Warhammer: In the Name of Nirvana

"So, you're saying I shouldn't have pointed out Perturabo's problem?"

"...Are you serious, Morgan?"

Donne's words were calm, with a hint of real confusion in them, just like his frowning brows, telling the stubborn contempt for these irrelevant matters: But when facing his blood relatives, Because the Lord of Vit is still willing to stop for a while.

He turned around, stood up straight, his hands habitually clenched into fists, hanging at his sides, and pushed away the Templars who were gradually gathering: especially the one who had been staring at Morgan from the beginning, holding the hilt of his sword, Sigismund looked eager to try with his burning eyes.

The warrior who emerged from the slums of Terra had already made a deep impression on his genetic father: Sigismund had been drafted into the Honor Guard of the Lord of Invite almost half a century ago. That is, the famous first company of the Imperial Fists [Templar]. At that time, he was just a young newcomer, but now he has become a leader among them.

In Dorn's heart, he placed Sigismund and his personal guard captain Acammus on the same level and gave him almost complete trust, but he would never give it to anyone, especially the West. Gismund revealed this: there was enough pride, impulsiveness, and recklessness in this templar.

Ever since he penetrated the prestigious arena of the Liberator not long ago and returned from the World Eaters Legion full of honor and pride, this Templar's vision has reached an unimaginable level. When he looked at Morgan and Perturabo, his desire to fight had surpassed his respect for the original body itself.

Dorn saw all this in his eyes and denied it. He hoped that his champion swordsman could get a valuable defeat in the arena one day in the future to better polish his arrogance: but Dorn's His personality determines that he will never take the initiative to interfere in these matters. The only thing he will do is to move Sigismund to the farthest corner of the corridor to avoid his offensive gaze towards the Lord of Avalon. What unpleasantness will it cause.

After doing all this, the Lord of Invite focused all his attention on his silver-haired blood body. He first frowned and carefully observed Morgan's condition. After confirming that there was no big problem, he pointed to The bench on one side of the corridor indicated that they could sit down and talk slowly.

As for why there are useless things like corridor benches in this tower designed by Perturabo himself, it is because the Lord of Steel has been accustomed to asking his Ava when making final improvements. He accepted the opinions of his blood relatives and graciously approved the insignificant parts.

For example: an ordinary bench that can bear the weight of the Primarch.

"..."

Donne chose to be half a step away from Morgan. He followed his blood relative of Avalon, silently, slightly nervously watching Morgan's every move, and quietly raised his hand. With one hand, his elbow joint was bent, his fist was attached to his waist, and his body's center of gravity was slightly forward, as if he was ready to move forward at any time to support Morgan, who was already crumbling in his eyes.

It was obvious that Dorn was clearly not used to this kind of movement or doing this kind of thing. His face was tense and his limbs were so stiff. He followed Morgan like a rusty tin man. I finished walking this mere ten meters.

After Morgan sat down and nodded to him, Donne immediately straightened his waist, froze for a moment, then lowered his fingers on his waist, standing like a soldier. There, half of the sunlight in front of Morgan was blocked: this scene seemed a bit strange to outsiders, but the Invites didn't think there was anything wrong with it.

His silence lasted for a few seconds, until his stone-like face became less hard than it was at the beginning. Finally, he managed to squeeze out a few words from his tightly closed lips.

"Can you still participate in the upcoming expedition and battle, Morgan?"

[It’s just a small matter, it will be fine tomorrow. 】

Morgan smiled. She didn't deceive Dawn too much on this matter.

Because the Lord of Avalon nodded, he regarded Morgan's words as a firm commitment from his blood relatives, so he no longer worried. So, he began to think about the topic that the Lord of Avalon wanted to discuss with him: The previous silence and embarrassment were gone, and the familiar cold face appeared again.

"Okay, let's move on to the previous question: you mean, you don't think I should accuse Perturabo of the mistakes he made in the war council, even though he was causing losses to the empire. "

These words that were so straightforward and without any compromise made Morgan's brows jump. She licked her lips that still smelled of blood, thinking about how to soften the atmosphere of the discussion on this issue: a conversation with a harmonious atmosphere is Areas in which she specializes.

