The Trash Returned from Warhammer

M41, Year 997. The Omnis Arcanum.

Shinji stood before the viewport once again, gazing at the sea of stars outside. He traced the long, narrow scar on his face, his eyes cold.

Betrayal. Absolute betrayal.

He recalled the battle from not long ago—inside the asteroid, blood and corpses everywhere, Astartes slaughtering one another. An entire tactical squad had been wiped out; even he had nearly fallen.

His body had been covered in wounds, his power armor shattered, facing a powerful Chaos Champion.

But he had survived. The reason was simple.

The Emperor Protects!

Yes, it was true protection. When his eyes radiated golden light and he rose holding a power sword that burned like a golden torch, he felt his heart of loyalty catch fire, filling his entire body with strength.

He had lunged at the enemy, cutting them down amidst the groveling, snotling-like shrieks of the traitors. Then, taking the sole survivor, Brother Thule, he had cut through the Chaos blockade to return to the Chapter.

Thinking of that breakout battle that lasted over ten days, his heart surged with excitement. Tens of thousands of scumbags had died at the hands of him and his companion. Shinji himself had personally executed dozens of Chaos Space Marines. It was, without a doubt, an epic—one worthy of becoming an honorary purity seal to decorate his power armor.

Praise the Emperor.

Shinji lowered his head and muttered softly. At this moment, his loyalty had reached its peak, far surpassing even the indoctrination of his genetic surgeries.

Indeed, he was different from ordinary Astartes. Memories of a ”peaceful” world always made him exceptionally cautious, and occasionally, disloyal thoughts would surface. But this time, he was absolutely certain.

The Emperor had been protecting him all along. In this dark, grim, and dangerous galaxy, without His protection, he would have been torn apart by Chaos long ago. It was only after 124 years of service that the Emperor had chosen to intervene directly.

Of course, due to the Emperor’s current state, that favor had lasted only an instant. But an instant was enough to make one’s loyalty beyond words.

It was infinite power; it was supreme glory. In the end, the Great Emperor had even pointed out the path for him—

Immediately, at once, go to Holy Terra.

”Your wish is the direction of my blade.”

As he finished the low chant, the excitement faded. Shinji’s face turned icy because he was being blocked by his own people.

The battle within the asteroid had been suspicious from the start. What was supposed to be a small-scale raid had turned into an ambush. At the time, he suspected an intelligence leak, but upon his return, the situation was worse than he imagined.

The Chapter had placed him under isolated investigation. Despite Thule’s testimony, they refused to believe that the Emperor’s intervention had allowed them to break the siege. They even brought up the events of the Kaurava campaign.

It was indeed somewhat fantastical. The Emperor was confined to the Golden Throne, and there were almost no similar recorded instances. Many in the galaxy claimed to have received the God-Emperor’s attention; upon investigation, all were found to be damnable liars or heretics.

Logically, ”The Merciful” Cyrenius looked more like he had been corrupted by Tzeentch, becoming a sleeper agent infiltrating the Chapter. As for escorting him to Holy Terra?

The Chapter was currently engaged in the Aurelia Crusade, and you’re saying you’re not a traitor?

But Shinji knew clearly that he wasn’t. That wasn’t a scheme of Tzeentch, and Tzeentch would never have let him slaughter his way out of that encirclement. The Chaos Champion’s demand had been simple:

Either surrender or die.

Therefore, since I am loyal, the disloyal ones must be the others.

The Emperor’s test was so difficult that even a century-old veteran like Shinji couldn’t find a way out.

This was clearly a Chaos conspiracy. They had sensed the Emperor’s gaze and had already infiltrated the Blood Ravens Chapter. He didn’t even know who was a foe or who was a friend.

’Trapped here, yet I am powerless.’

Shinji paced the chamber irritably. Because there was no evidence of his ”fall,” combined with his illustrious combat record, no one dared to move against him yet.

But being stuck here meant he couldn’t execute the Emperor’s command. Chaos had already achieved its goal. Moreover, the damnable Chaos would surely come. An Astartes Chapter was strong, but in the vast galaxy, it was nothing.

Shua—

As he was thinking, the door to the chamber suddenly slid open. He saw a Chapter Chaplain in long robes wearing a skull mask. Their duty, besides bolstering morale and presiding over rituals, was judgment and disciplinary execution.

”What is the result of this investigation?”

Shinji spoke directly. Every second was precious to him now. Fortunately, Astartes were not prone to small talk.

”You are to be assigned to the Deathwatch, Brother Cyrenius.”

’Deathwatch?’

It was a highly specialized, non-independent Chapter directly subordinate to the Ordo Xenos. Its members were veterans drawn from various Chapters. At the same time, the Deathwatch served a function of atonement; the ”Blackshields” among them provided a path of redemption for those cast out by their Chapters.

They were required to spend their lives fighting xenos threats, washing away their stains through service, eventually regaining the right to an honorable burial. Only a tiny fraction ever returned to their home Chapters.

”My case is one of suspicion, not a stain.”

