Chapter 329: Sustenance
The following morning, as Anruida knocked and entered the Primarch's chamber, she found him seated, engrossed in a book.
"If you wish to spend the day reading, I will ensure you are not disturbed," Anruida offered.
Closing the book with a decisive motion, Guilliman met her gaze. "Take me to an agricultural world."
"Of course." Though puzzled by the unusual request, Anruida saw no reason to refuse; such a visit was not among the restricted activities dictated by the Master of Tyron. She promptly made the necessary arrangements.
A ship designated for Anruida's exclusive use arrived at Tyron One's orbital station. Once Guilliman equipped himself with a teleportation safeguard, he and Anruida boarded the vessel together.
The escort ship initiated its journey toward the Iwen system, where Iwen VII, the nearest agricultural world, awaited them. Two warp jumps later, the vessel reached orbit above Iwen VII.
Activating the teleportation array, Guilliman and Anruida were transported to the planet's surface. From orbit, Guilliman had noticed two immense void structures stationed above the planet. At first glance, they appeared to be colossal weapons. Upon closer inspection, however, he realized they were solar collectors, designed to harness stellar energy and project it toward the planet's surface.
"Iwen VII, like most agricultural worlds under Tyron's domain, supplies crops and livestock," Anruida explained as they landed.
"The orbital arrays ensure perpetual sunlight over the agricultural zones. While we can synthesize starch more efficiently, humanity cannot subsist on starch alone."
As Anruida narrated, Guilliman observed. The planet's surface was a vast mosaic of yellow-soiled fields, clearly composed of synthetic rather than natural earth. Towering ten-meter-tall bipedal agricultural machines traversed the farmland, their left arms harvesting crops while their dexterous right arms bundled the produce.
These mechanized harvesters dotted the fields as far as the eye could see. Guilliman mused on their potential in wartime—perhaps they could be weaponized into combat walkers akin to the Knight Titans.
"Arcadian," Guilliman murmured, taking in the idyllic scene. "I imagine life here must be quite pleasant."
"Not necessarily," Anruida countered. "Without industrial facilities, all manufactured goods must be shipped in at a cost three times higher than on industrial worlds."
"Fair point." Guilliman nodded, then asked, "Where does the meat come from?"
Anruida gestured northward to a towering spire piercing the clouds. "From there."
---
**Inside the Spire of Iwen VII**
Guilliman and Anruida arrived at the spire's apex via a transport craft, entering through the upper-level gateway. A pungent scent of blood permeated the air, clinging to every corner of the towering structure.
Within the spire, a massive spiraling production line stretched from top to bottom. At the zenith stood rows of colossal machines, each equipped with transparent chambers filled with viscous fluid. As artificial egg-like capsules passed along the conveyor belt, the machines injected them with the fluid before sending them to larger devices.
Emerging from these machines, the capsules were shattered, revealing grotesque, malformed creatures with three heads, ten arms, and ten legs. These abominations could not vocalize nor move properly; their sole purpose was to serve as food.
The conveyor continued its relentless march. Scanners examined the creatures—unhealthy specimens were discarded into grinders, while the viable ones moved forward, undergoing accelerated growth within enormous machines.
"These creatures are bioengineered livestock," Anruida explained.
"They combine genetic traits from antelope-like beasts and goro creatures. Their bones and hides are repurposed for industrial materials, their meat for consumption—every part of them is utilized efficiently."
As Guilliman observed this grotesque cycle, he recalled a weapon from millennia past capable of aging organisms to death with a single beam. These devices, he realized, mirrored that ancient technology by hastening growth rather than decay.
The grown creatures eventually reached the base of the spire, where they entered a cavernous processing machine. When they emerged, they were no longer living beings but neatly packaged cuts of meat. Workers sealed the products and loaded them into refrigerated drones, which ascended into the sky to transport their cargo.
The skies of Iwen VII teemed with these automated delivery crafts, crisscrossing the heavens in a synchronized ballet.
"From birth to slaughter, these creatures exist solely to traverse this line?" Guilliman remarked as he observed the spire's base. "Efficient. Entirely in line with your people's methods."
Anruida nodded. "Perhaps a bit ruthless, but these creatures produce protein of far higher quality than synthetic alternatives. The meat is palatable, easily digestible, and free from mutagenic contamination that could endanger human genetics. In many ways, they are a perfect creation of biotechnology."
Guilliman approved of the system. He had come to the agricultural world specifically to evaluate innovations that could benefit the Five Hundred Worlds. While the orbital arrays and synthetic soil were less appealing, the starch synthesis and bioengineered livestock presented invaluable advancements.
"How complex are the processes for starch synthesis and livestock production?" he inquired.
"Not overly so," Anruida replied. "Though training in machinery operation is essential."
Guilliman nodded, his decision made. The Ultramarines and Tyron sectors must establish closer ties—academic exchanges, for instance. In an empire rife with decay and madness, the few remaining bastions of reason and progress must stand united.
"Please inform the Master of Tyron of my intent to introduce starch synthesis and meat production to the Five Hundred Worlds," Guilliman instructed.
"Understood." Anruida bowed slightly.
Having concluded another productive endeavor, Guilliman's curiosity turned toward the education system of the Tyron sector. How were its people taught? Did they study the empire's history or delve into the mysteries of the Warp?
Driven by these questions, Guilliman requested to visit a local school. Anruida agreed but, after consulting the day's schedule, hesitated. "Today is a holiday. Perhaps tomorrow?"
Guilliman instantly sensed deception. Why would she lie? Could the schools be imparting some hidden, controversial teachings?
A firm believer in the necessity of education for rationality, Guilliman resolved to uncover the truth. "Take me there, now," he insisted.