Tigris was slender and about five feet nine inches tall. His head adorned with the Saffron Crown of Battle, and from this typical high elf pointed feathered helm and crescent adornment, Ryan could not fully see Tigris's face, but he could still make out his features.
The face of this supreme archmage was marked by indifference and calm, as if nothing in the world could shake him. Compared to a typical elf, Tigris was not arrogant but appeared wise and profound, enigmatic.
Uniquely, Tigris's features were not delicate or handsome. His appearance was rather plain, and he had a pair of unattractive dead fish eyes. Among humans, he might be considered somewhat handsome, but among the many beautiful high elves, his looks were only mediocre.
According to the lake nymph Lilith, Tigris's brother, Tyrion, was a true super-handsome man, whose charming looks were top-tier even among high elves. With his youthful unrestrained nature, being humorous and fun-loving, and his gentle, cheerful, and slightly shy demeanor, Tyrion was the most popular elf prince in all of Osuan. Wherever he went, countless elf maidens showed their affection, presenting him with fine wines and fruits.
The sunny brother was always welcomed and adored wherever he went, Lilith couldn't help but laugh as she spoke. Tyrion would travel from place to place for trade (the Tyrian brothers owned their own trade guild), and at every kingdom, elf maidens would sing to him, talk with him, present him with various small gifts, and even offer themselves as companions, while Tigris was always the one being ignored.
Tigris once tried to talk to elf maidens in the same manner, but the maidens were not interested in someone who was unattractive and slightly lame (Tigris was frail from birth) and ignored him, running away instead.
Lilith told Ryan that this was a significant blow to Tigris, who since then had adopted an indifferent attitude towards matters of love and companionship; he would not refuse anyone offering themselves to him but never kept any woman by his side.
Of course, times have changed. Everything mentioned happened when they were younger. Now, Tyrion and Tigris were guardians of Osuan, laden with honors and renowned.
Tyrion was the Grand Lord of the High Elf War Council. The Phoenix King, Fennubar, had practically handed over his military power to him. Meanwhile, Tigris was also the Supreme Archmage, becoming the leader of the high elf mages. The current Tigris was filled with the cunning and majesty of a supreme leader. Every gesture was impressively authoritative; he was a hero of this world, a globally famed Supreme Archmage.
As Ryan observed Tigris, the Supreme Archmage also scrutinized him.
This human appeared to be in his late twenties, with black hair and blue eyes, handsome features without any superficiality, his eyes brimming with confidence, an extreme confidence. Ryan had an air of arrogance, but it was mostly confidence. His eyes emitted a glow of psychic power, and his body exuded a pure psychic wind. Tigris instantly felt a positive impression, a recognition brought by their shared status as spellcasters.
Ryan clearly had the confidence of someone tempered in countless battles, as shown by the slight warping of the space around him, a sign of his being a saint-tier powerhouse.
At this level, even elves would regard him seriously.
The Supreme Archmage had no doubt; Ryan was indeed the person prophesied by Lilith.
To kill "Red Eye" Eigel-Stilbjorn was an incredible feat, impressive even to elves. The example of the divine champion "Beauty" Sigvald Prince being defeated by elves without being able to hold him was proof.
"Hello, Ryan Mercado. I have come for you, and now, seeing you, the name holds true. In Osuan, we have heard of your deeds; you slayed the great demon Nagnau and ended the centuries-old legend of 'Red Eye' Eigel-Stilbjorn. Asur congratulates you, and wishes you a happy marriage." Tigris raised his head, his gaze shifting to Angulon behind Ryan: "And who is this?"
"This is my dear brother, Angulon," Ryan introduced with a smile.
"Hello, Grand Warlord." Angulon's elvish was not very fluent, rough around the edges, barely understandable,
Grand Warlord? Tigris raised an eyebrow, wondering what that was: "Hello, Mr. Angulon, I sense your power."
The high elves behind him looked different now.
From the terrifying aura emanating from Angulon, could Ryan Mercado's brother be even stronger?
"It seems humans are not as weak as we imagined." In the military ranks, an
elf whispered, "I mean, even among monkeys, there are some who can fight exceptionally well."
"Yes, it seems we are unlucky today, encountering two at once."
"This big fellow makes me feel fear; is he really not the incarnation of some deity?"
"He looks like a barbarian!"
The high elves whispered among themselves, Angulon's presence taking them by surprise, his figure reminding them of their own deity, the forbidden god of blood and war, Cain.
"Please come in for a detailed discussion." Ryan gestured for Tigris to enter the castle, and the Supreme Archmage nodded. He ordered the high elf army to camp outside Gien Town, near the Wood Elf Observation Station, taking only the Horus Mage Knight Zoltan with him as he followed Ryan towards the castle.
...
Main Material Universe, Milky Way, the heart of the Human Empire, Holy Terra, the Imperial Palace, Throne Hall.
On the Golden Throne built of numerous skulls and gold, hundreds of cables and hoops tightly bound a red figure. This tall figure was focused, unable to speak, eyes tightly closed, with electric arcs continuously exploding around his head.
