Chapter 320 The Catcher in the Rye
“Mathematics is an important part of many subjects, and it is also the basic education that the people of the Empire should receive inspired by the truth of the Empire. From the embedded prosthetic body of the Mechanicum , to the modern planning tools promoted by the Imperial Chancellor in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the development of the field of mathematics was essential. However, behind the numbers, there are some underlying truths that have not yet been clearly stated. These truths will be the basis of this article. "
Magnus slowly put down the handwritten note in his hand, put the notebook with Mortarion's square handwriting back on the dark brown wooden table of the fourteenth Primarch. superior.
When the notebook hit the table, it inevitably made a "pop" sound and made a short falling sound.
Mortarion helped Magnus drag his straw cushion towards the table, inviting Magnus to sit down beside him.
After living in Barbarus for a few days, Magnus finally took off his helmet and dared to let Barbarus's dim sunlight shine directly on his pearly red facial skin.
As for necessary protective measures such as gloves, boots, and respirators, they are still faithfully wrapped around the body of the tall primarch. These things unearthed from the storage cabinet may last as long as their counterparts in the cabinet for decades in just a few days.
"Where do you think this article needs to be revised, Magnus?" Mortarion asked. In order to make Magnus more willing to enter his room, he even changed the poisonous mist incense to one with the lightest smell today.
Some subtle changes occurred in the corners of Magnus' mouth hidden under the respirator. "...As a beginner of written Gothic, your handwriting is very good." He said sincerely.
"Thank you." Mortarion's yellow eyes stared at Magnus unblinkingly. "What else?"
Magnus couldn't bear to look away, looked around the room, and continued: "From a content perspective, the research background of this article is clear, the main research content is novel, the innovative angle is unique, and the research goals are practical. There is a certain degree of feasibility for application. Although the research plan and program are relatively vague, considering that you have less experience in exploring the topic, this is a completely acceptable situation. "
He thought in his mind. After taking stock of various journals within the legion, he finally settled on a newspaper recently founded by several temple lecturers from the Tianxiao School, and said sincerely: "Although this is your first article, if you are willing If so, the latest internal journal of our Legion, "Journal of Thousand Suns," will be willing to publish it in the central page. Its quality will undoubtedly beat many of my warriors' articles."
Mortarion continued. Staring at him: "But you don't approve of it, Magnus."
Magnus reached out desperately and rubbed his stiff face.
If that guy Russ was here, his right fist would probably have been energized by psychic power, and he was ready to strike at his waist.
"I'm sorry, Mortarion," Magnus put down his palm and said kindly, "your research is enough to open up a new path in the empire's psychic system, but you know that I can't confirm you yet. ...The essential difference between numerology and subspace psychic energy. Perhaps in future exploration, this idea will make a contribution worth remembering for thousands of years."
Motari. An looked at the digital divination compass on his desk, and his pale face became unhappy.
He knew what Magnus was thinking without asking. This genetic brother, whose serial number is one smaller than his, not only holds a rather conservative attitude towards psychic witchcraft - his attitude even extends to his prejudice against numerology.
If Magnus really opposed all supernatural spells, Mortarion might still have some doubts about his own new doctrine; but Magnus was not convinced by the wizard Morse's use of The support of the curse also proves that he has his own definition of witchcraft.
To put it simply, maybe Magnus and he treat witchcraft in the same way: except for one unique law, the rest of the witchcraft and Taoism that originate from the filthy other world will sooner or later have to be The day that disappeared from the stars.
Perhaps the change in Mortarion's expression was too obvious. Magnus quickly frowned and looked at his brother with troubled dark gray eyes: "I'm not lying, nor am I belittling you, Mortar. Rhian."
Mortarion nodded.
Mortarion had no doubts about Magnus ever since he first heard of Magnus's ideas against the Warp.
