Chapter 157: Warhammer: Lord of the Endless Monster Horde [157]

The dark power within the Emperor is pure despairing darkness, just like the light of hope he carries. This dark power shares the same origin as the Dark Giants, making it particularly suitable for absorption, though it is different from the chaotic energies of the Warp. In the future, if more Dark Giant statues are summoned, they could come to absorb the power of the Dark King. This would not only strengthen the Dark Giants but also weaken the Dark King's power, allowing the Emperor to feel a bit more at ease and suppress this evil presence more effectively—essentially turning him into a dark power battery. ["Do you have any way to suppress his power?"] the Emperor asked. If there was truly a way to suppress his dark side, he would be more than willing. Whatever method it took, as long as it weakened the dark force, it would be a boon for humanity. "I have a very special servant. He is called the Dark Giant, a dark creature of sorts. He can absorb dark power. If we let him absorb some of the Dark King's energy, we can naturally weaken it!" Rhodes explained his plan to the Emperor. ["No, the dark power is extremely dangerous. You must not attempt to touch it. I am concerned that your servant might be corrupted by the dark side of my power. This plan is unacceptable,"] the Emperor flatly rejected Rhodes' request. No one knew better than him just how terrifying his dark side truly was. Even now, he could only temporarily suppress it with the prayers of countless Imperial citizens day and night and by burning the souls of numerous psykers. Moreover, dark power should be avoided if possible. He had learned this lesson the hard way. "Trust me, Emperor. This is a very unique lifeform, far more advanced than humans on the level of existence. He can absorb the dark energy of the Dark King and weaken it," Rhodes insisted. ["Heh heh! I think this guy's plan is quite feasible. Come on! Let your servant try absorbing my dark power."] The Emperor's dark side suddenly appeared mischievously, interrupting their conversation. It had been suppressed by the Emperor for so long—possessing immense power but unable to wield it fully. This wretch could still roam freely in the Warp, occasionally creating alternative demon princes, and even forming his demonic army. Yet, here he was, powerless to act. If someone were willing to absorb some of his dark power, he would be more than happy. He was confident that the leaked dark energy would corrupt the recipient, allowing him to create his cult and eventually seize control of the Emperor's body, freeing him from the Golden Throne. ["You heard him. He can't wait for you to do this. Don't make the same mistakes I did. I was once as proud and arrogant as you. I thought I had outwitted the four Chaos Gods of the Warp, tricking them and gaining benefits from them. I called them fools. Yet, they taught me a harsh lesson."] The Emperor spoke with deep meaning, reflecting on his past. Once, he had been as conceited as Rhodes, believing that his power and superior intellect could manipulate the four Chaos Gods of the Warp. He thought he could make fools of them. Using clever language and subtle persuasion, he convinced the four to help him capture 20 powerful minor Warp gods—divinities born from the ancient worship of humanity. According to the plan, these captured minor gods were to be evenly split among the five parties, each receiving four. However, the Emperor broke his promise and fled with all the minor gods. This enraged the Chaos Gods, who exacted their revenge. His most beloved son betrayed him. He was forced into a half-dead state and bound to the Golden Throne, beginning the gestation of the fifth Chaos God. Of the 20 Primarchs he created, some were dead, some gravely injured, some in eternal slumber, and others missing. To this day, not a single one remains usable. "Look at this sword on me, and you'll understand how well he can control dark power," Rhodes said, pointing to the Empera Blade hanging at his side. The sword had been hidden beneath Rhodes' sleeve, its dark energy sealed by Daram. Unless one saw it with their own eyes, no one would suspect the immense dark power contained within this unassuming black blade. Only then did the Emperor, seated upon the Golden Throne, notice the sword. Though it appeared inconspicuous, it radiated a dense aura of dark energy, seemingly sealed by some powerful force. ["How could you carry something so dangerous on you, and even bring it here! If my dark side were to get ahold of this sword, the consequences would be unimaginable,"] the Emperor said. ["Hurry, boy! Stick that sword into the Golden Throne! Hand