The Golden Throne was operating at full speed. This ancient machine had been constructed since the rise of the Human Empire nearly eleven thousand years ago. It was massive and incredibly complex. Hundreds of mechanic priests were constantly adjusting and repairing its faults. Static arcs danced between conduits and cables, filling the air with the smell of ozone.
The golden-armored Emperor stood before the throne, his cold eyes fixed on Magnus, the Red, who was controlling the Golden Throne. His gaze was devoid of any emotion, leaving onlookers wondering what the ruler of humanity was thinking. All they saw was Magnus fully controlling the throne's power, ensuring its continuous operation.
Behind the Emperor stood many Imperial Guards, but undoubtedly, none of them had the privilege to stand beside the Emperor because more important individuals were present there. The guards could only look up with adoration and stand rigidly, observing the figures on the steps.
Dressed in blue precision-engineered power armor, the current Regent of the Human Empire, the original prototype of the Thirteenth Legion's ultimate warrior, Roboute Guilliman, stood behind the Emperor. Seeing Magnus in pain, he said with a touch of sympathy, "Father, we've repaired the breach under the palace, does Magnus still need to sit there?"
"As long as we rely on the Star Torch for subspace travel for a day, Magnus or father has to sit there for a day, Guilliman. This traitor has received his due punishment. Now, giving him a chance to live is a mercy, not torture." The Western Command Chief of the Human Empire's Great Rift, the original prototype of the First Legion Dark Angels, Lion El'Jonson, spoke impatiently: "Or would you prefer father to sit there?"
Guilliman couldn't reply to that; he could only shrug: "Alright, Lion, that's not what I meant."
"But I think that's exactly what you meant, Guilliman." A man with a booming voice and an unusually large physique spoke. His skin was as black as coal, his voice filled with excitement: "For love, peace, and dreams, I have returned here at the call of our father! Magnus too! It is his duty!"
"Vulkan! Don't talk to me about duty!" Magnus suddenly opened his eyes, shouting angrily: "You have the nerve to talk about duty? You flew off to explore the outer reaches of the galaxy where the Star Torch doesn't shine, leaving a mess for your progeny, and you dare speak like this?!"
"That's not a mess; that's a glorious mission! Magnus—I promised that once I retrieve the nine sacred relics I left behind, I would return and fight alongside them again. Without a challenge, rewards are worthless… but father called me back early." The nearly thirteen-foot-tall black giant spoke loudly: "That's the duty I haven't fulfilled because father's orders are supreme! So I've returned, bathed in the fires of war!"
"Ptui! You coward! Just because you lost your immortality, you're afraid of dying, and you still dare speak?" Magnus retorted, not convinced: "Or perhaps you'd like to switch places with me?"
Before he could finish, a figure as pale as snow and as dark as night appeared before Magnus like a ghost. He had a pair of onyx-black wings and lifted his black talons gently, his voice chilling like the whisper of a wraith: "Quiet, Magnus."
"…That's all you can do." Magnus looked at the sharp black talons, resignedly closed his eyes, and continued to control the Golden Throne.
At that moment, the Emperor spoke.
"…Is everything I ordered ready?" The Emperor turned around, looking at the four Primarchs standing behind him.
"Ready, father." Guilliman took up the conversation, the current Regent of the Empire and the
original prototype of the ultimate warrior of the Thirteenth Legion, looking at the commotion in the throne room, felt a warm sensation. Although the Primarchs often quarreled when together, Guilliman craved these disputes; he desperately needed someone to discuss matters with: "As per your instructions."
A team of Imperial Guards carried several large boxes in from outside. The Emperor opened the first box, drawing everyone's attention.
The black giant opened his mouth in surprise:
"My God, is that?!"
Inside was a set of specially made vibranium plate armor, crafted by the Mechanicus of Mars. The armor was engraved with numerous defensive sigils and incorporated many technologies from the Great Crusade era. It was also covered with scriptures, and the Emperor had personally blessed it. This beautiful set of vibranium plate armor was Ryan's wedding gift, specially given to Ryan's wife, Sulia, as part of Ryan's dowry.
The remaining boxes were also opened, containing nine sets of incredibly valuable jewelry made of platinum, gold, jade, emerald, diamond, gemstone, crystal, pearl, and opal. Each set's materials were provided by the oldest roaming merchant families dating back to the Great Crusade era, then refined with secret techniques blessed by the Emperor himself. Their total value was astronomical.
These nine sets of jewelry were commissioned by the nine Supreme Lords of the Terra High Council, also as a wedding gift from the Emperor for Ryan, to be given to Sulia.
"Ryan is getting married, and I cannot attend personally, so you should all go to his wedding." After inspecting the gifts, the Emperor finally showed some expression, vague and reminiscent, as if recalling something: "On my behalf, and on behalf of that friend... who sacrificed for me."
All four Primarchs nodded: "We are prepared to depart, father."
"Wait... what about me? Father? What about me?" Magnus suddenly opened his eyes, looking hopeful: "Ryan is my brother too!"
"Magnus... you go too."
Updated! Second update of the day! Votes please!
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