"I choose to risk being controlled to become whole again rather than continue in my fractured state," the Burning One murmured, releasing the flame in his hand toward Qin Mo.
"You certainly have resolve..." Qin Mo struggled to comprehend the Burning One's decision—to relinquish a part of his very essence for the sake of completeness.
Qin Mo had never promised he could retrieve the fragment seized by the Silent King of the Void Necromancers, yet the Burning One made this sacrifice, underscoring just how essential "wholeness" was to a Star God.
With a trace of reluctance, the Burning One gazed at the part of himself he had surrendered. "Does this ease your concern that I might massacre a planet on a whim?"
Qin Mo nodded and shifted his gaze to the Mimic.
The Mimic, beset by disordered memories, remained hostile toward the Burning One. Sensing Qin Mo's scrutiny, it shook its head. "I know I'm deranged—take my words with a grain of salt."
"You're just less complete. Don't worry, I'll help you too," Qin Mo replied, shaking his head.
As he looked at the Mimic, Qin Mo unexpectedly found himself empathizing with the Burning One's desire for completeness. This powerful being, born of the cosmos' inception, was reduced to shards, plagued by madness, unable to discern truth from illusion in his own memories.
In theory, every fragment of a Star God harbored immense power. Yet, due to its fractured state, some small shards had forgotten even their identities and powers, cowering at the sight of a mere bomb. Such was the vast chasm between wholeness and fragmentation.
"When can you begin your research?" the Burning One inquired.
"Once we're back in the Star Sector, I'll find you a home on a planet inhospitable to humanity. I'll then start investigating ways to integrate the two fragments you've found," Qin Mo replied.
Qin Mo currently had no concrete plans to aid the Burning One in merging the fragments, but he believed that, as with many challenges, it would yield to his perseverance.
"And when will we return to the Star Sector?" the Burning One asked eagerly.
Qin Mo was about to answer when Gray's transmission interrupted.
"The Chapter Master of the Blood Angels requests an audience with you."
"Very well, bring him to the Celestial Engine."
…
Moments later, Dante and his entourage arrived in a vessel from the Talon Navy, entering the Underworld system and approaching the Celestial Engine, which was charging the dimensional engines.
Observing the Celestial Engine from the viewing deck, they marveled at its colossal, metallic form as it loomed closer, an experience akin to traveling between planets.
"A marvel of engineering," Mephiston remarked, gazing at the structure. "A true miracle."
"It's significantly larger than the Fortress Monastery," Dante noted, raising his brow.
Alongside Dante and Mephiston were the Blood Angels Honor Guard, equally awe-struck. They could not only see this miracle of engineering but also grasp its creator's ambitious intent. Perhaps it was intended as a mobile home, a means to assert absolute control over a star system, or simply an exercise in grandeur—whatever the reason, it had been brought to life.
Their ship docked with the shield closed temporarily to allow entry into orbit alongside other supply ships. The visitors then boarded a transport craft to the surface, taking in views of the massive cityscapes, barracks, and shipyards through the windows.
The transport navigated through a towering structure, soaring high into orbit, until it halted at one of the many landing platforms. Qin Mo and his Honor Guard awaited them outside.
The meeting posed no threat, yet both Dante and Qin Mo had brought their escorts to underscore the formality of the occasion.
As Dante and his party exited the craft, they exchanged formal greetings with Qin Mo, then proceeded together inside the building.
Dante scrutinized the Honor Guard, recognizing Gray from their previous conversation, then assessed their weaponry.
"Their bones are metallic, their armor reaching...even their brains," Mephiston's voice echoed in Dante's mind.
They had agreed to use psychic communication for private discussions.
They soon reached a teleportation platform, and, in a flash, appeared in a grand hall centered around a long, dark metal table.
Seated around the table, they delved into the business at hand.
Dante wasted no time with pleasantries, cutting directly to the chase: "We seek the Talon Sector's assistance in fleet reconstruction."
That was Dante's objective.
The Gate of Heaven Fleet was lost, and most of the strike cruisers from various Chapters were severely damaged. A swift replenishment of warships was critical.
If anyone could assist with rebuilding the fleet in short order, it would be the Talon Sector.
Qin Mo did not immediately agree or decline; instead, he pondered the request.
Dante, meanwhile, glanced at Qin Mo while conversing with Mephiston telepathically.
"I believe the Lord of Talon will likely agree, but he may not specify a price," Mephiston speculated.
Dante nodded in agreement.
His highest hope for this meeting was Qin Mo's commitment to fleet reconstruction with a clearly stated demand in return. Whether it involved the Blood Angels and their successors offering future military support or some other service, this would allow them to settle the debt.
"Of course," Qin Mo smiled, nodding.
Dante awaited further elaboration, but Qin Mo offered nothing more.
"What price would the Lord of Talon ask?" Mephiston finally broke the silence.
"No talk of compensation is needed," Qin Mo replied, shaking his head. "A few warships are hardly worth that."
"So generous...ha..." Mephiston replied dryly, exchanging a look with Dante.
Dante pondered for a moment, then chose to accept.
This would undeniably saddle the Chapter with a tremendous debt of gratitude, yet they had no alternative.
Some successor Chapters had lost their entire fleets and were borrowing ships just to leave Baal.
Dante nodded slowly to Mephiston, who then produced a parchment and quill.
The necessary ships were already listed; Dante merely signed his name, passing the parchment to Qin Mo.
Qin Mo had anticipated more negotiation or pushback, but Dante's readiness to agree spoke volumes about the losses the Angels' heirs had endured in this war.