Astartes could tear through "ordinary humans" like Lyon and his brothers once tore through swarms of enemies during their childhood games. They played "unstoppable modes" in mock battles, laughing as they carved through countless foes.
But after witnessing the Custodes warrior, Condon, in action against the Orc Clones, Lyon was forced to acknowledge something unsettling: Custodes could achieve an "unstoppable mode" even among Astartes.
This…
This was ridiculous.
While the gap between Custodes and Primarchs like himself remained vast, Lyon had no doubt he could effortlessly kill Condon in a one-on-one battle. But what if the Custodes numbered in the hundreds or thousands?
In such numbers, they could pose a very real threat to even him, a Primarch.
In the past, Lyon had carried himself with the confidence that, apart from his father, his brothers, and the Chaos Gods lurking in the Warp, nothing in the multiverse could rival him.
But the Custodes were shaking that belief.
Adding to his frustration was Alexia Ashford's prideful expression.
It irked him deeply. Lyon couldn't help but feel that his adoptive mother was putting too much focus and affection on the Custodes—also technically his "siblings"—at the expense of him and the other Primarchs.
Moreover, Lyon couldn't understand why there was such a significant power gap between the Grey Knights and the Custodes. Both were created using the Emperor's genetic seed.
The Grey Knights, while capable of defeating most Astartes, couldn't unleash a "mow-down-everyone" mode like the Custodes could. And while the Grey Knights were specialized for combating Warp entities, the Custodes also seemed to possess immense power against Warp-born threats.
Sensing the turmoil in his son's thoughts, Samuel Young placed a reassuring hand on Lyon's shoulder plate and chuckled lightly:
"Relax, my child. A Primarch is a Primarch, and a Custodes is a Custodes.
Each of you, my sons, was raised by me personally. To me, every one of you is unique and irreplaceable.
If the arrival of your brothers causes you to lose your balance, doesn't that make you appear a little childish? Remember, Lyon, you are their elder brother—show them grace and magnanimity."
Hearing Samuel's words, Alexia immediately caught on to Lyon's mood. She smirked and playfully knocked on his waist armor.
"Your father's right! And honestly, has it been so long since I last saw you that you've forgotten your manners? Hmm?
Should I take some time off to personally visit Universe-13 with you and straighten out that attitude of yours?"
"That won't be necessary," Lyon replied, shaking his head. "I understand, Father. And Doctor… you'll need to accompany me to Universe-13 anyway to oversee the Battle Knight and Battle Sister projects."
"Haha, true enough," Alexia admitted with a chuckle, glancing at Samuel as if half-complaining about the endless work on her plate.
Then she sighed, "Well, once those projects are on track, I can probably squeeze in some time to explore the unique sights of Universe-13.
Lyon, when that time comes, you'll accompany me to visit Heaven and Hell, won't you?"
"Of course, Doctor."
Lyon had no objections. By the time Alexia's projects were complete, Universe-13's Heaven and Hell realms would likely be fully assimilated into the Empire's Flower of Purity network, making them extensions of his father's dominion.
With the proper permissions in place, officials and soldiers would already be stationed there, so Lyon could easily spare the time to act as Alexia's guide.
"Doctor! Condon has successfully eliminated all test targets!"
"We've also gathered all the critical data!"
"Condon's mental and physical state remains stable, and the custom-built Terminator armor from the Engineering Corps is perfectly suited to his physiology!"
The technical staff interrupted their conversation with a flurry of reports.
Alexia turned back toward the technicians and instructed,
"Good. Send Condon to the designated area for a more detailed examination. After that, proceed as usual."
"Yes, Doctor!"
The team got to work, understanding that "as usual" referred to deploying personnel and machines to recover equipment and repair the simulated town.
Alexia then turned back to Lyon, smirking as she lightly slapped his armored side.
"You're probably wondering how the Custodes managed to become beings second only to the Primarchs, aren't you, my boy?"
Lyon remained silent but didn't deny it.
"Curious, are you? Alright, I'll give you the short version so you can stop brooding."
"I'm not—"
"Grey Knights and Custodes are both created using your father's genetic seed, but the differences between them are immense," Alexia interrupted, cutting off Lyon's protests.
"Grey Knights undergo additional surgical procedures and require highly customized, hands-on work from me and my core team. They can't be mass-produced like standard Astartes.
Custodes, however, are an entirely different story."
As she spoke, Alexia activated a holographic display in the observation room, projecting data and visuals in front of Lyon.
"Custodes require a completely different approach. Before they even undergo surgery, they must first endure a process designed to push them to the brink of death—to awaken their latent potential.
And I mean that literally. The risk is extreme."
Alexia glanced at Samuel.
"That's where your father comes in. He acts as a supporting physician, ensuring that medical accidents are kept to an absolute minimum.
Even though the volunteers for the Custodes program—along with their families—are fully prepared to sacrifice everything for the Empire, losing them during this critical process would be a waste.
Thanks to your father's intervention, Custodes candidates already surpass elite Grey Knights and most Astartes even before undergoing their final transformations."
