Chapter 10: Alpharius and Omega
In the star system where Balsavor was located, a fierce space battle was taking place. Countless laser and electromagnetic cannon beams illuminated the dim void, with occasional space torpedo explosions shining like fireworks.
On one side, thousands of Imperium warships stretched several kilometers long. On the other hand, the Rangdan fleet with their bio-organic tentacles clashed fiercely across a million kilometers.
In the vast expanse of space, the power of nuclear weapons was not as potent as one might think. Compared to the vast distance of millions or even tens of millions of kilometers of empty void, the destructive range of a nuclear explosion was quite limited.
Even any nuclear radiation appeared minor under the potent solar radiation, and would rapidly dissipate.
Instead, weapons like laser cannons, electromagnetic cannons, and ion cannons dominated. They were extremely fast, especially lasers, which traveled at light speed. Unlike planetary combat, where atmosphere and planetary curvature affected them, these weapons ruled void warfare.
Hot warfare raged not only in space, but at the starport as well. Thunderhawk gunships and Rangdan spacecraft engaged in aerial combat within the atmosphere.
Due to atmospheric and gravitational influence, typical void warships could not enter the atmosphere for combat. Only smaller craft could be used for engagement.
Even void warships equipped with anti-gravity systems would be less efficient than smaller spacecraft due to high energy consumption and planetary curvature.
Moreover, large ships at high altitude within the atmosphere moved slowly and made easy targets. While hypersonic weapons couldn't reach space, they were highly accurate against large targets within the atmosphere.
Therefore, aerial combat within the atmosphere resembled battles between aircraft.
On the ground, organized mechanized armies, tanks, and the Titan Legions of the Mechanicum rapidly advanced toward the Rangdan slave army. Millions of troops clashed head-on like a tide against the xenos forces.
Omega watched all of this happen while he stood on the bridge of a Moon-class cruiser at the starport, looking at the dynamic three-dimensional war display with awe and surprise.
The strength of the Imperium fleet was indeed capable of head-on combat with the Rangdan. Although the xenos had slightly better weapon efficiency, it had little impact in this grand battle across sky, land, and void.
He had witnessed the power of Balsavor's tactical nuclear warheads and missiles, especially within the atmosphere, which even the Rangdan dared not underestimate.
In simple words, "It was an absolute banger."
Beside him, a Magos stood clad in voluminous crimson robes.
His body was fully mechanical, with four mechadendrites extending from his frame, covered in various mechanical components. His optical sensors rotated constantly to observe Omega's appearance and expression.
The Magos frequently explained the strategic tactics of the Imperium forces to Omega. There were also several other tech-priests operating instruments nearby.
On the other side stood a bald man wearing Alpha Legion power armor, with only his head exposed. His expression was cold, yet it conveyed excitement and joy. He stood over 2.67 meters tall, slightly taller than Omega.
Though Omega was fairly certain the extra height came from the armor, not genetics. Strip that off and they'd match perfectly.
However, their appearances were almost identical. When Omega shifted his gaze from the battlefield data display and met his eyes, both felt a resonance and closeness in their being.
Alpharius asked softly, "Brother, what do you think of the Alpha Legion?"
"Very powerful. It's my first time seeing a human fleet capable of engaging the Rangdan fleet in such strong, head-on combat. This is an elite and battle-hardened army," Omega said with a smile, having grown accustomed to the warship's atmosphere.
A few young tech-priests, still retaining a large part of their human form, chuckled at his words.
As one of the twenty Legiones Astartes formed by the Imperium, of course, they are naturally powerful. What of the Rangdan fleet? They could be defeated just the same.
"Hahahaha! You and I will lead this army in the future. We have always been one existence, and finally, we are reunited!"
Alpharius laughed heartily, then extended his power-armored hand to grasp Omega's. Even through the ceramite, they could feel the closeness of their blood at the moment of their handshake. After a few casual words, they accepted their brotherhood.
Bang!
Two immensely powerful auras fiercely collided at the handshake, creating gusts of wind that impacted the tech-priests and company commanders present.
Omega's Primarch-level aura and strength were clearly evident, thrilling everyone present.
People with identical appearances possessed auras with different qualities, and both, possessing the ability to observe, noticed each other's nature.
Omega could tell from Alpharius's aura and demeanor that he was knowledgeable, as well as cold and aggressively domineering.
Omega's observational ability immediately revealed that Alpharius was the kind of person who frequently navigated the grey and dark areas of the human world.
It was not a problem for him. He was also such a person, although he had not had much exposure, and his heart had not yet hardened.
Normal people lived in sunlight, with smiles and warmth on their faces. Soldiers and generals charged on the front lines, possessing tenacity and strength. Their words and actions, tempered by war, did not carry a gloomy atmosphere.
Yet, even such an Alpharius, in front of Omega, his newly met brother, revealed a rare, sunny, brotherly emotion and excitement.
It was precisely because of this understanding that Omega was somewhat moved and accepted this brother. Alpharius, also possessing keen observational skills, noticed the changes in his brother's expression and was deeply moved.
The same appearance, abilities, bloodline, and behavioral patterns allowed the two to address each other as brothers quickly.
Alpharius gestured with his hand. The three Space Marines of the Alpha Legion behind him successively removed their helmets, revealing identical faces that appeared almost cloned. Omega was astonished.
"Clones?" Omega asked hesitantly.
"Not clones. They are all Alpharius, identical to us. This is the secret of the Alpha Legion," Alpharius said with a mysterious smile. Several company commanders respectfully bowed to Omega before replacing their helmets.
They were not clones, nor did they share the same Genetic closeness as Alpharius; yet, there was a faint connection between them.
They were definitely not his brothers, and Omega did not delve deeper. He would have plenty of time to figure it out later.
Alpharius donned his helmet, immediately becoming identical to the Alpha warriors behind him. He then led Omega to a quiet chamber on the warship where the two could talk privately.
As Omega observed, Alpharius, having walked in the dark world for too long, was extremely cautious and prudent in his actions and personality. Having witnessed countless dirty and evil things, his disposition was far colder than Omega's.
Such experiences, even for a Primarch like a demigod, existing for over a century, would lead to loneliness. Too many secrets were known only to him, making it impossible to confide even in the Emperor and Malcador truly.
Omega's arrival brought a sense of completeness to Alpharius's soul.
In the secret chamber, Alpharius told Omega about the Emperor and the twenty Primarchs. Currently, fifteen Primarchs had publicly returned to the Imperium, but in reality, including Alpharius, sixteen had already returned.
Each Legiones Astartes had a Primarch, and the power of each Primarch was beyond human imagination, making their importance extraordinary.
Alpharius mentioned that he had returned even earlier than Horus, Primarch of the Sixteenth Legion, making him the first Primarch to return.
However, when Alpharius spoke of how much the Emperor loved Horus, like a father to a son, Alpharius felt a tinge of ache in his heart.
All Primarchs regarded the Emperor as their father, and their order of return and relationship with Him became a form of competition.
Gaining the Emperor's affection seemed to be the innate desire of these Primarchs. Alpharius had clearly followed the Emperor and Malcador for over a century.
Although he was immensely loyal to the Emperor and humanity, their relationship was more akin to a military superior-subordinate dynamic.
[End of Chapter]