If Horus Luperkar brought the light and warmth of blood and family to Mortarion, what Magnus brought to him was the comfort and encouragement of people who share the same path. People born in Barbarus understand that in difficult times, a true friendship is worth cherishing.
Of course, the premise of all this is respect and sincerity without hypocrisy or deception.
"I know." Mortarion said, "You don't want to have a negative impact on me."
"Oh," Magnus raised his eyebrows, somewhat flattered, "Yes, yes . I will be happy to work with you, Mortarion."
Mortarion took his compass off the table and placed it on the ground near his seat, along with the other calculation papers and obsidian. The carving knife and a small incense burner were moved aside.
"Me too, Magnus."
Magnus noticed Mortarion's movements, and a sudden stream of guilt lingered on the surface of his mind.
He should have known that the Barbarians did not have much understanding of the Empire's technology. Mortarion was not Perturabo and did not possess the complex knowledge and complete mind that were born with proper mastery and rational use.
He thought for a moment: "But... I believe you must have something against me. May I know what it is?"
Mortarion glanced at him. "Your definition of witchcraft is too radical."
"Me? Me?" Magnus was stunned on the spot, "Do I have it?"
If this comment starts from If someone else said it, Magnus might laugh or admit it with a grimace. It was only Mortarion's words that surprised him beyond measure.
"You compare numerology with warp magic, Magnus."
"But they are indeed..." Magnus's expression changed several times, and finally, he shrugged dejectedly, Put your arms on your knees.
"Well, objectively speaking, maybe as our understanding of subspace deepens, one day you will be proven to be right. Until that day, I will decide whether to recognize you or not."< br>
"Will you implement your calculation method in your legion?" he asked next, cheering up.
"Unfortunately, my companion said he could not learn this method of calculation," Mortarion replied simply. "Not until it's perfected."
Everyone knows that Karas Typhon is a shrewd and steady warrior whose talent and mind deserve recognition. But when Mortarion shared the secrets of numerology with him, the Pale Lord saw his scout captain look so confused for the first time.
Magnus nodded. "When psychic support is needed, the Fifteenth Legion is willing to provide any help."
Mentioning this, the red primarch remembered another large-scale project he was preparing recently. He thought for a moment and chose to tell him frankly.
"My legion is preparing a new plan recently, which is to establish a credible hierarchical system and management registration system for psychic personnel within the Astartes Legion."
Magnu Si said, hoping that Mortarion could give him some advice, even if the brother had only scratched the surface of the Empire's unique military system.
"I will first establish a training system for psykers within the Fifteenth Legion that is more universal and has a more even ability among the internal personnel. The psychic warriors trained from this team will ensure that the Fifteenth Legion itself Under the premise of normal operation, go to different legions that are willing to receive psychic training and assist their brother legions in conducting controllable psychic training and construction internally."
"Of course, if a legion does not. If this kind of assistance is needed, there is already a unique priest system, or if it is regarded as the Sun of Thousand Dusts spying on the internal secrets of other legions, I will not turn it into a compulsory measure.”
Mortarion frowned as he explained his opposition to Magnus's psychic plans.
However, the Lord of Mankind had already made it clear to him the necessity of psychic energy on the day he first met him. During the final battle with Nacre, the Emperor also used his psychic powers to help him one last time. The information shared between the brothers also told him that humans now sailing among the stars also need to rely on the guidance of psychic devices, the art of interstellar communication, and the helm of the navigation family.
He must endure the presence of witchcraft within the empire just as outsiders endure the smell of Barbarus.
"The Fourteenth Legion does not need psychic powers, because I can use numerology." Mortarion finally replied, "As for the other legions, thank you for your hard work. Do they have separate names?"
"Referring to a position in Gutera, think tank, I think." Magnus said.
Disregarding other factors, the position of managing a think tank in a library is indeed in line with his personal hobby of collecting knowledge.
After restraining his natural instinct of unlimited research into unknown things, Magnus has now shifted his preference more to exploring the history and culture of mankind, which is as vast as the sea of stars.