that sword over to me, and I'll deal with this guy. This Dark Sword is practically tailor-made for me,"] the Dark Emperor exclaimed with delight. The dark power emanating from this sword was overwhelmingly strong. It was as if this weapon was specifically designed for him! "Don't worry! This sword is tightly sealed, and the one who sealed it... is the very existence I want to recommend to you for absorbing dark energy. You've met him before—it's that dark stone giant. He can withstand the dark power and suppress the Dark Emperor," Rod said. ["You're saying that dark stone statue has already been revived and is suppressing the dark energy of this sword?"] the Emperor asked. He had seen that black giant stone statue before, borrowing the psychic light from Rhodes' body. That statue was indeed a high-level lifeform, perhaps even on par with the Star Gods. He hadn't expected the statue to be capable of revival, as by his calculations, the dark giant statue would require the infusion of a new soul to come back to life. If it had already been revived by Rhodes then his plans seemed to have fallen through. ["Haha, you fool! Your plan to revive your beloved son has failed. That dark giant statue you were counting on is useless now,"] The Dark Emperor immediately jumped out, mocking the Emperor. Hearing this, Rhodes began to ponder. What? Could it be that the Emperor also had plans for his dark giant statue? ["I originally planned to use your statue to revive one of my sons, my most beloved son. If he could return, he would undoubtedly be of great help to you,"] the Emperor said, not hiding his intentions from Rhodes, revealing his earlier plans. "The dark giant statue did originally require a powerful warrior's soul to revive. But for some reason, I obtained this Dark Sword, and its power revived the soul of the statue's original consciousness. However, your plan might still work. The dark giant has a special ability—it can choose a host in the mortal realm," Rhodes explained, detailing how the dark giant could merge with a mortal host and become one with them. ["So my plan is still feasible. Rhodes, I ask you for a favor. Help me revive my most beloved son. He made some mistakes back then, but they weren't his true intentions. If you agree, I'll take the risk of allowing you to absorb the power from my dark side,"] the Emperor said after a moment of thought, conveying this message to Rod telepathically. "No problem. I can have my subordinate make your son the host for the dark giant. As long as his soul still exists, we can find him a body," Rhodes replied with a smile, agreeing to the Emperor's request. Choosing a Primarch as the host of the dark giant sounded like a fantastic opportunity. Plus, the Emperor's most beloved son was likely Sanguinius, right? That great angel's power was undeniably formidable. Not to mention his leadership abilities—if fused with the dark giant, they might even develop some kind of luminous form. ["I've preserved part of his soul. All you need to do is find a clone body for him. Then have his soul inhabit it. After that, your dark giant can grant him life. This should be enough to revive my son,"] the Emperor explained. "Understood. I'll head to Baal soon. The Blood Angels Chapter should still have plenty of Sanguinius' blood stored. We can easily use technology to clone a body for him," Rhodes said confidently. This would be an easy task. ["You're talking about Sanguinius? I'm not asking you to revive him. Sanguinius' soul is in the Warp, not with me,"] the Emperor said, shaking his head. "You're not asking me to revive Sanguinius?" Rhodes asked in confusion. ["I'm talking about Horus. I want you to help me revive Horus Lupercal,"] the Emperor said. Rhodes thought he'd misheard and even wondered if the Dark Emperor was the one speaking to him. Do you want to revive that son? The one who put you on this Golden Throne? Do you want to revive that Horus? "I didn't mishear, did I? Emperor, you're asking me to revive Horus?" Rhodes asked, utterly baffled. ["Back then, the rebellion he led was due to the corruption of the four Chaos Gods. I've already destroyed his dark side. A part of his soul, the brighter part, is still with me."] "Denied! I firmly believe that reviving Sanguinius would be a better choice," Rhodes said bluntly. Reviving Sanguinius was a far better idea than Horus! Seriously, Emperor, just how much do you love that son of yours? When you fought him back then, you didn't even go all out. Everyone thought you had obliterated Horus' soul, but it turns out you preserved part of it. Sanguinius would be crying in the bathroom if he found out! PS: Read atleast 70 advanced chapters at patreon.com/AbsoluteCode