The Arch Angels: The Iron Plague Legion.

Chapter 27.

Back with the remembrance.
"But my goodness, how did Androsia fare?" inquired the remembrance, her voice tinged with concern. I met her gaze with a neutral expression, careful not to betray any hint of the truth. For a moment, I chose to prolong the suspense by maintaining a silence, allowing the tension to weave its web. Eventually, I broke the silence and responded, "Indeed, you heard correctly. McScythe overwhelmed all of us in the Angeli Vindictae. His power and psychic abilities were on a whole different level, far surpassing anything we could have ever imagined." As I uttered these words, I observed a flicker of terror flicker in her eyes, a testament to the gravity of the situation we found ourselves in.

"But from my understanding, it appeared that you were the only one left standing, ready for battle," she said, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity as she looked at me. I chuckled softly, a bitter tinge to my laughter, and offered her a smile. "Indeed, I found myself standing there alone, still in a somewhat fight-worthy condition, although my weapon had been shattered," I recounted. She nodded, acknowledging the truth in my words, and then inquired about my emotions upon witnessing Partaqlus' arrival. Another laugh escaped me, this time filled with genuine joy. "Ah, you see, no words can truly capture the overwhelming relief that washed over me when I beheld my gene-father descending with his majestic wings and an indomitable fury that rendered all other emotions insignificant," I responded, a sincere smile gracing my face.

"But what transpired next? Was Partaqlus successful in overcoming McScythe? How did the injured individuals fare? And, for heaven's sake, what befell Zandar during the battle? Was he unscathed as well?" she inquired with a sense of urgency. I maintained a smile and inquired if she desired me to proceed with recounting the conclusion of my tale about Aetherium IX. "Absolutely! Please continue, I must know how it all concludes!" she exclaimed eagerly.

Chapter 27.
As I observed Partaqlus descend gracefully beside me, his armor gleaming even in the subdued lighting of the factory, a surge of life and hope coursed through me. In that moment, my inner fire was reignited. Despite the pain that pulsated in every joint and nerve, I tightened my grip on Joseph's sword and prepared myself for the imminent battle.

But then, a soothing voice echoed within the depths of my mind, "No, Eric. You have fought enough for now. Allow me to eradicate this vile and corrupt parasite from existence." It was Partaqlus speaking, his words resonating within me. As I gazed at him, I couldn't help but be captivated by his presence and the aura he emitted. It was as if his very being commanded my obedience, even though his voice in my head was gentle and filled with genuine concern.

His penetrating gaze locked with mine, and I found myself compelled, despite the dire circumstances, to humbly kneel before my gene-father. With a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, I lifted my eyes from the cold floor and met his intense gaze, offering a warm smile. "Rise, my son," he commanded, his voice filled with a stern yet paternal affection. "You need not bow before me. Your valor and accomplishments have earned you the right to stand tall by my side."

As his attention shifted towards McScythe, I witnessed a remarkable transformation in my gene-father's countenance. The warmth that once radiated from his eyes was instantly extinguished, replaced by an inferno of rage and hatred. It was a jarring contrast to the otherwise impeccable beauty of his face.

"You have caused untold suffering, inflicted grave injuries, and mercilessly taken lives," Partaqlus proclaimed with a venomous tone that caught me off guard. The intensity of his disgust was palpable, leaving no doubt about the depth of his loathing. His hand instinctively found solace on the hilt of his sword, a formidable weapon named Lucifer. The name, a nod to a long-forgotten angel of the extinct Christian faith, carried a weighty symbolism that resonated within the ranks of the 2nd Legiones Astartes Arch Angels.