If Morse had been more serious when writing the script for the Olympia Games series, perhaps Magnus would still have enough trust in his heart to discuss the survival of ancient history with Morse.
"Think tank," Mortarion commented on the term, "Maybe?" In his childhood, he had seen this distant term when reading books in Naklay's study.
His impression of think tanks at that time was roughly as guardians of knowledge and assistants in decision-making. It's not an offensive term; in fact, it's hardly offensive, belied by the dangers of psykers.
Perhaps this is also Magnus' deepest wish. Mortarion thought suddenly. Become a librarian who wanders the sea of books, rather than an army leader who conquers the galaxy.
Just like Mortarion will always be the son of Barbarus.
"Okay, then it's decided." Magnus said, "I will report this to the Emperor. Thank you for your suggestion, I sometimes have trouble with naming."
Motta Rian nodded silently.
"Speaking of which, may I know if you have a name for the Fourteenth Legion? They are now called the Dusk Raiders." Magnus asked, giving him a chance to gush, He can become the leader of the conversation.
“When I named the Fifteenth Legion, I hesitated for a long time, and finally came up with the name after discussing it with Perturabo. The Sun of Thousand Dusts, with its tiny body, conveys the brilliance of the sun. ...That was a long time ago, before he began teaching his genetic brothers the tricks of divination."
"What about you, Mortarion? "< br>
Mortarion reopened his notebook.
In this small booklet with pages divided by horizontal lines, his first paper is written neatly on the first few pages; after turning through the large number of blank pages in the middle, the last few pages are written It is covered with neat handwriting left by Mortarion when he held the pen to practice writing, drafts for papers, and a large number of random sketches.
"There are still some small unit names that have not been set, but for the name of the Fourteenth Legion, I will use the name when I fought in Barbarus and name them Death Guard." Mortarion found He drew the icon, "This is the logo of the legion. My guard is called Death Shroud."
Magnus observed the spiked skull, and his eyes slid over the drawing next to it. A sketch of the wheat field scene, nodding: "A series prefixed with death? I support your choice, Mortarion-"
Someone knocked on their door, and from the height of the sound Judgment, there will only be one person coming.
"Good evening, Horus." Mortarion stood up and opened the door for Horus Luperkar.
"Good evening, my brothers." Horus squeezed in from the door nimbly, carefully picking between piles of parchment, sandalwood Ouija plates, polished stone dice and He chose his foothold in the gap left by the abacus.
"I bring you three pieces of news, Magnus, Mortarion." Horus smiled brightly, hugging his wolf skin to prevent it from being accidentally damaged while moving. The ground knocked over a burning candle. "I think these are things you didn't expect."
"Three pieces of good news?" Mortarion asked.
"Two and a half." Horus thought for a while, "The half is that the Emperor and Mors have left Barbarus and asked me to come and inform you."
"So soon?" Magnus blinked, "I haven't said goodbye yet..."
"My father told me personally that he doesn't need these false gifts. If the Barbarians ask, just say hidden things." Zhefasi's wish was fulfilled and he died suddenly."
Horus said to Mortarion.
"You will meet again in Terra. The rooms in the palace have been tidied up by Malcador. You may have to live in Terra for a while until your legion is ready. By then If you have any questions, just go to Malcador and he will take care of you."
"Where is Morse?" Magnus asked.
"He seems to be rushing to Baal, where the news has not yet reached the throne world and my legions." Horus said, "This is the first news."
He handed it to Mortari Install a roll of parchment paper.
“This is the second one,” said the Wolf God, with a gentler voice. “Perturabo’s personal letter to you, Morse found a way to send it, and I will deliver it.”
Mortarion immediately accepted the volume of letters.
In several communications with the defensive master who existed only in Morse's description and in his mind's imagination, this was the first time he received a message from Perturabo himself.
"Also, don't rush to read it yet," Horus raised his eyebrows, "Let me finish the third message."
