loyalists, deterring all rebel forces from advancing.
"Lord Sun Qian, who can conquer the divine machinery, truly deserves to be called a saint chosen by the Emperor. Having received the true revelation of the Wolf God, he will surely lead the Son of Horus to once again become the glory of the Empire!"
Togaton frowned, observing the driver beside him without making a sound.
He knew the other person was named Gerel Noktua, who was originally just an unknown soldier in the legion. After the rebellion, he helped Sun Qian seize the Great Tyrant and was also the pilot of another Thunder Eagle when Sun Qian parachuted into the Judgment Day.
He initially pretended to release the remaining rebels on the ship, but after Mortarian ordered the firing and Sun Qian performed a miracle, he persuaded the desperate rebels to rejoin the empire.
Or loyalty to...
"Indeed, I didn't expect there to be such a remarkable psionicist in the Legion. If it weren't for the Nikaya Law, he could definitely make a name for himself as an excellent think tank—"
"What Lord Sun Qian used wasn't some kind of psionic power, but a genuine miracle!"
Grell shouted angrily, and the previously harmonious atmosphere immediately plummeted to freezing point.
Torgarden's pupils contracted slightly. He did indeed have the idea of taking the opportunity to test the waters, but the other party's reaction was perhaps too extreme.
"Don't get excited, Sergeant Noktua. Of course I know that Brother Sun Qian is the savior of all of us loyalists, and his contributions to the Empire are beyond the reach of psionicists."
Upon hearing Togaton's words, Grell's attitude softened somewhat.
"I'm sorry, Company Commander Togaton may not understand, but... I have personally fought alongside Lord Sun Qian and personally experienced his magic. I am certain that it is different from dangerous and unstable psionic energy. It is a natural inspiration. Just fighting for him makes me feel that my whole body is filled with inexhaustible power."
"Oh?"
Togaton raised his eyebrows and said with interest.
"That's quite similar to Liu Bei's abilities."
"Liu Xuande? That name does sound somewhat similar to Lord Sun Qian..."
"He was a loyal soldier of the Death Guard who landed with Company Commander Taviz to warn us before the virus bombs were dropped and fought alongside us... In the process of repelling the rebels, he not only demonstrated excellent martial arts and command skills, but also used some special psionic powers."
Torgarden recalled with deep emotion, clearly impressed by Liu Bei.
"Besides the ability to unleash the hidden power of others, as you mentioned, he can also calm the minds of those around him, and even calmed down Company Commander Erlen, who was suffering from the implant in his head... Oh, right, he also said that he and Sun Qian are sworn brothers."
"So you and Lord Sun Qian are old acquaintances. That makes it no surprise."
Greer was initially skeptical, but upon hearing Sun Qian's name, he immediately understood.
As they talked, Stormbird began to slow down, preparing to land on the upper deck of the Great Tyrant.
"Has Liu Bei also joined the Great Tyrant? I'd like to get to know him too."
"No, he... he's not on this transfer list."
Torgardon looked somewhat somber, while Noctua seemed to have misunderstood something, and gently patted his shoulder armor with an expression that said nothing more.
"Don't worry, under Lord Sun Qian's leadership, we will definitely win this war and thus comfort the souls of the fallen soldiers."
"No, actually we can't be sure—"
Just as Torgarton was hesitating whether to explain the situation to Grell, he spotted a familiar figure near the landing site. One of his hands had been replaced with a mechanical arm, so Torgarton recognized him at a glance.
"Commander Togaton, First Lieutenant Commander Noctua, you've finally arrived."
Seeing the Astartes bow respectfully, Grell appeared slightly flustered.
"No, are you mistaken? I'm just a sergeant..."
"Just now, Lord Sun Qian and Lord Locken returned to the Great Tyrant and held a brief all-staff meeting. Lord Sun Qian was elected as the interim captain of the Great Tyrant as expected, and his first order was to appoint Sergeant Grell Noctua as the vice captain."
"Lord Sun Qian... the captain actually trusts me so much."
Seeing Greer's tearful eyes, Togadon's heart sank.
He had no objection to Sun Qian serving as captain. In fact, the loyalist commanders had already discussed it beforehand. Whether it was to stabilize morale or to respect Sun Qian's contribution in capturing the Tyrant, they should not compete with Sun Qian for command after they regrouped.
But Sun Qian's first act was to promote his own confidant, which seemed a bit excessive...
"Nero Vepas, you're not bad either. Did you get promoted from Loken's adjutant to the important position of messenger?"
Torgarton quipped with a slightly sarcastic tone, knowing that the man before him was Loken's right-hand man and, in principle, would not lower himself to flatter power.
"Commander Torgarton is joking. Any way is fine as long as it can contribute to the Great Tyrant. Anyway, please come to the strategic command room quickly. Captain Sun Qian is discussing military matters with Lord Locken and Company Commander Taviz... The situation is very urgent."
Unlike Grell, who was still basking in the glory of his elevated status, Torgardon immediately caught the unspoken meaning in Nero's words.
Is the urgent situation the battle situation or...?
"Then let's get going, Greel."
Torgarden and Greer hurried toward the strategic command room.
Along the way, he witnessed many unsettling scenes, including a woman named Euphrates Kira openly explaining the Book of Words on a radio channel, and not only mortal sailors, but even some Astartes were listening intently.
This is not a good sign.
However, Togadon at least knew what was important and what was urgent. He forcibly ignored these actions that clearly violated the truth of the Empire and quickened his pace to reach the strategic command room with Grell.
However, they had just opened the door—
Thump! Clang!
The first sound they heard was a heavy thud, followed by the crisp sound of the terracotta power armor slamming into the wall.
"I misjudged you, Sun Qian. You are not worthy to be Xuande's sworn brother!"
Loken remained in his punching stance, his eyes bloodshot, looking like an enraged lion.
Sol Taviz struggled to hold him back, preventing him from continuing his attack.
"No matter what you say, my decision will not change, Loken."
Sun Qian, supported by Cruz, stood up and coldly wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his fingernail.
"At this stage, I will not rescue Liu Xuande and the War Dog Legion. As the temporary captain of the Great Tyrant, I am responsible for the crew and loyal soldiers on board, as you should clearly understand—"
"Anyone who faces Angron will only meet a dead end!"