[No, Dorn, it is not wrong for you to point out your brother's wrong behavior. The problem you pointed out does exist. Even Perturabo cannot object to this. I just want to remind you here... 】

"My words were inappropriate, right?"

When Morgan hesitated a little, Donne said this naturally.

"I know what you mean, Morgan: you're trying to say that I shouldn't have been so outspoken about every mistake Perturabo made, and that I should have looked after his heart and... his face... in softer words. Come and bring up those faults so as not to stir up unnecessary anger and violence in the hearts of our brothers, right?”

【……】

Morgan was stunned for a moment.

[You know it, you know all of this, Dorn? 】

"Because I went through the same thing, about fifty years ago."

Dawn said.

"At that time, I also pointed out the problem that a brother made when making strategic deployments: the results he achieved were indeed impeccable, but the original purpose of his plan was wrong. He was obsessed with To allow himself to win the best part of the war, rather than to fulfill the Emperor's orders dutifully."

"The occasion at that time was more serious and relaxed than today's conference room. After all, it was after the victory of the expedition. In addition to the other two brothers, there were also soldiers from various legions: I know that most of them People thought I was making a fuss out of a molehill, and the brother I accused also saw my words as an insult to his dignity.”

"In the end, the matter was resolved, but it was also very unpleasant. I realized this problem after that incident: Our brothers, regardless of their character or not, generally cannot accept direct criticism of them. Their character is full of With useless arrogance and self-esteem, if they just speak out, they will fall into unreasonable rage. "

[But you still did it today, and your words were not tactful at all. 】

Morgan sighed.

"indeed so."

Dorn nodded and did not defend himself in any way.

"Although I realize this and have thought about changing it, I still can't overcome some of my instincts: when I see problems arise, I will point them out directly. I cannot tolerate the use of fancy words. to cover up the damage caused by these issues, even though it will cause some harm to our brothers.”

"And just as they couldn't control the inexplicable arrogance in their hearts, I couldn't control my impulse: Perturabo did lose control during the conversation, but I can't be said to be very calm."

"It's my fault, Morgan: I still haven't overcome this shortcoming of mine."

"There is no right or wrong in this debate between Perturabo and I. We are all just speaking for our own positions: You are right, such a debate is fruitless and will only waste precious time and money. Achievements."

Donne revealed little by little.

【That's right...】

Morgan thought for a few seconds, continuing his weak character, and at the same time trying to exchange silence for more details, such as letting Dorn add something by himself, but the reality soon became disappointing, because Dorn Feeling that he had said enough, he turned into the silent black iron statue again.

The Lord of Avalon was a little disappointed.

[Well, Dorn, it seems that we have no more conflicts to speak of. Now that this matter has passed, let it pass. I will solve it on Perturabo's side: It's you, my Invite. Brother, I have a few more words that I want to tell you. 】

The Lord of Avalon coughed lightly. She put these topics aside for the time being and glanced at the Imperial Fists scattered around her: In at most ten minutes, these people will be taken to his battleship by Dorn. , rushed to the nightmare front line together to meet the Hrud alien army that had slaughtered countless lives.

At the thought of this, the primarch's voice became earnest.

[Listen, brother, I know what I said is a bit long-winded, and the relevant files have already been sent to the display screen of your battleship, but here, I still want to tell you a few words about what you want to fight against. about those Hrud people. 】

Donn didn't respond. He just leaned forward again, assuming a posture of listening carefully. Under his straight eyebrows were extremely serious pupils, memorizing every word carefully.

[First of all, rely on your long-range firepower and fleet support in battle. Don't let your warriors fight those aliens in close combat. Move as far away as you can. Don't enter caves or fortresses if you can: Perturabo The five thousand best men under his command died in the Hrud underground transportation network. 】

"I will restrain them."

