Warhammer: The 11th Primarch - The Black Emperor

While the Throne of Shadow's Sovereignty was en route, Nareth summoned his aide to his private office within the palace.

"What did you gain from the Tomb of the Former Kings on Fenris?"

"My lord, Fenrisian runes use a very primitive approach to manipulating aetheric energy, but there are indeed valuable aspects."

"Beyond that, I discovered a prayer inscribed on a cairn. Knowing your recent interest in such things, I made a rubbing."

Arsena had already compiled the Dunnic Lexicon with a vocabulary of 33,411 words, enough for most needs.

Nareth could not reveal the existence of the "Kingdom of Disorder" to them and had to pray alone to ensure the rituals pointed only to himself.

To meet the rules of this world regarding ritualistic language, he had extensively studied prayers from various races.

Nareth picked up a data slate and looked at the prayer sent by his aide:

"Great All-Father, Lord of Fenris, Creator of Asaheim and the Sea of Storms,…"

'Similar to what I've seen before, three-part directional invocations to ensure correct targeting.'

The Primarch memorized the prayer instantly and then said:

"I brought back some ritual items from the temple of Morkai. Study them."

"As you command."

After the "Student of Ratiocination" replied, Nareth began issuing legion deployment orders.

"Assemble the 2nd, 5th, and 11th Chapters. Head to Terra. You'll accompany me on the campaign in the Fire Wheel system."

Nareth intended to use the Fire Wheel campaign to temper the six chapters whose development paths were still undefined, and to discover new talents.

Considering their current condition, he decided to first summon three of the chapters to Terra.

"The other chapters are to work closely with those conscripted to explore routes, like Louis von Valancius, and quickly unify our territorial holdings, centering around Vostroya."

"Send a message to Mikael. Have the Chief Apothecary come to Terra."

Arsena recorded the Nareth's orders, then brought up several holograms on the data slate.

"My lord, the Techmarines have begun reverse-engineering the captured Aeldar Ranger long rifles and have made initial progress."

"Although we still can't replicate their psy-crystal creation techniques, the modified versions can now be used by Astartes and auxiliary forces."

"Compared to Imperial lasguns, the improved Aeldar rifles have longer range and higher accuracy."

Nareth's black eyes examined the holograms.

The modified lasgun lacked the sleek elegance of Eldar weapons, losing some of their distinct features.

Its length had been shortened by a fifth, making it more suitable for normal human use.

"Name the modified lasgun the Ranger Variant."

"How many Ranger Variants are currently available?"

"Sixty-five units."

Nareth tapped his fingers lightly, thought for a moment, and said:

"Fifty go to elite snipers in the auxiliary forces. Send fifteen to me."

He intended to arm the treasure-hunting squad with the fifteen rifles to enhance their strength.

"Order the Techmarines to continue studying all Aeldar spoils."

While the Primarch was issuing orders, on Necromunda, Adams was speaking to Leandro Hermar.

Leandro was tall and well-built, with sharply defined facial features, a prominent nose, and deep-set eyes.

Perched on his shoulder was a winged humanoid creature with blue skin covered in intricate patterned markings.

Adams recognized it as a Caryatid, which Necromundans considered a symbol of luck.

Caryatids lived in vents and pipelines all across the hive cities of Necromunda. They possessed mild psychic talents and could passively sense fate. They were drawn to powerful individuals.

They followed those destined for greatness. The 7th Iron Lord of the Araneus Continuity had gained a caryatid's companionship while still a commoner.

After that, he rapidly rose in power, discovering several ruins in succession, and became one of Necromunda's most influential figures.

But once the caryatid left its master, it was seen as a death sentence, misfortune would soon follow.

Before the arrival of the 11th Legion, the caryatid of the 7th Iron Lord had already departed. Not long after, he died.

Leandro's original surname was Hemari, but after encountering the caryatid, he claimed to have received a sign from fate and changed it to Hermar.

Shortly thereafter, Adams selected him and helped him establish his power base.

Adams, following the Primarch's will, supported the Hermar family in building order and governing the densely populated Necromunda.

"My lord, with your support, I've founded Primus Hive. It will become Necromunda's future administrative center."

Leandro Hermar spoke respectfully in newly learned High Gothic as he addressed the Death Lord.

He knew that Lord Adams had chosen him, but could also abandon him at any time, just as the caryatid might.

Fortunately, the caryatid still followed him. The Death Lord trusted him and gave him strong support.

Countless Necromundans bowed to him, allowing him to rise quickly into one of the planet's most powerful men.

Adams nodded slightly and asked:

"How is the integration of the Techno-nobility's factories?"

"My lord, so far I've taken control of 14,800 factories, which is more than 10% of those previously under Techno-noblities control."

"Of these, 9,400 have resumed operation, with output reaching or even surpassing previous levels."

The Death Lord nodded in satisfaction. Hermar's performance confirmed he had chosen wisely.

Adams had given Hermar little real help, only the title of planetary governor. Yet Hermar had swiftly gained control, freeing the 4th Chapter to focus on the other five systems.

Adams' mind ran fast calculations and reached a conclusion:

'At this rate, in no more than five years, the six systems of the Araneus Continuity will be fully integrated into the Legion's domain.'

"If you encounter any insurmountable obstacles, report to me."

"My lord, I will do my best to handle them myself."

"I understand, you chose me to offload mundane responsibilities, not to be burdened by them."

Adams glanced at the caryatid. Hermar's success clearly owed more than just to luck.

"Maintain your initiative, and you will have what you seek. The Hermar family will rule Necromunda."

"I will not disappoint you, my lord."

"One more thing, when developing the hives, pay particular attention to searching for Giant Spiders. The Monarch is quite interested in them."

Hermar's eyes lit up with reverence. He had heard stories of the Monarch.

The gene-father of Lord Adams, the mighty Primarch Nareth, had ended the Techno-nobility era.

"Yes, my lord. I'll be vigilant. If I find any Giant Spiders, I'll report immediately."

"In addition to that, report any ruins or large tombs you discover."

Adams had explored four tombs so far with little result.

To master the power of the 'Gravedigger,' he needed to find a truly massive burial site.

Necromunda was vast, its hive domes tangled like spiderwebs. Locating large tombs required the help of locals.

"My lord, I've discovered that the 4th Iron Lord's family had a tradition of lavish burials. I believe their hive must contain at least one large tomb complex."

"I've already dispatched capable men. I believe we'll locate it soon."

"Go. I await good news."

As Necromunda and the six systems developed rapidly, Nareth's fleet arrived at Terra.

Upon hearing the news, Tierney sent an encrypted message to Nareth.

The Primarch dispatched his honor guard, to bring him forward.

After the honor guard withdrew, Tierney reported:

"My lord, I've located the approximate area where the Eight-Legged Black Wolf operates."

..

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

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