[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-warhammer-the-11th-primarch-the-black-emperor":3,"chapter-warhammer-the-11th-primarch-the-black-emperor-warhammer-the-11th-primarch-the-black-emperor-chapter-544":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Warhammer: The 11th Primarch - The Black Emperor",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1511391,1962,"Chapter 544 - 543: I Only Wanted to \"Corrode\" Akurduana, but Ended Up with Lucius First","warhammer-the-11th-primarch-the-black-emperor-chapter-544",544,"\u003Cp>The battle on the war-moon left an indelible mark on many minds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luther and his followers rediscovered the glory of the Great Order in the fight. Laughter and conversation occasionally echoed from the quiet decks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to find any more xenos, Lucius buried himself in the training deck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment when Akurduana's myths of invincibility and being unscathed ended simultaneously loomed like a shadow over his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Nareth's starlike, blue-white sword-light continuously flashed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light and shadow. Star and shadow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flickering alternately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucius constantly swung his sword, chasing the starlight, trying to dispel the shadow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A week of practice wore out a training cage made of Miguel steel, more durable than those of the Emperor's Children\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entering the training deck, Lucius was surprised to see Akurduana in his magnificent gold and purple armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the first time he had seen the First Sword since the battle on the war-moon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucius studied the proud Firstborn of Fulgrim. He was surprised to find not a trace of frustration on Akurduana's face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had a feeling the First Sword was stronger than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucius was about to request a sparring match to prove his own progress when Akurduana spoke first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile was as warm as ever, devoid of the shame of defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lucius, today you will meet the Lord's First Sword.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucius's eyes lit up. \"Thierry Viera?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Correct.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Excitement surged through Lucius as he followed Akurduana into the Primarch's palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he stepped into the asymmetrical black structure, Lucius's eyebrows furrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Akurduana, though not here for the first time, was momentarily troubled by the irregular lines, much like he himself was frequently troubled when lately setting brush to parchment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They entered the banquet hall. The dazzling yet blurred figures in their minds instantly merged with the black-armored, golden-winged giant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akurduana and Lucius snapped back to reality, then were drawn to another giant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The figure seated on the obsidian chair surpassed the bounds of an Astartes. Even the tallest Salamander could not match his height.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body, encased in black armor, held immense, restrained power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akurduana scrutinized Thierry. His gold-and-purple painted gauntlet touched Timur and Athena at his legs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nareth, from his throne, observed Akurduana and Lucius's expressions fully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint, almost imperceptible smile played on his lips. 'The plan to \"corrode\" Akurduana can proceed to its final step.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucius, in his role as attendant, sat and sampled the court cuisine, as perfect as his own Legion's fare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crispy fried fish bones, flesh as white as clouds, mixed with caviar, awakened his taste buds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inky squid ink enveloped the plump geoduck, filling the emptiness in his stomach after his exertions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following court etiquette, Lucius savored dish after dish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After downing eleven glasses of Vovoth vodka, he set down his cup, emboldened by the drink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord, I have long heard of Lord Thierry's skill with the blade. I wish to challenge him and ask for your permission.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nareth's eyes narrowed slightly. He turned his head towards Lucius.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Truly one with a \"bright future.\" I was just thinking of finding an opportunity, and you speak up first.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was about to respond when Stevens, the newly promoted \"Provoker\" of the Honor Guard standing nearby, spoke respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father, please allow me to fight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The \"Provoker\" looked at Lucius. The swordsman's swift charge into the xenos, his superb swordsmanship as he slew them, flashed through his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instinctively, he touched the Catachan Fang at his belt and issued a \"provocation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Swordsman Lucius, defeat me first. Then you'll have the qualification to challenge the Knight Lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The proud Lucius's violet pupils ignited with flame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This won't take long.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think this duel should take a new form.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nareth's eyes deepened. He knew the future Chosen of Slaanesh was a supremely skilled swordsman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even now, before his full growth, a Sequence 8 like Stevens probably couldn't match him, unless the battle environment favored him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a duel between Astartes. You shouldn't be confined to a training cage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You will hold your honor duel on the battlefield of the war-moon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside a black Aquila shuttle, Arsène Dunn watched the approaching war-moon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My Lord, Arch-Magos Lian Ramírez has made some progress in studying the war-moon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Though he hasn't fully mastered the secrets of its construction, he can now utilize most of its functions, including movement and drone deployment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gren Vosotho, Chapter Master of the Ultramarines 1st Chapter, accompanying the gene-son, gazed through the full-length viewport at the rows of towering, pitch-black gun barrels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew that without the Squats' heavy fortress ships, and without Lord Nareth personally leading the boarding action, capturing this artificial war fortress would not have been so easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Order Lian to move it to the Caelium Gate. If necessary, he can seek support from the Squats.\" Nareth, after a moment's thought, decided to use the spoils to reinforce this strategically vital hub.