Shinji shook his head. While joining the Deathwatch was a way to escape, he knew he would never make it there.

”Very well. I shall inform the Chapter Master. Until the investigation concludes, you are still forbidden from leaving this room.”

’If I don’t go, you’ll just keep me locked up forever?’

Shinji took a breath, and a thought suddenly struck him.

”Was it the Chapter Master who ordered my assignment to the Deathwatch?”

”Of course. Only the Chapter High Command can issue such an order.”

The Chaplain nodded slightly and turned to leave.

Communication between Astartes was that simple and direct—not a single wasted word from start to finish. Shinji stood rooted to the spot, his brow gradually furrowing.

’The Chapter Master?’

The current Chapter Master and Chief Librarian of the Blood Ravens was Azariah Kyras—a powerful warrior who hailed from the Fifth Company.

The authority was correct, but the behavior was odd. It looked very much like a deliberate attempt to send him away.

As a Company Champion, the gap in status between him and the Chapter Master was immense, especially with a Chapter Master who also served as Chief Librarian. Even with suspicion, one could not simply subvert the hierarchy.

But he was not panicked. His martial prowess was forged from the flesh and blood of heretics, and his loyalty had been tested for a century. There were others within the Chapter who would also doubt these measures.

Shua.

The door opened again, but this time it wasn’t a Chaplain. It was an exceptionally tall Astartes with ash-white short hair.

He had a serious, square face with several service studs on his left forehead. It was Gabriel Angelos, Captain of the Blood Ravens Third Company.

The two were familiar, having fought side-by-side several times. Furthermore, both were Cyrenians—Cyrene was once a recruiting world for the Blood Ravens, a planet that was later destroyed for betraying the Empire.

It was a strange world, and the reasons for its rebellion were even stranger. They advocated for species equality, the innocence of psykers, planetary democracy, and free trade. With such radical ideas, they...

Well, there was no ”afterwards.”

Shinji looked up at the Captain of the Third, known for his calmness. This was a hard man, a quintessential Astartes. He was someone who could pull the trigger on a betraying friend. Rumor had it he had personally killed his own father and destroyed his home world.

”Meeting an internee without authorization... you have violated discipline, Captain Angelos.”

Shinji spoke calmly. The Third Captain was a legend who had fought nearly every enemy in the galaxy.

And they shared one similarity: because of Angelos’s ambiguous relationship with the Eldar, he too had faced accusations of heresy.

”I have read your combat report. To be honest, it is somewhat far-fetched.”

Gabriel mused, then shook his head slightly.

”Of course, I am not much better. I can understand your predicament.”

One repeatedly relied on the Eldar to turn the tide, the other claimed direct protection from the Emperor. If one looked for suspicious points, they both had plenty.

Shinji just looked at him and said flatly, ”You must be very busy. I’m surprised you have the time to come and comfort me.”

”I am busy. The battle for Aurelia is at its most critical moment. The damnable Chaos traitors have arrived, led by the Black Legion.”

Shinji knew of the Black Legion—the former Traitor Legion, die-hard rebels. This was why his request to go to Holy Terra was suspected by the entire Chapter; right now, no one could be spared.

”So, are you planning to transfer me to the Third Company? I refuse right now.”

Shinji asked, his eyes showing little desire for battle.

In the past, he would have rejoiced at the prospect of war. Now, burdened with a mission, he had no time to entangle himself with traitors.

”You truly have changed.”

Angelos read the look in his eyes and tilted his head slightly. ”You used to be the Chapter’s most courageous and steadfast warrior, and you possessed a certain sense of mercy for mortals.”

”That is why I am called ’The Merciful.’ It seems you didn’t come to comfort me, but to strike at me. Or are you researching whether Chaos corruption can turn a man into a coward full of loopholes?”

Their expressions were serious, but a hint of a smile touched their eyes. This was the unique brand of ”cold humor” shared between Astartes. Because of this joke, Shinji understood why Angelos had come.

He didn’t believe the Chapter’s accusations. The reason was simple: the most important thing for Chaos infiltration was to remain low-profile and hidden. No one shouts about being protected by the Emperor and then gets put under isolated investigation.

”So, are you a coward?”

Shinji’s gaze hardened. He shook his head. ”No. I simply believe the importance of certain matters far outweighs the present. The enemies will never all be killed, and our battles are like a tiny spark in the galaxy. The only thing that can truly light the galaxy is the Emperor.”

”Are you truly fulfilling a mission from the Emperor?”

At the mention of the Emperor, Angelos’s gaze became intensely loyal.

”Why else? Would I joke about such a thing at a time like this?”

Shinji didn’t explain too much. Astartes don’t respond to mere rhetoric; you either convince them with logic or convince them with physics.

Angelos’s face darkened immediately. If it were true, then as Cyrenius said, even if a Chapter fought until it burned out, it was but a fleeting spark. Anything that could be linked to the Emperor was the truly great matter that would light the galaxy.

Thus, he fell into a difficult dilemma. The current battle was truly urgent. The traitors led by Araghast the Pillager and the Chaos Champion Eliphas had arrived. He had barely managed to find time to return from the front lines.

