Warhammer: Lord of the Endless Monster Horde [212]

Among all the Space Marine Chapters, if you talk about fame, the Black Templars are second to none—they are the Emperor's champion knights.

In terms of individual combat power, perhaps only the Grey Knights surpass them. The Black Templars are the only Chapter in the Warhammer universe that is more famous than their parent Legion, both in numbers and combat prowess.

"If you're willing, I can upgrade you too."

Rhodes was eager to recruit these Black Templars directly. His legion had just been established—not lacking in numbers, but sorely in need of veteran warriors with actual combat experience.

The Black Templars were the perfect candidates, and Rhodes owed them a great favor.

He had saved them on the battlefield, his wife Elena had slain their ancient nemesis Abaddon, avenging the first High Marshal Sigismund.

So Rhodes wanted to bring them into his ranks, offering this Marshal a company commander position in his legion.

Currently, he had only two company commanders: Titus and Governor Castellan Creed.

Upon hearing Rhodes' offer, the Black Templars Marshal fell silent. To be honest, he was deeply envious of the Primaris Space Marines—these warriors possessed stronger physiques, greater strength, enhanced speed, and faster reflexes. Through recent interactions, he noticed those Space Marines blessed with Lord Rhodes' gene-seed also had a powerful transformation ability, temporarily doubling their strength and speed with no side effects, able to fight again after reverting.

The Belisarius Furnace secreted a miraculous substance that restored stamina and accelerated metabolism.

These Primaris Space Marines were far stronger than expected. Even a Custodes from ten thousand years ago, after fighting them, was full of praise—they were nearly on par with the Custodes in every aspect except for slightly less combat experience.

However, the only thing that troubled him was that this would violate the Codex Astartes. Though the Black Templars were never bound by the Codex's limits on numbers, the rise of these new Astartes was a profound shock to veterans of the old era.

"To be honest, Lord Rhodes, I do want to accept this new Space Marine surgery, but you know the situation—the High Lords of Terra may not accept it," Black Templars Marshal Avalrich said.

The new Space Marine surgeries and the restoration of the Legion structure would be considered outright treason by some conservative Chapters.

"The Codex was only written because the Great Heresy had just ended and the Imperium couldn't endure another rebellion. In Guilliman's or even the Emperor's original plan, the Codex was only to be enforced for a few centuries before restoring the Legions.

Who could have imagined this temporary measure would last ten thousand years? This ridiculous Codex is about to be abolished. Those willing to embrace the new age will sail on its ship—those who refuse will sink with the old era," Rhodes explained.

"Lord Rhodes, I trust you. If you, Lord Guilliman, and Lady Elena—the three Primarchs—make the proposal together, the restoration of the Legions is possible," Marshal Avalrich replied. (Note: Black Templar Marshals are equivalent to company commanders; the Chapter Master is the High Marshal, but Marshals can sometimes wield more authority.)

"I value the Black Templars. Are you interested in joining my legion and swapping your gene-seed for mine?" Rhodes offered.

"Lord Rhodes, please don't joke. We are the sons of Rogal Dorn, and every Black Templar is proud of that," Avalrich replied hastily.

"My gene-seed produces new Astartes with even greater power, even with the same technology. My gene-seed grants two unique abilities: the berserk transformation you've seen, and the ability to survive in the vacuum of space—even without any equipment. Not just barely survive, but truly live," Rhodes continued.

"Thank you for your consideration, Lord Rhodes, but we are Dorn's sons. While we're open to the new enhancements, we will not change our gene-seed," Avalrich said with a smile.

He was flattered—a new Primarch wanting them as his gene-sons?

"My legion is newly formed and needs talented officers. If you join me, I'll guarantee you Abaddon's head, his corpse, and the remains of his Terminator armor—all handed to your current High Marshal, so you can honor Sigismund," Rhodes said, playing his trump card.

He didn't believe they could refuse—this was the Black Templars' dream for ten thousand years. Countless Templar Champions and Battle Brothers had died for this goal.

"Lord Rhodes, you can't be serious! You'll give us Abaddon's body and his armor remains?" Avalrich looked at Rhodes in disbelief.

The Black Templars had dreamed of Abaddon's corpse—this was the ultimate tribute to Sigismund and the greatest gift to Dorn's sons!

"You heard me right; I'm not joking. My legion needs talent, and the Black Templars are the best of the best. Serving as my gene-sons is still serving the Imperium. Don't you want to bring Abaddon's corpse back to your flagship as a memorial to Sigismund?" Rhodes pressed.

"Lord Rhodes, I do want that, but..." He truly wanted to accept, but couldn't bring himself to replace his gene-seed.

"In the future, I'll prioritize the Black Templars for upgraded enhancements, letting your brothers be the first Primaris to upgrade. You know how rare these organs are. You're a rare talent. For you, I'll offer special benefits to the Templars. I hope you'll pass on your advanced tactics and courage to my legion. Don't you want Sigismund's spirit to live on in my ranks?" Rhodes continued.

My legion's berserk transformations are perfect for Sigismund's mad tactics!

"Lord Rhodes, do you value me and Sigismund so much?" Avalrich asked, surprised at Rhodes' respect for himself and the first High Marshal.

"Sigismund was a hero. When he fought Abaddon, he was already a thousand years old and long past his prime. Abaddon had the blessings of all four Chaos gods. If they were equals, Abaddon would never have been Sigismund's match," Rhodes said sincerely.

Rhodes was honest: Sigismund's true power surpassed most Custodes. Even in old age, he wounded the Chaos-blessed Abaddon—he was truly the pinnacle of Space Marine warriors.

"Thank you, Lord Rhodes, for recognizing the Black Templars and Sigismund. It's my honor and our Chapter's honor. I want to contact our current High Marshal via astropathic communication. If he agrees, I'll accept your offer and become your gene-son, bringing the Black Templar spirit into your legion." Avalrich finally knelt before Rhodes.

As the saying goes, "A man will die for one who understands him!"

Lord Rhodes valued them so much, that he had no reason to refuse.

"No problem—I can personally use the astropathic network and will speak directly with your High Marshal. I also promise to personally oversee all your members' Primaris upgrades," Rhodes said with satisfaction.

Bringing in these hundred-plus Black Templars would greatly strengthen his legion. His gene-seed was also perfect for these fearless warriors. They could train the recruits—other than the Deathwatch veterans, his troops were all green.

He lacked sergeants, lieutenants, and company commanders—Avalrich could fill such a role.

"Thank you for your generosity, Lord Rhodes!" Avalrich said, kneeling.

Now he had no more doubts.

"Let's go contact your High Marshal," Rhodes said.