Chapter 53: Barasin's 51st
*Endurance,* First Company Training Hall.
Now.
This was the largest training hall aboard the *Endurance*. The vast gray metal walls stood silently in the distance, with a ceiling so high it was intimidating. Lights shone brightly from above, almost blinding.
The hall was divided into different zones: physical fitness, shooting, and combat. Squads of Astartes moved in formation, weaving between these zones. From the observation deck on the second floor, countless streams of white and green flowed in an orderly manner.
The occasional static of translators, the heavy thud of power armor, the sound of horns, panting, the swish of blades, and the roar of gunfire filled the air.
Veteran Lai Yin of the First Company felt a sense of pride. He wanted to show off, but his very presence already exuded his pride.
Lai Yin was leading a squad of three, heading towards the training cages.
Few ventured this way, as using the training cages for neophytes was considered rash. It wasn't that the neophytes couldn't handle the cages, but entering them without proper combat techniques was not a wise choice.
However, the progress of Lai Yin's squad was exceptionally fast.
To Lai Yin's knowledge, Karlastiphon, Haznir, and Morlag were elites from the rebel forces of Barbarus.
For this reason, they were assigned to the trusted veteran Lai Yin by Barasin.
Both Lai Yin and Barasin were moderates who welcomed the return of the Primarchs.
Lai Yin believed that some of his comrades were stubborn. The return of the Primarchs was inevitable. Initially, when the Primarchs of the various Legions hadn't returned, it was manageable. But as time went on, Legions without their Primarchs would gradually see reduced resources and weapons.
There was no need to oppose the return of the Primarchs. They would lead the Legions to new glories, earning the Emperor's favor.
The past was history; the future was the dream!
Believing that Primarch Mortarion would lead them to great conquests in the galaxy, Lai Yin trained the neophytes diligently.
All three showed promise. Although they initially struggled and had minor disagreements, Lai Yin understood. He too had once been a new recruit, skeptical of the veterans.
Haznir was stubborn, his gaze fierce during initial training. Only after Lai Yin demonstrated his skills did the young Astartes calm down.
Morlag was more laid-back but diligent, following Lai Yin's training regimen to the letter. Even during free time, he would ask Lai Yin for advice on how to spend it.
Karlastiphon, however, was the real reason Barasin had assigned these three to Lai Yin.
Using his veteran intuition, Lai Yin quickly realized that Karlastiphon was a deep thinker.
Barasin later hinted that Karlastiphon held a high position in Mortarion's rebel forces and had a close relationship with their Primarch.
It made sense.
After the return of the Primarchs, at least half of the high-ranking positions in the Legions would be filled by those from the Primarchs' home planets.
Every Primarch was the same. Even the renowned Guilliman's ultimate honor went to Macragge, not a Terran veteran.
No individual could halt the progress of an entire Legion. Instead of resisting the return of the Primarchs, it was better to build relationships with the future leaders of Barbarus lineage.
Lai Yin knew this, as did Barasin. Barasin's position as the captain of the First Company was not favored by Primarch Mortarion.
Even though Barasin was the leader of the Terran-born Death Guard moderates and the most welcoming of the Primarch's return.
On the day the Primarch was found, the strategy room was dark, save for the blinding white lights flashing on the main screen.
Barasin stood in front of the screen, analyzing the data.
Lai Yin stood behind him.
"Lai Yin, in the future, some matters might fall on you," Barasin said without turning.
Lai Yin tried to speak, but his voice was hoarse, "Perhaps you should be more optimistic."
Barasin chuckled, a hint of self-mockery in his tone. He thumped his chest, "You know, the moment they informed me, I felt a connection to the Primarch."
"Our Primarch is a tough one. He will lead us to the glories of the Great Crusade."
Barasin's voice lowered, "Don't worry. I've fought alongside the Dusk Raiders. I'll handle everything."
"But there are things... I'm destined not to do."
Silence enveloped the strategy room.
Without a word, Lai Yin saluted, "Dusk Raider Lai Yin, promises to fulfill his duty! Chief Commander Barasin, rest assured!"
Barasin remained still, like a rock, rooted to his command seat.
Finally, a barely audible sigh echoed, "For the Emperor."
The training cage was ready. Lai Yin proudly showcased the Mechanicum's creations to the three neophytes: the sleek, curved semi-spherical bars, and the combat machines lying silently on the ceiling of the duel cage.
Haznir was eager to start. Without further ado, Lai Yin summoned the combat servitor.
"Combat simulation α-3, medium lethality."
Starting with a challenging one would humble the stubborn neophyte.
Veteran Lai Yin watched with a smirk as Haznir charged in, predicting he'd last only three moves.
Of the three, Lai Yin believed Morlag could barely handle the α-3 servitor.
Karlastiphon, however, could challenge even higher difficulties.
But Lai Yin wasn't in a hurry. He knew he had to build a relationship with Karlastiphon, but recent subtle signs indicated that the neophyte was hiding something.
Karlastiphon was smart. He had already acknowledged the favors Lai Yin had done for him. But Lai Yin knew that smart people like him were hard to align with. They always sought their own interests.
You couldn't show them your full goodwill from the start. You had to make them believe they earned it through their cleverness.
Only then would they value it.
Lai Yin narrowed his eyes, noticing the subtle signs: weakened grip during training, unconscious tremors, and small scars that shouldn't be there on an Astartes.
He wasn't like these naive neophytes. Lai Yin crossed his arms, smiling kindly, watching as Haznir was sent flying by the combat servitor.