Greyfax stepped out of the Sanctum of the Holy Sepulcher.
Just when everyone thought the conversations had concluded, she gestured for Ivrain to return inside.
Having only just exited moments ago, it was clear the Primarch had a specific reason for summoning her again. Without hesitation, she stepped through the grand doors, which closed behind her with a heavy thud.
"Do you know more about the Talon Sector?" Guilliman asked.
In the few seconds after Greyfax's departure, Guilliman's thoughts had been consumed by the enigma surrounding the Talon Sector, leading to a cascade of questions.
"You want to understand the true reason behind its existence, don't you?" Ivrain replied perceptively.
Guilliman gave a slight nod.
This mystery had perplexed not only him but also the Death Guard and certain seers.
Ivrain recalled a conversation she'd once had with the Farseer Eldrad about the Talon Sector, piecing together her thoughts before explaining, "We have had some dealings with that sector…"
"If our assessment is accurate, its people are following an ancient and terrible entity."
"A C'tan."
Guilliman's gaze sharpened as he stared at her, but he held his tongue, allowing her to continue.
Ivrain began recounting fragments of Aeldari history.
Among the Eldar, there were two wars they referred to as the "Wars of Heaven."
One was a war between their gods.
The other was the conflict between the ancient Eldar, under the Creator's guidance, and a mighty foe in the galaxy.
The latter was a cataclysm beyond imagining, with an enemy so powerful it defied comprehension.
Modern Aeldari scholars theorize that the ancient Eldar were truly immortal, crafted as perfect beings. Yet even they perished, as one of the C'tan imposed the concept of death upon them.
This historical revelation, though speculative, was a stark testament to the unfathomable power of the C'tan.
Having established the background, Ivrain moved on to the warnings of the Farseers.
A dreadful foe from the distant past was gradually awakening.
These foes were the C'tan.
"You're suggesting that a portion of humanity has been chosen by the C'tan, becoming their exalted vassals?" Guilliman asked.
"It's a possibility," Ivrain admitted. "If a race is fortunate—or unfortunate—enough to be selected by a C'tan as its vassals or slaves, they would undoubtedly receive the master's aid, becoming powerful and technologically advanced."
"But… why?" Guilliman pondered aloud, unable to grasp the reasoning.
Why would the C'tan choose a segment of humanity as their vassals? If they were as powerful as Ivrain described, why not create a more controllable race of slaves?
"Who can say?" Ivrain shook her head. "Perhaps it's a whim, a larder for sustenance, or some other unknowable purpose…"
Guilliman fell into a pensive silence.
After a long moment of contemplation, he shook his head. "We cannot yet confirm the presence of a C'tan in the Talon Sector. It may simply harbor remnants of ancient technology…"
Ivrain nodded in agreement. "Even the Farseers believe further investigation is necessary. The circumstances are too unique for any definitive conclusions."
Guilliman agreed. Everything he'd heard so far was merely conjecture.
Despite the Inquisitor's accusations of heresy, the Talon Sector had committed no overtly hostile acts against the Imperium. Its governor was even recognized by the Administratum.
Moreover, they had gone to great lengths to assist in the defense of Cadia.
If a faction showed goodwill and shared a common enemy, cooperation should prevail over ideological differences.
In the 41st millennium, unity and collaboration were as vital as reason and science.
After careful deliberation, Guilliman resolved to journey first to Terra to seek the Emperor's counsel and announce his return to the Imperium.
But before Terra, he needed to visit the Talon Sector.
He intended to meet their governor and, through dialogue, discern whether they were an ambitious opportunist, a pragmatist, or a capable leader.
Considering the Inquisition's hostility toward the sector, Guilliman knew that if the governor proved cooperative, he would have to intervene and halt the Inquisition's antagonistic actions, fostering goodwill with the sector's leadership.
Another crucial goal was acquiring enough dimensional engines to power a fleet.
Cawl had mentioned that the Talon Sector had once imposed "armed tariffs" using such engines. Yet, despite the technology reaching the highest echelons of the Imperium, the High Lords had been embroiled in bureaucratic disputes over its deployment for a decade. Even Calgar struggled to procure one for testing.
If the engines were as effective as claimed and the Talon Sector proved an ally, obtaining sufficient engines before traveling to Terra could save considerable time.
Upon meeting the Emperor, Guilliman would seek answers about the Talon Sector and its enigmatic ties to the C'tan.
As for whether the sector warranted a personal visit… Greyfax had a point. The Talon Sector was the 41st millennium's version of Rangdan—but without open hostility.
Whether they would ultimately be friend or foe, stabilizing the situation alone justified a visit.
Having planned his next steps, Guilliman turned his attention back to Ivrain.
She awaited his next question, prepared to offer further guidance. Instead, she was met with unexpected gratitude.
"Thank you," Guilliman said sincerely.
Ivrain blinked, momentarily taken aback.
"For assisting Cawl in my resurrection, for answering my questions, and for sharing the history of your people—thank you," Guilliman said.
"It was the least I could do," Ivrain replied warmly, gratified by his attitude. It symbolized a potential alliance between the Ynnari and humanity—a relationship not marked by mutual enmity at first sight.
After exchanging a few more polite words, Ivrain departed the Holy Sepulcher.
The conversation had concluded.
Acknowledging the Eldar as guests rather than enemies, Calgar refrained from making things difficult for them, instructing his Captain of the Guard to personally arrange suitable accommodations.
On the way to their quarters, the Harlequin looked around the unfamiliar human world and asked Ivrain, "So, that's it?"
"What do you mean, 'that's it?'" Ivrain replied, strolling leisurely as she regarded her pupil.
"You didn't propose any formal alliance or discuss Eldar-related matters. Are we to passively wait for him to summon us again?" the Harlequin inquired.
Wearing a knowing smile, Ivrain shook her head. "That 'big boy' has only just awakened. He needs time to adjust. Today wasn't the right moment for such discussions."
"Big boy? You're calling that oversized bipedal ape a big boy?"
"What's wrong with that?"
"By Asuryan…"