[Secondly, listen to me. If the war situation is unfavorable, don’t take any chances and prepare to evacuate as soon as possible. The number of Hruds is greater than you and I imagined. Once they form a migration wave, it will be enough to overwhelm an entire legion. You have built a line of defense: you just want to conduct an exploratory battle, and you don't need to hold on to those worlds as the territory of the empire. 】

"...I try my best."

Dawn nodded with some difficulty.

【at last……】

Morgan smiled bitterly.

[Dorne, I have always heard of the reputation of the Imperial Fist, which can destroy cities and strongholds and conquer all enemies. But please allow me to say that in this battle, even if you are sure to capture the enemy on the front line, Fang Shijie, I don't advise you to do this either: a tentative attack is all you should do. 】

"……Why?"

The Invite frowned, and Morgan pointed in the direction of the conference room.

[If you can really capture that world, it won't matter. After all, it will be beneficial to the entire war situation: but in the next military meeting, you need to carefully consider your words, brother. 】

"words?"

[I mean: use some skills. 】

"..."

"Forgive me for not agreeing, Morgan."

Dorn was silent for a moment, his face still stern, staring at Morgan intently.

"The next war meeting means that this expedition will begin again. The enemy is now. We must abandon the red tape: I know what you mean, Morgan, but no one's emotions should control the war and countless warriors. On top of life.”

"If our brother Perturabo still doesn't realize this, then I will point it out: again and again until he does."

【……ha……】

For a few seconds, the air seemed to be stagnant because of these harsh words, until Morgan shook his head and laughed helplessly after a long silence.

[Donne, just a minute or two ago, you told me about the mistake you made decades ago, and less than ten minutes ago, you made the mistake again, and again Witness the bitter consequences: So, why are you still unwilling to change? 】

"Because if I change, it will lead to a bigger mistake."

The Primarch of the Imperial Fists looked at his blood relative and spoke word by word.

"Morgan, I never believed that I would be a perfect person, and I never believed that there would be perfect people in the galaxy. Each of us will make mistakes, and what we have to do is to make mistakes again and again. The trade-off is: bear the small mistakes to avoid bigger mistakes, bear the mistakes that will only hurt you in the end, and prevent other mistakes from hurting more innocent people.”

The Spider Queen raised a brow.

[So do you think taking care of Perturabo's shortcomings is a bigger mistake? 】

"certainly."

Dawn raised his head slightly.

"Perturabo's hatred for me is nothing compared to the countless Iron Warriors and mortal auxiliaries who have lost their lives because of this shortcoming in your mouth: so, I will only do it again and again, Point out the mistakes he has made in front of him until he changes on this issue and until the blood of the Imperial warriors will not be shed in vain.”

[Then you can also choose a more appropriate method to remind him. 】

"Like those techniques of yours? Have they worked so far?"

Dorn just asked back, leaving the Lord of Avalon speechless. Instead, the Invite smiled briefly, and his next words were like an alarm bell, ringing in Morgan's heart over and over again.

"Morgan, I respect your habits when getting along with Perturabo, but I don't believe you haven't seen this problem: our brother is extremely talented, and he has innate abilities in mathematics and logic. In this case, can he really not realize how wrong his method is?"

【……】

"Perturabo may have had many problems, but stupidity was not one of them."

The Invite shook his head.

"He knows, he has always known, he is just pretending that he does not know, he is just escaping from the mistakes he has made, whispering in a private fortress: In this case, I want you to use those so-called things in your mouth It is impossible to persuade him with language skills. If the facts and suggestions are not put in front of him in the most straightforward way, he will have a thousand ways to continue to deceive himself in his heart. "

"Only when we push him into a corner, when he has no way out, will he see the real facts and the suggestions we gave him."

"As for him being angry about it: that's perfectly normal."

"But, that doesn't matter."

As always, Dorn paused immediately after finishing this necessary long speech, waiting for the Lord of Avalon to give him feedback, and Morgan responded to him with a rhetorical question after silence.

[So, have you decided to play this role, Dorn? 】

"That's right."