If Cyrenius was telling the truth, then perhaps the objective of this campaign would change. Even if every member of the Blood Ravens had to burn out, they would have to get him to Holy Terra.

But if it were false, all of Aurelia would face cataclysm, and the foolish Blood Ravens would be nailed to the pillar of shame forever.

A matter of this magnitude shouldn’t be the responsibility of a Third Company Captain. However, he was well-traveled and had dealt with many races; his level of acceptance and his mind were more flexible.

While he was wavering, the door opened once more. Shinji turned his head and saw another Astartes, wondering to himself if today was some kind of dedicated meeting day in his room.

The newcomer was Jonah Orion, a Librarian skilled in psychic tracking.

The three made eye contact. Angelos waved his hand, and Orion spoke directly.

”The results are in. A Deathwatch Blackshield kill-team is active nearby. If Cyrenius agrees, he will likely be sent there.”

”And then?”

”On the flight path, we discovered a Black Legion ambush.”

As soon as he spoke, the expressions of all three changed drastically. For Angelos and Orion, it was like taking a bolt shell to the head—their ears rang.

It was a trap. Cyrenius would be as good as dead the moment he left the Omnis Arcanum. Just like that asteroid raid where the data was sealed—a high-ranking official had betrayed his brother and wanted to silence him.

Shinji, however, was overjoyed. He thought to himself that they truly were old pros; they were meticulous. They had sent someone to verify before coming to him—or more accurately, they came to see him because they had found suspicious points.

”The betrayal of others is sufficient proof of my loyalty. It seems there are traitors in the Chapter high command.”

Shinji stood up, his eyes burning as he looked at Angelos.

This man had been through a hundred battles and had made countless difficult choices—including cooperating with the Eldar to suppress the Necrons. He wasn’t going to foolishly follow standard procedures now.

”The traitor might be Chapter Master Azariah Kyras. After all, all documents pass through his hands. Perhaps he was corrupted long before we knew it.”

Shinji spoke calmly, his words highly suggestive.

”Surely not... if it’s the Chapter Master, then this...”

Orion didn’t know how to continue. If that were the case, the Blood Ravens were finished.

Faced with a powerful enemy, and their own Chapter Master is a traitor? How are they supposed to fight?

”It is because of the urgency that we cannot comfort ourselves. We must prepare for the worst.”

Angelos raised a hand to cut him off. His mind was in a whirl, but his logic remained clear. ”The Cyrenius incident is a blessing. It allowed us to discover the truth early.”

”Indeed. If we only found out when the final battle began, it would be a disaster,” Orion nodded heavily. It was better to find out early than late. An internal revolt breaking out in the heat of battle would be the worst possible outcome.

”But we have no time for a slow investigation. All companies are deployed. How can we conduct an internal inquiry?”

The three were in a bind. Internal strife at a time like this was bad, but more importantly, they were suspecting the Chapter Master. Kyras’s power was not something they could challenge; if he declared them traitors, who would they turn to?

”Let’s gamble. Force the traitor to expose himself. The fact that the forces are scattered is actually a good thing—at least we won’t have to deal with confused brothers turning on us.”

Shinji spoke suddenly, opening with a massive gamble.

The stakes were too high. If they failed, the Chapter would be destroyed and Aurelia would fall. But looking at it from another angle, there were advantages.

They all had extensive experience in suppressing rebellions. They knew that eliminating the head the moment a crisis broke out was far better than each side mobilizing troops for a civil war.

Were it not for Orion’s discovery, they would never have dared to bet. If they were wrong, dying a hundred times wouldn’t be enough to atone.

”What is your plan?”

Angelos’s eyes flickered. After carefully analyzing the pros and cons, he was swayed.

”The problem now is determining if Kyras has betrayed us, and how to handle it if he has. After all, the Omnis Arcanum is guarded by the First Company and the Honor Guard. We cannot recall our warriors without alerting the enemy and being declared traitors ourselves.”

Shinji paced back and forth. He knew how secret this meeting was; an old pro like Angelos wouldn’t leave loose ends. Therefore, that was an advantage.

”But conversely, we won’t have to face too many enemies. If we can cleanly and decisively eliminate the head, wouldn’t that be a blessing in disguise?”

”It would,” Gabriel nodded immediately. He firmly believed only a small portion had fallen. Removing these parasites would not spread to the entire Blood Ravens and wouldn’t have too great an impact on the war.

”But first, we must be certain who the fallen leader is.”

Orion was still uneasy. This was like walking a tightrope; they couldn’t afford a single misstep.

”Simple. I will go see Kyras. If he is the mastermind, he won’t be able to hide it.”

”He won’t expose himself. He has plenty of ways to handle you.”

Orion still didn’t believe it. He looked at Shinji, and those black eyes were something even an Astartes dared not look at directly.

”He certainly won’t expose himself to me.”

Shinji took a breath, his face filled with steel-like determination.

”But before the gaze of the Emperor, no evil can remain hidden!”

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