Warhammer: The 11th Primarch - The Black Emperor

"Kingdom of Disorder," Nareth murmured, his right hand gently rubbing a three-sided dice.

He could sense that some kind of mystical connection had formed between him and the Dice of Prophecy.

It was vague yet unmistakable; he knew that the dice in his hand was the corresponding item for the Sequence 3 of the "Hermit" Pathway: Clairvoyant.

The vagueness came from the fact that he understood this only through the dice's connection, but not clearly enough to explain how he knew.

Yet he was certain: the Dice of Prophecy aligned with the Clairvoyant, and not the "Fool" or the Sequence 4 Prophet from the White Tower pathway.

Nareth toyed with the dice for a while but could draw no further insight. He silently contemplated:

'The root of this connection must lie in the laws themselves. Perhaps once I advance to the middle sequence, I'll glimpse its true essence.'

He stopped probing further and shifted his attention to choosing a target for divination.

'Up to this point, I haven't received any reports from Sanchez. It's possible he hasn't yet conquered Tanith, or that he's just sent a warp-encoded message. Either way, he won't be back soon. Divining Catachan would be a waste.'

His mind rapidly flashed through all the human worlds he knew of that had yet to be discovered by the Imperium, Valhalla, Ventrillian…

One name lingered: Mordian.

'Bukayo discovered both the Daxos Twin World Systems and Cypra Mundi; he deserves a reward. Mordian is well-suited for the "Darkness" pathway, ideal as a recruitment world for the Third Chapter. Also, it lies close to Cypra Mundi on the map and could serve as a strategic bastion to guard the entire region.'

Decision made, Nareth quickly recalled all available information about Mordian:

'Segmentum Obscurus, Mordian System, Primary World: Mordian.'

'Mordian's rotation and revolution periods are identical, so half the planet is perpetually scorched by its sun, while the other remains in eternal shadow.'

'All life exists on the dark side, hence the name "The World Eternal Night."'

'The planet's lack of rotation eliminates the Coriolis effect, preventing the formation of strong winds, its atmosphere is thick and heavy…'

After reviewing all this in his mind, Nareth began to chant mentally:

'The star chart from Cyra Mundi to Mordian. The star chart from Cypra Mundi to Mordian…'

He repeated it eleven times, then tossed the Dice of Prophecy into the air.

The three-sided die spun several times before landing in his outstretched hand. At that moment, a scene unfolded before his eyes like a holographic projection.

Stars spread across the cosmos.

A twisting "serpent" appeared, its head a metallic sphere filled with countless multicolored threads, resembling a ball of yarn.

Its tail ended in another sphere, half blindingly bright, half completely dark.

As he memorized the star chart, Nareth simultaneously interpreted the vision using his knowledge of divination:

The metallic sphere symbolized Cyra Mundi, reflecting its industrial potential, a world that could rapidly rise as a forgeworld, rivaling even Mars in shipbuilding.

The multicolored threads were the many Warp routes converging on Cypra Mundi; its exceptional location made it an ideal base for the Imperial Navy.

The bright-dark sphere represented Mordian, eternally divided between light and shadow.

Returning to reality, Nareth used his superhuman memory to recreate the star chart and upload it to a data slate. It would be sent to the Third Chapter aboard a supply ship.

Then, he sought out the flagship captain, Diana Pauline.

"You've performed admirably. I intend to reward you, come with me."

"It's my honor to serve you, my lord," the female captain replied.

In her mind, she recalled the space battle in the Vigilus System against an Aeldar craftworld. The Primarch had pierced the illusions of the xenos, then severely damaged and torn their ship apart.

'Only a Primarch possesses such power…'

As she marveled, Nareth smiled and said:

"This is for my benefit as well. Finding a competent captain to helm my vessel is no easy task, I don't want to lose you."

Hearing that the Primarch needed her, Diana's eyes lit up.

'He needs someone to manage the affairs of Throne of Shadow's Sovereignty, coordinate the fleet, and oversee officers. He shouldn't be distracted by mundane tasks. He should focus on matters of greater importance.'

Following Nareth, she passed through the palace's outer training decks to its first level.

Two Honor Guards stood by the black gates. Upon seeing the Primarch return, they bowed deeply.

Nareth placed his palm on the panel, runes flickered, and the black alloy doors slowly opened.

Inside the armory section, he gestured toward the ring weapons.

"These are ring-weapons made by the space monkeys. Choose freely, you can wear all ten fingers like Arsena if you wish."

Diana didn't hesitate. She began picking through the rings.

Nareth's black eyes swept across his armory, space monkey-made rings, defense orbs, and spy flies filled a third of the massive vault.

'Their production rate is high, but nothing truly remarkable has appeared. Perhaps the Old Ones programmed them to mass-produce mundane gear. Waiting for a lucky find could take ages. Fortunately, one of the Jokaero is pregnant; once its child is born and bonded, I'll direct its research. The first priority: Jokaero defensive force field technology.'

As Nareth thought, Diana, just as he said, had chosen ten rings and adorned each finger.

The blonde captain approached him.

"Thank you, my lord. I once saw a noble in a tavern wearing rings like these. I never imagined I'd wear a full set myself."

Her blue-green eyes sparkled.

"I never imagined your private armory held so many ring weapons either."

Nareth raised his left hand and pointed to the defense orb section.

"You may also pick a defense orb." He paused. "As you said, they're just collecting dust here."

"I've decided to distribute some as rewards to outstanding ship officers. You'll set the standards."

Nareth also planned to have his attendants create similar reward systems for governors, treasure-hunters, and auxiliary troops, improving both their survival and loyalty.

Diana gazed at him with deep reverence.

"On behalf of all officers, I thank you for your generosity.

"To serve you is our honor and duty; you owe us no reward."

Later, Nareth and Diana returned to the bridge.

After five weeks of warp travel, Throne of Shadow's Sovereignty reentered the Vostroya System.

As the ship headed for its starport, Arsena approached the command throne.

"My lord, I intercepted a report that wasn't submitted to you. I believe it deserves your attention."

Nareth tapped the armrest. "Speak."

"The Groningen, a supply ship for the Second Legion, completed its mission and was on the return trip. It was also transporting a 'gift' for you, a full cargo of exotic creatures bred by Orks."

"But after emerging from the Warp, the Groningen ignored all hails and did not head to the starport."

"The auxilia unit sent to investigate has gone missing. The only message they sent back was filled with screams and roars."

The "Student of Ratiocination" spoke with calm certainty:

"I believe something went wrong with the creatures during transit. This will require your personal attention."

...

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

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