The Invite nodded.

"I'm not sure if anyone else is doing it, but I'm going to do it."

"I know that strictly speaking, this matter has nothing to do with me. I have no right to dictate the tactical style of the Iron Warriors. I should also take care of Perturabo's emotions, but his behavior has jeopardized the entire Great Crusade. With the interests of the human empire, countless resources and lives were wasted by him: then, I will naturally become his enemy on this issue. "

[But many times, Perturabo's behavior may not be completely wrong. 】

"No one can judge right or wrong Morgan, you can't, I can't, and he can't either: the only one who can judge us is the Emperor. If the Emperor will make a judgment on this matter, then I will naturally respect his decision. The result, but before that..."

"I won't stop."

Donne said this.

No one would question his determination.

【……】

Morgan laughed.

[Don’t be afraid. After being forced into a corner by you, Perturabo will give up on himself, making the situation worse: he can still rely on some illusory things to restrain himself, but once the bottom line in his heart is If it is trampled, the future situation will not be predictable by anyone. 】

"I'm not worried about that."

Dawn shook his head, his attitude more determined than Morgan expected.

"He is our brother, Morgan, and he bleeds the same blood as us. Although he, like most of our brothers, is bewitched by the strange sense of pride in his heart, I believe that when he really opens his eyes and admits When he faces the reality, he will change and become the real Lord of Steel."

Dawn chewed on every word.

"He has the ability and the qualifications: he is no worse than any of us."

"I believe Perturabo can do it, every one of our brothers can do it."

Dorn smiled. His simple, stubborn and strange optimism about his blood brothers made Morgan raise his eyebrows. The Lord of Avalon confirmed as quickly as possible. This is what Dorn really thought: He really Believing that when his brothers see reality, they will become invincible and they will become the best in the galaxy.

The last one thought this...

It seems that he is still her Robert?

【……】

Faced with this naive notion, Morgan simply responded with silence.

[So, you left that advice book for him for this purpose: hoping that he could see the reality clearly and that your advice would be helpful to his plan? 】

"indeed so."

The Invite nodded.

[Then if that’s the case, why don’t you highlight that book? 】

Morgan stood up slowly, the conversation was coming to an end.

[Why didn't you tell him of the importance of the book, and simply gave it to Perturabo: he was as sure of your abilities, Donne, as you were of him. , as long as you say a few more words, I believe Perturabo will pay more attention to the existence and value of this book. 】

"……No."

The Invite took a step back, and raised one of his hands again, still ready to support his blood relatives at any time, but the serious expression on his face only left simple words that sounded devoid of any affection. .

"You don't have to do that."

【Why? 】

"Because...it's not necessary."

——————

"Instead of thinking about these things, it is better to think about the competition after the expedition."

【sports? Have we finalized any resolution on athletics? 】

"No, Morgan, this is just based on my personal experience: when I had a dispute with another brother decades ago, the duel between our respective champion swordsmen was used as the final referee. "

"This is the method he taught me."

"From the Legion's point of view, this is indeed the most appropriate solution, and I don't think Perturabo will refuse this suggestion: a competition to end this debate and put all things into perspective. Certainly."

【……】

[Please ask, Dorn. 】

[Who is the brother you mentioned who had a dispute with you decades ago? 】

"Jonson."

【...Jonson? ! ! 】

"Yes, Jonson, the other two participants were Horus and Fulgrim: At that time, Jonson and I had just returned and conducted an expedition to the Midnight Sector. Our conflict was in It broke out after that expedition.”

"……What's wrong?"

【...No, nothing...】

[I just learned that Zhuang Sen has such a story...]

【turn out to be……】

——————

The lion never told her!

He was hiding something from her!

Really... really...

——————

"Unforgivable..."

"How dare he..."

Steel, a piece of resentful steel constantly wandering in the conference room.

From the seat on the left to the hanging bookshelf on the right, from the map on the wall to the interstellar sandbox on the desk, time passed minute by minute, but the anger in my heart still did not stop: when Perturabo returned When he was in the initial position, his brows were still furrowed together, and his anger was still boiling in his soul.

