Warhammer: The 11th Primarch - The Black Emperor

After the officers left, Nareth summoned Howard and the others. He fixed his gaze on them.

"You now have a chance to become something more, superhuman."

"You may already know what they are called. They are known as Astartes, warriors of extraordinary might."

Howard and Bukayo exchanged thoughtful glances, while Thierry the "Warior" clenched his fists, fire igniting in his eyes.

Seeing this, Nareth understood they couldn't yet distinguish the difference between his own Beyonder and the Astartes. So, he used telepathic transmission, sending a mental pulse to everyone present.

Over the course of several years, Nareth had assessed all his regiment commanders for potential and loyalty, training them in various pathways to become Beyonders.

'What I granted you, these powers, demand understanding. Their essence must be lived, not merely wielded.'

He obliquely explained the "Acting Method," then continued:

"You can't undergo a massive transformation all at once. It must be gradual. The growth may be slower, but the potential ceiling is far higher."

He only told them part of the truth. The other part was this: he still needed to gather potion materials.

Finding such rare materials across the vast galaxy was exponentially harder than finding them on a single planet.

"The powers I give you are varied and not limited to combat," Nareth conveyed mentally.

"Astartes enhancement is combat-centric. Even the brain modifications are for warfare."

"It will give you power rapidly, far faster than the abilities I've granted, which require several breakthroughs to match."

He spoke vaguely, still unsure what sequence the "Twilight Giant" pathway would need to truly rival an Astartes, and even less so for non-combat-based ones.

"Aside from rapid power growth, another benefit of becoming Astartes is longevity, hundreds, perhaps thousands of years."

Before ascending to higher sequences, most Beyonders didn't live as long as Astartes. By becoming Astartes, they'd gain time, ample time to reach new heights.

Then, Nareth spoke in a solemn tone, laying out the harsh reality:

"The Astartes process is best begun in childhood. Even then, there's a risk of failure."

"You are all far past the optimal age. The chances of dying during the procedure are significantly higher."

"And once it's done, there is no rest. What awaits you is unending war."

"So," he said with emphasis, "I want you to think carefully."

"This time, I offer you a true choice. Let your hearts guide your decision."

"Not only you, but your soldiers as well. I give them the same freedom to choose."

Nareth said this from the depths of his heart. These were the men who had followed him this far, and he hoped to build a kingdom with them in the future.

But this time, he wouldn't force them. His population policy had already shown results. The legion could now recruit children from Vostroya. As a reward for his men's achievements, he granted them true autonomy.

He had barely finished speaking when Thierry spoke up without hesitation:

"My lord, I will undergo the surgery. Even if I die, I will never regret it."

"Me too," Howard, Bukayo, and Szczesny said almost in unison, followed shortly by the rest.

Nareth's gaze fell on Roslov and Szczesny. They were the oldest and the most at risk. Both were nearly 40.

Roslov, in particular, had the least potential. His only qualifications as a regiment leader and "Warrior" stemmed from being the most capable of those who had followed Nareth since the underhive days.

Nareth said nothing more. He could clearly sense the blazing will each of them radiated, their souls gleaming in the sea of spirit.

No one would back down. A warning now would only plant doubt.

This was the time to encourage them. Nareth stepped forward and placed a large hand on Szczesny's shoulder.

"I believe in you. You will endure the Astartes surgery and emerge reborn."

At the same time, Nareth sent a telepathic suggestion deep into the "Sailor's" blue mental domain:

'You will survive the genetic surgery!

For the first time, Szczesny truly felt Nareth's care. He said with emotion:

"I won't let you down."

Nareth encouraged each man the same way, using his beyonder ability and planting a subconscious suggestion into each of their minds.

After years of study, Nareth had become a master in the psychic arts, surpassing even true psykers in his control of power and technique.

He planted mental commands into thirty-nine regiment commanders, and didn't feel a trace of fatigue.

Even the most sensitive among them, Bukayo, the "Midnight Poet", noticed nothing. They only felt their faith grow stronger after Nareth's words.

Satisfied by their unwavering resolve, Nareth nodded.

"Now, your next task is to fully explain both the transformation and its risks to your troops. Only those who voluntarily agree will be allowed to undergo the surgery."

"Remember, do not pressure anyone. No matter how talented someone is, they have the right to choose freely."

The group accepted his orders and left to carry them out.

Vostroya - Paradigm City

The second-tallest spire belonged to the Ward family.

Nightfall – Fender Estate

Howard handed a data slate to his steward, Kaminski.

"Distribute my assets according to the plan. Divide my wealth among my six children. The title of Count will pass to my eldest son, Fabian, when he comes of age."

"My lord…" Kaminski's eyes welled with tears. "Please reconsider…"

"No need. My mind is made up. From this day on, I will have nothing more to do with the Fender family. I will follow my lord."

Cradle of the Sea

Szczesny frowned as he faced the bronzed-skinned commander of the fourth regiment.

"Joseph, you're already 44. The risk is enormous."

"Commander, you're nearly 40, too. And yet you chose to undergo the surgery."

"I've already fathered two children. The Martinez bloodline will continue," Joseph said, eyes shining. "Now I want to become a superhuman warrior and follow Lord Nareth into the stars."

Aboard the Final Scythe.

Nareth received reports from every regiment commander.

To his shock, out of 34 regiments, 29 had reported in. Aside from the five companies left behind to garrison the Crystal Mirage, all others, 73,311 soldiers, had chosen to undergo the Astartes procedure.

Nareth conducted random interviews with three soldiers from each regiment. With his superhuman perception, he confirmed that every single one had made the decision willingly.

"All my warriors chose to follow me…"

Nareth was deeply moved.

Just then, a fleet translated into realspace from the void.

Its flagship, a battleship built in the 22nd Millennium, during the Golden Age of Humanity.

...

If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.

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