บท 33: We Are here to Serve
"That's none of your concern," Marneus replied curtly. His focus than returned back to the arena, "Who is he?"
"Standing in the arena is the new Chapter Master—a hero from the Great Crusade, preserved for centuries in stasis. Though his curse makes him appear as an ordinary man, his skills and instincts remain those of a warrior forged in the Emperor's service."
"Just like Lord Roboute?"
Roboute Guilliman, the Avenging Son, was the Primarch of the Ultramarines and one of the Emperor's twenty gene-forged sons. During the Horus Heresy, he remained steadfastly loyal to the Emperor, leading his legion to victory against the traitor forces. After the war, Guilliman undertook the monumental task of restoring the shattered Imperium, bringing order to the chaos that threatened its collapse. He was the architect of the Codex Astartes, a sacred tome that redefined the structure and doctrine of the Adeptus Astartes, and oversaw the Second Founding, dividing the vast legions into smaller, independent Chapters to safeguard against future rebellion.
But his story was not without tragedy. During a battle against the traitorous Emperor's Children, Roboute Guilliman was gravely wounded by Fulgrim, his brother-Primarch, who used a blade tainted with dark, unnatural power. The wound to his throat was severe, and the poison from the blade was too deadly for even the Imperium's best healers to treat. His body now rests in stasis, preserved within a life-suspending machine in Macragge's Temple of Correction.
"Although Mr. Kayvaan isn't on the same level as Lord Roboute, I must admit he is a hero of the Empire," Jacob explained. "He survived the legendary era and carries a reward personally granted by the Emperor himself—an appointment to establish a new Space Marine chapter. But today, for someone like him, such a responsibility feels too heavy. That's why I see this as an opportunity."
"So, your plan was to scare him into giving up command, and then convince him to hand the reins over to you?" Marneus smirked. "That's a foolish strategy. Astartes don't fear humiliation. We don't even understand fear."
"I didn't mean to humiliate him—"
"Don't bother denying it," Marneus interrupted, his tone icy. "Tradition dictates that three neophytes challenge a captain to prove their worth. But you sent in three veterans against an unaugmented human. That wasn't a trial, Jacob—it was an execution."
"It wasn't meant to go that far!" Jacob stammered. "Please, Lord Marneus, believe me! I never wanted to kill him. I just thought... if we scared him, he'd realize he isn't fit to lead a chapter. Without the genetic modifications, without the surgeries, he can't truly command a Space Marine chapter. This is an opportunity to strengthen our forces. Surely you understand the precarious position the Space Marines are in right now."
"But instead, it's your veterans who were humbled," Marneus said, his gaze shifting to the arena as a fourth Space Marine entered, his steps heavy with fury. "And now you've disgraced yourself."
The newcomer's voice thundered across the arena, laden with anger. "What treachery is this? What heretical trickery did you use?"
Kayvaan blinked in surprise before recognizing the man approaching him. It was the same Space Marine he had confronted at the gate earlier. "You're...?" Kayvaan gestured toward the pale-faced Marine lying on the ground nearby. McCain was clutching his own aorta, trying to stem the alarming flow of blood. "You're Captain Adams, right?"
"That's right," the Marine growled. "The three men you just defeated—those are my soldiers. Veterans. Tested by war. And yet you, a mere human, brought them down. What sorcery is this?"
"No sorcery," Kayvaan said calmly, shrugging. "If you watched the fight closely, you'd see my victory was fair."
"Fair?" Adams's voice rose in disbelief. "I watched every second. When Jack accused you of using witchcraft, you didn't even deny it. And how in the Emperor's name could you hurt a Space Marine with your bare hands?"
"McCain's leg was injured," Kayvaan explained casually. "He had surgery recently, and probably to treat Residual Ossification Syndrome(a rare condition in veteran Space Marines where their bones become too hardened over time due to their enhanced physiology. This can cause stiffness in joints, reduced flexibility, or minor pain during rapid movements, making them slightly less agile in combat). While he's mostly recovered, there's still a subtle imbalance in his movement. It's not hard to spot if you know what to look for. His inner thigh has a slightly different texture, which suggests recent scarring. By targeting that area, I could tear his muscle and expose his aorta. From there, the rest was easy."
Kayvaan glanced at the second Marine. "The next one fell because of his two hearts. I noticed a hesitation in his movements—a sign of lingering trauma from a previous battle. Likely scarring or damage to his Haemastamen from an old wound. And the last one? He wasn't ready for the fight. A veteran, yes, but recovering from spinal surgery after a serious injury. A scar along his lower back gave it away. His Ossmodula protects him, but that area hasn't fully healed. A precise strike disrupted the nerves there, paralyzing him momentarily. It's not magic—just observation and understanding of Astartes physiology."
"That makes sense," Adams admitted, still processing everything, while half of him still in disbelief.
Kayvaan shrugged, his tone casual. "Then why are you still standing there? The fight is over. Shouldn't you be calling the Apothecaries? A momentary cardiac disruption can be stabilized, a ruptured artery needs proper sealing, and even a spinal shock will recover with time. These are manageable issues."
Adams snapped back to reality. "Of course!" He quickly signaled the Apothecaries, who hurried into the arena moments later, moving chaotically as they administered first aid.
From the sidelines, Marneus watched the scene unfold with a grim expression. "His observation, judgment, and combat skills are unbelievable," Marneus muttered, glancing at Jacob with a mix of pity and disdain. "And you thought you could question his worth? Really, Jacob? As an advisor to the Chapter, your actions make me doubt your judgment."
Jacob stammered, "I—I was only thinking about what's best for the Ultramarines. The current situation is dire. We must strengthen our position, and —"
"Enough," Marneus interrupted, sighing deeply. "I know your concerns. The Imperium is besieged on all fronts, and we face constant challenges to our dominance. But never forget who we are: the Emperor's chosen, the sword and shield of Humanity. The Adepta Sororitas may burn with zealotry, and the Astra Militarum may bring overwhelming numbers to bear, but we are the scalpel that cuts through the heart of the enemy. Redundancy? No. Our purpose is clear, as it has always been. Do not let fear cloud your loyalty."
Jacob hesitated, his voice unsteady. "I—I just can't shake this fear. If the Adepta Sororitas and the Astra Militarum outshine us, what is our purpose? Where do we fit in?"
Marneus placed a heavy hand on Jacob's shoulder. "Do you know what truly makes us strong? It's not just our power—it's understanding our purpose. The records in the Librarium hold the history of every battle since our founding. If you've studied them, you'd know our greatest challenge was not being too weak, but too strong. At our peak, the Legions were a force even the Imperium feared. That's why Guilliman himself decreed our numbers must be limited. We are not here to rule; we are here to serve."
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