How great it would be if there was a trident here who made a mistake at this time...

The Lord of Steel instinctively expected this situation to occur in his heart. Although he would never admit this idea, he did not open the door and go to his children in the end: after hesitating for more than ten minutes, Petu Labo returned to the starting position, venting his anger in a simple way.

Drawing, working, making plans, designing new forts and defenses, and...

These repetitive mental tasks occupy most of the Iron Lord's private time, and the related tools and documents are also placed in the most convenient position: past battle reports are on his left hand side, a dense file cabinet Just behind him, various legion numbers were placed within easy reach, and Dorn's book of recommendations...

"..."

Perturabo's expression grew gloomier.

He saw the book, as if he was looking at some hateful alien. In the next ten seconds, the Lord of Steel fell into a long silence. He glanced at the decorative stove not far away. I took one look at this abominable book and my eyes kept jumping.

But in the end, with a tight frown, the Lord of Steel picked up the book and opened a page at random: after just a brief glance, his brows relaxed unconsciously. , and then he greedily turned over a few more pages, nodding his head at the new vocabulary and suggestions he had never thought of.

It looks like Dorne...

…Dorn…

As soon as he thought of this name, the Lord of Steel's expression distorted again, turning into a terrifying monster. He spat at it, threw the book into the distance, and continued to immerse himself in his work, repeating those words that had been written for thousands of years. He had done similar homework all over before: marking errors and then drawing a clear route. Many drawings that he had already mastered appeared in his mind, as well as a new design that had just poured in dozens of seconds ago...

"..."

Perturabo's pen had stopped, and he was frozen there, maybe for a few seconds. When he raised his head, under his palm was the new design that had just been drawn halfway: after hesitating for a moment, , the Lord of Steel cautiously approached the book that he had thrown away, as if he was approaching some unknown monster. He picked it up again and quickly turned over two pages, trying to find the design drawing, but then , some brand-new content attracted his attention.

A brand new trench design, a new idea that had never been seen before, was enough to open a spark of inspiration in his heart: this came from Holy Terra and the Imperial Fist...

"...Tsk..."

Immediately, the book was thrown away again and rolled to the other side of the table. The Lord of Steel forcibly ordered himself to turn around, quickly returned to his original position, and plunged into his previous work. At the post, I stuffed those data and drawings into my mind again.

That's right, he doesn't need that thing, although it does make some sense...

Perturabo warned himself.

But he had more important things to do.

Drawings, offices, plans, new designs and trench planning...

That design drawing, and that perfect trench...

"..."

"...Really!"

After struggling and wandering in vain at his post for more than ten minutes, Perturabo suddenly raised his body like a man falling into the water, breathing heavily. His face turned dull due to shame and other unknown reasons. Red, his eyes instinctively looked at the book, but his brain yelled madly to stop.

He doesn't need to look at it, it has no reference value...

He should look elsewhere...

right! Something else!

Look at the desk! Look at the drawings! Look at past casualty reports! Look at the small objects in the room, the pendants on the wall, the blazing stove in the distance, and the goblet that Morgan placed there...

goblet? !

The primarch's gaze froze.

The next moment, the Lord of Steel stared intently at the goblet, staring at the few drops of coagulated blood remaining on it, as if he could see the faces of his blood relatives that had become pale due to hard work and exhaustion, and the pale faces. The forced smile on his face and the blood on the corner of his mouth.

"..."

No one knew what Perturabo was thinking, not even himself. He seemed to have lost his mind and stood there, letting time continue to flow, his lips gradually becoming dry, and his fingers trembling. , his vision was gradually distorted, and even his legs were a little unsteady: only the blue veins on his forehead told the story of the fierce battle going on in his brain.

He was silent.

Until he raised his head and let out a helpless sigh.

Finally, the Lord of Steel took his own steps. He quickly walked to the book of Dorn's recommendations, took it away, and left quickly, as if he was avoiding something, without forgetting to take the book. The high wine glasses were brought over as well.