"What is it?" Mortarion asked.
Horus patted Mortarion's shoulder affectionately. At some point, he had crossed over the debris on the floor and successfully arrived at Mortarion's side: "It's dinner time now. My brothers, I've been waiting for you to come out for dinner an hour ago. Don't let the kitchen heat up my multi-grain rice for a third time, dear Mortarion."
——
“This is the first time I have spoken directly to you, Mortarion. Although our conversation can only exist on static paper, I have no chance to see your true face.”< br>
"I heard that you liberated your planet from the control of the sorcery overlord. After hearing this, it would be untrue to say that I was surprised. I have always believed in your ability and that Barbarus will be free sooner or later. will come in your fight. But that doesn't stop me from appreciating your achievements and, by extension, you as a person."
"In Morse's understatement, you seem to be a troublesome brother, though. Judging from his unique mouth, I think you must actually be a very good person."
"I have no intention of mentioning your origin, but in this year, you have indeed gone from having nothing to anything. Step by step towards the ideal end.”
“The difficulties you face are something that I cannot guarantee to overcome under the same conditions. In fact, most of the brothers I know are very likely to be overcome by you. You were defeated in many difficulties, but you persevered to the end and led your people to overcome the obstacles of the right time and place."
"I can't help but imagine the bells of freedom ringing in the dark mountains. When the peak bell tower rang, the sound waved through the land of Barbarus, arousing shocking waves of tears in people's hearts. ”
"I'm not sure how much the little knowledge of mathematical models I've provided will help you, Mortarion. Maybe they accomplish nothing, or maybe they do something small."
" After all, I am far away on the other side of the galaxy. Apart from my few theoretical knowledge, I have no more help to reach the scene of war and construction."
"Now you are about to enter the stars and go to a new world. The door of the era is about to officially open to you. How do you view it? Expectation or worry? "
"When I left Olympia, I was full of yearning, but I couldn't. Deny my nostalgia for my home planet. It is my home, the city that raised me, and it shaped me into what I am today. If I had to choose someone to give me maternal love, it would be me. Choose Olympia, what about you?"
"Perhaps I'm trying to kill you, Mortarion, when Morse mentioned that he thought I should give you a diver to supply poison gas. Glass Helmet, I laughed at the ridiculous suggestion, but another answer suddenly occurred to me. Maybe when you leave, you will want to know what is happening to Barbarus."
"I don't know if there is such a custom in your home planet, but in the farmland of Olympia, a man made of straw is sometimes erected to scare away the birds that steal food when the owner is not around. And I happened to do it recently. Making some automatic combat mechanical robots - well, the technology used by my Iron Ring Guards."
"I will share with you some of the common basics of this technology, and attach it. Give away some unmodified prototype machines specialized in long-distance communication. When you leave Barbarus, through these 'scarecrows', you can obtain the latest information from Barbarus in the depths of the star sea. You can carry out some simple battles."
"If you trust me, I have given you all the relevant authority, whether it is fighting or watching."
"I am not actually a person. That's my gift to you, imaginative man, Mortarion. Maybe you'd like to put them in Barbarus's cornfields, with your own personal twist. Of course, if you don't. Accept it and tell me directly, I will come up with a new gift, but it cannot be given as a gift for your voyage."
"I have nothing more to say, my brother. I wish you good luck in your future life - Perturabo"
Mortarion solemnly rolled up the parchment and looked at the steel prototype machines arranged in front of him. He suddenly felt that they were standing silently on the edge of the wheat field as the sun set, quietly watching Baba after the original body left. Ruth.
Through these mechanical eyes, he will be able to gaze at the land where he grew up. Perhaps in a moment deep in the icy sky, he will feel that he has never left his home planet. .
They need a name. Mortarion thought. A Barbarus-like name that begins with death. A name that belongs to a scarecrow.
They will be called Death Watch.
(End of this chapter)