Mars, three years later.
Hades sat casually by the workbench, chatting idly with Gold.
Behind him, the mini plasma cutter on his power backpack was meticulously slicing through adamantium, sparks flying.
Through training, Hades had learned to control the backpack with the left side of his brain, automating simple tasks like cutting or welding.
So, he was slacking off a bit.
Shadowmoon Worgen, Sandrelan, had completed his training two years ago and returned to his legion in glory, leaving Hades and the others watching enviously as Sandrelan departed with hearty laughter.
The hard times were just beginning.
The good news was, after communicating with the wise Jordan, Hades learned he was progressing quickly and might return early.
As for Terra, ever since Hades responded with "whatever" and asked Macado to send more Untouchables, there had been no more messages.
The carrot tied in front of the mule wasn't in place yet, so Hades wasn't in a hurry. He was content struggling in the vast sea of knowledge on Mars.
Speaking of which, Warhound Peres was about to return to his legion. Hades thought about preparing some food for the occasion.
Or maybe he could say something to Warhound Peres?
Last time when Sandrelan left, some of the White Scars brothers took their wolves hunting.
Although Hades wasn't sure what kind of meat it was, perhaps it was some creature that a benevolent Biologist had released into the wild?
But the increasingly cunning Hades had realized one thing—
"Gold, help me get some more food. I'll sing your praises in front of Jordan."
Gold, who was assembling a small engine, displayed an angry symbol on his face.
"Death Guard Hades from Barbarus, to date, you've praised me 3,007 times in front of the wise ones using similar methods, yet here I am."
Gold's mechanical appendage moved so fast it almost flew, wearing out the part of his robe it touched.
"Still here, assisting you!"
Hades scratched his face, wondering when Gold had become so outspoken.
"Ah, I don't have much to offer you, other than speaking well of you to your superiors."
Gold's electronic eyes flashed, filling with angry symbols.
"Sir, look at the Tech-Priests who used to serve the Iron Hands. Now they're responsible for liaising with the Iron Hands for supplies."
The humanoid electronic voice was a bit too realistic.
"Do you know how hard it is for us Tech-Priests to get a spot serving a reformed legion?"
Hades pondered for a moment, then hesitantly replied,
"Work hard, and maybe you can become the liaison for the Death Guard."
Damn, he was now making empty promises.
Hades, oh Hades, when did you become this kind of person?
However, Gold gritted his teeth and said,
"I hope so, sir."
Hades blinked,
"So, about that food..."
Gold sent Hades a bunch of angry gibberish and turned off his display eyes, effectively muting himself.
Well, that's a no-go. The flour from Terra that Gold brought last time was pretty good.
[Daily behavior analysis data is complete.]
Today was the day the Ultramarines came to Mars for a large-scale weapons and equipment replenishment. A new batch of Tech-Marines from the Ultramarines also arrived.
It was also a chance for Hades to skip class. So, he promptly went out with Wild Wolf Manning to see the Ultramarines.
He also asked the Imperial Fists and Iron Hands if they wanted to join, but they declined.
Unfortunately, Wild Wolf Manning deliberately kept his distance from Hades. Hades understood why and silently accepted the other's kindness.
With the arrival of more than a dozen Tech-Marines, the Ultramarines were clearly outnumbering the other legions on Mars.
Hades was witnessing the Ultramarines' trait of "numerous" firsthand.
Ultramarine Severus walked past Hades and gave him a friendly smile,
"Hades, are you here to welcome our new Tech-Marines?"
Hades responded smoothly,
"Of course. Watching you welcome your legion's Tech-Marines, I wonder when the Death Guard will send recruits so I can be busy too."
"First, help us welcome our new comrades."
Severus laughed and went to greet his new comrades.
Hades sat on the observation deck, watching a massive blue cargo container being loaded into the Ultramarines' transport ship.
"Does Mars also provide materials other than weapons and ammunition?"
Hades blurted out without thinking.
A newbie next to Severus chuckled,
"That's a material with good psychic compatibility. It's specially requested by a brother who's constructing a planet."
Oh, base building, a classic Ultramarine move.
Hades didn't give it much thought.
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