Then, the Primarch of the Iron Warriors Legion placed the goblet on his most precious display board with great solemnity, then turned around and picked up the book. After a moment of disgust, he found a seat and sat down. , rough fingers caressing the equally rough cover: the Lord of Steel despised his brother for a while because of this unartistic packaging.

Then he opened it.

This time, he did not open one of the pages casually, but solemnly started reading from the first page, reading word by word, silently reading his brother's outspoken writing style in anger.

At first, there was still anger.

But the Primarch soon fell silent.

After a sigh, the only sound in the room was Shasha's notes.

——————

When Morgan finally finished all her business and sent her Invite brothers to the battleship, it took her some time before she finally returned to the conference room, disturbed by the silence.

But fortunately, the situation was better than she imagined. Perturabo just stood in front of the huge star map, with his back to the door, silent. In his accustomed office position behind him, Morgan You can see that Dorn's notes are safely placed there, and there is a data pad spread out next to it, which is densely packed with countless words recorded on it.

The Lord of Avalon took all this in sight. She said nothing and just walked lonely all the way behind Perturabo, waiting patiently for the Lord of Steel to appreciate every detail on the star map with relish. Then he turned around to communicate with her.

It is worth noting that when Perturabo saw Morgan for the first time, his body seemed to tremble slightly, his thick lips pressed together, and he did not speak immediately, but was stunned for a moment. After the meeting, the topic started somewhat abruptly.

He never turned around completely, as if he was running away from something.

"you……"

"Are you done with all your work?"

[There are two more, one of which is related to you, brother. 】

"explain?"

Perturabo became interested, and Morgan didn't beat around the bush.

[In a previous battle, my Pale Rider Legion captured a highly valuable complete remains of a superior species of Hrud. Its various organs and body composition were intact, so I brought it with me. Come over here, on my battleship. 】

"Are you going to give it to me?"

The Primarch turned sideways, obviously understanding what Morgan was saying.

【Yes. 】

Morgan nodded.

[Your talent in this area is unparalleled, Perturabo. I heard that from the day you fought with the Hrud, you began to study countermeasures that could decipher their time weapons: I believe this highly capable Valuable wreckage can aid your research. 】

[What’s more, we do have plenty of research time now, don’t we? 】

Perturabo was silent for a moment, then nodded quickly to show his acquiescence.

"Looks like I'm going to need to lock myself away in my private lab for a while."

Having said this, the Olympian suddenly hesitated. He thought for a moment, stared at Morgan with his two pupils, and licked his lips, as if he was making some determination.

"Morgan, would you mind helping me during my absence?"

The Lord of Avalon just smiled.

[I believe that your trident and warsmiths can do their best, but if it is just a small favor, I will be happy to give them enough help, brother: during your absence, I will keep an eye on the steel The situation in the Warrior Legion. 】

"That's good."

Perturabo nodded.

"I will tell Fricks and the others to cooperate with your work during this period."

"What about the second thing, Morgan."

[As for the second thing, it is my personal matter and has nothing to do with the expedition. 】

Morgan smiled, and this smile made Perturabo lose interest in questioning. He continued to focus on the star map, and when the Lord of Avalon said goodbye and turned to leave, the Spider Queen's fingers conveniently wiped After passing between his lips, he connected to his eldest daughter on the "Dawn Goddess".

[Are you ready, Anya? 】

"Ready, for now."

Virgo's voice still sounds so reliable and reassuring.

"The Star Language channel has been adjusted and will wait for you to return to the battleship."

"You can have a long-distance phone call with Mr. Zhuangson at any time..."

"Come and have a good talk with him."

【yes. 】

Morgan smiled.

[After all, we have indeed not contacted each other for too long, haven’t we? 】

"..."

Virgo was silent for a moment.

"This strange desire for control in you seems to be growing exponentially, Mother."

【……】

[It’s nothing, Aniya, stop thinking about it. 】

[I'm just... a little bored. 】