"I see," Lyon murmured as he listened and reviewed the data.
From his perspective, it was clear: his father's psychic powers played a crucial role in elevating these warriors. Lyon recalled how his own captain, Garan Krove, had been significantly empowered after being "possessed" by his father. Even the Honor Guard Paladins under Lyon's command were no longer Garan's equals.
If his father could bestow similar blessings on the Custodes candidates, then it made sense why they had become beings capable of dominating the battlefield, even against Astartes.
But this revelation also raised a troubling thought:
If his father's blessings could turn anyone into a "super soldier," did that mean everyone had the potential to become extraordinary warriors under his father's hand?
Lyon couldn't help but recall the sight of his father unleashing psychic energy that spanned multiple universes, enveloping the entirety of the Empire's domain.
"Ah-hem."
Samuel cleared his throat lightly, snapping Lyon out of his thoughts.
"Ordinary humans cannot withstand my psychic blessings under normal circumstances," Samuel explained. "Forcing it upon them would cause their bodies to rupture.
Only individuals with unshakable resolve, fearlessness in the face of death, and an intense emotional surge can receive my aid.
The Custodes met these requirements and were forged under the perfect conditions. Even so, the process is incredibly taxing on my psychic energy, which is why the Custodes cannot be mass-produced."
"Now," Samuel concluded, turning to Alexia, "since the Custodes project is complete, begin preparing for your journey to Universe-13.
Lyon will be staying here for a few more days. Use this time to rest, and stop making it sound like I'm forcing you to work overtime."
"Thank you, boss~!" Alexia quipped playfully.
"Father, I'll be staying here?" Lyon asked, slightly confused.
"Yes," Samuel replied with a rare, gentle smile as he led Lyon out of the observation room.
As they walked through the seven-meter-high corridors toward the surface elevator, Samuel elaborated:
"The consolidation of Universe-13 is nearly complete, with no battles requiring a Primarch's personal intervention. Take this time to rest.
Also, once the consolidation is finalized, you will be appointed as Universe-13's Governor."
"Father, isn't that a bit inappropriate? Perhaps Perturabo or one of my younger brothers would be better suited—" Lyon began, feigning reluctance.
"Don't pretend, my boy," Samuel interrupted with a knowing smirk. "You're clearly eager to take the position. Universe-13's Governor is a role only you can fill."
Samuel's words left no room for argument.
Samuel then revealed his true intentions:
"In time, the Empire will implement new laws. Repeat offenders and those guilty of heinous crimes will have their souls sent directly to Hell.
Conversely, those who perform great acts of kindness, selflessness, or heroism will ascend to Heaven.
Currently, I lack the means to construct a Warp-like dimension for this purpose, so I plan to use Universe-13's Heaven and Hell as a testing ground."
"Father, do my brothers know about this?" Lyon asked.
"For now, only you. Later, we'll discuss this with Vulkan. After that, I'll inform the others when the time is right," Samuel replied.
"Understood, Father," Lyon said with a smile, feeling a surge of pride in being entrusted with such sensitive information.
In high spirits, Lyon suggested
,
"Father, it's been so long since I've had a drink. Could we share a few cups when we meet Vulkan?"
"Of course," Samuel agreed, his mood equally light.
"But instead of staying cooped up in the palace, let's explore the night markets of New Akrak City. It's been ages since I last went for a stroll."
"...Would that really be appropriate?" Lyon hesitated, knowing their presence could disrupt public order.
Sensing Lyon's concerns, Samuel enveloped himself and his son in a faint golden psychic field.
In an instant, Samuel's towering frame shrank to that of an ordinary man, and Lyon, armor and all, transformed into a 1.95-meter-tall, dashing figure.
"Now we can enjoy the city incognito," Samuel said with a grin.
"Understood, Father," Lyon replied, a rare smile of his own forming as he followed Samuel to the surface elevator.
Rather than returning to the Imperial Palace by Thunderhawk, they summoned Vulkan to meet them at the Akrak Research Park.
When Vulkan arrived and saw his father and elder brother drastically reduced in size, he froze for a moment before breaking into a booming laugh:
"Hahaha! It's been too long, brother!"
Without hesitation, Vulkan spread his arms wide and pulled Lyon into a bear hug.
Lyon, who despised physical displays of affection, especially from men, was immediately uncomfortable.
Struggling against Vulkan's iron grip would only risk creating a rift between them, so Lyon gritted his teeth, forced a stiff smile, and muttered through clenched lips:
"It's good to see you… brother."
Samuel, watching from the side, couldn't contain his laughter.
In his heart, he felt a deep sense of contentment.
Having many sons truly brought joy and levity to his life.
As a father, Samuel hoped his sons would forge genuine bonds of brotherhood, free from pretenses.
Taking advantage of the rare opportunity to relax, Samuel led his two sons to the bustling night markets of New Akrak City for food, drinks, and laughter—just as he once had with Guilliman, Sanguinius, Horus, and Magnus in years past.
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