A Goliath-class factory ship hovered in Vostroya's high orbit. It carried rare construction materials for the building of the fortress-monastery.
Inside the palace of Paradigm City, Nareth received the High Magos from Mars, Wensuai-HL-19, along with two familiar figures: Magos Kaminsky and local chanicum leader, Magos Kivior-2.
This was the first ti either of them had seen the Primarch since his return to the Imperium. Even without flesh bodies, odd code strings flickered through their logic engines. They exchanged a glance.
[Nareth//Divine Machine-tier entity/Vostroya unification logical]
Under his red robe, Wensuai-HL-19's voice was a chorus of chanical tones.
"Honored Primarch, this unit is Wensuai-HL-19. I extend my greetings."
"High Magos, welco."
"I have designed a standard fortress-monastery for you. It will be a sacred and perfect creation."
As he spoke, chadendrite moved before his chest, and a green holographic image was projected into the air.
Light shimred across the masks of Kivior-2 and Kaminsky. They were clearly captivated by the grand structure: an enormous foundation, sheer walls, plasteel rib-pillars, and crowned with laser turrets.
But as the two Magos admired the magnificence, Nareth shook his head.
"I am not satisfied with the design."
"Please indicate the errors // or unreasonable elents."
"Arsena," Nareth called.
His silver-haired aide operated a dataslate and displayed an alternate design.
Wensuai-HL-19's optics flared green. A cold, tallic tone issued from beneath his robes.
"This design violates the beauty of logic. The servants of the Omnissiah would never construct such crude forms."
The two other Magos agreed. Though the building used sharp geotric edges, it was asymtrical. From a top-down view, the main tower was a tilted cone stabbing into the crust at a 44-degree angle.
Surrounding it were 33-sided irregular structures and 11 spiral-shaped secondary towers.
Even inside, the design defied rationality: non-symtrical labyrinthine corridors filled the structure.
"No," Nareth said with authority, "this is my fortress-monastery, and it will be built according to my will."
He had made up his mind to infuse the fortress-monastery with chaotic design principles, embracing disorder and asymtry.
Even though they were augnted beings, all three Magos felt pressure.
After a few seconds of silence, the High Magos relented.
"As you wish."
Kivior-2 and Kaminsky exchanged logical processes:
[The Primarch holds a supre power in the Imperium // Vostroya belongs fully to the Eleventh Legion // No more dual authority // We now serve him.]
After concluding the eting, Nareth imdiately summoned Mikael and Thomas.
His aide held a dataslate and spoke clearly:
"Captain of the Ninth Company, the Primarch would like your report first."
Thomas glanced at the silver-haired psyker. He sensed powerful will and psychic strength in this "re mortal", perhaps even rivaling his own. That was rare.
"Father, Vostroya had 35,142 candidates in total. Of them, 4,902 passed the trials."
"Cradle of the Sea had 5,063 candidates, with 842 passing."
Nareth nodded slightly. Vostronia's new birth policies had only been in place for a decade. Most who qualified were from noble houses or families with multiple children.
He believed the candidate pool would grow with ti.
He then looked to the Chief Apothecary, who began his briefing:
"Father, per your will, I have intensified the training of Apothecaries and attendants.
Currently, there are 61 Apothecary trainees. Each has undergone 10–14 modification surgeries."
"Once completed, they'll beco apprentice Apothecaries."
"Additionally, I've trained 305 attendants. Their abilities vary, but all can perform 1 to 4 surgeries."
After a brief pause, Nareth gave orders:
"Select two Apothecaries, four apprentices, and send them, along with these attendants, to Vostroya's System to perform surgeries on all qualified candidates."
"As you command."
Mikael noted it down, then continued:
"So far, 7,215 individuals have undergone surgeries. 2,904 failed."
"Thanks to Marlena's help, the death rate has dropped dramatically. Only 484 died.
The survivors are all suitable for auxiliary troops."
Nareth quickly calculated:
'30,240 candidates failed in Vostronia, and 4,221 in Cradle of the Sea, a total of 34,461.'
He issued a new command:
"Assign all failed candidates to the auxiliary reserve forces."
"Those who failed surgeries, except those chosen as Apothecary attendants, are to be placed in the reserve and assist with training."
Arsena recorded the command for post-eting distribution.
Mikael's expression brightened as he delivered one last update:
"Father, I think you'll be pleased to hear this: Howard Fender, Bukayo Arshavin, and Thierry Vieira have completed all surgeries. They are now full 'Shadows of Order.' Tech-sergeants are tuning their power armor and weapons."
"Szczesny and others are either complete or undergoing their Black Carapace implants.
No issues reported."
Nareth bead with joy and nodded.
"Excellent," he said. "You've both carried out my will well. I will reward you."
"Arsena, take them to the lounge. Return in ten minutes."
"Yes, my lord."
Arsena led the two Shadows of Order to a guest lounge.
During the walk, he used the ti to ask questions not recorded in the reports:
"Captain Thomas, were there any outstanding candidates during the selection?"
"Yes, thirteen perford quite well. The best was Pell Koschelny."
Ten minutes later, they returned to the chamber.
Nareth extended both hands.
"The red elixir in my left hand is for you, Mikael. The dark crimson elixir in my right hand is for you, Thomas."
"Drink them, and receive the power I grant you."
Without hesitation, the two took the vials and drank.
A mont later, Mikael beca a Sequence 9 'Apothecary', and Thomas beca a Sequence 9 'Seer'
"You are now new mbers of the Court of Black Dukes," Nareth declared.
He transmitted the organization's data to them and turned to Thomas:
"Arsena will need your help with his work. He will coordinate with you."
At the sa mont, elsewhere on the ship...
Thierry, wearing power armor, opened his golden eyes, now turned black, burning with warlust.
The "Pugilist" looked at Howard and Bukayo and declared:
"I want to challenge Captain Cezak of the First Company!"
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu
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