Chapter 65: You’re a Very Nice Person

"Life Magnetic Field: 90,000 Horsepower... Achieved!"

Under the immense computational power of the mental network and the influence of the Waaagh-driven reality-distortion field, Dukel had successfully advanced the Life Magnetic Field to 90,000 horsepower. This breakthrough validated his earlier theories—idealistic enhancements could only be achieved with the support of a reality-warping force field.

Dukel could feel that 90,000 horsepower wasn't even his limit, though it was currently the cap imposed by the Waaagh-fueled orks. The orks unified under Bonebreaker Saraka were still too few—billions strong on a single planet, but still, merely the beginning.

With Bonebreaker Saraka spearheading the Waaagh as Dugo's Great Evangelist, the numbers would soon increase exponentially. Dukel's work was far from complete, but progress was steady. For now, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction.

Although mental cultivation techniques remained elusive, he sensed the bottleneck loosening. This too, he knew, would come with time.

After organizing the latest results, Dukel entered the HeartNet and began uploading the new technologies.

[Reality-Distortion Force Field Technology]: Available now on HeartNet Mall, price: 10,000 points.

[Biomagnetic Field, 90,000 Horsepower Rotation]: Available now on HeartNet Mall, price: 10,000 points.Prerequisites for purchase: Biomagnetic Field (50,000 Horsepower Rotation) and Reality-Distortion Force Field Technology.

As the notification ping echoed through the HeartNet, it roused the members from their long dormancy. Messages began pouring in from across the network:

"New tech's up! We'll rescue the wounded on the Eurostar East Continent battlefield later. For now... upgrades!"

"Finally saved up enough points! Time to unlock it!"

"90,000-horsepower rotation can enhance vitality and even heal wounds by absorbing environmental life force?! Incredible!"

"Those damn orks are going to regret crossing me!"

Even as chaos swirled through the HeartNet, Dukel calmly analyzed the incoming information. The Eurostar battlefield was proving more challenging than expected, necessitating faster progress on his end.

From the moment he captured Bonebreaker Saraka, Dukel had achieved his objective of delaying the enemy. But just meeting his goals wasn't enough for a primarch of his caliber. Not only did he intend to deny the enemy their victory, but he would also lead the ork horde into a devastating counteroffensive. Perfection demanded no less.

Dukel summoned his servitor-bound ally, the Great Sage Gris, whose consciousness still resided in its mechanical body. Gris had been invaluable in infiltrating the ork network, assisting Dukel in recording the experimental data from their manipulations.

"Your Highness, you summoned me?" Gris asked, its synthetic voice laced with curiosity.

"What's the status of the Bonebreaker?" Dukel inquired via telepathic relay.

Gris's tone shifted slightly, betraying unease. "Saraka is rallying ork leaders to launch a counteroffensive against us."

Dukel remained silent for a moment before issuing his next command. "Contact him. Inform him that I wish to negotiate."

Saraka's reaction to the proposal was predictable. At first, the warlord dismissed the idea, only to reconsider when visions of Dugo's favor flashed in his mind. With a haughty sneer, he agreed. "Fine. Noon tomorrow. Location coordinates to follow!"

The next day, Dukel arrived at the designated meeting site—a crude but functional ork-built structure—at the appointed hour. Saraka swaggered in shortly after, exuding confidence. The Bonebreaker was in high spirits; his escape from the Shrimp Fleet, his newfound strength, and Dugo's blessing had elevated him to legendary status among the orks.

Despite his newfound arrogance, Saraka couldn't completely suppress the fear Dukel inspired in him. Memories of their first encounter still haunted him. But emboldened by Dugo's favor, the warlord straightened his posture and adopted a defiant stance.

"Big shrimp," Saraka began with a sneer, "you're strong, but don't think you can pull any tricks! Me and my brothers will crush you if you try!"

Dukel's calm demeanor remained unchanged. "You needn't be so defensive. I am not your enemy."

"Then why are we here?"

"I have a question for you."

Saraka raised an eyebrow, his mind racing to decipher Dukel's true intentions. Finally, he settled on what he considered the most logical conclusion: They must want to surrender.

Pleased by the thought, Saraka smirked. "Alright, big shrimp, ask your question."

"What is 1,000 minus 7?"

"Twenty-two!" Saraka blurted without thinking, his body reacting before his mind could process the question. In that moment, his consciousness faltered, and a veil of control settled over him once more.

Unknown to Saraka, Dukel had implanted a subtle mental fail-safe within him—one that would only activate under precise conditions. Even Saraka himself was unaware of the tampering, and no ork, not even their gods, could detect it.

"Saraka," Dukel spoke softly, "why are you uniting the orks?"

"To crush the humans on Eurostar," Saraka replied instinctively.

"No," Dukel corrected. "Humans are not your enemy. You should unite the orks of countless worlds, follow Dugo's revelation, and embark on the greatest Waaagh in history. Your true enemies are Chaos, the Tyranids, and the countless other horrors of the galaxy."

The mention of displeasing Dugo seemed to resonate deeply with Saraka. The warlord hesitated before nodding, a flicker of understanding passing through his glazed eyes.

"Yes... you're right. Humans are not our enemy."

Dukel nodded approvingly. "You understand what must be done."

As Saraka's mind returned to normal, he barked arrogantly, "Listen, big shrimp! This isn't a compromise. It's all for Brother Dugo's Waaagh! Nothing else!"

Dukel smiled kindly. "Of course. I'm honored to have such a powerful ally."

"Humph!" Saraka turned to leave but paused when Dukel called out.

"One moment. Take this as a token of our friendship." Dukel handed him a small object.

Saraka opened his massive palm to reveal an exquisitely crafted medal—a golden Aquila, its twin heads gleaming under the starlight. Though he couldn't explain why, Saraka found himself drawn to the artifact.

"You're a very nice person," Saraka said with a grin. "I'll accept it." Whistling happily, the Bonebreaker exited the meeting room.

As the door shut behind him, Dukel leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. Saraka's transformation was a masterpiece of subtlety—a dangerous but necessary gamble. The Waaagh was no longer just an ork venture; it had become a tool in the Primarch's hands.

And the galaxy would soon tremble.

...

Next 20 chapters are available at: Pat reon. com (slash) LordMerlin