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Primarch's Aide recorded the order and immediately executed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside another smoothly flying Aquila shuttle, Stevens's left hand gripped his Catachan Fang, a demon's claw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his right hand, Stevens pulled a vial from his belt. The moment he uncorked it, the red venom, extracted from Catachan's deadly flora, bubbled, emitting green bubbles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since his opponent was not a xenos but a fellow warrior, he didn't use the lethal venom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shadows of Order who had perished in the deadly jungle proved these venoms were fatally dangerous even to an Astartes' transhuman body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the venom flowed over the Catachan alloy, the mercury half-filling the hollow blade sloshed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stevens stopped when he saw the blade visibly develop a red hue mottled with green spots. He patted the green-furred Catachan wolf beside him, raising the vial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Catachan wolf let out an excited low howl, gulped down the liquid, then squinted its eyes and lay down by Stevens's boot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stevens looked down at the approaching surface. The seasoned \"Hunter\" adjusted the grenades on his person, formulating tactics in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, as they disembarked, Zahariel asked Balsar Kurthuri, Librarian of the 19th Legion,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who do you think will win this duel?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Balsar glanced at the white-haired warrior in magnificent purple armor, then at the camouflaged black-armored warrior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In a training cage, Lucius would win easily.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here...\" Balsar surveyed the surrounding battlefield rubble and collapsed structures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Librarian's eyes deepened. His voice was ethereal, seeming to come from another world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His natural speed surpasses most in my Legion. He will still win, but not easily.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arsena, representing Nareth, stood between Lucius and Stevens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To increase the friendship between Shadows of Order and the Emperor's Children, Stevens will engage in an honor duel with Lucius.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I declare the honor duel... begin!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The \"Provoker\" raised his bolt pistol and, in a \"provocative\" manner, fired a shot at the magnificent purple armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucius's white eyebrows shot up. In an instant, he drew his sword and charged at his irritating opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stevens's eyes flickered. Lucius's speed was even greater than he had observed before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He retreated towards the seven o'clock direction, the most complex terrain he had observed before landing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucius didn't slow. He wanted to find his annoying opponent and defeat him cleanly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, his right foot sank into soft earth. He immediately sensed an anomaly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adamantium-tipped rounds burst from the ground. The bolts detonated before reaching the purple armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucius quickly rolled forward. With a blast, a finger-sized hole was blown in the sole of his right boot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment his shoulder touched the ground, his handsome face changed. He raised his left fist and smashed it into a collapsed, leaning pillar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With another blast, he rolled sideways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vosotho, accompanying Lord Nareth, ascended a slope with a clear view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking down at the rising plumes of explosive shockwaves below, he exclaimed in admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lucius's speed is being contained.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stevens's mind works faster than Lucius's. He's a seasoned hunter who anticipated Lucius's reactions.\" Balsar said admiringly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Before becoming a Shadow of Order, he was a Catachan.\" Thierry glanced at Akurduana. He was very interested in the First Sword of the Palatine, renowned across the Legions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's a brutal death world. He grew up there, becoming a seasoned hunter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akurduana nodded to Thierry. Such traps would be useless against him, as he relied on instinct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The decisive moment has begun.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Stevens, having exhausted his carried bolts and grenades, launched his final attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He and the Catachan wolf charged Lucius simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucius's purple armor was coated in dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shrapnel had scratched his handsome face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though not serious, Lucius was annoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Repeated \"provocations\" made him abandon the idea of a brilliant victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I will crush you underfoot! Teach you a lesson you'll never forget!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Lucius, fueled by the \"provocation,\" filled with rage, the Catachan wolf sprang silently, its red, green-speckled fangs sinking into the purple armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the venom crackled, Lucius twisted his body and thrust his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the blade tip grazed the thick green fur, Lucius withdrew his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only because this was an honor duel, not a fight to the death, but also because he sensed danger from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucius swiftly turned, swinging his sword in a slash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade cut through the power armor, biting into Stevens's shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Catachan Fang pierced his ribs. Venom seeped into Lucius's body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucius trembled as if electrocuted. His body crashed to the ground with a thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tried to rise, but felt utterly powerless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared in shock at his opponent, who was using his sword to support himself. He hadn't imagined he would fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn't even stood before the Knight Lord, and had already been defeated by an obscure member of the Honor Guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stevens looked at the sword wound deep in his shoulder, his shoulder blade severed. He said admiringly to Lucius,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are strong. The hunt I so carefully prepared...\" He paused before continuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...only resulted in a narrow victory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Without the power bestowed by Father, I would have lost.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucius's violet eyes lit up. He turned his head to look at the giant on the slope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'The power bestowed by Lord Nareth.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gene-son keenly perceived Lucius's gaze. In it, he saw many familiar shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Luther, Zahariel, Arkhas Fal, Nerat Kirine...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I only wanted to \"corrode\" Akurduana. How did I end up with Lucius first?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Nareth pondered, Akurduana's voice rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thierry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lucius can no longer fight. I will continue the honor duel with you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\" Thierry agreed readily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.....\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[email protected]\u002FDaoistJinzu\u003C\u002Fp>",1750,"2026-06-06T05:05:27.510Z",1,"novelbin.me","0217c4eb915f84ac6f3bf7ce60a90de1822090364b92186816b8a95beccf7394","warhammer-the-11th-primarch-the-black-emperor-chapter-545","warhammer-the-11th-primarch-the-black-emperor-chapter-543",698,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fwarhammer-the-11th-primarch-the-black-emperor-cover.jpg"]